Culling the Collection

I love using things up completely.  It doesn’t matter what it is: notebooks, skincare, perfume samples, anything.  My coworkers used to joke on me because I was obsessive about my always getting my pens back so I could continue to use them completely.  Something comes over me when I finish something to the very last drop, sheet, whatever.

I think this is why I love Empties posts so much.  I can look back over the month and see just how much I’ve used up, what kind of dent I’ve made in my ever-growing collection, and feel a sense of satisfaction that I’ve accomplished something.

I recently hit pan on a cream eye shadow.  Now, I’ve been through my fair share of eyeliners, mascaras, and bases, but it has been years since I’ve hit pan on any kind of colored makeup product!  My husband didn’t really understand my shock/amazement when I showed him, but it got me thinking.

I have a lot of products I’ve made major dents in because they are well loved.  That’s probably my second favorite feeling about consumables: when I first notice that I’ve used such a significant amount of product that I have a visible decrease in quantity.  So I started kind of a project pan, although I haven’t stopped acquiring new items (so any thought of decreasing my makeup and especially skincare collection is a losing battle).  Also, I’m not satisfied just by hitting pan; I am working to use up the product completely.

I’m really enjoying this process so far, and I’m seeing progress.  I’ve picked one or two of each makeup item I wear on a daily basis and try to use them exclusively.  I do have a few more eyeliners in the rotation, and I haven’t limited my lipsticks, and that has helped me not get bored with wearing the same overall look every day.

I’ve already used up one product completely (Benefit Gimme Brow), and am getting closer every day on an eye shadow and fragrance.  I’m also getting closer to hitting pan on at least one blush of all things!  (There was a time when I never wore blush.)

What’s the last makeup item you’ve used up completely?  Have you ever used up a colored item like blush or eye shadow?  Share in the comments!

Empties - Summer 2015

This summer has been full of stress, changes, and decisions, which is why I haven’t been around much.  I will hopefully be posting more in the near future, but I thought I’d get my feet wet with an empties post.

In addition to everything else, I spent time this summer trying to use up some of the towers of products I have in the house already before buying more.  I was able to live up to one side of that decision.  (What can I say, a killer lipstick or great sale does me in every time). 

So, because this is long, I’ve combined what I could, and won’t be including too many reviews or pictures.

One more thing of note: I didn’t include it here because it isn’t completely gone yet, but I actually hit pan on a cream eyeshadow!

Makeup

· The Balm Put a Lid On It Eyelid Primer – Deluxe Sample.

· Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment – Deluxe Sample.

· Jouer Anti-aging Moisture Primer – Sample.

· Jouer Lip Enhancer Conditioning Lip Treatment – Sample.

· Mary Kay CC Cream in Very Light – Full Size.  This is one of the best light bases I’ve used.  It covers well and is moisturizing at the same time while not feeling heavy.

· Smashbox Full Exposure Mascara in Jet Black – Deluxe Sample.

· Ulta Waterproof Automatic Eye Liner in Raisin – Full Size.  This was dry and tugged.  I have found much better since.  Even the non-waterproof ones are remarkably better.

Face Care

· Borghese Age-Defying Cellulare Complex Exfoliate Facial Scrub – Sample Size.

· Neutrogena Ageless Essentials Continuous Hydration Night Cream – Full Size.  This is old and I don't think it's available anymore.  Finally using up the last of it.

· Neutrogena Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes (x 2) – Full Size.  HG product.

· No. 7 Beautiful Skin Oil Free Eye Makeup Remover – Full Size.

· Peter Lamas Naturals Detoxifying Citrus C Facial Cleanser – Sample Size.

· Sephora Triple Action Cleansing Water – Full Size.

· Simple Protecting Light Moisturizer – Full Size.

· Yes to Coconut Hydrate & Restore Cleansing Wipes – Full Size.

Skincare

· Aveeno Skin Relief Intense Moisture Overnight Cream – Full Size.

· BBW Shower Gel in Air Pear Blossom and Sun Golden Magnolia – Full Size.

· Caress Body Wash in Adore Forever – Sample.  I know a lot of people like these, but I was not a fan.  I don’t find that the fragrance lasts throughout the day, and really I’m just not a fan of the scent.

· Judith Jackson Spa Tenderly Hand & Body Lotion – Sample Size.

Fragrance

· Harvey Prince Hello Purse Spray – Full Size.

· Justin Bieber The Key Purse Spray – Full Size.  Don't like the Biebs.  Like the perfume.

Hair Care

· Essence Ultime Omega Repair & Moisture Shampoo and Conditioner – Rippy Packets.

· Harvey Prince Sea / Salt Hair Mist – Sample.

· It’s a 10 Miracle Leave-In Product – Deluxe Sample.  Best leave-in conditioner around!

· L’Oreal Total Repair 5 Restoring Shampoo and Conditioner – Samples.

· Matrix Oil Wonders Micro-Oil Shampoo and Oil Conditioner – Rippy Packets.  Don’t ever need to use this again.

· Pureology Essential Repair Condition – Full size.  The kiddo and I use a clarifying shampoo from this brand to remove chlorine from color-treated hair after swimming, and this is a great conditioner to follow with.

Other

· BBW PocketBac in Dancing Waters, Ghoul Friend, Vampire Blood and Vanilla Berry Sorbet – Full Size.

· Sensodyne Daily Repair Toothpaste – Full Size.  HG product.

Giveups

· Eve Lom Cleanser – Rippy Packet.  Can’t handle the smell.

· L’Oreal Colour Riche Lipstick in Divine Wine – Full Size.  I’ve had this lipstick forever and it now smells off.  Time to purge it from my collection.

· Milani Fierce Foil Eyeliner in Purple Foil – Full Size.  Had to go over this countless times to be able to see this at all, then it wouldn’t stay put throughout the day.  I love the brush though!

· Paco Rabanne 1 Million Eau de Toilette Intense – Sample.  Ugh!

· Random Travel Size Slanted Eyeliner Brush – The bristles have started to separate and were no longer creating a tight line.