empties #27

It's been a while since I've used up some products. I only wear makeup on special occasions now, so I don't go through nearly as many products as I used to. I'll be marking the non cruelty free products.

Thayer's Facial Toner* in Rose Petal// I picked this up on clearance forever ago, but these are big bottles! I liked this toner and would definitely buy another bottle. I liked that it wasn't greasy or drying.

Dr. Teal's Nighttime Witch Hazel Facial Toner // I am the target market for this gimmicky stuff. I straight up do not need the burden or clutter of two different toners, so I won't buy this again.

Tree Hut Coco Colada Sugar Scrub* // These little scrubs from Tree Hut are affordable, easy to find, and non-greasy. I love them! I usually wait for a sale or clearance to make them even more affordable. I would and am going to buy more of these.

Mrs. Meyers Hand Soap* in Daisy // I'm working through a backstock of hand soap right now (when Ulta used to run their 3/$10 hand soap sale) but I like this brand and plan to add it to my next Grove* order. I especially love their Fresh Cut Grass scent.

Whim by Ulta Beauty Banana Body Wash // I don't think the Whim collection is really a thing anymore at Ulta, but if it was I'd buy this again. Banana anything is always a hit with me. It lathered well.

Mary Kay Paint the Sky Lotion // not cruelty free // I got this forever ago as a gift and finally used it up. I don't support MLMs, so I won't repurchase even through it was a decent lotion.

Bath & Body Works Hemp Seed Oil Hand Lotion // not cruelty free // When a neighbor moved she set out a box of free things and I snagged this. I work in food service and wash my hands and change gloves a lot so my hands get dry. This was a decent lotion, but B&BW isn't cruelty free.

Pacifica Wake Up Beautful Super Hydration Sleepover Mask // This mask was super thick and I loved it. I'd wake up with my skin glowing. Sadly, I don't think this is available anymore.

Bath & Body Works You're the One Hand Lotion // not cruelty free // This was a gift from a while ago. Like I said about the Hemp Oil tube, I go through lotion like crazy.

Ogden is obsessed with chewing up my lip balms (so much so that I've gotten decorative boxes for my nightstand and coffee table to secure them) and here are his latest casualties. Lip balm is one category where I buy for effectiveness instead of if the company is cruelty free because I have chronic dry lips and consider this more of a medical issue.

Paul Mitchell Tea Tree Lemon Sage Thickening Shampoo // This left my scalp nice and tingly. I like Paul Mitchell products and once (if) I use up all the other shampoos I'd buy a full size.

Jason Apricot Scrubble // For a bit I had a hard time finding a good chemical exfoliant so I picked this up at TJMaxx. It took a fair amount of rinsing to get it all off my face, so I ended up just using it for my hands. I think I'll avoid any type of scrub for my face.

L'Oreal Wonder Water // not cruelty free // I bought this on a whim, not even thinking about the face that L'Oreal isn't cruelty free. Which sucks, because this was quite the wonder. This made my hair nice and silky. I have since replaced it with Garnier Fructis Glass Hair Water*.

Derma E Overnight Peel // I used this occasionally and really didn't see much difference. I kept it around so long that it eventually went off and I won't be replacing it. 

NYX Total Control Pro Foundation // I believe this was a Walmart clearance find. I just never really could get it to blend so I eventually gave up on it. It was very thin as well.

Lanolips Balm Banana* // At the height of my horrid chapped lips I was trying any balm I could get my hands on. While this definitely helped, it was just so sticky. I'd buy it again, though, if I needed it.

Covergirl Clean Matte BB Cream* // When Covergirl finally went cruelty free I was so excited to use this BB cream again! I had used it when I was younger and liked it then. It still works well for me now. It's lightweight but buildable without becoming cakey. I'll keep buying this!

Ulta Makeup Brush & Sponge Cleaner // This was fine. It's cheap enough that I'd buy it again if I needed it. I admittedly don't wash my brushes like I should, so maybe I'll add that to my cleaning routine.

 Nip + Fab Viper Venom Blurring Shot // I loved Nip + Fab products but not only are they hard to find, they go off so quickly!

Pacifica Perfume Roller in Indian Coconut // My favorite scent by Pacifica. I don't think I'd do a rollerball again, but I'd definitely purchase a spray bottle of this!

Tarte Maneater Mascara // This brush was just okay. I've used better. This came in a palette and I'd use this again if it came in a set, but I wouldn't spend the money on a full tube.

essence Get BIG! Lashes Mascara // Love this! It's buildable and doesn't clump. The brush is really nice for separating lashes. I have two new spares already in my vanity.

lash flex Thickening Mascara // cruelty free status unknown // I couldn't tell you where I got this. An ipsy box maybe? The brush was nice and once the formula dried out a bit, I liked it. Who knows where to buy it again, though!

Mary Kay Satin Lips Shea Sugar Scrub // not cruelty free // This was a decent lip scrub, but I stopped buying from MLMs.

All of these were fine (cruelty free status unknown). I don't think any of them blew me away enough to buy them again, but then again I'm not the biggest fan of masks in general.

Another empties post wrapped up! I'm slowly going through more products.

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lucky bandit is a for profit blog. I use affiliate links and paid advertisements. I may earn compensation for a click or purchase through a link. Paid (whether via product or monetary) reviews will be noted in the actual post. Though compensation may influence the type of posts, all opinions and reviews will be legitimate and honest.

*All affiliate links will be marked with an asterick.*

empties #26

It's been a bit since I've written an empties post because it's been a while since I've used up some products. I decluttered a bit, too, but didn't include the brushes and all here. As usual, I'm only marking the non cruelty free products.

