“Clutter smothers. Simplicity breathes”
Happy Saturday friends & welcome to day 6 of the COVID Chronicles!
Oh my gosh can you believe we’ve only got ONE more day left of this little series?! As we near the end, I am SO interested to know what kind of content you would want to see on here moving forward. So help a sister out and send me your thoughts!
As I mentioned in Chapter 1 of the COVID Chronicles, I’ve been trying to make more of an effort to become a positive Patty…especially during all of this craziness. And so, in the spirit of wearing my positive pants a little more often, here are a few positive things that have come out of COVID-19 for me:
1) It’s definitely forced me to slow down…in every possible way! Perhaps I’ve slowed down a tad too much, but that’s going to change! (P.S. Thank you to the handful of readers who messaged me today reminding me to MOVE haha)
2) It’s given me the chance to connect with so many of you, which has been LOVELY!
3) I mean, without COVID, the COVID Chronicles would have never been born!
4) I’m using up A LOT of the products in my stash
And on that note, today friends, we’re talking EMPTIES!
Now, I know it wasn’t that long ago that I shared my February empties with you, but your girls been using up A LOT of products during the quarantine. And while I wish I wasn’t replacing products with new ones quite as quickly as I seem to be doing, at least I’m getting rid of SOME stuff right?! I mean, during the month of March I used up 2 whole lip products….and then I bought another 37 haha. Now I know why my makeup stash is so out of control, I clearly have a problem.
Anyways, that’s enough about that! Let’s jump straight into today’s post!
Here my dear friends, are my March empties!
1) LUSH Cosmetics Eggplant soap
Okay, so you’re probably looking at this wondering what the F** it is! Well my friends, when LUSH comes out with an eggplant shaped soap, you best believe that little aubergine is coming home with me! I don’t know why all things eggplant entertain me as much as they do, but I mean seriously, have you ever seen a soap this cute?!
I’ve had this little purple guy for a couple months now, and I really only use it when I need a little cheering up…is that weird?! It smells like Bergamot (which is SO lovely), + leaves glittery streaks of purple across your body until you wash it off. So this soap is kind of like a fun little experience haha. Now, you may be asking yourself why you need this veggie shaped bar of soap instead of opting for a boring old bar of Dove. WELL, besides being vegan and cruelty free, it leaves your skin feeling super moisturized and hydrated, and let’s be real, it’s fun to look at + use! Now tell me, does your soap do all that? Nope, didn’t think so haha.
Not a fan of eggplants? Don’t worry! LUSH has you covered with a cute little peach shaped soap as well 😉 haha
Will I Repurchase It: You better believe I will!
Buy It: LUSH Cosmetics
2) Pink Sugar
No this isn’t some fancy Burberry fragrance (although I do love me a bottle of Burberry Brit), this one is 1000% better, and it’s fraction of the price.
Pink Sugar first came into my life about 8 years ago when they were still available in store at Sephora. I can’t even tell you how many bottles of this I’ve gone through because I’ve lost count. Once they stopped selling it in stores, I had no choice but to mourn the loss of this sweet, sweet fragrance with something else (now that I think about it, I might have actually started using Burberry Brit because Pink Sugar was no longer available).
When I first started wearing Pink Sugar, it was $45 CAD a bottle at Sephora. Fast forward many years later, and while walking through Shoppers Drug Mart (yes I do a lot of shopping there), there sat my beloved Pink Sugar perfume…for $15 CAD!!!! It was like it was meant to be.
Now friends, I understand that the bottle looks juvenile and dare I say cheap. But I guarantee after one little whiff of this heavenly scent, you’ll be hooked. Sephora describes this little perfume as having notes of: Bergamot, Sicilian Orange, Raspberry, Fig Leaves, Lily of the Valley, Licorice, Strawberry, Red Fruit, Cotton Candy, Vanilla, Caramel, Musk, Wood and Powder…so pretty much all of my favorite scents. Seriously, when I smell this perfume I instantly get happy. It’s playful, mischievous, romantic and takes me back to a much simpler time (so pretty much any time PRE-COVID).
