July just flew by! It was my birthday month and I went on a road trip. Here’s what I used up in July:
And here’s what I thought of each – hopefully this will help you if you want to try any of these.
Avène Eluage Cream – $55 for 30ml (drugstores)
This is one of my HG skincare items. I discuss this in my anti-aging skincare products post. This particular tube is actually expired since Dec 2014 but I continued to use it since eh, it’s in a vacuum sealed pump, the risk of it losing full potency instantaneously is low. I’ve started using the Avene YsthéAL Emulsion ($51 for 30ml) as its replacement – it’s less emollient and ideal for summertime. This bottle lasted me more than 18 months since I only use it in a targeted area (for my laugh lines).
Stash worthiness: 10/10 Repurchase: Yes
Lise Watier HydraSmart Gel-Crème Hydration 3D – $18 for 30ml (Shoppers Drug Mart and online)
This normally comes in a 50ml jar but I saw the 30ml travel size ones online and noticed that they were actually cheaper per ml compared to the full size version (it’s $42 for the 50ml jar, making it $0.84/ml – the travel sized tube cost $0.60/ml). And, the travel size comes in a more sanitary tube packaging, to boot. I quite liked this gel-cream – it’s a lighter weight consistency so it absorbs quickly and I prefer wearing this for summertime. However, I noticed that the product would pill (or ball up) under some foundations. And over time, the strong fragrance of this – it smells like hair spray – started to bother me. I have another unopened one of this which I hope to finish up this summer.
Stash worthiness: 6/10 Repurchase: No
Alpha Hydrox 12% AHA Souffle – $10 for 45ml (online)
I bought this from Winners ages ago and have been using this jar on and off. The scent-free cream has a gooey kind of texture that’s lightweight but a bit sticky – with 12% AHA it is definitely not for nightly use for me, it tingles quite a bit but leaves my skin silky smooth the next morning. I prefer this for summertime so I decided to start using it again – however, this particular jar has likely lost its potency since it has completely lost the tingling sensation. I have another jar in my stash – it was purchased much later than this one so I hope it’s fresh. I noticed that they’ve since changed the packaging to a tube which is an improvement!
Stash worthiness: 9/10 Repurchase: Yes
Caudalie Lip Conditioner – $12 for 4.5g (Sephora)
This came as part of a kit and I’d been curious to try it for a while now – unfortunately, I don’t love it. It has a thin consistency that doesn’t really hydrate my lips very well and it disappears quickly so I have to keep reapplying. It doesn’t have any scent or flavour which is good for those who are sensitive. The tube lasted me about 6 months.
Stash worthiness: 6/10 Repurchase: No
Prestige My BIGGEST Lashes mascara – $10 for 13.6ml (drugstores)
I did a review of this. It’s a great volumizing mascara but it gave me raccoon eyes. When I wear this, I have to layer a top coat to make it transfer-proof. It’s a bit too much work for the results, but if you don’t have tissues with mascaras transferring and want full lush lashes, give this a try.
Stash worthiness: 7/10 Repurchase: No
Indeed Labs Peptalash – $25 for 5ml (Shoppers Drug Mart)
I opened this in September last year and I’ve been using it on and off (when I remember) at night. Like Cargo LashActivator Night, I do feel that it’s helped my lashes not fall out as much – thus, making my overall lashes look fuller. This product is much easier to use compared to the Cargo – I just apply a thin line along my lash line like a liquid liner. I have another unopened one of this but I’m not sure if I will repurchase – I may try just plain old castor oil to see how I get on with that.
Stash worthiness: 7/10 Repurchase: Maybe
GOSH Professional Curl it Baby! Defining Cream – $10 for 150ml (Shoppers Drug Mart)
I got this on clearance for 50% off or else I wouldn’t have paid this much for a hair product. It was decent – I use this on my damp hair to help keep my waves from separating and getting frizzy. It’s not effective on its own but when combined with a curling spray, it does provide some definition and didn’t weigh my hair down. It smells like papayas.
