Tag: empties

Low Buy Update #1: 3 Month Check-In + Skincare Empties

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Spring is finally here, that means it’s time for a check-in to see how well I’m progressing with my Low Buy 2022 Challenge after 3 months – and skincare empties, of course!

If you haven’t already, be sure to check out my blog post Let’s Low Buy 2022 – here I write about why I am doing this challenge, what I hope to achieve, my rules, and how I am going to hold myself accountable. As a random person on the internet who is sharing this Low Buy challenge, the main way I am publicly holding myself accountable is by doing seasonal (3-month) check-ins; I talk about my successes and challenges with the challenge, as well as sharing all my skincare empties!

3 Months of Low Buying – How It’s Going So Far

2022 is flying by – I can’t believe it’s already April as I sit down and write this post! Although it’s been a speedy 3 months, I feel that the Low Buy challenge for the most part has been rather successful.

No More Freebies

I have been contacted by various PR companies and brands for campaigns, to which I respectfully declined. I was interested in a few of them, but right now I really want to focus on the goal at hand!

Remove Temptations

This rule has been the most successful thus far. For example, I did not even know the Sephora VIB Sale was taking place until a few youtubers I watch talked about it! I unsubscribed from Sephora’s newsletter a while ago, as well as unfollowed various brand social media accounts and uninstalled shopping apps. The only purchases I have made this year (stay tuned) have been skincare products that are directly replacing an empty in my skincare routine and/or a skincare product I keep on rotation for emergency breakout/impaired skin barrier days.

Let it Marinate

I have not impulse shopped since Deciem’s Black Friday sale of 2021 *pat on back*. Instead, I have created a wishlist of skincare products I am very interested in! If I ever feel the urge to buy something, I first take a look at my skincare routine as well as collection to make sure the item I want to purchase is unique and not similar to something I already have.

Empty Before Newbie

This has been the more challenging rule out of the 5 I have created for this Low Buy! I am a lover of skincare, and as someone who does reviews every so often, I like drawing comparisons. I like saving the skincare item I like when opening a new product because in the off-chance I don’t like the newer one, I have the original to fall back on if I decide to use up the new one or give it away. There are also items I have opened up that are quite similar, but to me their primary function is different. Further tangent on this in the video!

No Makeup

The easiest rule so far! I have not felt the need to purchase any makeup because I have been happy and content with my current collection. I think I’ll be downsizing it further soon!

Skincare Empties

The visual of how my Low Buy challenge is progressing – skincare empties! Below is a list of the empties names and links. Please note that products marked with an “*” indicates a PR item or gift. Links marked with “*” indicate an affiliate link – by clicking on this link and making a purchase, I earn a small commission. MICHXMASH Disclosure

Bioderma H2O Hydrabio Micellar Water
* https://rstyle.me/+ATLVDyAd1DbDVm7hWAduAw

Geek & Gorgeous Jelly Joker Low pH Gentle Cleanser
* https://iaff.geekandgorgeous.com/118-11-3-15.html

Bonajour Eggplant Daily BHA Toner
* https://rstyle.me/+x2WxopcSUxsVoPHwttcfEg

Paula’s Choice Clear Acne Body Spray
* https://rstyle.me/+71SiyGmURtLOQC29SmRI1A

* Rovectin Biome Ampoule
* https://rstyle.me/+k6oUegjchUeTt4TGsIRosw

The Ordinary Buffet + Copper Peptides 1%
* https://rstyle.me/+-qLkCsCdOXyoB3OHzKw1Fw

* Klairs Midnight Blue Calming Cream
* https://rstyle.me/+N8q_MV80aDrGFVVOKsFThg

COSRX Advanced Snail 92 All in One Cream
* https://rstyle.me/+7u2rLKkhbVyoXyLn-4vsNw

* Charcoal & Rose Petals Body Butter
https://charcoalandrosepetals.ca/collections/cream-lotion-body-butter/products/essential-oil-body-butter?variant=36442599063713

