Confession of a mascara junkie

Indeed, this is still part of my decluttering series, only this is for my mascara obsession. I will have to admit that when it comes to mascara, I am guilty for not tossing them away as frequently as I should. But I do sanitize my mascara once in a while to keep them fresh(-er). But since I have come to the realization that, if I don't use them up or at least toss them away after a few months of usage, I will never get to try new mascara (well, not entirely true because I always keep buying new mascaras). I guess the point is, I really shouldn't have a million mascaras around and not using them while they are at their full capacities. So in my effort to declutter my mascara stash, here I present the empties...... 

Before I begin, here are a few points to keep in mind: 

• I almost always use waterproof mascara because they hold my curls better 
• I look for volumizing rather than lengthening 
• Black all the way, or blackest black 
• I usually do not like synthetic, plastic kind of brush 
• I use the Shu Uemura eyelash curler before applying mascara 

• L'Oreal voluminous waterproof 
  - This is a rather popular one on the youtube/blogger world and I admit I agree to a certain degree. I enjoyed it a lot more while it got dryer. This is one that I would keep in mind for replenishment.  

• Make up for ever aqua smoky lash 
  - SO MANY people RAVED about this mascara, naming it their holy grail. I just could not make myself love it. I don't know if it has anything to do with the fact that it is waterproof formula and most people referred to the original formula. But as I mentioned, I use waterproof formula all the way. This mascara just makes my lashes so clumpy and I usually do not mind a bit of clumpy-ness. However, I found this mascara really made my lashes so unnatural. Plus, it made my lashes straight. To me, this is a "miss". :S  

• Heroine make volume & curl mascara
  - An Asian drugstore popular mascara and this is not my first tube. I love this mascara and it is one of my all-time favourites. Only downside is it is hard to remove. I also found this does not transfer even in humid weather. So this is a trustworthy one.
  
   

• Maybelline full 'n soft waterproof  
  - Too natural for my taste. Did not give enough impact to my lashes in my opinion but I guess it is supposed to be like that? 

• Diorshow maximizer lash plumping serum 
  - Sometimes when I fancy, I do use a lash primer because it will help those not-so-great mascara to perform better, as well as conditioning my poor lashes. I do like this one. I can't say if I like this more than my Shiseido one but I think this serum is more separating than the Shiseido mascara base. However, the Shiseido mascara base holds curls better, at least for my lashes and at least for the old formula. I have yet to test out the new nourishing mascara base from them. 

• Estee Lauder sumptuous bold volume lifting mascara 
  - This was a rather surprising find. I got this sample from my friend randomly and I honestly did not expect much because I have never heard any reviews about Estee's mascaras. But OMG, I absolutely love it!!! By far my favourite in the non-waterproof mascara world. The main reason I chose waterproof is for curl-holding properties. But this mascara separates, volumnize and hold curls perfectly! I really want to purchase the full size! 

• Lancome hypnose waterproof 
  - Who doesn't know about Lancome's mascaras really? And this one? I adore. On top of my favourite mascara list. I am really curious to try out other of their mascaras. 

• Tarte lights camera splashes waterproof 
  - I did enjoy it while I had it. But towards the later stage of its service period, I just don't find it to be amazing anymore. It could have been me just holding onto it for too long. Anyhow, it's a good mascara in my book but I probably would not repurchase. 

Decluttering 105, the last verdict

Here comes to my last day of the mini-decluttering series. I hope you have had enjoyed some of these mini-reviews and I challenge myself to continue to buy less, and use up more. ;) 

La roche posay ceralip - I did not care for it when I first got it, but earlier this Winter, I have been using this religiously as my bed time lip treatment and I enjoyed it a lot. Now, I do have many many many lip balms so I am glad to say goodbye to one of them. But I highly recommend this as a bed time treatment and I might repurchase if I ever feel like replenishing my lip treatment stash.

L'Occitane dessert rose hand cream - this was a limited edition shea butter hand cream and I do like this shea butter hand cream range. This particular scent is divine as well, not the typical rose scent from L'Occitane, bur rather a little bit more sweet.

Clarins eye revive beauty flash - a decent eye cream in my opinion. I found it do work quite well for de-puffing. I might repurchase in the future. I just don't know if I like this better than the Origins Ginzing eye cream for day time.

Befine eye treatment - I like the Befine cleanser, but this eye treatment? I couldn't care less. I hate the pump because it always pumps out too much. And I just didn't find it special by any means. I was happy that I could get rid of it.

