I skipped September Trash Stash due to post-vacation lethargy and the reevaluation of my life: Why am I not on vacation still? Why is anyone even interested in looking at my beauty empties? Why am I here? Then I snapped out of it and got back into the swing of things. 😛
As my punishment, I now have to root through 2 months’ worth of garbage. At least, I’m not like someone (I won’t say who) with 6 months’ worth of empties to post! 😮
Skincare
Clinique Take the Day Off Cleansing Balm – $38 for 125ml
This stuff doesn’t mess around! It thoroughly removes every trace of face and eye makeup. I came to really appreciate its convenience for travel since it doesn’t leak. I am curious to try other cleansing balms.
Stash worthiness: 9/10 Repurchase: Yes
Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water – $15 for 400ml
This stuff is good: effective, gentle, affordable. Still not my #1. I’d say it’s my #4, after Yves Rocher Detoxifying Teas, Sukin, and Reversa.
Stash worthiness: 8/10 Repurchase: Yes
Kiehl’s Calendula Herbal-Extract Toner – $51 for 250ml
Gah, look at that nasty residue of the calendula petals. Toward the end of the bottle, those petals were coming out every time I used this, and I had to pick them off the cotton pad each time – so annoying. I reviewed this super overpriced toner here.
Stash worthiness: 5/10 Repurchase: No
Clinique Moisture Surge Face Spray – $31 for 125ml
This is good but not mind-blowingly good. For now, that honour would belong to the MUJI High Moisture Toning Water, which is less than half the price.
Stash worthiness: 8/10 Repurchase: Maybe
Yves Rocher Comforting Anti-Wrinkle Eye Cream – $45 for 14ml
This made my favourites in the first quarter of the year. I liked it especially for day time in the summer months – I do need something more hydrating for the cooler weather. They’ve repackaged this in a tube which I prefer.
Stash worthiness: 8/10 Repurchase: Maybe
Aloette Aloepure Restorative Enzyme Peel – $47 for 65g
I reviewed this last December – yes, it took me 10 months to finish this.
Stash worthiness: 6/10 Repurchase: No
Nivea Lip Butter Vanilla & Macadamia – $4 for 16.7g
The texture of this is nice but the smell is overly sweet. It’s not finished but it’s kind of old now and I don’t like wearing it due to the scent. I much prefer the Blueberry version.
Stash worthiness: 6/10 Repurchase: No
Consonant Antioxidant Superhero Serum – $63 for 30ml
This isn’t your typical serum – it’s like a light mattifying lotion. It contains some impressive ingredients but I’m not sure if it yielded any significant improvements to my skin. I did enjoy it for the summer months and would consider using this again next summer.
Stash worthiness: 8/10 Repurchase: Yes
Paula’s Choice Vitamin C Booster – $49 USD for 20ml
I love this but I’m open to trying new things. I keep dreaming about the Skinceuticals CE Ferulic, which is the original product that PC was “inspired” by. It’s also 4 times the price! 😮
Stash worthiness: 9/10 Repurchase: Yes
Too Cool for School Smart Fit 3D Mask Moisturizing – $4 per sheet
This 3D sheet mask has a center seam so that it fits snuggly over the curves of the face, which I prefer over traditional flat sheet masks. The material of this mask has a subtle texture, similar to that of a paper towel – it’s very thick and sturdy. The cut-out placements suit my face really well and there is a good amount of serum and my skin felt very supple afterward.
Stash worthiness: 9/10 Repurchase: Yes
The Face Shop 3D Ampoule Mask Sheet Collagen & Pine Mushroom – $8 per sheet
This also has a center seam for a snug fit but it one ups other masks by having a separate little pouch full of extra serum that you apply before putting on the sheet mask. While it was nice, this was double the price of the the Too Cool for School mask and I don’t feel like I got double the benefit.