Shyne Body Butter Island Vanilla
* https://rstyle.me/+xgllPISnxv4UiISjqnHbIQ

Eucerin Rich Replenishing Cream
* https://rstyle.me/+BvnY7QLpGvS3PIAJdgryxA

Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream
* https://rstyle.me/+HEwhGhvxihj981FmuRl8BA

Bioderma Atoderm Intensive Baume
* https://rstyle.me/+53FftnxpnGicuzKJTUhk8Q

La Roche Posay Anthelios SPF 50+ Ultra Fluid Invisible Finish Lotion
* https://rstyle.me/+e6I8cgrNI5PIHKNfONPCiQ

SVR Sun Secure Mousse Cream SPF 50
https://www.caretobeauty.com/us/svr-sun-protection/svr-sun-secure-blur-optical-mousse-cream-spf50-50ml/

And that’s all for my first Low Buy update! How has yours been going so far? Any rules working for you, or what do you find challenging? Let me know in the comments down below!

xo, M

December 2018 Roundup – I DID IT!

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*clap clap clap* I have somehow managed to do a roundup for every month this year, and use up a ton of products along the way! Here are my favourites and empties for December, and stay tuned for the Beauty of Beauty posts!

Favourites

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Skincare

Cerave Baby Healing Ointment – The regular one isn’t available in Canada, but I swear these have similar ingredients! This is my current go-to occlusive for around my eyes, smile area and any dry spots (let’s be real – my entire face). It has 45% petroleum, mineral oil, as well as *drumroll* CERAMIDES! You guessed it lol. Basically this is less greasy to use compared to straight up Vaseline (although still greasy) and is easier to thin out or mix with my moisturizer.

Tools

Sephora Pro-Diffuser Brush #64 – Another solid recommendation from my friend. This brush is the best complexion brush I have ever used. MAC Face and Body, MUFE Matte Velvet, cream blush. powder blush, general blending… Bless this brush, for it does everything!

Empties

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Skincare

Benzagel 5 Acne Wash – One of the best BP products I’ve ever used. It was really gentle when I used it, lasted WAY longer than expected, and worked well with OTC Differin.
My Nighttime (PM) Skincare Routine 2018

Briogeo Scalp Revival Charcoal + Tea Tree Scalp Treatment – Love it more than the Phytopolleine I had prior. It worked fairly quickly at balancing my scalp, and I actually found I didn’t have a need for it until I *unbalanced* it with other hair products I’ve been trying. Will probably repurchase this.

CNP Brightening Daily Fluid Sun Essential Fluid Formula SPF50+ PA++++ – Loved it when I first bought it because of how milky it was. However near it’s end it seemed to pill on my face a LOT! Also I can’t rely find a reliable link even if I wanted to repurchase.

Dermalogica Biolumin-C Serum * – After much reflection on all the Vitamin C serums I have tried this year, I have concluded that this was the best one. Mainly because it benefitted my skin in a variety of ways, and the one major con is the price.
REVIEW: Dermalogica Biolumin-C Serum

Dermalogica Special Cleansing Gel * – Holy cow, this took so long to finish, I actually used it in the morning as well. I got this back in October 2017 And pretty much used it every night since (aside from testing other stuff). A little went a long way and despite the price you really do get the full value of this cleanser!

Klairs Midnight Blue Calming Cream 30ml – You all know I purchased the 60ml size, ’nuff said.
BRAND REVIEW: Dear, Klairs

Klairs Rich Moist Soothing Cream – This moisturizer will always have a special place in my heart. The only moisturizer I  could rely on when my skin was Going from oily to dry while still breaking out from getting off of BC.

HAPPY NEW YEAR, 60+ EMPTIES LATER.


TOTAL EMPTIES
January – 4
February – 4
March – 6
April – 5
May – 4
June – 5
July – 3
August – 7
September – 10
October & November – 7
December – 7

62 MO’FREAKIN’ PRODUCTS! I know my bf helped me with some, but majority of them were on my own damn face! Keep in mind I didn’t purchase all these products, some were gifts and PR.

For 2019, I’m really going to try being more diligent at using up products I have before purchasing another one. I thought I was doing pretty good, but receiving PR that I care to use after review makes it difficult.

