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.