Empties #8: Early 2016

Apparently I don't like to post about my empties, even though I accumulate them in my basement and they pretty much stare at me every day. I have finished a lot more in 2016, but these photos were finished quite a while ago and I guess they got a little lost in my files. These are probably from the first half of 2016 (I know, it's sad this hasn't gotten up until now).

I do like to do round-ups of my empties though, so I think I will be aiming to do them 2-3 times a year from now on. I don't actually finish a lot of products often because I always end up saving products that I like, while testing something new. AND then I don't ever want to use the product that I liked because I have like 1/4 of it left and it's $40 or something ridiculous to repurchase, haha.

So here's a little round-up of the products I finished up from early 2016 and whether or not I would repurchase.

Swisspers Organic Cotton Rounds: I always repurchase these. Just plain affordable cotton pads from Walmart.
Purchase: Yes

St. Tropez Self Tan Bronzing Mousse: Always repurchasing this one too. One of the best self-tanners on the market and so easy to find.
Purchase: Yes

L'Oreal Elnett Satin Hairspray Deluxe Sample: I actually already repurchased this one on sale at a warehouse sale, but I don't ever really use hairspray often so in the future I probably wouldn't buy again.
Purchase: No

Yves Rocher Express Cleanser for Sensitive Eyes: Favouriteee oil-based makeup remover. Doesn't sting eyes and I use it daily. It removes everything.
Purchase: Yes

Kiss My Face Pomegranate Acai Moisturizer*: I really liked this at first, specifically for the scent and whipped texture, it absorbed so quickly into my skin. I wouldn't repurchase this solely for the fact that it went bad on me a lot quicker than expected. I was using it daily and it just started to smell bad. I was sad I had to waste product! If it would last a teeny bit longer it'd definitely make it onto my 'to buy' list.
Purchase: No

Bath And Body Works Snow Kissed Citrus & Maple Sugar Kiss Foaming Soap: Forever repurchasing these too. Best scented soaps and so worth it (when they're on sale).
Purchase: Yes

Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Eye Serum: I really like this eye serum but every time I go looking for it, it's crazy expensive. I do still have other eye creams I'm finishing up but I would definitely consider this when I'm done all of them.
Purchase: Yes

Clarins Radiance-Plus Golden Glow Booster: I bought this because I wanted something to add to my moisturizer but would give me a glow/gradual tan. Does exactly what it says and it lasts quite a while because you are only using drops at a time.
Purchase: Yes

Bioderma Sebium Pore Refiner Sample: I did like this, but I wasn't sure exactly what it was doing to my skin. It feels nice and refreshing, but I didn't notice it did anything special to my pores. Not sure I would repurchase, I do have a full-size and will continue trying it out.
Purchase: Unsure

Maybelline Master Conceal Camoflaging Concealer in Light: I do really like this concealer, I wouldn't use it for night's out but for a daily basis it works well.
Purchase: Yes

Stila Brush (that's probably fake): I don't remember how I got this..I feel like I traded it or got it in a swap. I really don't think it's real because it is kind of crappy. I don't really see any good use for it so I'd rather just toss it or see if I can give it to anyone.
Purchase: No

Replica Mac 187: Replica...don't remember how I got this but it's broken now. Didn't ever work well and I'd never suggest buying fake mac brushes because they suck apparently.
Purchase: No

Tony Moly Intense Care Snail Hydro-gel Mask: I don't really have an opinion on this because I can't remember if it was good or not. I do have more and will definitely try them again.
Purchase: Unsure

Masque Bar Anti Blemish-Prone Mud Mask: I like these Masque Bar masks. This is a clay masque but I really wish they came packaging in a tub or something. I find that I can use one of these pouches for 3 different sessions. Not sure if they sell them anymore but I'd definitely pick some up again.
Purchase: Yes

Downy Unstopables Scent Booster Samples: I know not a beauty product, but I had to include these because I'm proud of myself when I finish laundry detergents and stuff. These smell so good and they really make my clothes smell awesome for weeks. It's like I never knew what fresh laundry smelt like until now.
Purchase: Yes

Laniege Water Bank Moisture Cream Sample: Purchase: Unsure
Softsoap Fresh Glow Body Wash Sample: Purchase: Unsure
Klorane Shampoo Sample: Purchase: Unsure
L'Occitane Repairing Shampoo Sample: Purchase: Unsure

Don't think I had enough product to try to make decisions on whether or not I would repurchase any of these samples above, unfortunately. I always hate that about packet samples!

What have you finished lately?

 (*) Indicating I received the product for review.

L'Occitane Shea Butter Foaming Cleanser & Intense Hand Balm

L'Occitane has been my skin saviour recently; helping me get through the cold winter months and transition to spring here in Canada! They always have a brand focus on moisture, specifically Shea Butter, and I have two products from the line to share with you today; the Shea Foaming Cleanser and Shea Butter Intensive Hand Balm!

