Recent Empties: Hair Care

This is the final empties post I will be writing for a while. Luckily, I only have a few bottles left of shampoo and conditioner. This means I can finally move on from standard shampoo and conditioner and instead try some shampoo bars within the year.

I don't actually have anything else to ramble about, which is a first. Let's proceed!

• Nature's Gate Biotin Shampoo and Conditioner: These smelled like peppermint and cleaned my hair nicely. However, they didn't really do anything special for my hair, so I probably won't be repurchasing either.
• L'Oreal Total Repair 5 Restoring Shampoo and Conditioner: I loved this the first few times I used it, but once I had used the product for a few weeks, I stopped noticing results and my hair began to feel like straw. Even if I would have loved it, I probably wouldn't have repurchased because the ingredients aren't so healthy for hair.
• It's a 10 Miracle Leave-In Product: Remember the old Ulta Rewards system? Once upon a time, I wanted the Macadamia Oil, but it was sold up and the only other thing in stock that looked okay was this product. I know tons of people rave about it, but it just didn't work well for my hair. My hair felt heavy and dirty. The smell also bothered me, but that is simply a matter of preference. If you really want to try it, definitely get the travel-sized bottle. A lot of other people love it, so even though it didn't work for me, it is still worth trying.
• Neutrogena Anti-Residue Shampoo: This shampoo was okay. It is meant to clarify your hair, but I never noticed much of a difference between this shampoo and a regular volumizing shampoo. It smelled masculine, but good. This shampoo does have sulfates in it, so I won't be buying it again. Since I only used it every week or two, it lasted an astonishingly long time.

And that is all I have for you! I'll probably end up having another empties post in a month or two, so keep watching for that if you would like to know what I am finishing. Also, if you would like me to post collections of what I am working on finishing (for example, my entire makeup collection, etc), then I am willing to do that so you can have a glimpse of how much I have to finish. I also have some products I might be donating, and I can post about that as well.

Recent Empties: Skin/Body Care

When I first became interested in beauty products, I tended to buy foundation and skin care products. I kept thinking there would be a magical way to wear makeup while I cleared my (at the time) mild acne. I never ended up finishing any skin care products. Luckily, that pattern is changing.

The majority of the products I finished were related to cleansing, so I am very happy about that.

• Olay Foaming Face Wash (Sensitive Skin): I really like this cleanser. It is free of parabens and frangrance, but it does contain sulfates. I have another tube of this that I should be finishing soon.
• Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Hydrating Cleanser: This reminded me of Cetaphil, but my skin actually felt clean, it is paraben free, fragrance free, and sulfate free. This cleanser was everything Cetaphil should have been. I'm not sure if I would repurchase it or not because I want to use products with fewer ingredients (and natural ingredients). But I do recommend this overall.
• Burt's Bees Facial Cleansing Towelettes for Sensitive Skin: These actually dried up. I hated these wipes because they made my face and eyes sting. At one point a spot on my face swelled up slightly. Not good. 
• Vanicream Cleansing Bar: I got this as a sample from the dermatologist and it was average.
• Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser: I thought I'd gotten away from this, but my dermatologist gave me two sample bottles of this cleanser. But luckily I managed to finish both quickly.
• Vanicream Lite Lotion: I don't remember if I liked this or not.
• Aquaphor: The miniature tubes I was given had expired 3 years ago. Eek!
• Burt's Bees Shea Butter Hand Repair Cream: This hand cream smelled odd and eventually separated and the texture became a little off. I decided to call it expired and toss it out.

I've also finished a few bars of the Dove Beauty Bar (I'm beginning to like it!)

I am happy that I am slowly weeding out the clutter. My wallet is happy too! ;)

Recent Empties: Makeup

It has certainly been a long time since I've blogged! I've been on break for a pretty long time, so I don't have any legitimate excuses for neglecting you all for so long, so I will proceed with this post.

I only received two makeup items for Christmas, so I don't think I am doing too badly regarding Project Minimize. I have decided to continue Project Minimize indefinitely, since I purchased much more than I should have in 2014 and I didn't finish as many items as I hoped.

Since my last empties post, I've finished five makeup items. Seeing that it takes ages to finish a makeup product, I am pleased with myself (although I have yet to finish a foundation!)