Hope you enjoyed my Roundup series! This year I may just do current favourites and empties based on the season so the video is more focused on a topic. Stay tuned for my Best of Beauty 2018 posts, they are almost done!

xo, M

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cQYlxAzS_wQ]

*  This post contains affiliate links.

September 2018 Roundup

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Favourites

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Klairs Soft Airy UV Essence SPF 50+ PA++++ * – Klairs did a great job with this sunscreen; It is comfortable to use on application and finish, doesn’t add a crazy glow, and is not sticky. My boyfriend, who has normal skin, was able to use this alone and he felt comfortably moisturized. Whereas for myself, it was okay at first on its own, but I did notice my dry skin feeling dry (lol). Nonetheless I think it’s great for any skin type!
SUNSCREEN SUNDAY #1: Klairs Soft Airy UV Essence SPF 50+ PA++++

Make Up For Ever Matte Velvet Skin Full Coverage Foundation Y305 Soft Beige – Around this time of year I get into full coverage foundations. I’m still super happy with my It Cosmetics CC Cream (REVIEW: It Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC Cream SPF 50+ (Medium)), but the beauty junkie in me can’t help but gravitate towards a more polished look. I grabbed this foundation on recommendation from a couple of friends that this would be a great matte foundation for dry skin. Well, they were right! It looks very natural for it’s not a flat matte, buildable coverage, and lasts all day. I’ll give a full review when I have tried wearing it in other ways.

Physician’s Formula Eye Booster Ultra Fine Liquid Eyeliner – It’s been years since I picked up an eye liner from the drugstore, but this one did not disappoint! It has a nice brush tip, is very black, easy to use, and doesn’t smudge! On the packaging it says it’s made in Japan, and I have actually been using Japanese eye liners for years. Highly recommend this product!

Empties

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ByWishtrend Mandelic Acid 5% Skin Prep Water * – I really liked how this acid toner did not leave my skin feeling dry and somehow managed to help control my acne despite it being an AHA! It did sting a bit at times, I’m not sure if I had cuts on my face or what, but I do remember never feeling sensitized at the beginning while using this. If you’re looking for a gentle acid toner, Mandelic Acid is the one to pick and ByWishtrend’s Mandelic Acid 5% Skin Prep Water is a good option to consider.
REVIEW | [ByWishtrend] Mandelic Acid 5% Skin Prep Water

Cerave PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion – Already repurchased my 3rd bottle! This is such a great moisturizer and truthfully peaked my interest in trying out more drugstore skincare.
My Morning (AM) Skincare Routine 2018

Dermalogica PreCleanse Balm * – A more thicker first cleanse product, but I loved that a little went a long way and it took about a year to finish up the entire tube! You’ll definitely get your money’s worth if you have been thinking about getting this. Because it’s heavier, I don’t think any oily-skinned peeps would like this and would probably want to opt for their PreCleanse.
I tried Dermalogica’s Double Cleanse Routine ft. the PreCleanse Balm

Innisfree Super Volcanic Pore Clay Mask – This was my second purchase of this mask, and I’m already missing it. Despite it being a clay mask, I was able to wear this for a long period of time without feeling like my skin completely dried up. My skin always looked even tone and really helped subside the size and pain around any active breakouts. Because of the size, I always had it in my carry-on back in my frequent flyer days, when I tend to get a zit or two after being on the plane for so long. I’m trying to finish up other masks right now, but definitely consider this one if you want an affordable K-Beauty mask!

I’m From Honey Mask  – I definitely had this for too long, for I feel like it lost a bit of its potency since I didn’t use it up when it was near its end. I’m definitely considering repurchasing this, for my face became clearer from breakouts, and my skin felt very moisturized to the touch and smooth.
Review: I’M FROM Honey Mask

Differin – I already cracked open my 2nd tube of this stuff, and I feel like since using it my face looks a tad bit smoother and less breakout prone. I’m not sure if I want to keep using it however, because I want a retinoid or retinol that’ll help with breakouts AND preventative aging. I’ve been noticing the finest of lines on my forehead and around my mouth, so I’ll keep using this until I find something else to tackle additional concerns.
My Nighttime (PM) Skincare Routine 2018

Hada Labo Koi Goku-Jyun Perfect Gel – I miss this one. I got the classic Lotion to try and it really doesn’t do anything for me other than make my face feel a bit more hydrated. The Perfect Gel just really locks in my hydrators and leaves my skin feeling super smooth. Maybe the Premium Lotion would be a better one to look into since it has 5% urea in it.

