2021 Empties

Anyone else feel like they were at the bottom of so many beauty products and then 2020 happened and you barely touched them? For some that could be a good thing, but for me I was so bummed! I used to work in Beauty PR, and the sheer amount of product I've accumulated either from work, or from researching at work and wanting to try something, is astounding. I had two boxes of product packed when we moved into this new apartment. 😬

But 2021 has semi- normalcy so far so I've managed to empty a good handful of products, and I had to tell you all. Keep reading to find out which products I'd purchase again!

First up we have this Dr. Hauschka Natural Rose Deodarant. I usually finish every product - I hate to be wasteful, and I think that's honestly the best way to find out if the effect you're having is the product or something else in your life. This deodorant is the first thing I haven't been able to finish. I tried it when I was working in the beginning of 2020 but I swear it made me sweat more than usual. That is how I found out that orange peels make great anti-perspirant. I tried it again during lockdown because I stopped wearing deodorant when I stopped seeing humans. I thought that would maybe have an effect? Nope. Still went on really heavy and wet, and stayed that way. So, I'm sorry, Dr. Hauschka, but I would not buy your product again.

Next we have Shiseido Sheer Eye Zone Corrector. I actually used up TWO of these during 2020/2021. Even on my lightest makeup day, I loved to wear this because it felt moisturizing AND it made my eyes look so much brighter all day long. It did start to cake a little bit at the end of a very long day, but after 14 hours, I wasn't surprised or upset by that. My hesitancy with Shiseido products is their price point - I've tried a lot of their products over the last few years, and some things are absolutely worth the top dollar, and some are a total rip off. Looking on Google, it looks like this product has been rebranded/redesigned, so you can get the pen for $20-$30 on Walmart/Poshmark/Mercari. The new version seems to be a brush instead of a pen for $31. I'd be interesting in trying it, and I would say for the pen I would buy this product again.

Next we have CVS's Skin+Pharmacy Advanced Acne Therapy Spot Treatment. For a drugstore spot treatment, I felt it did a decent job on treating acne, but it wasn't the best one I've tried. If you have more sensitive skin and are prone to drying out from things like this, I actually think this could be a great product for you. My biggest complaint about this product is that it goes on white and "dries clear" but it does leave a white residue. It's not the cutest look, and for that reason, I would not purchase again.

Next we have Kate Somerville's ExfoliKate. Ugh. This product you guys. I LOVE it so much. I got this on a super sale at Nordstrom Rack in a 3 piece set for $15 - considering this product alone usually goes for $40? It might be one of the best deals I've ever gotten. I have oily skin, and this product works wonders on preventing breakouts. I don't find it too drying, and used it every day when I first got it and watched it clear up my skin really quickly. I switched to once a week after that, mostly because of the price point, but those with more sensitive skin should start with once a week. It does tingle while on the skin, but I thought it felt very refreshing after taking it off, and I felt like products I used after the exfoliating treatment had more of an effect. I would absolutely purchase again. I'll be keeping an eye on Nordstrom Rack for that deal again. 👀

Next, we have Almay Smart Shade Skintone Matching Makeup with SPF. I wanted to like this. I really did. In fact, the first few uses I thought hey, this is pretty great! It went on smooth, did not cake or absorb into the skin, and I love having some SPF in my foundation. However this is why I think it's important to use until the end. The texture became really thin but also grainy, and the color was clearly separating and I was looking very Oompa Loompa like some days, no matter how much I tried to shake it up. For those reasons, I would not purchase again.

Next we have e.l.f. Foundation Serum with SPF. As I said before, I love having SPF in my makeup products. This product is more of a tinted moisturizer, so if you have almost flawless skin or like to layer your foundation, it could be a great addition to your products. I generally do like to start with a liquid foundation and top off with a powder, so I liked having this on my vanity. But I didn't feel like it did much, either positively or negatively. So while there was nothing wrong with it, I would not buy again.

Next we have Laura Mercier's Citron Eau de Toilette. This was part of a "spa" set with a bodywash and lotion that were minuscule and got used up pretty much immediately lol. The body spray lasted longer, and it had a really nice, light, fresh citrus smell. If you are someone who doesn't like a lot of fragrance, it would be a nice product to own, but for me, I wasn't wowed by it, and for that reason, I would not purchase again.

Finally, we have Bliss Fabulous Every Day Eye Cream. This product is probably going to show my age, because we were all so obsessed with Bliss in high school. I was excited to try out a facial product instead of a body product of theirs, and I was left disappointed. I don't think it did any sort of brightening, and left an oily residue. You can't win them all, right? For that reason, I would not purchase again.

And that's all she wrote, folks! Have you tried any of these products? Would you try any of these products? Let me know in the comments below!