Beauty empties #10 feat. Odacite, Smashbox, and Sulwhasoo
Written By Jenny Wu on
My skincare empties posts have become a quarterly feature now, not on purpose, but rather I just seem to use up a whole bin’s worth of products every 3 months.
Surprisingly this quarter’s empties actually contains some makeup, which happen about as often as solar eclipses, though we did have one just this last month, so there you go. Anyways, time to judge these empties for what they are: amazing, a-ok, or just plain awful.
Amazing products worth repurchasing
…If I haven’t repurchased them already. You’ve probably seen some of these in my past empties post, that’s how repurchase-worthy they are.
- Odacite Aloe + Imortelle Hydra-Repair Treatment Mist – Just a lovely mist that was great for soothing the skin. My only issue was that I finished the bottle so quickly, but I enjoyed using thid so much that I’m willing to overlook it. Full review here.
- Klairs Midnight Blue Youth Activating Drops* – I know, I literally just reviewed it and I’ve finished it already (to be fair I’ve been using it for weeks prior to the review). I love how lightweight this was and how effortless it was to incorporate this into my routine. Already repurchased!
- Smashbox Always Sharp Waterproof Kôhl Liner – As much as I love my Marc Jacobs Highliner Gel Eye Crayon, I prefer the super fine line this eyeliner gives. It’s super easy to apply (hello auto-sharpening feature!) and wears fairly well with the Smashbox 24 Hour Photo Finish Shadow Primer so I can’t complain. I pick this up during every Sephora sale and am on my 3rd one already.
- Naruko Miracle Renewal Essence – One of my favorite affordable first essences. It’s not quite as potent as the SK-II Facial Treatment Essence, but it smells nicer and is gentler on the skin. I may switch back to this after the SK-II just to give my wallet a break. Full review here.
- Curology (Azelaic Acid 4% + Tretinoin 0.05% + Niacinamide 4%) – At this point I’m starting to sound like a broken record when it comes to Curology: So amazing, always repurchase. Full reviews here and here.
- Skin Actives Cranberry Moisture Serum* – Just a lovely hydrating serum that smelled pleasantly of cranberries. It’s one of my favorite Skin Actives products and a must-have when I traveled, not to mention super affordable. I do wish the packaging was prettier though (what can I say, I like my pretty bottles).
- La Roche-Posay Anthelios XL SPF50+ Fluid Ultra-Light – My favorite outdoors sunscreen, hands down. It’s not heavy, layers well under makeup, got amazing UVA protection, and has passed the spritz test. Damn the FDA for not approving its active ingredients, so I have to buy this from overseas.
- Naruko AMPM RX 10 Peptide Total Defense Sunscreen SPF50* – My favorite indoors/everyday sunscreen so far. It’s very light and dries down to a natural, non-shiny finish. The peptides are a nice touch, but I do wish that this had higher UVA protection (it’s PA+++). Will repurchase once I finish my current sunscreen stash. Full review here.
A-ok products that almost made it
Products in this category are neither amazing nor awful, but rather they’re scattered all across the spectrum between the two extremes. So in the order of almost amazing to almost awful, we have:
- Bioderma Hydrabio H2O* – This one is specifically for dehydrated skin and contains a few moisturizing ingredients, which were great for my skin during the winter but no so much when it warmed up. I prefer the Sensibio (pink version), but would recommend this version to those with dry skin. Full review here.
- Kanebo Suisai Beauty Clear Powder – I actually really enjoyed this low-pH powdered face wash. It cleansed well, didn’t strip my skin, and the individual packaging made it perfect for traveling. It’s also ridiculously overpriced here in the US, hence why it’s not in the amazing category.
- Skin Actives Firming Collagen Serum* – The less stinky version of their Collagen Serum, and surprisingly, I actually liked the smelly version more. Still a great product with excellent ingredients though, albeit a bit sticky.
- Skin Actives Pore Refreshing Mask* – A fun peel-off mask that clarifies and refreshes the skin. In the end I still prefer the Sulwhasoo Clarifying Mask as this one has a runnier texture and can gets quite messy. It was almost amazing. Almost.
