Trash Stash: August 2015

Last month was a doozy for empties, I have no idea how I went through so much:
Trash Stash August 2015
Let’s get started!

Full-sized items
Trash Stash August 2015
Shiseido Refining Makeup Primer – $35 for 30ml (department stores and online)
I did a review of this before and it’s my staple face primer. I don’t use it every day but I do reach for it the most when I do choose to wear a primer.
Stash worthiness: 9/10     Repurchase: Yes

C.O. Bigelow Lip Balm in Lemon – $7.50 for 3.7g (Bath & Body Works)
I bought this on a whim during a stock up haul of my HG nighttime lip balm. I picked this up based on how good it smelled in the store. Little did I know that it would TASTE so good too! I kept this at my desk and it was a nice pick-me-up whenever I want some lemon-y goodness. The lip balm is quite emollient with a good amount of slip, but not too much shine. At $7.50, it’s a bit on the pricey side for a lip balm though, but BBW usually has a buy 2 get 1 free deal.
Stash worthiness: 9/10     Repurchase: Yes
 Trash Stash August 2015
Philosophy Purity Made Simple Facial Cleanser – $12 for 360ml (Sephora)
I got mine during Sephora’s Black Friday deal so that’s why this was so inexpensive, but regularly it retails for about 3 times what I paid ($44 for 475ml = approx $34 for 360ml). This is a gentle cream cleanser that I use in the mornings in the shower –  I like it, but not love it – it’s gentle but I wouldn’t say it’s great for removing eye makeup and oil as claimed (I did test it first to remove makeup –  I still prefer oil cleansers) Also, the scent is kind of spicy? I don’t know how to describe it but I’m not a fan. It did the job in the mornings but I would only consider repurchasing if I find it again for cheap. This bottle lasted me for ages (~6 months).
Stash worthiness: 7/10     Repurchase: Maybe

Rimmel Gentle Eye Make Up Remover – $8.99 for 125ml (drugstores)
I haven’t mentioned this on the blog before but it’s one of my long time favourite remover for non-waterproof eye makeup. I use oil cleansers first to melt off most of my eye makeup and then clean up using this product – it works very well for that purpose. The product claims to work on waterproof mascaras too but it’s simply not true! It leaves no soapy residue, is fragrance-free, effective (save for the waterproof stuff) and very affordable – I only buy this when it goes on sale for $4 and I always have an unopened bottle in my stash.
Stash worthiness: 9/10     Repurchase: Yes
Trash Stash August 2015
Bath & Body Works Waikiki Aloe Gel Lotion – $15.00 for 166ml (Bath & Body Works)
Best buy of the summer! I got this during the BBW summer clearance sale for 3 for $15. I loooove this scent – key notes are coconut, sea notes and bamboo – I’m somewhat obsessed, actually. I can’t get enough and I love layering it and smelling it on my clothes. This particular item is no longer on BBW’s site but it is available from Amazon. The formula of this aloe gel lotion is also lovely – absorbs quickly and makes my skin supple. This item made it onto my July favourites. I did stock up on several tubes of this.
Stash worthiness: 10/10     Repurchase: No (gonzo)

Herbacin Kamille Soft Hand Cream Unscented – $8.50 for 75ml (drugstores)
This is a German brand which I received as a Christmas gift as part of a set that included body lotion and foot cream. The formula was ok – it has a runny texture but thickens as you rub it into the skin – it doesn’t leave the skin too greasy. But unfortunately, I hated the smell… it’s supposed to be unscented but it smells like dough that’s gone bad or something. I ended up using this up on my feet so it was as far away from my nose as possible.
Stash worthiness: 5/10     Repurchase: No
Trash Stash August 2015
L’Oreal Natures Therapy Scalp Relief Treatment Shampoo – $12.19 for 355ml (Sally Beauty Supply)
Normally I stay away from shampoos that are creamy – I find they typically weigh down my hair (there’s nothing scientific about this assumption but I feel that clear shampoos are more clarifying). But this one doesn’t weigh down my hair and it’s very nourishing for my scalp (and smells like delicious green apples). I’m still getting the odd dry patch flare ups around my temple even during the summertime, for some reason.
Stash worthiness: 9/10     Repurchase: Yes

