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What Beauty Products I'm Using Now: 'Empties' Edition

Posted by Alexandra C. | Wednesday June 20, 201217 comments


I mentioned in my Staff Skincare article that my skincare routine is constantly changing, so you've probably figured out that when it comes to products, I'm not exactly married to them. If you're like me, you're constantly on the hunt for that next "perfect" product that really works for you. Whether it be in beauty, skincare or in body, I go through many different brands and products on my never-ending search. 

Only, I find that I lose track of what I am using and often a product gets left off to the side to never be used again. Then, I end up going to the drugstore and spending even more money to repeat the same process. But, this stops now. 

I've decided to start shopping my own, already existing stash. Not only am I hoping to save money but I am also hoping to narrow down the items that actually, really do good for me and my face/body. Basically, I thought it would be interesting and helpful to start looking at what exactly I am using, when I am using it and if it works. 

So, I've rounded up 5 products that I have completely used up this month (i.e. my empties) and I'll let you know what's working, what it isn't and I'll link to full reviews in the title so you can make your own informed decision. 

Empty #1: Neutrogena Oil Free Acne Wash 
Price: C$8.99 


The Verdict: I like that this wash contains 2% salicylic acid to combat acne and that it's oil free. It has a pleasant smell, it's a fair price and it lathers nicely.

Repurchase? Yes, I would repurchase. Like I mentioned, I am not brand loyal so I'll try out different products before going back to this one, but I would buy this one again. 

Empty #2: John Frieda Frizz-Ease Secret Weapon Finishing Creme 
Price: C$10.79, on sale 


The Verdict: This is actually a sample I received, but even with this small amount (this one is 30 ml, full size is 115 ml) it took me a while to finish. You don't need a lot and it really does what it promises. It tamed my frizz and I had softer and smoother hair. I use this on both wet and dry hair and it I specifically liked it for after I straightened my hair. 
 
Repurchase? Yes! Definitely will. I've used other John Frieda products, but this is my favourite. I have some other hair products to use up but once I do, this will be stocked on my shelf. 

Empty #3: Nivea Calm & Care Anti - Perspirant (Roll-On, 50ml)  
Price: C$4.49, on sale 
 

The Verdict: Not a bad anti-perspirant, but it's not the product for me. It doesn't irritate skin, which is what it promises but I found in the sweating department, it just wasn't tough enough. 

Repurchase? No, I don't think I will. There are definitely other options out there that do a better job for me. 

Empty #4: Bio-Oil 
Price: C$29.99 for 200 ml 


The Verdict: A while back, we put out an article on 5 innovative uses for Bio-Oil and since then, I've been hooked on using this as an eye makeup remover and as a general moisturiser for any dry patches. I loved having this product in my medicine cabinet and I'm pretty sad to see it go. 

Repurchase? I've been debating repurchasing this one. I do like this product, but it's on the pricey side and I am still unsure of whether or not I should bite the bullet and pick it up. 

Empty #5: Joe Fresh Shine Lipstick in Kiss 
Price: C$6.00 


The Verdict: This was my go-to lipstick for a while because it was just so easy to wear. It's pigmented but sheer and glossy but not overly shiney. It feels like a combo lip balm/ lipstick and they come in some gorgeous colours. My only complaint is that it didn't last me longer. 

Repurchase? I think I will repurchase this one. I have a ton of lip colours though, so I think I will wait a while. This product also comes in a really pretty dark purple-red shade called Wine that I'm eyeing right now too. I figure, at $6, I can't really go wrong, right? 

What products are you using and loving (or not so much loving) right now? Do you have any recommendations for me? Leave a comment and write a review
More by Alexandra C.
More on Eyes, Lips, Face, Skin Care, Body

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17 Comments

on June 20, 2012  ellstar  5,009 said:

I always use up liquid eyeliner, Quo or Annabelle or Lancome, I kill them. That's about it, lol, or makeup remover and nail polish remover.

on June 20, 2012  fredamans  12,209 said:

I use Neutrogena everyday too, but just the bar.

on June 20, 2012  Aliza  13,966 said:

I recently just finished my same sample size of John Frieda Frizz Ease Secret Weapon Finishing Cream!

on June 20, 2012  KatelynRose1984  20,704 said:

I honestly don't think I've ever completely emptied a product in my house.. Horrible, I know! Well, except for deodorant. I put it on about 6 times a day, just for the smell - I'm kind of addicted! haha. I love the Neutrogena Oil Free Acne Wash. I used that quite often, before I changed over to Proactiv. Works great!

on June 20, 2012  mamaluv  STAFF said:

My 5 "empties": Burt's Bees Lemon Butter Cuticle Cream, CoverGirl LashBlast Mascara (prefer the orange one but am also quite in love with the yellow "Length" version too), Dove deo/AP (doesn't really matter which scent/version, they all are so moisturizing and gentle), Parissa Warm Wax, and Benefit Erase Paste for those undereyes!

I actually have more than 5 faves, but these are right at the top of the list.

on June 20, 2012  takoda  28,648 said:


I'm always trying new products and I've mentioned this
one kit a few time since last Dec. I keep coming back to the Olay Pro-X
Clear Acne Portocol kit for acne prone skin. It is pricey at $47.97 a
kit and the facile cleanser runs out way before the other two products
in this kit do, but it really does work for me. I've found that if I
don't use the cleanser twice a day and use another product at night I
can get the cleanser to stretch out for two months instead of just one
month. Like I said I bought my first kit back in Dec, but the other two
products in this kit only ran out about a month ago. I've had to buy two
more kits just to get the cleanser because they don't sell each product
on its own. I have talked to the company about this a few time and the
last time they did say there were thinking about making changes to this,
but sadly this still hasn't happened. Other then this kit I try
everything and anything I can get my hands on, but haven't found
anything else that works like this kit does yet.

on June 20, 2012  midnightsun2288  6,053 said:

I also have the bad habit of buying a lot of products and never really finishing them. I am always experimenting. For me some of my "empties" that I know I will repurchase are:
Carmex lime twist lip balm.I own like 3 so I can keep them handy. It works great and doesn't taste bad like original carmex.
Secret Clinical Strength Deodorant. I love the smell of this and it lasts all day.
and J'adore Dior Perfume. My new favorite perfume. I pretty much use this exclusively now I love the smell.
I am still on the hunt for a really good mascara and face moisturizer!

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