In 2020, my goal is to reduce the size of my huge beauty collection. Although I know I’ll end up decluttering some products, my main goal is to use up as many products as possible. To see all the makeup, skincare, and haircare that I finished this winter, please keep reading to see my huge AF Beauty empties roundup.

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Makeup Empties

Dermablend – Translucent Loose Setting Powder Mini | $5.22, CF

The Dermablend Translucent Loose Setting Powder does a good job at setting my base and locking it into place all day. I like that this is a Talc-Free formula, but I did notice a white cast in photos. I have another back up of this powder in a full size that I received as a sample that I’d like to finish.

Kopari – Coconut Lip Glossy | $12.00, CF

I love the Kopari Coconut Lip Glossy* because it is the perfect hybrid between a gloss and a balm. In fact, the Kopari Lip Glossy became my go-to lip prep in the morning before applying makeup.

Moreover, I was amazed at how long this balm lasted. Despite heavy daily use, this balm lasted me over a year.

L.A. Girl – Gel Glide Liner in Whiten | $3.99, CF

The L.A. Girl Gel Glide Liner in Whiten was my go-to liner for lining my lower lash line. I love using white or nude liners to make my eyes look larger and more open. Check out my huge eyeliner collection.

MAC Cosmetics – Prep + Prime Fix Plus Deluxe Sample 

MAC Cosmetics’ Prep + Prime Fix Plus* is one of my all-time favorite setting sprays. In fact, it is my go-to for reviving my face after I’ve applied too much powder. Moreover, this spray breathes such life into the skin and melts makeup together in a natural way.

I still have one more deluxe sample of this spray that I will use up before repurchasing a new bottle. Additionally, I own quite a few other setting sprays and facial mists that I want to purchase before buying another bottle in the future. See my setting product ranking for oily skin.

Make Up For Ever – Mini Step 1 Skin Equalizer Primer | $17.00

I’ve used countless minis of the Make Up For Ever Mini Step 1 Skin Equalizer Primer.* The formula is mattifying without making the skin look dry or textured. While I enjoy this mattifying primer, I’ve never felt the pull to purchase a full-size version. Instead, check out this review on a Smashbox Primer I love or this post ranking primers for oily skin.

Maybelline – Fit Me Concealer in Fair | $8.29

Maybelline’s iconic Fit Me line of complexion products is one of the most high quality, inclusive affordable line of products sold at the drug store. Although the Fit Me Matte & Poreless Foundation has been a favorite of mine since I was a teenager, I did not try the brand’s well-loved Fit Me Concealer until 2019.

Fans of emollient formulas with light to medium coverage are sure to like the Fit Me Concealer.* It is a versatile concealer that works well on light makeup or full glam days. See where this landed in my concealer ranking for dark circles.

RELATED: Click here to read this review on one of my favorite drug store foundations.

Milani Eye Shadow Primer | $5.99, CF

Given that I have a full review of the Milani Eye Shadow Primer, I’ll keep my thoughts simple. This eye primer is an affordable dupe to Urban Decay’s Primer Potion.

Milk Makeup – KUSH Clear Brow Gel | $18.00, CF

I enjoyed the Milk Makeup KUSH Clear Brow Gel* for setting my brows into place without making them feel stiff. This is a light hold brow gel that will work on a variety of brows. I already have a backup of this brow gel in a mini size. See my small brow product collection.

Milk Makeup – Mini Blur Stick Matte Primer | $14.00, CF

At the end of 2018, I made it my mission to try out some of Milk Makeup’s cult-favorite products. At first, I did not love the Mini Blur Stick Matte Primer*, but I slowly grew to enjoy this blurring stick primer as a weightless, natural-looking primer that made my skin look less textured. Nevertheless, I’m not planning to repurchase.

Nudestix Tinted Blur Stick in Light 2 | $30.00, CF

To this day, I have mixed feelings on the Nudestix Tinted Blur Stick.* The formula looks fresh and skin-like. Also, from far away my skin looks blurred and perfected.

