As a beauty blogger, I experience so much joy when I try a new brand. However, I feel even more joy when I finally finish beauty products in my super huge beauty collection. Moreover, I am constantly working hard to use up what I own through my comprehensive inventory system, periodic No-Buys, and yearlong Project Pans. In today’s post, I’m sharing my Summer 2019 Beauty empties.
Keep reading for my honest thoughts on the products that I used up for my Summer 2019 Beauty empties!
My Summer 2019 Beauty Empties
Tons of finished base products & peep that completely panned bronzer
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Makeup Empties
Makeup is consistently the hardest category of products to use up. As such, this is the smallest section within my Summer 2019 Beauty Empties Roundup.
Bobbi Brown – Primer Radiance Plus SPF35 Deluxe Mini | $5.00
Although Bobbi Brown is an OG beauty brand and renowned makeup artist, I tried very little from the brand. However, I was excited to try this Deluxe Sample of the Primer Radiance Plus SPF35.
All in all, I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this Bobbi Brown primer. It provided my skin with such a luminous glow without looking shiny or feeling greasy. This primer worked well under foundation and on its own.
L’Oreal True Match Foundation (N3 Natural Buff) | $6.99
The L’Oreal True Match Foundation stands the test of time for many reasons. First, it is affordable. Second, it has an expansive shade range that is flattering for many skin types.
Overall, this medium coverage foundation makes skin look like skin in the most radiant, natural way. That being said, I am not planning to repurchase at this time. Ultimately, I have too many foundations. However, I’d consider purchasing it in the future. Check out my full review on the L’Oreal True Match Foundation or read my foundation ranking for oily skin.
Maybelline – Age Rewind Concealer (120N & Brightener) | $9.99
The Maybelline Age Rewind Concealer is a cult classic for many reasons. First, this affordable concealer brightens and conceals the under eye without sinking into fine lines. Second, it never looks cakey, nor does it crease.
Although these concealers have been my staples for years, I am not planning to repurchase the Age Rewind Concealer at this time. Instead, I’ve been on a concealer kick… testing out tons of drugstore and high-end formulas. Check out my concealer ranking for dark circles.
Milani – Prime Shield Face Primer – Mattifying & Pore Minimizing | $8.97 (CF)
Although Milani is one of my favorite brands at the drug store, I felt mixed about the Prime Shield Face Primer. More specifically, I didn’t find this primer was mattifying. Also, The Prime Shield Primer did minimize the appearance of my pores. However, this primer played well under foundations or worn overtop a moisturizer, but I wasn’t wowed. Read my primer ranking for oily skin.
Milani -Make It Last Setting Spray Prime + Correct + SE | $9.99 (CF)
After trying a free travel in Beautycon L.A. 2018 hauler bag, I purchased the Milani Make It Last Setting Spray at Ulta. In the end, I enjoy this setting spray. However, I do not love this setting spray more than my higher end sprays.For this reason, I’m not in a rush to repurchase this spray. Click here to read about my favorite new setting spray.
Milk Makeup – KUSH High Volume Mascara Mini | $12.00 (CF)
The Milk Makeup KUSH High Volume Mascara* is my current holy grail mascara. Overall, I love how this mascara lifts, volumizes, and lengthens my lashes. Although this mascara is not waterproof, it lasts all day without smudging or crumbling. I’ve already repurchased a full-size of this mascara. Check out my mascara collection.
Ofra – Micro Makeup Fixer (Travel Size) | $7.33 (CF)
I purchased the Ofra Makeup Fixer as a part of a travel set that contained a mini of the Pillow Talk Highlighter,* Treasure Long Lasting Liquid Lipstick, and the Micro Fixer Setting Spray. I was surprised by Ofra Spray’s ability to hold my makeup in place.