Stash worthiness: 7/10 Repurchase: No
Absolute Oil Control Tissue – Grapefruit scented – $3 for 50 sheets
Got this in the clearance bin and I understand why. Like using scented wrapping tissue paper to blot. But I did like the large size sheets.
Stash worthiness: 4/10 Repurchase: No
Colorescience Sunforgettable Brush-on Sunscreen SPF 50 in Medium – $64 USD for 6g
I received as a present for my birthday last year from a friend and I had mixed feelings about it. It’s very convenient and I took it on my trips with me for on the go application. It’s quite messy though when it dispenses through the brush. And it smells kind of funky. And it’s expensive! But it really does work to prevent sunburns. This one is not fully finished but it’s expired now. I’d like to try other powder sunscreen in the future.
Stash worthiness: 7/10 Repurchase: Maybe
Body Care
Cake Heavy Cream Intensive Hand Repair Balm – $22 for 100ml
This tube lasted me about 3 years. It’s SO. THICK. I can’t even squeeze the product out of the tiny little hole from the cap, I have to unscrew the whole lid to get the product out. It’s super greasy and as the name says, heavy. I can only use this just before sleep – however, it does do the job and my hands are protected all through the night and I wake up with soft hands. But too much effort.
Stash worthiness: 7/10 Repurchase: No
Lavanila The Healthy Deodorant in Vanilla Grapefruit – $17 for 50g
I reviewed this here. This tube lasted me about five months so I think the cost is justified. I’m planning on buying another one – in the Vanilla Coconut scent – during the Sephora VIB sale.
Stash worthiness: 9/10 Repurchase: Yes
Anatomicals Shower to the People Lime Body Wash – $10 for 300ml
This is a terrible shower gel! It’s so watery and doesn’t lather very well. The only things I like about it is the scent (very citrusy), the bottle design, and the pump. I got this in the clearance section of Rexall for $3 so I’m not too mad.
Stash worthiness: 3/10 Repurchase: No
Johnson’s Head-to-toe Baby Wash – $8 for 444ml
I use this to clean my makeup brushes. It’s a staple in my stash – I mainly use this to wash brushes that I’ve used powder products with (eye shadows, blushes, face power).
Stash worthiness: 9/10 Repurchase: Yes
Holika Holika Silky Foot One Shot Peeling and The Face Shop Smile Foot Peeling – $13 each
My SO used the Holika Holika one and I used the Face Shop one. His feet peeled perfectly like a snake molting. Mine, not so much. I was so jealous of his peeling feet! I ended up having to use a pumice stone to help mine along. Not all foot peels are created equal. We agree that of the ones we’ve tried, this Holika Holika one, and the Leaders Insolution Mediu Foot Peeling Mask are our favourites so far.
Stash worthiness: 9/10 Repurchase: Yes for the Holika Holika one
Koya Beach Babe Body Scrub – $12.50 for 5oz
I picked this up when I went for a manicure at Rinse Beauty (which I won as a giveaway from Cat – doesn’t that seem like eons ago?) but didn’t open until this June. A lovely sugar scrub with real bits of coconut.
Stash worthiness: 8/10 Repurchase: Maybe
Hair Care
Joico Power Whip Whipped Foam – $20 for 300ml
This was a special edition bottle – pretty. I haven’t used hair mousse in ages – and this made my hair crispy. I’m going back to Curl Keeper!
Stash worthiness: 6/10 Repurchase: No
Tools
Shiseido Facial Cotton – $11 for 165 pieces
Another pack of crack cotton finished!
Stash worthiness: 10/10 Repurchase: Hell yeah
Quo Luxury Cotton Pads – $4 for 80 pieces
These are good, they have a waffle side and a smooth side. I find them more linty compared to the Delon ones, but they’re more plush. I normally grab these whenever I’m low on the Delon ones but they’re 3x the cost.
Stash worthiness: 8/10 Repurchase: Maybe
BeCreation heart-shaped konjac sponge – $8
I got this because it was cute. I still prefer the fluffy texture of The Face Shop one, which is also cheaper.
