May 2025 Empties

All my monthly trash on display for you to see. :P

1. Nexxus Clean & Pure Invigorating Detox Scalp Scrub: I really loved this scalp scrub because it helped my scalp feel clean, kept dandruff and flakey skin at bay, was sufficiently gritty and scrubby, and also doubled as a shampoo on the days I used this (about once a week) because it foamed up. For some reason it seems like it may be getting discontinued, because I haven't seen it around, but if that's not the case I highly recommend this. 

2. equate Shea Sugar Scrub in Island Coconut:  As I've noted many times, I love how gritty these shea sugar scrubs are. They make my skin feel smooth and are invigorating to apply. This one has a really nice, subtle, coconut scent that's almost perfume-like and not overly sweet or in-your-face; I really like it. 

3. Ardell Demi Wispies x2: Not only do I love these lashes but I'm convinced all others should be similar to them. I say that because I don't need to trim them to fit my eye shape and the bands on them are so thin and flexible that it's easy to sit and adjust them so they're right at the lash-line.

4. wet n wild Rose Addiction Photo Focus 3-in-1 Primer Water: As much as I used to love to use this as a setting spray and to apply my metallic eyeshadows wet, this time I found myself disappointed. Now, the reason I picked it up is because my local CVS decided to stop carrying my beloved Milani Make It Last Original Natural Finish Setting Spray, and because I used to love this too, I picked it up. The thing is, I ran out of this bottle within a few weeks, and in addition to how quickly I finished it, the scent of it felt so intense that I found it off-putting. I probably will not get this again

The following brushes are all frayed or otherwise broken or damaged:

5. Odacite Facial Brush: 

6. Crown Pro C511 Brush: 

7. Sonia Kashuk Essential Blending Crease Brush No. 273:  

8. Memebox Oval Foundation Brush: 

9. Elizabeth Mott All Over Eyeshadow brush: 

10. AOA studio F19  Highlighter brush:

11. bubbi Blending brush: 

12. Isehan KISSME Heroine Make Long UP Black Mascara Super WP #01: As much as I wanted to love this mascara, I just really wasn't a fan and won't be getting it again. It's difficult to remove, is very textured - probably because it has fibers in it - and left me with racoon eyes no matter how thoroughly I'd go in with my makeup remover oil. Additionally, it smells really musky, off, and is starting to irritate my eyes so I'm discarding it. 

13. pop arazzi Speedboat Nail Polish: This is such a pretty periwinkle shade of nail polish but unfortunately it has become very thick and goopy to the point of not being usable. 

14. Cococare 100% Natural Peppermint Oil: I like to use this in my oil diffuser and on my carpet to open up my sinuses and as a deterrent for creepy crawlies. 

15. Secret Powder Fresh 24 HR Invisible Solid:  Honestly Secret is a tried and true brand for me that is gentle on my armpits, doesn't cause irratation, keeps me fresh, and keeps me from being sweaty and stinky; hence why I picked this up. That said, it was on its last leg, fell, and broke apart entirely today so it was time to take out my replacement. 

16. Quret Strawberry Milk Collagen Body Wash: This is essentially like my favorite Asian-market facial cleansers in body wash form. I loved it! This foamed up nicely, left my skin feeling soft, and smells nice. I wouldn't say it smells like strawberry milk at all, it's more like a floral strawberry scent, but it's nice. 

17. Physicians Formula Eye Booster Waterproof Ultra-Fine Liquid Eyeliner: This is an absolute holy grail product for me, but unfortunately mine was getting really dried out so it was time to replace it.

18. DUO Quick-Set Striplash Adhesive: My tube of this was getting super clumpy and gross so it was time to go ahead and replace it. 

19. mixsoon Glacier Water Hyaluronic Acid Serum: This is a nice, lightweight, hydrating serum. I like that you get a lot in the bottle so it will last you quite a long time. That being said, I prefer my COSRX Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence, simply because it provides me with more intense hydration. Given that my skin is on the drier end, I prefer being more hydrated. 