1. Maybelline The Falsies Big Eyes Mascara: I liked this mascara and I liked that there was a different side for top and bottom lashes, but I don't know if I would buy it again. I rarely buy the same mascara more than once because there are so many to choose from at the drugstore that work really well. I do tend to favor Maybelline mascara, though. Anyway, I will probably buy this again, but not right away.
2. Bare Minerals Flawless Definition Mascara: I received this in a set for my birthday. Typically I won't shell out $18 for a mascara, and this one won't break that pattern. This product gave my lashes a natural look, but it wasn't particularly special.
3. Revlon Colorstay Eyeliner in Blackberry: This was my absolute favorite eyeliner, so I was a little sad to see it go. However, I won't be repurchasing this for a while because I need to use the other eyeliners I have.
4. Urban Decay 24/7 Eyeliner: I can't remember which color I finished, but I'm beginning to warm up to the Urban Decay eyeliners. I don't think I would go out of my way to buy any of the colors at full size, but I really like the gift sets.
5. Benefit "That Gal" Brightening Face Primer: I loved the way this made my skin look, but like many Benefit products, this irritated my skin. 

This concludes my first post of 2014! How was your holiday season? 

Super September Day 10: Empties Part Three - Makeup

This is my last empties post for a while. This could be good or bad, depending on how you feel about empties ;)

As always, this has fewer products than the other empties posts. And as always, I'm finishing the same things.

• Physicians Formula Organic Wear Fake Out Mascara - I liked this, but it dried up within 3 weeks, so I might not buy it again because it is a little wasteful to be buying a mascara with so much packaging and so little product.
• Jane Iredale Longest Lash Thickening and Lengthening Mascara - I was sent this to review and I really liked it. It dried up, but I liked it while I had it. It's expensive, but I would buy the full sized one in the future because it has good ingredients and it looks like a luxury product.
• NYC Smooth Skin Pressed Powder - This is a translucent powder that is okay, but I don't think it is worth all of the raves I have heard. Then again, it is inexpensive.
• Maybelline Dream Matte Powder - This is one of my favorite powders of all time. I probably would buy it again and again, but I didn't repurchase it as soon as I was done. The only complaint I have is that both of the ones I have had would crack after I hit pan and I end up wasting a lot of the last little bits.
• ELF Complexion Perfection Powder - This was okay. Once I hit pan each color eventually fell out on its own. I'm not even sure if that made sense, but it cracked and didn't cooperate.
• Be a Bombshell Liquid Eyeliner Pen - I don't like thick eyeliner, so I had problems with this. I probably used it two or three times before it dried up.
• Benefit They're Real! - This mascara is great! I would definitely buy the full size in the future.
• Too Faced Shadow Insurance Candlelight - I have the full sized tube and I love the color and quality of this primer. I would buy it again and again.
• Not pictured: Maybelline Volum' Express Falsies Big Eyes Mascara - I really liked this, but I have great luck with most Maybelline products.

What makeup have you finished recently?

Super September Day 9: Empties Part Two - Skin and Body Care

Alas! I have finally sorted out my used skin and body care products and will be showing them to you. I hope you enjoy seeing the products I have finished since my last empties video in June. I do apologize for not making a video, but I forgot to take my camera home the last time I went.

• Alpha Hydrox Enhanced Lotion 10% Glycolic AHA - This was okay. I used it on my face at first, but I didn't love it, so I started using it on my body. It worked better on my body than my face to soften my skin, but I would rather use a different lotion.
• CVS Daily Moisturizing Lotion - I really like this, but it has pretty bad ingredients. I might buy it (or the Aveeno) version again.
• Tretin-X (Tretinoin Cream) - This is prescription ONLY. I got three samples from my dermatologist and they lasted me a while. I like it, but it's not strong enough to have a lasting effect on my skin. The first two months were great, though!
• Mario Badescu Oil Free Moisturizer (SPF 17) Sample - I hated this at first, but when my skin was dry from using Tretin-X, this worked beautifully. Sadly it has parabens, so I probably won't be buying it again.
• Noxzema Deep Cleansing Cream - I bought this because I heard it was great and I wanted to try something new. I liked it, but the packaging bothered me because the label would flake off. I think they repackaged it so the label doesn't do that anymore.
• Noxzema Triple Clean Anti-Blemish Pads - These didn't do anything for my skin, good or bad. I won't be buying them again.
• Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser - This is gentle, but it also doesn't really do anything. Plus, it has pretty harsh ingredients for being a gentle cleanser. I don't like it. I have some more samples of it, but I won't actually buy it again unless I have the urge to.
• Kiss My Face Olive & Aloe Moisturizer - This takes a long time to sink in. I like it, but I don't at the same time. I'm on the fence.
• Mario Badescu Orange Cleansing Soap - This smells like crayons and wasn't too remarkable. I wouldn't buy it again.
• The Body Shop Vitamin E Gentle Facial Cleansing Wipes - These made my skin burn, so I definitely won't be buying again.
• Yes to Tomatoes Mask - I think this broke my skin out every time I used it. I don't really find that masks help much, so I won't be buying again.
• Evian Facial Mist - This was useful, but overpriced at the same time, so I don't think I will buy it again, but I will consider trying facial mists with more than water in the future ;)
• Several bars of soap - I haven't been keeping track, but I have finished at least one bar of Dial Gold (maybe two), all of my Lush soaps (Honey I Washed the Kids and Rockstar), and I am on the verge of finishing a bar of Ivory.

