Empties - Makeup

 So we all know that makeup products are the hardest ones to use up. I have a few samples mixed in here, so that helps, but I am trying to use up the products in my collection that are nearing their end (to make room for new purchases, of course!).

Here are the items that I have used up recently.

Primers and Oil Control

I use a primer pretty much everyday. Normally I look for ones that are either colour-correcting, or have oil control properties, or both. This was probably my second or third bottle of the Pur Minerals Color Correcting Primer in Green. I really like this one - it has that smooth texture, and the green counteracts redness, so it allows me to apply less foundation. This now comes in new packaging which is a tube rather than a pump bottle, which would be much easier to use as the pump can sometimes stop working, which is annoying, but not the end of the world for me. 

I also finished a tube of the Cover FX Clear Prep FX Mattifying Primer with Anti-Acne Treatment. I don't know if it helps reduce acne, but as long as a product won't cause it, I'm happy. As for oil control, well, I get extremely oily and I don't find that this prevents it 100%. But then again, I haven't found many products that actually do. Overall it is a nice primer, but I'm currently using the Murad matte primer, and I think I like it better. 

I used up a bottle of Urban Decay De Slick Oil-Control Makeup Setting Spray. I usually spray this after applying my foundation and setting powder and I do find that it helps. The Urban Decay version is by the brand Skindinavia, and around Christmas there was a sale on the Skindinavia website and I picked up about three bottles, so while I didn't repurchase the Urban Decay product, this is something that I use on almost an everyday basis!

Eye Makeup Removers

I love the Lancome Bi-Facil eye makeup remover. I have never actually purchased a bottle however. That is because I receive free samples of it so often that I have never had to. But I really recommend this for getting off stubborn eye makeup.

Same story for Clinique Take the Day Off makeup remover. I always receive this free, but it also does the trick for me.

Face Products

Benefit Boxed Blush in Sugarbomb is gorgeous - it is a swirl of four soft colours - peach, deep pink, light pink, and lavender, and together, it is such a pretty colour. I will definitely repurchase this at some point down the line. 

I finished using Maybelline Instant Age Rewind concealer in Fair. I really like it, and if I didn't have so many other concealers on the go right now, I would pick up another one!

This next product is a funny one for me - Clinique Acne Solutions Clearing Concealer - I have repurchased this countless times as I want a concealer to cover blemishes that will heal and prevent new ones, but I'm not actually sure this does anything but cover. I just haven't found anything better, so I continue to purchase. 

Mascara and Lips

I tried It Cosmetics Hello Lashes for the first time and this mascara is fantastic! It made my lashes look really long and pretty, and I love the wand. It is one of the kind that has sort of a ball on the tip so that the bristles go in all direction. This helps with pushing the lashes up so that your lashes have a bit of lift, even if you do not use a curler. I will probably try to get my hands on another tube of this when I'm finished using up all of my samples.

I also used up two of my large stash of samples - Tarte Lights, Camera, Lashes, and Tarina Tarantino. Both worked great. But again, I have a stash of samples I'm trying to work through before repurchasing any mascara.

I received this Buxom Big & Healthy Lip Stick in Amsterdam as part of a Sephora free gift. I really like it, in fact, I purchased a full size version already. Amsterdam is a rosy nude colour and it tingles on the lips, which I actually enjoy. I believe it has plumping properties, but I just like the colour and find the formula quite long-wearing. 

So that is all for my makeup empties. I'm working my way through lots of products, so hopefully I'll more to post about soon.

Up next: skincare empties!

Thanks for reading!

Favourites - January 2013

Here are my favourite / most-used products for the month of January.

• theBalm Nudetude Palette - I got this on Hautelook about 6 - 8 months ago, but I have recently started using it a lot more often. You can create so many great looks and a lot of people even like it better than their Urban Decay Naked palettes. Personally, I think they are quite different, so I wouldn't say you should choose one or the other. There is room for both Naked palettes as well as theBalm Nudetude in my collection! As theBalm is featured on a fairly regular basis on Hautelook, I normally wait to make a purchase. If you are in the USA, it really is a great deal as the cost is $18 (this deal is available today in fact), however, in Canada, it is not as great. Once you add in shipping as well as import duties, the final price is $32.55. Still cheaper, as I believe the regular price is $38, but if you are buying this from Hautelook, I would recommend to pick up a few items to make the shipping cost more worthwhile :) Any excuse to buy more products right?

• Cover FX Clear FX matte primer - love, love, love this. Helps with mattifying, and of course, my foundation glides on smoother and lasts longer. I always like to try and have some kind of layer between my face and makeup that actually helps my skin be healthier in the long run, and I think this does just that. I've only had it since early January, so hopefully I love it for a long time.

• Juice Beauty Blemish Clearing Serum - according to the Juice Beauty website, this serum will "reduce breakouts, unclog pores, and even skin tone", contains CoQ10 (which is great for anti-aging), and is hydrating. Basically, this is everything I look for in a serum, and so far, I love it. Also, I think it will last quite awhile - look how much is still in the bottle, after using it for about three weeks! Just to be safe however, I have already re-ordered so that I will not have to go even a day without applying before bed.

• Mariah Carey by OPI nail polish in Sprung - such a pretty sparkly color, without the grittiness of glitter polishes. I can't stop staring at my nails when I have this on. It's actually kind of embarrassing when I get caught gazing down at them! This happened twice last week.

• OPI nail polish in Meet Me On the Star Ferry - gorgeous deep, dusty mauve with a bit of a golden shimmer in it. I think this was from the Hong Kong collection. This shade almost feels like a neutral to me as it doesn't particularly scream for attention. It is just a nice wearable colour and I've been loving it this month.

• Physicians Formula Sexy Booster Sexy Glow Blush in Rose - I mentioned this in my drugstore haul the other day, and it definitely deserves a spot in my January favourites, even though it is new. I've been wearing it a lot ever since I bought it as it provides a natural, pretty flush to the cheeks. Just very natural and pretty (said that already, but it really is). 

• Clinique Quickliner for Eyes Intense in Intense Chocolate - this pencil liner glides on so smooth and with so much dark chocolatey brown colour. I love it! I'm always looking for deep brown eyeliners and this one is pretty perfect. I find that there are so many great bronzy brown liners, but not as many really great dark browns. Anyways, this one is a twist-up (no sharpener required!) and has a smudger on the end. This is great of course for lining the upper lashline, but also great for smudging under the lower lashline. I keep meaning to check if these are sold in other colours.

• Tarte LipSurgence Natural Lip Luster in Frisky - this is a sheer bright pink colour and looks natural, but also perks up your look a bit. It is definitely shiny, but not overly glossy. Also, there is a slight peppermint tingle to it. I've really been loving a lot of Tarte products lately. They always feel like great, quality items. You will probably see me talk about a lot of them in the future.

So there you have it! This was my January in beauty products in a nutshell. I'm excited to see what February brings. Tell me, what were your faves for the month?

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