Empties: Winter 2013

So, I did my last empties post at the beginning of the year, and at the time, I didn't know if I wanted to continue doing them. I've ultimately decided to keep up with it (it's actually become a habit to toss empty containers into a separate bag), but I will do them seasonally rather than monthly. As such, I will do four empties posts a year. Aside from wanting to know how many products I can finish up in a year, I figured it's still a good way to do mini reviews of products that I've used. This post is, of course, dedicated to the original Beauty Reductionista, Liz. Without further ado, here is my empties tally, collected from January 1 to March 31:

• Estée Lauder Perfectly Clean Fresh Balancing Lotion (400 ml)
• Chanel Mousse Exfoliante Pureté Rinse-Off Exfoliating Cleansing Foam Purity + Anti-Pollution (150 ml)
• Chanel Précision Gommage Microperlé Pureté Deep Purifying Exfoliating Mousse (75 ml)
• Philosophy Purity Made Simple Facial Cleansing Gel & Eye Makeup Remover (225 ml)
• Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Recovery Complex (7 ml)
• Lancôme Génifique Youth Activating Concentrate (8 ml and 50 ml)
• Lancôme Hydra Zen Extreme Soothing Moisturizing Cream-Gel (50 ml)
• Lancôme Pure Focus Anti-Ageing Matifying Cream-Gel (50 ml)
• MAC Lightful Marine-Bright Formula Essence (30 ml)
• Dior Hydra Life Youth Essential Concentrated Sorbet Essence (30 ml)
• Dior Diorsnow White Reveal Wipe-Off Gel (150 ml)
• Glysomed Hand Cream (50 ml)
• Lush Whoosh Shower Jelly (240 g)
• Lush Calacas Shower Jelly (60 g)
• Lush Slammer Shower Gel (100 ml)
• Bliss Raspberry Champagne Body Butter Maximum Moisture Cream (200 ml)
• True Blue Spa Essential Minerals Skin-Quenching Daily Body Lotion (236 ml)
• Dr. Bronner's Magic Soaps Citrus Orange Pure-Castile Soap (944 ml)
• Origins A Perfect World Intensely Hydrating Body Cream with White Tea (200 ml)
• Origins Gloomaway Grapefruit Body Soufflé (200 ml)
• Bumble and Bumble Bb. Super Rich Conditioner (250 ml)
• Lush Happy Happy Joy Joy Hair Conditioner (250 ml)
• Shiseido Green Super Mild Shampoo (600 ml)
• MAC Studio Fix Powder+ Foundation — NC35 (15 g)
• MAC Blot Powder Pressed — Medium Dark (12 g)
• MAC Haute & Naughty Too Black Lash Mascara — Black (9 g x 2)
• MAC Eyebrows — Brunette (0.09 g x 2)
• MAC Liquid Eye Liner — Boot Black (2.5 ml)
• MAC Prep + Prime Face Protect SPF 50 (30 ml)
• MAC Prep + Prime Natural Radiance (50 ml)
• Fresh Sugar Lychee Eau de Parfum (100 ml)
• Method Naturally Derived Foaming Hand Soap — Juicy Pear (300 ml)
• Method Naturally Derived Hand Wash — Fresh Currant (354 ml)
• Method Orla Kiely Naturally Derived Hand Wash — Pear Ginger (354 ml)
• Bath & Body Works Anti-Bacterial Gentle Foaming Hand Soap — Fresh Picked Tangerines (259 ml)
• Bath & Body Works Anti-Bacterial Gentle Foaming Hand Soap — Fresh Picked Apples (259 ml)
• Life Brand Ultra Soft Clothes — Baby Scent (72 cloths)
• Up & Up Nail Polish Remover — Acetone (473 ml)
• White Barn 3-Wick Candle — Lavender Vanilla (411 g)
• Shiseido Facial Cotton (80 g)

Total: 43 products (38 full size, 3 jumbo size, 2 sample size)

Skincare:

Estée Lauder Perfectly Clean Fresh Balancing Lotion (400 ml) — I've been using this on and off for years. I actually really like this toner, and it always becomes my back-up when I'm trying other toners. It leaves my skin feeling fresh and clean, but comfortable and smooth, and it smells really nice.

Re-purchase? Yes.

Chanel Mousse Exfoliante Pureté Rinse-Off Exfoliating Cleansing Foam Purity + Anti-Pollution (150 ml) — My holy grail deep cleanser. Amazing for combination-oily skin. There are little beads in there that gently exfoliate the skin and it leaves my skin feeling really clean but not dry. And it foams up like a dream, so you only need a pea-size amount to get a really good lather. One tube seriously lasts me about half a year, so even though it's expensive, the cost per use is relatively low. 