However, the Tinted Blur Stick does not blend well on the face. There are noticeable lines and patches where the product does not blend. Moreover, the formula is so emollient that it wears away at the slightest touch. Even on low activity days, the Tinted Blur Stick won’t last more than four hours before breaking apart on my oily skin. See where this foundation landed in my foundation ranking for oily skin.

Revlon – Candid Photoready Insta-Filter Foundation in 200 Nude | $17.99

I was surprised by how much I loved the Candid Photoready Insta-Filter Foundation from Revlon.* This foundation provides a beautiful natural finish that doesn’t get cakey or settle into fine lines.

However, as this foundation aged in my collection, I noticed that it did not apply as well over patches of dry skin. Additionally, the product would sometimes ball up when applied with a sponge. Therefore, I recommend using a sponge and brush combination for the most seamless application.

Thrive Causemetics – Brilliant Eye Brightener in Stella | $24.00, CF

Since opening my Thrive Causemetics Brilliant Eye Brightener last July, I used this brightening pencil nearly every single day. This creamy pencil works as a subtle inner corner highlight or brow bone highlight. I will miss this product dearly, but I am holding off on repurchasing.

Thrive Causemetics – Infinity Waterproof Eyebrow Liner in Serena | $23.00, CF

The Infinity Waterproof Eyebrow Liner from Thrive Causemetics is the best brow pencil I have ever tried. With this brow pencil, my brows look structured in an effortlessly natural way.

The only con with this brow pencil is how quickly I ran through the product. Normally, my eyebrow pencils last for 6-12 months whereas this pencil only lasted 4 months.

Too Faced – Better than Sex Waterproof Mascara | $25.00, CF

I purchased the Too Faced Better than Sex Waterproof Mascara* after it made its way to Marshalls. I couldn’t resist the steep discount. However, I should have listened to my intuition to avoid this mascara given the plethora of bad reviews it received.

The Better than Sex Waterproof Mascara is not as good as the original. The formula is dry and flakey. In fact, this only lasted me 1-2 months before I gave up using this.

Urban Decay All Nighter Long-Lasting Setting Spray | $33.00, CF

Although it may look like I finished a full-size bottle of MAC Fix+ Setting Spray, I actually finished a full-size bottle of Urban Decay’s All Nighter Long-Lasting Setting Spray.* Sadly, the nozzle on my Urban Decay bottle broke, so I transferred my setting spray to my empty MAC bottle.

The Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray is my most repurchased setting spray of all-time. This works like magic to lock makeup into place for oily-skinned girls or guys. Check out this post ranking setting products for oily skin.

Total Makeup Empties: 15

Skincare Empties

As always, skincare empties comprise the largest portion of my beauty empties roundup. Given that I used most of these finished products daily, it is not surprising that I’d use up more skincare than makeup or haircare.

Aveeno – Repairing Circa Foot Mask | $4.99

Last Christmas, I received the Aveeno Repairing Circa Foot Mask in my stocking. During the winter, my skin gets so dry so I knew this would come in handy. This did leave my feet feeling soft and supple, but I would not purchase on my own.

Bare and Free Beauty Hydrating Face Moisturizer | $40.00, CF

I was gifted this incredible Cruelty-Free and Vegan hydrating moisturizer from Bare and Free Beauty. I would definitely repurchase in the future when I get through more of my backups. Read my full review on the Hydrating Face Moisturizer.

Caudalie – Vinoperfect Radiance Serum | $79.00

In 2018-2019, I was lucky enough to receive a deluxe sample and a full-size bottle of the Caudalie Vinoperfect Radiance Serum* from a friend. Although Caudalie is a much-loved brand, I was unsure how I’d like this product.

In the end, including this Caudalie serum in my beauty empties roundup felt bittersweet because of how much I loved this product. I would purchase this in the future, but I have quite a few other brightening serums that I need to finish first.