Boscia green tea blotting sheets - I like these although I don't think they are worth the price tag. You can find similar things in the Asian market for much cheaper price (without the green tea scent or the benefits it clams to have). I personally do not believe that blotting sheets can give you any anti-oxidant results, but I cannot deny this is a luxurious blotting sheet that I am always tempting to repurchase.

Therapeutic clay mint mask - this is a mask prescribed to me by my dermatologist and I do like it. I found it to help my blemishes heal faster. I couldn't repurchase this product here in Canada but I will continue to use up my purifying clay masks in my stash and possibly trying to find a similar one to this.

Elizabeth Arden 8-hour cream lip protectant - I love this because it works! My lips are chronically dry and chapped and I found this lip balm to work wonders. Also, it has SPF in it so that's a bonus. Will repurchase in the future. 

Dorissiderm A. spot - basically another spot treatment I have tried. This brand is not available here in Canada but it's being sold in either Watson's or Manning's (sorry I couldn't remember exactly) in Hong Kong. I think it's okay, nothing special or spectacular.

Caudalie hand and nail cream - I don't know if it like this or not..? I am not a huge fan of the scent, but I can't say I won't repurchase for sure. I think it's okay but nothing that blows my mind away.

Decluttering 104

So here comes to day 4 in my decluttering series, looks like I will need 5 days to wrap up my mini-series here. lol It feels good to purge out all my thoughts on these empties, plus, to finally being able to toss them away! 

Sofina SPF24 PA+++ - not much to say except this is my all-time favourite sunscreen. I believed the SPF24 has been discontinued and replaced with the SPF30 now. But in short, this milky lotion is light-weight, moisturizing and so easy to blend. Love it! =)

Lancome blanc expert ultimate whitening hydrating cream - I didn't use this cream continuously that I found any brightening results, it is rather moisturizing and I can only use it at night time. I found it leaves a slight greasy film on my face after I use it so that why I didn't care to use it in the day time. I don't think this is amazing and probably will not repurchase for now.

Korres wild rose vitamin C advanced brightening sleeping facial - I was not planning to get this cream but while I was at Sephora browsing the Korres section, the Korres trainer was there apparently and she demonstrated this cream on my hand. I was amazed because I saw immediate brightening result when she used a cotton pad on top of the cream and applied onto my hand for like 1 minute. Although this is quite an expensive cream ($62.50 CAD), I just could not resist getting it. Plus, it smells amazing!!!! It is very hard for me to use up a moisturizer: a.) I am not very loyal b.) I have too many moisturizers c.) I always try new things. For these reasons, I often do not stick with one particular moisturizer. But I managed to use up this relatively quick because I could not resist not using it. Originally I was planning to use it 1 to 3 times a week as per recommended by the trainer, but in the end I found myself reaching for this daily. I already repurchased this but I have yet to open it because I want to use up all my other creams first. And since there is vitamin C in it, I do not want to open the glass jar and risking the product not at its optimum stage. All in all, I love this moisturizer and it doesn't make me greasy. =)

Embryolisse lait creme concentrate - another moisturizer that I adore! I already repurchased and using my 2nd tube right now. Wonderful moisturizer that is easy to blend, non-irritating, basic, hydrating and perfect for underneath makeup. This has become my Winter essential. =) And omg, it is so affordable! My mum helped me to repurchase when she was in Paris and I could not believe who affordable this is there! (also for Bioderma!) I got this from a retailer in Hong Kong and it was about $23 CAD, and I believe my mum got this in France for 9 euro..!! Not that I travel to France routinely, so I probably will have to pay a higher price to get this cream, but it is well-worth it. <3

Bioderma sebium AI - this is a treatment that helps to eliminate spots. I actually quite enjoyed it but I wasn't sure if it was this product that helped to control my blemishes. So right now I haven't repurchased yet, but if I find myself needing a product like this in my life again, I will for sure consider getting this.

Dream Skin whitening serum - I don't have much to say about this, did not care for it and was simply trying to use this up.

Shiseido benefiance hand revitalizer - I got this as a gift while purchasing things in Hong Kong Shiseido counter. I don't think this product is available in North America but Shiseido does sell a similar hand cream here in Canada. (I think it is probably the same, but just marketed slightly differently) A very moisturizing hand cream that I find slightly greasy, takes longer to absorb. But it is great of bed time. Not my choice for day time.

