July 2014 Empties (and a Few I'm Tossing)

Empties time!  This month, I continued to focus on using up (or throwing out) my many samples, though there are still dozens in my makeup drawer.

Things I used up:

Schmidt's - Natural Deodorant in Bergamot + Lime: I already talked about the Ylang-Ylang + Calendula version of this deodorant in my last empties post and I have pretty much the same feelings about this one: it does a very good job of controlling odor, though for me it's not quite enough on its own.  The scent is fresh and invigorating.
Verdict: I won't repurchase right away, but will eventually.

Real Purity - Deodorant: Real Purity actually carries stick deodorants now, but this one, their original formula, is a liquid roll-on.  It smells amazing!  It's floral, herbal, earthy, sweet.  By itself, it doesn't hold up against my BO, but it adds enough protection to make it perfect for layering under another deo.
Verdict: I will definitely repurchase this at some point.

Maia's Mineral Galaxy - Bath Salt & Body Scrub in Citrus Scent: This was kind of a disappointment.  I found the salt way too scratchy and the base too liquidy.  I think the salt grains are too large to exfoliate well.  It does smell lovely, but I was glad to be done with it.
Verdict: I won't be repurchasing.

Seventh Generation - Protecting Boost: This has been perfectly nice as a moisturizer.  I don't know that it does much else for my skin, but it certainly hasn't caused or exacerbated any issues.  It smells and feels nice, and it definitely hits the mark in terms of price.
Verdict: I'm actually working on a second bottle right now since there was a 2-for-1 deal when I bought it.  However, I will be exploring other facial oils/serums in search of something more effective.

S.W. Basics - Toner: For some people, apple cider vinegar is a miracle product, resolving issues of dryness, oiliness, acne, inflammation...  For me – not so much.  This was the second time I put my faith in ACV to solve all my problems to no avail.  I used up the toner so as not to waste it, but I honestly don't think it did a damn thing for me.
Verdict: I'm sure it's perfect for some, but it's not for me.

Samples of Meow Cosmetics - Purrrfect Puss Foundation in 0-Inquisitive Himalayan & Persian & sample of Meow Cosmetics - Pampered Puss Foundation in 0-Inquisitive Persian: I finally finished up my Meow foundation samples!  Like the others, these were all in shades that are slightly off but wearable.  The Purrrfect Pusses are slightly powdery-looking on my skin.
Verdict: I was perfectly happy to use up the samples, but I'll be sticking to the right shade (Mau) and right formula (Pampered) from now on, thank you very much.

Sample of Terra Firma Cosmetics - Barely There Blush: The idea behind this blush is that it works on every skin tone to give a natural, not overdone, look.  I didn't find it to be the longest-lasting, but it does give a very nice touch of color.  
Verdict: My blush collection is quite well stocked at the moment, but I would consider buying the full size.  

Things I'm tossing:

Elegant Minerals - Natural & Organic Mineral Lipsticks in Pale Roses & Red Blossom: For a detailed explanation of why I'm tossing these, check out the collection review I did.  Basically, they're rancid.  Good riddance.
Verdict: I haven't had the best experiences with Elegant Minerals' lipsticks and on top of that these contain phenoxyethanol, which I now avoid, so I won't be purchasing any more. 

Samples of Maia's Mineral Galaxy - Minerals Lipsticks in Ruby Red & Venetian Red: These samples have gone bad.  I've had them for quite a while, so it's really my fault for never bothering to use them.  I was hunting for the Perfect Red and didn't quite find it in these, although they're both nice colors.  They lean a bit more to the brick/orange side than I tend to like.
Verdict: I do own a full-size Maia's lipstick, and I'm not a huge fan, although based on the reviews on their site I might be the only one.  Won't be purchasing.

Sample of Meow Cosmetics - Flawless Feline Foundation in 0-Inquisitive Persian: This is simply not the right formula for my skin so I decided to just toss it.  The high zinc oxide content results in its looking cakey and gross on me.
Verdict: Not a "bad" product by any means – just not right for me.