Makeup Declutter | Eyeshadows + Lipsticks!

Searching for dupes of my favourite expired products

After reading an article called "What Happens to Your Face When You Use Expired Makeup" the other day (linked here), it freaked me out a bit. It definitely opened my eyes and I'm SO ready to let go of my old makeup now! 

Although I had always been cognisant about tossing cream products and mascaras when they expired, I never paid much attention to powder ones. I adopted the policy that if a powder product changed in consistency or scent, I would toss it.

We cannot always see what may be lurking in our products, especially powder ones, they often don't show signs like cream products can, but they too can be full of bacteria that we do not see. I have bumps on parts of my face (not acne), that look like milia or maybe it's from using such old products that possibly contain bacteria and such that I cannot see. We have to be especially careful with eye products though, as we definitey don't need to get an eye infection!

Decluttering makeup that I love is never easy, but after reading that article and opening my eyes up to how old some of my favourite products actually are, this task became easier. This declutter wasn't about whether or not I liked a product, it was about how old they were and it became a necessity to discard them. 

I've had been hanging onto some of my makeup like its life or death! The truth is that some of these products are up to 10 years old, if not more!

In this post, I'm just tackling my eyeshadows and lipsticks. Let's see what I got rid of, but first I'm sharing a chart that has some general guidelines of eyeshadow and other makeup expiration timelines. There are many different opinions on makeup expiry dates, a quick google and you'll see, so I take this chart with a grain of salt. For example, I cannot imagine tossing eyeshadow every 6-12 months and I noticed that my Essence eyeliners have a 36 month expiry. So make sure to check your products for the little expiry icon that indicates the expiry from the date of opening the product.

Source: Google

ONTO THE DECLUTTER....

Small Palettes (one single slipped in here :)

• Annabelle Nympheas- This was so eye-brightening. I will miss it. Didn't find a dupe. I would repurchase but I don't believe it's available anymore.
• Sally Beauty eyeshadow single- An okay basic satin shadow. I purchased this one to keep in my purse. Probably would not repurchase.
• Aloette -(I think)- this is so old there is no writing on the package. It was my absolute favourite. I loved it so much that I didn't want to use it very often... so silly and such a waste! It's so old, that I have no idea when I got it (probably 2008 or earlier)! I would repurchase but don't think it's available.
• Brian Bailey Foundation duo in Medium -this is a face powder that made the nicest eyeshadow. Discontinued.
• Wet N Wild Vanity Palette -This was an infamous palette. Luckily, I have a lot of these shades in other palettes. Discontinued.

Single Eyeshadows: 

• 13 eyeshadows (Mixed variety: Mac, Stila, Quo, Nyx, Pixi, Elf)
• 2 Jordana blushes 

All of the above were pulled from my Z palette. I don't even want to think about the total value of all of these singles! I should have included the Sally Girl eyeshadow single in this category but it was not in my Z palette.

Large Eyeshadow Palettes:

• Quo Back to Basics (UD Naked Dupe)- I would absolutely repurchase this if I could!
• Pacifica Natural Minerals- I would repurchase if I was looking for some all natural eyeshadows and I didn't have such a large collection.

Front of Quo's Back to Basics LE palette

This Back to Basics eyeshadow palette by Quo was very difficult to part with of because it has all of the shades that I love for my everyday eye look. Granted, I did only use the first 6 shades in the palette (the lighter ones). This palette was supposed to be a dupe for Urban Decay's Naked 1 which is also discontinued now.

Change in texture = product turned. Best not to continue to use it.

I received the above Pacifica palette in 2016, so it's not very old but the texture has changed which is a sign that it's gone bad. I wouldn't have decluttered this palette if it wasn't for signs that it has gone bad.

I used different criteria for purging my lipsticks. Anything 3 years or older had to go. And, I know, lipsticks probably expire long before 3 years but I do sanitize my products and rotate them since I own quite a few.

All of the lip products that were decluttered here are ones that I would purchase again.

Lipstick Declutter:

• L'oreal Fairest Nude -one of my favourite nudes, next to JLo's Nude by L'oreal.
• Sonia Kashuk Nude Pink (discontinued)
• Rimmel Kate #45 - a gorgeous and hydrating nude
• Essence Cool Nude - a beautiful deeper nude, also hydrating
• Elf Matte Lip Colour in Natural - one of the very few non-drying mattes that is great for aging lips too!
• Jordana Easyliner in Tawny- a beautiful MLBB liner.