One more empties post! What skin care products have you finished lately?

Super September Day 8: Empties Part One - Hair Care

The last time I posted an empties related post or video was toward the end of June. Yikes. As you can guess, I have finished heaps of products. This is why I am dividing this month's empties post into three parts. If I would have even tried to film a video it probably would have been 30 minutes long. I tend to ramble. I also don't have the best setup for pictures because my empties bag was at home and I went home to do some things and I had forgotten my digital camera. So we're back to iPhone pictures for the next few posts.

Anyway, shall I continue?

I finished 3 shampoos, two conditioners, two deep conditioners, and one hair treatment. Not bad, eh? I still have a can of Batiste from when I was in high school that I need to finish, but I never use dry shampoo, so it might be gone by the end of next year ;)

First, I finished the Suave Professionals Almond and Shea Butter Shampoo. I also finished the conditioner. I like how these smell, I don't like the ingredients, but I do think they work well on my hair. I also really appreciated how inexpensive they were. If I wanted to stick with these products, I could have gotten much larger sizes for no more than $6-8 together, which is half the price of other drugstore hair products. I don't think I will buy these again right away, though. As a matter of fact, I really really really want to try Chagrin Valley hair products, so I'm trying to finish up everything I have. (Note: not an affiliate link, just wanted you to see what I am interested in buying once I finish what I already have!)

Next up is the TiGi Bed Head Epic Volume Shampoo and Conditioner. I bought these at Ulta sometime last year when they were having a buy one, get one free sale on select hair products. These were available in bulk, so I decided to take the plunge. I wasn't overly impressed, to be completely honest. I won't be buying these again.

I finally finished my L'Oreal EverSleek Renewing Deep Conditioner. the smell really bothered me, so I would not buy this again. It wasn't the most impressive deep conditioner, either.

I also finished the Organix Renewing Moroccan Oil Treatment. I did like the smell of this product, but again, it wasn't the best deep conditioner out there. I wouldn't buy it again.

It took me a long time, but I used the sample bottle of the Number 4 Clarifying Shampoo. I received this in a Birchbox. The ingredients were great and it worked well, but it is so expensive that I cannot justify buying it on a regular basis.

Finally, I have a sample of the Redken 01 Anti-Frizz Polishing Milk. I liked this, but I have so many other hair products that do the same thing and are cheaper.

Overall, I'm happy with everything I finished. I still have quite a lot of half-empty hair products, so I will let you know when I do get around to trying those Chagrin Valley products! What hair products have you finished lately?

Video: April and May 2013 Empties!

Here is a video featuring products I have recently used up!

Products Mentioned:

• Redken Extreme Shampoo and Conditioner
• LUSH Lovely Jubblies
• Pantene Heat Protecting spray (fine hair)
• Aveeno Moisturizing Lotion (sample size)
• Giovanni 3-in-1 (Grapefruit Sky)
• BENTA BERRY G-1 Moisturizing Face Cream (two samples)
• St. Ives Apricot Scrub (sample size)
• St. Ives Blemish Control Green Tea Scrub (sample size)
• Tresemme Thermal Creations Curl Activator Spray
• Clinique High Impact Mascara (sample)
• C.O. Bigelow Mentha Lip Buffer
• Rimmel Scandaleyes Lycra Flex Mascara
• Bath and Body Works Warm Vanilla Sugar Fragrance Mist (3 fl. ounce version)
• Stila Smudge Crayon in Smoke (small size)
• Benefit They're Real Mascara (sample)

What have you finished recently?

