Product Empties!

If I had to pick a favorite type of video on YouTube, I think I'd have to say product empties vids are my favorite. (Click here or here to see what I mean) I love them because by the time you've used an entire product, you darn well know whether or not you like it. If you're unfamiliar with the format, click the links above, or keep reading to dig through my trash with me and get a quick review of each product.

1) Treat It Amazing Leave-In 12-in-one Hair Treatment - I'm pretty sure this is an off brand product that I picked up at Big Lots a long time ago. Despite that, I really liked it. I'd spray it in damp hair and I actually did notice my hair feeling silkier throughout the day. I would most likely repurchase this in the future.

2) Dove Refresh+Care Invigorating Dry Shampoo - I really liked this dry shampoo. It has a light clean scent and does the job of sucking up any excess oil in my hair. It also adds a nice bit of volume to the roots. Be warned fellow darker haired ladies, it does leave a white cast, but it can be brushed or massaged out sufficiently. I would repurchase this in the future.

3) L'Oreal Everstrong Deep Replenishing Masque - I cycle through deep conditioning masks like no one's business, as I use them typically once a week. I hadn't tried anything from this Everstrong line until this, so I figured, what the heck? I didn't hate it, I didn't love it. I don't really think it was as good as others I've tried, but considering it was something like $5, I wasn't super disappointed. I think this specific product is discontinued, but if you want to try something pretty much the same it is just repackaged differently and can be found in the drugstore. 

1) Jergens Natural Glow + Firming Lotion - As you can tell, I like this stuff. I've gone through two full bottles. Remember when this came on the market years back and the smell was completely unbearable? You don't have to worry about that anymore. I actually like the smell of it now. I use the medium to tan lotion despite being as fair as they come, but it actually builds up, and I don't feel like the fair to medium version makes much of a difference. The glow it gives is subtle yet noticeable and looks natural. I can't say I've noticed any firming action, but I keep thinking it can't hurt to keep using it in case it actually is doing something. This is a tried and true summer favorite of mine. I'll certainly repurchase this again.

2) Nivea Touch of Sparkle Cream Oil Body Wash - When I bought this, I thought it was going to be shimmery because it says "diamond powder." Then I realized, that is the scent. Are you kidding me, what does diamond powder smell like? If it smells like this body wash, it smells really good - kind of fruity and floral. This body wash is really moisturizing and creamy, and I enjoyed it. I'd repurchase it, but what's the point - there's always a new body wash out there to try!

1) Maybelline Dream Mousse Concealer in Ivory Light - This product is so stinkin' old it's discontinued and probably has been for a long time. Don't get me wrong, I don't like to keep and use expired and nasty makeup, but I found this in the depths of my makeup the other day and immediately decided to throw it out. I haven't used it for a long time and I've actually always hated it. The mousse consistency is weird, it didn't cover well or stay in the area you applied it. Big huge fail. Goodbye gross concealer!

2) Maybelline Dream Lumi Touch Highlighting Concealer in Radiant - On the total flip side, here is an absolute WIN of a Maybelline concealer. I used this down to the last twist, and immediately repurchased it once it was gone. This is the first concealer I've ever used where I can actually tell a noticeable difference when I use it under the eyes. It brightens up areas that need it, and hides any tired dark circles. It's under $10 and you can find it at the drug store. I would highly recommend it.

Neutrogena SkinClearing Oil-Free Foundation in 20 Natural Ivory - This used to be my absolute favorite foundation, hence why I have two used up bottles. My skin is very prone to breakouts and blemishes and because I wear makeup nearly every day I wanted to use something that won't clog my pores. I liked this foundation because it finished matte on the skin and seemed to have decent staying power, but I can't say the acne fighting properties actually worked for me. It retails for around $12 and you can find it at most drugstores. Now that I've found a foundation I love even more, I don't think I'll be repurchasing this any time soon. 

1)  L'Oreal Clean Definition Telescopic Mascara in Blackest Black - I talked about this mascara in my June favorites, so check there for a full review. I liked this mascara a lot, it added volume and definition to my lashes without being clumpy. I'm not sure I can buy this exact kind of the Telescopic mascara any more, but I'd definitely purchase a Telescopic mascara again in the future.