Stash worthiness: 6/10 Repurchase: No
Mr. Pumice Pumi Bar – $3 each
I love these to use in the shower in between pedicures or hardcore foot peels (above!). I get these from Sally Beauty Supply and one lasts me ages.
Stash worthiness: 9/10 Repurchase: Yes
Quo Blending Sponge – $5 each
I showcased this in my Beauty Blender Battle post. I feel like this newer sponge didn’t last as long as the older versions. Hmm. I do still love it though.
Stash worthiness: 10/10 Repurchase: Yes
Sephora Precision Pore Cleansing Pad – $8 each
This silicone scrubber was my jam years ago before I converted over a konjac sponge for my foaming cleansers in the mornings. This one got mildew-y so it’s time to toss.
Stash worthiness: 8/10 Repurchase: No
Sally Hansen Handle Me with Care Fine Nail Board
I got this on clearance and I love it! The case came with a pack of 2 and I’ve been using the one file for at least a year. This washes up easily and retain its filing capabilities for a long time. I use a crystal file to take down length on my nails but I like these for fine tune filing. I think these are now discontinued though, of course.
Stash worthiness: 10/10 Repurchase: Maybe
Makeup
Shu Uemura brow:sword in Acorn – $42
I reviewed this here. In that review I wasn’t sure I’d repurchase this but having brought it on both my Japan trip, and Mediterranean cruise, I’ve come to appreciate how handy this Swiss Army knife of brow products is. A refill costs C$29 which is the same price as the Hard Formula pencil.
Stash worthiness: 7/10 Repurchase: Maybe
Guerlain Divinora Eye Liner in 03 Brun Chocolat – $49 for 5ml
I really liked this (it was on my early-year favourites list) but the handle completely BROKE off! 😮 I think it could be due to the increasing tackiness of the liner as it has been drying out. I’m in the market for a new liner and I’m toying with the Lancome Grandiose Bendable Liquid Eyeliner ever since I learned it comes in brown.
Stash worthiness: 8/10 Repurchase: Maybe
Revlon Volume + Length Magnified mascara – $11 for 8.5ml
Review here. I preferred this over the Ultimate All-in-One (red cap) version. I plan to try Drama (purple cap) version eventually.
Stash worthiness: 8/10 Repurchase: Maybe
Mary Kay Lash Intensity mascara – $22 for 9g
Review here. I do not recommend this gimmicky product.
Stash worthiness: 5/10 Repurchase: No
CoverGirl Super Sizer mascara – $10 for 12ml
This is a divisive product. Either you love it, or you hate it. There was a learning curve to get used to the floppy wand, but the formula provided great length, holds a curl, and lasts all day (even under the Mediterranean heat!). The only thing that it’s not the best at is building volume.
Stash worthiness: 8/10 Repurchase: Yes
CoverGirl LashBlast 24HR mascara – $10 for 13.1ml
At one point I quite enjoyed this long wearing formula but it’s too potent now. It gums up the lashes and doesn’t look flattering. I can do better!
Stash worthiness: 7/10 Repurchase: Maybe
Etude House Dr. Mascara Fixer Volume Up Curl Fix – $9 for 6ml
This is my forever lash / mascara base if they keep making it! I’ve stocked up already.
Stash worthiness: 10/10 Repurchase: Yes
Kate White Lash Maximaizer ¥1,200 (~C$15) for 8g
I’m just starting to open up some of the makeup I bought in Japan and sadly, the first few items have failed to impress! This is one of them. I thought this was going to be a white last primer along the same veins as my old favourite from Shiseido, or like Etude House Volume one above – I mean, it’s got WHITE in its name. Nope, it’s got black fibres suspended in a white base! The fibres were THICK and pokey too. At least it wasn’t as abundant as the Etude House Longlash version. I tried this KATE lash base for a week before I gave up due to the irritation.
