EMPTIES: February 2023
Keep reading to see what I used up last month and my final thoughts on each item in this edition of EMPTIES.
EMPTIES: November 2022
Is this a EMPTIES post for the products I used up in November? Yes. Is it almost the end of December and almost a whole new year? Yes. Your point? Keep reading to see what products I used up almost 2 months ago.
As you can see, I only used up 3 items and one is a repeat. First up, let’s talk about the Jozi Curls Leave-In conditioner. This was the second product that I ever used from JOZI -the first was their Curl Refresher spray. I will say that I enjoyed the leave-in conditioner better than the detangling. The JOZI leave-in conditioner has a little weight to it, but great slip to the hair. So much so that I wore diluted some and wore it as a moisturizer for my natural curly hair. So, I did get my money worth and I may buy it again.
The next item I used up was PanOxyl Acne Foaming Face Wash, which I’ve used before. However, I got a poorly sealed bottle this time and it burst after the third use. Since it was a new bottle, I obviously didn’t apply much power to squeeze the product out. Plus, I was totally disappointed by the customer service – or lack or customer service. As you can see, I never got a replacement bottle and not sure if the product was still good after having so much contact to air. So, I’m a little disheartened and undecided if or when I would buy this again.
Finally, I used up the sample of the Tatcha moisturizer that came with my free Sephora birthday gift. Just like the cleanser with this set, I loved the moisturizer. The moisturizer was lightweight and nicely absorbed into the skin. Also, this made my skin look and feel soft, which is nice for the colder months. Yes, I will be buying the full-size soon.
EMPTIES: October 2022
October felt really long, which I think helped me used up a lot of products. Of course, that doesn’t make sense, but I still used up a nice amount of products. So, please keep reading to see which products I emptied out last month.
First up, I have to start with this bottle of Donna Karen Cashmere Mist, which I scored on sale back during the pandemic. Back in mid-to-late 2020, I found some really good deals, including this bottle which I paid about $20. Nice. However, the price wasn’t the only reason I got – this is one of my favorite winter scents. Cashmere Mist is a warm fragrance that has floral, jasmine and vanilla notes. Plus, it was one of my mom’s favorite scents, which also makes me think I will buy this again.
Honestly, I can’t say enough about how Olaplex has really helped my hair over the past couple of years. In the past, I didn’t consistently used it, but I would notice some good changes. However, this past summer and early fall, I was using it at least once a week – mostly twice. The combination of washing my hair twice a week with Olaplex definitely helped my color-treated hair grow. Even my co-worker pointed it out to me. I’m an Olaplex girl now and I’ve already bought and started using a new set of Olaplex shampoo and conditioner. Not to mention, the Olaplex hair oil is superior, too.
The next item is Bliss Makeup Melt, which I did buy as a quick fix. I usually use the Dermaflage Makeup remover, which is an oil cleaser. Although I tend to prefer oil cleansers, I did enjoy this cleansing melt. It has a jelly texture and did do a pretty good job melting and removing makeup. My waterproof mascara gave it a hard time, but it still did a decent job. What I didn’t like was having to remove it, because it didn’t easily rinse off. I had to actually use a face wash to make me feel like it was removed. Still, I would buy it again…IF there wasn’t an oil cleanser available.
I’d been wanting to try some scents from Mix Bar, which is only found at Target. On an impulse, I picked up the Sparkling Hibiscus body and hair mist on initial sniff. The scent was floral, but juicy thanks the mixing of hibiscus and bergamont. I use body sprays like they are meant to be worn – on your skin. I sprayed it on as soon as I hop out the shower, which means I didn’t smell it. However, I did love the scent enough that I will probably buy the perfume version next summer.
Another beauty brand exclusive to Target is Jozi Curls, which caters to all different types of curly hair. I picked up a couple of their products to give it a try, which included their Jozi Curl Refresher spray. Jozi Curls is a clean brand that’s vegan and sustainable. Honestly, the refresher spray was alright and pretty similar to most curl refreshers. I tried to use it as a detangler, which was nice since it helps smooth the hair as well. Unfotunately, I don’t think I’ll buy this again.
The COSRX Snail Mucin moisturizer is too good! The perfect daily moisturizer that helps soften skin and keeps it glowing. So, obviously, I will be buying this again!
The last 2 products are eye products – a newbie and throwback. I’m a liquid eyeliner girl and I’d been wanting to try the Benefit Roller Liquid Liner. I got the mini option to give a test run, which I’m glad I did. Although this liner claims to be waterproof – it wasn’t. It started to smudge within an hour. So disappointing!
Next up is an oldie that I hadn’t bought in years, but glad I picked it up a few months ago. This Maybelline Age Rewind Eraser concealer had late 20s and early 30s me in a chokehold. When bright undereyes and “baking” became a thing, this was my go-to concealer. Thankfully, it’s still really good and I will buy it again.
LUST-HAVE LIST: November 2022
It’s seriously already November! It’s apparently also Christmas time as well since so many people have decided to break out their Christmas trees and decorations. I can’t lie, I’ve been thinking about dragging mine out of storage and getting started. I might pull the boxes out this weekend, but putting it up is a couple of weeks away for me.
Despite me not being super ready to put up my decorations; I am starting to plan my shopping lists. Ideally, I would like to keep my list short and only 1-2 gifts per person. However, I know that’s a dream, but I’m trying. Ugh…I can’t believe I’m already talking about Christmas and stations are already playing Christmas music. Insane, but when in Rome.*shrug*
For the past month or so, I’ve been feeling very blah in my style. So, I’m ready to turn it up a smidge and look like I care, if that makes sense. I need to work on my personal vine and aesthetic, which you may be able to tell in this month’s Lust-Have List.