Project Pan, Winter 2016: Neutrals and Brights

Hello hello! It’s time to share with you the makeup products I plan to use during the Winter 2016 season! Last season, I played around with some extreme smoky eyes and bold lip colors; this season, I wanted to experiment with colorful eyes and neutral lips. I’m excited to try some new things! If you’re familiar with fall’s Project Pan, you know that this isn’t a true PP challenge; this is a way for me to spend some quality time with makeup products I’ve bought and have never really used. It’s like a makeup date. For the next twelve weeks, I’ll be using these products on my face exclusively until the beginning of the next challenge, when I get my summer makeup out in March.

I suppose I’ll start with things that carry over from the last challenge. I won’t mention too much about essential things like foundation and primer, but there is a bit of overlap.

Face
Smashbox Photo Finish Primer

Honestly, I don’t think I’ve written a makeup post lately without talking about this primer. Yes, it’s a big player in this look.

NARS All Day Luminous Foundation in Siberia

When I ran out of MAC Studio Fix Fluid, I was torn over what to replace it with. Part of me wanted just to get another bottle, because it actually was a good fit for me. I’m a person who likes to try new things, though, so I decided to go for a different foundation. There’s a part of me what wishes I’d just stayed with the MAC, though. I like the NARS foundation enough, but the thin consistency is annoying sometimes, and it’s not as neutral as I thought it would be. I’ll keep using it, but I probably will return to Studio Fix Fluid once it’s gone.

MAC Select Cover-Up Concealer in NW15

Yep, this again! I probably shouldn’t bother to include it since I used it like all of twice last cycle, but I already had the photo, so here it is.

NYX Radiant Finishing Powder in Brighten (pictured above)

I have a love/hate relationship with this powder. I love how complete it is; not only does it set makeup beautifully, it also brightens, color-corrects, and illuminizes, like it’s many products in one. However, it doesn’t keep oil in check, and the luminizing feature ends up making me look even more shiny than I am. It’s perfect for cool weather, but a no-go in the summer. I’m trying to use it up.

MAC Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation in NW10

This powder is the best! The full coverage basically renders my concealer obsolete. Using it over liquid foundation is probably overkill, but it’s really the best complement to medium-coverage foundation. In the fall and winter, I want all the coverage I can get, and this helps me get there.

Marc Jacobs Glowstick in Spotlight

Remember this? Since I’m using neutral colors for my lip and cheeks, I wanted a neutral highlighter, and this was the best one. When I reviewed this, I reported that it was super creamy and blendable, but that was over the summer. Now that tepmeratures are lower, the stick isn’t quite so creamy, and it’s not as easy to use and apply. It’s a little disappointing.

MAC Powder Blush in Taupe

During fall’s challenge, I only used this for contouring my nose, chin, and forehead. I’m also using it as a blush this time around because I wanted a neutral base look. In this capacity, it hovers somewhere between blush and contour, and I really like it.

Anastasia Beverly Hills Clear Brow Gel

Yes, this again. It’s still not dried out, so I’m gonna keep using it.

Anastasia Beverly Hills Beauty Express for Brows and Eyes in Brunette

Yep, this too.

NYX Long Lasting Makeup Setting Spray in Matte Finish

This stuff goes a long way to keep me from looking powdery and unnatural. It doesn’t keep me mattified, but it makes my makeup look dewy and fresh. The bottle is almost empty; I’m definitely going to repurchase.

MAC Fix+ Finishing Spray (pictured above)

Having two facial sprays is probably overkill, but I feel like there’s a place for them both. The NYX spray sets my foundation, but I still use a setting powder, just for safety. The Fix+ spray keeps that last dusting of powder from looking too powdery. Probably unnecessary, but I like it.

Eyes
MAC Pro Longwear Paint Pot in Painterly

Painterly is also making a return in this cycle. I’d rather be using an actual primer, since my lids are kind of oily and creamy products like this have never worked for me in the past, but I’m making it work.

NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil in Black Bean and Milk

Black Bean was a godsend last cycle for my ultrasmoky eye, so I’ll be using it for the same purpose this time around. I’ll also be using the Milk pencil for extra-white whites and extra-bright brights. These pencils make eyeshadow look the way it’s supposed to look.

Urban Decay Vice 3 Eyeshadow Palette

I’ve had this palette for a while, and I’ve never used it until now. I chose a colorful palette to go with this look that’s otherwise very neutral; I wanted eyes that really stand out. I’ll talk more about this, keep reading!

Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eyed Pencil in Zero

For my eyeliner needs.

NYX Big and Loud Lash Primer (pictured below)

I talked at length last time about my love for lash primers, and I’m still very happy with this one.

Estée Lauder Sumptuous Bold Volume Lifting Mascara

This is a sample I’ve had in the drawer for a while, and I’m finally using it! I don’t really care for it, to tell the truth; the formula is fine, but the brush is huge and I don’t like huge mascara wands. I find them difficult to work with.

Lips
MAC Prep + Prime Lip Primer

This is my favorite lip primer! It’s practically gone; in this photo, it’s twisted all the way up, and I’ve been using a lip brush to apply it. I can’t wait to buy another one!

Obsessive-Compulsive Cosmetics Cosmetic Colour Pencil in Anti-Feathered (not pictured)

My favorite clear lip liner! Sometimes I overdraw with this, or underdraw, because it’s invisible. Lately, I’ve found that the MAC lip primer is enough to keep my lip color on, so I’ll probably phase this out once it’s gone.

Obsessive-Compulsive Cosmetics Lip Tar in Sebastian

I forgot to shake it up.

When I started building this look, I started by choosing a lip color at random, and this is what I got, and it’s the part of this look I’m the most excited about. It’s a color I’ve never really worn before, a color I’ve never really seen on people. At first, I wasn’t too sure about it and nearly put it back. I put it on, though, and I loved the way it looks on me. Sure, it’s not a conventional color, but it’s strangely wearable while also quite unique. I am really enjoying it.

The Process

While looking at densely populated palettes like Vice 3, I’ve often wondered what would happen if I wore the colors as they’re placed. Sure, it’s not organized to be worn a certain way, but I’ve always wanted to try wearing shadows one line at a time to see what the colors would look like, and just to experiment with different combinations. That’s the idea behind the eye looks I’ll be doing with this palette. In my first week, I’ll be using Vanity, Lucky, Reign, and Bobby Dazzle together.

I used the Milk pencil on my lower lid with Painterly on the upper lid and brow bone. I then applied Bobby Dazzle all over my lid. Can you see the difference? It’s a stark white on my lid, but a gentle shimmer on my browbone. I worked Lucky and Reign into my crease, and used Lucky and Vanity on my lower lashline. Starting with this column of shadows made this one easy; I’m definitely looking to some of the others being a challenge.

Here’s the whole look! Everything on my face is mentioned in this post. I plan to do a different eye look each week to match my Manicure Monday look, and I’ll post the eyeshadow of the day on Instagram, so follow me there to stay up to date. I won’t do any update posts until the very end. I hope you’ll follow along with me!

The Marc Jacobs Glowstick was sent for review, which is linked here. This post is not related to that review, and my opinion is not swayed by free stuff.
Everything else I purchased myself.

Project Pan, Fall 2016: Rose Quartz + Serenity-Inspired

Hello hello! Today’s post is a little different from my usual fare. Makeup posts are pretty uncommon here, and I’m hoping this post will be the start of something new and fun. As you know, in the northern hemisphere, the autumn season is now upon us. Last week, I begrudgingly put away my summer clothes, and this week, I put away my summer makeup. I’m sad about summer ending, but I’m excited about digging some new things out of my collection. Warning: this is a pretty pic-heavy post.

This isn’t a Project Pan challenge as much as a challenge to commit to things I’ve never used, or have had a long time. Sure, hitting pan on these products is an ideal outcome, but really I just want to give this stuff some love. There’s a reason I buy everything I buy, and it deserves better to sit around and languish in a drawer, right?

