Here we go again! Another month has passed, and I might have a record number of empties. Grab some popcorn and get comfortable because this Trash Talk is going to be EPIC! Don’t believe me? I finished over 50 products in August and left July’s record number of empties in the dust.
Body Care
Aveeno Repairing Cica Foot Mask
Results – Soft, baby smooth feet Aroma – None; Fragrance Free Texture – Plastic serum-line booties Expense – $3.99; Despite the struggle getting these on, I would still repurchase because my feet felt AMAZING! Rating: Haul It
Coola Classic Body Sunscreen SPF 50 (Guava Mango)
Results – Mixes well with my moisturizers, absorbs quickly, and leaves the skin looking glowy Aroma – Fruity and tropical Texture – Looks and feels like a body lotion Expense – $32 5.0 oz; I used my FSA funds to buy this sunscreen, so I’m not really concerned about the price. However, this is not replacing my Supergoop! Everyday Sunscreen any time soon. Rating: Clearance Bound
Coola Classic Body Sunscreen SPF 30 (Unscented)
Results – Works well for getting sun protection on hard to reach areas and reapplying throughout the day. Aroma – None Texture – Light, barely there mist Expense – $10 2.0 fl oz; I bought this for $5 at Nordstrom Rack, so I would definitely repurchase at that price. This would work nicely for reapplying sunscreen on the go, but you’ll go through it very quickly. Rating: Haul It
Dove Shea Butter Dry Spray
Results – Dry armpits with no white residue Aroma – Smells like the Dove Shea Butter Body Wash Texture – Airy mist Expense – $5-$8 3.8 oz; The price I pay depends on sales and coupons, but I love it so much that it doesn’t really matter. This is my favorite deodorant! Rating: Haul It
Hempz Original Herbal Body Moisturizer
Results – Absorbs quickly and makes skin feel nourished Aroma – Kind of nutty and earthy, but also a little citrusy. It’s not too strong, and it doesn’t linger. Texture – Thick and creamy Expense – $23 17 oz; I received this as a gift with purchase from Ulta, but I would absolutely purchase this again to use after washing my hands because it lasted forever! Rating: Haul It
Maison Margiela Replica Jazz Club Eau de Toilette
Results – Feels light on the skin, but heavy in the nostrils Aroma – Pure cheap musk Texture – Light spray Expense – $130 3.4 oz; YUCK! This will never become part of my fragrance collection. Sometimes I enjoy a men’s fragrance, but this was not one of them Rating: Scam Alert
Schick Intuition Pure Nourishment Coconut Milk & Almond Oil Cartridges
Results – I use this along with the Tree Hut Shaving Oil, and my legs feel incredibly soft and smooth. Aroma – Nutty Texture – Creamy Expense – $16.99 3 cartridges; I already have a new pack in the stash. Rating: Haul It
Soap & Glory Magnificoco A Cream Come True Luminous Body Butter
Results – Made my skin sparkle like a Twilight vampire Aroma – Sweet plastic smell; Doesn’t have the signature Magnificoco scent Texture – Thick cream Expense – $15 10.1 oz; I love the sparkle this gives, but it’s white based, so sometimes it makes my skin look a little ashy. I’m up in the air about whether I would repurchase it. Rating: Clearance Bound
Sol de Janeiro Glowmotions Glow Oil (Copacabana Bronze)
Results – Mixes well with my moisturizer and leaves me with sparkly skin. I didn’t notice any transfer to the clothes. Aroma – Something slightly sweet, but not that signature SDL scent Texture – Liquidy dry oil Expense – $35 2.5 oz; I bought this for $25, and I think that’s a really good price for it. I might repurchase during a sale depending on my experience with other Glow Oils. Rating: Clearance Bound
Tree Hut Bohemian Escape Shea Sugar Scrub
Results – Super smooth skin! Aroma – Tropical citrus Texture – Fine emollient sugar grains Expense – $8.99 18 oz; Tree Hut makes the best body scrub I’ve ever tried, and it’s almost always on sale at Ulta. It’s a win-win situation! Rating: Haul It
Viktor & Rolf BONBON Eau de Parfum
Results – The bottle didn’t have a sprayer, so it was always difficult to apply. When I was able to get out enough product, I absolutely loved this light sweet scent during the spring and summer. Aroma – Sweet, Candy, Floral Texture – Expense – $68 1.0 oz; I like the scent. I’m planning to get this the next time I cash in my Ulta points. Rating: Clearance Bound
Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb Eau de Parfum