Physician’s Formula – Butter Bronzer | $17.00 (CF)
The Physician’s Formula Butter Bronzer is my ultimate favorite bronzer. I am beyond excited that I finished the Butter Bronzer. In fact, this is the first bronzer I’ve completely used up! I will 100% repurchase this in the future because I do miss it! See where this bad boy landed in my ultimate bronzer ranking.
POP Beauty – Kajal Pen (Sooty Black) | $6.00 (CF)
POP Beauty is a sister brand to the beloved, Pixi Beauty. I received several free Kajal pens at Beautycon LA 2018 and Beautycon NYC 2019. However, I would not repurchase these liners due to the extremely limited retail distribution.
Sephora – Brow Enhancer Matte Brow Highlighter | $12.75 – now discontinued
The Sephora Brow Enhancer Matte Brow Highlighter Pencil has been one of the most steadfast beauty buys in my collection. In fact, I purchased this product in 2017 and have used it nearly every day for the past 2 years. At $12.75, this was well worth the price tag.
That being said, I’m not planning to repurchase because I received a free matte brow bone highlighter from The BrowGal in my Beautycon NYC 2019 Makegood package.
Urban Decay – Mini Quick Fix Hydra Charged Complexion Prep Priming Spray | $4.00 (CF)
At Beautycon LA, I received a mini of the Urban Decay Quick Fix Hydra Charged Complexion Prep Priming Spray.* Although this felt pleasant on the skin, I didn’t notice a huge difference when using this before applying my foundation so I will not repurchase.
Tons of face & body skincare empties
Skincare Empties
As an oily-skinned gal that is prone to breakouts, I use my fair share of skincare products every day. As a gal in my twenties, I’m now trying to fight the signs of aging. Skincare is consistently the largest section in my Summer 2019 Beauty Empties Round-Up.
Bath and Bodyworks – AT THE BEACH Ultra Shea Body Cream | $13.00
I finally finished the Bath and Bodyworks At The Beach Ultra Shea Body Cream after receiving this as a Christmas gift. The moisturizer was fine. It didn’t provide the most long-lasting hydration nor did I love the scent.
Although this is quite affordable, I wouldn’t repurchase because I am unsure how I feel about Bath and Bodyworks’ parent company, L Brands.
Beauty Blender – Blendercleanser Solid Trial Size | $8.00 (CF)
The Beauty Blender Blendercleanser Solid sponge cleanser is ridiculously expensive. However, it is worth the price tag. Although the cleanser may look like a normal bar of soap, it melts away soaked in and caked-on makeup with the utmost ease. All in all, it makes cleaning my makeup sponges easy and quick.
Bioderma – Sensibio H20 Micellar Water | $9.90
The Bioderma Sensibio H20 Micellar Water made me remember how much I love micellar waters. They work well for removing makeup on my oily skin. More specifically, the Sensibio H20 Micellar Water left me feeling refreshed and clean.
However,I will not repurchase because it is not Cruelty-Free. P.S. although I am not Cruelty-Free, I am trying to make CF options where possible.
Boscia – Cactus Water Moisturizer Sample | $11.98
I received a free deluxe sample of the Boscia Cactus Water Moisturizer* this past Spring. Compared to other gel-cream moisturizers I’ve used, Boscia’s Cactus Water Moisturizer has a much thicker consistency. Overall, I was pleased with how the Cactus Water Moisturizer left my skin feeling plump and hydrated without making me break out.
Dove – Body Wash Mousse with Rose Oil | $5.99
I received the Dove Body Wash Mousse with Rose Oil in my Beautycon NYC ’19 Haul Bag. The Dove Mousse felt hydrating and smelled beautifully of rose. I wouldn’t buy this on my own, because I don’t typically buy body mousses or gels like this.
First Aid Beauty – Ultra Repair Cannabis & Oat Dry Oil | $4.80
I received the First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cannabis & Oat Dry Oil Mini as part of a skincare sampler at Sephora. While I did enjoy this oil, I did not reach for it enough to feel inspired to repurchase it.