March 2013 Empties!

I hardly finished anything during March. It's a little disappointing, but I knew that at some point I would begin to finish fewer and fewer small items and then I'd have to tackle the full-sized products. My classes have also been rather busy so I didn't notice until I sat down to write this post that I don't actually have the bottles from the products I've finished here, so I'm going based on memory. This post might be funny or it might be awful.

Not Pictured/Actually Emptied:
J.R. Liggett's Shampoo Bar: I reviewed this a while ago and I finished it during spring break. I have other shampoo bars I want to try eventually, so I won't be repurchasing immediately.

Dr. Bronner's Magic Soap: this was the last of my little 1 ounce bottles. I finished Baby Mild and Tea Tree. I might repurchase eventually, but as I said in my "Guilty Pleasure Products" post, I started using Dial soap when these ran out and it doesn't actually dry my skin out, so I might stick with that for a while since it is so inexpensive.

Kiss My Face Olive Oil Soap: I had a few of these lying around for a long time, but the one I know I finished is the original formula.

Neutrogena Skin Clearing Mineral Powder: I hit pan on this, but I didn't finish it. I noticed it was making my skin shiny within two hours, even when I wore it alone. The color was also orange on my skin. I don't know how this affected any breakouts (if it did at all), but it certainly did not help my skin. I also don't know why it stopped working for me because I liked it at first.

Donated:
Clinique Acne Solutions Liquid Makeup: the color just didn't work for me.

Too Faced Tinted Beauty Balm in Vanilla Glow: the color was too dark. Too Faced released a lighter shade that I've swatched before (and turned out to be a lovely match), but I don't love the formula of the Too Faced BB cream as much as I liked the Tarte Amazonian Clay Tinted Moisturizer's formula.

Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation: I received this in a swap on Makeup Alley and used it once. I didn't like it for my skin. Everything just seemed wrong for me - the color, the texture, etc. Basically now I have my Tarte tinted moisturizer and my Shiseido liquid foundation. Once I am closer to finish those, I want to try something different.

I think that is everything! I hope that by the end of the school year I will have a more impressive list of empties. I think my dad and I are going to build a vanity I designed as a birthday present to myself (June 4! I'll be 21, which is crazy to think). Once my vanity is built, I will have an updated makeup collection. I haven't added anything that isn't on my Project Empties page, so I have been keeping track of that. I just haven't kept track of everything I no longer have.

What did you finish in March?

February 2013 Empties!

I am finding myself having fewer and fewer empties at the end of each month. I won't complain, though. I feel like this means I am making progress and finishing the little things that took up extra space. I already have an idea of how I want my collection to look by the end of the year, so we'll see how that happens.

The only thing I bought in February was a nail polish, so Project Minimize 2013 is going very well! I thought I would have used up half of my purchasing limits by now, but I'm finally learning to tell myself "no" when I am shopping. I can even go into Ulta without feeling the need to purchase something just because I am there. On with the post!

J.R. Liggett's Herbal Bar Shampoo (not pictured): I used this on my hair and body. It was a good product, but I want to try other bar shampoos before trying the other J.R. Liggett formulas (other than the Original, which is at home)

Cosmetic sponges: I used these on the days when I felt too lazy to clean my makeup brushes, which has unfortunately been quite often lately. Since I didn't use these every day, they lasted a while.

Rimmel Extra WOW Lash in Extreme Black: I really liked this mascara. It cost me less than $4 and gave me a nice amount of volume and length. It wasn't a miracle performer, but again... it was $4 and better than mascaras I've used that have cost me two to three times the amount of this.

Fibre Lashxtend Extreme Black Lengthening Mascara: I got this in a Birchbox, I believe. I'll leave it at: I didn't really like it and I won't repurchase. I also have a new mascara that I like better (which I'll be reviewing!)

Sarah McNamara Miracle Skin Transformer Instant Imperfection Corrector: I got this in a subscription service and used it on a scar on my arm. It wasn't great. I just wanted to use it up since it was a tiny sample.