Re-purchase? Yes.

Chanel Précision Gommage Microperlé Pureté Deep Purifying Exfoliating Mousse (75 ml) — I bought this a couple years ago, actually, and when I learned that it was becoming discontinued, I tried to make it last as long as possible and would only use it like, twice a month. It was gentle but super-effective, and was my favourite exfoliator until I started using Origins Modern Friction.
Re-purchase? It has been discontinued.

Philosophy Purity Made Simple Facial Cleansing Gel & Eye Makeup Remover (225 ml) — My holy grail make-up remover. Seriously removes all face and eye make-up. I like this version better than the original because I have combination-oily skin and I like that this one foams up.
Re-purchase? Yes.

Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Recovery Complex (7 ml) — As much skincare as I buy and use, I credit this serum as single-handedly fixing all my skin problems. I thought it was just for old people with wrinkles and dry skin (the opposite of what I have), so I was totally wary of using it... but within a week, my skin was clearer, smoother, more radiant, more hydrated. It makes pimples heal and scars fade faster. My skin's texture has never been better. Seriously a skin saver, if there ever was one.
Re-purchase? Yes, I just bought a new full-size bottle. 

Lancôme Génifique Youth Activating Concentrate (8 ml and 50 ml) — It triggers your skin's genetic environment to speed up its youth protein cycle, so skin feels super-soft and looks glowing. I love this stuff and have been using it for years now, but my skin seems to have plateaued and regulated so I don't seem to notice a big difference with this anymore.
Re-purchase? Maybe in the future. 

Lancôme Hydra Zen Extreme Soothing Moisturizing Cream-Gel (50 ml) — This is my favourite night-time moisturizer that I have used so far. It's super-hydrating but not heavy or greasy at all so it works well on top of serums. And I really like the scent. It retails for $68, though, so always buy it at Duty Free because it's a lot cheaper.
Re-purchase? Yes. 

Lancôme Pure Focus Anti-Ageing Matifying Cream-Gel (50 ml) — I bought this at the American Duty Free last fall because I've always been a fan of the Pure Focus line, and it was discontinued in Canada. This particular cream actually wasn't available in Canada at all, so I was intrigued when I first saw it in the States. I was using it as my day time moisturizer, and while it was hydrating and didn't make me oily, I didn't find it particularly mattifying. Either way, it doesn't exist anymore, so I guess it's a moot point.
Re-purchase? It has been discontinued. 

MAC Lightful Marine-Bright Formula Essence (30 ml) — The Lightful line of skincare is probably MAC's most underrated products. I've been using the serum for ages, and it's amazing for evening out skintone and adding brightness to the skin. It doesn't necessarily fade dark spots, but it does help a lot with discolouration. It's lightweight and absorbs instantly and smells good, too. Love.
Re-purchase? Yes. 

Dior Hydra Life Youth Essential Concentrated Sorbet Essence (30 ml) — One of the best hydrating serums I've come across. I have a very oily T-zone but dehydrated cheeks, and this pretty much erased any dry patches I had without being greasy. It's very lightweight, too, so it's great under moisturizer and make-up.
Re-purchase? Yes. 

Dior Diorsnow White Reveal Wipe-Off Gel (150 ml) — This is supposed to help gently exfoliate the skin overnight to reveal brighter, smoother skin, but I honestly didn't find a difference in my skin at all, even after using the entire bottle.
Re-purchase? No.

Bodycare:

Glysomed Hand Cream (50 ml) — A staple for my eczema-prone hands in the winter. It's thick and kind of greasy so I only apply it before I go to sleep, but it repairs dry skin like nothing else I've tried.

Re-purchase? Yes.

Lush Whoosh Shower Jelly (240 g) — Love this stuff. It has a refreshing, ocean-y kind of scent. You can read my review of it here.

Re-purchase? Yes.

Lush Calacas Shower Jelly (60 g) — This is probably one of my favourite Lush products I've ever used and, of course, it was limited edition so I can't get it anymore. But it smells like lime Gummi Bears, so it's obviously awesome. You can read my review of it here.

Re-purchase? It was limited edition, but if it ever gets re-promoted, yes!

Lush Slammer Shower Gel (100 ml) — My friend from Lush gave me this for my birthday; it's a Retro product, so you can only get it online. It is by far my favourite shower gel from Lush. It actually smells a lot like the Calacas Shower Jelly, like sweet limes. I'm seriously considering ordering the 500 ml size.
Re-purchase? Yes.

