This Emptyland post covers September, October, November, December! I know I’ve been getting lazy with my Emptyland posts as time has gone on. I’m still debating whether or not to continue with this series. I think I will, but I’ll keep it simplified like I have since the Moving Edition post for Emptyland.

How was the end of your 2018 year? I didn’t use as many products as I thought I would, but I’m sure I’ll use up more products in 2019! I also realized that I didn’t use up any makeup products during September through December… Maybe I need to take a second look and purge some items that have been open for too long (yes, I’m a makeup hoarder).

Skincare

Here, you see some familiar Empties like the Cosrx Acne Pimple Master Patch and the Neutrogena Make-up Remover Cleansing Towelettes. Did you know the first appearance of the Acne Pimple Master Patch in Emptyland was my first time trying it? And it showed up in my first ever Emptyland post! As for a new product I tried at the end of 2018: it was my first time trying the Speedy Perfect Whip face wash, but I wasn’t a big fan. I didn’t feel like the Perfect Whip face wash cleansed my face as deeply as I would like a foaming wash to do. I loved the Perfect Watery Oil as a first step cleanser though!

I barely used any sheet masks during the last quarter, even though I should have since the winter air is cold and dry. I think I was feeling really stressed and short on time, and didn’t feel like putting a mask on my face for ten minutes. This year, I’ll definitely try to find more me-time so I can use more sheet masks! During the last few months, I used sleeping masks more since they were really easy to use and didn’t take much time. No sleeping mask jars are empty right now, but I’m sure one or two will make it to the next Emptyland post.

I’ve used the Blistex Silk & Shine before, and the Blistex Five Star Lip Protection is one that keeps coming back. It was my first time trying the Blistex Triple Essentials lip balm, and it was decent, but not as moisturizing as the Five Star one in my opinion. Check out the Five Star’s first appearance in Emptyland here!

Haircare

I don’t think I’ve ever had this many hair products in one Emptyland post before. I used up my first Fekkai shampoo and conditioner set, a chia seed dry shampoo from Hask, Olaplex No. 3, my first SheaMoisture product (pure argan oil), 2 sample sized Overtone deep treatments, and 1 full size Overtone deep treatment. The Rose Gold for Brown Hair treatment was a hot pink, and kept my pink hair vibrant over the weeks that I used it. I started using the Overtone products during late summer/early fall, so I think these products are good value for how long they lasted me as well as the color payoff. I have no idea how well the Rose Gold one works on brown hair, since I used it on hair that was bleached and dyed pink, but I’d love to try Rose Gold hair some time!

For another pink hair color care product, check out my thoughts on an Aprilskin product in my Emptyland: Summer Edition post!

Bodycare

For Bodycare, I used up two hand creams and one body wash. I’ve had that L’Occitane rose hand cream since I studied abroad in Geneva, Switzerland in 2015. I’ve been using it very slowly to make it last because I’m in love with the scent and it’s the best moisturizing hand cream I’ve ever tried. The Crabtree & Evelyn hand cream is nice but isn’t as rich. As for the Dove body wash, it feels moisturizing and is easy to use. A pouf or sponge is recommended, but I’ve used it with just my hands to lather it, and it works just fine.

Sample / Travel Size

From these samples, I don’t think I’ll be purchasing any full-size ones. Except maybe I’ll get another full size hand cream from L’Occitane… I love their hand creams! They’re expensive, but I find them to be the most moisturizing. And a little goes a long way (this tiny sample size lasted me almost a whole year in my purse).

I disliked the Extra Repair Moisturizing Balm from Bobbi Brown because it felt sticky and didn’t absorb well. It didn’t feel very moisturizing either… The Caudalie Vinosource Moisturizing Sorbet was light and absorbed quickly, but also didn’t provide much moisture for my dry winter skin. I had to layer on another cream after application to fight the dryness.

I like the Fresh Seaberry Moisturizing Face Oil but can’t justify buying a full size since I didn’t see any positive changes when using it. It just smelled nice and felt nice (which is nice if I get another free sample, but I wouldn’t go out of my way to purchase it).

I loved the Korres Wild Rose Advanced Brightening Sleeping Facial, but there are so many sleeping masks and similar products I want to try so I’m not sure if I’ll get around to ever buying a full size of this one. It smells lovely though, and was an easy cream to apply during the last step of night-time skincare! I am a sucker for anything rose…

Did you have any favorites that you tried at the end of 2018? Any new products you’re trying in 2019?

Unrelated to Emptyland, but I’ll be attending Katsucon 2019 Friday through Sunday (will be arriving tomorrow afternoon or evening, and leaving on Sunday afternoon). To check out what I’m doing during the con, follow my Instagram PearlPeony.  I’ll try to post on Twitter (TreizeMacarons) and my Cosplay Facebook too. Hope everyone has a great rest of their week!