On a semi-unrelated note, even though we’re all working from home and not leaving the house, put on a little perfume! I promise it’ll make you feel a little bit happier and a lot more put together…even if you’re sitting cross legged in a sweater, yoga pants and zero makeup.
Will I Repurchase It: While I do have have quite a few fragrances on the go at the moment (MAC Creme D’Nude, Marc Jacobs Daisy Love Eau So Sweet AND the Body Shop’s White Musk), once those are done I will ABSOLUTELY repurchase this!
Buy It: Sephora
3) CATRICE Volumizing Lip Balm
About a year ago, it seemed like everyone and their Mother was talking about Catrice. So imagine my surprise when I went to about 5 different drug stores in the hopes that I could get my Catrice fill, only to be told that the brand wasn’t available in Canada! What the heck! The makeup Gods finally answered my prayers and late last year, there stood the loveliest little display of all things Catrice (in Shoppers of course haha).
These Volumizing Lip Balms…
– have a slightly cooling feel upon application
– are formulated with shea butter which help to soften and smooth the lips
– have the slightest hint of color that can be easily worn alone or with a lipstick
– are available in 3 gorgeous shades (light pink, nude and a coral)
– are only $4.99 CAD!
– are vegan, gluten free, alcohol free, support sustainable palm oil AND do not test on animals!
When I apply this before bed I wake up with the most perfectly plumped pout, and we all know how much I love that! So once I finished this little pink tube, I did run out and pick up the nude shade…which I don’t love only because the color is a tad more brown than I was hoping for. So ladies, if you’re looking to step up your lip balm game, I would definitely suggest picking up one of these Catrice balms before reaching for a basic chapstick. If you don’t usually wear lipstick, it’s also the perfect way to introduce a subtle wash of color to your lips all while giving them all of the hydration that your regular lip balm does!
Will I Repurchase It: 1000% I will…just not the nude one!
Buy It: Catrice
4) L’Oreal Colour Riche Plump and Shine Lipstick in the shade “Lychee Plump”
When I hear the word “lip” and “plumper” together, I don’t care what it is, I need it. I don’t think I’d ever met a lip plumping product I didn’t like … until THIS one! Advertised as a product that gives the lips a fresh, high shine look while delivering a cooling, tingling feeling…I have my own thoughts about these claims. Liiiiiike ….
If by “fresh” L’Oreal means streaky and greasy, then sure we’ll say it totally makes your lips look “fresh”. Not to mention, they’re gritty and super uncomfortable on the lips. UGH and you know those lip products that collect in the center of your lips and leave that white line…yeah gross. For $13.99 CAD, literally buy ANY other lip product. Heck, for that price, buy 2 of the Catrice volumizing balms!
I have nothing positive to say about these “lipsticks”, I’m also not even sure how they constitute as a lipstick haha I’m fired up thinking about these!
Sooo… IN CONCLUSION, save your pennies friends, these aren’t worth the price tag.
Will I Repurchase It: Noooooo!!
Buy It: L’Oreal
5) GARNIER Micellar Cleansing Water
What the heck is Micellar water anyways?
According to the HuffPosts “Beauty Glossary”, micellar water is made up of micelles (tiny balls of cleansing oil molecules) suspended in soft water. The idea is that micelles are attracted to dirt and oil, so they are able to draw out impurities without drying out the skin. Therefore, micellar water can be used as a facial wash, makeup remover and moisturizer all in one.
NOW, I’ve been using micellar waters ever since they first launched and of all the ones that I’ve tried, I keep coming back to this one by GARNIER (pretty sure this is my 5th bottle). It’s oil-free, paraben-free, fragrance-free, sulfate and silicone-free and is perfect for my sensitive skin. While they claim that you can use this as a face wash, the thought of that makes me uncomfortable. I reach for this as a makeup remover but that’s it. While my skin is left feeling super clean and refreshed once my makeup has been removed, I still feel the need to go in with a face wash. Sooo, once I’m ready to begin my nighttime skincare routine, I’ll take a squirt of this on a cotton pad and it SO effortlessly removes every trace of the days makeup.
