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Sunday 3 August 2014

June/July Empties!

Hi, everyone! Hope you're all enjoying the weekend! As I'm writing this, I'm in my hometown enjoying a little break from the big city and spending time with the family. I even brought the boyfriend down this time and we've been having a lovely time relaxing, thrifting, board gaming, and eating way too much! A much needed break :)

For the ultra-scrupulous among my readers, you will have noticed that I did not do a monthly empties post at the outset of July. At the time, I was busy travelling to Montreal and thought that, instead of rushing to piece together a June empties, I'd hoard things for a bit longer and do a June/July Empties extravaganza! As you can see, I have a decent collection to share with you here. I'll keep the reviews ultra-brief, since I've got quite a few, but hopefully you find my two cents and re-purchase decisions helpful!


REN ClearCalm3 Clarifying Clay Cleanser
This cleanser has it all- soothing, deep-cleansing, and skin clearing. A true pleasure to use! Though I found it a bit less effective nearer the end and the bottle did get used up quite quickly! Still, a lovely option for those with acne-prone, sensitive skin. You can read more about it in my morning routine post, here
Repurchase? Not immediately, but it's definitely on a shortlist of favourites. 

Shu Uemura High Performance Balancing Cleansing Oil
Not much more to say about this one- it's my all-time favourite cleansing oil. Definitely not cheap, but this works wonders to remove all makeup without leaving a greasy residue or breaking me out. No complaints, except for the price!
Repurchase? Yes!

The Body Shop HoneyMania Shower Gel
I got this lovely bath treat for Christmas and fell instantly smitten with the scent. A beautiful honey fragrance with floral and herbal touches, both soothing and fresh. Plus, it never dried my skin out and created a nice, rich lather. 
Repurchase? Not right away (I'm a floozy with shower gels), but this really is among my Body Shop faves!

Lush Prince Charming Shower Gel
I picked up this shower gel as part of a Lush Valentine's haul and it has been much enjoyed since then. The scent is somewhat difficult to explain, but my best approximation is that it's a sophisticated jelly bean sort of fragrance. Make sense? Maybe not ;) It felt creamy on the skin and left a light scent behind. Very nice!
Repurchase? Likely not, as it was limited edition and because I favour a few other Lush scents, but I still give it a thumbs up!


Batiste Dry Shampoo Original Scent
I've tried a few different dry shampoos by now, and this one remains my firm favourite. Can't go wrong with the classic scent- very fresh, and not overpowering! Can leave a white residue, but is easily brushed out.
Repurchase? Yes!

Elemental Herbology BioCellular Super Cleanse
I got this one back in September as part of a Feel Unique haul and I'm very happy I picked it up! This creamy cleanser felt rich and soothing, without ever leaving a greasy residue or encouraging breakouts. It left my skin feeling fresh and balanced and had a beautiful herbal scent. Truly a treat to use!
Repurchase? Maybe, especially come wintertime! (I only say maybe because I'm also a cleanser floozy!)

Aesop Parsley Seed Antioxidant Eye Cream and Eye Serum (samples)
I received these chic little packets as part of my Aesop booty in my Tax Return Haul and I'm glad I got the chance to give them a go. Both have a lovely fresh scent with elegant non-greasy, non-drying textures. I loved the idea of a lightweight eye serum especially, though I just can't see myself paying that much for an eye product!
Repurchase? No. 

MAC Blot Powder in Medium

Another staple that I can't say much more about- provides a great matte finish without looking cakey, works wonders to keep shine at bay, and doesn't seem to aggravate my sensitive, acne-prone skin. I can see myself going through a few of these per year till the end of time!
Repurchase? Duh!

Clinique Quickliner for Eyes in Black Honey
I got this liner as part of the Party Favours set and it almost instantly became a daily staple. This liner is rich, pigmented, and glides on effortlessly. Easy to use and really wears all day! The shade was stunning- a deep plummy brown that worked as a perfect alternative to black, Much more interesting, while still being extremely wearable!
Repurchase? Yes! Though I've been looking for it in stores and think it might be limited edition? Say it ain't so!


Urban Decay Primer Potion original formula
Another staple that I'll repurchase again and again. Nothing bad to say about it- does the job without feeling heavy on the lids. While I'm still tempted to try some more affordable options, I know I'll keep coming back to this one.
Repurchase? Duh squared!

Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Concealer in Y1
I got this concealer in a makeup swap a year or so ago. Unfortunately, I don't think I could give it a fair shake, as it was already less than fresh when I received it. It had great coverage, was a good colour match for my NC15-20 skin, and lasted well on my oily complexion. It just dried up a bit after a while, and the jar cracked, which didn't help with the freshness factor. Oh well!
Repurchase? Not likely, but it is a nice one!

NYX Above and Beyond Full Coverage Concealer #3
Another concealer I gave up on before it was quite finished. This one was a straight-up disappointment- the colour match was off (was hard finding a suitable shade in this range) and the texture felt a bit heavy and oily. I love NYX in general, but this one was a fail for me! 
Repurchase? Heck no!

Montagne Jeuness Clean Up Mud Face Masque
Luckily, I'm rounding things up with a winner! This affordable little mask was a nice treat for my sensitive, acne-prone skin. It contains clay, aloe, and witch hazel, all ingredients that my skin just loves. It provided a deep clean without irritation, so I really have no complaints!
Repurchase? Yes!


So there you go, all of the goodies I've polished off over the past two months! I really found some gems among them and I always like to rave about my staples. Hope you found the reviews helpful!

Have you tried anything from this edition? Did I tempt you with anything? What have you finished off recently?

Thanks for stopping by! xo

16 comments:

  1. That's a lot of empties! I just bought that batiste dry shampoo and am liking it so far!

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  2. I love reading the reviews of the empties! I love the UD primer as well!
    xo,
    nancy

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  3. Shu Cleansing Oil. Super swoooon!

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  4. i wish some products here were available in our country so i could give it a go. but this was really a helpful post! :) xx

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  5. I was looking at those masks by Montagne Jeuness the other day! So glad it worked for you! I might try some now!

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  6. woah you finsihed that ren up so quick!!
    i remmeber when you just bough it!
    Jenn
    A Beautiful Zen

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    1. It did finish up super quickly! One of the only real downside to the product, since it wasn't cheap!

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  7. great product review sweety!
    happy new week!

    <3
    http://www.getcarriedaway.net/

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  8. Another great review, thanks for sharing.... So sold on the Montagne Jeuness, definitely trying it...
    Great you're away from the hassles of the big city and you're spending time with family... Enjoy the rest of your break.

    Take care,
    xx
    5th&6th

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  9. I LOVE Batiste dry shampoo. I go through them like nobody's business!
    Meghan
    Today's Beauty Obsession

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  10. I love UD primer potion! I finished one a few months ago and decide to try the too faced one, but UD it's definitely better, big hugs Jen! xx

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  11. You went through a lot of stuff, that's impressive! I usually start something new and completely forget about the old stuff. I should make it my goal to do an empties video so I'll actually finish the products I have :)

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    1. I've definitely been making a more concerted effort to finish things up since I've started writing Empties posts. It's been great!

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  12. Amazingly huge haul Jen.
    You always tempt me with the Batiste dry shampoo....
    Which I always ask myself "why haven't I bought that yet"

    Lovely post!
    TarteTanya

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All of your lovely comments make my day! Thanks for taking the time to share your musings, ideas, and opinions. Feel free to leave a link to your blog- I'd be happy to check it out :)