Beauty Garde Oil Free Lash + Brow Shampoo // I got this when I was having a problem with irritation and inflammation around my eyelashes. The product was great for removing eye makeup but with the brush and all the application was a little too extensive for me.

Pacifica Rosemary Detox Scalp Scrub // Pacifica products usually work really well for me, but this just wasn't it. It was hard to use and didn't really "scrub" my scalp. I ended up just using it on my hands to exfoliate. I wouldn't grab it again.

Silk18 Shampoo by Maple Holistics // Check out the full review here.

Herbal Essences Set Me Up Mousse // not cruelty free // I couldn't tell you how long I've had this, but who uses mousse in this day and age??

Boscia Repair + Renew Waterless Advanced Treatment // I think this worked well for my skin, but I just can't do the consistency of oil skincare.

Pacifica Dreamy Youth Day and Night Face Cream // This worked really well for my face! I definitely want to pick it up again once I use up my other moisturizers.

Glow Recipe Watermelon Toner & Niacinamide Dew Drops // This was the Sephora birthday gift. Both were light and refreshing, but the price tag is a little high for me.

Sea El Castor Lash & Brow Serum // This was a snag at Marshall's. I think it made my lashes softer, but it was a pain to use. I tossed most of the bottle.

e.l.f. Superhydrate Moisturizer // I used this at night and liked it! My skin felt more hydrated in the morning. It's already in my cart again.

Sephora Hemp Night Face Serum // not cruelty free // A lil snag I added to my cart to meet the minimum to get the birthday gift. I didn't see any difference when using this and it's not cruelty free, so I wouldn't get it again.

Trader Joe's Watermelon Facial Mist // I always tell myself I won't buy any more of these, but then I find myself missing them. I loved using this one during the summer! And at $3.99, it's a steal, but it's a seasonal item.

e.l.f. Gentle Peeling Exfoliant // See the full review here. As you can see, the top is missing. I've never had a bottle of this that the dispenser top remained functional. After going through four bottles, I'm going to have to find another version of this from someone else.

Elizavecca Witch Piggy Hell Pore Control Serum // not cruelty free // I bought this for the packaging and kept buying it for the results. Unfortunately, it's not cruelty free.

Nourish Moisturizing Cream by Lidl // Under $4 and it works great! Definitely grabbing this the next time I'm at Lidl.

Soap & Glory Orangasm Body Butter // This has been discontinued, and probably for good reason. Not great.

Hempz Apricot & Clementine Foaming Hand Soap // A clearance find at Ulta. I love Hempz and I love apricot. Would definitely pick up any of their hand soaps. I think this was a summer item.

Hempz Blackberry & Lemongrass Shower Jelly // I enjoyed this a lot but felt the tub made me use more than I needed in one shower. If it became available in different packaging I'd pick it up. I believe this was a summer item.

Deep Steep Mango Papaya Body Butter // While I don't see them a whole lot anymore, I love Deep Steep products. Would definitely grab any of their products.

Dial Himalayan Salt Body Wash // not cruelty free // I traded my best friend a bottle of lotion I didn't like for this, which she didn't like. Neither of us liked this. Would not recommend.

Tree to Tub Relaxing Lavender Body Wash // A little free sample from iHerb. I'm not a fan of lavender, but I don't pass up free. I liked this, the lather, and I'd buy it in a different scent. 

Tony Moly I'm Green Tea Hydro-Burst Morning Mask // I enjoyed this a lot. Light and refreshing. I didn't use it a lot in the morning, but I don't think it matters.

Peach & Lily Power Calm Hydrating Gel Cleanser // This was a decent little cleanser. Nothing special. It was Ulta's April birthday gift.

Mary Kay Satin Hands // not cruelty free // A decent little lotion I kept at work. I don't buy from MLMs anymore. 

Ulta Limitless Lashes Mascara // When I first opened this the formula was REALLY wet. It got much better after it dried out some, but the piece that filters (?) the wand must've been faulty and it just always came out with a ton of product on it.

Marc Jacobs Eyeliner // I tossed this before I grabbed the color name and I thought I had the initial review post still up, but I guess not. I liked this and I'd buy it again, it just got old.

Pacifica Perfume Roller in Indian Coconut Nectar // This is my favorite scent from Pacifica. I got a set of rollerballs for Christmas one year and while I love the size, I've grown to prefer spray bottles, so I'm using up my rollerballs. I'd buy this scent again in a spray bottle!

essence Coffee to Glow Undereye Cream // This formula spread easily and didn't sit under my eyes. I just didn't notice a ton of difference with use, but I'd try it again.

NYX Single Eyeshadow in Bedroom Eyes // Dropped on the bathroom floor. Shattered. I liked this shade, I'd get it again.

Random highlighter? in Ice Queen // I don't remember where I got this but I loved the shade, sadly it somehow got a bunch of moisture in it and got ruined.

Coloured Raine Single Eyeshadow in Who, Me? // I was actively using this up and enjoying it! This was yet another casualty of the bathroom floor.

Here's another declutter of various lip balms. I think I've finally narrowed it down to Aquaphor and Carmex (the liquid kind) which help my lips the most, so my search has ended. You'll see that the three squeeze tubes are, uh, a little worse for wear. Ogden, too, loves liquid lip balm.

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lucky bandit is a for profit blog. I use affiliate links and paid advertisements. I may earn compensation for a click or purchase through a link. Paid (whether via product or monetary) reviews will be noted in the actual post. Though compensation may influence the type of posts, all opinions and reviews will be legitimate and honest.