Mad Hippie Eye Cream – A potent moisturizing, and lightweight eye cream. Ever since I stopped using this and tried to use just my regular moisturizer my under eyes don’t have the same bright, youthful look. I definitely want to repurchase this, but first I’m going to try an eye serum.

Mad Hippie Vitamin C Serum – This vitamin C product was very gentle and showed its effectiveness. I don’t think it did too much to help prevent breakouts, but I noticed my post-inflammatory marks didn’t last as long (especially when I used Differin at night). Defintiely recommend if you want to start using a vitamin C serum, I haven’t found other ones that worked for me (even the Ordinary ones!).

Timeless 20% Vitamin C + E + Ferulic Acid Serum – Not completely finished because it oxidized. My boyfriend was using this one and we purchased another bottle for both of us to use. It is definitely more potent than the Mad Hippie Vitamin C Serum, but it does have 20% Ascorbic Acid, the big brother of vitamin Cs. Nick’s face has always been good and never problematic like mine, but I do notice his skin looks a tad brighter and tighter from the first bottle. Let’s hope I get similar results!

Hope you enjoyed this month’s roundup! So proud of all the empties for this month.

xo, M

This post contains affiliate links.
DISCLAIMER, PR, AFFILIATES

August 2018 Roundup

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Basic BG Statement: I CAN’T believe we’re near the end of summer! Seriously, as you get older, time passes so quickly. Anyone else feeling the same way? Anywho, here is August’s roundup!

FAVOURITES

IMG_20180909_123751.jpg

Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid – I totally get the hype. I like how gentle it is that I can bring it up to my eye area without worry. I’ve repeated this a couple of times to friends, but my face looks very poreless, smooth and “juicy” when I use this product. I want to say the texture is borderline toner to essence. Like an acid essence. It doesn’t dry out my skin at all, and I can wait a few minutes before adding other products.

Riversol SPF 30 Lightweight Broad Spectrum Sunscreen – This has been a very pleasant sunscreen to use. Despite the mica in it to create a natural shimmer, I find it doesn’t blend too shiny or white on my skin. Having said that, I don’t think the tint will 100% adapt to your skin type. Definitely a sunscreen meant for drier skin types, because I do notice it adds an extra layer of moisture on my skin. Until the weather becomes colder and I become a little more lighter, I like using this under my powder foundation.

La Roche Posay Anthelios Mineral Tinted Ultra-Fluid Lotion SPF 50 – It’s a bit pricey for the size, but I love how easy it is to apply without worrying about an obvious cast. This is the the sunscreen I reach for if I don’t want to wear any makeup, but I want some miniscule amount of evenness in my skin. It’s also great to wear at the gym!

I did a Sunscreen Week on my blog back in July, where I go more in depth about these sunscreens!
SUNSCREEN WEEK [Day #6]: Riversol SPF 30 Lightweight Broad Spectrum Sunscreen
SUNSCREEN WEEK [DAY #7]: La Roche Posay Anthelios Mineral Tinted Ultra-Fluid Lotion SPF 50

Featured CBB Blog of the Month – I am part of a group called the Canadian Beauty Bloggers Network, and I was featured as August’s Blog of the Month! Around this time I’ve been blogging for just about 3 years, and have 100+ blog posts. I love being part of this community of bloggers who are so supportive, helpful and encouraging!
My featured blog post – August 2018 Blog of the Month: MICHXMASH

EMPTIES

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SKINCARE

Consonant DHE Mask – This mask was REALLY good at cutting down the size and pain of very active zits! I mostly used this as a spot treatment, but occassionally all over the face. My skin didn’t feel dry from the clay, and it was fairly soft after washing the mask off. If you want a mask that doubles as a spot treatment, this is your go-to!
REVIEW: Consonant “One For All” Kit

