Empties! Check out my trash & mini product reviews!
- blendit11
- Mar 10, 2016
- 7 min read
Check out all those wretched bottles just screaming to be recycled. Excuse the yuckyness! I have a lot of skin care and a few makeup things to go over. As always, all the products are linked below with descriptions from Sephora's website (none of them are affiliate links) and I have purchased everything with my own money.
I am happy to get a couple posts up this week, I was originally too sick to even want to do this - I guess this is a sign I'm on the mend. I work in a hospital, but no matter how many times I wash my hands and wear a mask those little weasels still get me sick.
Anyways, prepare yourself - there's a lot of stuff to talk about!
Price: C$110.00 (available in 3 sizes for $20/$110/$185)
Size: 30 treatments, plus 5 extra bonus treatments
Claims: Good for all skin types, and can be used daily. Combats acne, rough/dull/dry skin, aging skin and wrinkles. Contains seven acids that work their magic and require no recovery time. See improvements in texture and diminished lines with continued use. The product is vegan and cruelty free.
* This is another product Steph got me into (check her out). I continue to use this, along with other chemical exfoliants in my routine. The effects are instant. Everyone continues to say "your skin is looking so good, is it something in your diet you changed?" NOPE! It's these. It really is a great step before I let all those amazing oils and serums soak in. Together...it is magic. And I already have a back up started:)
Price: C$10.96
Size: 1oz
Claims: Blurs imperfections, and smoothes fine lines. Weightless, water-based, non-oily. Allows for even makeup application. Does not clog pores. Suitable for all skin types.
* I ended up using this almost as an added moisturizer. The texture is very thin and the formula is somewhat hydrating. There is dimethicone in it, so there is that mild softening/silky/pore filling type of texture going on. As for cancelling out redness? HAH. It is a pale green that blends to almost nothing on your skin. I often tested this product and did only half of my face...it does not reduce the appearance of redness. You get what you pay for - even the smashbox primer reduces redness when I swatch it on my hand! I would not repurchase.
Price: C$50.00 (*I did not pay this for them, they were on sale at The Bay. However, this is Sephora
Size: 60 pads
Claims: Gentle, calming and comfortable on the skin. Brightens and renews skin's surface. Removes dry and dehydrated skin cells, keeps pores clean with antibacterial ingredients, and protect, soothe, and calm irritated skin with antioxidants and botanicals.
* I went through two of these and it effectively smoothes my skin. The only reason I am not repurchasing these anymore is because my Dr. Dennis Gross pads are much more effective. I did not notice any of the pores in my "troubled" areas improve (such as my nose, cheeks or chin).
Price: $32.00
Size: .33 oz
Claims: Ultra-hydrating, reduces the look of fine lines, wrinkles, age spots, and dark circles. Brightens under eye and preps for makeup application to prevent concealer from settling into fine lines. Stocked full of anti-aging ingredients.
* I did a full review on this product already - link is here. I ended up using this as an eye cream and nothing more. I will probably not repurchase it for that reason. I never saw any noticeable effects, however the ingredients are apparently quite good.
Price: C$25.00
Size: .24 oz (*Note: Deluxe sample size shown here)
Claims: I quote from Sephora's website "proven to increase the appearance of lash volume by 330 percent." Lengthens, curls, volumizes, and conditions lashes.
* Here is a product that I don't understand the hype for. I enjoyed the basic wand, it was ok, nothing special. The formula improves over time, once it dries out a bit. However, there was nothing WOAH about it, nor did I see any of these fancy claims. I want effortless mascara - a kind that I don't have to fuss with (or build until I have spider legs for lashes!). So far on my "mascara journey" I prefer the Too Faced mascara or even some drugstore options.
Price: C$9.41
Size: 8.05 oz
Claims: No real claims other than delicately scented and ideal for every day use. Described as "sweet strawberry fragrance that’s complemented with notes of orange, pineapple and kiwi."
* I was happy to be done with this. I did not enjoy the smell at all - for me it was so artificial it was almost like plastic. And to top it off, the price listed on their website is in pounds and it converts to C$9.41 - and I bought this at Winners for MORE $$. Grr. Not a lot more... but still.
Price: C$39.00
Size: .3 oz
Claims: A translucent finishing powder that can be applied alone or over top of foundation. It sets and mattifies. Made of 100 percent-mineral silica. It softens imperfections, fine lines, and pores (evening out the complexion). Universal translucent shade, talc free, does not dry out your skin, light weight and silky texture. Not tested on animals.
