What Beauty Products I'm Using Now: 'Empties' Edition

Posted by Alexandra C. | Wednesday June 20, 2012

I mentioned in my Staff Skincare article that my skincare routine is constantly changing, so you've probably figured out that when it comes to products, I'm not exactly married to them. If you're like me, you're constantly on the hunt for that next "perfect" product that really works for you. Whether it be in beauty, skincare or in body, I go through many different brands and products on my never-ending search.

Only, I find that I lose track of what I am using and often a product gets left off to the side to never be used again. Then, I end up going to the drugstore and spending even more money to repeat the same process. But, this stops now.

I've decided to start shopping my own, already existing stash. Not only am I hoping to save money but I am also hoping to narrow down the items that actually, really do good for me and my face/body. Basically, I thought it would be interesting and helpful to start looking at what exactly I am using, when I am using it and if it works.

So, I've rounded up 5 products that I have completely used up this month (i.e. my empties) and I'll let you know what's working, what it isn't and I'll link to full reviews in the title so you can make your own informed decision.

Empty #1: Neutrogena Oil Free Acne Wash
Price: C$8.99

The Verdict: I like that this wash contains 2% salicylic acid to combat acne and that it's oil free. It has a pleasant smell, it's a fair price and it lathers nicely.

Repurchase? Yes, I would repurchase. Like I mentioned, I am not brand loyal so I'll try out different products before going back to this one, but I would buy this one again.

Empty #2: John Frieda Frizz-Ease Secret Weapon Finishing Creme
Price: C$10.79, on sale

The Verdict: This is actually a sample I received, but even with this small amount (this one is 30 ml, full size is 115 ml) it took me a while to finish. You don't need a lot and it really does what it promises. It tamed my frizz and I had softer and smoother hair. I use this on both wet and dry hair and it I specifically liked it for after I straightened my hair.

Repurchase? Yes! Definitely will. I've used other John Frieda products, but this is my favourite. I have some other hair products to use up but once I do, this will be stocked on my shelf.

Empty #3: Nivea Calm & Care Anti - Perspirant (Roll-On, 50ml)
Price: C$4.49, on sale

The Verdict: Not a bad anti-perspirant, but it's not the product for me. It doesn't irritate skin, which is what it promises but I found in the sweating department, it just wasn't tough enough.

Repurchase? No, I don't think I will. There are definitely other options out there that do a better job for me.

Empty #4: Bio-Oil
Price: C$29.99 for 200 ml

The Verdict: A while back, we put out an article on 5 innovative uses for Bio-Oil and since then, I've been hooked on using this as an eye makeup remover and as a general moisturiser for any dry patches. I loved having this product in my medicine cabinet and I'm pretty sad to see it go.

Repurchase? I've been debating repurchasing this one. I do like this product, but it's on the pricey side and I am still unsure of whether or not I should bite the bullet and pick it up.

Empty #5: Joe Fresh Shine Lipstick in Kiss
Price: C$6.00

The Verdict: This was my go-to lipstick for a while because it was just so easy to wear. It's pigmented but sheer and glossy but not overly shiney. It feels like a combo lip balm/ lipstick and they come in some gorgeous colours. My only complaint is that it didn't last me longer.

Repurchase? I think I will repurchase this one. I have a ton of lip colours though, so I think I will wait a while. This product also comes in a really pretty dark purple-red shade called Wine that I'm eyeing right now too. I figure, at $6, I can't really go wrong, right?

What products are you using and loving (or not so much loving) right now? Do you have any recommendations for me? Leave a comment and write a review!

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17 Comments

	on June 24, 2012 beachbabe 4,164 said: this is great! I find I use to do the same thing, buy stuff, try it, never use it again. I've gotten better though with sticking with what I like and what works. I like having my line up of reliable products. and that John Frieda finishing cream is one!
	on June 23, 2012 GoneBatty 3,196 said: Love all the tips! I've been wondering about Bio Oil too, seems very expensive
	on June 22, 2012 Charmheart16 3,985 said: I'm attempting to finish up some makeup products right now. Once I actually started looking at what I had, I realized I had too much and I needed to start using them up before I could purchase any more. I usually finish skin and hair products fairly quickly but it takes me ages to completely use up make-up (excluding mascaras). It's definitely harder than I expected.
	on June 21, 2012 Malixy 2,623 said: I also love the neutrogena face wash. I try different brands in between purchses, but I always go back to this one eventually. Mine is almost empty now actually, and I already have a back up waiting :) Another good product that I always go back to is Oscar Blandi hair treatment. It works very well for damaged hair (from stylist, or colouring). Its pricy, so if ou can but in the states for half price, but it goes a long way since its more of a once or twice a week treatment, not an every shower kind of thing. Miracle worked when it comes to hair that is really tangly and straw like. I have very long hair and this helps me keep it well behaved. I also like the clinique gel moisturizer, its great, very light, but unfortunately it doesnt have spf in it, so I have to use somethng else with it, or wear very large hats and sunglasses.
	on June 21, 2012 shanaz 5,961 said: Don't forget to slice open your "empties" tubes of product... You'd be SHOCKED at how much product is left in the tube, even though it feels completely empty! Just a quick tip to save you ladies coffee cash :)
	on June 21, 2012 Cassie_ 2,311 said: Bio Oil as an eye make up remover?!? I never would have imagined that!
	on June 21, 2012 lawrencesharon 1,325 said: I always love trying new products, I am not particular about using a single brand product. Well the products you are using are good ones.
	on June 20, 2012 takanikki 2,265 said: I love most of the nivea products. Bio oil is rather pricey, I use the Jamieson Vitamin E oil (They happened to be B1G1 at London Drugs when I got it). I'm also really loving my La Roche Posay facial cleanser, it really cleanses and is great for removing makeup. All I need to find now is a moisturizer that works for me.
	on June 20, 2012 farouknabela 3,469 said: Those all look like awesome products!
	on June 20, 2012 Becky 13,128 said: I'm just like you Alexandra, I love to shop, pretty much as soon as I purchase something I find myself hunting for the next best thing (right now I'm drooling over Illamasqua skin base foundation and debating whether to get it). I don't seem to give myself time to really enjoy a product. I hit pan on my Smashbox purple primer and felt sooo proud of myself! I actually repurchased it too. I love your idea about shopping through your own collection, I'm going to try that myself too. Thanks for sharing your empties!! :-)