Empties 9 years ago

February Empties

So here’s the problem. Well, it’s not necessarily a “problem,” but it’s what I struggle with on a weekly basis. One of the biggest perks about my job? The amount of cool gifts and amazing products (and some ummm … questionable gifts too) that I receive on a regular basis. But here’s the “problem.”  The amount of products that I can test out during a given month! Especially when it comes to skincare. You see, my job is to test, try, and tell you guys about all my cool new discoveries and things I’m currently obsessed with right? But how effective is a review when you’ve only used it once or twice? I believe that you have to use a product for at least 2-3 weeks to see some sort of result or difference in your skin. Obviously, when it comes to makeup and clothes it’s a bit different. That’s what inspired this new series called ‘Empties.’ Instead of talking about products that I’ve barely started using, I’m going to talk to you guys about the products that I’ve used for the past month that are either already completely emptied out or on their way to becoming empty. This will be a monthly series and it’ll definitely encourage me to test and try out new products to share with you guys!

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1. Egg Pore Blackhead Steam Balm by Tony Moly

An old favorite and the cutest packaging ever!

Shop: Egg Pore Blackhead Steam Balm

Okay, this product is just amazing! It’s one of those products that you see results within minutes. You might remember me talking about it here with Amy Pham on The Platform. I have quite large pores on my cheeks and my nose and I swear after using this for about 1.5 months they have diminished! I’m completely out of this product as I’ve been using it at least 3 times a week. I usually use it after a hot shower as it opens up my pores and the product seems to be most effective that way. It’s a self-heating balm that transforms into a gel-like texture and draws out impurities such as dirt and blackheads. There is charcoal included in this product which is the active ingredient of being able to draw out all that gunk from your skin. It’s egg-mazing!!!

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2. Aromatic Cleansing Balm by Darphi

Takes off makeup AND moisturizes? What’s not to love!

Shop: Aromatic Cleansing Balm

I discovered Darphin in Paris and immediately fell in love with the brand. I was lucky enough to visit their skincare institute and receive the most glorious facial while I was traveling in Paris last year. I’ve always been a big fan of French beauty but even more so after being introduced to this line. I’m finally almost finished with this huge jar of cleansing balm. On the days I film or shoot I wear double the amount of makeup than I usually do, so this product literally melts everything off my face. I’m talking about the most stubborn mascara and eyeliner too. I’ve tried several cleansing balms before but this one feels more pure and clean on my face than others. Not to mention the most effective and smells the best! Definitely have to get my hands on another one of these as I’ll probably be out in the next two weeks or so!

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3. Ideal Resource Wrinkle Minimizer by Darphin

This serum minimizes pores and gives me a gorgeous glow!

Shop: Ideal Resource Wrinkle Minimizer

Another Darphin product simply because I love this one too. There’s absolutely no rule on pairing certain products with certain brands but I try my best to use products of the same line together because you will usually see the best results that way. I started using this serum around the time I got the cleansing balm. The skin specialist recommended this serum because it adds extra elasticity to your skin. As I get older these are the things I have to worry about now. I’ve noticed that no matter what product I layer on top of the serum it makes it more tangy, tight, and bouncy!

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4. Black Pine Firming Night Cream by Korres

This cream makes my skin feel so smooth!

Shop: Black Pine Firming Night Cream

Another line I fell in love with after my travels … Korres! I love their all-natural ingredient philosophy, and I have been incorporating Korres into my beauty routine ever since. Their creams in particular are my favorites, especially this black pine one, because 1. it smells incredible and 2. it’s yogurt based. Their creams are incredibly fluffy and literally have the same texture as yogurt. The best part about it is that it is all natural so your skin just eats it right up and still feels super light!

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5. Voluminous Superstar Red Carpet Mascara by L’Oreal

Who says you can’t get great makeup at a drug store?

Shop: Voluminous Superstar Red Carpet Mascara

I feel like there’s a new drugstore mascara every time I walk into the store. I always end up picking one up just to try it out, and when I picked up this L’Oreal mascara, I fell in love! I’ve been using this for the past 5 weeks and I’m completely out of it. It’s a 2 sided mascara wand and this is particularly good for girls who have thin lashes like I do. The first step/side is the white fiber, and you add that as your first coat before applying the actual mascara on. It adds volume to my thin lashes and once in finished with step 2 I look like I have the longest and thickest lashes ever. It stays on all day and I love the way it makes my eyes look!

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I hope you guys enjoyed the first post on my empties! I’ve been testing out some new products and will be sharing with you the ones I have actually finished next month! Also, let me know if you guys have recently emptied out anything yourself. Would love to know!

Credits:

Photography by Karen Rosalie