Stash worthiness: 5/10 Repurchase: No
Urban Decay Naked Concealer in Light Neutral – $35 for 5ml
I hated this concealer (scathing review here). It’s not finished but no sense in hanging onto this abomination.
Stash worthiness: 3/10 Repurchase: No
Collection Lasting Perfection concealer in #3 Warm Medium – £4 (~C$6.5) for 10ml
Review here. It was a good concealer with high coverage – the shade selection isn’t great though.
Stash worthiness: 8/10 Repurchase: Maybe
No Dark Shadows Complexion Enhancer in Wow – $20 for 2.4ml
My friend passed this to me since she has dark skin and this shade did not work for her (she got it in some loot bag). I was surprised by how much I liked this pinky highlighter for under eye circles. I don’t use this alone – in conjunction with a regular concealer, it provides a lifted and smooth appearance for my under eye area. Even though it doesn’t contain a lot of product, it lasted a long time. It’s a bit pricey though. I’d sooner buy the Maybelline Dream Lumi instead.
Stash worthiness: 8/10 Repurchase: No
Samples / Travel Size
Consonant The Perfect Sunscreen SPF 30 – I love this stuff – it looks great on the skin and protects my skin really well, but I find the dispenser wonky.
Joico JoiWhip – meh, I only got this because it was in a travel size. This weighed down my hair and was also crispy – I think I’m going to stay away from Joico hair products.
Les Notes De Lanvin III Orange Ambre Body Lotion – it’s a bit strong but smells luxurious. Swiped from some hotel in Sweden, I think.
Shiseido Bio-Performance Super Corrective eye cream – unsure if this was causing milia around my eye area. Wasn’t too impressed by this formula.
The Face Shop Olive Essential Emulsion – a light lotion that I used like a serum. It was nice but I wouldn’t purchase the full size.
MAC Pro Eye Makeup Remover – this was a decent remover, it’s not great for super waterproof eye makeup. It reminds me of the Rimmel Gentle Eye Makeup Remover which is 1/4 of the price.
Clarins UV Plus SPF40 x2 – great stuff but discontinued and now I have the tinted version.
So happy to finally get rid of this bag of empties! 😀 What have you used up lately?
stash matters 
Wow you finished up a lot in the past two months!
I’m still grossed out by the petals in the toner *shudders* it makes me think of dead bugs!
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Yes, those petals were the bane of my existence for weeks! I tried to strain some out but it didn’t work.
So happy to get rid of these empties from my life hah!
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Wow, this is a lot!
I see the hamburger booster is finished now. 🙂
That Kiehl’s toner… yuck!
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Yup, hamburger booster gonzo. I will miss it. It really did make my skin GLOW and I got compliments on my skin when I used it.
Good riddance, Kiehl’s toner! What a scam…
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I had all these little comments on some products, but the list was so long (WOW) that I’ve forgotten most of them. 😀
I agree on the MAC makeup remover, very boring. Doesn’t work well on waterproof mascara (though I suppose it doesn’t claim to, either). It was nice to get it as a free sample, though, since it’s so good for travel!
I’ve never, ever, ever tried a Revlon mascara. I have no idea why not.
I used up a few things over the last few months: Lise Watier moisturizer, First Aid Beauty moisturizer, Josie Maran Cleansing Argan Oil (just a deluxe size, took me forever), The Body Shop lip balm (well I just don’t like it so I didn’t finish it), a bunch of Body Shop body scrubs, some sheet masks and mascaras, and probably some other stuff I have forgotten about already!
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This is why I type up my comments in notepad when I read blog entries. I hate having to scroll back up to reread, lol!
Yes, that MAC remover isn’t terrible but not at all suited for any waterproof eye makeup. At lease, unlike the Rimmel one, it doesn’t make any claims about removing waterproof makeup, so there’s honesty in their product claims.
You know, up until a couple of years ago I had not tried a Revlon mascara – the Grow Luscious. You’re really not missing anything. The new line is an improvement and probably worth testing out – they’re pricey for what they are so catch them on sale.
