Spring 2019 | Major Beauty Empties Roundup June 27, 2019
As a beauty lover, I am constantly trying new beauty products. However, over the past 2-3 years, I’ve been attempting to reign in my shopping, as well as work through what I own. By shopping my stash, creating a comprehensive inventory system, periodic No-Buy challenges, and yearlong Project Pans, I am aiming to make a dent in my huge beauty collection. Please keep reading my most recent major beauty empties roundup.
The below beauty products were finished over the last three months, between March – June 2019. Keep reading to learn about what I finished and whether I’d repurchase these items.
Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links (*). If you purchase by clicking on my links, I may be compensated at no additional cost to you.
Makeup Empties
Makeup is the hardest category of beauty products to finish. As a result, my makeup empties are typically the smallest sections of my massive beauty empties roundups. However, certain makeup items are easier to finish. For example, mascara, eyeliner, brow pencils, and complexion products.
Hourglass – Be Cautious Mascara Mini | $14.50 (CF)
I received two samples of the Hourglass Be Cautious Extreme Mascaras* in my Hauler Bag from Beautycon L.A. ’18. This mascara did a great job at adding length and separation to my lashes. However, I prefer formulas that lift and add volume to my lashes.
Repurchase: No
Kat Von D – Tattoo Liner in Trooper | $20.00 (CF)
Finishing my Kat Von D Tattoo Liner* felt quite bittersweet. I love this eyeliner. Also, this liquid liner is one of the easiest to apply and longest lasting on my eyes.
Repurchase: Yes
L.A. Girl – Ultimate Stay Autoliner in Nonstop Nude | $7.00 (CF)
I received the L.A. Girl Ultimate Stay Autoliner in Nonstop Nude* at Beautycon NYC ’18. Spoiler: I’m thrilled that I received this!
First, this liner is long-lasting, easy to apply, and pigmented. Second, the shade is a close dupe for the Kylie Cosmetics Dolce K lip liner. However, I recommend applying this overtop a lip balm.
Repurchase: Not at this time
L’OREAL – Brow Stylist® Boost & Set™ Volumizing Brow Mascara (Clear) | $10.99
After finishing my Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Gel, I set out to try a less expensive drugstore alternative.
I was surprised by how much I enjoyed the L’OREAL Brow Stylist Boost & Set Volumizing Clear Brow Gel. First, the wand is small and great for setting the brows and adding a bit of volume. Second, this formula isn’t as stiff or long-lasting as the ABH Brow Gel. However, I preferred the lighter hold and smaller wand.
Repurchase: Not at this time
MAC – Prep + Prime Fix+ Setting Spray | $28.00
In theory, I’m supposed to despise the MAC Prep + Prime Fix+ Setting Spray* because I have oily skin. However, this is a definite favorite – see where I ranked this setting spray. This particular spray provides a dewy finish to the skin. No other setting spray melts my powder makeup quite like Fix+.
Repurchase: Yes
NYX – HD Shadow Base | $6.99 (CF)
The NYX HD Shadow Base is quite comparable to the Too Faced Shadow Insurance. For example, the formula is very lightweight and thin. However, this eye primer is not as good as my Urban Decay Primer potion or my Milani Eyeshadow Primer.
Repurchase: No
NYX – Micro Brow Pencil in Chocolate | $12.50 (CF)
The NYX Micro Brow Pencil in Chocolate is an awesome dupe for the Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz. Moreover, it is easy to apply, pigmented, and long-wearing.
That being said, I’m currently using a prestige pencil that I prefer more. Also, this particular shade was too warm for my hair color. I need something with a cooler undertone.
Repurchase: No
Sephora Collection – Contour Eye Pencil 24-Hour Wear in Boyfriend’s Jeans | $2.00
The Sephora Contour Eye Pencil in Boyfriend’s Jeans is the oldest eyeliner in my collection. In fact, I received this mini in a Sephora Play box back in 2016. However, I was surprised by how much I loved this eyeliner.
Although this is described as an electric blue, this pencil looks navy on the eyelids. Also, Boyfriend’s Jeans was pigmented and easy to apply on the eye. More importantly, it lasted all day (whether applied on the lid or in the waterline).
Repurchase: Not at this time
Skincare Empties
As usual, skincare comprises the largest section of my massive beauty empties roundup. Not only do I use skincare the most regularly, but I often receive a ton of deluxe-size samples. Obviously, samples or mini products are much easier to work through than full-sized products.