*All affiliate links will be marked with an asterick.*

empties #25

It's been a while since I've used up a bunch of products, but I finally can get all of these out of my apartment! As usual, I'm going to mark the items that are not cruelty free.

Pacifica Pineapple Cleanse Face Wash // Pacifica products just work for my face. I'll continue buying them! 

Treehut Moisturizing Shave Oil  // This worked well for shaving, however, I have come to the conclusion that I just cannot stand how oils feel on my skin.

Bath & Body Works Aquamarine Shores Foaming Hand Soap // not cruelty free // All of the B&BW items in this post were gifts. It's soap, it did the job. 

Beauty 360 Gentle Eye Makeup Remover // not cruelty free // This was a hand-me-down. It worked, but left a residue and isn't CF.

Trader Joe's Microdermabrasion Scrub // In store, I thought this was a chemical exfoliant (which I prefer). It's not, it s a cream scrub. I ended up just using it on my elbows and knees because it kind of hurt my face. I wouldn't pick it up again.

Suave Powder Deoderant // Suave is now cruelty free! This is my go to deodorant brand.

Bath & Body Works Champagne Toast Hand Sanitizer // not cruelty free // I have so many of these little hand sanitizers to use up! These work fine, but B&BW isn't CF.

Petal Fresh Guava Nectar Body Butter // This was a Ross find. It was your standard, run of the mill body butter. I'd pick it up again if I needed some.

Amnh Peach Booty Tightening & Lifting Polish // This was a fun little pick at Marshall's! I didn't notice any buttcheek tightening or lifting, but it was a decent little exfoliant!

Glamfox Retinol + Collagen Serum // Another Marshall's find. I felt this did make a difference in my skin, making it more even and tight. I'd definitely get it again.

Ulta Rapidly Renew Overnight Renewal Cream // When I got approved for my Ulta card I went a little nuts with ordering skincare and got this as part of that order. This was super thick and I felt it really did a great job deep moisturizing.

Azure Hemp Collagen Nourishing Eye Serum // I never thought this bottle would end. I saw a very slight difference in my undereyes, but other products have definitely worked better.

Estee Lauder Gentle Eye Makeup Remover // not cruelty free // Another hand-me-down. It did the job, but isn't CF.

Bath & Body Works Pretty as a Peach Shower Gel // not cruelty free // I used to keep a couple of these on hand for gifts, but frankly I got tired of storing them so I just started to use them up. This was a fine shower gel, but B&BW isn't CF.

Freeman Anti-Stress Clay Mask // I rarely get around to using masks (and only clay/liquid masks - I can't do sheet masks at all) and I knew I was just not gonna get to this enough to finish off the bottle, so I decluttered it. I didn't really notice much of a difference after using it, other than it was so hard to wash off.

Bath & Body Works Creep It Real Hand Sanitizer // not cruelty free // Another of these. Not CF.

Paul Mitchell Tea Tree Special Conditioner // I have eczema/psoriasis on my scalp that gets easily irritated so I try to try out sample sizes first. I really liked this conditioner and how it made my scalp feel. I'll definitely be ordering a full size.

Pacifica Pore Refine Deep Detox Mask // Like I said above, Pacifica products just really work for my skin. I could tell a difference every time I used this.

Sand & Sky Australian Pink Clay Deep Pore Cleanser // I got this in an ipsy box. It was alright. I think I like their mask more than the cleanser.

Pacifica Clean Shot Hyaluronic & Flowers 5% Solution // Are you seeing a pattern? Haha. I liked this. It was light and made my skin more even.

Goldfaden MD Doctor's Scrub // This was another ipsy box item. I didn't really like this one.

Ulta Poreless Face Primer // When I first got this I liked it. It made my pores less noticeable and really smoothed my complexion. It's since gone bad and just pills up on my face so I decided to chuck it.

Pacifica Rose Jelly Underye Gel // I LOVED this stuff. It made a HUGE difference in my undereyes. I'm trying to use up some other eye gels right now, but I'm definitely going to get this once I'm done with those.

First Aid Beauty Coconut Skin Smoothie Priming Moisturizer // not cruelty free // FAB isn't cruelty free anymore, and this moisturizer was a little greasy. I wouldn't purchase a full size.

Badger Headache Soother // This is a declutter. I never used it, so I can't attest to if it works or not.

Ulta Juicy Jelly Lip Gloss // For a gloss this was really thick and moisturizing. I actually used it as a night lip mask with great results.

e.l.f. Lip Exfoliator // These work a lot better than tubs of scrubs that get everywhere, but inevitably they always break off before I can use the whole thing.

Pacifica Indian Coconut Nectar Hand Cream // This is my favorite hand cream, hands down (no pun intended). I'll keep buying these.

Olay Regenerist Whip Hydrating Moisturizer // not cruelty free // I actually quite enjoyed this moisturizer and would consider buying it if Olay every went cruelty free.

Bath & Body Works Christmas Candy Cane Hand Cream // not cruelty free // This scent is cloying, as I find most holiday scents.

Shiseido Urban Environment Oil-Free UV Protector // not cruelty free // I know this is sunscreen, but I had to wash it off my face. The texture is all wrong.

Dermologica Clear Start Cooling Aqua Jelly // I liked this. It was nice and light and would be great after a day in the sun. I'd buy a full size.

Raw Sugar Natural Lip Scrub  // This was a bit greasy, but I liked it.

Bite Beauty Agave Sugar Lip Scrub Set // A Sephora birthday gift. The balm was a bit too thick, but the scrub was nice. I don't know that I liked it enough to buy full size versions.

Prada Candy Perfume Sample// not cruelty free // Not a fan.

Biossance Squalane Omega Repair Cream // This wasn't bad, but the price for a full size is outrageous.

