Sara Bartlett
  • Welcome
  • Blog
    • Sara's Favorites
  • TV
  • About
    • Privacy Policy

Product Empties: Will I Repurchase?

8/6/2020

0 Comments

 
Picture
Spoiler Alert:  Everything in today's post are products that I continue to buy over and over. And! I don't know what's going on, but lately I've squeezed that last glob of shampoo and conditioner from the bottles...at the same time! What? How? No clue! How often do you go through shampoo and conditioner? Do you normally finish them at the same time?

Paul Mitchell Awapuhi Wild Ginger Moisturizing Lather Shampoo & Keratin Cream Rinse, $11.00 each for 3.7oz
These products are ideal for dry, color-treated hair - the color stays true, and my hair feels smooth and hydrated once dry. But let's be real: I'm mostly here for the scent. It's gorgeous. Light, floral, gingery which makes me like I'm treating myself at a tropical spa every time I jump in the shower. 

Andalou Naturals CannaCell Hydrating Toner, $12.99 for 6.7oz
I've purchased countless bottles of this hydrating toner for two reasons: the mist is so fine and even that it feels like a true luxury to spritz it alllll over my face, and the citrus scent is incredibly refreshing. In the morning, I spritz it right before moisturizing in order to add a light layer of pre-hydration. In the evening, I apply it right after my retinol and before my rose hip oil. 
​
The Face Shop Rice Water Bright Light Cleansing Oil, $10.99 for 5oz
This oil serves as the first cleanse during my nighttime routine. Two pumps removes every stitch of makeup on my face. It's especially effective at removing eye makeup and mascara without any undue tugging or scrubbing. My purchase history says I've bought this 6 times over the past few years. I'm trying something new at the moment, but this will absolutely be in my cart for the 7th time, soon. 
0 Comments

Product Empties: Will I Repurchase?

7/30/2020

2 Comments

 
Picture
This week, I finished up three products.  I'm going to put these posts up more frequently - when I have a handful of products instead of a basketful - because my mom told me my longer empties posts are overwhelming to read (hi, Mom!). Do you agree? Do you prefer shorter posts of fewer products more frequently, or one long post once a month or so? Let me know in the comments.  Here's what I have, right now. 

Cover Girl Exhibitionist Mascara, $8.99 - will not repurchase
This mascara claims to provide show-stopping volume that defines, lengthens and separates lashes, with no flaking or smudging.  No shows were literally stopped by my lashes when I wore this mascara, but I did think they looked fuller and longer. However, my sensitive eyes couldn't take this formula which includes an extremely strong chemical scent. 

Mad Hippie Eye Cream, $24.99 for 0.5 fl oz - might repurchase

I've used this eye cream off and on over the past few years and tend think it's fine. Just OK. It's never changed my under-eye area in a noticeable way, but it's also never done any harm either. The formula is thin and has a nice amount of slip going onto the skin, which means it wears well under makeup. I appreciate that. I don't yet have an eye cream that wows me and that I go back to over and over, so it's likely I will buy another bottle of this one at some point. It's overpriced, so if I do repurchase I'll look for a sale at Whole Foods or Ulta. 

RapidLash Eyelash Enhancing Serum, $49.95 - would repurchase
I've used RapidLash off and on for the past 5 years because it produces visible results - my lashes are fuller and longer when using a lash enhancing product, and when I skip it the lashes look less lush - and it's an affordable option. This isn't my favorite lash serum (that would be the Epitome Skincare Lash & Brow Enhancing Serum, $80), but it does the trick. I will admit to having purchased this off Amazon a time or two for half the retail price, which I won't do again. Amazon is just way too sketchy when it comes to selling artificial beauty products from third-party retailers, and I'm not taking a chance with putting a knock-off product on my delicate eyelids. 

So, that's what I've used up this week. How about you? Have you finished any great products the rest of us should know about, or anything not worth the purchase? 

2 Comments

Product Empties: Will I Repurchase?