Neutrogena Mineral Sheers Powder Foundation: This seemed to last a while until I hit pan (back in November). Then the last bits just wouldn't go away. I used it til the end and then cleaned the pan so it would be all shiny for the picture.

Organix Renewing Moroccan Oil Conditioner: I bought this to use in a DIY project and then ended up just using it as a regular conditioner. I liked it, but I want to try other conditioners.

Couture Colour Pequi Oil Treatment: I think I got this in an Ipsy bag. I really liked it! However, I have too many hair treatments to justify purchasing the full size right now.

Dr. Bronner's Magic Soap (Almond): I had four smaller bottles of the Dr. Bronner's soaps. I finished Rose in January and Almond in February (I already know I will be finishing Tea Tree and Baby mild in March). Almond is definitely my favorite because it just has a warm and comforting scent.

Dr. Woods Shea Vision Pure Black Soap with Organic Shea Butter: I bought this a few days before I decided to begin Project Minimize and I didn't really begin to use it until January (save a few days in December). I loved the way this felt on my skin and smelled. I think I want to try the Alaffia products.

What did you finish this month?

January 2013 Empties!

Normally my empties posts are filled with skin and hair care products. This month I actually have makeup! I won't pretend I've finished a lot of makeup, but it's progress. A few items are samples, but I'm much closer to being out of my samples. I'd also like to apologize for the delay in this post. School got a little crazy, to say the least.

Finished:
Desert Essence Jojoba Oil: I liked this. I used it to remove my eye makeup before I got my Magic Mitt and it worked well for my skin. I already have some almond oil and grapeseed oil, so until I finish those, I won't be trying any other oils.

Mario Badescu Facial Spray with Aloe, Herbs, and Rosewater: I loved the smell and feel of this, but I think I want to try plain rosewater somewhere down the line.

Revlon PhotoReady Concealer in Fair 001: This lasted me a pretty long time. I loved the coverage and the way it looked under my eyes. I don't think I ever used it on pimples, but it definitely covered the darkness under my eyes.

Gillette Satin Care Shave Gel: This marks my last shaving cream or gel. Lately I've been using either body wash, oil, or conditioner and for my legs, all of those options work just as well as

Samples:
Dr. Bronner's Magic Soap (Rose): This is the two ounce size, so it's technically not a sample, but it didn't last very long either. I liked the smell of this, but I like the other scents better. I'll repurchase in the other scents and in bigger sizes.

Chella Eyebrow Defining Gel: This was something I wasn't thrilled to see in my Ipsy bag in November, so I'm glad it is gone.

The Balm What's Your Type Mascara in "The Body Builder": I liked this. I won't be repurchasing the full size immediately, but I would consider using it again.

Perfekt Lash Perfection Gel: I liked this too, but the applicator wasn't my favorite. If they could take the formula and change the wand, I'd love it.

Stila Smudge Crayon in Umber: I used this as an eyeliner. I'm not really sure how I finished it before I finished "Smoke" since that is my favorite.

Expired:
Benefit Ooh La Lift:

Not Pictured, but expired:
Ulta Gel Eyeliner: This dried out
Urban Decay Primer Potion: it started smelling a little funky, so I tossed it.

What did you finish in January?

November and December 2012 Empties!

I think I finished a grand total of two products during November. Rather than writing an entire post about two products, I decided to wait and see how much I could finish off in December. I finished quite a few hair products, which is good because I have too many hair products to begin with. I have also started counting sample sized products because I've accumulated quite a few samples that I would like to finish up.

Finished:

LUSH Seanik Solid Shampoo Bar: this was good, but I've found something that I like better.

LUSH Jumping Juniper Solid Shampoo Bar: this was also nice, but I want to try other clarifying shampoos

Aussie 3-Minute Miracle: the ingredients in this are honestly not too good, so I will be moving on to something else as a deep conditioner.

Evian Facial Spray: water in spray can... not much I can say about this. It was useful to have around, but I might as well buy a spray bottle and fill it with water instead.

Grandpa's Thylox Acne Treatment Soap with Sulfur (thankfully I kept the box): I ended up using this on my face and body just to finish it up. I'm glad I tried it, but I won't be repurchasing.

Bath & Body Works Paris Amour Body Splash (3 ounces): I'm working on finishing all of my Bath & Body Works body splashes because I've found a few different fragrances I prefer.