Simply Shea Sweet Pea Body Cream // A nice little cream. I think the Simply Shea part of Simply Soothing might've been postponed due to the pandemic, but I'd definitely get some of that line if it came out later.

More lip balms I'm decluttering. The Aquaphor (not cruelty free) actually works really wekk for my chronically dry lips, so I will continue buying it despite it not being CF, since I consider painful lips and what helps them to be medical. I wanted to love the rest, but they just didn't work for me so I got them out of here. Thus ends another empties post!

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lucky bandit is a for profit blog. I use affiliate links and paid advertisements. I may earn compensation for a click or purchase through a link. Paid (whether via product or monetary) reviews will be noted in the actual post. Though compensation may influence the type of posts, all opinions and reviews will be legitimate and honest.

*All affiliate links will be marked with an asterick.*

empties #24

I've used up a lot more products in my attempt to declutter. As usual, things that aren't cruelty free are marked, but I'm only human so please check if you think otherwise!

Tree Hut Shea Sugar Scrub in Pear & Chia Seed // I love these scrubs and pick them up when they're on sale. They last a while and don't tend to leave a residue.

Philosophy Holiday Pajamas Shower Gel // not cruelty free // This was a Christmas gift. It lasted a long time and I enjoyed it, but it's sadly not cruelty free.

First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream // not cruelty free // I loved this cream for my eczema, but unfortunately FAB isn't cruelty free anymore. I'm trying Pipette's Eczema Cream now.

Ulta Rosewater Facial Mist // Initially I wasn't super happy with this, but it definitely grew on me. I'd pick this up and keep it in my bag for the summer.

The Body Shop Body Butter in Coconut // I kept this in my desk drawer. I think it works way better as originally intended, as a body butter, instead of a hand cream as it was slightly greasy.

Pixi H2O Skindrink // This was just not great. I finished it because I spent money on it, but I felt like it just sat on my face instead of absorbing. Sometimes I'd find a little drop of it still on my face later in the day. I wouldn't get it again.

Simply Soothing Body Butter // I was sent samples for being a Bug Soother Ambassador of their body butter. I think the pandemic put the kibosh on that line, but if they revive it, it's great! Check out their bug spray, which is the only one I'll use! (Get 15% off with code KATELYNCARTER using this link*.)

Lacoste perfume sample // not cruelty free // I was sent this in an order. Not cruelty free, so I wouldn't buy it.

Hanhoo Watermelon Illuminator // This came in a ipsy bag. I liked it, and I saw a difference in my skin even with out sporadically I used it. I'd pick up a full size!

The Body Shop Tea Tree Blemish Fade Night Lotion // This worked well and I need to pick up another tube of it. It doesn't work overnight, but I definitely saw a difference fairly quickly.

Pacifica Hardcore Happy Rollerball Perfume // This smelled nice, but it left what appeared to be a greasy mark wherever it was rolled?? Not attractive. I was happy to use this one up.

J. R. Watkins Lotion // A hotel sample I used up. It was mediocre lotion. I wouldn't buy it.

Sephora Banana Hand Balm // not cruelty free // I think this was a cheap buy to get my birthday gift. Sephora is behind the times and needs to stop testing on animals.

I decluttered any lip balm that didn't work for me anymore. I had gone through so many on my search to find a balm that would help my chronic dry lips. None of these helped, unfortunately.

Nubian Heritage Lemongrass & Tea Tree Lotion // This was a great, hydrating lotion, but I've had it too long and it's gone off. I'd get it again.

Sun Bum Sunscreen // My favorite, favorite sunscreen. It's formulated well and smells like bananas. I pick this up every year. This bottle was almost full, but it was expired so out it goes. I'll definitely buy this again.

Jason Fresh Cucumber Dry Spray Deoderant // This was not good. I wouldn't buy this again. It was just weird.

Pacifica Mineral SPF Body Butter // I picked this up on clearance and while it was over half full, it was expired, too. I don't mess around with expired sunscreen. I'd buy this again, though!

Julep palette // I've had this so long that I couldn't tell you which palette this is, or when I got it. I depotted it into my magnetic palette. Julep's makeup isn't phenomenal, so I doubt I'd replace it.

Milk Kush Mascara // I loved this mascara. The brush is amazing and it's buildable without being super clumpy. I'd definitely get this again.

Wet N Wild Megawear Mascara // not cruelty free // Wet n Wild is no longer cruelty free (a shame!) and this mascara wasn't that great, anyway. It was thin and just not buildable.

Another collection of trash off to recycling!

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lucky bandit is a for profit blog. I use affiliate links and paid advertisements. I may earn compensation for a click or purchase through a link. Paid (whether via product or monetary) reviews will be noted in the actual post. Though compensation may influence the type of posts, all opinions and reviews will be legitimate and honest.

*All affiliate links will be marked with an asterick.*

empties #23

I finally filled up the little bin I use to collect my empties. Beyond basic skin care, I haven't been using a ton of products as I only really wear powder and mascara now on a daily basis. As usual, I try to label the non-cruelty free items, but I'm only human so always check!

Aura Cacia Organic Motivating Yoga Mist // I got this from a friend who no longer used it, and I didn't use it much either so I decluttered it. 

e.l.f. Gentle Peeling Exfoliant* // I love this product. It's affordable and it works really well. I stopped using scrubs once I found chemical exfoliants!

Laneige Water Bank Moisture Cream // not cruelty free // I got this as a free birthday gift from Sephora. I liked it, but I wouldn't purchase it because they're not CF.