Results – Unique floral scent that lasts for HOURS! Aroma – Warm, Sensual Floral Texture – Medium to heavy fragrance Expense – $85 1.0 oz; I have loved this fragrance from first sniff! It’s one of the best floral scents I’ve ever used, and I usually hate floral fragrances. I currently have the Petite Flowerbomb in my fragrance collection. Rating: Haul It
Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb Midnight Eau de Parfum
Results – The scent is a darker version of Flowerbomb, but the scent fades so quickly that in the end it’s forgettable. Aroma – Warm, musky floral Texture – Very light Expense – $85 1.0 oz; Despite the HG status of the original Flowerbomb, Midnight is lacking in the scent department. For $85, I would rather buy the original fragrance. Rating: Scam Alert
Yves Saint Laurent Black Opium Eau de Parfum
Results – The longevity can be hit or miss. Sometimes, it lasts all day. Sometimes, it only lasts a few hours. Aroma – Warm, Spicy Texture – Medium-body scent that is great for fall and winter Expense – $76 1.0 oz; I really like this fragrance, but it’s not a fragrance I would immediately repurchase. Rating: Clearance Bound
Hair Care
Klorane Nourishing Shampoo with Mango Butter
Results – Makes my hair smell delicious, but my coils feel stripped of moisture (even after pre-pooing and mixing this with a cleansing conditioner) Aroma – Sweet and fruity Texture – Rich and creamy Expense – $9 3.3 fl oz; This is the price of the travel size bottle, but I got this as part of the Hydrating Mango Butter Trial Kit for $20 that also includes a trial size version of the conditioner the the leave-in cream. I won’t repurchase because I don’t like how my hair feels after using this shampoo. Rating: Scam Alert
Pacifica Native Flower Nourishing Hair Oil
Results – Nourished and moisturized hair using the L.O.C. method Aroma – Nothing noticeably strong Texture – Lightweight Expense – I bought this a TJ Maxx and don’t remember how much I paid for it. If I saw it again, I would repurchase because I think it was less than $10 and lasts for a couple of years. Rating: Clearance Bound
Pacifica Scalp Love Rosemary Mint Serum
Results – A soothe and detoxed scalp? Aroma – I was surprised that there was no noticeable scent since this has rosemary and mint Texture – Thin and very watery Expense – $11 2 fl oz; This is reasonably priced for how long it lasted, but I won’t repurchase because I couldn’t really tell if it was working. Rating: Scam Alert
Pattern Jojoba Oil Hair Serum Self-Heating Pack
Results – Glossy, moisturized pre-pooed hair Aroma – Light and sweet Texture – Mediumweight oil that absorbed quickly Expense – $15 2 packs; This is definitely overpriced! I wouldn’t buy this on a regular basis, but I might pick it up when I’m feeling a little bougie. Rating: Clearance Bound
Hand Soaps and Creams
Love Beauty and Planet Yuzu & Vanilla Hand Wash
Results – Clean hands that don’t feel dry Aroma – Earthy and sweet Texture – Creamy Expense – $3.99 13.5 fl oz; I love everything about this hand soap and would absolutely repurchase. Rating: Haul It
Sephora Almond Hand Balm
Results – Moisturized hands Aroma – Sweet and nutty Texture – Thicc cream Expense – $5 1 oz; This might seem overpriced, but I like this hand cream, and I would definitely repurchase. I keep it in my car, and it lasts for a few months. Rating: Clearance Bound
Soap & Glory Hand Food
Results – Super moisturized and glowy hands Aroma – S&G signature perfume-y scent Texture – Whipped and creamy Expense – I bought this as part of a 3-pack at TJ Maxx, and I think it was around $10. Hand Food is one of my favorite hand creams, so I would absolutely repurchase. Rating: Haul It
Whim by Ulta Beauty Peach Hand Sanitizer
Results – Germ-free sweet-smelling hands Aroma – Millions of peaches Texture – Thicc gel Expense – $3.50 1 fl oz; This is overpriced for the size because I ran through this bottle, but it smells good. Plus, Ulta always has sales. Rating: Clearance Bound
Makeup
BareMinerals All Over Face Color (Clear Radiance)
Results – I can’t really tell what this powder wants to do. I just mixed it in with my Maybelline FitMe Powder to give it a little sparkle. Aroma – None Texture – Finely milled and sparkly Expense – $22 0.05 oz; I have no use for this product. Rating: Scam Alert
CoverFX Perfect Setting Powder
Results – Sets concealer without flashback Aroma – None Texture – Softly milled Expense – $35 0.35 oz; I’m still on the fence about this powder. I bought a kit that includes a mini size for my CoverFX review, but I wouldn’t buy the full size based on my recent experience. Rating: Clearance Bound
NYX Professional Makeup Tinted Brow Mascara (Black)