- Origins Original Skin Retexturizing Mask with Rose Clay – So I totally bought this because it was pink, but it turned out to be a pretty nice clay mask that doubles as an exfoliant when you wash it off. I do think there are better clay masks though, including their Clear Improvement Active Charcoal Mask, so I won’t be repurchasing this.
- Kiss Me Heroine Make Smooth Liquid Eye Liner – An affordable eyeliner that’s easy to use and works well, but it was still prone to fading after a few hours. A lot of people seem to like this though.
- Biotherm Life Plankton Essence – This was a lovely product scent-wise, texture-wise, and even ingredient-wise. It just didn’t do much for my skin considering the high price. I do think dry skin folks would enjoy this though. Full review here.
- Sulwhasoo Perfecting Cushion Foundation Compact – Honestly I don’t know how to feel about this cushion. Some days it’d look amazing on my skin, and other times it’d look dry and cakey. No rhyme or reason, though I do suspect it’s correlated to the condition of my skin that day. Either way, it’s too expensive and unpredictable for my liking.
- Yadah Anti Trouble Bubble Cleanser* – A nice low-pH self-foaming cleanser with some promising ingredients. I was still getting the occasional closed comedones though, and the foam was flaccid. Plus this was kind of boring to use. Full review here.
- Odacite Ac + R Acai-Rose Youthful Glow Facial Serum – I had really high hopes for this, but goodness was this disappointing. It wasn’t bad by any means, and it smelled really nice, but it just didn’t do anything for my skin. Plus this was expensive af, so I’m just like why?? The Bl + J Blueberry-Jasmine Cell Energy Serum blows this one out of the water and it’s cheaper.
Awful products that’s got me like “why???”
I thought I’d have more fun ridiculing these products but I didn’t! Am I starting to lose my edge??
- Soap & Glory Heel Genius – This is actually a decent foot cream except for the scent. I hate it. Not that it smells bad, but rather it smells confused. Like it’s trying to smell fresh and then a bit minty but not quite? It’s even more upsetting because Soap & Glory’s body creams smell incredible, and then you have this.
- NuFace Gel Primer – I love my NuFace, but this stupid gel is overpriced, considering it offers no skincare benefits whatsoever. It’s just a run-of-the-mill conductivity gel! You can get the same effect using an aloe vera gel or the Spectra 360 Electrode Gel, both which are a fraction of the price of the NuFace one.
- IOPE Air Cushion Moisture Lasting W23 – This cushion oxidized like crazy. Literally by the end of the day my face would be a shade darker than my neck. That and the cushion itself wasn’t anything special, so thanks but no thanks.
- Skin Actives Anti-Aging Cream* – This has amazing ingredients, but that’s where the good news ends. It smells horrible and has this weird goopy texture that just sits on top of the skin. It literally frustrated me every time I used it, to the point where I just stopped because ain’t nobody got time for frustrating products.
- Skin Actives Antioxidant Day Cream* – Again, amazing ingredients, and this one actually smelled pleasant…like fruit yogurt! Sadly it pilled like crazy. No matter what serum I used with this, it pilled. Literally the only way for this to not pill was for it to be the only product I use.
- Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid – I never actually finished this because it was just awful. It had this weird oily texture and I didn’t notice any improvements in my skin. The CosRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid, despite its ridiculous name, is 100x better.
- Papa Recipe White Flower Clear Up 8% AHA Gel – It’s very gentle, I’ll give it that, but honestly this did nothing for my skin other then make it sticky. There are a million other AHA options out there, and they’re all better than this one.
- Missha Super Aqua Double Enzyme Oxygen Mask – It’s so bad that even Missha discontinued it! Seriously, I used the whole jar and was still clueless about its purpose. It didn’t clean or brighten or moisturize or even do the bare minimum of bubbling. What a waste of my time (and money).
Have you guys tried any of these products before? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comment below, or if you have any other products you recommend from these brands!