Sand & Sky Australian Pink Clay Flash Perfection Exfoliating Treatment* // This came in an Ipsy bag. It was a pretty good scrub that worked. Like I said earlier, I prefer chemical exfoliants, but I'd buy this.

Skinfood Lettuce & Cucumber Watery Cream // not cruelty free // I picked this up at Marshall's thinking it was a different brand, and Skinfood isn't cruelty free. It was a decent moisturizer, though.

The Naked Bee Hand & Body Lotion* in Orange Blossom Honey // This brand is made not far from where my mom lives in Tennessee and they have great products! The lotion is moisturizing but not greasy. I'd definitely get this again.

Simply Shea Hand & Body Lotion in Warm Vanilla Sugar // I got a few samples of Simply Soothing's new lines, and their lotion is really nice. It's thick but absorbs quickly. Get 15% off with my code KATELYNCARTER! (Their bug spray is 1000% worth it.)

Mary Kay Satin Body Silkening Shea Lotion // not cruelty free // This was a Christmas gift. I liked the scent of this lotion and it had a nice texture.

Laneige Water Sleeping Mask // not cruelty free // This was part of the Sephora birthday gift, too. I liked the consistency of it, but wouldn't get it again because it's not CF.

Sun Bum SPF 50 Sunscreen* // Sun Bum is my absolute favorite sunscreen, and it smells like bananas. This can was over half full, but expired, so I tossed it. Always check the dates on your sunscreen!

e.l.f. Concealer Stick // This is old. They don't even make this style packaging anymore. It was a little too light for me so I decluttered it.

Sweet and Shimmer Peppermint Hand Lotion // cruelty free status unknown // I can't seem to find any info on this brand, so I don't know if it's cruelty free or not. I got it as an office gift and kept it on my desk. It was a decent little hand lotion.

Trader Joe's Vanilla Pumpkin Candle // I love picking up Trader Joe's candles. They're cheap and smell nice. I'll continue picking them up.

111Skin Y Theorem Repair Serum // Another Ipsy sample. I liked it, but there's no way I'm spending $350 on a skin care product.

Pacifica Hairvana Leave-On Detangling Conditioner // Pacifica is easily my favorite brand. I liked this conditioner! It didn't weigh my hair down and it did help with tangles.

e.l.f. Prime & Stay Finishing Powder // I like these little powders but their packaging is terrible. I've never had one not snap at the hinge! However, for $3, I'll keep getting them. They have decent coverage and it's usually what I wear on an average day.

Pacifica Aromapower in Hardcore Happy // I liked this, but I'd like to try a different scent from Pacifica.

Ulta Youthful Glow Foundation Serum Drops // I cannot match foundation to save my life. My skin tone range is wildly different from winter to summer because of baseball, so it's a wild ride finding foundation. I didn't really like the way this applied, so I don't think I'd try it again. I'll stick with creams.

Ulta Double Duty Primer & Foundation in Classic Ivory // I got this on clearance, so it may have been nearing its shelf life. It was a thicker consistency and I found it setlled in my pores, so I wouldn't try it again.

Ulta Ultamate Lashes Mascara // I liked the brush and formula for this. It was buildable but not clumpy and I'd definitely pick it up again.

Calvin Klein Euphoria // not cruelty free // I got this for Christmas when I was like...16. Yeah, I don't use a lot of perfume, but finally finished it up. It's not cruelty free, so I replaced it with a brand that is.

ecotools Makeup Brush Cleansing Cloths // I didn't use these often because I thought they might damage the bristles on my brushes and then they dried out on me. I'll stick with my brush shampoo and brush cleaner*.

Ulta Age Defying Matcha Green Tea Mask // I've really gotten into skincare lately and I've started using up the plethora of masks I've been given or picked up. This one was soothing and I liked it. 

Neutrogena Collagen Kiss Lip Mask // not cruelty free // This was from an Ipsy box, I think? I have chronic dry lips, so I thought this might help. It didn't, and it was kind of a pain to use because my lips were a little too big for it and it wouldn't fit right. Plus it's not cruelty free.

Bath & Body Works Lump of Coal Sheet Mask // not cruelty free // I don't really like sheet masks but will use them if they're given to me. This one was alright, but not CF.

Burt's Bees Facial Cleansing Towelettes // It's not often that I get wipes, but these were good. Not too wet and didn't leave a residue. I take my makeup off with them before using a cleanser. I'd get these again!

Charcoal & Black Sugar Mask // cruelty free status unknown // I have no idea what brand this is or where I got it, but I liked it a lot. If I could find it again and verify if it was CF, I'd get it again. It was a little hard to apply evenly because of the sugar, but it exfoliated well.

Masque Bar Charcoal Hydro Eye Masks // My under eye bags are insane, but I could actually see a difference after using these. They slid around a bit, but were cooling and I liked them.

Ulta Pollution Defense Pomegranate Mask // An average mask, I'd get it again if it was on sale.

Que Bella Purifying Tea Tree & Witch Hazel Mud Mask // Y'all. I hated this mask. It was like putting paste on my face and I couldn't get it off. I had to pull out a face scrubbie to get it all off, and I missed a small spot in the shower the next morning and it was on my face all day. I've used other masks from them and they were fine, so maybe I just got a bad one.

e.l.f. Sheer Lip Balm // I just don't use this, so I decluttered it. It was a fine sheer lip balm for a little color.

Shea Moisture Vegan Lip Balm // I've tried three of these and I just can't get the things to work. I want to love this balm, but I can never get it out of the tube!

Paula Deen Lip Balm in Peach Cobbler // cruelty free status unknown // I picked this up on a whim a few years ago when we went to the Paula Deen store in Tennessee. It was more a novelty, so I decluttered it.