Results – I use this to get my overgrown brows as tame as possible. It seemed to get the job done well enough. Aroma – None Texture – Drier Pigment Expense – $7.50 0.22 oz; I wasn’t wowed by this, and it seems like it was dried out already when I got it. I will at least try it one more time before I dismiss it completely. Rating: Clearance Bound
Smashbox The Original Photo Finish Smooth & Blur
Results – I didn’t notice much blurring, but I like how smooth the primer feels on the skin Aroma – Didn’t notice any scent Texture – Straight Silicone Expense – $37 1.0 oz; This primer is just a’ight to me, so I’m not running to purchase a full size. Rating: Clearance Bound
Smashbox Photo Finish Vitamin Glow Primer
Results – Skin feels moisturized and slightly glowy Aroma – Citrusy Texture – Light and creamy Expense – $39 1.0 oz; I would buy the full size version of the primer during a sale. Rating: Clearance Bound
Soap & Glory Thick & Fast Super Volume Mascara
Results – Lashes that are neither thick or super volumized with a quickness. Aroma – Didn’t notice anything Texture – On the drier side Expense – I got this on super discount because S&G makeup was being discontinued at my Ulta. I think I paid less than $5 for it, but I wouldn’t repurchase. Rating: Scam Alert
Stila Shimmer & Glow Liquid Eye Shadow (Cloud/Kitten)
Results – Eyelids that shim shimmer to the gods! Aroma – Nothing noticeable Texture – Creamy; but the mini sizes seem to dry out very quickly. Expense – $24 0.153 oz; I got these in a holiday gift set. Out of the two, I would probably purchase a full size of Cloud because the color is more unique than Kitten. Rating: Haul It
Ulta Beauty Bloom Blush
Results – Nothing; This blush is not made for people who would fail the paper bag test. Aroma – Nothing noticeable Texture – Dry and powdery Expense – $0; This was part of a gift set, so I don’t feel guilty about decluttering it. Rating: Scam Alert
Ulta Beauty Bloom Eyeshadow Palette
Results – Ashy lids because this palette looks pretty in the pan, but it’s not made for us melanated beauties. Aroma – Didn’t notice any scent Texture – Powdery Expense – $0; This was part of a gift set. Now, it has been decluttered because it doesn’t bring me joy. Rating: Scam Alert
Skincare
Acure Ultra Hydrating Green Juice Cleanser
Results – Works well as a second cleanse; Leaves my skin clean without feeling stripped. Aroma – Fresh and slightly earthy; The scent is light and doesn’t linger Texture – Creamy Expense – $12.99 4.0 oz; Lasts for months; I would repurchase especially since there is always a sale. Rating: Clearance Bound
Acure Ultra Hydrating Watermelon Seed Oil
Results – Easy absorbs into my skin, but still makes my dry skin feel nourished and gives it a healthy glow; It works well in my daytime routine as my last step before sunscreen. Aroma – None Texture – Lightweight Expense – $19.99 1.0 oz; I would definitely repurchase. Acure is often on sale at Ulta, and I can always use a coupon. Rating: Haul It
Boscia Tsubaki Oil Deep Hydrating Bio-Cellulose Mask
Results – Plump and hydrated skin Aroma – Floral Texture – Cotton mask with lots of serum and contoured my face well, but it can be difficult to take off the protective layers. Expense – $8; It is pricey, but I would buy again for the bonus points. It might be discontinued because it’s no longer available at Ulta. Rating: Clearance Bound
Clinique All About Eyes Serum
Results – Hydrated under eye area Aroma – None; Fragrance Free Texture – Viscous gel Expense – $34 0.5 oz; This lasts so long that it was about $2 cheaper when I bought it! I would repurchase. Rating: Clearance Bound
CosRX Hyaluronic Acid Hydra Power Essence
Results – Hydrated, plump skin Aroma – Nothing noticeable Texture – Watery Gel Expense – $24 3.38 oz; Lasts for months; I would definitely repurchase Rating: Clearance Bound
Dermalogica Precleanse
Results – Easily and gently removes makeup without any irritation Aroma – Earthy Citrus Texture – Light Expense – $45 5.1 oz; This is ridiculously expensive; I would only repurchase during a sale. Rating: Clearance Bound
Essenherb Canola Honey Mask
Results – Hydrated skin Aroma – Sweet Floral Texture – Cotton mask with slightly sticky serum, but there wasn’t enough serum for me Expense – $3.97; I wouldn’t go out of my way for this mask, especially for this price. I wasn’t wowed. Rating: Scam Alert
First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Barriair Cream