* indicate PR samples, but all opinions are 100% honest and my own. This post contains affiliate links, and each purchase helps cover the cost of running this blog at no extra cost to you! Full disclosure policy
Jenny Wu
Passionate about science-based skincare. Tested hundreds if not thousands of products since my 20's. Working regularly with brands like iHerb, Ulta, CurrentBody, and MedStar Health to share my knowledge and experience in all things beauty. Learn more.
Skin profile: 35+, dry/combination, focused on well-aging, hydration, and a healthy glow ✨
Comments & Questions
Pia
I've never used Smashbox eyeliner but it sounds like I'll definitely need to give it a try! I swear by any La Roche product too <3
???? Pia
http://gymbagsandjetlags.com
Jenny Wu
Love LRP products too, their mist and effaclar duo are must haves for me as well!
Violette
I love discovering favorite beauty products from other bloggers, even if I knew some of them, and that's good to know the ones we should avoid! Thank you for sharing!
http://violettedaily.com
Jenny Wu
I love reading empties posts for the very same reason! Thanks for reading <3
Shireen L. Platt
Damn Jenny! That is a great list of empties! Like you I will be repurchasing the Naruko Essence even though it's pricey AF here in Canada and it almost never go on sale. And thank you for reminding me about the Klairs Midnight Blue Youth Activating Drops! That's the other Klairs product that I want to try!
Jenny Wu
Haha, thanks Shireen! Have you thought about placing a large haul from the Naruko US store? I think they do free shipping to Canada for orders $150+ though I'm not sure if you'll get hit with a customs fee. Would love to hear your thoughts on the Klairs drops if you do try it!
Shivangi
You always click such beautiful pictures, Jenny! Loved reading this post about all the products!! Thanks for sharing! <3 Would love to try the Cranberry Serum!
xx
Shivangi
Jenny Wu
Thank you so much Shivangi! I definitely recommend checking out Skin Active's serums, they make some amazing ones with great ingredients!
becky
I'm trying to collect my empties for a video or post, but man I just want to throw them away haha! It's so strange to be collecting my trash, lol. I don't struggle with my skin, but I've always wondered how well curology works since I always see those ads on instagram for them, I'm glad it works for you!
Have you tried the garnier micellar water? I found that it works very similarly to bioderma except less expensive + the regular one doesn't dry out my face as much as I found bioderma to.
I have the same feeling for heel genius! It works wonder on my gross and dry feet, but it doesn't smell like soap & glory. To me it smells exactly like how I'd imagine a foot cream to smell, though the scent doesn't bother me to the point where I won't repurchase it.
I like the paulas choice bha - so weird! I actually really loved the weird film it had on, maybe that's because i have dry skin and enjoy the feeling of something thick on top of my skin? I didn't notice a life changing difference using it either, but i did notice my skin feeling a little smoother.
becky @ star violet
Jenny Wu
Haha, I know how you feel. It is satisfying seeing how much products you do use up and it makes me feel a little less guilty when I purchase new products :P I actually signed up for Curology to add prescription retinol to my routine, so not for breakouts but more for anti-aging. It has helped keep my skin clear though!
I haven't tried Garnier's Micellar Water but I have heard a lot of people compare it to the Bioderma and found it similar or even better. I might give micellar waters a break after finishing my Sensibio, as I do love the luxurious texture of a cleansing oil/balm, but I'll check out the Garnier one the next time around :D
Glad that you've had good results with the Paula's Choice BHA! I can definitely see those with dry skin actually appreciating the film, something that most BHAs don't really cater to so that's nice. To be honest I don't notice a life-changing difference with my BHA (the CosRX one), but smoother skin and less noticeable pores - definitely!
LindaLibraLoca
My empties posts have become a quarterly feature as well, which seems to be the right amount of time to actually finish some stuff.
I have not tried anything from your list, but the Klairs Youth Activating Drops are on my list, as are a few other bits and bobs that peaked my interest.
Linda, Libra, Loca: Beauty, Baby and Backpacking
Jenny Wu
That's a good point, though I definitely have some products in here that I've struggled to finish for almost a year (ie. my awful products). Would love to hear your thoughts if you ever try the Klairs Youth Activating Drops!