20. Bath & Body Works PocketBac in fresh cut lilacs: This has a really beautiful lilac scent that's perfect for this time of year. I really enjoyed using it while I had it. I like that these hand sanitizers not only smell nice but that they don't dry out my skin either. 

21. Queen Helene Oatmeal 'n Honey Scrub: This scrub was alright, I found it was a bit too abrasive for my taste. 

22. Dove refreshing cucumber & green tea body wash: As I always mention, I like to use these dove body washes to shave with because they last me a month or so and leave my skin smooth and soft. This has a nice, refreshing scent that I think is nice for spring and summer. 

23. no-name powder puff: It's unfortunate that I'm unsure where this powder puff came from because the quality of it was really nice - it was very soft and held up nicely. That said it is starting to come apart so it's time to replace it. 

24. Dr Teal's Shea Sugar Scrub in Vitamin C: This scrub is nicely abrasive and just smells so good! Out of the Dr Teal's line this is my favorite scent - it's bright, citrusy, and helps wake me up. I really enjoy it!

Disclaimer: I purchased all of the products mentioned above with the exception of the Quret body wash which I received as a gift.  All opinions are my own.

February 2020 Empties

All my monthly trash on display for you to see. :P

Sheet Masks Galore:

Trader Joe's Pumpkin Spice Biocellulose Mask: I was quite pleasantly surprised by this mask - it has more of a mulled orange-y cider scent vs the pumpkin spice that I was expecting, which is fine - I just wish I could buy it again but alas I'll have to wait until pumpkin season. This mask is SUPER hydrating and left my skin feeling soft and supple.

A'Pieu Air Pocket Sheet Mask in Coffee Milk: A really nice, soothing, hydrating mask.  This one also smells like coffee which I really enjoy. 

A'Pieu Air Pocket Sheet Mask in Coconut Milk: Unfortunately this mask doesn't really smell like coconut but it is SUPER hydrating. I found it a bit too heavy but it would be good to follow up a drying mud mask with or if your skin is very dehydrated or wind/cold-chapped.
A'Pieu Air Pocket Sheet Mask in Chocolate Milk: Ironically I found this to have a coconut-y scent. It's a very hydrating mask.

A'Pieu Air Pocket Sheet Mask in Strawberry Milk: I love that this mask smells like a strawberry milkshake! I find it to be very hydrating.
A'Pieu Fruit Vinegar Sheet Mask in Pomegranate - Softening & Moisturizing: I was a little afraid o this mask because of the vinegar aspect - I was concerned that it would sting because of the acidity. That said, I was surprised because it actually left my skin hydrated without being a heavy mask at all and it was super gentle. It also has a light pomegranate scent to it which I like. 

A'Pieu Air Pocket Sheet Mask in Banana Milk: Another milkshake scented one. I really like how hydrated and silky this leaves my skin feeling.
A'Pieu Fruit Vinegar Sheet Mask in Lemon - Softening & Brightening: I find that this mask, while it hydrates ever so slightly, is a bit astringent - probably because of the lemon. I liked it ok but I don't think I'll be getting it again as it isn't as hydrating as I personally like.
A'Pieu Air Pocket Sheet Mask in Green Tea Milk: This left my skin feeling very soft, silky, and it also has a lovely green tea scent.
berrisom Cocktail Recipe Mask in Kahlua Milk: This mask smells so strongly of coffee - which I personally really enjoyed! It left my skin feeling soft and smooth.
innisfree My Real Squeeze Mask in Rice: Quite possibly one of my favorite masks in this line, this leaves my skin feeling very smooth and silky.
Etude House Air Mask in Cherry Blossom - Firming & Brightening: This mask left my skin feeling silky smooth and has a lovely light cherry blossom scent.
Etude House Air Mask in Cherry Pearl - Bright Complexion: This mask left my skin feeling very soft and smooth.
Etude House Air Mask in Snail - Smoothing & Firming: This is a really lovely, super hydrating mask that left my skin feeling soft and smooth.

2. Eylure London Luxe Silk Lashes in Marquis: I really love these lashes - they're natural-looking but also give the look of voluminous, gently spiked lashes. I got a bunch of compliments on them and I find they really enhanced both my eye shape and the looks I did. 