Clean & Clear Oil Absorbing Sheets: I have one more package of blotting sheets and then I am done with all of my blotting sheets, which I couldn't be more thrilled about.

L'Oreal Magic Skin Beautifier BB Cream (Fair): Initially I loved this, but as time went on my skin began to become irritated by this, so I won't repurchase.

Olivella Daily Facial Cleansing Tissues: I thought I would love these, but they made my eyes water just as much as the Yes to Cucumbers cleansing wipes, so I have something else I want to try instead.

Neutrogena Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes: I'm not sure why I had these, but I decided to finish them because I had them and I needed a makeup remover.

Willa Naturals Start Fresh Foaming Facial Wash: this was a basic cleanser. I liked it, but I won't purchase the full size.

Willa Naturals Clear Face Moisturizer: I liked the concept of a clear moisturizer, but it didn't work the way I had expected. I definitely won't buy the full size, but it might work for somebody with normal skin.

Expired:

Rimmel Lash Accelerator Lash Growth Serum: this was nice, but I would go through phases when using it. After of owning it for about a year, I decided it was time to let go and admit to myself that I'd never finish it.

Rimmel Lash Accelerator Mascara: I loved this mascara. Everything about it was perfect, in my opinion. It lengthened my lashes, didn't flake, and application was a breeze. I'm not sure if I will repurchase this or not, though. I'd have to look at the ingredients, but once I finish the mascaras I currently own, I want to try something from the Physicians Formula Organic Wear mascara line (they have four now!)

Rimmel Volume Accelerator: I loved Rimmel's Lash Accelerator mascara, but I hated the Volume Accelerator... the formula was clumpy, the brush was just big and ineffective. I won't be repurchasing this.

Maybelline Great Lash Lots of Lashes: I know that Maybelline Great Lash is one of those "love it or hate it, but most people hate it" mascaras, but I'm always willing to give the different versions a chance. I really liked this one because the brush/applicator was great, but the ingredients aren't quite so nice, so I probably won't be repurchasing it.

Maybelline Great Lash Big: and this was a version of Great Lash that I didn't love. It was difficult to separate my lashes, so once I was finished applying my mascara, it looked like I had about six eyelashes on each eye. Not a pretty look.

Samples:

Nexxus Pro-Mend Split End Treatment Shampoo, Nexxus Pro-Mend Split End Binding Conditioner, and Nexxus Pro-Mend Targeted Leave-in Treatment Creme: these were nice products, but the shampoo is not sulfate free and the ingredients overall are not the best, so I won't be purchasing the full size.

LiQWD Silk Professional Deep Conditioning Treatment: just another deep conditioner to me. I am trying some homemade deep conditioner recipes, so I'm not buying the full size.

Benefit Stay Don't Stray: this took a long time for me to finish. It's not my favorite primer, so I won't be purchasing the full size.

Derma E Tea Tree & E Antiseptic Cream: this was pretty nice. I might purchase this somewhere down the line, but not right away, since I'm not sure if it will truly be necessary for my skin care routine (less is more, trust me).

Lulu Organics Lavender & Clary Sage Hair Powder: just a dry shampoo, it smelled nice but it wasn't life changing... I've decided that I will probably never like dry shampoo and I will be one of those people stuck washing my hair every day just because I hate how my unwashed hair feels.

Dr. Jart+ Water Fuse BB Cream: I really liked this, but the color is a little too dark and I could tell it was. I don't think anybody else did, but I also happened to use up the entire sample during Christmas break, so my family probably wouldn't have noticed/cared anyway. I may or may not purchase the full size. I'll keep the bottle as a reminder that I did like this, but I've got enough base products to finish as it is.

Overall I'm very pleased with myself for finishing as much as I have. I can only hope that I manage to finish half as much in the next few months

October 2012 Empties!

As I was writing my September empties post, I had convinced myself that I wouldn't finish much in the month of October. I didn't finish a shocking number of products, but I finished enough to feel accomplished.

Neutrogena All-in-1 Acne Control Facial Treatment: This was one of my favorite products in the spring, but over time it lost its effectiveness. Since I had two tubes that were half full, I decided to bring them with me to school so I could actually finish both tubes. I can proudly say I finally have! I prefer Mario Badescu treatments now, but I still highly recommend this if you get occasional blemishes that leave red marks behind. I will probably repurchase this in the winter because it hydrates my skin (therefore it was too greasy for summer) and it did help fade some of my hyperpigmentation faster than it would have faded if I hadn't been using a treatment.

