February Empties

Every month I try to finish up a few of my makeup products, in hopes of justifying my ever-growing makeup collection…Ideally I would just have a little more restraint, but for months when self restraint is unsuccessful I really try to make sure I’m using up the things I own. I also figured sharing my empties would let me share a brief mini review about each product since I’ve seen it from beginning to end.

Tarte BB Cream (sample size) - Not going to review this here, but I’ll include the link to where I did an in depth review on this product.

http://makeupbyamrita.tumblr.com/post/41819076729/review-tarte-bb-tinted-treatment

Mac Moisture Cover Concealer, NW35 - Love this concealer! It’s very moisturizing and has a thinner texture, which I find is great in keeping it from creasing. I will probably repurchase this after I use up my Bobbi Brown concealer.

Benefit They’re Real Mascara (sample size) - I really liked how this made my lashes extremely voluminous. I don’t think it added much length, but that’s okay because I typically go for a volumizing formula. It lasts all day and doesn’t flake. The only downside is that it makes your lashes really hard and not flexible, which I don’t love but isn’t a deal breaker. I’ve got another sample of this to use up still.

Urban Decay Primer Potion in Eden - Oh my gosh this took FOREVER to use up. This is the only one of the Urban Decay’s primers that actually helps with my eyeshadow creasing. I like that it is matte and flesh toned to neutralize the eyelid. It’s a good basic primer, but I prefer the Nars eye primer so I won’t be repurchasing.

Bliss Hand Cream Blood Orange and White Pepper (handbag size) - My hands get pretty dry in the wintertime and I think that this is a good nourishing hand cream. I absolutely love the smell of this, its just really refreshing and amazing. It does take a little while to settle into your hands, so I usually rub this in when I’m on the go either walking or taking the bus. I will most likely repurchase the full size and just refill my handbag size for travelling convenience.

That’s it for empties during the month of love! What have y’all used up?

Skincare Routine

I find that an essential part of how my makeup lasts really depends on whether or not I’ve been consistent with my skincare routine. As a person with combination skin (oily T-zone and drier cheeks) I suffer from oil breaking through my makeup when my skin is over producing oil. I try to keep my skincare routine on the simpler side because at night time I’m usually tired and a long process would just lead to me skipping it altogether.

Anyways, on to the routine!

1. Neutrogena Make-up Remover Cleansing Towlettes or Bioderma

Depending on how lazy I’m feeling, I’ll use one of these two to remove my face makeup. I find that the Neutrogena wipes are fairly saturated and readily available. They don’t do as good a job as Bioderma at removing makeup but it’s fine when you are in a hurry. I usually use Bioderma with cotton squares, 1 for each half of my face. 

2. Clarisonic with Clinique Wash-Away Gel Cleanser

The Clarisonic really changed my skin, and I definitely swear by it. I’ve never suffered from large pores, but my skin needs to be exfoliated on a regular basis or I can get dry patches on my cheeks. I also love how clean my face feels after using it, and it keeps my hormonal break outs at a minimum. Plus, it comes in so many cute colors! I personally have the pastel yellow version and like using the sensitive brush heads since they are the least rough. The Clinique cleanser is one of the few cleansers I’ve found that doesn’t excessively dry out my skin or break me out. For some reason, I’m really sensitive to cleansers (for example the Philosophy cleanser wreaks complete havoc on my skin).

3. Burt’s Bees Garden Tomato Toner

I usually pour a little of this onto a cotton pad and apply to my face. It’s a little bit zingy (not quite a sting but a tingle) and removes any traces of shine or oil on my face. This toner is okay, but I’m definitely open to trying some other things. To be honest, I’m not entirely sure whether or not toner does anything at all.

4. Clinique All About Eyes Rich Eye Cream

I suffer from really dry under-eyes. As a result if my under-eye area isn’t hydrated my concealer creases like mad, even after being set with a powder. I love that this eye cream is rich enough to hydrate, but not so rich that it creates milia (the small bumps around the eyes from congested pores).

5. Benefit Cosmetics Total Moisture Facial Cream

I love this facial cream! I discovered it through a sample, and it’s become my go-to night time face cream. It’s thick and rich, and I usually put two dime size dots onto my cheeks and use most of it there, then get my nose/forehead/chin with whatever is left over on my hands. 

After all that, its time to tuck myself into bed and get some quality dreaming after my long day. Zzzzzz….