Blistex Medicated Lip Balm // not cruelty free // In my search for something, anything to help my chronic dry lips, I picked this up. It didn't work so I tossed it. 

Mary Kay Satin Lips Balm // not cruelty free // This is the ONLY thing that works for my terribly dry lips. Yes, it's not cruelty free, but my lips can get so bad they bleed, so I consider this more of a health issue and will continue to get this. It's soothing and moisturizing and not sticky. 

100% Pure Coffee Bean Caffeine Eye Cream // I got this sample a while ago and I think it really made a difference in my undereyes. I have a few more eye creams to use up, but I'd get the full size of this!

Bare Minerals Complexion Rescue Foundation Sample // I was trying out some samples and found a set of these and loved the way it blended and settled on my face. I actually ordered a full size of this!

Eco Lips Ecolixir Daily Facial Oil Kakadu Plum Seed Oil // I just don't like facial oils. They're just not for me.

Fresh Lotus Youth Preserve Dream Face Cream // not cruelty free  // It's hard to judge a product like a recovery cream from one sample, but the texture was nice. Too bad they're not CF.

Vichy Mineral 89 Booster // not cruelty free // This was light and I liked it, but Vichy isn't cruelty free. 

There's another month of my trash. 😂 I've been trying to use up a lot of half empty products and declutter things I just don't use anymore. 

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lucky bandit is a for profit blog. I use affiliate links and paid advertisements. I may earn compensation for a click or purchase through a link. Paid (whether via product or monetary) reviews will be noted in the actual post. Though compensation may influence the type of posts, all opinions and reviews will be legitimate and honest.

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empties #22

It's been a literal year since my last empties post, but here it is! I've used very few products over the last pandemic year since I've almost entirely stopped wearing makeup. As usual, the non cruelty free products are labeled, but I'm human and please check for yourself!

Batiste Dry Shampoo* // This is a good go to and a solid choice in dry shampoo. I'd buy this again.

Pacifica Cactus & Kale Oil Free Renewal Lotion // The one thing I did seem to go through over the last year was moisturizer! My mama taught me well. I particularly like this one from Pacifica, which is one of my favorite brands.

Burt's Bees Peach & Willow Bark Deep Pore Scrub // I liked this at first, but then I got tired of the residue it left on my face. It does clean grout well, though?

Hempz White Peach Rose & Peony Herbal Shave Gel* // This smelled divine and I love the Hempz brand. I just don't like shaving creams/gels that don't foam. I'd definitely buy other products in this scent, though.

Burt's Bees Overnight Intensive Lip Treatment* // I've gone through maybe three of these and I love, love, love this.

Desert Essence Lip Rescue Balm* // I developed chronic dry lips over a year ago and it's been tragic. This worked for me in the beginning and I'd definitely recommend it for anyone with moderately chapped lips.

111Skin Space Defence Bright Eye Lift Gel // I got this in an Ipsy box, I think. I didn't really see a huge difference using it. I wouldn't buy it.

Drunk Elephant Beste No. 9 Jelly Cleanser* // I did like this cleanser, but I didn't like having to store it because of the packaging. It was a twist bottom and the product came out once twisted. Even though I got this as a Sephora birthday gift for free, I was always worried I'd leave it open and all of the cleanser would leak out so I  kept it upside down in my showerhead organizer. It looks like the full size version isn't made that way, so I'd consider buying it.

Pacifica Crystal Melon Makeup Removing Wipes // These worked fine, and Pacifica is a favorite brand, but I'm trying to use up my stock of wipes and not buy them again. There's just too much waste. I'll 100% use them if they're given to me, but I won't buy them.

Ulta Sweet Pecan Cupcake 3-in-1 Smoothie // This was an okay body wash, that's all I used it for. I found the scent cloying. I believe I got it on at a great discount. I'd buy the the 3-in-1 smoothie again, but in a fruity scent.

Pacifica Tuscan Blood Orange Body Butter // I love Pacifica's body butter and I always try to keep one at my desk. Highly recommend!

Cala Green Tea Deep Cleansing Foam // I liked this cleanser and I'd definitely buy it again. I also find Cala's post about animal testing to be invigorating in the fight against animal testing.

Drunk Elephant Protin Polypeptide Moisturizer* // This was a nice moisturizer. I liked the coordinating cleanser. I'd be much more inclined to buy the $32 cleanser than the $68 moisturizer.

Lacura Q10 Night Face Cream // This is from Aldi and it was a good moisturizer! I'd definitely buy again.

elf  Holy Hydration! Face Cream* // I really liked this. Would definitely buy again at $12.

Vaseline Lip Therapy with Cocoa Butter // not cruelty free // I've used several of these up. They are not cruelty free, but my chronic dry lip became borderline a medical issue, so I bought what worked for me.

Tarte Lights Camera Lashes 4-in-1 Mascara* // I got this in a sample size with a palette, I think. It's a nice, buildable mascara. I'd get it again.

Pacifica Berry Preserve Color Protect Conditioner // I believe this has been discontinued. I don't have colored hair, but I got it on sale for like $2.50, so I snagged a bottled. I'd buy Pacifica conditioners again!

Curel Hydratherapy Wet Skin Moisturizer // not cruelty free // I think I got this in some subscription box. I can't stand slathering on lotion while my skin is still wet, so I used this as regular lotion. It's not cruelty free so I wouldn't buy it again.

Nip + Fab No Needle Fix Moisturiser // I like the Nip + Fab brand, but I did not like the texture of this moisturizer. It was cakey and didn't soak in well.

These are just some declutter items that I've had for forever and I'm just tired of looking at them.