3. Nexxus Mousse + Volumizing Foam: I found this mousse made my hair very crunchy and didn't really add much in the way of volume. Granted, I air-dry my hair and this might've been made with heat-activated ingredients in here. Alas, I try not to heat style my hair if I can help it.

4. ColourPop Super Shock Shadow in Mixed Tape: I was using this to contour with and while it was a touch too cool on its own it did a wonderful job in cooling down the warmer bronze shade I used to contour on top of it.

5. Sephora Collection  Instant Nail Polish Remover with White Peach Extract: I am so sad that this has been discontinued because it was, by far, the very best nail polish remover I've ever used. It really did work quickly and got all the nail polish off... Alas. 

6. patchology POSHPEEL Pedi Cure: This is by far my favorite foot peel because it really gets all the gunk and dead skin off your feet. That said, it can make your soles fairly sensitive after use so just be aware that your feet might hurt.

7. fresh Black Tea Firming Corset Cream: I will be honest that I didn't really notice any firming benefits from this but it was very hydrating which I enjoyed because my skin has been dry and irritated lately.

8.  Eylure Lashfix Adhesive: Honestly, I really liked how this glue was very low-residue but it also dried very quickly and didn't hold my lashes on too well. I'm unsure if this is because it's just the mini tube that came with my lash pairs and a full size might perform better.

9. Bath & Body Works Sea Mist & Citrus Deep Cleansing Hand Soap: I haven't had a liquid soap in a while and I find that I run through these so quickly. It smells alright, I find it a bit too musky for my liking.

10. Trader Joe's Pineapple Papaya Enzyme Mask: I liked this mask - it exfoliates the skin very gently, is lightweight, non-drying, and smells pretty nice. I wish it were available permanently on its own but alas.

11. beauty 360 Strengthening Nail Polish Remover: I can't really say that this strengthened my nails in any fashion but it did do a good job of removing my nail polish and it lasted quite a long while too which is nice. I think I had this bottle for something like a year and a half or two years.

12. Bath & Body Works Lemon Mint Leaf Candle: To be honest this is a nice, refreshing smelling candle but the mint in here can be heavy and a bit earthy at times. It's not my favorite.

13. Oribe Grandiose Hair Plumping Mousse: I'm unsure what was off about this mousse because I only managed to get four uses out of this bottle and I tend to get plenty of use out of mousse. It's pricey so that's really disappointing. It also came out mostly liquid and wouldn't foam up that great. When it did foam up, it was fairly decent mousse that gave me a bit of volume and didn't leave my hair crunchy. That said, it did leave my hair crunchy when it wouldn't foam. Overall, it was meh in practice and I wouldn't pay for it.

14. LAFCO Classic Candle in Champagne: This candle had a mostly gingery scent that was refreshing.

15. Bath & Body Works Tea & Lemon Scented Candle: One of my absolutely favorite candles - I find the scent of lemon tea to be really soothing and comforting - I love this candle for cold and/or rainy periods.

16. Bath & Body Works Pineapple Sunrise Scented Candle: This candle smelled like warm pineapple juice which I, personally, really enjoyed. Yum!

17. fresh Black Tea Age-Delay Eye Concentrate: This is a very hydrating eye cream that's a bit on the heavy side. I really liked how hydrating it is but I really can't speak to the anti-aging aspect - it didn't really smooth out any of the lines under my eyes past just making the under-eye looking more hydrated and I'm unsure if the effect of this would show up over time. That said, other than my under-eye crinkles, which most people have, no matter their age, I can't really speak to any other anti-aging benefit.

18. fresh Black Tea Kombucha Facial Treatment Essence: This stuff felt SO NICE on my skin. It gave my skin a nice boost of hydration and left the skin feeling refreshed, smooth, and silky. It also has a nice tea scent that I love.

19. Bath & Body Works Scented Candle in Beach Grass: As you folks know, I love airy sea/beach fragrances for the home and this really hits the nail on the head. It smells really lightweight and fresh.