Urban Decay 24/7 Eyeliner in Stray Dog: This is a mini eyeliner, so it's no surprise that I finished it so quickly. I think I used this almost every day after I posted my review on the Urban Decay liners. I have to set my Urban Decay eyeliners with my eye shadows and I went through this pretty quickly once I really used it. I am rather excited to finish the other four just because I don't love them. I know other people do, but these eyeliners aren't right for me. I forgot to keep this after I finished it, so it's not in the picture.

ELF Mineral Blemish Powder: I bought this early in September and used it as an all over setting powder whenever I wasn't using my Neutrogena Mineral Sheers powder foundation. It didn't last very long (maybe I used too much?) and it didn't control oil or improve skin, so I won't be repurchasing. Plus it costs $3 more on the ELF website than it did at Target (I paid $5).

LUSH American Cream Conditioner: As I stated in my review last month, I wasn't crazy about this conditioner. It had a scent I didn't love and most importantly, I felt like it didn't moisturize my hair enough. I am glad I tried it, though. Another thing to add is that for some reason it's not sulfate free. Before using this, I don't think I had ever seen a sulfate in a conditioner (or perhaps I never paid any attention before). I won't repurchase this and I actually ended up replacing it with the Aussie 3 Minute Miracle because it was way cheaper (I found an 8 fluid ounce bottle at Target for under $3 - the LUSH conditioner was almost $10 for 3.3 fluid ounces).

E.L.F. Clarifying Blotting Sheets: I was close to finishing these last month, but I still had a fair few left. I'm now working on finishing my Clean & Clear blotting sheets I bought before I even started college.

Yes to Tomatoes Purifying Shower Gel: I've always been eager to try products that are on the more natural side. This shower gel did the job, but the scent wasn't my favorite so I won't be repurchasing. Plus I'm becoming a big fan of bar soaps since they're so travel-friendly and as far as I know, most (if not all) bar soaps are preservative-free.

Physicians Formula Eye Booster 2-in-1 Lash Boosting Eyeliner + Serum (Ultra Black) and Clear Lash Boosting Serum: I got these in a set a few months back and although there is a little left in both, I like to throw out eyeliners once the consistency changes (the liner became thin and less pigmented and the serum never really did much of anything). I would consider buying the eyeliner again, but I've got a lot of products to finish before I give it serious thought.

Bath & Body Works Secret Wonderland Fragrance Mist: This was a small bottle, so finishing this wasn't technically much of an accomplishment, but since I have about four other small fragrance mists from Bath & Body Works (and 2 large ones) on top of some Victoria's Secret body sprays, I honestly have more than I need. This fragrance was nice, but I won't repurchase it because I've pretty much found my holy grail perfume and the only reason I've been using other scents is so I can actually use them up.

Smashbox Camera Ready BB Cream: I bought this between January and March (I can't recall when, so I'm giving a guess) and after using it daily since finishing another foundation, I've finally finished this! I do love this BB cream, but I didn't love the price and the fact that it just didn't last long (2 months at the most, meaning if this became my HG, I'd be spending $234 per year on this, plus tax). I think I might repurchase it in the future, but I have other products I am planning on trying out before that happens. I am finally down to owning only 3 BB creams, 2 liquid foundations, and one powder foundation. I'm trying not to buy any base products until I finish what I have (although... I do have my eye on the Tarte tinted moisturizer). This also isn't pictured because I managed to leave the tube at home this weekend after I finished it.

Aveeno Clear Complexion Cleansing Bar: I tried this because it was inexpensive, medicated, and the ingredients were pretty good (I won't say they were great, but the soap itself is paraben free and I'm still working toward the goal of using paraben free items once I finish what I have). I like the convenience of a bar soap. If you travel with it, there is no chance of it spilling all over everything. There is also less packaging involved (which also means less space is being taken up and less plastic is going to waste). However, I eventually realized that this bar was breaking my skin out. I won't be buying this bar again, but I did replace some products with what you saw in the iHerb haul post (Aveeno's products contain more natural ingredients than the average drugstore brand, but they are by no means completely natural). I can't exactly prove I finished this product since I no longer have the box and the bar has completely dissolved, so my apologies for that.

