Fashion Slate

Can you believe summer is almost over?!

I have tried to take it easy. I bought Kérastase Chronologiste Gommage Pre-Shampoo. Is it a necessary product? Probably not but I like how it makes my scalp feel. I’m highly skeptical of scalp scrubs but I want to be as extra as I can be.

I was doing pretty darn good until I was tempted by cream shadows. I bought two of the new Colourpop Jelly Much Shadow, a water-based shadow. These are pretty but I hate the packaging. So much waste! I also think the Super Shock ones perform just as well and are cheaper and less messy. I also got MAC Dazzleshadow Liquid that I haven’t tried yet.

THEN I couldn’t resist Marc Jacobs Eye-Conic Eyeshadow in Smartorial that was on sale at Sephora. I have been eyeing if for over year!

I apologize for this long post but here’s my empties:

SKINCARE

It seems like the theme in this category was “take it off”. I emptied a lot of removers and cleansers. 

Darphin Intral Redness Relief Soothing Serum – Outdoor seasonal allergies kicked my butt in August. My skin was so red and irritated. This water-y liquid, weightless serum really helped.

• Repurchase? Probably. It’s something I come back to when I need it.

La Prairie Cellular Swiss Ice Crystal Dry Oil – This is a ridiculously expensive oil but a little does go far. I just put 1-2 drops in a lotion and then I’m dewy. For extra bougie days I put some in foundation.

• Purchase? If I were rich, I guess. But, you can find just as good for at least $250+ less.

Yves Rocher Exceptional Cleansing Oil – This is an emulsifying cleansing oil in a pump. I love it. There’s no fragrance and removes my makeup. I prefer this so much more over the more expensive Tatcha.

• Repurchase? Yes.

Avene Cleansing Foam (travel size) – Not bad for a morning cleanser in the summer. Also, I realized since I’m low pH that I really miss foams sometimes.

• Purchase?

Clinique Take the Day Off Makeup Remover (travel size) – It’s really good and doesn’t irritate.

• Purchase? Yes.

Elemis Superfood Facial Wash (travel size) – I was so surprised by how much I like this gel cleanser! It smells like green juice and patchouli. My skin should hate this but for the summer, it loved the deep cleanse.

• Purchase? I’d consider it for next year.

Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair (travel size) – This stuff is one of my OG favorites.

• Purchase? I will eventually.

Nature Republic Ginseng Royal Silk Toner (travel size) – Fine but leaves gold sparkles on my face.

• Purchase? No.

Garnier SkinActive Moisture Bomb (travel size) – A gel-cream with an aquatic aroma. It’s actually not terrible but probably best suited for skin that is already behaving and has no issues.

• Purchase? Nah. I have problems.

Valmont Prime Renewing Pack (deluxe sample) – My favorite wash-off mask.

• Purchase? Sadly, I would.

Valmont Moisturizing Eye-C-Gel (deluxe sample) – A gel with little reflective shimmers.

• Purchase? No.

MAC Cleanse Off Oil (deluxe sample) – An emulsifying oil with a slight citrus aroma. It does an excellent job at removing makeup.

• Purchase? I’m really tempted.

Clinique Moisture Surge Hydrating Supercharged Concentrate (deluxe sample) – I love this stuff – lightweight and layers nicely.

• Purchase? YES!

The Saem Gem Miracle Black Pearl 02 Bubble Mask (sample) – This is such a weird novelty mask. It starts as a foam and then gets bigger and bigger and tickles. It becomes a huge foam and smells sort of like a mainstream masculine cologne. Too drying.

• Purchase? Nope.

Nature Republic Snail Solution Foam Cleanser (sample) – I didn’t test the pH but I can tell it is one of those that is strong as Dawn dish liquid.

• Purchase? NO!

Sephora Exfoliating Charcoal Cleansing Cream (sample) – So <meh>.

• Purchase? No.

The sheet masks: I used a lot when it was hot

Masks I wouldn’t repurchase:

Skinfood Marine Food Gel Mask in Oyster – I bought this because how disgusting is it to have an oyster-inspired face mask with actual oyster extract in it? And also because I love oysters. This is a gel mask in 2 sections that just refuses to stick on my face. I have had this issue with all Skinfood gel masks �

Hey Pinkgo Girl Black Rose Intense Hydration Mask – Decent.