Amlactin – Rapid Relief Restore Lotion Mini | $3.72
I received this mini Rapid Relief Restore Lotion from Amlactin during Beautycon NYC ’19. This moisturizer restored my skin and left it feeling supple. That being said, the scent of this lotion is repugnant. In fact, the smell reminded me of expired products.
Repurchase: No
C’Est Moi – Purifying Charcoal Clay Facial Mask Single
I received the C’Est Moi Purifying Charcoal Clay Facial Mask single in my Beautycon Haul bag this year. Initially, I was excited to try this product. All-in-all, this mask did a great job at clarifying my oily skin after a long weekend of travel.
Repurchase: Not at this time
Caudalie – Vino Perfect Radiance Serum Mini | $26.33
I received the mini Caudalie Vino Perfect Radiance Serum* in a Skincare Minis bundle from Sephora this past December. Honestly, I was surprised at how much I enjoyed this product.
Unlike Vitamin C-based serums, the powerful brightening ingredient in this serum is Viniferine GrapeVine Sap. Immediately upon application, I saw a clear improvement in the overall brightness. Also, my skin texture felt much more soft and smooth. Additionally, the Vino Perfect Radiance Serum left my skin feeling plump and hydrated.
Repurchase: YES!
CotZ – Prime and Protect Tinted Sunscreen SPF 40 Sample |$8.86 (CF)
I received a free sample of the CoTz Prime and Protect Tinted Sunscreen* at Beautycon NYC ’19. This sunscreen was lightweight, non-greasy, and played well with other products. No pilling, no strange white film. Honestly, this could work effectively as a primer and a sunscreen.
Repurchase: Not at this time
(2) Drunk Elephant – B-Hydra Serum Mini | $8.32 (CF)
I finished my second B-Hydra Serum*. My feelings on this serum haven’t changed. This is a great hydrating serum to use as a mixing medium when using other lightweight serums. I’d be open to purchasing this again. However, I’m not rushing out to get this.
Repurchase: Not at this time
Drunk Elephant – C-Tango Multivitamin Eye Cream Mini | $21.33 (CF)
The Drunk Elephant C-Tango Multivitamin Eye Cream* is a classic eye cream. I didn’t see any brightening effects, but this did moisturize my under-eye area. I preferred to use this as my nighttime cream.
Repurchase: No
Drunk Elephant – Lala Retro Whipped Cream Mini | $18.00 USD (CF)
This Mini Drunk Elephant Lala Retro Whipped Cream* was a delightful discovery. In fact, this is the first cream moisturizer that I have used consistently without experiencing any breakouts. Moreover, this all-purpose cream is meant to moisturize and prevent signs of aging.
Repurchase: Not at this time
Drunk Elephant – Protini Polypeptide Creme Mini | $20.00 (CF)
The Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Moisturizer* is a hydrating, lightweight gel moisturizer that helps to combat dryness, restore firmness and elasticity, and prevent signs of aging.
Repurchase: Maybe
Drunk Elephant – Shaba Complex Eye Serum Mini | $20.00 (CF)
Of the two Drunk Elephant Eye Creams, I preferred the Shaba Complex Eye Serum.* The formula was very lightweight, but powerful in hydrating and brightening the appearance of my eye area.
I applied this under my eye and around my orbital bone in the mornings. Although this is pricey, half a pump was sufficient for me to use on both eyes. This cream lasted me for several months, despite the tiny size.
Repurchase: No
Farmacy – Green Clean Makeup Meltaway Cleansing Balm with Echinacea GreenEnvy™ Deluxe Mini | $5.28 (CF)
Like many of the other products on this list, I received a deluxe sample of the Farmacy Green Clean Makeup Meltaway Cleansing Balm* for free. Despite my self-proclaimed status as a skincare junkie, I had not tried any products from Farmacy until snagging this freebie.
Although I enjoyed this balm, I needed to use a lot of product to actually remove all of my makeup. Given how well the Pond’s Cold Cream works to remove makeup, I have a harder time justifying paying the full price for this premium product.
Repurchase: Not at this time
Fourth Ray – Cleansing Duo Mini Set | $10.00 (CF)
I received the Fourth Ray Cleansing Duo Mini Set for free during a ColourPop purchase earlier this year. Had I not been given these deluxe mini products, I would not have tried the brand.
After using the cleanser and the makeup remover oil, I can say with certainty that I would not repurchase the facial cleanser. It was too drying on the skin.