Results – Moisturized skin Aroma – None; Fragrance Free Texture – Snot-like Mousse Expense – $30 1.5 oz; I wouldn’t purchase the full size because I hate the texture. Rating: Scam Alert
Formula 10.0.6 Soak Your Face Intensive Hydrating Sheet Mask
Results – Super hydrated skin Aroma – Light Floral Texture – Juicy cotton mask that was a little small for my face, but had plenty of extra serum to rub in Expense – $7.49; 3 masks for less then $10? Heck, yeah I would repurchase! Rating: Haul It
Heritage Store Rose Petals Rosewater
Results – Damp, lightly scented skin Aroma – Rose petals Texture – Light spritz Expense – $10.29 8.0 oz; I enjoyed this sample, so I would buy the full size to use in between routine steps. It’s not at the top of the list though. Rating: Clearance Bound
Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Toner
Results – Plump, hydrated skin Aroma – Nothing noticeable Texture – Milky, emollient liquid Expense – $18 8.5 oz; I splash a bit in my hands, then pat it into my skin, so this bottle lasts a long time. This has become one of my favorite hydrating toners, so I would definitely repurchase. Rating: Haul It
Mario Badescu Facial Spray (Cucumber / Lavender / Rosewater)
Results – Keeps skin damp between routine steps Aroma – Cucumber smells fruity; Lavender has aromatic lavender scent; Rosewater smells like artificial roses Texture – Light mist Expense – $7 4.0 oz / $12 8.0 oz; I would definitely repurchase. The Rosewater used to be my fave, but Cucumber has moved to the top spot. Rating: Clearance Bound
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrogel Mask
Results – Hydrated skin Aroma – Has a light sweet scent; Fragrance is listed in the ingredients Texture – Slippery hydrogel mask that doesn’t stick to my face well Expense – $3.99; I hate this mask, but I love the results. It comes in two parts. It’s hard to get on, and it slides all over the place. I still keep buying it though because the results don’t lie. Rating: Clearance Bound
Physicians Formula The Perfect Matcha Cleansing Balm
Results – Gently removes makeup and leaves skin feeling nourished Aroma – Light fruity scent, but it doesn’t linger Texture – Balm melts quickly without a lot of manipulation Expense – $14.99 1.4 oz.; This is overpriced because I run through it quickly, but I can often buy it on sale. I would only repurchase at the discount price. Rating: Haul It
Quret Snail Lifting Care Mask
Results – Moisturized skin Aroma – Don’t remember a strong scent, but fragrance is listed Texture – I expected plenty of slimy, sticky serum, but it was just a basic sheet mask with hardly any serum. Expense – $1.97; Even at the discount price, I’m not repurchasing. Rating: Scam Alert
Sephora Pumpkin Face Mask
Results – Face feels plump and hydrated Aroma – No pumpkin, just vanilla Texture – Plenty of moisturizing serum on a cotton mask that adhered to my face with ease Expense – $6; I bought it for $3, so I would repurchase at the price. “It’s a no for me dawg” at the regular price. Rating: Clearance Bound
Simple Hydrating Sheet Mask
Results – Super hydrated skin (as promised) Aroma – Didn’t notice any scents; Advertised as having no artificial fragrances Texture – Cotton mask full of watery serum! Expense – $4.29; I absolutely LOVED this mask! I’ve already bought 2 more the last time I was at CVS. Rating: Haul It
Simple Kind to Skin Mini Micellar Cleansing Water
Results – Gets rid of makeup residue before second cleanse, but sometimes irritates my eyes Aroma – None; Has no artificial fragrance Texture – Water Expense – Don’t remember how much I paid for it since it’s no longer available at Ulta. It doesn’t matter because I won’t repurchase. Rating: Scam Alert
Sunday Riley CEO Vitamin C Rich Hydration Cream
Results – Moisturized skin, but my skin sometimes felt a little irritated from it. Aroma – Light citrusy scent that doesn’t linger Texture – Rich and creamy; Great for dry skin Expense – $22 0.5 oz; This is the epitome of overpriced. I received this as an Ulta Diamond gift, and I would never purchase this on my own accord. Rating: Scam Alert
Truly Hemp Acne Patches
Results – Reduced pimples … sometimes Aroma – None Texture – Sticker Expense – $13 36 patches; These are really hit or miss for me. The patches are cute, but it’s not worth it if they only sometimes get rid of the zits. Rating: Scam Alert
Truly Star Acne Patches
Results – Reduced pimples … sometimes, and doesn’t reduce scarring Aroma – None Texture – Sticker Expense – $10 36 patches; Super cute, but not very effective Rating: Scam Alert
How many empties did you have this month?