Hey Pinkgo Girl Brightening White Yogurt Lifting Lace Mask – The decent novelty lace mask.

Leaders Hydrogel Eye Therapy Patch – Good.

Fil-Lup Coenzyme Essence Mask – Good and cheap.

Natureby Royal Jelly Essence Mask – Another one of those cheapie ones. Does fine.

TonyMoly Changing U Magic Mask in Black Pearl – Decent.

Masks I’d purchase:

La Prairie Swiss Cellular Intensive Illuminated Mask – These work so well for me and cost a damn fortune. Luckily I have been gifted a box.

FRAGRANCE

When it comes to fragrance, you can tell I was in a white floral mood. 

Votivo Candle in Bright Leaf Tobacco *  – Lavender and tobacco. Review.

• Purchase? No.

DW Home Halloween Candle in Polynesian Gardenia – Mainly bought this for the packaging but you guys, it smells great. It’s a sweet, creamy manoï. This is my favorite cheap candle brand.

• Repurchase? I would if I could find the scent again.

Samples I’d consider buying or buy:

Hiram Green Moon Bloom * – Review

Tom Ford Orchid Soleil – Review

Maison Francis Kukdjian Aqua Universalis Forte – Just let me smell like rich people towels. Review.

Ramon Bejar Celestial Rose – Review

Samples I’d not buy:

Krigler Ulta Chateau Krigler * – Review

Memo Inlé Iris – Review

HEELEY Ophelia – Review

Nomenclature Lumen_esce – Review

Au Pays de le Fleur d’Oranger Rose Irisee – Review

Maison Martin Margiela REPLICA Lazy Sunday Morning – Review

Ramon Bejar Jasmine Maat – Review

Providence Perfume Co. Tangerine Thyme * – Review

DSH Perfumes 1,000 Lilies * – This has a lot more warm spices than I remember!  Review

DSH Perfumes Secreti di Belle Donne * – Review

Lancôme Trésor in Love – This did grow on me. Review

Guerlain Aqua Allegoria Mandarine Basilic – Review

Serge Lutens Fleurs d’Oranger – Review

BATH/BODY

There’s nothing too exciting here but I did empty some bath/body products that I started in the beginning of summer. 

Kneipp Stress Free Orange Blossom & Mandarin Body Wash – It’s an orange floral and something I love to smell like in the summer.

• Repurchase? Yes.

Korres Water Lily Body Butter – This has a pretty, light floral fragrance. The butter is surprisingly thick. A little goes far.

• Purchase? No. I like other scents from them better and this was a GWP.

Olay Fresh Outlast Purifying Birch Water & Lavender Body Wash – Y’all I don’t know on what planet this is even supposed to resemble a fragrance found on Earth. This is like alien lavender and moon water. Also, the “Outlast” is no joke. This lingers all day.

• Repurchase? No. It was a bad idea to begin with.

Jaloma Sweet Oil 3 – This is a Mexican oil that does it all. It’s natural and unscented but smells faintly olive-y. It’s a blend of some of my favorite oils (olive, almond and castor). I love it on my skin and scalp.

• Repurchase? Yes. I just wish it came in a pump bottle.

Panier des Sens Precious Jasmine Hand Cream – I can not get over how indolic this jasmine hand cream is! It is skanky stuff!

• Purchase? I actually want to try the hand soap now.

DM Balea Handcreme Buttermilk & Lemon – Smells like lemon sugar cookies.

• Repurchase? No. There’s no DM in the US. *sobbing*

Mountain Ocean Skin Trip Coconut Soap (not pictured) – Hands down the best coconut-scented soap on the market. Review. 

• Repurchase? Yes, I have been for years.

V76 Detox Bar Soap (travel size) – A <meh> clay bar soap with an herbal aroma.

• Purchase? No.

HAIR

This is a lot of hair empties for me. I am so proud. I feel like I’ve broken a personal record. 

Aveda Confixor Liquid Gel – This is my HG hair gel. It is a liquid that can be layered with absolutely no flaking. Plus, it has a lovely herbal fragrance.

• Repurchase? Yes!

Philip B. Oud Royal Thermal Spray – This does not smell like oud in the slightest. It smells like the sweet floral amber that has been popular in hair products over the past few years because of Moroccanoil.  I think all thermal sprays are a scam but I use them because they do help with frizz and make me believe for a second I’m not frying my hair.

• Repurchase? Probably not.