COSRX Galactomyces 95 Whitening Power (Tone Balancing) Essence – I noticed such a difference in my skin the moment I incorporated this product into my routine! I stopped complaining about tightness in my skin, and my face felt smoother in texture. I was skeptical about essences, let alone Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate, but this essence performed really well. I bought the Secret Key essence instead of repurchasing this one however because I *did* give in to the nice packaging of it! Out of the two however, I prefer the texture of the COSRX one!
I’m Finally Sharing my Current Skincare Routines 2018

Too Cool For School Xakziuza Cleansing Water – Better than their Eye & Makeup Remover Counterpart. My face didn’t tingle, which normally happens when I use a product with micelles in it. I won’t repurchase because this also has a strong scent and I’m trying out Riversol’s Micellar Water at the moment.

Make P:rem UV Defense ME Blue Ray Sun Gel SPF 50+ PA++++ – Not completely empty, but I can’t get the rest of the product out! Argh! >_< Either way, this is a great chemical sunscreen. My face always looked even, also during days if I was outside in the sun all day. I also did a dedicated review on this sunscreen if you want more details!
SUNSCREEN WEEK [Day #1]: Make P:rem UV Defense Me Blue Ray Sun Gel SPF 50+ PA++++

Paula’s Choice Clinical Ultra-Rich Moisturizer – This was okay. When I first started using this, I felt like it was actually DRYING out my skin, and made the center of my face very discoloured. Now that the weather is a bit better and I have a different approach to my skincare routine, it’s doesn’t seem to do that anymore. I’m not saying this moisturizer is bad, I just think I’ve tried better moisturizers.
REVIEW: Paula’s Choice Moisturizers for Dry Skin

HAIR

Aveda Clove Color Conditioner – Already bought another one! Aveda has been my go-to since I discovered it for treating my coloured hair, and I can’t find anything else that’s easier and effective to use. Clove is what I use to keep the darkness of the ash brown in my hair. It’s been almost a month since I ran out of it, and I can tell my hair’s been getting lighter faster.
MICHXMASH & Vera Rapunzel’s Haircare Faves 2017

North American Hemp Co. Area 369 Hair Serum – I finally ran out of this guy! I really enjoyed this hair serum and my hair felt soft and detangled almost instantly. I would still have to apply this on a daily basis to make sure my ends were not feeling frayed. I just hate the packaging, What’s the point of it having a cap like this if the bottle doesn’t even let you squeeze!?

SAMPLES

Paula’s Choice Gentle Cleansing Cloths – Impressed how nicely saturated it was and GENTLE around my eyes! I’m not a makeup remover wipe kinda gal, but I definitely see the appeal of this one and would consider adding it into my cart the next time I buy PC products. I usually use wipes when I swatched a lot on my hands for a post/video!

Paula’s Choice Resist Super Antioxidant Concentrate Serum – I can’t even recall anything special about this other than the texture was cool. Sure, it has a nice list of ingredients, but I already use a vitamin C serum, and I like my Cerave PM Moisturizing Facial Lotion for my ceramides.

And that’s that for last month’s roundup!

Hope you enjoyed the read.

xo,

M

July 2018 Roundup

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Usually I like doing both video and blog posts on my monthly roundup, but I’ve been rushing to get a bit of content up (eg. Nighttime (PM) Skincare Routine video is published, not post) so for this post I’m sacrificing words that I am pretty much saying in my video. Enjoy!

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TJmWtJSN-9Y]

Favourites

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Secret Key Lemon Sparkling Peeling Gel REVIEW: [JOLSE] secretKey Lemon Sparkling Peeling Gel 120ml (New Package) *

Marcelle Gentle Make-Up Remover for Sensitive Eyes

La Roche-Posay Serozinc Purifying Mist

Divine Essence Wild Cornflower Floral Water *

Supergoop! Forever Young Hand Cream SPF 40

It Cosmetics Celebration Foundation SPF 50

Empties

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Cerave PM Moisturizing Facial Lotion
My Morning (AM) Skincare Routine 2018

Banish Acne Scars Pumpkin Enzyme Masque
REVIEW: Banish Acne Scars Banish Starter Kit

Le Correcteur de Chanel Longwear Concealer (20)

Very short post, but I still hope you enjoyed it!

xo, M

This post contains affiliate links.
DISCLAIMER, PR, AFFILIATES

June 2018 Roundup

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FAVOURITES

Mentholatum Hada Labo Koi-Gokujyun Perfect Gel – My skin may not be perfect, but it’s looking and feeling a lot better since I’ve incorporated this as the humectant-type moisturizer to my routine. My skin feels softer and smoother and more plump in general. It must be working at keeping all that hydration in!

