{Old} Empties, part IV: eye products

Ok, let's see if I can knock out this drawn-out series in the next week. This is the next to last post!

Here is a look at some mascaras, brow products, liners and primers I have used up in the past:

from left to right:
Tarte Lights, Camera, Lashes 4-in-1 Mascara; L'Oreal Voluminous Miss Manga and Miss Manga Black Angel Mascaras; Cover Girl Clump Crusher Mascara (all in some shade of black)

I was not terribly impressed with the Tarte mascara and would not be likely to purchase a full-sized version of the product. 

I loved the original Miss Manga formula. It struck a good balance of lengthening and volumizing, which is what I mainly look for in mascaras (more volume, though, as my lashes are already pretty long). I would repurchase this. 

The Black Angel formula was rather wet and produced clumps...not my preferred look, so I would not repurchase that particular formula. 

I loved the Clump Crusher mascara and found myself using it almost exclusively while testing it out. I would definitely repurchase it!

from top to bottom:
Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion in Original; bareMinerals 5-in-1 BB Cream Shadow in Divine Wine; Wet n Wild Megaliner Liquid Eyeliner in Black; Jesse's Girl Liquid Eyeliner in Black; Anastasia Beverly Hills Clear Brow Gel; Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz in Chocolate

I actually have had multiple samples of the UD Primer...while I enjoyed the staying power of the product, I did not appreciate the white cast it left behind on my skin. I prefer an eye primer that dries clear. I would not purchase a full-sized version of this product. 

I enjoyed the bareMinerals BB cream shadow because it can function as a primer or a stand-alone shadow. Honestly, I don't know that I saw any BB benefits with this product, but what I liked was enough for me to buy a full-sized tube in the shade Radiant Sand. 

The brush on the Wet n Wild liner was a little thinner than I prefer. It is also very wet and takes a while to dry. While an inexpensive product, I would much rather spend a few more dollars on Jesse's Girl's eyeliner. It has a superior brush and the packaging makes it easy to hold comfortably in your hand while lining your eye. I have repurchased this at least twice already.

I have really enjoyed all of the ABH products I have tried so far. The brow gel was the very first item I tried, and I loved it. It helps hold the hairs in place without making them flaky. I love the thin tip on the Brow Wiz pencil and its consistency makes it easy to apply without being too hard or causing worry about breaking off. The only quip I have since trying similar products by other brands is the shade selection. They all seem to be either too dark and harsh or too light. While I would repurchase again (I have gone through a few tubes), I 'd probably prefer to stick with the brand that offers me better shade selections.

{Old} Empties, part IV: face products

Happy Humpday! Today's post in this series focuses on a group of face products: primers, foundations/BB creams and concealers.

The Body Shop's Vitamin C Skin Boost
Honestly, when I saw this in The Body Shop, I was willing to try it because I loved the light, fragrant orange scent and the (not too) silky texture of the product. This product claims to create a radiant complexion from dull skin. After using the entire 1 ounce container over a period of time, I did not see real evidence of this claim; however, it was a nice, light product to apply after a moisturizer, whether wearing makeup or not. I probably would not purchase again, especially at its full retail price.

Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer
I decided to try this product after hearing an acquaintance rave about products from this line. I used at least two full-sized containers of this primer, and a few sample sizes. I really enjoyed it in the beginning, as I felt it helped minimize the shine I typically experience in my oily T-zone. Then, I switched to the hydrating version one winter, as my face sometimes gets dry in areas during that season. I liked that formula quite a bit, as it felt more like a moisturizer than a silky primer. When the weather warmed up and I switched back to the regular version, it didn't seem to serve my skin's needs anymore. I also became annoyed by the texture created by the silicone in this product's ingredients (much silkier than the aforementioned product; almost slimy). I have since moved on to other primers and would not likely revisit this one.

Dr. Brandt Pores No More Refiner Primer
I received this sample in an Ipsy bag or a box from Beauty Box 5. This was a decent product, given the amount I had to sample, and it did its job; however, it did not excite me enough to want to try a full-sized version.

Becca Ever-Matte Poreless Priming Perfector
I got this as a 100-point reward from Sephora. I was excited to try it, as one of my favorite beauty vloggers has raved about this product. Unfortunately, I was not impressed. I had to use it sparingly, as it would leave a white cast on my face and I noticed pilling when I would rub it in. I'll save my money.

Lashem Picture Perfect Instant Wrinkle Reducer
I got this in an Ipsy bag. Pilling-galore. I would never buy this.

Maybelline Dream Fresh BB Cream
I picked this up in the shade Medium/Deep during a random trip to CVS. I really enjoyed it! It is lightweight and provides just enough coverage for a typical day at work or out and about. After using one tube, however, I had to come to terms with the fact that this shade isn't quite the right match for me, and I fear the deepest shade would be too dark.

Maybelline Fit Me
I picked this up in the shade Cafe from CVS, Walgreens or Ulta. I love this primer! It is a great shade match for me and it gets the job done. I use it to cover up a few spots on my face, and recently have also been using it to help shape my brows. I am on my second tube and would repurchase as long as Maybelline doesn't discontinue it!

Covergirl Clean Whipped Creme Foundation
I picked this up in the shade Tawny during one of CVS's clearance events. I LOVED this foundation: the lightweight, mousse-like consistency, the shade match, the coverage...I was so disappointed when I discovered this was discontinued. If it weren't for that, I would have repurchased, because I used this entire container!

Thanks for reading...this series is nearly done!