7/13/2020

0 Comments

 
Picture
I have another round up of products that I've used up. Quite a few of them will look familiar, but there's a lot of new-to-me stuff in here, too. Let's get started!
  • Alba Botanica Daily Shade SPF 15 body moisturizer, $15.99 for 32 oz.  I love this moisturizer very, very much. It makes my skin feel smooth and hydrated, plus it provides a starter shot of SPF. I don't rely on this as my primary SPF for the day, especially when I'm spending time outdoors, but it sure is nice to have it in there. I enjoy the clean, slightly sunscreeny smell (it's not overwhelming and fades quickly). The only downside? That packaging is a beast! The pump stops pumping with a quarter of the product still inside, so I always have to cut it open and decant into a different container. Worth the effort, and I will repurchase. 
  • Red Carpet Manicure Erase Gel Polish Remover, $12.99 for 16 oz. I don't wear gel polish, but I love this remover because it effortlessly tackles everything from red/dark polish that can stain to glitter (ohhhh, dreaded glitter - usually so hard to remove). It's been tricky to find this product during the pandemic, since so many more people are doing their nails at home. As soon as I can, I will repurchase. 
  • Pacifica perfume in Beach Lavender scent, $22 for 1 oz. I really enjoy Pacifica perfumes because they seem to be packed full of fewer ingredients than many others, and I never get a headache from their formula. The Lavender Beach scent is unique - it comes off as very lemony with a touch of lavender, to me. The kicker though is a top note of sugar which smells a little "young" to my nose. I won't repurchase this particular scent, but will definitely pick up a different one from Pacifica down the line. 
  • Derma E Purifying Daily Detox Scrub, $15.99 for 4 oz. This gentle exfoliating scrub has been a staple in my bathroom for a few years, now. I appreciate how creamy the formula is because it leaves my skin feeling smooth, but hydrated. As someone with reactive skin, a manual exfoliant can be an inflaming nightmare. Not this one. I will repurchase. 
  • Kiehls Ultra Facial Cream, $22 for 0.95 oz. This moisturizer was fine. The texture was lightweight, but that's the only claim it really lived up to. I didn't think my skin felt more hydrated or softer or smoother, as promised by Kiehls. I'm glad I didn't invest in a larger jar because I was really glad to finish this one up and move on to something else. Definitely not worth it to me for the cost. Will not repurchase. 
  • Andalou Naturals Meyer Lemon + C Creamy Cleanser, $13.99 for 6 oz. This one is making a repeat appearance in my empties because I've used this cleanser for a long time. I enjoy everything about this product - the light citrus scent is refreshing, morning and night. The creamy formula makes quick work of light makeup - though it won't do a lot for mascara - and is a fantastic second cleanse for my dry skin, especially during the winter. I'm using something else right now and am eager to get back to this bottle. Will repurchase.
  • Tree Hut Shea Body Butter, $5.99 for 7 oz. Another product making a repeat appearance here. I go through one of these tubs at least once a month. The formula is creamy, not stiff, and blends easily into the skin. I enjoy the light, tropical scents of Coconut Lime and Lychee Plum. Will absolutely repurchase. 
  • Everyone Soap in Sage & Verbena, $10.99 for 32 oz. Although this product markets itself as a body wash/shampoo/shave product, I've only ever used it as a body wash. In that capacity, it's fine. Nothing interesting to see here. Speaking of marketing, theirs annoys me for some reason. It's very much a unisex product, and their name is Everyone...but then this claims to be for every man. That annoys me, for some reason. I can't say why, but it just irked me every time I reach for the bottle. (Insert shrug here). I won't repurchase. 
  • First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Lip Balm, $20 for 0.34 oz.  I'm afraid this lip balm might be discontinued because it's on the Final Sale page of FAB's website, and is only $10 there. I'm going to stock up because I really like the way this no-nonsense, zero frills balm makes my lips feel. It has a slightly gritty, waxy texture upon application (which takes some getting used to) but then quickly melts into something wonderful. I put this on every night before bed and will be stocking up in case it's going away. 
  • Pond's Cleansing Balm, $9.99 for 3.38 oz. I had high hopes for this cleansing balm. I thought it would be a terrific first cleanse at night, whisking away every trace of my makeup. It was not terrific, and there was no whisking away of anything. The balm is heavily fragranced, which I couldn't deal with - especially in the eye area - and I had to use a lot of product to get my makeup off. I didn't finish it and will not repurchase.
  • Oh K! Intense Moisture Violet Flower Hand Mask, $4.99. I really like most of the Oh K! masks I've tried, but this isn't one of them. If you're not familiar with hand masks, they are goo-filled gloves that you wear on your hands for about 10 minutes or so. The scent of the moisturizer in the gloves was lovely - light and floral - but the moisturizing seemed more superficial than intense. My hands didn't feel any better than if I'd applied some basic lotion to them. I won't repurchase this particular mask. 
  • Aveeno Repairing Cica Foot Mask, $3.59. I declared my love and affection for this foot mask on Twin Cities Live, and it still stands. These moisturizer-filled booties are large enough to fit my large feet (size 13), and they soften like nobody's business. My heels, my toes, and everything in between feel magically transformed after using this mask. I pop these booties on weekly during the summer to my feet looking fresh in their sandals. Will repurchase. 