Ren – Mini Evercalm Anti-Redness Serum | $16.00 (CF)
I purchased a mini of the Ren Evercalm Anti-Redness Serum as part of a value set at Sephora early in 2019. I heard great things about the brand.
I’m glad to say that the Anti-Redness Serum lived up to the hype. While I don’t have Rosacea, I do have sensitive skin that is prone to irritation and has redness from old acne marks. The Anti-Redness Serum worked to give my skin an overall more even skin tone.
Ren – Mini Evercalm Gentile Cleansing Milk | $7.00 (CF)
I was hoping to love the Red Evercalm Gentle Cleansing Milk* but ultimately felt unsure about this ultra-gentile cleanser. Based on my skin needs and makeup habits, the Evercalm Gentle Cleansing Milk did not do enough to thoroughly clean my skin. It did not remove impurities and makeup residue as well as my beloved Fresh Soy Face Cleanser.
Ren – Mini Evercalm Global Protection Day Cream | $13.50 (CF)
The Mini Global Protection Day Cream* was a surprise hit. Normally my skin does not respond well to cream-based moisturizers. However, this lightweight cream moisturizer worked well to lock in moisture without clogging my pores.
Ren – Mini Evercalm Ultra Comforting Rescue Mask | $5.00 (CF)
Ren is a clean beauty brand I’ve been excited to explore this past year. The Ultra Comforting Rescue Mask* was a lifesaver for my skin when I was badly broken out and my face looked blotchy and inflamed in areas. I would certainly consider purchasing a full-size.
Mario Badescu – Lavender Facial Spray | $7.00 (CF)
After years of reading and watching rave reviews about Mario Badescu, I jumped at the chance to try one of the brand’s famous facial sprays when I saw minis on sale at Nordstrom Rack. Unfortunately, I didn’t love this spray because the nozzle squirts out the spray unevenly and inconsistently.
Neutrogena – Hydro Boost Hydrating Overnight Gel Mask | $3.49
Like so many things I’ve finished or decluttered, I received the Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Overnight Gel Mask at Beautycon, specifically from CVS Health at Beautycon L.A.
To date, I’ve enjoyed and been impressed with everything I’ve tried from the Neutrogena Hydro Boost line. I wholeheartedly believe that this line is one of the BEST affordable options at the drugstore. Also, the Overnight Gel Mask is a thick gel moisturizer that is left on overnight to lock in hydration. The mask leaves the skin feeling supple! I would certainly purchase.
sheaMoisture – African Black Soap Problem Skin Face Mask | $5.99 (CF) – now discontinued
I purchased the African Black Soap Face Mask from sheaMoisture at nearly a year ago at Marshalls. This affordable, cruelty-free brand offered a mask that seemed like it could be a dupe for the Origin’s Black Charcoal Mask.
While this mask does work to clarify the skin, it is by no means a dupe for the Origin’s Black Charcoal Mask. I am not planning to repurchase at this time.
Simple – Facial Cleansing Wipes (7 Pack) | $2.99 (CF)
Like many of the products on this list, the Simple Facial Cleansing Wipes (discontinued) were a freebie that I received from Beautycon. These wipes were gentle but effective at removing makeup.
Given that I try not to purchase single-use makeup wipes, I would not repurchase. However, I do recommend Simple Micellar Water!
SkinThesis by Dermstore – Daily Cleanser
Like so many other items on this empties list, I received the SkinThesis Daily Cleanser in my Beautycon LA ’18 Haul Bag. Weirdly enough, I can’t find this product anywhere online.
I’m not sure if this wash is still sold or whether it is cruelty-free. This wash lasted me months and was gentle, but effective at cleansing the skin.
Sol de Janeiro – Bum Bum Cream Deluxe Sample | $6.67 (CF)
Once again, I hate that I love Sol de Janeiro due to the brand’s expensive price point. The Bum Bum Cream* is a lightweight moisturizer that packs a punch. Also, the cream locks in lasting hydration and gives the appearance of more radiant, firm looking skin.
