Beauty Empties #15 ♡ ColourPop, ABH, Chanel, Drunk Elephant, Origin, Kiehl's, Narciso Rodriguez, The Good Vitamin Co. + More!

It's been a long time since I last posted my beauty empties and during this time I have finished up a lot of products, including makeup, skincare and my favorite perfume.

First up is my absolute favorite brow products of all time, the COLOURPOP BROW BOSS PENCIL, which has been mentioned in almost all of my beauty empties posts. This is an amazing product if you like natural brows that last all day.

ANASTASIA BEVERLY HILLS BROW WIZ is like an expensive version of the ColourPop Precision Brow Pencil, which I also use sometimes, but it can be a bit heavy. I like that it glides on smoothly and application is so easy.

CHANEL STYLO SOURCILS WATERPROOF DEFINING LONGWEAR EYEBROW PENCIL (omg, such a long name!!!) was recommended to me when I last visited the Chanel boutique at Britomart. I like the slanted tip as it is very easy to shape and line the brows. I love that it gives a natural looking coverage and it is long wearing as well. The lady also recommended a brow gel (Chanel Le Gel Sourcils Longwear Eyebrow Gel) to go with this brow pencil and I absolutely love the combination! Both are expensive, but totally worth it.

After years of trying different cleansers from different brands and pricing ranges, I have come to realized that supermarket branded products are actually better than the expensive ones we buy in these beauty stores. I have been using the DRUNK ELEPHANT BESTE NO. 9 JELLY CLEANSER for months and I am so glad that I finally emptied the tube! This cleanser says to be perfect for sensitive skin and the gentle formula claims to rinses away without an ounce of residue, leaving skin clean and soft. Okay, I am not mad because this actually does what it says, but I just feel like it's not worth the price spent, because any cleanser can leave skin clean and soft, right?!

GLOW RECIPE WATERMELON GLOW JELLY SHEET MASK is also a product that I am not a big fan of, haha. This is my second time using this sheet mask and upon application I thought "it's quite refreshing and it's actually not that bad this time", but it ends up in disappointment again. I had difficulty trying to keep the mask on as it kept sliding down. It's a watermelon sheet mask but it doesn't smell watermelon. My face felt dry and sticky after the removable of the mask and the serum just don't seem to absorb into my skin at all. 

MECCA COSMETICA MULTI-PURPOSE PLUMPING BALM is amazing! I use it as a primer and it can be used as a daily moisturizer as well. The formula is hydrating and it leaves my skin looking plump and healthy, not oily at all. I also really like the packaging, it comes in a tube with a pump which is easy to dispense the product. My makeup looks flawless and wears all day (12 hours) whenever I use this product.

I have already re-purchased the WET N WILD COVER ALL FACE PRIMER many many times and I will continued to recommend this primer to anyone with oily skin! This one is really affordable and it does the job better than others that you spent $$$ on. It minimize pores, brightens complexion and even skin tone. Makeup applies smoothly and it is really good at controlling oily face.

ORIGINS ORIGINAL SKIN MATTE MOISTURISER WITH WILLOWHERB is literally the BEST moisturizer that I have tried, in recent year. I am currently on my second tub and I would definitely recommends to anyone with oily skin. This is a total life saver, it is very good at oil control, it keeps makeup looking fresh throughout the day and I wear this on days without makeup as well, it just keeps my face completely shine free without looking dull.

I have finally finished my KIEHL'S ULTRA FACIAL OIL-FREE GEL CREAM and I actually like this product, but I am not sure if I will re-purchase, only because Kiehl's is expensive in NZ. This gel cream was recommended to me when I was looking for a lightweight moisturizer suitable for oily skin. I like that the gel texture feels quite cooling and refreshing upon application and that the cream keeps my face hydrated throughout the night. 