That's what I'm tossing into the recycling and trash bins this month. What products have you finished up? Anything good we all need to know about? Let us know down in the comments. 
0 Comments

Products I've Used Up

4/10/2020

1 Comment

 
Picture
I have quite a few products to share - two of which are very clearly not used up, but I am so done with them. From left to right, we've got:
  • Skintimate Moisturizing Shave Gel in Coconut Delight - This shaving cream was fine, and I will probably repurchase at some point. To be honest, I'm really not picky about shaving cream and have fairly low standards for it. Does it lather up and not clog up my razor? Does it smell OK?  This shaving gel checks all three of those very basic boxes.
  • The Face Shop Rice Water Bright Light Cleansing Oil - I love this product so much. It's my first cleanse at night to remove makeup, and it removes every trace of mascara and eyeliner. The oil leaves a slight film on the skin, so a second cleanse is absolutely necessary. I have repurchased and never want to be without it.
  • Tree Hut Shea Body Butter in Lychee & Plum - I'm a huge fan of this body butter because it blends easily and leaves my skin feeling so soft, so smooth and so moisturized. The Lychee & Plum scent isn't one I would have chosen for myself (Tree Hut sent me this product) and I'm so glad I tried it. It's a really gentle floral that's refreshing and lightly lingers on the skin. I routinely buy myself the Coconut Lime scent and will start working Lychee & Plum into my rotation, too. 
  • Alima Pure Bronzer in Mauna Loa - I've repurchased this bronzer a number of times because it's a really great tone for my fair skin. Alima Pure powder products are some of my favorites because they blend seamlessly and last all day on me. Some might not like that this is a loose powder, but I don't mind. It comes with a closeable sifter which makes traveling with the bronzer easy. I have a couple other bronzers I'm using at the moment, but can't imagine I won't repurchase this one again down the line. 
  • CeraVe Hydrating Micellar Water - I really, really hated this product. I picked it up at a drugstore while visiting my parents in Des Moines because I'd forgotten my bottle of the Face Shop Rice Cleansing Oil and needed a first cleanse. This product burned my eyes, which was not ideal since I was primarily using it to remove eye makeup. I tried to use it alone in the morning a few times, since a lot of people use micellar water as a refreshing AM cleanse. This was not that - it left my skin feeling parched and sticky. Won't be finishing it and won't repurchase. 
  • Maybelline City Mini Palette in Downtown Sunrise - This is the other product that I don't like, won't be using ever again, and won't repurchase. I generally like Maybelline eyeshadow palettes and find them to blend nicely, wear well throughout the day, and are accessible and affordable. This particular palette fell flat. I bought it on a whim because I thought the color story was fun - I don't go for a lot of shimmer, normally, but this seemed like a good time to experiment. The problem with this palette is that the three glitter shades fall out like crazy. I had straight up glitter alllllll over my face after using this palette, to the point that I wiped off all my makeup and started over. I like shimmer but glitter that gets everywhere is not what I was going for. 
Have you finished any products lately? If so, what's the verdict: repurchase or pass?
1 Comment