Origins super spot remover - I believe this is already my 2nd bottle of it. Salicylic acid 1.5% treatment. I do like it but after using 2 bottles of it consecutively, I was in the mood to try something new, thus the Clinique spot treatment. By all means, I tried to stick with salicylic acid treatment rather than benzoic peroxide, just because I think it works better for my skin type.

Decluttering 103

Please excuse my rather unoriginal titles...... 

Korres guava shower gel - I got this from Winners with discounted price, I am glad that I get to try out the Korres shower product, but I did not find the scent to be absolutely appealing. But I did noticed that while using this shower gel, my skin feels very comfortable and hydrated after my shower. I think the "natural" ingredients or the no "harsh chemicals" must have done some work there. If they have a rose scent, I might repurchase.

Fekkai apple cider clarifying shampoo - a rather expensive clarifying shampoo. I never used to use a clarifying shampoo but somehow youtube gurus talked me into "I need a clarifying shampoo" mode. Although it is quite expensive ($28 CAD if not mistaken), it did last me a long time (I say a year) because I only use this maximum once a week. I love the scent, very refreshing. It is a bit drying and I supposed that is because it is clarifying. I think I might repurchase, but right now I went ahead and tried something new (i.e. Bumble and bumble Sunday shampoo).

Senka hydrating toner - Senka is a drugstore brand made by Shiseido and this product is available in the Asia market. I found the texture similar to the Shisedo softeners (which I love) but this one is non-fragranced, so it might be even better for rather sensitive skin. Also, needless to say, much cheaper than the Shiseido softener (I believed this one was about $10 CAD). I think this is a wonderful gel-like toner for Winter months.

Biotherm biocils eye make-up removal care - this one claims to condition your lashes and removes waterproof make-up. I did not expect the condition lashes part to be true when I bought it, but I actually was impressed by the result. I did find when I was using this, I lost less lashes while removing my eye makeup. I would love to repurchase this if I could ignore the price tag... and one thing I did not like is the packaging. I did not like the cap because it leaks a little bit. I much prefer the neutrogena packaging with the round cap.

Barielle intensive hand treatment cream - one of the Hong Kong makeup artists raved about this cream all the time, and while I found this ultra moisturizing, I did find it a bit greasy as well. I also did not care about the scent, which in a hand cream, is rather important to me. I don't mind if it is non-scented (like the Kiehl's one I like) but this Barielle one is kinda in between. It is not heavily scented, but the slight scent in it does not appeal to me. I think I would rather repurchase the Kiehl's one.

Bioderma sensibio mask - a hydrating, soothing mask. While I enjoyed the Bioderma sensibio water, I don't think this mask did much to my skin. It was just something I tried to use up.

Kiehl's white brightening botanical hydrating mask - this mask is rather old and I just have to toss it away. The reason why it has been in my stash forever is because I couldn't use it much... every time I put this on my face, it gave my painful sensation and often I just have to wash it off in 5 minutes. I kept trying to like it because some times when I can endure the sensation, I did find it give my skin a brightening boost. Anyhow, I think it is safe to say that I need to farewell this skincare from my stash. I don't believe a product has to stint your skin in order to give you good result.

Decluttering 102

Some more things that I used up =P 

Lierac body scrub - it an okay scrub. I am not a huge fan of the scent. The scrub itself, like a lot of french pharmacy brands, is much more fine that other scrubs I have used. It is more like a true exfoliant I supposed. I got this from Winners, so this is not something that I can get on a regular basis. But I am partial about repurchasing this anyways.

Opalen - my acne treatment, 0.1% adapalene gel. It is essentially the same as Differin, just a different brand name. I used this or Differin in the night time to treat my acne. I do not know why I ever stopped using adapalene as my acne treatment of choice, but I will always have one on hand from now on. This is not something you can get over the counter (not in North America at least), it has been prescribed to me by my dermatologist.

Bioderma hydrabio moisturising concentrate - bought this on a rim while it was on sale. I have tried the toner form the hydrabio line so I am confident in this line that it will not irritate my skin. Turns out, I love this hydrating serum! Absorbs quickly and my skin feels moist and supple after using it. Definitely on my repurchase list for the future.

H2O+ night oasis oxygenating energizer serum - another hydrating serum, but one that I don't really fancy. I do not like the scent and do not think it did much to my skin.

