Empties: October 2017

Hello loves,

Here are some products I’ve used til the last drop! They’re listed in the order I’d use them in my routine.

I turned to Vichy’s Pureté Thermale 3 in 1 One Step Cleansing Solution (seriously, could this name be any longer?) after using some pretty harsh cleansers that left my skin excessively sensitive. While the formula itself was pleasant, having to use a cotton pad to apply it (and therefore having to rub the skin, even if gently) made me not enjoy this product that much. Committed to give it a fair try, I used it all the way to the end.

For me, the best way to use it was as a second cleanse, to remove any last traces of makeup. It’s always both fun and shocking to see how much is left behind when you swear your skin is squeaky clean! It’s a much more effective product that way than as a first cleanse/makeup remover.

Now that I’m done with it, I’ve decided I won’t repurchase it. It’s not a bad product, but I’ve since discovered other cleansers that I really enjoy (such as the Korres Greek Yoghurt Foaming Cleanser). My routine is pretty different now than when I got this, so it doesn’t fit into what’s currently working for me.

Pros:

• Scent is fresh but not overwhelming
• One bottle lasts a fairly long time
• Texture is watery but manageable

Cons:

• The inclusion of fragrance may be irritating for sensitive skin
• Necessity of using with a cotton pad can also be irritating, especially on inflamed skin

Vichy Pureté Thermale Micellar Cleansing Water 3-in-1 One Step Cleanser and Makeup Remover, 6.76 Fl. Oz. is available at Dermstore for $14.50.

 

Oh Clarins, you’ve done it again. The best word I can come up with to describe this daytime moisturizer is heavenly. Because it really is! Every time I opened it I felt immediately transported to a beautiful rose garden in France.

The packaging looks beautiful on your vanity, and its sturdy frosted glass jar is luxurious. I do wish they would make a version of this moisturizer that wasn’t in a jar, since the exposure to air reduces the efficacy of antioxidants and other active ingredients.

The scent is what really makes application a heavenly experience. It’s rose-y, slightly powdery, but also fresh—a tough balance to strike!

The product itself is moisturizing without being greasy. It works very well under makeup—especially during the fall and winter.

I’m now committed to using more products with little or no fragrance (since it’s not necessary for a product to work and can be a potential skin irritant) so unfortunately I won’t be repurchasing this moisturizer. That’s not to say I didn’t enjoy every minute of it, though! Hey Clarins, if you release a version of this cream that has little to no fragrance and airtight packaging, HIT. ME. UP.

Pros:

• Moisturizing but not greasy
• A little goes a long way
• SPF 20

Cons:

• Jar packaging exposes product to air, reducing efficacy of antioxidants and other beneficial ingredients
• Chemical sunscreen (Avobenzone 3%, Homosalate 9%, and Octocrylene 2.7%) and fragrance might be irritating to sensitive skin

Clarins Multi-Active Jour SPF 20 is available at Nordstrom for $54.00.

 

I’ve always been a big fan of Shiseido’s products. Even before I understood the 10-step beauty routine used so commonly in Japan and Korea, their process and products have always stood out to me as high quality but low fuss.

The Bio-Performance Super Corrective Eye Cream is no exception! Packaged in a container that keeps its active ingredients stable, all you need is half a pump per use. I really appreciated how moisturizing this formula it, and how fast it absorbs. There’s nothing worse than rushing in the morning but having to wait for your eye cream to be absorbed before putting on makeup! I also liked that this cream’s formula is versatile enough to be used AM and PM.

As a true eye cream junkie, I won’t be repurchasing this anytime soon because I have about a million others to go through… oops! But, this is definitely a good back-up option.

Pros:

• Airtight packaging keeps product fresh for longer
• Moisturizing
• Quick absorbing

Cons:

• Fragrance might be irritating for sensitive skins
• No visible improvement in fine lines or undereye circles

Shiseido Bio-Performance Super Corrective Eye Cream is available at Sephora for $60.

 

This was my first foundation from Givenchy. Although I gravitate towards natural or glowy finishes, the Eclat Matissime Fluid Foundation won me over with its unique texture and great color match (3: Mat Sand)!

(I have to admit I actually finished this foundation a while back, but I loved it so much I had to include it in this list. The Eclat Matissime has since given way to the Matissime Velvet Mat Radiant Mattifying Fluid Foundation, which has the same colors as its predecessor.)

The packaging is really unusual, and I appreciated having a cap that is fixed to the body of the product since I tend to lose caps… anyone else? haha. This is especially true when traveling! I always come home with fewer caps than I left with. I also really like the pump dispenser. Since I go for medium to high coverage, two pumps was enough for my face and neck.

It’s highly blendable and has a finish that is simultaneous matte and glowy. It also works well on the undereye area, so much so that I sometimes skipped concealer when using this foundation (and I never skip concealer). Given the formula, I preferred applying it with a beautyblender.

I’d love to try it’s replacement soon, and will likely try it out this fall!

Pros:

• Airtight packaging protects ingredients from air exposure
• Travel-friendly packaging
• Matte finish with a healthy glow

Cons:

• Fragrance might be too strong for some, and might be an irritant for sensitive skin

This foundation’s replacement, Matissime Velvet Mat Radiant Mattifying Fluid Foundation, is available at Net-a-Porter for $54.00.

 

A good eyeliner pen is should be a staple in everyone’s makeup bag! It definitely is in mine.

Kiko’s Ultimate Pen Long Wear Eyeliner is a great option for those still learning to do a cat eye, or for those who don’t have the time (or willingness) to create the look with a gel pot and a brush. The fine tip makes application easy and quick, and the product dries down fairly quickly. It lasted me a long time and at $12.00 is one of the most affordable options on the market.

My only complaint is that it smudges more easily than I’d like.

I’m now using a different eyeliner pen from Kiko that has an even finer tip. My quest for the perfect eyeliner pen continues!

Pros:

• Very affordable
• Travel-friendly
• Strong color payoff

Cons:

• Smudges more easily than others

 

This is definitely one of my favorite mascaras. No matter how many mascaras I try, I keep coming back to this one.

The Dior DiorShow Iconic Overcurl Mascara is part of the Iconic Mascara family, and the best one in my opinion. Unlike it’s sibling, the regular Iconic Mascara, the Iconic Overcurl’s curved wand makes application easier and coast lashes fully and evenly. It holds the curl on your eyelashes like a dream, and I love how it both adds volume and length. If you hate flaking and smudging mascara, this is definitely a great option! It’s also not nearly as hard to remove as other highly rated mascaras, like Benefit’s They’re Real! mascara.

For a reliable day-to-day option with just enough drama, look no further.

Pros:

• Holds eyelash curl all day
• Clump-free
• Adds length and volume

Cons:

• Really none that I can think of, other than the price tag can be prohibitive.

Dior DiorShow Iconic Overcurl Mascara is available at Nordstrom for $29.50.

 

Have you used these products? If so, what did you think? I’d love to hear your opinion and recommendations!

Stay curious,

Nati