Levi’s 501 Shorts – I can’t stop wearing these. They fit me so well and make my butt look really good.

EMPTIES

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Banish Acne Scars Activated Charcoal Clay Masque – I’m really happy that this managed to last around 4 months with consistent use, especially since it’s in a small jar. I won’t be repurchasing this because I don’t like masks in powdered form in general, and I prefer creamier textures when it comes to clay masks. REVIEW: Banish Acne Scars Banish Starter Kit

Boo Bamboo Natural Sunscreen Mini Spray SPF 30 * – I take back what I said in my Green Beauty Products I Don’t Like vid. My boyfriend wanted to use it up instead of giving it away, and I’ve come to like it. It’s spreads nicely, doesn’t feel thick on the body, no whitecast when you rub it in and wait, and is a dry finish without drying your skin. I still stand by what I said before though, don’t use this if you plan on going in any water. It got really patchy on my body and it was not a pleasant site!

Klairs Supple Preparation Facial Toner (Scented) – I’ve already done a dedicated review on this bad boy, so no need to go into detail. I am currently using the unscented one, and for the summer months I am finding it quite enjoyable and it seems to be performing just as well long-term as the original. REVIEW & COMPARE: Klairs Supple Preparation Facial Toner – Scented and Unscented!

The Face Shop Orchid Hand Cream * – I love the scent of orchid, so this hand cream was pure bliss when I used it; I preferred applying it at nighttime to relax me. The the finish is light so it won’t leave your hands overly greasy. At the same time, I don’t find it overly moisturizing, but it does enough. This is the second tube I’ve used up and I’m definitely considering having it on my nightstand again.

Weleda Everon Lip Balm – Best. Lip balm. EVER! It’s one of the more pricier lip balms I’ve purchased, but it lasts a long time both in my purse and on my lips, and it leaves a comfortable moisturized finish.

Not a lot of favourites this month, but I’ve also been testing out new products like crazy. You may see them featured in my next roundup since I didn’t use them enough to give a mention in this month’s. Either way, I’m happy I emptied a handful of products!

xo, M

This post contains affiliate links.
DISCLAIMER, PR, AFFILIATES

May 2018 Roundup: Favourites, Empties, Accomplishments!

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I’m exciting to share a personal accomplishment this month alongside my product faves and empties. It may seem silly, but I’m sure proud of myself! Also, a few of the products I’m going to mention are actually my purchases from the Sephora Spring VIB Haul. Usually I return more than half the stuff cause they end up sucking, but I’ve actually been consistently using all of them since I got it in the mail!

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April 2018 Roundup

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I actually did quite a bit of shopping in the month of April, especially since I’ve decluttered many a things and have given them away to family members and friends. It gave me a smidgen of room to try other things I’ve been waiting to buy!

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January 2018 Roundup

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Below are 5 products I’ve been using a lot and liking in January, as well as products I managed to finish during the month! I decided to start a post series called “Roundup” so I not only talk about recent favourites, but to encourage myself (and hopefully you) to use up your current products! As a beauty junkie, it’s easy to collect and not use. I’m trying to change this habit and stop holding onto products that I know I can just buy again.

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EMPTIES #4 | Skincare, Makeup and Body

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Another year, and another collection of empties! I’m in the process of decluttering my makeup collection, and I found it also an appropriate time to dig into my empties bag. I must get everything a beauty junkie possibly can out of the way!

This empties post has quite a bit of random stuff, nonetheless hope you enjoy the post and it helps you decide on future purchases!

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