I've also finished the usual things like toothpaste, mouthwash, contact lens solution, etc. However, since I don't have an excessive amount of any of those things, I generally don't include them in my posts. Since my no-buy has also been over for quite some time and I've used up most sample sized products, I also don't usually include samples. If you guys want me to include those things, just let me know and I will from now on.

I think one of my first (and biggest) resolutions for 2013 will be to really weed out my makeup collection and utilize my space more efficiently. This is just because I still have quite a few products that I need to finish before I buy anything (mainly foundations and powders and such). I'm not sure how I will approach this goal, but I'm definitely working on a plan.

What did you finish this month?

September 2012 Empties!

This blog post is one that was a long time in the making because I actually began saving up my empty bottles for products when I got back to school in August. I'm surprised by how much I have finished up just within the past month and few days because when I was restricting my beauty purchases, I went straight for the travel sized products in my collection and then it seemed like I was finishing things at an alarming rate. This time, however, I've written mini reviews of each product as I finish them.

Almay Clear Complexion Makeup: I finally finished it! Will I repurchase? Maybe, but not for a while. I've got some other face products to use up before I even think about buying yet another foundation. I've talked about this foundation a lot. It isn't a perfect foundation, but I really liked it. The packaging bothered me and the shade selection was pathetic.

Clearasil Ultra Rapid Action Pads: I finished these early on. I don't know why, but for a short period of time, I thought it would be a great idea to try out acne pads like these (I also tried Stridex). They don't work for me. Stridex felt sticky and Clearasil was drying.

Clearasil Ultra Rapid Action Treatment Gel: In the spectrum for spot treatments, I would say this is average. I like the amount of product in the tube (1 fluid ounce - most I've used are half). I like that this has salicylic acid (I have a prescription treatment that can't be used with benzoyl peroxide), but as a spot treatment it really only works on tiny blemishes that would probably go away in a couple of days anyway. In terms of following through claims, this product is a failure (it says it will reduce redness within a few hours and if I'm not mistaken, when this product first came out it claimed to get rid of blemishes in three days).

E.L.F. Soothing Oil Blotting Sheets (Aloe) and Rejuvenating Oil Blotting Sheets (Green Tea): I bought these in a set of three about a year ago in a back-to-school display at Target (the other one was Tea Tree). These are smaller than the Clean & Clear blotting sheets I used a few years back, but it took more than one E.L.F. sheet to get all of the oil off my face. I have oily skin, but I wouldn't consider it to be that oily. Each container held 50 sheets and with the number I used on my face, these sheets would not last long enough for the purchase to be worth it. I still recommend using Starbucks napkins as an alternative to blotting sheets. Some people say that the toilet seat covers work well too, but that crosses the line in my opinion (if you like it, that's fine, it's just something I personally won't even try). After I finish the Tea Tree blotting sheets, I will be moving on to my Clean & Clear blotting sheets. I have one half empty package and one full one.

Sephora Triple Action Cleansing Water (1.69 fl oz): I saw this at Sephora one day and decided it would be an interesting product to try since I've never tried a "true" cleansing water (I usually use makeup wipes to remove my makeup). This removed my face makeup easily, but it always left a bit of mascara and eyeliner, so I wouldn't purchase this again.

Simple Exfoliating Facial Wipes: These were rough on my skin and I had to use a separate makeup remover on my eyes. I won't repurchase these, but I will try the other Simple wipes next time (my mom had both and I just picked a random one).

Pantene Aqua Light Shampoo and Conditioner (not pictured): I was glad to finish these. They didn't do anything special for my hair and the scent was fresh, but a bit strong compared to what I usually prefer. I'm still on the search for a great daily shampoo. I'm actually not too picky about conditioner... as long as it makes my hair soft and isn't too heavy, I'm happy. But for some reason I always feel compelled to buy the matching conditioner when I buy a shampoo and in all honesty, it's not necessary because sometimes one is better than the other. In this case, neither impressed me.

So that is everything I finished this month! It wasn't a lot, but I think I'll finish quite a few things up in October (before writing this post I thought I'd be saying I won't finish much in October, but as I got ready this morning I realized that I'm close to finishing quite a few products. We'll see if I do manage to finish them or if I'll give up and switch to something new. My dorm room is honestly crowded with as many beauty products as I could fit and I can't wait until everything fits into an even smaller space.

What did you finish in September?