I know that these aren't part of either of the makeup categories featured in this declutter, but I came across them right after tossing the other items and decided to add them to this declutter. These Essence concealers have a 6-month expiry on the packaging and I've had them for about 3 years. I rarely used them as I prefer my LA Girl Pro Conceal HD Concealers, which have an 18-month expiry stamped on them.

Total decluttered:

• 14 eyeshadow singles
• 6 eyeshadow palettes
• 2 blushes
• 6 lip products
• 2 concealers

A grand total of 30 items decluttered!

I am now labelling all of my products so I know exactly how old they are. I just used some address labels and cut to size.

This was definitely eye-opening in terms of paying more attention to my products and their lifespan, and also in terms of the horrible amount of unnecessary waste of money and products! This is one reason that I lean towards purchasing less expensive products; since they do have a lifespan and there is no way I can use up all of my makeup because I'm constantly trying out new products.

I hope you found this post helpful or maybe it inspired you to let go of old, expired products, too.

Stocking Stuffer Ideas With Well.ca

My favourite thing on Christmas morning as a child was always opening up my Christmas stocking. When I was asked by Well.ca to share my top stocking stuffer picks along with some other Bloggers. I got to relive that excitement while searching their website for my stocking stuffer picks.

I started by searching Well.ca's Holiday Shop and was able to narrow my search down from there. There was so much to choose from, I had a blast picking out what I wanted to fill my own stocking with! I found so many great items that I wanted to add to my stocking so it was tough to narrow it down. Ultimately, I ended up selecting items that I've had my eye on for a while and some others that caught my eye while I was looking around. I really enjoyed perusing their Gift Guide, too, and found it very helpful.

Links to products can be found in the headings (non-affiliate).

1. Briogeo Rosarco Repair On-The-Go Travel Kit 

This TSA-approved travel kit contains Briogeo's top sellers. I've tried one product by this brand so far and it worked really well on my colour treated, dry/ damaged hair. So this kit was a no-brainer for me.

2. 100% Pure Ginseng Collagen Boost Mask 5 Pack 

I love the brand 100% pure! I've used several of their products in the past and loved them all. I also love masking and anything anti-aging. These Ginseng Collagen boost masks claim to increase collagen production for firmer, more elastic skin. I'll take a year supply, please!

3. Pacifica Tuscan Blood Orange Take Me There Set 

I already own the solid perfume in this scent from Pacifica. I love that it's natural and cruelty-free. The scent is very refreshing and soothing. This kit contains the roll-on perfume, body butter, and lip tint. 

4. Oriwest Meditation Necklace 

Aromatherapy on-the-go! I love the idea of these meditation necklaces, where you can add your favourite essential oil to it and breathe it in anytime you need to, whether you need a pick me up or something to help you chill. Such a great gift idea.

5. L'ange Hair Aplatir Flat Iron Blush 

I have horribly kinky and frizzy hair that I love to wear sleek and smooth, so I love to try out new hair appliances that might make my life a little bit easier and be less damaging to my hair. This tourmaline-infused ceramic flat iron that boasts 400% more negative ion output than ceramic alone. That means reduced frizz and smooth, shiny looking tresses. This flat iron can also create waves and curls. A great multi-purpose hair tool.

6. Little Blue House Work Sock Women's Stretch Jersey Leggings 

I love lounge pants! Anything to keep me comfy and cozy in the winter is right up my alley. These stretch leggings are cute and cozy!

7. The MakeUp Eraser Glove

I've heard so much about these makeup eraser towels and gloves that can apparently wipe away all traces of makeup and dirt without having to use any cleansers. This glove is designed to clean your makeup brushes without any chemicals. Just add water and it claims to remove 100% of makeup. It's reusable up to 1000 washes. This is a super eco-friendly product!

So there you have my top 7 picks for my stocking this year. Let me know what your picks are.

You can check out what the other Bloggers chose for their stockings at www.blog-well.ca.

This post is not sponsored. No affiliate links have been used.

Photo credits: Well.ca

Huge Monthly Empties | Skincare, Health, & Beauty with Reviews!

