I've seen a lot of bloggers do posts like these, so I thought I would start as well! I'll show what I have used up, do mini reviews for each item and say whether or not I'll repurchase the item. Ever since I started to do my makeup daily I've been able to go through products more often and I get pretty excited when I finish something LOL
Hair care:
Mini-review:
I got this sample from a MyGlam bag over the summer. I apply it after I towel-dry my hair and let my hair air dry with it on. I have noticed a difference when using it versus when I don't, so I definitely am a believer that this product works great for me. I shower at night and don't have the time to blow dry my hair, so I can go to bed with my hair still wet and wake up with frizz-free hair thanks to this product! I also love the scent!
Purchase?
I purchased a full size bottle!
WEN Pomegranate Cleansing Conditioner:
Mini-review:
I purchased a duo of WEN from QVC while I was recovering from surgery. How typical that the only thing I had the strength to do at the time was do at-home shopping LOL Being the rebel and "frugyaru" I am, I only use 5 pumps for my entire head at a time versus the 20-40 or so pumps that is recommended for my hair length in the instructions. I really like using this product since it makes showering a lot faster since it's just one step for my hair versus many if you include shampoo, conditioner, deep conditioner, etc. My hair has definitely improved a lot versus when I use regular shampoo and conditioner, so I know this works. The only time when I noticed it didn't work so great was after I swam, it couldn't get the chlorine smell out :(
Repurchase?
I'm on the second bottle from the duo I purchased. I will definitely be buying this scent again and might have to partake in the seasonal scents as well.
Eye care and hygiene:
Mini-review:
This deodorant claims that it can help underarm dark marks and to even out skintone. I didn't really notice too much of a difference when I used it. It just seemed like a normal Dove deodorant for me without living up to the claims.
Repurchase?
Probably not, unless I have coupons. I'm back to using my favorite Dove deodorant, GoFresh in Burst.
Opti-Free Pure Moist Rewetting Drops:
Mini-review:
Opti-Free is usually the more expensive brand of contact solution in drug stores, so when it was on sale I decided to get their rewetting drops. I don't really see too much of a difference in this and the one I use the most (Visine), so I don't know why they charge a premium for this product.
Repurchase?
Not unless it was on sale. I'm back to using Visine!
Up & Up Multipurpose Solution:
Mini-review:
I've been using Target's store brand of contact solution for about a year or so. I started off using Bauch + Lomb, but thought it stung too much when I used it. I like Up & Up because it's very gentle and it hasn't stung my eyes before. It's also very affordable and you can buy a pack of 2 big bottles for around $5-8.
Repurchase?
Already did!
Skincare/Face Makeup
Mini-review:
This skin lotion spray can be used for skincare as a moisturizer and primer or as a makeup setting spray. I used it for both purposes. It was a gentle moisturizer that was good for the summer months, and I used it in my makeup setting spray routine (along with the Urban Decay All Nighter Spray and MAC Fix+). It was very good, but I don't think I can justify paying $22 for the bottle. It lasted less than 2 months for me, compared to a full size bottle of UD All Nighter Spray lasting me around 6 months to a year.
Repurchase?
Not on my dime! It's nice but it doesn't last very long and I can't justify purchasing it myself.
Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray:
Mini-review:
I've been using this for at least 3 years and haven't stopped! This stuff is HG material and the bottle lasts for a very long time. I use this every single time I do my makeup, and usually never have to retouch even after 12-16+ hour days. Even in humid weather like in New York or Vietnam, this spray kept my makeup looking fresh all of that time.
Repurchase?
Already did, and I bought the XL size of it :D
bareMinerals Advanced Protection SPF 20 Moisturizer:
Mini-review:
Got this as a sample from a Nordstrom beauty event I attended. I like that this formula is especially for combination skin (which I have), and that this sample lasted a very long time! I liked it, but I'm not sure if it's the best moisturizer out there for me.
Repurchase?
I am going through some other moisturizer samples I have right now, but so far it's been my favorite of the samples I've tried. If all others fail, I will definitely purchase this.
Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer:
Mini-review:
I got this sample after purchasing my Hourglass Veil Fluid Foundation in-store at Sephora. It was really nice to get a sample since the primer itself is very expensive at $52. I really enjoy this primer, and it is on the same level as my HG primer (MAC Prep + Prime Skin). You don't need to use a lot and it makes skin look flawless and stays on for a long time.
Purchase?
Yes, I did! I bought an Hourglass gift set which included a mini size of the primer. If I want to get the full sized one, I will ask my friend at Barneys NY to help me get it :)
Eye makeup:
Mini-review:
One of my favorite eye shadow primers, besides from Urban Decay's Primer Potion. I purchased this at Ulta during a promotional day when they offered a 2-for-1 deal for it. It took me a little over a year to finish this entire tube, so it is definitely worth the money.
Repurchase?
Using the second tube from the 2-for-1 deal! Will repurchase it after that tube is finished as well :)
Diamond Beauty Eyebrow Concealer in Chocolate Brown
Mini-review:
A tinted eyebrow gel that helps to groom your eyebrows and to help match with dyed hair. This color is the best suited for my hair color, and helps to make my eyebrows look more natural. I didn't like it the very first time I used it, but after a bit of time I realized how important it is to use this product! It makes a big difference when I don't use it. This tube lasted an entire year!
Repurchase?
Already did! The price is good, even if you have to import it.
Benefit Cosmetics Bad Gal Lash Mascara
Mini-review:
I got the mini size from Sephora last year during the holidays. It is a very nice mascara, and with layering it makes my lashes look volumized and lengthy. It's light so it doesn't make my curl fall and I would definitely recommend it for people with very stubborn lashes.
Repurchase?
I have about 20 other mascaras to go through at the moment, so I won't repurchase it right now! It is definitely repurchase worthy, though.
NYX Slide-On Pencil in Jet Black
Mini-review:
These pencils are very similar to the ones produced by Urban Decay. Both pencils are long lasting and waterproof, but the NYX pencil costs half the amount of the UD one! I love the formula on this, as you can smudge it for a smokey look very easily and it'll stay on all day.
Repurchase?
Already did!
Eyemazing Super Fit Eyelash Glue
Mini-review:
This is my 3rd tube of Eyemazing Super Fit that I've used. I like the fact you get a free pair of lashes when you purchase this, which makes the value incredible. This glue is very similar in formula to D-UP and Diamond Beauty's Eyelash Fixer. I have used all three of them, and have found that Eyemazing's is superior (although not by much). This glue is very easy for eyelash novices, as you can put the lashes on almost immediately after applying the glue to the lashes without waiting for the glue to get tacky. It is also latex-free, so even people with sensitive eyes can use it. The only con is that this type of formula gets really goopy and hard to use after around 6 or so months. You can still use it when it gets that way, but it makes it harder to apply because clumps of glue get on the applicator.
Repurchase?
I will repurchase it as soon as I can! Stores around me don't stock it anymore, and Rakuten shops won't ship it because it's flammable. :( For a more affordable alternative offered in Western countries, go for DUO's Latex-free Eyelash glue!
Wen Pomegranate is soo cool!
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