January Empties

Happy 2018! I don't know about you, but I can't believe it's already 2018. Seriously guys, I feel like the year 2000 was like yesterday. When did it become 2018?? I feel old. 

Anyway, now that I've needlessly complained about the passage of time, let's get to my empties from January. I feel like I used up a ton of products this month, so we have a lot to talk about. 

Coconut Ultra Hydrating Overnight Eye Balm by Yes To - I think I've used three or four bottles of Yes To's Coconut Ultra Hydrating Overnight Eye Balm. I really like this product; it smells great and it hydrates and softens the skin around my eyes. However, I'm not going to repurchase it because this product contains alcohol, and I'm trying to eliminate alcohol from my skin care products. I do think it's a good product, so, if you don't mind alcohol in your skin care products, I would recommend this product to you.

Keratin Mist Leave-In Strengthening Treatment by Chi - I think it's taken me two years to go through this product. Let me repeat that: TWO YEARS. That's crazy. Obviously, this product will last you for a while. I did like this product; I don't think it really made my hair any stronger. However, it did make my hair shinier and softer.  I probably won't be repurchasing this product; however, I did like it, and I feel like I got my money's worth. So, if you think it's the sort of product you'd like, I would recommend it to you. 

Colour Essence Eye Pencil by H&M (in Terroir) - This is kind of random, but I love H&M's eyeliners. For real though, their Colour Essence Eye Pencil is top notch. Terroir (aka brown) is my favorite shade; I've already picked up a new eye pencil, and I'll definitely continue to repurchase it.

Super Blender Sponge by Ulta - This product isn't "empty" because it's a tool, but I have to be real with myself. I have GOT to throw this sponge away. I think I used this sponge once or twice, and, let me tell you, it was NOT a good scene. First of all, it didn't apply my makeup very well. My foundation was super uneven and patchy after using this sponge; not a good look. But, more importantly, after using this sponge only once or twice (this was quite a while ago, so I don't quite remember the details), it started to crumble and fall apart. I understand that sponges fray and start to fall apart over time. It shouldn't happen after 1-2 uses. That's ridiculous. This sponge has been sitting in my collection for over a year, and it really needs to go because it's taking up space and I'm never going to use it again. It's as simple as that.

Miracle Complexion Sponge by Real Techniques - I'm doing some New Year's de-cluttering of my makeup collection, and I decided that I have to get rid of my old makeup sponges. When I say old, I mean sponges that I've had for a year or more. In case you don't know, one is technically supposed to replace one's makeup sponge every three months or so. I don't think that's super realistic in the real world (case and point, I've had most of my sponges for over a year), but I think a year is a good cut off point for replacing sponges. I have two Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponges that I've had for more than a year now (I got them last year for Christmas), and I've decided that it's time to toss them. They're stained, and they're starting to fray around the edges. Obviously, it's time to go. I am going to repurchase these sponges (actually, I got more for Christmas this year, so I have that on lock). The Miracle Complexion Sponge is a great tool; it applies makeup beautifully, and it's very reasonably priced. I highly recommend these sponges.

Miracle Mini Eraser Sponge by Real Techniques - As I said above, I'm trying to get rid of old makeup sponges. I have two Real Techniques Miracle Mini Eraser Sponges that I've had for over a year, and I used them all the time. I really, really liked these sponges; they were great for applying makeup around the nose and the eyes. I think these sponges are perfect for "detail" work when applying makeup, and I highly recommend them. I already have a couple of new Miracle Mini Eraser Sponges, and I will definitely continue to repurchase them in the future. 

Blending Sponge by Face Secrets - As I said above, I'm working on getting rid of my old makeup sponges. I picked this sponge up at Sally Beauty way back in the day. And when I say way back in the day, I mean like two years ago. At the time, I thought that this sponge was pretty good, and I used it all the time (mostly because it was the only sponge I had). However, now that I've experimented with other sponges, I'd class this sponge as mediocre. There are worse makeup sponges out there on the market, but I certainly wouldn't recommend this sponge to anyone. I will say that this sponge is very dense, so, if you like an extra dense sponge, you might really enjoy this product. 

Cocoa Butter by The Body Shop - In general, I love the Body Shop, and I particularly love their body butters. They feel so rich and nourishing on the skin. They're very moisturizing, and I definitely think they're worth the money. I can definitely feel the difference between this body butter and ordinary hand cream/lotion. I particularly like the Cocoa smell; it basically smells like chocolate, but not a gross, artificial chocolate. It has a subtle, slightly bitter cocoa scent. I really enjoy it. I've had this body butter before and I definitely see myself repurchasing it in the future.  

CoverAll Pressed Powder (in Fair) by Wet n' Wild - I'm very "eh" about this powder. It was kind of dry. It looked kind of cakey on the skin. However, it's incredibly cheap and I could make it work. I mean, this certainly isn't the worst powder I've ever used. I will say that you don't get very much product when you purchase this powder; I hit pan after using it for only a few days. However, as I said, it is extremely cheap, so that is to be expected. I also had a problem with the packaging; the plastic hinge on the lid broke after a few days of using it, so it was kind of difficult to open and close the powder. All things considered, I probably wouldn't repurchase this powder.

FaceStudio Master Strobing Liquid Illuminating Highlighter (Light/Iridescent) by Maybelline - Usually, I'm not a big fan of liquid highlights. I just find them to be kind of difficult to work with and tricky to apply. Usually, I find that I can achieve the same look with powder highlights with less work. However, I thought this liquid highlight was really pretty and decided to pick it up for the express purpose of mixing it with my foundation, and it worked really well for that. Mixing this highlight with my foundations really gave them a little something special and made the foundations look extra pretty on my skin. I think this is a beautiful highlight and you get a lot of product for the money, so, if you think you would use it, I definitely recommend this product.

Cotton Comforting Facial Wipes by Yes To - I've gone through so many of these wipes, and I've written about them like a million times. They're great, affordable makeup remover wipes. I go through approximately a pack a month; I'll definitely continue to repurchase. 

Let me know which products you used up this month in the comments!