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The products I’ve chosen for this season’s challenge were inspired in part by Pantone’s Colors of the Year, Serenity and Rose Quartz. There’s also a lot of black because I read at the beginning of the year black was going to be huge in spring. I don’t know if that panned out (hah) or not, but I loved the idea of pastels and black together, so that’s what this look is about. Typically, I buy the official products from Sephora, but this time I wanted to see if I could pull a look together without having to buy anything new. You’ll also see there’s a ton of stuff here, I guess I should note I don’t plan to wear all of this stuff at once. Let’s get to the products!

Face

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MAC Prep + Prime Skin Primer

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At the start of every makeup look is a workhorse primer. I bought this primer around the time I bought my foundation, so I’ll likely be running out of it before the challenge ends. I rather like how it works with the foundation, but it’s not my favorite primer ever. I really prefer the ones that feel less like moisturizer and more like a balm.

MAC Studio Fix Fluid SPF 15 in NW10

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I’ve had this bottle for about two years now, I think. I only use it half the year, so it’s lasted me a long time. I’ve not been too fond of it, actually. I bought it because I was so pleased to have found a pale-enough foundation, but I really wish it had more coverage. If I finally run out this fall, I’ll be trying some new options.

MAC Select Cover-Up Concealer in NW15

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I’ve had this concealer as long as the foundation, and I’ve rarely used it. I didn’t like it under my eyes, but I use it occasionally, when I have a nasty zit or something. This is more of a just-in-case item.

Revlon Photoready Powder in Translucent (not pictured)

I was in a tight spot when I bought this powder and I fully expected to hate it, but I actually kinda liked it. I used it a good bit over the summer and it made my BB cream look like smooth foundation. I’m unsure if I’ll buy it again, but I’ve enjoyed using it.

Benefit High Beam Illuminator

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This is a product that’s been in my makeup bag way too long. I never really used it — or any highlighter — because I was afraid of looking too shiny or overdone or what have you. The Marc Jacobs Glowstick post I did some weeks back taught me not to fear the highlighter, and I started using High Beam with my regular routine. I’m not the biggest fan of it; it’s watery and doesn’t blend well into powder, but it’s already halfway gone, I can deal.

MAC Powder Blush in Taupe

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Here’s my contour shade! I feel like it’s a bit dark, but that’s what they gave me at the MAC counter, so here we are. I’m using a light dust around the sides of my nose, my hairline, and my chin. I’m not contouring my cheekbones here because my face lacks the natural cheekbone shape, and I can’t figure out how to contour without just looking like I got dirty.

Korres Zea Mays Blush in 16 Pink

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Now this is something I’ve had for a few years now. I love a pretty pink blush, and I thought pink would be the best color for a look with so many cool tones in it. This is also something I have to use with a light hand.

Anastasia Beverly Hills Clear Brow Gel

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I use this year-round actually, and I’ve probably had this one particular tube for longer than I should. The spoolie is still wet and delivers product, so it’s still good to me. I’ll probably use it until the spoolie is dry and crusty and has dingleberries on it.

Anastasia Beverly Hills Beauty Express for Brows and Eyes in Brunette

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I tend to let my eyebrows go a little in the summer, but in the fall and winter, when I’m putting a little more effort into my look, I actually take the time to fill them in. I don’t use the wax in here too often, and I’m not sure if I’ve ever used the shadows, but the brow powders are pretty great. Sorry about the palette photo, I should have cleaned it up a little before I took it. Even I’m a little grossed out by that one.

NYX Long Lasting Makeup Setting Spray in Matte Finish (not pictured)

I’d heard a lot of good things about NYX’s setting sprays, so when I finally saw one — when my local Target’s NYX display finally looked like it hadn’t been picked over by wild animals — I picked one up. I love a good setting spray, even if it does seem like a really frivolous product.

Eyes

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MAC Pro Longwear Paint Pot in Painterly

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This cream eyeshadow is doing double-duty as my eye primer this round. I love this stuff; it doesn’t budge and lasts forever. Nearly everything I put on over it looks amazing and stays on until I take it off.

NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil in Black Bean

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So I said Painterly is a perfect base for nearly everything, right? Black shadow looks fine over it, too, but could still use some help. Black Bean is like a helper primer for this look. When I use this on my lids, I get the blackest smokey eye I could ever want.

ipsy + NYX Neutral Trio

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While this will be a mostly bright and colorful look, I also want some black. I chose this palette for the matte black shadow, but the two lighter neutrals are coming in handy for blending and whole-lid coverage.

Sonia Kashuk Eyeshadow Quad in Queen of the Blues

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It was really tough to find a blue in my collection that worked for what I wanted. It’s so hard to believe that, out of like the hundreds of single eyeshadows and dozens of palettes I have, I could not find a light blue that actually showed up on my skin. This was the most Serenity-like blue eyeshadow I had, and I decided just to use the whole palette. The mid-tone blue was the one I like the best, but I can’t pass up that glitterbomb in the lower right.

Stila Collectible Travel Palette in Road to Radiance Across the USA

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Do you remember these? There was a whole collection of these cute little palettes, each based on a different destination. For a whopping ten bucks, you got four shadows and a cream blush/lip product. This is many years old, so I don’t think I’ll be using the cream product, but the shadows will do nicely for my look. I had the same problem choosing pink colors as I did blue; everything I picked out was either too shimmery or too pale.

Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eyed Pencil in Zero

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My all-time favorite eyeliner pencil is included in this look, of course. What’s a dramatic makeup look without a black eyeliner?

Urban Decay 24/7 Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner in Perversion

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For my liquid liner needs. Liquid liner doesn’t get better than this stuff. Of course, I haven’t tried the new Razor Sharp liners yet.

Eyetini Swizzle Stick in Blue Hawaiian (not pictured)

Another ipsy bag grab! I only realized I had this when I was digging through a drawer looking for something else, and I saw it was just the right blue to match my lips, I decided to give it a go. I don’t know if I’ll use it that often, but I’ll keep it around.

Urban Decay Heavy Metal Glitter Eyeliner in Air Guitar

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I’ve been buying the Heavy Metal liners for years now. I can’t get enough glitter, and this is my favorite way to add glitter to a dramatic eye. Again, I don’t know that I’ll be using this a whole lot, but if I do, I’ll likely be using it over the Blue Hawaiian liner, because it doesn’t bring enough color on its own. Really, I just like the option.

NYX Big and Loud Lash Primer (not pictured)

Holy cow, you guys. I picked this up on a whim because I was dreading having to buy another expensive Lancôme one. I will never buy that Lancôme one again. I’ve already got pretty long natural lashes, but this one seriously makes my lashes twice as long. I almost want to do a whole post about it, I’m so impressed with it.

Clarins Be Long Mascara in Intense Black

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I don’t normally buy high-end mascaras, but a pushy Nordstrom sales lady sent me home with this one. I have to say, it’s not terrible. She assured me that it was going to make my natural lashes even longer, but I never noticed a change. It makes my lashes feathery and long, but doesn’t add a lot of volume or plumpness, so a lash primer is a necessity. I also wore this mascara last winter, which I know is a big no-no, but it was expensive and there was still some in there.

Lips

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MAC Prep + Prime Lip Primer (not pictured)

Of course I use a lip primer. I’m not using liquid lipsticks this round like I totally should be, so I need all the help I can get keeping the creamy traditional lipstick on. This is actually my second tube of this.

Obsessive-Compulsive Cosmetics Cosmetic Colour Pencil in Anti-Feathered (not pictured)

This is my favorite clear liner, and I use it for every lipstick I don’t have a matched liner for. It’s already half-used and I’ll probably be done with it by the winter. It’s the best.

MAC Amplified Lipstick in Saint Germain

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Here comes the good stuff. This pink lipstick is creamy, bright, and so pink it kind of hurts to look at. It’s just what I needed.