Tigi Bed Head After Party Smoothing Cream – This stuff works to de-poof hair. Smells like tart flowers. Review here. Yes, this is an old art edition that I picked up at a discount store. Still works.

• Repurchase? Yes. But, I have other stuff to use up first.

Amika Touchable Hairspray (travel size) – Has that strong sweet amber fragrance but it really is touchable. It doesn’t leave hair feeling weird or crunchy.

• Repurchase? No.

Amika Undone Texture Spray (travel size) – Actually adds texture in a good way!

• Purchase? Maybe.

Klorane Mango Butter Shampoo * (travel size) – Smells great. Feels great. My review.

• Purchase? Yes.

Living Proof No Frizz Humidity Shield (travel size) – I’m mad I got talked into spending $15 on this. It does absolutely nothing for my hair that cheap hairspray doesn’t already do. It also makes my hair feel sort of dirty/gross. ALSO,  I hate the fragrance. It’s so strong and makes me sneeze.

• Repurchase? Nope. I actually wished I returned it and I never return anything.

Pureology Colour Fanatic Multi-Tasking Hair Beautifier (travel size) – First time using this brand and really liked this product. It’s basically a detangler/leave-in conditioner. Left my hair feeling so soft.

• Purchase? I’m tempted.

Noble Isle Perry Pear Shampoo (travel size) – Basic and the fragrance isn’t even all that great.

• Purchase? No.

Rene Furterer Fioravanti Shine Enhancing Conditioner (deluxe sample) – OMG, this smells horrible. I thought this was an old sample that had turned! Nope, vinegar is the second ingredient and that is what it smells like. It leaves my hair smelling like vinegar too. Even my spouse was like “Jesus Christ, what is wrong with you? Why do you smell like this?” No shine and just a tangled mess.

• Purchase? Gah, no way.

Novex Bamboo Sprout Deep Conditioning Hair Mask (sample) – This is from a popular Brazilian brand. I was really impressed with how shiny this made my hair. But, also was surprised that it has a green, verdant fragrance that is delightfully retro (think like grass and green roses).

• Purchase? I may. It’s saved to my Amazon wishlist.

Kérastase Résistance Fiber Quality Renewal Masque (sample) – I expect miracles with a mask this expensive. It made my hair shiny and that was nice but it didn’t live up to the claims and price. Especially considering the one above was better for me.

• Purchase? Nah.

MAKEUP

I’m always so proud of myself when I empty full-size makeup!

elf Beautifully Bare Foundation Serum SPF 25 in Fair/Light – I love non-existent foundations so I adore this one. It’s sheer and dewy. It’s been all I’ve worn this summer.

• Repurchase? Yes.

Innisfree No-Sebum Blur Powder – Same as the No-Sebum powder that I usually use, but with more “blurring” effect. It really does make pores look less noticeable. AND it makes bumpy, textured skin look better.

• Repurchase? Yes. But, this is a summer product for me. It’s better for when my skin is more “oily” from it being humid out. Oily complexions could use this year-round.

Stila Smudge Stick Waterproof Eye Liner in Lionfish – It’s a warm bronze brown with shimmer. I like it. Obviously.

• Repurchase? I’d consider it. However, I have others like this from other brands I should use up.

Benefit Gimme Brow Volumizing Eyebrow Gel in 5 (deluxe sample) – I like this, especially the shade, but I have found stuff cheaper from (e.l.f. and Essence) that I prefer.

• Purchase? No.

Throw Out (not included in total)

Black Radiance Perfect Tone Matte Lip Creme in Matte Bright – I was an idiot that left this partially unclosed until it dried out. Shade is a vivid orange with a matte finish.

Total: 68. 26 full-size. 20 travel/deluxe sizes. 22 samples.

This sounds incredibly high (and it is) but keep in mind most of this number is inflated by sheet masks and perfume samples. However, even I am surprised by how many full-sizes I managed to finish. It feels good to empty some hair and makeup products.

Usually my timing is off, but I did empty a lot of “summer” stuff in August. I do have a shower full of summer-y shower gels but otherwise, I’m all ready to transition into early fall skincare and makeup/complexion products.

What about you? Which products did you empty in August? Did you buy anything new?

Disclaimer – If there is a /*/ next to an item, it was provided by PR/the brand. All other items were purchased by me or are samples/gifts with purchase/subscription box products.