Products I've Used Up

3/10/2020

0 Comments

 
Picture
This week's product empties are a mix of makeup, skincare, and body products. Love it when there's a little of (almost) everything! Here's what I finished and a mini review for each, including whether I'll buy the product again. 
  • Mario Badescu Facial Spray with Aloe, Chamomile and Lavender ($12.00) - I enjoyed using this facial spray in my skincare routine (right after cleaning, just before serums) and for a little pick-me-up throughout the day. The Lavender scent is light and lovely, and the nozzle delivers a nice, even spritz of product. This facial spray is not as hydrating as others I've used, and my skin often felt a little tight and dry after use. I'd be willing to try it again in the summer, when my skin is less parched and a little more forgiving. 
  • Josie Maran Argan Sugar Balm Body Scrub in Sweet Clementine (mini size not sold individually, $38 for full size) - this 2 oz treat was given to me as part of a Josie Maran gift set at Christmas, and I absolutely loved having this little luxury in my shower this winter. The balm is super hydrating and left my skin feeling soft and smooth. It rinsed off clean without leaving a residue on the skin, though I can't say the same for my tub which was extremely slippery after each use. The Sweet Clementine scent was bright and delicious - like an orange creamsicle.  I wouldn't buy the full size version because body scrubs just aren't where I choose to spend my beauty dollars, but I wouldn't mind receiving it as a gift again.
  • DERMA-E Essentials Radiant Glow Face Oil ($19.99) - It took me just over a year to use up this face oil, and towards the end I was soooo ready to move on. I typically use oil on top of my evening moisturizer, or over extra dry spots during the day. The concoction is a mix of jojoba, argan and seabuckthorn oils and just wasn't very...elegant? Is that a really obnoxious way to phrase it? Probably, but I'm going with it. The oil blend was thick and heavy on the skin, and difficult to blend out. It didn't layer well under makeup and seemed to sit on top of my skin. I did enjoy using it as a cuticle oil, but  can't see myself repurchasing it just for that. 
  • Mario Badescu Keratoplast Cream Soap ($12) - During the depths of winter despair (roughly November - February here in Minnesota), my skin was extra dry and sensitive. I ran out of the creamy cleanser I typically use and thought I'd give this old favorite a try again. As you can see from the half-full bottle, the cream soap just didn't quite do it for me. I needed something more hydrating as my second cleanse and this was not it. I did enjoy the scent - an "ocean breeze" kind of situation -as well as how smooth my skin felt after cleansing with the cream. I would give this another go in a different season. 
  •  First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Pads ($17 for 28 pads) - I will absolutely buy these pads again because they're my favorite way to gently exfoliate. I use them on the nights that I skip my Vitamin A serum and always wake up the next morning looking a little brighter and happier. Love, recommend, already have a new tub. 
  • Alima Pure Satin Matte Foundation ($28) - I've used this loose powder foundation non-stop for well over two years now, and I don't see myself switching any time soon.  I never saw myself as a "loose foundation" kind of woman - my skin is dry and I really didn't think that would be a winning combo. And yet...it is. There's something special about this particular formula. It blends easily and layers seamlessly in areas that need more coverage (cheeks and nose for me). It wears nicely all day and doesn't break down in a way that's noticeable. I like the minimal ingredients, and the packaging is travel friendly thanks to a closeable sifter. The foundation comes in a pretty unbelievable shade range, and you can order sample sizes of several colors to find your perfect match (I'm Warm 2). I just opened a new jar and am working my way through it. Love, recommend, will continue to repurchase. (If you want to see me talk about this foundation, watch this clip from Twin Cities Live)
  • Anastasia Dipbrow Pomade ($21) I didn't quite make it through this particular pot of brow pomade before it dried out because it no longer coordinates with my hair color. It's the shade Chocolate, which is too warm for me right now. I do have a different shade that I'm working through and I enjoy it. Dipbrow is not for the faint of brow - if you like something easy and natural, this ain't it. But if you like a strong brow and a product that gives you plenty of control for shaping and filling in, this might be for you. I sure do and will continue to use. 
  • L'Oreal Voluminous Lash Paradise mascara ($9.99) - I'd heard a lot of very good things about this mascara before purchasing a tube - it's often compared to Too Faced Better Than Sex mascara, if that means anything in particular to you - and I had high hopes that this would lengthen and amplify my lashes. I have pretty thick lashes to begin with, so I'm not sure what this does for anyone with a more sparse situation going on. I thought it was fine. The formula was very wet for the entire 2 months I used the mascara and the wand was packed with bristles, the combination of which led to a consistently gunky wand every time I pulled it from the tube. That got annoying, but wasn't a deal breaker. I liked the way the mascara performed - it did indeed give me nice additional volume and length, and the lashes stayed pretty perky all day. It wasn't amazing enough for me to rush out and repurchase, but it was fine.
There we have it - all the products I've used up over within the past week or so. Let me know in the comments if you've tried and have thoughts on any of these products, as well as what you've made it through recently. 
0 Comments

    Sara Bartlett

    This is a place to celebrate all the parts of yourself that come with age and experience. I'm here to share with you what I know and to explore with you the many (many) things I don't. 

    Picture

    Categories

    All
    Beauty Favorites
    Beauty Mini Reviews
    Product Empties
    Read This
    Show Up For
    Try This Not That
    Twin Cities Live
    What I've Learned At 40

    Newsletter Sign-up

    RSS Feed

    Warehouse Sale | $30 Separates + $60 Dresses
    Shop Green Beauty at The Detox Market
Copyright Sara Bartlett 2022
  • Welcome
  • Blog
    • Sara's Favorites
  • TV
  • About
    • Privacy Policy