Linda Libra Loca
If it is a face product that I don´t really enjoy on my face, I Switch to using it on my neck and boobs exclusively. That way my face gets a new cream and I still finish the product.
Jenny Wu
I use them on my neck as well, but good idea about the boobs!
Mili
I bought that papa recipe aha gel for like $5 from memebox and I've put off trying it. Now I don't even know if I want to try it now lol. I really don't need anymore mists buuuuut I think I need the odacite one lol
Mili | sharmtoaster
Jenny Wu
You can use it for your feet? Or your elbows/knees? Some people seem to like it so you might have better luck with it than me though! If you're always misting your face adding another one to the collection never hurts :P
Lifestyle-Tale by Esther
Awesome post. Thank you for the inspiration.
Have a great week.
Love, Esther
https://lifestyle-tale.com/en/trench-coat-dress/
Jenny Wu
Thank you Esther!
Sam
What a great and diverse list of products! I've tried the Bioderma Hydrobio cleanser, but still preferred the sensibio even as someone with very dry skin, I guess because it's a lot more gentle. I do want to try the Smashbox Kohl liner, since i'm on the hunt for a great smudgeproof liner x
Sam Hodgett || Beauty, Food & Lifestyle
Jenny Wu
Thank you Sam! I do appreciate how simple the Sensibio ingredient list is and it leaves my skin fresh and balanced. For a really smudgeproof liner, I think the Marc Jacobs Highliner is fantastic, it's just tough to draw precise lines because the tip gets really soft (there's a sharpener built in the lid though)
Lavanya
I go through the La Roche-Posay Anthelios XL almost every two months. I grew up in a Tropical country and didn't wear sunscreen at all. And I'm slowly starting to see its effects now, so I apply sunscreen quite religiously. Also, Bioderma Hydrabio H2O is such a classic. Every time I run out of, I think of replacing it with a drugstore one but they don't remove the makeup as well as Bioderma does.
Jenny Wu
I was the same way with sunscreen in the past, so now I apply it religiously even when I'm indoors! I do wish the Anthelios XL was available in the US as the formula is just fantastic. Some people say the Garnier micellar water is comparable to Bioderma, have you tried it before?
Hannah
You have used up so many great looking products! I haven't tried Smashbox before, but that liner sounds so good!xx
Hannah | luxuryblush
Jenny Wu
Thank you Hannah! Definitely check out the Smashbox liner if you prefer pencil liners but don't like sharpening them manually!
Wildfire Charm
Oh I love that Antihelios! My fave sunscreen too <3 The Naruko Essence sounds nice as well, I've to try it out x
www.wildfirecharm.com
Jenny Wu
I just wish we had that same Anthelios formula in the US, but some of the ingredients are not FDA approved :(
Rowena @ rolala loves
You just reminded me that I need to do a new empties post. I've been trying to make it a quarterly thing as well and I have a bin of used up products that I need to photograph and toss. I'm with you on the Sensibio being the best out of the Bioderma H2O products but I'm actually looking forward to using my Hydrabio when the weather cools down and my skin will be craving moisture. The Missha Super Aqua Double Enzyme Oxygen Mask was such a dud for me as well. I almost didn't even finish it.
Jenny Wu
I ended up using the oxygen mask on my knees and elbows while in the shower as a way to quickly empty the bottle, haha. It was the first "bubbling" mask I tried and I think the experience ruined all bubbling masks for me. Looking forward to reading your empties post!
Samantha
wow, it's so hard for me to put up empties because I get such satisfaction from throwing things away! I love reading other people's though, especially when it's done like this, in the categories - so helpful! I was actually debating about the Origins retexturizing rose clay mask, but now I'm not so sure. I wish the small sample Sephora had was bigger, like the one they offer for the charcoal mask!
Jenny Wu
Haha, I feel the same way when I toss out all my empties at the end of the review! You can try asking the store associates for samples and they might give you a bigger amount, but if you like the charcoal mask my opinion would be to stick with that one!