20. Tree Hut Shea Sugar Scrub in Pomegranate Acai:  This has a nice sweet-tart scent to it. You folks know I love these and have been using them for years - my #1 body scrub because it's super scrubby but isn't oily so you won't be slipping and sliding all over your shower or tub.

21. CVS garden orchid scent advanced formula hand sanitizer: Frankly I'm unsure what about this formula makes it "advanced" but it's a nice, lightly floral, scented hand sanitizer.

22. Clinique Acne Solutions Clinical Clearing Gel: I used this stuff as a spot treatment and I really liked it because it would really draw all the gunk out of my blemishes which helped them clear up quicker. It also didn't dry out my skin, which I appreciate.

23. Klorane Anti-Pollution Detox Shampoo with Aquatic Mint: I was expecting this shampoo to be pretty harsh due to its "detox" aspect but I found that it got my hair deeply clean without stripping my color too much and without being drying - my hair was actually left feeling super clean yet soft.

24. Bath & Body Works Anti-Bacterial Hand Gel in Make A Splash - Turquoise Waters: Another product with that nice airy ocean fragrance I like.

25. Bath & Body Works Peach Bellini Deep Cleansing Hand Soap: I have been getting this soap for ages and it SMELLS SO GOOD! Definitely a nice treat.

26. Dove fresh cucumber & green tea scent body wash: I really like to use these body washes for shaving because they hydrate the skin and give my razor a nice glide but because I am lowkey a hairy beast they last a month, unlike shaving gel, which lasts a week.

27. Hourglass Veil Translucent Setting Powder: I absolutely love this product - it sets my makeup and leaves my skin looking smooth and silky whilst imparting a pretty subtle glow. HOWEVER, the packaging is, in my opinion, for privileged rich people. In most of these lose powders you can remove the sifter and get to the remaining bits of powder so you can use every last bit. Oh no, not here, the sifter will not come off for the life of me. I'm disappointed that there's still a bit of powder left that I can't get to unless I want to risk injuring myself.

28. m-61 PowerGlow Peel Gradual Tan: Frankly I've found these tanning pads to give me a bit of a jaundiced look but I used this right before doing a mask this time around so I feel that the color didn't really stick around much but I got the exfoliation benefits. Not complaining.

29. Virtue 6-in-1 Styler: This is a really nice, hydrating, styling cream - it also functions as a leave-in and protects the hair from heat. I really like how it left my hair feeling soft.

30. Eylure x Jasmine Brown Lashes in Jaybee: I really love these lashes, they're voluminous and a bit spiky which makes my eyes look a lot larger.

31. ColourPop Super Shock Shadow in High Tide: I used this to highlight the cheeks and I really liked the subtle hint of white gold it gave me and how it intensified the powder highlighters that I would use on top of it.

32. Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer: I find that this primer does a lovely job of smoothing the skin and helping foundation to stay put throughout the day without being drying.

33. Molton Brown Infusing Eucalyptus Bath & Shower Gel: I find this to be a really refreshing, Vicks-smelling shower gel, it's great if you have mental fog or you're congested to open up the sinuses.

34. Pampers Baby Wipes: As I've mentioned before I use this to wipe surfaces, especially those of my makeup collection, and to remove swatches off my hands/arms.

35. Saint Jane Micro Dose Lip Gloss in Alchemy: This gloss is really beautiful but unfortunately it just smells off, not like CBD or pot but like stale crayons/plastic. I feel like it's safer to discard it.

36. Revive Superieur Body Nightly Renewing Serum: Well, well, well there I go using this product both night and day. I found it to be lightly hydrating and smoothing.

37. Oribe Featherbalm Weightless Styler: I feel like this product is too lightweight for my hair - had it been in its unbleached days, I think I would've liked it, but now I'm looking for something more smoothing and hydrating.

38. Revive Renewal Firming Cream: To be perfectly honest I don't feel like this had a firming effect on my skin but there was hardly enough in here to truly give it a long-term test. It hydrated my skin nicely but so can a moisturizer from the drugstore. 💁‍♀️

Disclaimer: I purchased all of the above with the exception of the Nexxus, Oribe, LAFCO, Klorane, m-61, Virtue, Hourglass, Molton Brown, Revive, and fresh products.