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It’s that time again…it’s time to talk about trash. In this blog series, I show you all the products that I have used up in the past several months and provide a thorough review on them. It’s a way for me to give well-informed thoughts on these products as well as to motivate myself to actually use what I have. This quarter’s Trash Talk does not have as many items as I normally have. Check out my previous two posts here and here.

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Basics

Can you tell that I was on a mission to work through my stash of beauty samples? Every time I order something, I receive a few samples. While they are a great way to test out interesting products, I am considering declining samples (if given the option). Anyone else swimming in beauty samples?

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Did Not Work for Me

Is it me or do a lot of drugstore lipsticks have a strong plastic, floral, or odd smell in general? Because of that, I am decluttering these two lipsticks from Maybelline and Revlon.

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Okay

• Puristry Nopal Cactus Cleanser: I reviewed three products in this certified organic and all-natural skincare line exclusive to Anthropologie when it released a year ago. This cleanser has a thin, watery texture that lightly cleans. Because of this, it is best to be used in the AM. If used in the PM, use a first cleanse to remove makeup.
• Benefit Cosmetics High Beam: Before highlighters were a trend, this was my first highlighter. During that time, there were a lot fewer highlighter options available on the market. Overall, I prefer powder highlighters over liquid and cream versions because of ease of application. The packaging of the High Beam is unique in that it comes in a bottle akin to a nail polish bottle. This gives a nice pink sheen when applied to bare skin or on top of a thin base. However, it has a slight tacky texture that is difficult to layer on top of powders and will lift or move products underneath. Overall, I’ve found other cream highlighters that I prefer.

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Good

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Great/Will Repurchase

• Dr Teal’s Foaming Bath in Pink Himalayan and Eucalyptus: These foaming baths have been in every single Trash Talk. A nice bath is a great way for me to unwind so I go through these pretty quickly. They bubble up nicely, have various aromatherapy scents that are not too cloying, and come at a very inexpensive price. I’ve been without them due to my Project Pan/No-Buy, and can’t wait to stock up on these and resume this self-care ritual.
• This Aveeno Body Wash and Lubriderm body lotions are staples, because they are non-scented and assist with moisturizing the skin during the past winter. I switch to a gel-based body wash during the spring/summer (Aveeno has a thicker, cream texture), but I don’t really any other body lotions.
• AG Hair Colour Savour Shampoo: When I began coloring my hair about a year ago, I needed to find a sulfate-free shampoo that would extend the vibrancy of my highlights. This AG Hair color shampoo actually lathers up to give a true cleanse, unlike most sulfate-free shampoo. It doesn’t leave behind build-up and has a neutral scent. I purchased the jumbo-sized shampoo and conditioner during Ulta’s hair care promotion at a significant discount.

Great/Will Repurchase (cont.)

• Simple Smoothing Facial Scrub: This exfoliator is the perfect balance between effective yet gentle. Even though I incorporate chemical exfoliators into my skincare routine, a mechanical one is important to promote cell turnover and unclog pores to reveal smoother skin. This facial scrub does not have any fragrances or dyes and is another winner from the drugstore.
• Origins GinZing Eye Cream: When I initially used this, I did not know if it did anything at all. And, full disclosure, I feel like eye cream overall does not seem to create miracles when it comes to addressing dark circles, puffiness, or loss of elasticity. Eye creams usually help to hydrate the undereye area to prevent fine lines. This eye cream claims to brighten and de-puff, and is meant to be used in the morning. This is salmon colored and thin in consistency. Once applied, it provides slight color cancellation of dark circles and brightens to awaken your eyes (note: it does not cover or cancel out dark circles completely). It provides light hydration as well. In addition, it layers well under concealer.
• COSRX Acne Pimple Mater Patch: These are a lifesaver! Place these stickers overnight on a developing pimple or one that you’ve couldn’t keep from messing around with. They don’t fall off or move during the night. In the morning, it will be drastically reduced. For the more stubborn or deep cystic acne, multiple rounds of use will be necessary.
• Biore Aqua Rich Watery Essence: This actually got put in the “Great” pile instead of the “Good” pile. This was in the previous empties too. This SPF is thin and absorbs into the skin immediately without a white cast or greasy residue. It layers well underneath makeup  and has an SPF of 50. The only thing that makes it good, not great is that it has a slight alcohol smell and may be a tad drying for those with very dry skin (especially during the winter). Those with normal to oily skin would LOVE this.
• Make Up Forever Ultra HD Foundation: This is my go-to special occasion foundation. It provides medium to buildable coverage and has a satin finish. It wears well for up to 10 hours with minimal wearing when paired with a primer and finishing spray. Formulated to be worn with on-camera, it photographs well while covering imperfections. With 40 available shades and different undertones, it made my Best Makeup of 2017 for a reason.
• Stila Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick: This shade is in Amore, a deep plum sheen. These were one of the first few formulas of liquid lipsticks that I’ve tried. It has a mousse-like texture that is more hydrating than other liquid lipsticks. Also, their longevity is great. One of my all-time favorite red lip colors is this one in Fiery. It’s perfect of the holidays or an eye-catch makeup look.
• Too Cool for School Egg Cream Mask: I’ve mentioned this mask countless times on the blog and on my Instagram. I have gone through multiple masks especially during the past winter season. This is best used after exfoliation and truly helps to relieve dry patches and dehydrated skin.
• Mac Prime+Prep Fix+: This cult classic is popular for a reason. It’s a does-it-all spray that can be used as a refresher with and without makeup and/or before and after a base. It can be used to dampen brushes to foil shadows to increase their impact. I always have this on hand and almost never do my makeup without it. This product is the key to natural makeup, especially for someone with dry skin like myself.

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Grand Total

In total, I finished up 47 products including:

• 4 sheet masks
• 2 acne sheets
• 1 facial spray
• 1 sunscreen
• 1 eye cream
• 2 facial cleansers
• 1 foundation
• 1 liquid lipstick
• 2 foaming baths
• 2 lipsticks
• 1 body wash
• 1 shampoo
• 1 body lotion
• 2 packs of makeup remover wipes
• 1 full-sized contact solution
• 1 travel-sized contact solution
• 1 eyelash curler
• 1 pack of cotton rounds
• 1 nail polish remover
• 2 travel-sized toothpaste
• 1 body scrub
• 1 liquid highlighter
• 1 eyebrow mascara
• 1 face mask
• 1 serum
• 1 dry shampoo
• 1 face moisturizer
• 1 toner
• 9 samples

Whew! That’s it for now. Feel free to share your recent empties and if they end up being hero products or duds. My one-year blog anniversary (and birthday!) is coming up next week so come back for something extra special. Have a beautiful weekend!

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