This empties post is long overdue! It's actually 2 months worth of empties since I haven't done an empties post since April 3rd (Linked Here) Which means there is a lot here so I will be as brief as possible with my reviews.  I will provide links to products where possible, links can be found in the product headings.

Skincare

Martina Gebhardt Happy Aging Cream

This is a very heavy product that I love to use at night time in the colder months. I alternate between this one and her Black Mud Cream. I find this very soothing and hydrating and it really helps with dehydration. Bonus, it's natural and cruelty-free.

Repurchase- Yes

Sibu Nourishing Face Cream

I'm on the fence about this one. It's lightweight and I didn't have any breakouts. I also like that it's natural and made with sea buckthorn, an excellent anti-oxidant for anti-aging. I prefer to use this with their pure sea buckthorn oil which I apply first as a serum. I would consider using this product again during the summer months when I'm super oily.

Repurchase- Maybe

Derma E Firming Serum with DMAE, Alpha Lipoic and C-Ester

I love Derma E products but this one didn't agree with my skin, I had a few breakouts from it. It's also really a lotion, not a true serum. I think it's just too stimulating for my skin type. Many other Derma E products do work for me. I also love that this brand is natural and cruelty-free.

Repurchase- No

Derma E Hydrating Serum With Hyaluronic Acid

Like the product above, this was a lotion, not a true serum. It was okay as a light moisturizer but I wouldn't use this as a serum. On the plus side, I didn't experience any irritation or breakouts.

Repurchase- No

Reviva Labs Elastin & DMAE Night Cream

Another natural product full of great ingredients. Sadly, this also made my acne-prone skin breakout so I wasn't able to finish it. Perhaps DMAE is not suitable for my skin as the Derma E product with DMAE also made me breakout. Reviva Labs is natural and cruelty-free.

Repurchase- No

The All-Natural Face Strawberries and Cream Face Wash

Love, love, love! This is so fabulous and hydrating and really helps with breakouts. I like to use it as a face wash/mask. This brand is also natural and cruelty-free.

Repurchase- Yes

Olay Eyes Ultimate Eye Cream

This product worked really well (full review here). But, for a fraction of the price I can purchase my holy grail eye cream, Home Health Goji Berry Eye Cream, which gives me the same results and is natural and cruelty-free.

Repurchase- No

Hair & Makeup

Tresemme Platinum Strength Conditioner
This is a decent conditioner at a great price. I didn't expect much from such an inexpensive product but it worked fairly well as a daily conditioner on my extremely damaged and unruly hair. I still need a leave-in conditioner after using this one.

Repurchase- Probably not because I'm always trying new hair products

M. Asam Aqua Intense Tinted Hyaluron Cream
I loved this tinted moisturizer! I discovered this line from The Shopping Channel about a year ago and purchased a special that contained several products. I received compliments on my looks when I wore this product. However, it's so dark for me that I purchased The Body Shop's foundation lightener so I could finish it up.

Repurchase- Sadly no, just because it's too dark for me 😓

Pacifica Dream Big Mascara
I'm not sure if I got a bad one but this mascara was so dry that it did nothing for my lashes. A full review is linked here.

Repurchase- No

Health

Jarrow Max DHA
I take fish oil every day for all the health benefits and I cannot/ will not eat fish or seafood, so this is the only way that I can get all of the wonderful benefits of fish (but without the heavy metals). This one has been my favourite for years! I am currently trying a new one out as I love to try out new products but I always go back to this one.

Repurchase- Yes

Nature's Answer Rhodiola (Rhodiola Rosea)
I've been taking this product for years. It prevents me from waking up at the crack of dawn for no reason. It's an adaptogen and helps our bodies deal/adapt to stress. I have tried other brands and doses but this is the one that works for me, and this one is really inexpensive too!

Repurchase- Heck yes!

Healthy Origins CoQ10
Q10 is one of my top supplements for overall health, it's one supplement that I will not be without. It's anti-aging, fuels all of our cells, and is excellent for the heart. I have some heart issues and recently went for testing to monitor my condition. The results were astounding! I was told that my heart is repairing itself. It's not 100% but it's better and I'm wondering if it's from all the years of fish oil and Q10 that I've been taking. The Doctors didn't have an answer, but it's great news! I always use this brand of Q10 and only try another if there is a special that I can't pass up but this one works for me. My cat also takes Q10 and it's made a world of difference. He takes one made for cats (linked here).

Repurchase- Oh, yeah!