Sabiha
It takes me ages to do an empties post but I have one to do soon! Great post and insight into what you love x
www.franklyflawless.com
Jenny Wu
Thank you Sabiha! Would love to see what products you've finished recently too!
Face to Curls
This is awesome Jenny! I love that Naruko Miracle Renewal Essence too and love how gentle it is on my skin. I have the SK-II Facial Treatment Essence on my wishlist though. I love these types of post and seeing what other bloggers love or dislikes. xx
Ann-Marie | http://facetocurls.com/
Jenny Wu
Thank you Ann-Marie! As amazing as the SK-II essence is it can sting sometimes when my skin is sensitive. I've heard people compare it to a very gentle exfoliant and it certainly does feel that way on the skin!
Camilla
I love these posts because you really see what stood out to you in the last few months. We seem to have similar taste in products, so I guess I need to purchase that Klairs serum!
Camilla || Gracefulface.com
Jenny Wu
Yay, so glad you enjoy these empties post! The Klairs serum is just wonderful for layering and feels like water on my combination skin!
An Dang, TheBeauParlour
Whoaa so many empties! I don't have the patience to collect them all for reviewing them like this. Maybe I should do it because this is really interesting to see if there is something you really dislike after using the whole product. I was shocked to hear you didn't like the Paula's Choice because a lot of people hyped about this product. Currently I'm trying the Pore Refening 2% BHA of PC and so far it works .. but not better than my Holy Grail Alpha-H Liquid Gold. Thanks for this detailed and big empty post my dear.
Loves, An | https://thebeauparlour.com/
Jenny Wu
Since I don't do favorites posts on the blog, I figured empties would be a good way to share the products I've enjoyed and disliked, especially since my opinion does change sometimes about a product once I've been using it for a long time :) I know a lot of people like the PC BHA, but for me it was just a dud :( I do want to try some of her other products though, especially her boosters! The Alpha-H Liquid Gold is also on my wishlist!
Alyssa
Sooo many products! How long you've used these products? :D I do love Klairs Midnight Blue and That La Roche-Posay :)
xx Alyssa // STYLE VANITY
Jenny Wu
Haha, it depends. For the products I really enjoyed using, they probably last a few months. But for the products I really didn't like, those could take up to half a year or maybe even a year (like the Paula's Choice BHA and Missha masks)! The LRP sunscreen actually lasted me close to a year since I only wear it on days when I'll be outside a lot.
Amanda
Wow you have really clear and beautiful pictures! Also great descriptions of the products! I love anything from Soap and Glory.
https://styledwithamanda.blogspot.com
Jenny Wu
Thank you so much Amanda! I love Soap & Glory's body butter, they smell incredible!
Ingrid @ Fabulous and Fun Life
I love that La Roche Posay sunscreen too! I'm on my third bottle of it already!
Ingrid
http://www.fabulousandfunlife.blogspot.com.au
Jenny Wu
I just wish they had the same formula in the US! :(
Sofia
That Origins clay mask sounds lovely!
xx Sofia | SOFIAADOT
Jenny Wu
It's great if you want a scrub + mask in one!
Billie
I love empties posts! That Smashbox eyeliner sounds great x
Billie | www.othersummers.com
Jenny Wu
It's definitely one of the all-around best eyeliner in terms of ease-of-use, lasting power, and color payoff. I don't think I can ever be without it!
Hannnah
the Odacite Mist sounds amazing and refreshing for the skin. That Smashbox liner sounds pretty neat too, and how cool is it that it comes with an automatic sharpening feature! I have a hard time emptying my beauty products but I am making an effort to force myself not to buy as much :)
Hannah
Floraful
Jenny Wu
I get so lazy when it comes to sharpening my liners so the feature in the Smashbox is a total time saver for me! I feel the same way about emptying products as well, especially makeup, which is why I've pretty much stopped buying them, haha
Nailderella
Naruko is a brand that I haven't tried yet but that I want to discover. It seems like they have so many awesome products! I also like how you divided this post into awesome, meh etc! and the kitty pic!!