NYX Macaron Lippie in Blue Velvet

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The first time I saw these, I knew I had to have them, and I ordered all of them. Of course, until now, I’ve not worn any of them. This was the first blue lipstick I’d seen since the ’90s, and it’s both nostalgic and modern to me. I’m really excited and a bit nervous about wearing this out, but at the end of the day, it’s just a color just like pink is.

Make Up For Ever Rouge Intense Artist in 50

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Here comes the black! I gotta be honest, I never dreamed that black lipstick would be sold somewhere other than costume shops around Halloween. Even more, it’s a chic fashion statement. The middle school goth in me isn’t sure if she should be horrified or pleased.

L’Oreal Colour Riche Lipstick in Pink Plum

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I added a fourth lipstick to this look in case, for some reason, ridiculous lipstick is out of the question. I got this out of a Walgreen’s sale bin, and it’s kind of nice. It’s a sheer pink, so it adds color without being too much. Again, I like having the option.

MAC Mineralize Glass Lip Gloss in Beautiful Moves

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I will admit I bought this because I didn’t know when I’d see a blue-green lip gloss again. I love that I’ve found a use for it! As the challenge moves on, I’d like to be able to wear this over both blue and pink lipsticks, ensuring I get both Colors of the Year in one lip look.

MAC Dazzleglass Lip Gloss in Sugarrimmed

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The same for this gloss. I love the pink sparkles over the blue lipstick. It creates a lot of fun dimension.

Here are some quick and dirty hand swatches for all of the above products:

Lipsticks, left to right: Saint Germain, Pink Plush, Blue Velvet, #50

Lipsticks, left to right: Saint Germain, Pink Plush, Blue Velvet, #50

 

Glosses: Top, Sugarrimmed, Bottom: Beautiful Moves

Glosses: Top, Sugarrimmed, Bottom: Beautiful Moves

 

Blushes: Top, Korres Zea Mays blush, Bottom, MAC powder blush in Taupe

Blushes: Top, Korres Zea Mays blush, Bottom, MAC powder blush in Taupe

 

Eyeshadows, Left: Sonia Kashuk Queen of the Blues, Right: ipsy + NYX neutrals palette

Eyeshadows, Left: Sonia Kashuk Queen of the Blues, Right: ipsy + NYX neutrals palette

 

Heavy Metal in Air Guitar: alone on left, over Eyetini Blue Hawaiian on right

Heavy Metal in Air Guitar: alone on left, over Eyetini Blue Hawaiian on right

And, of course, what’s a makeup post like this without a preview of the whole look? I’m actually surprised how subtle this first round was; looking at the variety of products in this list and bright some of the colors are, I expected something pretty costumey, but it’s all really wearable together. Of course, I’m only dipping my toes in; I’m sure it’ll look a little more clownish when I get the blue lips out. I plan to rotate the products and colors in and out, but generally keep the same look.

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Here are the products I used for this particular face:
Face:
MAC Prep + Prime Skin Primer
MAC Studio Fix Fluid Foundation in NW10
Anastasia Beverly Hills Clear Brow Gel
Anastasia Beverly Hills Beauty Express Brow Powder in Brunette
Korres Zea Mays blush in Pink
MAC powder blush in Taupe
Benefit High Beam illuminator
NYX Long Lasting Makeup Setting Spray in Matte Finish
Eyes:
MAC Longwear Paint Pot in Painterly
NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil in Black Bean
ipsy + NYX neutrals trio palette (all shades)
Sonia Kashuk eyeshadow quad in Queen of the Blues (glitter shade, frosty blue shade)
Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-on Eyeliner in Zero
NYX Big and Loud lash primer
Clarins Be Long mascara in Intense Black
Lips:
MAC Prep + Prime lip primer
Obsessive-Compulsive Cosmetics Cosmetic Colour pencil in Anti-Feathered
MAC Amplified lipstick in Saint Germain
MAC Mineralizeglass lip gloss in Beautiful Moves

If you’ve made it this far, thank you so much for reading! I plan to post updates with new looks and product progress every month, so you’ll have the chance to see how some of these less conventional products are used. I’m really excited about this look, and I’m so happy to be sharing it. What products are you digging out now that it’s cooler outside? I want to know!