Clinique – Take the Day Off Cleansing Balm | $18.83

Clinique’s Take the Day Off Cleansing Balm is a balmy makeup remover that I’ve used before and enjoyed. I do miss this balm, but I won’t repurchase until I’ve finished all of my backups.

Clinique – Take the Day Off Makeup Remover for Lids, Lashes, and Lips | $18.83

I was surprised by how much I enjoyed the Clinique Take the Day Off Makeup Remover.* This solution felt gentle, but was effective in removing stubborn waterproof makeup. This is a much neater solution than the Clinique Cleansing Balm.* However, I am not planning to repurchase the Clinique makeup remover at this time.

*Note: The value for the two Clinique items were calculated by dividing the gift set value by three (the number of skincare items included in the gift set)

COOLA – Mineral Silk Crème SPF30 Oil-Free Unscented | $42.00, CF

After reading many positive reviews about COOLA, I finally decided to try one of the brand’s famous sunscreens.* Overall, I enjoyed this sunscreen. It felt lightweight, non-greasy, and did not produce flashback. However. I am still trying to confirm whether this is reef-safe.

Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare – Mini Hyaluronic Marine Dew It Right Eye Gel

The Mini Hyaluronic Marine Dew It Right Eye Gel* felt cooling and hydrating on the under-eye area. Although I enjoyed this deluxe mini, my favorite eye cream is still the IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye Eye Cream.

Fresh – Fresh Darlings Face Set – Deep Hydration Face Cream Mini

I received a deluxe mini of the Fresh Deep Hydration Face Cream* in a Christmas gift set last year. It was love upon the first application. The Deep Hydration Face Cream is a gel-cream formula that feels nourishing and hydrating without feeling greasy or sticky.

GLAMGLOW – Mini Good in Bed™ Passionfruit Softening Night Cream | $6.12

When I was in college, I used to love the GLAMGLOW face masks due to the brand’s highly effective formulas. However, I had not tried any traditional skincare from the brand until this year. I was excited when I received the Good in Bed Passionfruit Softening Night Cream as a free sample from Sephora last year.

Although I enjoyed incorporating this cream into my nighttime skin routine, I am not planning to repurchase this product soon. I typically enjoy a gel-like cream.

Kiehl’s Calendula Toner | $38.00

When I failed to finish my bottle of the Kiehl’s Calendula Toner* at the end of last year I felt frustrated. However, I should be impressed that this toner bottle lasted me 6 months despite using it two times a day, every day!

This toner would work well for anyone with oily skin because of the way it balances the skin without stripping it. I would repurchase this in the future, but I need to work through my other toners first.

Korres – Wild Rose + Vitamin C Advanced Brightening Sleeping Facial | $48.00, CF – now discontinued

In 2019, I finally decided to try Korres after hearing so many great things about this clean beauty brand. Although the Wild Rose + Vitamin C Advanced Brightening Sleeping Facial was a thick night cream, it provided lasting hydration without clogging my pores or feeling heavy on the skin. Highly recommend for oily skin.

Ponds – Cold Cream Facial Cleansing Balm Makeup Remover | $9.99, CF

I received the Ponds Cold Cream Facial Cleansing Balm Makeup Remover* in my Beautycon NYC 2019 Hauler Bag. Although I love the original Ponds Cucumber Cleansing Cream, I abhorred the Ponds Cleansing Balm. This coconut oil-based balm is pore-clogging and made me break out horribly.

Although this balm worked terribly for removing makeup on the face, this balm was wonderful for removing swatches. Beauty Bloggers or Vloggers may enjoy this as a gentle alternative for removing stubborn swatches.

Tula Skincare – Star Bright Nourishing & Brightening Cosmic Hydrogel Mask (Set of 2) | $00.00

When I first saw that I received the Tula Skincare Hydrogel Masks in my November 2019 Boxycharm, I was disappointed. Although I’ve wanted to try Tula for quite some time, I do not regularly wear sheet masks or single-use masks like these.