Will I Repurchase It: You bet I will!
Buy It: GARNIER
6) Wet n’ Wild Beauty Photo Focus Primer Water
I think I’ve mentioned in a previous post that when it comes to my makeup routine, I’m about as basic as they come. The thought of needing a setting spray or primer water is kind of ridiculous to me. THAT being said, when @AllanaDavison (again, fav YouTuber) talked about this in a “Full Face of Wet n’ Wild” makeup video, I’ll pretend I didn’t immediately search high and low for it.
When I think of Wet n’ Wild, I remember being a little girl being set free in the makeup aisles of Shoppers (because where else would a child spend their allowance) and turning my nose up at this brand (apparently I was a makeup snob even back then). MANY years and a complete brand overhaul later, I’m finally on the Wet n’ Wild bandwagon! It definitely helps that they’re now cruelty free as well!
These primer waters retail for $5.99 CAD (which I think is an incredible price point) & are available in 3 delicious scents (“In Love with Coco”, “Rosé Addiction” + “Cool as a Cucumber”). Since watching Allana’s video, I’ve gone through 2 bottles of the coconut scented one, “In Love with Coco”.
If you’re asking yourself why you need to try these, hear me out. These ultra light primer waters hydrate, smooth + brighten skin for a dewy, healthy look. It also helps to create a smooth, flawless canvas for the rest of your makeup application. Once your makeup is done, give yourself another little spritz of these deliciously scented waters + you’re all set!
Will I Repurchase It: Absolutely I will! I think I’ll even try the “Rosé Addiction” next!
Buy It: Wet n’ Wild
7) Pur 4-in-1 Tinted Moisturizer in the shade “Medium”
Foundation and I have never been friends. My skin is pretty sensitive and a couple hours with that stuff caked on my face will cause a riot on my poor visage. For years I’ve searched for the perfect tinted moisturizer that’s going to even out my complexion and give my skin a natural, healthy looking glow. When my Physicians Formula “Argan Wear Ultra-Nourishing BB Cream” was discontinued, I was pretty devastated. Thankfully, I didn’t have to leave the Shoppers Drug Mart cosmetics aisle because I found this gem! It’s your moisturizer, primer, foundation + SPF 20 all-in-one. It retails for $35 CAD and is available in 16 universal shades, It’s super lightweight and has not broken me out in the year and a half I’ve been using it!
I will say, I’ve only ever purchased the shade “Medium” which up until now I thought was a perfect match. Now that I’ve been living like a vampire who’s afraid of the sun, I could probably go down to “Light”.
Will I Repurchase It: Yes!
Buy It: Pur Cosmetics
8) RIMMEL London Insta Duo Contour Stick in the shade “Light”
There is one thing you need to know about me. Your girl does not and CANNOT contour to save her life. No matter how many YouTube tutorials I watch, I just can’t figure it out. So when I first locked eyes with this RIMMEL London contour stick…I mean it kind of felt like fate! It takes all of the guess work out of the contouring process! Just swipe the darker shade under the cheek bones, blend and voila!, you’ve got a thinner looking face! haha
After finally getting to the bottom of this super creamy duo stick, it seems as though Shoppers just stopped selling it?! Just my luck. Once we’re allowed back into society, I’m going to make an effort to locate it because I did enjoy it!
Will I Repurchase It: So yes I will repurchase it..I feel like I owe it to my face!
Buy It: RIMMEL London
9) Essence Superfine Eyeliner Pen
Besides always having some kind of lip on (be it a gloss, or lipstick), I always have on my signature winged liner. No matter where I’m going, you’ll see me with a little cat eye action. For all of my winged liner gals, tell me your love of liner began with the Kat Von D tattoo liner. It was THE perfect liquid liner. It also cost $27.50 CAD…so there was that. I’m not sure what kinda drug I must have been on in order to justify spending almost $30 for an eye liner that would only last a couple months.
