July Empties 2020

 Running late... but here we are

Positive Root Therapy Kalonji Oil

INR 599 for 200 ml

I first started using Kalonji oil to treat a couple of bald patches I developed post pregnancy. It worked great but most people were onto it which hiked up prices like crazy. This one's pretty much useless. Did nothing + it didn't even have the smell of Kalonji. This time around I'm being all atmanirbhar and DIYing my own. Will let you know how it goes. 

Good Vibes Watermelon Gel

INR 40 for 10 gm

Okayish. Not repurchasing. 

Oriflame Roya Velvet Firming Eye Contour Cream

INR 699 for 15 gm

I rarely use eye cream, just don't think they work like they should. This was part of a set I got a while back. Glad to see it gone. The gorgeous smell is the only good thing about this entire range. Honestly, not one good product. Bah! 

The Face Shop Jeju Aloe Ice Gel

INR 500 for 300 ml

This has got to be my favourite aloe vera gel of all time. Don't be fooled by the "ice" in the name (it's not cooling/cold or whatever they were going for). I recently started reading labels on products & this one mentions silicone as an ingredient. In two minds since then. Let's just finish my stash & then decide on repurchase. 

Patanjali Saundarya Multani Mitti Face Scrub

INR 75 for 60 gm

This is actually a foaming face wash with gritty particles. I love using this as my second cleanse especially when wearing a full face of makeup. I already have a backup. 

Khadi Organique Pure Rose Water

INR 125 for 210 ml

Cost effective toner. Again I have a backup. 

Nivea Pearl & Beauty Roll-on Deodorant

INR 185 for 50 ml

Good for autumns and winters. This simply does not work for the Indian summer. Have a backup of this as well (I truly dislike running out of things) 

O'range Mild & Clear Shower Gel

INR 140 for 250 ml

Like these shower gels from Grof6ers. Just didn't like the smell of this variant. 

Gokul Santol Pure Sandalwood Soap

INR 35 for 75 gm

Something I bought just to qualify for free shipping on Amazon. So-so. Still have 2 more of these. 

Eyetex Dazzler Nail Polish Remover

INR 63 for 27 ml

Bought this because I couldn't find my beloved blue heaven one anywhere. Works okay. Will probably not be buying again. 

Did you finish any products this month? 

Makeup Inventory 2020 - Compacts

 Let's hop on to the compacts now.

Maybelline White  Superfresh in Coral

INR 150 for 8 gm

I've hit pan quite some time back but this product refuses to die. Using diligently but will have to stop come winter. 

Oriflame Pure Colour Pressed Powder in Light Medium 

INR 350 for 20 gm (bought on BOGO) 

Using one of these from a while. I don't love it, I don't hate it. Will probably not be repurchasing again. I find Oriflame makeup products to be very mediocre. 

ADS Olive Compact in Shade 7

INR 220 for 50 gm

I should have checked the size of this thing before ordering. 50 gm is insane - it'll last me for 5 years I suppose.

Total number of products - 4

Number of products I would like to own - 2 (normal sized ones) 

Makeup Inventory - Loose Powders

As an oily skinned gal, powders are my best friend & I have quite a few 

Lakme Rose Powder

Don't remember when I bought it but I have very little left. I absolutely dislike the container it came in & have stored it in another powder container. Can't wait to be done with this

ADS Luxury Banana Powder

INR 150 for 20 gm

I love this one... It's a dupe of the Ben Nye Banana Powder. It's so finely milled & sets the eye area like a dream. I obviously got a backup in a bigger size as well. 

ADS Luxury Banana Powder

INR 120 for 40 gm

Let's face it. I'm never going to run out of powder. 

Spinz BB Face Talc

INR 42 for 55 gm

Bought this on a whim. It has slightly larger particles but at this price I'm not complaining. 

NYN Natural Finish Loose Powder

INR 130

Now this one looks like the banana powder with glitter. So much glitter that you can spot it from a mile away. Using it to set my eyelids currently. Something tells me I will be stuck with this forever.

Number of products - 5

Number of products I would like to own - 1

June 2020 Empties

Another month gone by & another empties post

Biocare Foot Spa Cream

INR 150-200 (depending on where you buy it from) for 500 gm

I love buying regularly used products in bigger sizes. It cuts down on the plastic pollution and is easy on the pocket as well. This is a nice heavy moisturizer that gets absorbed quickly. I also love the scent. I have used quite a few of these Biocare creams & will be repurchasing soon.

Vaadi Herbals Enchanting Rose Soap

INR 46 for 100 gm

I have tried pretty much every variant of soap from this brand. I love them to bits & got this without a second thought. Though the soap is good I absolutely dislike the heavy incense kinda smell. Still have 2 more of these to go through.

Dexe lip balm X 2

INR 350 for 12

I love these. Hard to find petrolatum - free lip balms at this price. Still have 5 more. Will be repurchasing if I ever manage to finish my stash.

Elizabeth Arden Green Tea EDT

INR 2000 for 100 ml

I love how refreshing this smells. It has a very low sillage & I will not be repurchasing again.

Blue Heaven Signature Mascara

INR 150

God! This is the worst mascara ever. I bought it because I loved the packaging but it doesn't do anything. I will be repurposing the wand to apply my DIY eye serum to my lashes and brows.

Did you finish any new products this month? 