Schisandra Adrenal Complex
I purchased this so long ago and it got lost in the back of my cupboard. Sadly, it expired in 2015.. whoops!

Repurchase- No

Other

Now Foods Xyli White Toothpaste in Cinnafresh
If you've seen my empties and/or hauls before you've probably seen this one. It's my favourite fluoride free toothpaste. I've had better dental checkups since using it, so I see no reason to change to another. The only time I stray is when there is a deal on iHerb that I can't pass up!

Repurchase- Yes

President's Choice Peach Mango Liquid Water Enhancer
What more can I say, I'm addicted to this stuff! I purchased this because I wanted to drink more water and this really helps me do just that. It tastes so good! I chose this brand because it's sweetened with all natural Stevia and doesn't contain any artificial sweeteners or colours.

Now Foods Better Stevia in Dark Chocolate
I'm such a fan of this stevia. It's not bitter at all and it's all natural. I have a cupboard full of different flavours now. It only takes a couple of drops so this bottle lasts forever!

Repurchase- Already have!

Thanks for stopping by to check out my empties! I'll have to do these more often so my empties box isn't overflowing. 😊

Happy weekend!

*This post is not sponsored. Some links are referral. Thank you is you choose to use them!

Pacifica Dream Big Lash Extending 7 in 1 Mascara Review

Featured Product:

Pacifica Natural Minerals Dream Big Mascara / Retail $16USD / 7.1 grams

I was so excited to try this mascara out, not only do I love the Pacifica brand, but it's the first mascara I've tried that has an adjustable wand that allows you to choose length or volume plus anything in between. I thought gimmick? Turns out it's not. With a twist of the tube, it really does allow you to choose length or volume. You can see the size and shape of the wand change with a twist of the tube (see images below). 

Claims:

This beauty is 7 in 1:
Lash Serum
Instant Length
Lash Lifting
Volumizing
Conditioning
Rich Color
2 in 1 Brush

Amplify your lashes instantly with all natural plant fibers that build and build and build... Clinically studied peptide has been shown to help improve natural lash length and volume. Natural ingredients help condition lashes.

Top photo: for volume / Bottom photo: for length

I'm not sure if I got a bad one, as the formula seems a bit dry to me and the wand doesn't grip my lashes very well. I've tried both the lengthening setting and the volumizing setting and everything in between. What works for me to get the most impact is what Pacifica recommends in their instructions: Using the length setting first, then applying a second coat with the volume setting. Using that method, I am able to get nice big lashes, which is what I love! But, you can also get very natural looking lashes with this product if that's what you're after by using just one coat. 

Another plus is that the product stays put all day and night with zero flaking or smudging and is easy to wash off.

I also love that this product is natural, with healthy lash-loving ingredients, is 100% vegan, and is cruelty-free. 

2 Coats of Pacifica Deam Big Mascara: Length 1st, then Volume

Note: I am not wearing any eyeliner or mascara on my lower lashes

Conclusion:
I love that this product has ingredients for healthy lashes, is vegan, and cruelty-free. And, that with a twist of the tube I can choose volume, length or both. I am also able to get natural looking lashes with one coat or bigger lashes using two coats by using the length and then volume settings. I do find the formula rather dry for my liking and the wand doesn't grip my lashes very well so it took a bit more work than I like to try and get my desired impact- I like big lashes! This product would be great for anyone who likes more natural looking lashes as you can achieve that very easily with this product:

Repurchase: 
I probably wouldn't purchase this formula again but I would definitely try another formula by Pacifica as I know they've got some other new formulas that are supposed to be great!

You can purchase this product here.


Have you tried this product? Love or leave?!

*Not sponsored

Beauty Sale: 20% off Real Techniques, Eco Tools, Pacifica, Mineral Fusion! Ends Apr 27th!

iHerb Beauty Sale!

Right now iHerb is offering 20% off of popular beauty brands such as Eco Tools, Real Techniques, Mineral Fusion, and Pacifica!

This sale rarely happens! So if  you are in the market to purchase some great, natural and cruelty free brands, now is the time to stock up!

This sale ends on Wednesday April 27th at 10am PST.

If you are new to iHerb you can save an additional $5 by entering code AGU725 at checkout! www.iherb.com

Happy Shopping!

Ps. Come and join The best of blogosphere!

Amy

xoxo