Additionally, the cream has a deliciously warm, sweet, coconut smell that lingers on the skin. I would certainly repurchase a full size of this cream.
A few full-sized haircare empties
Haircare Empties
Due to my scalp issues, I wash my hair nearly every day. I constantly switch shampoos so that my scalp doesn’t suffer from excessive product buildup. Some of these finished hair products have been in rotation since last year, but I’m finally finishing them now. I didn’t fly through all of the below in 3 months.
Amica – Triple Rx Shampoo | $9.99 (CF)
Amica’s Triple Rx Shampoo was an amazing find at Marshalls (for my European friends, the sister company to T.J. Maxx/T.K. Maxx). To my knowledge, it appears that this shampoo has been discontinued or repackaged, so I cannot repurchase this exact product.
I will happily try more from Amica. This was the BEST smelling Shampoo I’ve ever used.
Briogeo – Scalp Revival Charcoal + Coconut Micro-exfoliating Shampoo | $42.00 (CF)
I purchased the Briogeo Scalp Revival Charcoal + Coconut Micro-exfoliating Shampoo at the start of 2019. I have an incredibly sensitive scalp. This shampoo worked wonders for my scalp by cleaning it without stripping it.
However, I will caution that potential users should only use this shampoo 1-2X a week. Frequent use can dry out hair. Also, this is an expensive product. I wish the shampoo came in more traditional packaging, but I will still repurchase.
DNA Hair Tools – Argan Shampoo & Conditioner | $45.00 (each)
I received the DNA Hair Tools Argan Shampoo & Conditioner as freebies with a purchase of a straightening brush at Beautycon NYC this past year. Surprisingly, this shampoo and conditioner worked well on my hair but I would not repurchase given the steep price tag.
Love Beauty and Planet – Coconut Milk & White Jasmine Shampoo | $6.89 (CF)
When I first received the Love Beauty and Planet Coconut Milk & White Jasmine Shampoo at Beautycon NYC 2019, I was super salty given that my hair isn’t exactly curly. That being said, this Shampoo is wavy hair-friendly. My hair looked thick and luscious. I had defined waves with the body after using this shampoo. Definitely planning to repurchase.
sheaMoisture – 100% Virgin Coconut Oil Leave-In Treatment | $12.99 (CF)
Like so many other items on this list, I received the sheaMoisture 100% Virgin Coconut Oil Leave-In Treatment at Beautycon L.A. in 2018. This is an amazing, lightweight moisturizer that is super affordable and Cruelty-Free. I would certainly repurchase in the future.
System Professional – Volumize Shampoo | $37.99
I received the System Professional Volumize Shampoo for testing via Influenster. Let me tell you: this shampoo is a thin-haired gal’s best friend! This shampoo really does add mega volume to the hair and cleans it without stripping it or irritating my scalp.
Empties Total
Products Used Up: 39
Product Value: $483.69
Final Thoughts on My Summer 2019 Beauty Empties
Per usual, by the time I wrote my Summer 2019 Beauty Empties, I finished way more skincare and haircare products compared to makeup. Overall, it is much easier to finish personal care products than makeup items.
Similarly to previous empties round-ups, my biggest issue is that I continue to bring in more products compared to what I finish. Therefore, while I finished 13 products per month, I purchase more than that each month.
The above being said, it is telling that I would not rush out to purchase many of these products. Moreover, there are products I wouldn’t even purchase at all. Also, much of what I finished was a free mini, sample or something I received as part of a gift bag. This begs the question: are hauler bags for beauty events really worth it, if I don’t love enough of the products?
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Enjoy my Summer 2019 Beauty Empties roundup? Check out my previous Winter Empties or Spring Empties posts. Need some decluttering Inspo? Check out my massing mid-year declutter.
Have you tried any of these products before? What products did you use up this Summer? Please let me know in the comments below.