You used up quite a bit! Are you going to post about them or have you tossed them out already? I agree, Body Shop lip balms leave something to be desired – you’d think they could make a decent lipbalm?
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Pfffft 2 months of empties, that’s nothing. This weekend is the tacking point for me now 7 months of empties!
I used to love anatomicals products they became difficult to get here though so haven’t had anything in ages. Do remember having the shower gel at some point though and same as you, it dripped off my hand before I had chance to rub it in was so runny!
The clinique balm is on my list when I need to next get a cleanser, its one of the few clinique products I’ve heard consistently good things about (although my stash is still going strong, whilst slowly depleting!).
How annoying that the Guerlain bottle snapped off – you wouldn’t expect that given the price! Atleast it was on it’s way out though! Been intrigued about the Lancome liner, would be interested to here your thoughts if you do decide to get it!
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You saw that I linked to you, right? 😉 😆
The Clinique balm is great, but it’s quite utilitarian. You’re not going to get any spa-like scents or the whole “experience” like with some other cleansing balms. What I really appreciated about it, was how cleanly it rinses off. It emulsifies so you don’t even need a cleansing cloth like you would with most cleansing balms. I’m probably going to try the EVE LOM one next.
Well, there’s a Sephora VIB sale (sorry, I know it’s a sore spot for you!) starting this Friday so I might pick up the Lancome liner at 20% off.
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Haha no I didn’t notice! Spa like scents usually involve lavender so I quite happily will go for something totally unscented, also hate the thought of putting potent things around my eye balls either! Ooh eve lom is meant to be great, that’s another on my list as well as the Sarah chapman one!
God damn vib sale, good job there’s nothing I’m particularly eyeing at the moment, will be keeping my eye out on Black Friday though – at least we can participate in that!
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Lavender I can handle but I’m not a fan of mint of eucalyptus! But yeah, pretty much any essential oils are pretty irritating on the eye balls… I just read that EVE LOM contains eucalyptus oil so now I’m unsure.
Oooh Black Friday – I completely forgot about that. Crap, there goes my budget.
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I’m allergic to lavender so it just makes my skin itchy and covered in bumps unless I get it off my skin quickly (not good with a cleansing balm!). Oh that’s a bummer, expensive products to have one key ingredient you don’t like!
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Enjoyed this! I was thinking of trying out the face shop 3D face mask but I changed my mind.
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Yeah don’t bother. Get the Too Cool for School one instead.
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That’s a lot of empties! Well done haha! I really need to try the Clinique Cleansing Balm, I keep hearing how good it is! I use the cleansing oil version which is nice but I do feel like I need something more nourishing!
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The balm is definitely nourishing! I’ve not tried the Clinique cleansing oil so I can’t compare for you. I think with winter coming up, you can’t go wrong with the balm! 🙂
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Exactly! It sounds so lovely!
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That sure is a lot of empties!!
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People suspect I eat them… I ain’t sayin…
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Suspicious indeed… 😂
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So many empties! I am thinking next year, instead of doing the quarterly empties, I should do half-year empties…then maybe my half-year empties will be 1/2 of the size of your two-month empties, hehe!
So sorry to hear your Japan purchases haven’t worked out for you thus far 😦
How interesting, I don’t think I’ve seen a face mask with a center seam before. The pouch with extra serum is always redundant for me because the mask is usually already soaked in serum.
Omg, I can’t believe the handle of that beautiful Guerlain packaging broke off. Through the frosted packaging, it looks like you got through about half of it, though? That’s really good!
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Hahaha, I’m telling you, it’s my massive face that’s consuming these products faster than the average bear. 😆
Yeah… the Japanese stuff. *sigh* I haven’t truly dug into the MAKEUP makeup stuff yet so those will hopefully be better. I’ve tried this lash primer, the cleansing oil and eyelid primer. All duds… I’ll do reviews / posts soon.