2) ModelCo Fibre LashXtend Extreme Black Lengthening Mascara - I received this mascara in one of my previous Birchboxes and I was super excited to try it out, given that it's a full-size product. Much to my dismay, I absolutely hated it. I'm not sure if it was dried out by the time I received it or if that's just the formula, but it is awful. The fibery formula wouldn't stick and my lashes looked horribly spidery. It costs a whopping $28, which is kind of crazy for a brand without much recognition (correct me if I'm wrong, but I haven't seen much of anything from them.) I will not be purchasing this in the future.

3) Maybelline The Colossal Cat Eyes Mascara in Glam Black - Truth be told, I bought this mascara because I liked the packaging, but fortunately I also liked the product. I don't think it gave me "cat eyes" (whatever that means), but it applied easily and didn't clump. I also think it smells kind of good? I don't know, I'm weird. Click the link to see what the brush looks like. I don't know if I'd repurchase this because it didn't really thrill me, but it wasn't a bad product- some of you might love it!

4) Urban Decay Supercurl Curling Mascara - I got a little sample size of this mascara and holy COW, I fell in love. This might be my favorite mascara of all time. It was brilliant - it held a curl like no other, it separated my lashes and added volume and it did all of this without clumping. Click the link to see what the brush looks like. I was very sad to use this sample up. If I can get over the $20 price tag, I will most definitely purchase a full-size of this in the future.

1) Wet n Wild Mega Liner Liquid Eyeliner in Black - I talked about this eyeliner in my May Favorites, so check that out for a more thorough review. This is a long time favorite of mine, and probably the 50th time I've used up a bottle because I use it every single day, and I have for the last 8 or 9 years. I will continually repurchase this product until I find something that tops this (which I doubt is possible). 

2) Rimmel Stay Matte Pressed Powder in Transparent - This is another long time favorite of mine that I've repurchased time and time again. I use it to set my foundation, and I haven't found anything that compares. There are plenty of pricier powders that don't do half as good of a job. For under $5, you've got yourself one heck of a powder. It isn't transparent, as the name suggests, but it isn't cakey or overly powdery on the face. I've already purchased another of these, and will do so until I find some other better replacement.

1) Simple Cleansing Facial Wipes - I love a good makeup removing wipe, but unfortunately I didn't love these. I wanted to use something for sensitive skin, but I don't think they did much for me. Beware of the"simple" marketing, which often makes the mind think "natural" (a mistake I made myself), but there are parabens in these face wipes if you browse the ingredients. I won't be repurchasing these.

2) Pond's Evening Soothe Wet Cleansing Towelettes - I loved these. The wipes are quilted which helps scrub off makeup without being rough on the skin, and they smell absolutely amazing (I love chamomile scented products). These are so gentle and soothing on the skin. I will definitely repurchase these in the future. 

1) Bath & Body Works PocketBac Anti-Bacterial hand gel in Cucumber Melon - I love keeping these mini antibacterial gels in my makeup bag so I can use them before I start doing my makeup, that way I don't spread bacteria on my blemish-prone skin. I especially love these PocketBacs because they're small and don't take up a ton of room while traveling, and they come in a variety of scents. This cucumber melon scent smells just like you would imagine it to - nice and refreshing. 

2) Bath & Body Works PocketBac Anti-Bacterial hand gel in White Citrus - You know I love these already. White Citrus smells really sharp and fresh. It isn't my most favorite scent, but it's not repulsive or anything. I've already replenished my stash of these (in other scents) so I can keep on using them every time I do my makeup. 

3) O.P.I. AvoJuice lotion in Crisp Apple Juicie - OPI's AvoJuice is my most favorite lotion. It's lightweight but it is insanely moisturizing. It is seriously awesome. I have a bunch of full size bottles, and I also have some of these minis which I always keep in my purse for use on the go. This smells just like macintosh apples, and makes me think of fall. I would definitely repurchase this in the future. 

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That's all for now, folks. If you like these kinds of posts, let me know in the comments below. Also let me know if you've tried any of these products and and what you thought of them. Have a great rest of your weekend!