Repurchase: No
Gold Bond – Overnight Hand & Body Lotion | $7.99 (CF)
I received the Gold Bond Overnight Hand & Body Lotion* from Influenster in January. I was totally blown away at how effective this body lotion was at locking in hydration without leaving my skin feeling sticky.
Repurchase: Not at this time
LUSH – Dream Cream Body Lotion | $8.65 (CF)
LUSH’s Dream Cream Body Lotion was gifted to me for my birthday. I love LUSH’s haircare products. However, I’ve tried very little of the brand’s skincare. The Dream Cream Body Lotion is a super lightweight, calming body lotion containing oat milk, chamomile, and lavender.
In terms of the consistency, this is a liquid-like formula that leaves the skin feeling a little damp, but eventually dries down. This is a fantastic moisturizer for individuals with sensitive, itch-prone skin.
Repurchase: Maybe
Patchology – moodpatch Perk Up Eye Gels | $3.00 (CF) – now discontinued
I received the Patchology moodpatch Perk Up Eye Gels for free at the Patchology Booth at Beautycon NYC ’19. These green tea-infused eye patches promise to re-energize and de-puff the under-eye area while making the skin look brighter. However, I just don’t tend to buy single-use masks.
Repurchase: No
Philosophy – Purity Made Simple Ultra Lightweight Moisturizer Deluxe Mini | $1.24
Honestly, this sample of the Purity Made Simple Moisturizer was too small to make an impression on me. I love that Philosophy makes products that are intended to be gentle on the skin.
Repurchase: No
Pixi by Petra – Rose Flash Balm Mini | $7.33 (CF)
Although I knew this product had a rose scent, I didn’t realize that the Rose Flash Balm scent would be so overpowering. As a whole, this balm was underwhelming. It gave my skin a hydrated, radiant, plump look.
However, this balm does not play well with other products. On the days I used the Rose Flash Balm, my complexion products balled up. Also, the balm made products sit on my skin strangely, while adding unwanted texture. Therefore, I recommend using this as a nighttime cream, rather than in the morning.
Repurchase: No
Pixi by Petra – Rose Cream Cleanser | $7.33 (CF)
Unlike the Rose Balm, the Rose Cream Cleanser has a much less overpowering scent compared to the balm. Also, this cleanser is meant to leave the skin feeling softer and stronger. However, I didn’t notice much of a difference using this cleanser versus the other cleansers in my collection.
Repurchase: No
Pixi by Petra – Rose Tonic Mini | $7.34 (CF)
Out of the three Rose Collection minis from Pixi that I tried this Spring, I loved the Rose Tonic the most. It left my skin feeling hydrated, balanced, and radiant. However, I have other toners I am working through at this time.
Repurchase: No
NNCC – Black Pearl Revitalizing Mask Single Sample
Even though I’m not calculating the cost for this single-use peel off mask sample from NNCC, I am still including this in my yearlong Project Pan count. Peel off masks are not the most effective for my skin type. Also, regular use of peel off masks can result in premature aging.
Repurchase: No
Raw Sugar – Raw Coconut + Mango Lip Scrub Sample (CF) – now discontinued
Prior to attending Beautycon NYC, I never heard of Raw Sugar. The brand is organic and eco-friendly with plant-derived products. The Raw Coconut + Mango Lip Scrub worked well at scrubbing away dead skin without leaving my lips feeling raw.
Repurchase: Maybe
Raw Sugar – Raw Coconut + Mango Simply Body Wash Sample | $0.96 (CF)
The Raw Coconut + Mango Simply Body Wash Deluxe Sample smelled so wonderful and left my skin feeling nourished. A small amount of product went a long way. Despite these positives, I don’t purchase body wash so I would not repurchase.
Repurchase: No
(2) Sol de Janeiro – Bum Bum Cream Deluxe Sample | $6.67 (CF)
Are the Sol de Janeiro body creams worth the hype? Yes. The Brazilian Bum Bum Cream* leaves the skin feeling hydrated and supple. The scent is warm, sweet coconut – much sweeter than the Coco Cabana Cream. This is long-lasting, but for whatever reason I found the Coco Cabana Cream to be more hydrating (and even longer-lasting) than the OG Bum Bum cream.