Stash worthiness: 7/10 Repurchase: No
Clean & Clear Deep Cleaning Astringent – $8.50 for 235ml (drugstores)
Surprised to see this item on here? Well, I don’t use this on my face! It’s way too harsh for that. I use this solely for my underarms as the prepping and cleansing step when I sugar them (sugaring is an alternative to waxing). The high alcohol content in this astringent makes it perfect for getting rid of any oils, and the 2% salicylic acid helps prevent ingrowns.
Stash worthiness: 7/10 Repurchase: Yes
Nuxe Toning Lotion with 3 Roses (renamed to Toning Lotion with Rose Petals) – $28 for 200ml (drugstores)
I accidentally bought this thinking it was the Nuxe micellar water which I really wanted to try. I did eventually buy the Nuxe micellar water and it turns out I didn’t much care for either of that or this toner. Nuxe face products and I don’t seem to get along even though I really want to like their products! The only thing that I’ve loved from Nuxe is the Huile Prodigieuse (Multipurpose dry oil) which I use for my hair and scalp. This toner is just average.
Stash worthiness: 6/10 Repurchase: No
Shiseido Facial Cotton – $11 for 165 count (department stores, drugstores, online)
This is the standard by which all other facial cottons are compared (in my opinion). I did a post on this, comparing other “dupes” from the drugstore (spoiler: they don’t compare).
Stash worthiness: 10/10 Repurchase: Yes
Have you used any of these empties?
Wonderful pics! Have a great start tot he week:)
http://www.bloglovin.com/blogs/printed-sea-3880191
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What’s sugaring??? And I tried the shiseido cotton and totally agree. Those are pillows for yo face!
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Sugaring uses a paste made of water, sugar, lemon juice, honey and molasses… in the pure form, you just use a ball of sugaring paste to remove the hair but it takes a lot of practice to get the flicking motion down pat. I use the hybrid method where I use sugaring paste in place of wax when I use muslin strips. It’s much more gentle on the skin because it just adheres to the hairs and not the skin so it doesn’t irritate the skin surface as much – I mean, it’s still ripping hairs out of the follicles so yes, it hurts. The best part of sugaring is that the residue is really easy to clean up – unlike wax, it is water soluable so you just rinse with just water!
This is what I use:
http://moom.com/proddetail.php?prod=MIK6
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Now that you mention sugaring, xteeeener, one of the youtubers I watched JUST mentioned it! She said you have to get the whipping part down or something to that effect.
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I’ve heard so much about the Shiseido cotton. They are that good ?!!! I love your Trash Stash theme 😜
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Yes they’re that good especially for the delicate eye area! 😁
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How come I have so much trouble spending this much $$$ on cotton when I buy 50$ palettes, foundations, powders 😉
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Ingrid, I’m SO frustrated about not being able to comment on your blog! I just tried via mobile and now even THAT is not working! 😫
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I again follow and unfollow to see if it will change something !!! 😖
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I’ll try that too! 😩
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I love this type of posts, so interesting! I almost bought the Gosh product myself. What’s your hair type like?
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My hair is wavy. I imagine it would work for curly hair types. I like that it didn’t make my hair crunchy. It’s just kind of expensive for what it is.
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Thank you! I will try and see – it goes on sale sometimes. So I’ll get it then…
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Neat idea with the C&C toner! What are your thoughts on sugaring vs waxing? I’ve done both, but I think sugaring is slightly gentler for me.
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My friend who is an esthetician got me onto sugaring and I haven’t looked back! I definitely think it’s more gentle on the skin’s surface since the sugar only adheres to the hairs, not to the skin so it’s not tugging at the skin as much. I also really like that sugaring is much easier to clean up compared to wax since it’s water soluble. This is the kind I use:
http://moom.com/proddetail.php?prod=MIK6
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Awesome, it’s available at Ulta! Gotta get hands on that.
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Eep *my I mean.
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Great tip on the Clean & Clear astringent! I’ve used Tend Skin in the past but this is probably much more affordable!
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I’ve eyed Tend Skin before but it’s really overpriced for what it is! If you don’t want all that alcohol in the toner, you could try to find something just with BHA. 🙂
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Ok, I’m curious… what is sugaring!!??