Curl Keeper – $46 for 1L (salons / online)
I discussed this in my winter hair rescue post, but it’s something I use year-round to keep my hair from getting frizzy.  I like that it does not weigh down my hair, and it does not cause build up.  The 1L bottle lasted me 6 months with nearly daily use. If your hair is curly or wavy, I highly recommend this – it’s my secret weapon.
Stash worthiness: 10/10     Repurchase: Yes
Trash Stash August 2015
Annabelle Le Big Show mascara – $10 for 10ml (drugstores)
This mascara was a clumpy mess, however, once combed out with a metal tooth lash comb, the results were fantastic – full volumized lashes with decent length. And, impressively, it did not smudge on me. However, it was just way too much work every time to make it look presentable. I still find Cover Girl LashBlast Volume to work better, and without the clumps.
Stash worthiness: 7/10     Repurchase: No

Canmake Eyebrow Liquid in 01 Natural Brown – 500¥ which roughly converts to $5.30 CAD but I’m sure I paid double that online
This brow marker has such positive reviews online but I was left disappointed. The colour is fantastic – an ashy brown that looks natural. The application is effortless – if you’re not familiar with brow markers, they’re usually a sheer wash of colour that’s meant to mimic hair strokes – the effect doesn’t look like you’ve Sharpie’d your brows on. The problem with this brow marker is that the tip gets clogged easily, so after every 5th stroke on my brows, I would have to wipe it on the back of my hand to continue using it. The other problematic issue is that the product cakes and flakes off my brows! I use a spoolie to brush through my brows to soften the lines and as I’m brushing, the product becomes crusty and is visibly flaking off. Ugh. Not a good look.
Stash worthiness: 4/10     Repurchase: No

gwp / travel-sized items
This shows all the gwp / travel sized items that I used up and would not purchase the full size:
Trash Stash August 2015
Clarins Body Lift Cellulite Smoother – cool minty tingle does not mean it’s doing anything
Clarins One Step Facial Cleanser – for lazy people, and leaves oily residue on the skin
The Face Shop THE THERAPY Essential tonic treatment – wasn’t wow’d enough to buy the full size (I did a review of this here)
Molton Brown White Sandalwood Body Wash – I don’t like the scent of sandalwood
Duke & Lyle Vitalising Shampoo – ho hum, I took this from a hotel

These gwp / travel sized items I would (and have) purchase the full size:
Trash Stash August 2015
ProTerra Honey and Vanilla Conditioning Shampoo and Moisturizing Lotion – these were pilfered from one of the B&Bs we stayed at during our road trip, and I absolutely loved both the formulas and the scent!  I googled the and it is available on Amazon, but only in small hotel sizes, and the company only produces hospitality products.
Kibio Ki-Crème – unfortunately, this Clarins-owned brand has been discontinued, but I did manage to snag a couple of full sized tubes of this from Shoppers while they were clearing it out.  I kept this little tube in my purse for when I get dryness around my nose – it’s very hydrating but not greasy.
Clinique Moisture Surge Intense Skin Fortifying Hydrator – I received a few of these in gwp bags and it got me hooked! I was very skeptical about this lightweight gel formula being able to hydrate my skin but it really works, and doesn’t add any greasiness.  I have an unopened full size jar waiting to be opened soon!

Have you used any of these products?

34 thoughts on “Trash Stash: August 2015

  1. Ah..my comment dissappeared. Take two.
    Tried Philosophy Purity. .it was ok but like you said not great. Had to double cleanse for even light makeup.
    Have the Clinique Moisture Surge stashed away…must try it soon. Do you use it in the evenings?

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Sorry WP ate your comment! It’s so annoying.
      I use the Clinique Moisture Surge during the day time actually – since it’s so lightweight it’s great under foundation and doesn’t look greasy. In the evenings I’m more apt to use full on facial oils or something heavier like from Shiseido.

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  2. You know I love Clinique so let’s move on… I love Purity for removing makeup only, not as a regular cleanser. I find that if I have mascara on, it only picks up bits and pieces so I do have to go in with cotton and some kind of eye makeup remover. But because I rarely wear mascara, it’s not a problem for me. I stock up on this stuff during the sale! I’m on the second one of my stash. Need. More.

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    1. Interesting you like the Purity for makeup removal… I didn’t find it effective at all. Glad to know you like it! They always have it during Black Friday sale – I wonder who pays full price it?