L'Occitane's Shea Foaming Cleanser is probably one of the most gentle cleansers I've tried to date. It contains 125 ml and retails for $28 CAD, although not the cheapest of cleansers, a little goes a long way so I can see this lasting for quite a while. I've used it daily for the past month and haven't noticed that Iv'e used much product (but also, the tube is not see-through so it's really hard to tell). It contains 5% shea oil and has a light scent. It has a cream/milky texture, not too thick or runny at all. It cleans my skin without stripping it of natural moisture. It lathers just enough that you don't need to use a lot at all. It claims that it does remove makeup and impurities, and while I tested it and it worked to remove my foundation, I do just prefer to use a makeup remover first to make sure I get everything off.

The L'Occitane Shea Butter Intensive Hand Balm comes in a 150 ml tube and retails for $40 from L'Occitane. This one contains a high amount of Shea Butter, 25% to protect skin from cold or any uncomfortable dryness. It's enriched with allantoin to soothe the skin immediately. It definitely does what it says, creating a barrier for the skin and instantly making it feel protected. It is a thick cream, you can feel it's there but it isn't overly oily on the skin or anything. The only thing I don't like about this is that because it's so thick, it's a little difficult to get out of the aluminum tube packaging. The scent isn't for everyone, it is a little 'mature' so to speak and I do prefer the cleanser over the hand balm because the scent is a lot lighter.

L'Occitane Shea Butter Foaming Cleanser (left), L'Occitane Shea Butter Intense Hand Balm (right)

You can find the Shea Foaming Cleanser, and the Shea Butter Intense Hand Balm at http://ca.loccitane.com/!

These products were received for consideration. All opinions are my own and are never influenced by anyone. 

Buxom Plumpline Lip Liner Review + Lip Swatches

Lip liners seemed to have disappeared from a makeup junkie's stash of 'essentials' for a while, but the has made it's way back into 2017. Don't get me wrong, I love a good lip liner but they are not always something that a makeup lover gets excited about. It's usually about the newest liquid lipstick, or matte lipstick. 

But the new Plumpline Lip Liners from Buxom are definitely something to think about putting on your radar..

Box packaging of each lip liner

The Buxom Plumpline Lip Liners retail for $20 CAD, and are the newest lip product release from Buxom as of January 2017. They've released 20 shades so far and I have 8 of them to share with you.

The pencils themselves are jumbo-sized for the ability to define, shape, and fill in the lips. 

One side is the pencil lip colour, the other side is a brush to smooth out or blend the colour. 

These to me really aren't lip liners at all, more of a lipstick but for the sake of their name I will continue to call them liners. The pencil is so hugeee, and the colour is so pigmented you don't need to top it off with a lipstick at all.

 I really don't usually have a thing for lip liners because of their strong pencil scent, so at first I was like ehhh. But I quickly got over it. Once it's applied it didn't bother me, actually, you don't even notice the lip liner is on your lips at all. They are so light, matte, and non-sticky at all. I find myself being able to re-apply as often as I'd like without having to worry about sore lips later. The Plumpline Lip Liners all seem to be matte formulas.

The brush end really isn't necessary at all. I feel like it was a bit of a waste and I'd prefer to have a tiny bit more product. Also, I got really frustrated every time I opened the brush end thinking that it was the lip colour side when I was in a rush.

Stealth, Dolly Danger, Incognito, Restricted, Intrigue, Code Red, Anonymous Allure, Mystery

Swatches:

Lip Swatches:

Stealth

Dolly Danger

Incognito

Restricted

Intrigue

Code Red

Anonymous Allure

Mystery

I was surprised at how highly pigmented these were, and they are quite matte! I love a matte lip and I'm so happy with how all of these shades look. If I had to choose 3 favourites, they'd be 'Incognito (warm nude), Dolly Danger (mauve pink), and Restricted' (rose red). I think the only one that didn't flatter my skin tone or lips was Intrigue. I think it made my lips pop way too much and I just wasn't feeling this one.

In regards to the plumping aspect, I DID notice my lips were quite full when I applied these. However, I do already have full lips so take that with a grain of salt. There is no tingling effect or anything, and I notice the plumpness instantly, so it must be something in the actual colour itself that gives the 'plump' look. OR it's just an illusion because the shades are so matte (will we ever know?!).

I found myself wearing these daily and not having to worry about transfer or any major smudging. As I mentioned, they are light, matte, and don't give me major dry or sore lips. For darker shades it's a little more concerning, but it does take a bit (of eating) to see any real reason to reapply. Overall I'd definitely purchase one again when I run out. I think it's an interesting product and definitely something to at least try once. $20 CAD isn't too bad and I have no doubt that one will last me a long time. The Buxom Plumpline Liners are available at Sephora stores and Sephora.ca.

These products were received for consideration. All opinions are my own and are never influenced by anyone.