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http://hairremoval.about.com/od/sugarwaxing/a/sugaring101.htm
It’s still ripping hair from the roots so yes it’s still painful and don’t anyone tell you otherwise! But, what I like about sugaring is that the paste doesn’t adhere to the skin as much as wax, it just grabs the hairs, so there’s not as much tugging on the skin. Plus, the sugaring paste is water soluble so clean up is so much easier than with wax!
This is what I use:
http://moom.com/proddetail.php?prod=MIK6
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That name is soooooooooo misleading lol. Suggaring sounds so nice… until you explain it, bahaha. Thanks for the resources. I typically just shave my underarms but now that I’ve started using more natural deodorants (instead of the moisturizing Dove ones I used to use) it’s irritating my skin and it hurts. I guess I’ll have to give this a try!
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I know right? Sugaring sounds like a fun activity, but nope, just tearing your hairs out by the roots with a different product! 😛 But actually, you can EAT sugaring because it’s mostly sugar / honey.
Oh I went off shaving for years since I find it makes my armpits look darker – plus I don’t like the feeling of stubble.
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Great post! I haven’t used any of these products before so I don’t have an opinion on them but I really enjoy seeing what products everyone likes or dislikes. 🙂 xo
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Me too, I’m a big fan of empties posts and monthly favourites – definitely interesting to see the variety of stuff people use and like!
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Yeah I’m really nosy and like to know what everyone is using lol. I think I am going to try to start doing empties posts sometime after I move, maybe If I start doing videos I can do them that way. It seems like videos are easier but I just have to get the courage lol. 🙂
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Oh YT video is a whole other level! It seems like a LOT of work! I don’t think I could ever myself!
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Well since my bf is an IT guy and knows how to work those programs he could show me but also my bf who has a blog on here too she does videos and I’m sure she could teach me as well. 🙂 It does seem complicated though!
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I wanted to try the lip balm from Caudalie but I don’t think I will now 😛
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I’m back using my HG lip balm now, which is from Dr. Hauschka, I highly recommend that one if you haven’t tried it!
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Never tried any of these. I am always awed at how much you manage to use up each month! I’m lucky if I go through 2 products.
I HATE those moisturizers that pill up. Oh how I hate them.
That Clean & Clear product is a great replacement for Tend Skin! Brilliant 🙂
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Well the secret in finishing all of these things is that I have SO many opened items that have been sitting half full. So it’s just me finishing them off. There’s no way I could finish all this stuff if they were brand new starting this year!
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LOL!
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I’m almost out of my Shiseido Facial Cottons and will definitely be repurchasing. 🙂 HG status.
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Me too, I’ve got a few unopened bags in my stash!
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I love your scoring / repurchase system. It makes it so easy to spot new products worth buying. You’re so on-the-ball with your blogging!
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Thanks! Yes, I’m actually tracking my monthly empties in a spreadsheet so I can see how much I’m using up – very methodical, lol! 🙂
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I love your ‘trash’ posts, very honest! I’ve never tried sugaring but I might have a look into this. I’d never use Clean & Clear on my face, so I get where you’re coming from. 🙂
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Thanks! Yes, do give sugaring a try! 🙂
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I’ve been soo late! 😦
I was about to recommend castor oil also. But you know what my sister and I use? Coconut oil before bedtime. Unfortunately the hot weather of summer made me discontinue, but this really works for us. Lashes, brows, hair.
I see myself in you. 😀 Using C&C for armpits is just me. And another thing that my mother taught me of using is for my feet. Because of the weather here and stuff, grime is enivitable specially on our feet since we love wearing sandals/flipflops. And a simple washing wouldn’t satisfy me so I use astringent. And, we’re classmates on sugaring. 🙂
I think I might need the Avene YstheAL Emulsion in my life. They’re already showing.
Thumbs Up as always! 🙂
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You must be busy living life, no time to read blogs! 😀
Hey I like your new avatar! 😉
I bought a jar of coconut oil to use in my hair but I haven’t had time to use it yet. I hope it works!
Interesting use of C&C on the feet, will have to test it! (I do get sweaty feet, embarrassing!)
Well, I always say at least it’s my laugh lines that are showing, not frown lines! 😛
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Haha! 😀 My sincerest apologies.
Thank you! I just followed a very good recomendation re: my avatar.
😉 *wink*
Happy lines also for me. 🙂
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