I am also glad that I have finally emptied the KIEHL'S CREAMY EYE TREATMENT WITH AVOCADO as I have had this for a very long time. This was actually purchased a few years ago after reading all the rave reviews online. I like the creamy texture and the non-greasy formula is easy to spread. I see that my concealers doesn't crease much under my eye area after using this eye cream for awhile. It's quite moisturizing and I really like it. 

I got a travel sized KAT VON D LOCK-IT SETTING POWDER to try and I thought that it's an amazing product. This powder is finely milled, it goes nice on the skin, I use it to bake and it leaves my makeup looking flawless, but I find that if I touch-up during the day, it turns my face cakey. 

COLOURPOP NO FILTER LOOSE SETTING POWDER is another powder products that I have been loving lately. I use the translucent and although the powder is not finely milled like the KVD, when I use this to bake, it also makes my skin looks flawless. It has a lightweight texture that keeps my makeup in place all day, and I was able to touch-up during the day without turning my face cakey.

MAC X CHRIS CHANGE PREP + PRIME TRANSPARENT FINISHING PRESSED POWDER used to be my favorite until it forms a hard top layer on the powder and from my research, I found that it's cause by oil transfer from skin to tool then onto the powder. The top layer can be scrapped off but it's just a hassle having to scrap it every time before use. Otherwise this is a really good powder for setting an oily face. 

I get compliments every time I wear the NARCISO RODRIGUEZ FOR HER FLEUR MUSC PERFUME and it has definitely become 'my scent'. I absolutely love this perfume, I love everything from the sweet smell of roses to the pink packaging and this one wears all day on me, the smell lingers on my clothes for a few days as well. Just no word to describe how much I love this! 

Last but not least, I want to share with you a non makeup and skincare related product, but a vitamin that I have been taking lately which works a wonders. Me being a non believer of vitamins pills or chewy thought that you can get enough vitamin by eating lots of fruits and veges, so I was really skeptical about this product when I was shopping for one. 

As you know, I have been getting my nails done with gel or acrylic for years and years now and my own nails is really damaged. I find it very hard to grow my nails as they're just chipping all the time and tearing by the nail bed. My hair has been falling pretty badly as well and there were time my middle parted line was going bald... That's when I thought I had to do something!

I went to the chemist and I was recommended THE GOOD VITAMIN CO. GOOD BIOTIN FOR SKIN HAIR NAILS. I have already emptied one bottle and now I am on my second bottle and I thought this really works! On days that I am not wearing makeup at all, I get complimented on how glowy my skin looks lately. I see an obvious growth on my nails as I am wearing fake press-on nails at the moment and I see the little gap just by taking this vitamin for two weeks. My hair seems fuller these days, there is less fall outs and overall it seem to work really well!

Beauty Empties #14 ♡ ft. Oozoo Bear, Glow Recipe, Biore, Soap & Glory, KAO, Too Faced, ColourPop, Too Cool For School + More!

♥︎ HAPPY NEW YEARS ♥︎

a new year, a fresh start, same dreams, new challenges

Today I am sharing with you my last Beauty Empties of 2018, some of these are new found favourites and some of them are already a stable in my makeup and skincare collection. I hope that you enjoy reading this as much as me using them and I want to wish you all a happy 2019!

OOZOO BEAR Aurora Illuminating Mask (NZD$8.99 - Farmers) is described as an illuminating solution that adds hydration and radiance to tired looking skin. The packaging is so cute and inside the right ear of the bear it contains the ampoule that you fold and mix with the base ingredients. I quite like this mask, it's thin, it's soft and it fits my face just fine. After removing the mask, my face looks and feels plump, soft and brightened.

OOZOO BEAR Black Space Pore Caring Mask (NZD$8.99 - Farmers) minimise the appearance of pores, purifies the skin and controls the moisture balance. I like this one as much as the Aurora Illuminating Mask mentioned above, the sizing is perfect and it left my face feeling a bit tighter, refreshed and clear.

MEDIHEAL Teatree Care Solution Essential Mask is one of my favourites and most used sheet masks, tea tree is great for oily skin and it works wonder on acne skin. I love that this mask feels so refreshing during use and after removal. It smells nice, it fits perfectly on my face and it always cures the breakouts on my face after each use.

