Staff Picks: First quarter empties
How long does it take you to use up a product? I don't wear makeup everyday, I circulate through a lot of skincare products, and I have a tendency to apply anything sparingly (because I was taught to make tipid) so it takes me a long, long time to empty out a product. It may seem like a good thing but what actually happens is that the product hits its expiry date or goes bad before I'm able to finish it up. If and when I'm finally able to produce an empty though, that's also when I realize how much I actually liked and enjoyed it!
Of course, there are also those of us who will continue to use meh products just so that they don't go to waste. Did we love them or did we just tolerate them? The PV team dishes out on what we've finally used up, what we think about them, and whether you should definitely add it to your cart or avoid it like the plague.
Claire: I always stock up on MiaCare Spot Care Patches - I go through these so quickly! After this box though, I tried the ones from CosRX and those rocked my world but I would probably repurchase the MiaCare ones instead, just because all Watsons branches stock it. Next up is Missha Time Revolution The First Treatment Essence. I like that I can use it both as an essence and as a toner but I don't feel like it made a dramatic difference on my skin. I think I could get the same or better results from other essences.
I finished up two serums: Olay White Radiance Cellucent White Essence Serum and Benefit Instant Comeback Facial Serum (mini). The Olay serum was actually a repurchase - it does lighten my dark spots but it takes two to three weeks for visible results. Not gonna repurchase this though because I will be trying out In Her Element's Spot Control Facial Oil!
The Benefit serum brightens my skin and I like using it before applying makeup. Still, I don't think it's worth the price tag (I'm definitely keeping the cute little bottle though!). I've already repurchased the CosRX One Step Pimple Clear Pad. It's the ultimate exfoliant/toner with BHA for the lazy girl! The VMV Hypoallergenics Essence Skin-Saving Superwash is technically a joint empty. My husband uses this as shampoo, face, and body wash. I use it as facial wash when I'm too lazy to reach for mine on the sink LOL. It didn't trigger his skin asthma and his skin continues to improve. It never triggered a reaction on my sensitive facial skin either so needless to say, this one has become a staple in our bathroom.
Stacie: I don't know if you can see how simot my Heroine Make Lasting Mineral BB Cream is! I love this BB so much that I cut it the tube open so I can use every last drop! It fits my skin color well and has medium coverage. Too bad they left the country! I've hit pan on two powders from Tony Moly namely their Cristal Blusher in #7 and the Cat's Wink Pact, which are both part of my everyday routine. I'm also near to emptying Etude House's Face Blur, which is my everyday primer. I probably just have 2 weeks of use left for this!
Jenn: I only have two empties for this month. One is my Migabee Witch Hazel and Seabuckthorn Toner, the bottle of which I accidentally threw away before I could take a photo. I love this toner and really used it up to the last drop because it really regulated my skin's sebum production. The other is the BRTC Jasmine Cleansing Oil, which I like using on days when I use just light makeup. Its floral scent soothes me and cleanses without stripping the skin's natural oils.
Charlie: I have a lot of skincare items open at the moment that it's really been a goal of mine to actually finish even just a few of them early this year. Recently, I ended up emptying my favorite serum, the Innisfree Green Tea Seed Serum, my trusty troubled-skin helper COSRX Pimple Pads, and my night moisturizer, the Etude House Collagen Moistfull Cream. I wish they were as less expensive here as they are in Korea but still, I love these products as they’ve helped calm my skin during my monthly breakout attacks. I’m actually planning to repurchase all of them!
Crystal: I'm proud of myself for using up another lipstick, even though it was a deluxe size: NYX semi-matte lip cream in Istanbul. This is my second lip empty for the year so far! I also used up a travel size spray of Victoria's Secret Very Sexy Now Eau de Parfum. I initially thought that I wouldn't like anything with coconut but I love how fresh it smells and turns into a floral scent. I also used up a Laneige Pore Minimizing Pack. I really like how it dries so quickly so I can use it even when I'm in a hurry. I emptied a Nature and Co. Green Tea Mist, which I got at Beauty Bar as a pick-me-up when my skin looked weird. I used up an Obagi Clenziderm Pore Therapy toner, which helped me a lot when I was breaking out. Lastly, I also emptied an Eva Nyc Hungry Hair Oil Treatment for my frizzy, curly hair. A little really went a long way so one bottle lasted a really long time!
Gett: I finished my In Her Element Nourish and Cleanse Balm, which I've had since December. If it run out too fast, it was because it was my skin-saving best friend when I traveled to a colder climate last January and because I use it to remove glittery eye makeup! I've also gone through two Revlon Colorburst Matte Balms, which are still some of my fave lippies because of the colors and comfy wear. Standout has been my fave matte red for the longest time, and Sultry is a great MLBB!
I also finished up a tube of the COC Eye Flower Care Serum that I got from Althea Korea, which is a hair serum for lashes and brows. I've noticed how my brows and lashes seem more stronger and how my lashes have grown longer. The Nature Republic Aloe Vera gel has been a staple and is a great multi-purpose gel that feels good especially in this heat. Finally, I've also gone through a Lush Percup bar, which I initially thought was a soap LOL but is actually some kind of bar lotion! I love how it smells of coffee and gets me buzzed for the day.
Have you collected any empties so far? Did you love them enough to repurchase, or you still questing for HG quality?