My empties for November-December:
I have a feeling I used way more than what I remembered to save in my little 'empties' bag, but oh well. I'll try to do better next month!
FULL SIZE
Paula's Choice (PC) Skin Balancing toner (HG)
PC Skin Perfecting liquid BHA 2% (HG exfoliant)
Mario Badescu Facial Spray with Aloe, Herbs, and Rosewater (HG facial spray)
Bath and Body Works (B&BW) 3-wick candle in 'Mahogany and Teakwood'. I really loved this candle, it was understated and unoffensive, while still making my room smell very wonderful. Burned from October through November.
B&BW mini candle in 'Autumn'. I love this candle for Fall- it's a clean yet warm scent.
B&BW Pumpkin Pecan Waffles hand soap. Love the smell, and doesn't make my hands stink after using it.
Acne.org cleanser- this is a terrific no-frills facial cleanser. It's a tie for HG status with my PC Skin Balancing cleanser.
Clearasil Hydra-Blast salicylic acid pads- used these not for my face but for my bikini area to keep ingrown hairs from forming after shaving. Does a great job!
Shea Moisture hand cream- TERRIFIC but I went through it really quickly. Would purchase again. Near HG status... still debatable!
PC Resist 10% AHA body lotion- HG body lotion. Keeps away ingrown hairs, KP, and moisturizes!
Epielle Green Tea cleansing wipes- these are Ok, but I don't actually like using them on my face because they have alcohol. Prefer for spot-cleaning brushes, cleaning hands after applying makeup, or wiping down body quickly when don't have time for a shower (TMI, sorry!) Great for the price, though!
Epielle Aloe Vera cleansing wipes- Same as above. I actually bought two other kinds of these that I like WAY better- the collagen ones and the one that comes in a white pack (these I can use on my face as opposed to the Green Tea and Aloe ones)... can't remember the name of. Got these all at Big Lots for $1 each pack. Very good deal, they also have sheet masks. Legit Korean brand skincare.
Burt's Bees Honey & Grapeseed Hand Cream- Love this stuff- used to be HG for me but Shea Moisture is giving it a run for its money... and moisturizing abilities! This is probably great for summer, while Shea Moisture is better in the winter.
Herpacin-L. This is basically a chapstick with SPF and helps keep cold sores at bay. I actually really like it, even though it's white. But it's a nice soft-feeling cream, and it is terrific. Always will repurchase.
Chapstick (blue kind)- Meh. Don't really like Chapstick anymore, if I do wear it, I go with Burt's Bees or Fresh.
Burt's Bees Mango lip balm- Great for nighttime. Very gentle. Doesn't sting like the peppermint version.
SAMPLES
Dr. Dennis Gross retinol serum concentrate- Pretty alright, though it's too thick to get all the product out so a dropper is kind of stupid. Not to be confused with Dr. Gross' ferulic + retinol solution, which is the BOMB!
Philosphy Time in a Bottle for eyes- not the eye cream for me.
Fresh Rose eye cream- good, but not as creamy as I hoped. Won't purchase.
Wow, a blush finisher! Bows down.
Agrees, also bowing down here! :luv:
Tarte Clean Slate 12 hr brightening primer - The only thing that makes this stand out for me against all other primers I have tried is that this one feels like a moisturizer. No silicone like film. Not sure if its a good thing or not.
Ooh, I have a sample of that and haven't tried it yet because I'm afraid I won't like it. I'm also afraid I will like it and have to start using primer!! Hahah, sounds stupid, right? It's just that it's a silicone-free one, and I haven't really tried that many silicone-free primers. Most primers break me out. The one that I could get into for wearing on occassion was the Hourglass veil primer, but even it has a bit of silicones.
Did this one at least help your makeup stay put longer?
Mine did melt in summer but luckily it was almost gone so I smooshed it back on. I'd recommend getting a new one now while it's cold so it's much shorter in the summer.
Great idea, you are a smart lady!