Ulta Banana Lip Scrub // This one is just too greasy to use.

elf Cream Eyeliner // This dried out on me and I just don't use eyeliner that isn't in pencil form.

Julep Mighty Nail and Cuticle Cream  // I tried so hard to use this up but got tired of it. It was easy to apply, but took a while to dry. I now use Burt's Bee's cuticle cream.

Jane Iredale mini brush // I got this in a palette I was sent via Influenster. The palette was great, but I don't need this brush.

That's it for now!

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lucky bandit is a for profit blog. I use affiliate links and paid advertisements. I may earn compensation for a click or purchase through a link. Paid (whether via product or monetary) reviews will be noted in the actual post. Though compensation may influence the type of posts, all opinions and reviews will be legitimate and honest.

*All affiliate links will be marked with an asterick.*

empties #21

Another post about my trash! It's been a while, so I've used up a lot. I recycled all I can through Terracycle. I've labeled what I can find that isn't cruelty free, but always do your own research!

Murad Essentials-C Cleanser* // This was a good cleanser! Light and refreshing. I'd buy it again.

Pacifica Cactus Water Micellar Cleanser // I love Pacifica products and this one didn't disappoint. If I hadn't had some makeup removers given to me by my mom, I'd definitely buy this one again.

Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion* // This is the best eyeshadow primer I've tried thus far. I'll keep buying this.

NYX XXL Lush Lashes Mascara // I liked this mascara. It didn't flake and I could build it nicely. I'd repurchase!

Nourish California Mango Extreme Body Creme // cruelty free status unknown // When I bought this I could find the brand and verify, but I can't any longer. It was a very hydrating lotion!

Shea Moisture Coconut Water Vegan Lip Balm // You'll see two different tubes of this in this post. BOTH tubes stopped distributing lip balm! After a couple uses it just clogged up and no more would come out, so I bought the second tube shown. Same thing. I liked what I could actually use, but I'll skip this from now on due to the packaging.

Skinfood Pineapple Peeling Gel // not cruelty free // I bought this on a whim and it worked really well, though not only is it discontinued, it's also not cf. Luckily, I found the elf Gentle Peeling Exfoliant and it works just as well and it's cheaper.

Vaseline Lip Therapy in Cocoa Butter // not cruelty free // My lips have been chronically chapped for a few months and I tried almost every lip balm I could get my hands on. Unfortunately, this was the one that actually helped. Even though it's not cf, I'm going to keep buying it because my lips are so bad.

Tresemme Volumizing Dry Shampoo // not cruelty free // I got this in a Christmas basket. It wasn't a bad dry shampoo! I'd buy it again if Tresemme went cf.

Desert Essence Lip Rescue Ultra Rescue Shea Butter* // This lip balm helped for a while and I'd definitely suggest this for mildly chapped lips. I had an extreme case, but it helped me in the beginning! I'd buy it again.

Pacifica Cactus Revive Face Wash // Slightly drying, but I still liked it. I'd try it again on sale, but I'd opt for a different Pacifica face wash next time.

Pacifica Hawaiian Ruby Guava Body Butter // This came in a set that my mom gave me. This is my favorite body butter scent and I'd 100% get it again!

Mary Kay Satin Body Wash // not cruelty free // This lathered really well and smelled nice, but I don't buy from MLMs.

Nip+Fab Smooth Viper Venom Micro Blur Fix // I'm so, so, so sad this was discontinued. I've had this tube for a couple years now and I used it almost daily as a primer. It was AMAZING as a primer. Controlled oil, makeup didn't budge. I've sadly run out and I can't find it anywhere.

elf Acne Fighting Gel // I tried valiantly to use this up, but it just didn't work well enough for me to keep using it.

Dr. Bronner's Peppermint Toothpaste* // I liked this! I grabbed it for a trip. It was minty and my teeth felt clean. I'd repurchase.

Covergirl Clean Matte BB Cream* in Light/Medium // Covergirl finally went cruelty free. This is my second tube of this. This is very close to my color and it's worked very well for me. I'd definitely rebuy!

Clean & Clear Lemon Zesty Scrub // not cruelty free // I got this for Christmas and I love getting scrubs! It's not cf but it did it's job!

Biore Charcoal Micellar Water // not cruelty free // This came in a subscription box. It was okay. It was less micellar water and more just makeup remover, but it worked. I wouldn't buy it.

elf Under Eye Concealer & Highlighter Duo // Good grief, I've had this for what feels like ten years. It didn't blend well and I never used the highlighter because it was like spreading glitter on my face. I wouldn't repurchase.

LA Girl Pro Face Powder* in Classic Ivory GPP60Z // This powder was great, blended well, covered well, until it fell down the sink side four inches and decided to shatter. I'd buy this again! I just wish it came without the pouf, which was added waste for me.

 None of these samples are cruelty free, so I wouldn't repurchase any or really go into detail.

Some more samples! I don't think I'd repurchase any of these, either. I do want to note that the Clinique sample could possibly be the worst packaged sample of all time.

I've already cleaned these wands to be sent for Wands for Wildlife in October!

Doucce Mascara // cruelty free status unknown // I got this in an Ipsy box and I literally spent the entire time I used this thinking I had Marc Jacobs mascara for some reason?? I have no idea why. It was a decent mascara and I'd buy it again if I could verify if it was cruelty free.

Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara* // This is my favorite mascara, hands down. Would definitely repurchase.

Makeup Wipe Haul //  LA Fresh* (the wipes on the right) ARE cruelty free!

So there's another few months! I've decided that 2020 is the year I pare down my products, so I only buy after I've used something up. We'll see how it goes.


