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Vicki Duong

August 17, 2018

EMPTIES; Deluxe Sample Sizes

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This reoccurring category features products I received for free as gift with purchase, deluxe samples or when you trade in all your Sephora points to feel like Oliver Twist asking, “please sir, can I have some more?” Did I like any of these items enough to purchase the full size?

Items featured in this post are Clinique Foaming Sonic Facial Soap, GLAMGLOW Waterburst Hydrated Glow Moisturizer, Lancôme Bi-Facil Double-Action Eye Makeup Remover, Shu Uemura Cleansing Beauty Oil Premium A/I and Too Faced Chocolate Soleil Matte Bronzer.

Fuck, for such tiny things they have long-ass names.

Clinique Foaming Sonic Facial Soap

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So this Clinique cleanser was specially formulated to work with sonic skincare brushes, like the Clinique Sonic Cleansing Brush or a Clarisonic. I am not entirely sure what makes this cleanser better suited for a skincare brush than any other, but I used this with and without a brush and I loved it. The formula was mousse-like out of the tube and turned into a rich lather – a small amount went a long way. It removed any traces of makeup without stripping my skin.

Would I actually purchase? For sure! I have three more sample sized tubes to get through since Clinique seems to always have gift with purchases but I’ve always been a fan of the Clinique brand. It’s super affordable and I find their skincare in particular super effective.


GLAMGLOW Waterburst Hydrated Glow Moisturizer

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This may be the yummiest smelling moisturizer I’ve ever used. GLAMGLOW’s Waterburst is the perfect name for the newest moisturizer from the line. With a gel like texture that quickly turns into the consistency of water upon application this soaked into my skin instantly. It’s full of hyaluronic acid, an ingredient that holds up to 1000x it’s weight in water. My skin isn’t particularly dry but I would highly recommend this to drier skin types.

Would I purchase? This is going to be a pass for me. Because I don’t have super dry skin I don’t need a moisturizer that packs this much of a punch. Plus at $62 CAD a jar I’d rather pick out something better suited for my skin.


Lancôme Bi-Facil Double Action Eye Makeup Remover

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This may be the shortest review I ever write. Lancôme‘s makeup remover is good for sensitive skin, removes every trace of makeup even waterproof and is extremely gentle on the eyes. It is my go-to eye makeup remover.

Would I purchase? I’ve gone through countless bottles of this eye makeup remover, full size and mini. Every time I try something new I always come back to Bi-Facil.


Shu Uemura Cleansing Beauty Oil Premium A/I

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I don’t know much about the Shu Uemura brand other than the fact that they did that collaboration with Murakami a few years ago  and I got sucked into cute packaging. Prior to receiving mini cleansing oil I never did much research into cleansing oils. I always assumed that cleansing oils would add too much oil into my skin leaving it slick however this was a great makeup melter at the end of the day. 

Would I purchase?​ No, I wouldn’t. It’s expensive ($46 CAD) and a bit high maintenance in application. Even with trying to rinse my face afterwards I would still feel a slight layer of oil all over, despite the fact that I did not look oily.


Too Faced Chocolate Soleil Matte Bronzer

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This little guy was my first introduction to Too Faced products and holy hell did it make a great first impression. Known for their sweet scented makeup, this bronzer from Too Faced smelled like cocoa and blended out like a dream. This tiny little bronzer lasted me close to an entire year and gave me the contour of my Kardashian dreams. Since getting this mini I have tried other Too Faced products and have yet to be disappointed with any of it.

Would I purchase? Yes! It’s honestly so good and will last you forever. The full sized packaging is also adorably luxe.

Also, do you like how I used the same plant friend in this months’ empties post as I did last month? His name is Caleb and he’s clearly dying.

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Posted In: ARCHIVE, Archive Beauty · Tagged: clinique, empties, glamglow, lancome, makeup, review, shu uemura, skincare, too faced

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vickiduong

Where the wild west meets the group chat. Where the wild west meets the group chat.
Growing up, I used to feel embarrassed by the clut Growing up, I used to feel embarrassed by the clutter in our home—half-used bottles, worn-out packaging, and drawers full of “almost empties.” Now? I find it all deeply endearing.

Years ago, I dreamed of becoming so “successful” that I could replace everything old or used in her house. But I’ve come to realize, she never needed anything replaced. She doesn’t want a new life. She just lets me add to hers.

Anyone who’s heard me talk about my mom knows she’s the reason I understand gratitude and compassion the way I do. She’s the original project pan queen, the real sustainability influencer in my life and she still teaches me how to make the most of what you have, every single day.

#projectpan #beautyempties #immigrantparents
Just back from Peru and already planning my next p Just back from Peru and already planning my next photo album because some memories deserve more than just a spot on your phone.

I use @blacks to turn travel pics into keepsakes. Their print quality’s amazing, they’re Canadian, and right now you can get 33% off with GIFT4YOU (until July 12).

#CelebrateLovedOnes #ad
postcards from @peru postcards from @peru
Acne is complicated, but getting help doesn’t ha Acne is complicated, but getting help doesn’t have to be. After years of trying to manage my acne, I finally spoke to a doctor—and it changed the game. If you’re struggling, talk to a healthcare provider. #myacnejourney #ad sponsored by Sun Pharma
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But with the encouragement of Ale, Robert, and the incredible @intrepidtravel crew, I kept going. One shaky, slow, stubborn step at a time. And when I finally walked through the Sun Gate and saw Machu Picchu unfold in front of me? All of it—every tear, every stair, every mental spiral—felt completely worth it.

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One thing I think makes me good at what I do? I’ One thing I think makes me good at what I do? I’m a boots-on-the-ground kind of person. People often ask how I know about so many small local brands—and the answer is simple. I go to a lot of markets.

When I first moved to Vancouver, I started blogging about the brands I’d discover at craft fairs and pop-ups. What’s so special about markets is that when you buy from a small maker, the person you’re talking to is usually the person who made it.

That’s why public events matter. Sure, I get hundreds of press releases a week—but some of the best finds are the ones that aren’t backed by PR. They’re just passionate people putting their work out there.

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