Using My Stash--April and May

I have found some time to do another blog post. Hopefully my schedule slowly allows me to get back into the swing of things as our busy period starts slowing down.

I felt that I didn't have enough empties to do this blog post last month so again it's a two month post.

Skincare:

If you will notice, a lot of these were sample items. The only full-sized product is Clarins Instant Smooth Perfecting Touch primer. I really like this for use during the drier, cooler months. The other jar that looks like it was a full-sized product is Algenist Firming and Lifting Cream. I don't think this is a full-sized product but I got this from exchanging 100 VIB points from Sephora. I used this on my neck and decolletage and really liked it a lot. I wish that I had exchanged more points and had gotten more. Fresh Black Tea Age-Delay Cream sample packet. I'm glad that I got to try this out first. It applies a bit too greasy on my skin for my tastes. DHC Eye Bright Eye Cream sample. I liked this and may purchase it in the future. I'm hoping that I can get more sample packets as it'll be great to take with my when I travel. DHC Kakonjuka Line Essence, Lotion and Cream (forgot to include cream in the picture) packets. I was excited to try these but wasn't wowed by them. I also found the scent to be a bit earthy. I find that it's often difficult to form good opinions on products when they are little sample packets. I'd rather have something a little larger, which I'd even be willing to purchase, just to get a good feel of how products work. DHC Velvet Skin Coat primer. This was nice and it didn't break me out. Unfortunately, I didn't have enough product to be able to form a good opinion on it. I may have to to purchase it to see just how well it works. If it does work well, then more of these packet sizes would be nice for traveling as well.  H2O Deep Sleep Recovery Cream and Night Oasis Oxygenating Energizer Serum. These were nice sizes to work with although I still would prefer something a little bit more. These products were okay but don't think it would be something that I would feel inclined to purchase.

Makeup Items:

I always feel such a sense of accomplishment when I use up makeup items since these take so long to use. I have included two mascaras--Sephora Full Action Extreme Effect Mascara and Maybelline The Colossal Volume Express Mascara. I didn't care for the Sephora mascara and used it a few times only but it's gone way past the 6 month mark so it's time to get rid of it. The Maybelline mascara was okay and I did use it quite a bit. Revlon Lip Butter 050 Berry Smoothie is my favorite everyday lip color. I used it all up, all the way down the tube. I was going to get a replacement for it but I tried a Maybelline Whisper Lipstick  75 Rose of Attraction and am loving it too. The color is very similar to Berry Smoothie. MAC Print eyeshadow. Print is my all time favorite color and I use it almost every day. I already had another one in my stash as a backup. Dior Hydra Life BB Cream, 100 VIB Point sample. I was really liking this at first but noticed that it wasn't long wearing at all. After 5 or 6 hours, it would fade significantly. I'm so glad that I didn't spend the money on a full-sized tube. Oriks Sun BB Cream sample packet. I was able to try this only once and knew it wouldn't work for me, but mainly because the color is way too light for me. I looked like a ghost wearing this.

Cleansers:

I replace my Clarisonic brush heads in January, April, July and October. I have to charge my Clarisonic Plus once a month and so during those months when it runs out of battery life and needs to be charged, is when I replace the brush head. Daiso Puff and Sponge Cleanser is my HG brush cleanser. I try to wash my brushes once a week. Sephora Daily Makeup Brush Cleaner is something that I use on a daily basis to clean my brushes in between the washings.

Hair Care:

I should have entitled this heading as Hair Care Plus One because I realized after I took the picture that I included a hand soap refill package in here. I love that hand soap and have asked my friends to bring back refills for me every time they go to Japan. I'll be asking my son to bring more too. Lux Super Damage Repair Shampoo and Conditioner. While I really like this product, I used it up and won't be using it any more. The Asian brands of shampoos tend to make my scalp irritated. It gets a bit itchy and there tiny little bumps on my scalp that are a little tender. It also tends to build up on my hair after prolonged use which makes my hair look weighed down and lifeless. I do have backup refill packs in my stash but these will be for my daughter-in-law's use when she visits next month. Tsubaki Hair Oil packet is in my Palty Hair Color and I do like it. I will probably keep the packets that I get and use it to pack into my travel bag.

A couple of items that I did not use up but will definitely not use any more:

Smashbox Photo Finish Hydrating Foundation Primer:

While many people have raved about Smashbox Photo Finish primers before, A few years ago, I tried the HD Photo Finish primer and it didn't sit well with me. The higher silicone content is not good on my skin. I tend to break out in tiny little bumps. I don't know what possessed me to decide to go ahead and purchase the Photo Finish Hydrating Foundation Primer a few months ago. I was told that there was way less silicone content in it but after using it a few times, I didn't like it much and I was starting to break out in those tiny little bumps. The picture shown is from Sephora's website as I didn't take a picture of the one that I had. I ended up giving it to Mai, who really likes the HD Photo Finish primer.

Mannan Gel Peeling:

I really liked this but it's a couple of years old now and I don't know if it's past it's expiration date, if there even is any. I also can't find it in Donki, where it was purchased. Any suggestions on a good gel peeling product?

*Kat*