GLOW RECIPE Watermelon Glow Jelly Sheet Mask (USD$8.00 - Glow Recipe) comes in two pieces, the mask is made of those jelly texture that claims no drip and no slip. This mask is made out of watermelon and it claims to hydrate and sooth skin. This was probably the most talked about sheet mask in 2018 and the reason I bought it was because I am obsessed with watermelon, but really, there is nothing outstanding about this mask. It doesn't have the sweet, refreshing watermelon scent I was expecting. The cooling feel only lasted a couple of minutes, I didn't feel that it was hydrating after removal and my face felt really sticky afterwards.

PURE SMILE Choosy Lip Mask has been mentioned plenty of times on my blog and it's no doubt this is one of the stable products in my skincare collection. This lip mask comes in a lot of different flavours and my most purchased is definitely honey and peach.

SKIN PHYSICS Dragon's Blood Soothing Gel Mask (NZD$14.99 - Farmers) is described as an intense moisturising gel mask that targets rough, dry, dehydrated and irritable skin. I must say, Dragon's Blood was what caught my attention in the first place! I thought that it's an actual drop of dragon's blood, not knowing that it's actually some sort of plant haha. I like the smell of this mask, it's  fresh and floral. It has a lot of serum in the packet and the mask stay on pretty well, but it dries quite fast and the mask ends up sticking to my face at the end. The sizing is pretty weird as well, I have an average sized face and the mask was too big for me.

BIORE Deep Pore Charcoal Cleanser (NZD$13.99 - Farmers) is a new found favourites! It claims to draws out 2 x more dirts and impurities than a basic cleanser. With the natural charcoal, it will deep cleans and purify pores. I think this comes in two versions and the one I have tried is ideal for oily skin. I love it because it makes my face feels very clean and refreshed and it doesn't leave my face with that squeaky clean feeling.

SOAP & GLORY Soap & Clarity 3-in-1 Vitamin C Facial Wash (NZD$17.00 - Mecca) is described as a daily detox solution that deeply cleanses, purifies and removes all traces of makeup. Enriched with Vitamin C to brighten the complexion and buffs away dead skin cells with its ultra-soft jojoba beads. I bought this cleanser based on all the amazing reviews online, I like it, but I don't love it. It does an average job at cleansing and I just didn't that it makes my skin feels squeaky clean.

DAISO Puff Sponge Detergent (NZD$3.00 - Japanese store next to Event Cinema Queen Street) is an absolute must-have for cleaning makeup sponges. I also use ecostore baby soaps to clean my makeup brushes, but when I use it to clean my sponges, it takes forever.

KAO Megthythm Steam Eye Masks (NZD$20.00 for a box of 12 pieces - Vanessa Mid City on Queen Street) is a self-warming steam eye mask that warms up to 40°C of steam heat to help relax your mood and relieve tired eyes. Nowadays I find it hard to stay away from technologies, I am always checking social medias on my phone, playing games on the iPad and watching Netflix on the TV; all those long hours of looking at these screens can leave me with strained eyes. I love that the steam eye masks makes my eyes feels so comfortable and relax, I use it mostly before bed and I find that after each use, I get a very good sleep that night. The steam heat can last up to 20 minutes, it comes in various of scent, I have tried lemon and lavender and I find that lavender is the most dreamy and relaxing.

TOO FACED Primed & Peachy Cooling Matte Perfecting Primer (NZD$51.00 - Mecca) is a new found favourites that has made its way into my holy grail list already. It is described as a cooling, mattifying primer that blurs, smooths and brightens the complexion. It claims to wear up to 16 hours with 12 hours of shine control that delivers a lightweight and comfortable wear. I am currently on my second tube of this primer and I love its subtle smell of peaches and cream. I love that this primer works well with every single foundations that I own, it could be high-end or it could be drugstore, my makeup always last long hours without having to touch-up with powders, even in summer days, my face rarely gets oily while wearing this primer.