Dior hydra life skin energeizer pro-youth hydrating serum - I used my optimum (shoppers drug mart reward program) points on this product and I do like how it feels when I use it. I don't think it is like absolutely amazing but it is definitely luxurious. I am just not sure if it is worth the price tag? Probably will not repurchase anytime soon.

Skinfood nail polish - just too old, I have to toss it away.

Avene spring water spray - I kept this in my purse for refreshing in the mid day. I think it's okay, not like now other people rave about it. And now that I love the Caudalie beauty elixir so much (but probably triple the price...-.-), I don't think I will repurcahse this anytime soon, plus, I can't bring this Avene spray on the plane with me because of its packaging.

Bonaza enzyme mask - I love this mask! If you are from Asia, you might have heard of this brand. It is a gel mask that clarifies, moistruizes and brightens your skin. The only down side is you have to apply it for 40 minutes so I only use this when I know I have time for a night time pamper. It is wonderful for an emergency treatment as well (when your skin is not in a good shape and you need something that will boost your skin in one night so you look 10 times better when you wake up). I will repurchase when I am back to Hong Kong next time.

Shiseido pureness gentle cleansing sheets - oil-free, alcohol-free, this product is truly gentle. I do not prefer cleansing sheets over my cleansing oil, but out of the few cleansing sheets I have tried, this one is the best in terms of how it made your skin feels.

Skindinavia makeup finishing spray (original) - it really keeps my makeup last longer so I now keep a bottle of this thing in my makeup stash at all times. Because Skindinavia is not readily available here in Canada, I purchased the Urban Decay one for now, and they are from the same maker as far as I know. I do not notice any difference between how the two performed either.

Decluttering 101

In the past few months, I have accumulated LOADS of empty packaging and I simply did not have the time or energy to write up posts. It is good in a way that I am using up things, but I just can't stand those piles of empties in my living room anymore. And since some of them have been quite a while ago, I just don't feel like writing things about them if I don't have any specific thoughts on them. So here are the majority of my empties, but not all. =P

CeraVe hydrating cleanser - it's a very gentle cleanser that I used in the morning. Non-irritating and indeed very moisturizing. Great for sensitive skin. Won't be repurchasing in the near future but it's an ultra gentle one that should keep in mind. 

Clinique take the day off cleansing milk - I used this to take off my make-up. I do quite like it, and other things I have tried from the take the day off line. I feel like I still like my cleansing oil a little bit more, but it's a good one when I want to change up my routine a bit. 

Ren hydra-calm cleansing milk - first Ren product I tried and I bought this on a rim. I used this up rather quickly and it is a very hydrating cleanser. Made my skin feel very comfortable as well. A very nice one for Winter time. 

Sofina essence cleanser - one of my all-time favourites. I adore the scent! And it makes the cleansing experience more luxurious. Not going to repurchase for now before I use up other things, but I love this cleanser. 

Fancl mild cleansing oil - again, one of my all-time favourites. I always have one on hand. 

Bioderma sensibio H2O - who doesn't know about Bioderma really? I love my cleansing oil so I never bother to try Bioderma, but I purchased one for traveling and just love it. And nowadays when I am lazy, I love using Bioderma to give my skin a quick cleanse when I got home. It doesn't replace my cleansing oil by any means because Bioderma does not remove waterproof eye make-up for me. But I now keep a bottle of Bioderma in my bathroom, for the purpose I just mentioned, and also for days I am wearing minimal make-up, as well as cleaning up any residual eye make-up using a cotton swab. It's also wonderful for touching up makeup! =) 

Philosophy purity made simple - first I heard a lot of people raving about this cleanser, then many controversial comments regarding the ingredients being not so "simple" and irritating. =S I have yet to dig into the truth, but the fact is, it is a good cleanser to use, especially when combine with my clarisonic. I did not notice any irritation while using this cleanser, but I might have to do more research before I decide to purchase a 2nd bottle of it. 

Neutrogena naturals fresh cleansing + make-up remover - the smell is quite fresh, and it is not a bad cleanser by any means, but I did not fall in love with it... so in the end I used this up as a brush cleanser. 

Neutrogena oil-free eye make-up remover - I love this stuff! By far my drugstore favourite eye make-up remover. I go through eye make-up remover quite quickly because I do use waterproof makeup on a daily basis. So I really do not have the intention to try out the famous Lancome Ba-facil when the drugstore one just works as well.