December 2018 Empties+Low Buy Rules

Happy new year everyone! My empties in December is sparse, but I’ll be going on a low-buy 2019, so expect to see more! This quarter specifically (Jan-Mar) I will be following the following rules:

1. Zero makeup purchases unless my mascaras are expired

2. Beauty Gift cards can only be used on skincare.

3. From now till the end of the quarter, I can only buy skincare if I don't have a backup.

4. Applying to try products (this applies mainly for Kbeauty) for review is OK, as long as I genuinely want to try it.

5. Buying gifts for friends/family is OK.

   The goal of this is to have a healthier relationship with deals, to exercise more self control, and to reduce waste. And I want to still consistently post/look at deals and new launches without writhing in agony from FOMO on a good deal. After this quarter, I'll re-evaluate and adjust these if needed. Looking at these rules, I think it's reasonable and doable for me, and I'm actually excited to stay accountable to this. So I still expect to be using up products all the way.

1. Briogeo Rosarco Blow Dry Heat Protectant Creme ($24)

   I have no idea how, but this lasted me a little over a year. I can’t say I used it religiously, but I will say that in between testing out another product, I used this the most and it was the one I could rely on not to weigh down my hair. Briogeo is a clean brand, and this just makes my hair feel so soft and protected when I blow dry my hair! My review here.

2. KOPARI Coconut Cleansing Oil ($32)

   Not gonna lie, this is a pricey cleansing oil especially compared to a lot of Kbeauty brands but this one is my favorite of all time. This emulsifies so well it’ll take off all the makeup and grime, but leave it not feeling greasy still! Even when I use my banila co, I still feel the residue, which is NBD because I usually do a second cleanse, but still. I don’t prefer that feeling. My review here.

3. LGH Grow Propolis Ampoule ($20-38)

   This cute little guy I finished quite fast since it’s only a 15mL bottle. I wish it were bigger because I used this on the daily and a little went a long way. I have many skincare products that are hydrating, but this ampoule with 50% pure propolis is a pure boost of hydration and a huge drink of water for the skin. Currently this is on sale for $12 on Yesstyle so go grab one. Now.

4. Sunday Riley Tidal Brightening Enzyme Cream (Deluxe mini) ($22)

   Even though this is only a 0.5oz product, I took awhile to finish this because I simply kept forgetting about it! After awhile, I figured I would just finish it just to finish it. It’s not bad at all, but also not special in any way to me. Yes, it was hydrating and gel-cream-like, but I didn’t necessarily see any outstanding brightening or extra skincare benefits that made this teeny thing worth $22. shrug. Meh.