Despite my initial let down, I enjoyed these two Tula masks because I saw immediate improvements in my skin’s brightness.

Total Skincare Empties: 13

Hair Care Empties

LUSH – Jumping Juniper Bar Shampoo | $10.95, CF

At this point, I’ve lost count of how many Jumping Juniper Shampoo Bars I’ve used up. This is a must-try for anyone with a sensitive scalp that wants to prevent itching and irritation. This is a strong clarifying shampoo that comes in a plastic-free, travel-friendly bar form. My sister already gifted a backup.

SheaMoisture – Rehydration Treatment Mask | $00.00

SheaMoisture makes some of my favorite affordable hair masks. Similar to previous hair masks I’ve tried from the brand, the Rehydration Treatment Mask helped to bring moisture back to my frizzy, flat hair.

Total Haircare Empties: 2

Sample Empties

In 2020, I decided to include single-use samples within my beauty inventory spreadsheet.  After getting too many samples and letting them pile up over the last year, I knew that including samples within my inventory spreadsheet would (1) make me more aware of what I had and (2) motivate me to use things up!

This is the very first beauty empties roundup on my blog to include samples! Given that these were single-use products, I will not be providing my thoughts on the actual products.

• Alterna Caviar Anti-Aging Restructuring Bond Repair Shampoo & Conditioner Samples
• DNA Hair Tools Keratin Shampoo Sample
• Farsali Rose Gold Elixir,* Skintune Blur,* and Unicorn Blur*
• Kate Somerville Wrinkle Warrior 2-in-1 Plumping Moisturizer Serum*
• Kiehl’s Pure Vitality Skin Renewing Cream
• Kopari Coconut Melt*
• myClarins Re-Boost Hydrating Crème
• Ofra Rays of Light Primer*
• Oribe Gold Lust Repair & Restore Shampoo & Conditioner
• Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Coconut Oil Repairing Shampoo & Conditioner
• Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Natural Fusions Chia Seed & Argan Oil Shampoo, Conditioner, and Hair Mask
• Urban Decay Original & Sin Eyeshadow Primer Potion Samples
• VERB Ghost Shampoo* & Conditioner*

Total Sample Empties: 22

Total Finished Products: 52

Value of Finished Products: $603.85

Final Thoughts on My Beauty Empties Roundup #9

Samples may be the least exciting portion of my beauty empties roundup, but I am thrilled to make such great progress. At this point, I’ve used up or given away the majority of my skincare and haircare samples. Only a select few skincare and makeup samples left!

In the past, I used to let samples just sit in my collection unused until I eventually tossed them in the bin. However, adding these samples to my collection count made me (1) more aware of what I had and (2) more motivated to use items up.

I wish there were more makeup products included in my huge AF beauty empties roundup of the year. That being said, I was surprised to see that makeup comprised the largest portion of my quarterly empties (outside of samples). My 20 in 2020 Project Pan is likely the reason for the high volume of cosmetics empties within this huge AF beauty empties roundup. In fact, of the makeup products included within this roundup, 10 items were featured in this year’s rolling project pan.

Unsurprisingly, I finished a decent volume of skincare items in my Winter beauty empties roundup. There were quite a few products that I thought I would have finished by the end of December but didn’t quite use up. Thankfully, these products finally made their way out of my collection!

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Want to learn more about Project Panning or how to use excel to create an inventory system? Check out these posts for more details Project Panning 101 and How to Create a Beauty Inventory System.

Enjoy my Beauty Empties Roundup #9? Check out this post for my introduction to my 20 in 2020 Project Pan.

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Have you tried any of the products featured in my beauty empties roundup before? What products did you use up this Winter? Please let me know in the comments below.

beauty beauty blogger beauty inventory cosmetics empties haircare makeup makeup collection makeup minimalism skincare