Repurchase: Maybe
(3) Sol de Janeiro – Coco Cabana Cream Deluxe Sample | $13.34 USD (CF)
I HATE that I love the Sol de Janeiro Coco Cabana Cream.* It is an expensive oil-in-water gel cream that felt like pudding. The Coco Cabana Cream left my skin feeling hydrated, plump, and luscious. The cream has a long-lasting, warm, coconut and butter smell. This cream was reformulated in 2019, so I’d love to try the new formula.
Repurchase: Yes
Sunday Riley – C.E.O. Rapid Flash Brightening Serum Deluxe Mini | $14.17 (CF)
I received a deluxe sample of the Sunday Riley C.E.O. Rapid Flash Brightening Serum* in a deluxe skin sampler set from Sephora. I used the C.E.O. Rapid Flash Brightening Serum as a part of my nighttime skincare routine, but I wasn’t blown away with the results.
Repurchase: No
Haircare Empties
I POWER through shampoo and conditioner, so a large portion of my massive beauty empties round up consists haircare. I have a sensitive scalp that is prone to itching (which triggers hair loss). Also, I have dry, frizzy hair that is in need of some major love (and a haircut).
Herbal Essence – Smooth Lisse Shampoo and Conditioner | $7.99 (each) – now discontinued
The Herbal Essence Shampoo and Conditioner have been lingering in my shower for some time. These are the products I keep on-hand as backups. I appreciate that these do not irritate my scalp.
Repurchase: Not at this time
L’OREAL – ELVIVE Total Repair Rapid Reviver Deep Conditioner | $5.99
I grabbed the L’OREAL ELVIVE Total Repair Rapid Reviver Deep Conditioner on a whim while pursuing the aisles of CVS. I enjoyed this conditioner. However, I ran through it SO quickly (less than one month’s time).
Repurchase: Not at this time
L’OREAL – Everpure Deep Nourish Conditioner | $8.99
The L’OREAL Everpure Deep Nourish Conditioner is a hyped-up conditioner at the drugstore for a good reason. It is affordable, it is sulfate-free, and it smells great. This conditioner provides lasting moisture without weighing down the hair. On occasion, I’ve even used this conditioner as an all-over hair mask.
Repurchase: Not at this time
Pantene – ProV Blends Charcoal Shampoo | $7.19
I haven’t bought any hair products from Pantene in nearly five or six years, but I stopped in my tracks when I saw the new ProV Blends Charcoal Shampoo on the shelves at my local CVS.
As someone with scalp issues, I love a good charcoal shampoo. I was happily surprised by how well this shampoo worked! I still prefer my Briogeo and LUSH shampoos, but this is a great, affordable option.
Repurchase: Yes
Pantene – ProV Blends Micellar Conditioner | $7.19
I snagged the Pantene ProV Blends Micellar Conditioner when I picked up the Charcoal Shampoo at CVS. I loved the fresh, clean scent that this deposited on my hair. This conditioner left my hair feeling soft without weighing it down.
Repurchase: Yes
System Professional – Hydrate Conditioner | $37.99
I received the System Professional Hydrate Conditioner via Influenster for trial and review. I loved the luxe-looking packaging, the floral fragrance, and that the conditioner did not irritate my scalp. I would not repurchase this conditioner due to the ingredients (Suflates, Alcohols, etc) and the expensive price-point.
Repurchase: No
White Rain – Moisturizing Apple Blossom Shampoo | $2.79
I was in need of an inexpensive shampoo. I was quickly plowing through my beloved Briogeo shampoo. Surprisingly, this didn’t irritate my scalp. I wouldn’t go out of my way to buy the Moisturizing Apple Blossom Shampoo. It didn’t moisturize my hair and I didn’t love the potent scent.
Repurchase: In a Pinch
Spring Empties Total
Products Used Up: 44
Product Value: $399.30
Final Thoughts on my Major Beauty Empties Roundup
With so many major life changes happening around me, I let myself slip into back into bad habits of overconsumption. As a result, my collection is still super large despite the massive beauty empties I amassed. My beauty spending EXPLODED far beyond what it should have been given my financial situation. Oddly enough, more I stressed about money… the more I anxiously spent.
As my collection currently stands, I have way more products than will fit in my makeup organizer. I received a large goodie bag from Beautycon, so the drastic increase in my beauty collection is not entirely related to my spending. Nevertheless, I am troubled by the fact that my collection no longer fits entirely in my storage.
Even though I purchased more items than I moved out of my collection, I am proud of how much I was able to work through this past Spring. Within my massive beauty empties hoard, the bulk of my empties were skincare and haircare. I wish I could work through makeup at the same rate.