Thankfully, I found the most incredible dupe by Essence Cosmetics! Now, if you’ve been with me since the beginning of Lipstick & Bubbly, then it’ll come as no surprise that I love all things Essence Cosmetics. They have THE most incredible products and their prices are unlike any other brand! Seriously, you could buy a full face of makeup for under $50! Not to mention they’re vegan, paraben free AND cruelty free, woohoo!
Anyways, the Superfine Eyeliner pen is only $2.99 CAD, it’s super long lasting and won’t budge! It’s ultra slim felt tip applicator is perfect for precise application whether you’re creating subtle lines or dramatic ones!
Will I Repurchase It: Heck ya!
Buy It: ESSENCE
10) SUNDAY RILEY Good Genes All-In One Lactic Acid Treatment
This is probably the most expensive little skincare product I’ve ever purchased. Priced at $112 CAD (plus tax) this 30mL bottle (and by all accounts, it’s a little bottle for that price) is supposed to be the perfect solution for:
– Dullness and uneven texture
– Dark spots
– Fine lines and wrinkles
Sephora has this to say about the product:
Good Genes All-In-One Lactic Acid Treatment is formulated with high potency, purified grade lactic acid that immediately exfoliates dull, pore-clogging dead skin cells, revealing smoother, fresher, younger-looking skin. Fine lines appear visually plumped while the skin looks more radiant. With continued use, the appearance of stubborn hyperpigmentation and the visible signs of aging are reduced for a healthier-looking complexion. Perfect for all skin types and all ages, this treatment is enhanced with licorice for brightening, Good Genes clarifies, smooths, and retexturizes for instant radiance.
– 100% of women said their skin looked and felt significantly smoother and more radiant, with visibly reduced lines and wrinkles after application
– 100% of women said this was the most effective skin-plumping product they have ever used and would definitely recommend this product to a friend
Now, I’ve been using this lactic acid treatment for about a year now + I can’t say I’ve noticed a visible change. If I’m looking any younger or am free of fine lines + wrinkles, there’s only one thing we’re thanking for that…and that’s Botox! That’s not to say that other people aren’t having any results with this pricey little treatment. I will say that if you’re going to give it a try, your skin will be much more sensitive to the sun the following day so make sure to lather up on your sunscreen!
I’m not sure I’m a believer in the need for a lactic acid treatment at this point. That being said, The Ordinary has a similar treatment that costs $12.99 CAD. So if I feel the need to hop on the lactic acid train, I’ll likely try The Ordinary’s product instead.
Will I Repurchase It: No I don’t think so.
Buy It: Sephora
11) LEUCHTTURM1917 Dotted Notebook
Annnnd this final “empty” might be the one I’m most excited about! Your girl loves a notebook, well anything stationary for that matter. Notebooks, day planners, pens, oh my! Any trip to Indigo is always a dangerous one once you get me through that section of the store. I don’t know why I love them so much, but like how many day planners is too many?!
I LOVE to write things down! There’s something kind of therapeutic about taking a pen to paper. Whether I’m writing down blog ideas, nagging thoughts that I need to get outta my head or a good old “to do” list, I don’t go anywhere without a notebook! Not to mention, you never know when inspiration is going to strike! I’m aware I can just as easily open up “notes” on my phone, but it’s just not the same.
Anyways, these LEUCHTTURM1917 notebooks are very similar to the Moleskine ones, however they’re a touch cheaper and come in many more fun colors! So, if you’re in the market for a notebook, I would definitely check these ones out first! This pink one that I just finished was a bullet journal, but they also have standard lined books as well as blank ones.
Will I Repurchase It: DUH! You can never have too many notebooks (well you can but whatever haha)
Buy It: Indigo
P.S. What do you do with your old/used notebooks? Am I wrong to want to keep them or is that the classic hoarders answer? Let me know, I’m curious!
And there you have it friends, another batch of empties!
Thanks so much for stopping by & I’ll see you all tomorrow for the final Chapter of the COVID Chronicles!
Stay safe friends,
xo