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    1. Sometimes I wonder if I’m not using enough skincare? It’s so hard to gauge… maybe I’m not using enough to get the optimal benefits? Hmm. I mostly worry about that with sunscreen but I do slather it on as much as possible.

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  3. I’ve been using that Philosophy cleanser (I picked up the travel size in the Sephora checkout aisle) as my nighttime cleanser and I’ve been liking it. But I take off my eye makeup with Clinique Take the Day Off first. Good to know I should wait until Black Friday to get the full size bottle! I’ve also been using a Clinique Moisture Surge gwp as my nighttime eye cream – I guess that ‘s not what it’s meant for?

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    1. Well that Philosophy cleanser is quite popular so I’m in the minority with my “meh” assessment! Yes, you should definitely wait until Black Friday to stock up!
      You can TOTALLY use that cream on the eye area – technically you can use any face cream on the eye area really, except for maybe ones with retinols or other active ingredients that might irritate the skin there, but do a test first if the skin in are area can handle those.

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  4. You hurt me with Philosophy Purity Made Simple for me 10/10 totally HG status !!! (Did you know that Philosophy makes a great facial cleansing oil !!!) 😉
    I’m rushing to BBW to see if they still have Waikiki, it should too delicious 😀

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    1. Sorry Ingrid, I didn’t mean to disrespect you and your love for Philosophy Purity. I apologize. 😛 I did NOT know they make a great cleansing oil! I will have to go investigate!
      You should check if your BBW still has some left overs, last time I went about a week ago, I saw they had some in the body lotion, not the aloe gel though. On Clearance for 3 for $15

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      1. You know I was teasing you !!!😜
        I hope they have the Aloe Gel in my area since I prefer that form to the body lotion … Love the clearance section at BBW 😉
        Do you own “Pretty Natural” lipstick from MAC ?!! I’m caving 😦

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        1. No, I don’t own that lipstick from MAC… I have a very pathetic MAC lipstick collection – only 6 colours! I just looked up Pretty Natural – looks like a nice nude! Haha, you are so lipstick obsessed. 😉

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                  1. Unfortunately Beard Man keeps on starring at the load of lipsticks I have in the bathroom 😀 I don’t think it will happen 😉
                    I went to Winners today and there was MAC, Lise Watier, KVD,Stila,Nars, MUFE all from 2 years ago but still …

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  5. Count me as another who likes Purity for washing off makeup! I always stray, looking for something better, but I like to have a bottle of this on hand at all times. Great deal at Sephora! HBC had a good deal last year, too, but they were sold out by the time I got there.

    DH loves Herbacin, lol. I prefer to have a hand cream that smells nice.

    I need to check out that Bigelow lip balm!

    SO many empties. You did great last month!

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    1. Thanks! I think I’m on track for quite a few for Sept already too – it’s crazy!
      Right now I’m using a Cake Beauty hand cream that’s unscented for work, because some people are sensitive to fragrances – and I’m like, what’s the point! I love the way Cake Beauty Milk Made one smells!
      I guess I’m just the weirdo who doesn’t like Purity… 😛

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  6. Great set of empties, you managed to get through a lot this month 🙂
    Haven’t tried any of these I think, so a great post to read. Curious about the Rimmel eye makeup remover, I am not sure we have that here but I will go on a little hunt.
    xx Anne

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  7. I use to buy Purity, I should pick up a bottle some time. It’s a product that I’ve forgotten about. I can’t even imagine the Black Friday sale in Sephora, that’s something I haven’t gone to yet. Maybe this year I’ll try my luck. Usually I stay home because I hate being anywhere on Black Friday. lol

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    1. It’s a bit silly in Canada since our Thanksgivings isn’t even during Black Friday (our Thanksgivings is in Oct) so we just have a random day of sales on a Friday in Nov to align with yours, and everyone opens their stores super early. It’s kind of nuts.

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      1. Oh that is strange, however probably better for you all since it’s not right after a holiday. A lot of people here in the states hate BF because it basically forces a lot of people to either work on Thanksgiving or cut their holiday short. I actually have family members who will leave right after Thanksgiving dinner to get in line outside a store for BF deals and I honestly will not do that. I like turkey, pumpkin pie, and my sanity way more. 🙂

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