I bought these products myself.

Empties Roundup: June 2016

Hello, reader! Today’s post is something I’ve wanted to do for a long time. I love reading empties posts, but I rarely empty products, and it’s not worth it to me to write about the one BB cream or the bottle of Seche Vite I used up this month. For this inaugural Empties Roundup, I have five whole things to talk about. Let’s get going!

OPI’s Expert Touch Lint-Free Nail Wipes

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I picked these up out of a Sally Beauty Supply sale bin for four dollars. I wasn’t sure what they were at the time, but I grabbed them, just to try them out. The box says they absorb polish very quickly, and while this is true, they also absorb remover very quickly as well, and eventually gain this gross tacky feel to them, which I really disliked. The wipes themselves are small, so between the tacky feel and the size, I used a wipe or two per nail, or 10-20 for each manicure. They left lint on me, so they’re definitely not lint-free. They do remove polish, however, so it wasn’t a total miss. They even work in the foil method of glitter removal. I didn’t hate these wipes, but the day the box ran out and I could go back to regular cotton pads was a pretty good day. I won’t be purchasing these again.

Benefit’s Bathina “Take a Picture, It’ll Last Longer” Body Balm

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This is truly a momentous occasion, because I’ve had this tin since 2010 and it is finally empty. The balm itself was a rosy gold with a soft powdery scent, and came with a puff for applying it to the skin. I didn’t use it continually since 2010, only in the summers, because this stuff looks amazing over a tan. It can be a bit much on very hot days, but I happen to like looking like I sweat glitter, so that’s okay with me. I loved this product, but I don’t know if I’ll ever re-purchase it. I’ve got other body shimmer products I need to work through first, and who knows how long that will take.

Maybelline Lash Sensational Waterproof Mascara

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This wasn’t an empty as much as it was just time to toss it. I’d been using it since March. I really wanted to love this, but I couldn’t get past the brush. It was really big and unwieldy with a pronounced curve, often giving me too much product where I didn’t need it. There was one side of the brush with very short bristles, and that was the only way I could use it. Mostly I’m just sad this mascara isn’t the old Volum’Express in the red tube; that was my HG waterproof mascara, and now Maybelline has discontinued it and wants me to have scary spidery lashes now. I replaced it with the Great Lash Waterproof mascara, also from Maybelline.

Bare Escentuals Buxom Lip Gloss in Clair

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This is another oldie from my collection that’s finally going to the big vanity drawer in the sky. I really love the Buxom lip glosses for their minty tingle and sheer wash of color; I have dozens of these glosses but I’ve ever finished like two, including this one. Because I have so many, I probably won’t more, and even if I wanted to replace this one, I don’t think they make it anymore. That’s actually how old this lip gloss was.

Urban Decay Eyeshadow in Virgin

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Do you ever look at your eyeshadow palettes and notice there’s one shade that’s visibly more used than all the others? In my UD Naked palette, Virgin is that shade. You can tell because the pan is completely empty. And because no Naked look is complete without Virgin, I got a single to replace it. This is actually the second single eyeshadow I’ve gone through. I’ll definitely be replacing this.

Tarte Amazonian Clay Finishing Powder Sample

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I actually forgot I had this in my makeup bag until I ran out of my regular powder. Finding this actually saved my life. I have no idea where this came from, since I don’t normally buy Tarte; it must have been a Sephora sample, or an ipsy bag offering. It was a pretty nice powder, though it felt a little creamy for a finishing powder; my skin didn’t feel 100% finished. In the summer, though, that’s not so important, because it ends up just disappearing into sweat anyway. I’m not sure I’d buy a full size of this, I’d rather just go back to my Make Up For Ever powder.

And there you have it, the first-ever Empties Roundup on wacie.com! Looking at these photos, I feel very accomplished. I rarely use something for so long that I actually use all of it, so to have this many empties at the end of the month is really special. Now all I have to do is avoid buying more stuff and setting myself back!

I bought these products myself.