COLOURPOP Brow Boss Pencil (USD$5.00 - ColourPop) is an absolute favourite and must-have product in my makeup routine, I would literally go into panic-mode when I run out of brow boss and that is why I buy a bulk lot of them every time I order. I have talked about this brow pencil a lot on my blog, but just incase that you are new here and you're wondering why I am so obsessed with it?! It's the best brow pencil for those looking for something natural, it has a buildable formula, it comes with a spoolie and it last all day!

THE BODY SHOP Papaya Body Butter (NZD$38.95 - The Body Shop) is described as an intensive, creamy all-over body moisturiser that absorbs into the skin easily, helping to condition, smooth and soften the skin for up to 24 hours. I used to love these body butters, the texture is so creamy and it keeps my skin smooth and moisturised all day. I am not sure if they still sell the Papaya scent as it cannot be found in their range online, the last time I bought these body butters was probably a year ago.

URBAN DECAY De-Slick Oil Control Makeup Setting Spray (NZD$25.00 - Mecca) is one of my holy grail beauty products. I used to be all about the Urban Decay All Nighter and I do still use that on and off, but I find that the De-Slick works better on my oily skin. It is described as a weightless setting spray that helps makeup stay put, control oil, deflects surface shine and keep skin matte.

TOO COOL FOR SCHOOL Artclass by Rodin Contour (NZD$27.00 - Hikoco) is every k-beauty blogger's favourites and it claims to be Korea's most loved contouring product for defined and slimming facial contours. The contour features three natural shades that can be blended all together or used individually with a soft matte finish. It claims to have an effortless blendability, damnn right this is the best contour I have tried in 2018! Unfortunately mine broke into pieces when I accidentally dropped it while in Samoa, but I will be picking up another one soon as this is the most natural looking contour I have used.

LANCOME Absolue Sublime Golden Glow Hydrating Makeup Base was sent to me for review back in 2016 and here you can see what it looks like before used, it has the prettiest packaging. It is described as a makeup base with iridescent pigments and water-like gel texture that gives hydration to the skin. I have used it on and off and to be totally honest, I was glad that I have finally emptied this product. I like that it made my skin feels smooth and my foundation goes on evenly, but my makeup didn't last as long and I find myself having to touch-up once in awhile during the day.

TATCHA The Water Cream (NZD$31.00 - Mecca) was voted Skin Care Product of The Year 2018 by TrendMood. It is described as an oil-free moisturiser that works to tighten pores and refine uneven texture and deliver a weightless, refreshing hydration. It has a water-like texture that melts into the skin, I love the smell of this cream and the packaging is so cute, but I don't really get the hype?! I felt like it didn't do a lot to my skin and it was just another moisturiser to me. I was thinking, maybe I would have to try the 50ml bottle to see results.

DRUNK ELEPHANT B-Hydra Intensive Hydrating Serum (NZD$36.00 Rise + Glow Set - Mecca) was recommended to me by one of my best friends, she mentioned that her husband often compliments her on how glowy and healthy her skin looks after using the Drunk Elephant Rise + Glow Set which includes two serums. Both serums contains the same amount of product and I'm not sure how and why I have emptied this one first, but after using this serum, I do find my skin looking healthier, more radiant and more plumped.

CARMEX Lip Balm (NZD$3.04 - iHerb) I know I have talked about Carmex so many times on my blog and it's been mentioned in almost all of my latest beauty empties post, I have probably posted the same descriptions, reviews and recommendations every time; but this is the BEST LIP BALM ever and it's forever my favourite! I just love the minty scent, I love the refreshing feel upon application and I love how moisturising it is.

The Body Shop Tea Tree Skin Clearing Facial Wipes (NZD$14.95 - The Body Shop) and Soap & Glory Off Your Face Cleansing Cloths (NZD$9.00 - Mecca) are both my favourites and most used makeup removable wipes.