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lucky bandit is a for profit blog. I use affiliate links and paid advertisements. I may earn compensation for a click or purchase through a link. Paid (whether via product or monetary) reviews will be noted in the actual post. Though compensation may influence the type of posts, all opinions and reviews will be legitimate and honest.

*All affiliate links will be marked with an asterick.*


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frugal bandit blog | my poshmark closet | shop leggings | shop my mercari
lucky bandit is a for profit blog. I use affiliate links and paid advertisements. I may earn compensation for a click or purchase through a link. Paid (whether via product or monetary) reviews will be noted in the actual post. Though compensation may influence the type of posts, all opinions and reviews will be legitimate and honest.

*All affiliate links will be marked with an asterick.*

empties #20

Another post about my trash! I've (thankfully) used up a lot of products! I have way too many floating around and I'm happy to get these out of here. I've labeled what I can find that isn't cruelty free, but always do your own research!

Mario Badescu Oil Free Moisturizer // This just seemed like a kind of average moisturizer to me, but I'd likely buy it if I caught it on sale.

Hempz Original Herbal Body Wash LE* // I love love love this product. This packaging is limited edition, but without it I would never have known that their original scent is BANANA! My favorite!

Pacifica Hawaiian Banana Lip Balm* // Y'all, this stuff melts so fast. Since it's not in a traditional balm tube, it'll melt to the sides of the container and quickly become ruined. Not o fear, I had a spare.

Not Your Mother's Beach Babe Texturizing Dry Shampoo* // I enjoyed this dry shampoo and would definitely buy it again. No white residue, and it lasted forever! 

Lacura Hydrating Facial Cleanser // I picked this up at Aldi. I really liked it and would definitely buy it again.

Sun Bum Cocobalm* // This died a hot car death. We LOVE Sun Bum, so I'll definitely repurchase.

Sugar and Spruce (formerly Ladyburg) Charcoal Mask // I got this years ago from a local shop in the city where I used to work. It was a nice mask, but it stung my eyes a bit.

Pixi Glow Tonic* // I received this in an ipsy* bag. I'm terrible about using toner regularly, so I didn't feel like I got the most out of this. I'd pick it up if I found it on sale.

B&BW Creamy Pumpkin Hand Sanitizer // not cruelty free // I've had this for a while, if you couldn't tell by the old packaging.

Templespa Quietude Calming Mist // cruelty free status unknown // I just sprayed this when he was gone to use it up, haha.

Mary Kay Paint the Sky Body Wash // not cruelty free // I received this as a Christmas gift. It lathered nicely and didn't dry my skin out, but isn't cruelty free.

B&BW White Citrus Oil Mist // not cruelty free // I worked so hard to use this up. I've had it for years. It was okay, I just don't like how oil feels on my skin.

Hello Activated Charcoal Toothpaste // I got this in a Walmart Beauty Box. NOPE. NOPE. NOPE. I got SO TIRED of wiping down my sink twice a day because this toothpaste was black. It did it's job as a toothpaste, but I don't need to see it all over the sink every day. And then DAMN if I didn't get ANOTHER in a later box.

B&BW Forever Red Fine Fragrance Mist // not cruelty free // Another product I've had for years. This lived in my car as a refresher. I'm glad to see it go and will not be replacing it.

Suave Deodorant in Tropical Paradise // not cruelty free // This may be the one item that I routinely buy that's not cruelty free. It's the only deodorant that seems to work for me, and my mom has used it for years as well.

Difeel Hand Moisturizer in Jasmine // This was a nice hand cream, but the container broke near the threading and would leak lotion out of the side. I probably won't pick up another.

Essence All About Matt! Powder // I've purchased two of these over time and both have had the lid of the container separate from the pan. I will not buy another for this reason. It's decent powder, though!

Sally Beauty Eyeshadow Single in Espresso // not cruelty free // This is another item I've had for years. I picked it up really cheaply before I went CF, and it was a nice color. I won't be replacing, though.

Covergirl Perfect Point Plus Eye Pencil in Espresso // I believe I received this in a box or something before Covergirl went CF, but of course now they are, so I would likely purchase this again. This one just fell apart on me.

Marc Jacobs Daisy Dream Perfume Sample // not cruelty free // It's perfume. Meh.

Guerlain Perfume Sample // not cruelty free // I'm really not a fan of getting perfume samples.

 

Samples! I liked the Burt's Bees towelettes* and the Moisturizing Lip Mask*. They were refreshing. The 100% Pure Kelp & Mint Shampoo* was a great sample and left a nice tingle on my scalp. I won't be repurchasing the Aromatherapy Shower Tablets* as they didn't really do much, and the it Cosmetics Confidence in a Cleanser* didn't wow me. The Olay Daily Facials (not cruelty free) is a nice concept, but messy, and the Olay Deep Hydrating Eye Gel (not cruelty free) wasn't impressive. I liked the Farmacy Green Clean Cleanser*, but the packaging of the sample wasn't great and it's kind of pricey for me. The worst thing in this photo, though, was the Clinique Fresh Pressed Overnight Booster (not cruelty free). The packaging required you to break it and mix the product similarly to a freaking glowstick, and I didn't have the hand strength to get enough product out of the stupid pod to put on my face.

LA Fresh is cruelty free, but the four packets in front are not cruelty free.

I love reading empties posts, so send me yours! ♥

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lucky bandit is a for profit blog. I use affiliate links and paid advertisements. I may earn compensation for a click or purchase through a link. Paid (whether via product or monetary) reviews will be noted in the actual post. Though compensation may influence the type of posts, all opinions and reviews will be legitimate and honest.

*All affiliate links will be marked with an asterick.*