Staff Picks: This month's empties
I currently have five foundations, four moisturizers, three serums, and six shampoos in circulation. It may not seem like a lot compared to other people’s stashes but having more than one product that pretty much serves the same purpose and isn’t differentiated by color is honestly more than I need. The truth is, being a beauty addict turns most, if not all, of us into product junkies as well. We fall in love with the pretty things and fawn over them until a newer, shinier object catches our attention and the cycle repeats itself.
It’s that same realization that helps me appreciate posts about empties. When we’re constantly trying new things, it feels like a rare feat to finally hit pan or squeeze the last drop of product out. Empties may not always read like a list of holy grails but I personally enjoy learning why people continue using them, even when other options have become available. This is what the PV team has used up so far for this year!
Den: I’ve just run out of another K-Palette Lasting 2Way Eyebrow, though thankfully not during mid-application. As one of my kit staples, I wish these were cheap enough to hoard backups for! After using them all of last year, my bottles of Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Daily Cleanser and Avalon Organics Vitamin C Renewal Refreshing Cleansing Gel are now empty. I loved both: Neutrogena’s low pH formula was great for daily use while the vitamin C in Avalon had a nice brightening effect on my skin. I’m not sure if samplers would count as empties but I extended the tiny pack of CosRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid to three applications and promptly bought the full-sized bottle as a result. I tell anyone willing to listen that they absolutely need this in their lives!
Angela: I finished my Maybelline Clear Smooth All-In-One Powder Foundation. It covers some of my blemishes and keeps my T-zone oil-free. I also use it as a setting powder for my concealer. It's so affordable and performs really well so I'll definitely buy again!
Crystal: I've always prided myself on my ability to empty products because it (somehow) justifies my hoarding tendencies! This month, I emptied a whopping 30 grams of 3W Clinic Powder, which is a really nice, inexpensive setting powder with a floral scent. The Face Shop Natural Sun Eco Ice Air Puff Sun is the lightest sunblock I've tried to date with a nice, cooling effect that is perfect for our hot weather. The Body Shop Almond Oil Conditioning Hand Wash was a moisturizing hand wash with a mild scent.
I finished a Maybelline Brow Mascara even though it took me forever because there was so much product. Miller Harris is a perfume brand from the UK. I used up the lip balm and it's honestly one of the most moisturizing lip balms I've ever tried. Last but not least is a mini size of Belo SunExpert SPF60 PA+++ Body, which I got when Belo had a promo. I've always been happy with Belo SunExpert and will continue purchasing from the line. Overall, I'm happy with all the products I emptied for this month, which is exactly why they are empty now LOL!
Katsy: I'm nearly done with the travel-size skincare set I got from Laneige last November. The set lasted almost three months, although I did alternate with other skincare items once I reached the halfway mark. I will probably repurchase the line plus the Water Sleeping Mask as they really did hydrate my face well. I used the Laneige Moisture line as I have dry skin.
Claire: I go through conditioners, lotions, and makeup wipes really quickly. I have backups of the Pantene 3 Minute Miracle and Nivea Extra White Firming Body Serum but I'm not loyal to any brand of makeup wipes just yet. I picked up the Watsons 3-in-1 facial wipes in Malaysia a while back but haven't been able to find it locally. Too bad, as it effectively but gently removes makeup! I also enjoyed the Biore makeup remover wipes but I wish they were a bit larger. It's pretty rare for me to finish any makeup item but I really abused my Innisfree No-Sebum Mineral Powder. Will definitely repurchase this after I go through my loose powder stash!
Jenn: Super happy to finish my bottle of Merphil AC+ All in One Magic Cream - my holy grail when it comes to combating zits! This is one product that really changed my life, errr, skin. Designed for hormonal acne, it always either flattens my small pimples after overnight use or calms down big ones. It's a regular fixture in my routine so I always have to keep a backup of it.
Gett: I finally finished my bottle of Cure and a tub of Innisfree Super Volcanic Pore Clay Mask after more than a year of using them. These two helped improve my overall skin texture and kept my face thoroughly clean. I use both once a week, or twice if my skin looks meh. I'd repurchase these two in a heartbeat!
Did you empty out any products last month? What convinced you to keep using them?