Makeup Inventory - Foundation

Up until 2 years back I only had 1 foundation and 1 BB Cream in my stash. Then I went crazy & started stocking up

Wet n Wild Photofocus Foundation in Golden Beige

INR 599 for 30 ml

I like this foundation. It gives medium coverage which can be built up & skin looks nice and matte. The applicator is also decent. I just don't like the overly chemical smell of this foundation. 

Maybelline Fit Me Foundation in 128 Warm Nude

INR 500 for 30 ml

Love everything about this. If I have to repurchase any 1 foundation this will be it. 

Maybelline Dream Liquid Mousse Foundation in Pure Beige Medium 2

INR 500 for 30 ml

This is my second bottle which should tell you how much I like it.

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Olivia Liquid Foundation in Soft Beige 3

INR 100 for 28 ml

Satin finish foundation which feels super heavy on my oily skin. I bought this when pretty much every youtuber was claiming that it was a full coverage foundation. Bah! It's not all that it's made out to be. 

Olivia Makeup Stick in 08 Egyptian Light

INR 140 for 15 gm

A multi purpose product - can be used as foundation as well as concealer. Again feels heavy on my oily skin & I can only use in winters. 

Olivia Waterproof Pancake in 26 Almond Dust

INR 120 for 25 gm

I went ham & bought everything from Olivia. This gives full coverage & is matte to boot. Like it

Maybelline Clear glow BB Stick in 04 Fawn

INR don't remember for 10 gm

Wrong shade, wrong texture for my skin. It provides next to no coverage & just feels like an extra step with 0 benefits. 

Blue Heaven Signature Foundation in Natural

INR 25 for

Light weight & gives sheer coverage. I don't know what more you can expect at 25 bucks

Spinz BB Cream

INR 52 for 15 gm

When I first saw the texture I had a mini heart attack. It reminded me of the God-awful Fair & Lovely BB Cream. This one's way better though. Blends well & gives sheer coverage. Will be repurchasing eventually.

Number of products - 9

Number of products I would like to own - 2

(Just adding to check my progress) 

Makeup Inventory - Concealers

I don't use a lot of concealer so this should be quick

Maybelline - This is the only concealer I have & it works well with my skin.


Mars  Face Contour Kit - I loved how this looked & got it without a second thought. The first 2 shades are quite pale for my skin & I use them as an eye shadow base. They can even be used as a highlighting concealer. The central shade matches my skin to a T & this is the one I use mostly. The last two shades are for contouring.

So happy I don't have a lot in this category. See you again soon. Cheers

May 2020 Empties

Time for empties again

Vivel Body Wash Mint + Cucumber

INR 80 for 200 ml

I bought this because it claimed to have a refill pack as well (which means less plastic pollution in the long run). However I'm not sure if the plastic bottle is more recyclable than the flimsy refill bag or vice versa. It smells lovely and feels a bit cooling on the skin. Ideal for summer. Will be repurchasing again.


Himalaya Herbals Tan Removal Orange Peel-off Mask

INR 70 for 50 gm

I know these peel off masks don't do anything for the skin but if you are a 90s kid you'll remember being bombarded by ads for Everyuth Peel off Masks. And it takes a while to relearn what you believe WORKS! This is the last peel off mask in my stash and I'm planning on not buying any more.


Shri Shri Ayurveda Turmeric Face Pack

INR 65 for 60 gm

I wanted to try this brand and thought a face pack was a good place to start. It's a basic clay & turmeric pack. It's decent for the price. I won't be repurchasing as I'm trying to be all atmanirbhar.


Lux Botanicals Freesia Scent & Aloe Vera Soap 

INR 32 for 100 gm

I'm loving the Lux Botanicals range. I wonder if these are available in body wash form. Both the soaps I've tried smell fantastic.




Alps Goodness Coffee Exfoliating Face Scrub 

INR 125 for 30 gm

Don't know why I bought this. I don't even use walnut shell scrubs anymore - so harsh. Anyhow the product does not smell anything like coffee & instead smells like caramel. I love caramel scent & didn't mind so much but the product itself is nothing to write home about. I have 1 more of this to go through. Also what is it with products having German /Swiss names? I get it - you want to milk the whole Alps thing - but it's a home grown brand manufactured somewhere near Mumbai. What gives?


Maybelline Nail Polish in Coral Chic

INR 100 for 8 ml

When I started posting empties I never thought I would ever be posting makeup empties. When I finished using loose powders & compacts I just thanked my oily skin for it. When I finished using mascara I thought I had finally become a finisher. I'm so proud to have actually finished a nail polish this time. I went through a coral phase & wore only this polish from Maybelline. I also had a matching lipgloss by Revlon called Papaya. Somehow both of them lacked pigmentation. Maybe it's because of applying multiple layers that I've finally managed to finish this.


Me Now Pro BB Cushion Foundation in Shade 01

INR 350

I love the sheer coverage this one gives. The shade is a bit pale for me but I finished it by using when I was practicing looks. I've borrowed a hack from Wayne Goss & using the same container to use my other existing foundations.

Discards

Kiss Beauty Color Blur Lipstick in Shade 8

INR 100

Supremely drying & settles into lip lines like crazy.


Sivanna Lipstick 

INR 300

I don't know why this is popular. Maybe it's just the packaging. It has a weird crumbly texture & does not even apply evenly on my lips. If I do manage to apply a couple of coats it promptly settles into lines on my lips. So done with this one.


That's all for this month. Cheers