I’m a total beauty junkie and want to TRY ALL THE THINGS, but I’m trying to adopt a new rule of “use what you have and buy what you need.” Here’s a rundown + mini-reviews of the latest beauty products I tossed in the bin, either because I used them to the last drop, or they reached their expiration date.

…

Zents ‘Ore’ body oil :: I keep this sheer coconut and vitamin E body oil spray in the shower as a quick all-over body moisturizer. I love the fresh fragrance, which is a mix of bay laurel, orris, ylang ylang, clove, and black pepper that works for dudes and ladies. C and I both use this, and we’re already halfway through the second bottle.

Clinique ‘Take The Day Off’ cleansing balm :: Just talked about this one on my Fave 5 Gentle But Effective Cleansers post! It’s one of those products I always restock.

Make Up For Ever HD Primer (sample) :: Meh. I think their newer “targeted” primer formulas are a better bet; there’s something for every skin type and concern.

Urban Decay Primer Potion in ‘Sin’ :: I think UD has one of the best eyeshadow primers in the biz, and I bought this one because the subtle champagne sheen could be worn on its own on lazy makeup days. It’s even better now that there’s new packaging with an applicator.

Cover FX Custom Cover Drops :: I was so excited when these launched, I bought two shades. The concept of a concentrated pigment you can add to any moisturizer/serum/beauty oil to create your own custom-coverage foundation or tinted moisturizer is genius and the finish is beautiful. BUT… I kind of hated the packaging: the pipette dropper got really messy, and after a few months the product seemed to get a little clumpy (even with a good shake) so I found myself reaching for it less and less. It expired before I finished the bottle.

Make Up For Ever HD Foundation :: This is a holy-grail foundation for a lot of people, but no matter how I applied it — with a foundation brush, beauty blender, or my hands — I just never loved it. I made myself use it because it was so expensive, but like the Cover FX, it was well past its expiration date, so it was time to say adios. I think I just prefer a more sheer coverage foundation with a barely-perceptible natural finish. I really enjoy MUFE Face and Body, which was recently discontinued (WHY?!) and replaced with their new Water Blend.

Tarte Tarteguard 30 sunscreen :: I reviewed this in my recent sunscreen post, and bought a new bottle before this one even ran out because I don’t want to go a day without it.

Algenist Regenerative Anti-Aging Lotion :: A Beautypedia 5-star moisturizer and Hautelook purchase that I enjoyed so much I bought it twice. However, I don’t know that I would pay full retail for it; I’d rather splurge on a good retinol or antioxidant serum than drop $75 on a moisturizer.

Joa Goe Oil :: Just ordered my third tube last night. I’m just obsessed with this stuff.

L’Oreal Lumi Cushion Foundation :: The best foundation available in the drugstore right now, if you like sheer-to-medium natural coverage.

AmorePacific ‘Color Control’ Cushion Compact :: I wrote about this cushion compact last year and just finished the refill (admittedly I didn’t use it very often because I was trying other products) but I still think this is worth the splurge if you want natural coverage with SPF and skin care benefits all in one product.