I much prefer the 3D sheet masks but they’re usually double the price. I want to try more of the super thin ones that are almost stretchy – they’re suppose to mesh the serum into your skin better.
Yup, I got through about half of the liner which isn’t bad. Actually, that liner contained a LOT of product compared to others – it has 5ml compared to say Lancome which is around 1.5ml.
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So funny because I would never look at you and think you have a massive face – LOL!
Boo, I thought a Japanese cleansing oil would be good. Fingers crossed for the makeup!
That bottle does look like it contains a ton of product – definitely wouldn’t be able to use it all before it dries out!
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That is a lot for 2 months huni and To be honest, all of them great brands to try
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Yes, you never know what you can discover! 😀
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Very true
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I almost get dizzy reading these posts but I enjoy seeing how much you have finished and been able to empty. I always get a little jealous at how quickly seem to use up products, it takes me about 6 months to use up probably a quarter of these products 😛
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*how quickly people seem to use up products
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It’s so interesting to see everyone’s rate of consumption of beauty products. I wonder if major cosmetics brands take note and design their products accordingly? Like, that face mask you’ve been using once a week for a year – would they consider offering a smaller size? Hmm curious.
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That is a fair point and I’m sure it is something brands consider. If they make products smaller they’re likely to be repurchased more often.
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You used up a lot for two months, especially mascaras! I can’t wait fir the one I’m using to be an empty haha. Love the fact the feet masks called baby silky foot😂 x
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I normally have at least 2 mascaras open at a time. And I don’t like to keep them for TOO long – usually 2 months max.
It’s funny, all of the Asian stuff seem to be fixated on baby soft skin – even sheet masks or lip balms often feature babies!
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I’m trying to keep to one at a time. It’s hard as I don’t like the one I’m using😧 It’s funny the images they use. You get pigs on Elizavecca products, babies on others. I guess we all want baby soft skin though x
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the calendula at the bottom …. seriously -shaking head = HUGE PIECES ……….????
and i love that some of the makeup has your stamp on it – watermark – i looked a few times – and thought imagine – your own line – i know CHEEEZEBALL
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Wow, that’s a lot of empties!! Good job!
Lavanila The Healthy Deodorant in Vanilla Grapefruit sounds like something I would like to try. Will look into that one.
My favorite blue mascara from Dior got finished – feeling kinda bittersweet about it 🙂
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Oh I remember you saying you loved that Dior mascara. Well, maybe you can repurchase during the VIB sale?
The Lavanila deodorant is really good – works well and feels great on the under arms.
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You are always killing me with your empties!😂 It’s so disappointing about the Guerlain liner 😣I will write a post about the Quo Blending Sponge as I like it as much (if not more) than my Beauty Blender…
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Yay! I’m so glad you love the Quo! I’m not crazy after all… I toyed with getting the Beauty Blender nude sponge during the VIB sale but why bother. I look forward to your review of the Quo sponge!
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I was kinda disappointed with Garnier cleansing water after all the hype it received (just came to Malaysian drugstores in October). Still can’t rival my Biore Cleasing Water. Sigh, I really wanna try the Collection concealer; drugstores really need to step up their concealer shade range… 😦
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We don’t have Biore skincare here – I’m really curious to try that now. The Garnier is good but not my HG.
Yeah I don’t understand why they don’t offer the same # of concealer colours compared to their foundation range? Like, Maybelline will have 12 foundations and the corresponding concealer will be only 4. Why?
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4????? You guys are lucky! Drugstores here carry 2 AT MOST!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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How crappy! 😦
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I have not jumped into any micellar water bandwagon since the 90s. My first one was the Clarins’ orange extract cleansing water, was totally not impressed and have not bought any ‘cleansing water’ since. I received some from my little box (Rens) but I only use it for cleansing up mascara mess 😂 well, if you are happy with Garnier, I’ll give that an attempt.
Those sponges look so sad.
Crazy amount of empties 😱 for 2 months.
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