Bliss Raspberry Champagne Body Butter Maximum Moisture Cream (200 ml) —  I bought this as part of a set when I was in New York last September. There is nothing I don't like about this product. It's thick like a body butter should be, but it also has a slightly whipped consistency to it so that it spreads easily and absorbs well into the skin. It moisturizes really, really well and keeps my ultra-dry skin soft, smooth, and flake-free. This scent was limited edition, but it really did smell like raspberry champagne; sweet, refreshing, and bubbly. I didn't even know bubbly could be a scent, but they somehow got it with this.
Re-purchase? Yes, if it comes out again in a set.

True Blue Spa Essential Minerals Skin-Quenching Daily Body Lotion (236 ml) —  I bought this along with a couple of other True Blue Spa body creams when it was on sale at Bath & Body Works. This one is a really nice, lightweight body lotion. It hydrates well and smells fresh and citrusy. I can see myself using this more so in the summer because of the consistency.
Re-purchase? Yes, if it's on sale. 

Dr. Bronner's Magic Soaps Citrus Orange Pure-Castile Soap (944 ml) —  I bought this when it was on sale at Ambrosia for $9.99. There are a ton of uses for this liquid soap (dishwashing or laundry detergent, shampoo, even as toothpaste!), but I used it primarily as a body wash. I used it straight out of the bottle without diluting it and it made my skin feel clean without stripping any moisture. It's also amazing as a brush cleanser; it removes make-up exceptionally well. I really like the Citrus Orange scent, too, because it's clean and lemon-y without being too sweet.
Re-purchase? Yes, if it's on sale (it's normally $19.99). 

Origins A Perfect World Intensely Hydrating Body Cream with White Tea (200 ml) —  Love, love, love. A Perfect World is by far my favourite in Origins' range of scented body products; it smells kind of like peaches and mangosteen. I bought this at the Estée Lauder warehouse sale last fall because I love the body lotion so much; the cream is a thicker, more hydrating version, which was just perfect for winter.
Re-purchase? Yes, but only on sale (it's normally $39!). 

Origins Gloomaway Grapefruit Body Soufflé (200 ml) —  I really like the whipped texture of this body cream, and I also like that it's super-hydrating but still relatively lightweight and fast-absorbing. However, I wasn't too crazy about the scent; I prefer a more tart grapefruit scent, and this one leans more spicy.
Re-purchase? No.

Haircare:

Bumble and Bumble Bb. Super Rich Conditioner (250 ml) — I bought this at one of the Estée Lauder warehouse sales for 50% off. It's a super-thick, incredibly moisturizing conditioner, so it's ideal for dry and damaged hair. I think it might be a bit too heavy for fine hair, but I have thick, coarse hair and this worked really well. I could really feel a difference; my hair felt softer and looked smoother.
Re-purchase? Yes, but only on sale (it retails for $29.50!).

Lush Happy Happy Joy Joy Hair Conditioner (250 ml) — I originally bought it for the scent (orange flower absolute, rosewood, and grapefruit), but it didn't end up being hydrating or detangling enough for my hair. I also like thicker conditioners, and this one is so lightweight, it's almost runny. Made my hair smell good all day, though.
Re-purchase? No. 

Shiseido Green Super Mild Shampoo (600 ml) — This shampoo is a part of Shiseido's "drugstore" line, which is big in Asia, but not so much in Canada. All the writing on it is in Japanese, so I can't really tell you what it's supposed to do or what it's supposed to smell like, but I love, love, love the scent of this. It comes in two fragrances, but I am partial to the green one, which is a light, fresh, clean floral scent. Cleans and hydrates hair without leaving a residue. (For the record, I have non-dyed, long, medium-thick, coarse, dry hair.) Plus, it comes with a pump (which I personally like), and a 600 ml bottle is around $16 here (but it does go on sale for around $12, which is when I buy it).
Re-purchase? Yes.

Make-up:

MAC Studio Fix Powder+ Foundation — NC35 (15 g) — My go-to foundation. This is a staple product for me.
Re-purchase? Yes, I always have a back-up.

MAC Blot Powder Pressed — Medium Dark (12 g) — This has been my go-to finishing powder for years. Goes on nearly colourless and keeps me matte enough so I only have to blot once a day. (If I don't use it, I have to blot every two hours.) Another staple.
Re-purchase? Yes, I always have a back-up. 

MAC Haute & Naughty Too Black Lash Mascara — Black (9 g x 2) — My holy grail mascara. I go through one every month-and-a-half.
Re-purchase? Yes, I always have two back-ups.

