Trash Talk: June Empties Overload

Just for reference, I have sensitive/oily/dehydrated/acne prone skin (I know…yay me). I've noticed a tremendous difference in my skin's texture, hydration, and overall tone. I have repurchased the full size.

Clinique's Moisture Surge Extended Relief Gel is another great product for sensitive/dehydrated skin. I use this mostly in the daytime and is a must when traveling. The formula is a lightweight, nourishing moisturizer that is super gentle, yet effective. I think I've gone through 3 of these small size jars and I've already repurchased a back up of this product in this format as well as one in their travel tube packaging.

Going back to Mario Badescu, the Drying Mask was also included in the Acne Starter Kit I mentioned previously. The formula has a mud/paste-like viscosity with a very 'punch in the face' strong herbal/medicinal smell. If I'm honest, I'm not too sure I liked this one for an all over face mask as I found it to be too drying. For me, it worked out best as a spot treatment as it helped purge excess oil, blemishes and treat the area of concern. 

I will also say that the mask dried itself out lol I didn't get to use the entire product which was a big let down. I most likely will not be purchasing this product not because I hate it, but simply because I didn't love it enough and have done just fine without it.

This month's Ipsy Glam Bag was full of goodies, but unfortunately I didn't get on with one of them. The Nuxe Gentle Exfoliating Gel works great for some (noted after posting about it on my IG), but not for this girl. I used it once on my face in the shower and found it too abrasive for my skin. The gel formula is laced with brown particles which I can only imagine are the rose petals the packaging info refers to. The smell also wasn't life altering, but the gel formula was nice.

I think this product is best suited for those with non-sensitive skin and I advise anyone who received this in their Glambag to test it out on the back of your hand first. I'll have to gift this to a friend and I will not purchase this product for myself.

I received the Clinique mascara and lipstick duo in a GWP cosmetics bag. This duo is the Lash Doubling Mascara in Black, and the Different Lipsstick in Glazed Berry. The idea of two products in one is amazing for on the go touch ups or for a travel friendly option. In my opinion, the mascara was just okay. It added a thin coat of volume and length that I would mostly use on days I wasn't wearing much makeup. I have very straight lashes that don't hold a curl very well, and I found this mascara to be too wet of a formula to help my situation. 

The lipstick reminded me of a more hydrating version of an NYC shimmer lipstick. It was nice as a once over wash of color, but the shade and shimmer finish isn't typically a favorite on myself. I won't be repurchasing either product, but also wouldn't discourage anyone from testing them out.

The Loreal 16hr Infallible Eyeliner in Black Noir was my favorite drugstore eyeliner. At the time of its launch, I found this to be unrivaled in the drugstore and consistently used it for a few years as a holy grail product. I have since found a drugstore alternative which is not only better in formula, but also less expensive. If you'd like to hear more about this new item, click here for my Instagram review. I will not repurchase the Loreal eyeliner only because I love the alternative more.

Elf is one of my favorite drugstore brands and lately they've really been stepping it up! I was on the hunt for makeup with a decent SPF to use this summer, but everything I was trying would break me out and I couldn't figure out why. So frustrating! The Elf Studio BB Cream with SPF 20 was no different, unfortunately. I did some homework and found that chemical sunscreen (Oxybenzone) was to blame and that I needed a product containing physical sunblock (Titanium Dioxide).

The BB Cream I selected was in the shade Nude which was too orange for my liking. It has great coverage, but made me quite oily throughout the day even after setting with a powder. No repurchase, but I will gift it to a friend.

Loreal Voluminous Volume Building Mascara in Blackest Black was great for layering coats for insane volume! I'd say it's a slightly dryer, not as black, drugstore dupe for the Urban Decay Perversion Mascara. It wears extremely similarly on me. I really enjoyed this mascara and I'm sure I'll repurchase it at some point.

Oh my….the Fringe Lavender Vanilla Hand Wash smelled sooooo good! I can't say it was a special formula, it was just a standard gel wash, but the smell was absolutely luscious and sophisticated. I'd repurchase it in a heartbeat if it weren't sold out everywhere. If you get the chance to give their soaps and candles a sniff, I highly recommend it.

I found this wash at Marshalls on a whim, but their beautifully designed body care, stationery and home ware can also be found at Anthropologie, Papyrus, and Barnes & Noble.

Last, but not least, are the Dove Nutritive Solutions Nurturing Oil Care Shampoo and Conditioner. This was amazing! I have quite fine to medium hair that can get limp and lifeless from time to time. These two bad boys showed my tresses who's boss! The formula is infused with argan oil and was designed for reviving dry, rough, and frizzy hair. I'm currently using another Dove duo and I've gotta say…though it's good, it's just not as good. Totally repurchasing these two as soon as I've finished what I'm currently using.