To-date, I finished 61 products, valued at $707.95. I am actively working on another 11 products which I anticipate finishing this summer.
Let’s connect on social media: Instagram | Twitter | Pinterest | Bloglovin’ | Influenster
Love empties posts and mini-reviews? Check out my previous Winter Empties review roundup. Looking for even more decluttering or project pan inspo? Check out my 2018 Yearlong Project Pan Finale and my 2018 Year-End Declutter.
Have you tried any of these products before? What products did you use up this Spring? Please let me know in the comments below.
beauty beauty blogger beauty review cosmetics empties makeup makeup haul products I've used up project pan skincare
I need to do a huge declutter!!!
I felt such a huge wave of relief getting rid of all these things that I wasn’t using! Really hope to have a smaller collection by the end of the year… between my decluttering and my empties! 🙂
You are amazing! Even though you still overspent recently, you are aware of it, and that’s part of the battle. I think it’s so easy for us to overspend these days. All the credit we get. Special offers. Shopping online. I’d never go out shopping and fill up my entire car like I may do with online shopping. You are definitely not alone, LP, but you are also most definitely getting there! Great use-it-ups!
I agree – online shopping has really been the death of me and credit cards make it so easy to swipe away without really thinking much about where my money is really going. I’ve definitely noticed that my urge to shop has been less since giving up YouTube though… which is something I had discovered last time I gave up YouTube, so I’m going to have to find healthier ways to watch the content I like without feeling the need to spend money all the time!
Wow that’s an amazing amount of products to get through in three months, you’re being so conscious on using products and not wasting them that you’re doing super well! I love how in-depth you are and once again you’re giving me products I want to add to my list to buy! I definitely want to try the LA Girl lip liners as I have heard so many amazing things about them! And also the L’Oreal brow gel because I’m running low on my Benefit Gimme brow and can’t bring myself to buy a new one! I can’t wait to see your next update in a few months to see what else you’ve gotten through!
Alex xx
Thanks, girl! I wish I had more cosmetics products in this round up… they truly are the hardest things to get through. What kills me though is that so many of these items are things that I never even paid for and likely wouldn’t have tried if I didn’t receive them for free! So I’m beginning to have mixed feelings on “haul bags” that events give attendees… like they’re nice to receive but at the same time, they make it so difficult for me to get my collection down to a manageable size.
Yeah I completely get that, because sometimes you want to keep things because they were free
EXACTLY! Plus, me being me… I like trying new brands lol! Gotta work on that…
Oh boy there’s so much to love here! I’m eager to look into that NYX brow pencil as J was a fan of the ABH brow wiz but not enough to repurchase it for the price, lol! I love a good body lotion and I’ve surprisingly never tried Lush, so I’d love to give this one a try as well! Thanks for sharing all these goodies! ❤️
Geraldine | https://geraldinetalks.com
The NYX pencil was def an awesome dupe for the formula (although my pencil was a little too warm in color for me). BUT I’ve heard that ABH has sold the Brow Wiz for half price during the last few 21 Days of Beauty @ Ulta, so def something to check out if you really like it but don’t want to pay full price. 🙂
I do think NYX is very hit and miss, it tends to be my go to for make up as it is cruelty free.
You did a fantastic job of reviewing so many products in one post!
Thank you for sharing with us.
Alyssa
THESACREDSPACEAP.COM
I hope that one day every brand is cruelty-free, but thankfully there are more CF brands available at the drug store now like L.A. Girl, elf, CoverGirl, NYX, etc. 🙂 Thank you for your comment! <3
I love that you collected a lot of empties lately! Oooh, I need to look into a setting spray. I’ll look into the MAC version. YESSS on the facial masks! Charcoal and clay have been super trendy lately. I like that you are very diverse with your products and brands. Thanks for sharing your latest empties!
Nancy ♥ exquisitely.me
MAC Fix+ is such a good one – now they sell it in mini sizes and scented varieties, too! 🙂
Wow, girl, you’ve finished A LOT! Good job!!!
Ugh I’ve been working so hard – can’t wait to get to the point where I don’t feel so much pressure to finish things before they go off! X_X
Hopefully you’ll get to that point quickly ❤️
The NYX brow pencil is among my empties too- I love it so much I use it all the time!
It is such an underrated gem at the drugstore, isn’t it?? Although, when the ABH Brow Wiz goes on 50% off that is an amazing steal too! 😀
Ooh I’ll check that out too thanks for letting me know!