MAC Eyebrows — Brunette (0.09 g x 2) — I have been using this eyebrow pencil for years. I love that it's self-sharpening and that it has the finest point I have ever seen on an eyebrow pencil. I have thin, patchy, asymmetrical eyebrows, and this really helps fill them and shape them with precision. Brunette is a medium cool-toned taupe-brown shade; perfect for Asians. Another staple product.
Re-purchase? Yes, I always have two back-ups. 

MAC Liquid Eye Liner — Boot Black (2.5 ml) — I use this everyday; it has a precise felt-tip applicator and is a true carbon black with a matte finish. Another staple product.
Re-purchase? Yes, I always have a back-up. 

MAC Prep + Prime Face Protect SPF 50 (30 ml) — My go-to foundation primer. I've been using this for a couple years now. I like this primer because it protects my face without leaving a residue (I'm not a fan of those silicone primers because I can actually feel it on my face). In the winter, I only use it on my T-zone because it's mattifying, but I use it all over my face in warmer months. This also replaces facial sunscreen for me.
Re-purchase? Yes, I always have a back-up. 

MAC Prep + Prime Natural Radiance (50 ml) — I use this primer on my cheeks. It's super light but hydrating and makes my skin look smooth, radiant, and glowy without looking greasy.
Re-purchase? Yes.

Fragrance:

Fresh Sugar Lychee Eau de Parfum (100 ml) — I've been using this for years, and it's become my signature fragrance. Even when I'm trying out other perfumes, I always go back to this one.
Re-purchase? Yes.

Miscellaneous:

Method Naturally Derived Foaming Hand Soap — Juicy Pear (300 ml) — I generally switch to Method's hand washes during winter because I find them a bit less harsh than Bath & Body Work's Anti-Bacterial ones. My hands get insanely dry when the weather gets cold, and I have found that the B&BW ones make my hands significantly worse. The Method ones still clean really well and smell amazing but are a bit more gentle. And Juicy Pear smells exactly as it sounds, which is amazing.
Re-purchase? Yes!

Method Naturally Derived Hand Wash — Fresh Currant (354 ml) — Read above. I switch between the foaming and non-foaming versions. Fresh Currant has a lovely fruity, slightly tart smell without being too sweet or cloying.
Re-purchase? Yes!  

Method Orla Kiely Naturally Derived Hand Wash — Pear Ginger (354 ml) — I bought this more so for the packaging (love Orla Kiely's designs) than the actual scent, but it's quite nice. It's kind of like a more subdued version of the Juicy Pear scent.
Re-purchase? Yes. 

Bath & Body Works Anti-Bacterial Gentle Foaming Hand Soap — Fresh Picked Tangerines (259 ml) —  I go through Bath & Body Works hand soaps like they're going out of style. I wash my hands like crazy because I am a germaphobe. These ones are more drying than the Method ones and don't last as long for me as the regular gel soaps, but I love the foam.  I buy these when they're on sale, so they're usually $3 a bottle. I bought this scent last summer, when Bath & Body Works was rolling out their new range of "Fresh Picked" scents. The tangerine scent is nice and non-cloying, very fresh and tangy.
Re-purchase? Yes.  

Bath & Body Works Anti-Bacterial Gentle Foaming Hand Soap — Fresh Picked Apples (259 ml) —  My favourite scent from Bath & Body Works. I wish I had bought more. Smells exactly like tart green apples.
Re-purchase? Yes! 

Life Brand Ultra Soft Clothes — Baby Scent (72 cloths) — I use these to remove swatches, but they'll do in a pinch to remove make-up, sweat, whatever. A staple product in my household, and cheap to boot.
Re-purchase? Yes, I usually buy bulk packs. 

Up & Up Nail Polish Remover — Acetone (473 ml) — 100% acetone nail polish remover is the only thing that will take off glitter polish (with ease). Any brand will do, but I bought a few bottles of this last time I was at Target.
Re-purchase? Yes.

White Barn 3-Wick Candle — Lavender Vanilla (411 g) — My favourite candle from Bath & Body Works' fall/winter collection. Never thought I was a fan of lavender or vanilla, but I love, love, love this scent. There's a hint of cedarwood and jasmine in there that keeps it from being too sweet. It's warm and calming, and it's just amazing on a cold night. I'm actually trying to save my remaining ones because they're discontinued now.
Re-purchase? Yes!

Shiseido Facial Cotton (80 g) — Best cotton pads, ever. Ridiculously soft and fluff-free, and holds product better than any other cotton pad out there, so you end up needing less product. And before you think $9 is too steep for a package of cotton pads, think again. In terms of cost per pad, it's about the same as your typical drugstore brand. Also amazing to use to remove nail polish, because it holds remover like no other so it's always soaked.
Re-purchase? Yes, I always buy two packs at a time.

Holy crap. Am I a product fiend or what?