Jenny Wu
Naruko really does have an impressive range of products, though sometimes it can be overwhelming trying to decide which ones to get. I'm a big fan of their Rose HA line and their La Creme line :) Glad you like the kitty pic, hehe <3
Lauren
Heel Genius is fab, I use it quite often. Other than that I haven't tried any of these products!
Lauren x Huggled
Jenny Wu
I think it'd definitely be a winner for me if the scent was different!
beautiliciousd
Your reviews are just so detailed and amazing ^^
www.beautiliciousd.blogspot.com
Jenny Wu
Thank you so much lovely!
Lindsey Elyse
The Klairs serum sounds really good! I've been needing to step up my skincare game. Gotta try and stop those fine lines, wrinkles and aging spots before they start. Definitely going to be heading over to read your reviews!
www.sustainablysavvy.ca
Jenny Wu
I feel the same way, it's definitely easier to prevent signs of aging rather than to treat them afterwards! So even though I'm not seeing super obvious results now, I know it'll pay off in the long run :)
Kay
Your blog is so beautiful! Also, loving all the recommendations, I've been on a lookout for a new eyeliner and that Smashbox one sounds so amazing! :) <3 Really like how many products you've included, and your photos are gorgeous! I actually quite liked that foot cream, the scent is definitely interesting but it kinda grew on me after a while. :) Thanks for sharing, lovely. xoxo
Kay
http://shoesandglitter.com
Jenny Wu
Aww thank you so much for the kind comment Kay! Scent is such a subjective thing, so I can definitely see people liking the foot cream! I just gravitate towards dessert-like scents more, though I know some people find that off-putting, so there you go :P
Giulia
I loooove these type of posts, as I really love to finish make-up and skincare products, they give me a certain level of satisfaction because it means I did not waste my money:)
Jenny Wu
Thank you so much Giulia! I love finishing products for the same reason, though finishing makeup is always more of a struggle :P
A Very Sweet Blog
I've been using Marc Jacobs eyeliner. I definitely want to try the Smashbox one after your review.
http://www.averysweetblog.com/
Jenny Wu
Both will probably stay in my rotation moving forward as they're great in their own ways :)
Naya
I really love how you split these into categories; kind of felt sorry for the fellas in that basket (last category) :-D Anyhow, I am so ready to explore some Naruko and I actually used to enjoy that Origins Pink Clay mask, but if the other one is better - I will have to give it a whirl! Thanks for sharing xx
Naya // www.partyparrotblog.com
Jenny Wu
Haha, yeah, the last category is definitely the sad category, and I'm honestly surprised that I even managed to finish some of them (as they're really quite awful)! The Naruko La Creme line is divine and definitely my favorite out of all their ranges!
Lorna
I've literally never tried any of these! Thanks for the recommendations!
Raindrops of Sapphire
Jenny Wu
Thanks so much for reading Lorna!
Cat L.
Well done, Jenny! It's always so satisfying to finish products! I haven't tried too much from your list except for the La Roche Posay sunscreen which is Holy Grail for me and the Soap&Glory foot cream which was okay but the scent was indeed a bit much. I really want to try the Odacite mist and the Klairs drops.
~ Cat L.
www.CatsDailyLiving.com
Jenny Wu
Thank you Cat! LRP really is incredible when it comes to sunscreen, it's a must have product in my summer skincare stash! Odacite also has a rose mist that I'm really curious about, but it's sold out right now :(
Chanel
Definitely interested in the SB eyeliner. I love MJ Highliner but its a bit over priced in my opinion and has dried out on me before?!? With the cap on! I need to smell that Soap & Glory cream, I love the smell of their body lotions! I've also tried that Origins mask and it does a fine job, but I do like their Clear Improvements mask!
x,
S | Je M'appelle Chanel
Jenny Wu
Oh no, sorry that happened to your MJ highliner! I guess I haven't had mine for long enough yet, but now I'm definitely a little worried! The Soap & Glory foot cream doesn't smell like their body lotions, and while I know a lot of people like its unique scent, I'm not a fan ^^;;