* This product controls oil for most of the day, I do have to touch up if I am out for long periods of time (I have combination skin).
It leaves such a velvety soft and smooth finish, undetectable on the skin. (I do not "bake" with it and I also heard it is not good for flash photography - but I am not all about that "selfie life" - so I cannot speak for either of these factors).
<< I LOVED the lace inlay that holds this product in the jar, it really helps keep the mess down and allows you to pick up just the right amount with your brush without making a huge mess. I would repurchase this.
Price: $52.00
Size: 8 oz
Claims: Melts away dirt, oil, and makeup. Tones and mildly hydrates. Can be used for all skin types, and is gentle enough to use around the eyes. Deep cleans pores and conditions skin. Fragrance free.
* Don't get me wrong; I am just not the type to really get excited about cleansers. They are on your face for all of 30 seconds! There is a lot of hype for this product, and I would NEVER pay 52 bucks for face wash (I bought this during the Black Friday events). However, this does what it says and it does not irritate my skin (but test a sample if you have sensitive skin). It has a fresh scent, but there is no added fragrance. If you're curious about it, wait for a sale and have atter!
Price: C$79.00
Size: 1.7 oz
Claims: Mud to oil deep cleansing treatment. Removes buildup of dirt, oil, and makeup. It is a non-greasey delicate cleanse that will purify and condition your skin.
* I have two favourite Glamglow masks out of the entire line: this one and the SuperMud (which I use more for spot treatment, or just on my T-zone since it is a bit drying for me). However, I can use PowerMud all over my face and it does a phenominal job of clearing out my pores. You do feel a tingle, which fades with time. Once it is dry and you wash it off it changes to a silky oil (definitely not greasey). It smells almost like pears to me, definitely more fruity than the spa-like scent of SuperMud. I absolutely would repurchase this, and it has become a part of my mask routine when my skin needs a bit of an overhaul. The downside? The price. Le sigh.
Price: C$3.34
Size: 1.5 oz
Claims: Packed shea butter, aloe, oats and antioxidants to keep hands soft and smooth. 24-hour moisture, fast absorbing, non-greasy, and 90% natural formula.
* These are cute travel-friendly creams, nothing special. Some of the fragrances are overly "perfume-y" for my liking. They are fast absorbing and non-greasy, however they don't provide the moisture and protection my hands need (especially during winter).
Price: C$30.00
Size: 5 oz
Claims: It is an alcohol and oil free toner that replenishes and balances skin. Your complexion appears revitalized, brightened, and softened. Additionally, it balances skin, hydrates, purifies, and prepares skin to absorb serums and moisturizers.
* This toner looks and feels like water and has no fragrance. It didn't dry me out or irritate my skin. Did it do anything life changing? No. That beings said, it did what a toners "job" is supposed to do - balanced my skin, hydrated, and helped my serums penetrate into my skin for maximum absorption. I would repurchase it, however as I previously mentioned, I will be trying out a new toner with amped up ingredients (DHC CoQ10 toner)
Price: C$6.50
Size: 8.75 oz
* I use these all the time... we know that. This scent. Not so much, I realized I am not a ginger fan. 'Nuff said. Won't buy this one again!
Price: $38.00
Size: .5 oz (*Note: Deluxe sample size shown here)
Claims: Instantly de-puffs and reduces dark circles. Suitable for all skin types. Rapidly wakes up, refreshes, and restores radiance to the eyes.
* The formula of this cream is very thin and it has a peachy, pearlescent, shimmer to it (meant for brightening, but it sits strange on the skin - almost as though it hasn't fully absorbed). Once you apply makeup over top it is not noticeable. I don't understand the high ratings and reviews for this product as it did nothing for my under eyes. Not a thing! No depuffing, no moisturizing, no dark circle reduction...noooothing. And this sample lasted a LONG time, so I got weeks of use out of it. I feel like it is more of an illuminator than anything else.
Price: C$25.00
Size: .38 oz
Claims: Volumizing and lengthening. 104% increase in lash volume. No smudging, clumping, or flaking. Contains olive oil to keep lashes soft.
* This picture does not do justice for the massive size of that wand. I have never got mascara on my face so many times as I have with this. It was impossible for me and I had no patience for it.
Lesson of the day: Life is too short to suffer through a bad mascara! :)
Much love xo!
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