November Empties | #32

I used up a crap ton of things this past month - to the point where my bag was nearly overflowing. Dang, it feels good to get through my backstock of stuff! Can anyone else relate?!

I love empties posts because they're a super efficient way of knocking out a ton of mini reviews all at once, and heck - once you've used the ENTIRE product, it's safe to say you know whether or not you'd buy it again and why. So, read below for a speed dating style review of everything I finished up in November.

• Dr. Clear Magic Toner (would repurchase) - I got this ages ago in a MEMEBOX, and it was decent. It wasn't anything magical. It's supposed to balance the skin and help combat oil. I don't have really oily skin, but I do think it helped managed the spots that do produce more oil on my face.

• Origins Modern Friction (would not repurchase) - I hated this face scrub. It's creamy and has little scrubby balls in it that just aren't scrubby enough. It burned every time the tiniest bit got on the very outer part of the inside of my nose, and my skin had some weird reaction to it that made my neck itchy for a few minutes after I was out of the shower. Not worth the price. It might work for you, but it is not a face scrub that works for me. 

• Epice Purifying Exfoliant (would repurchase) - On the other side, I adored this face scrub. It had very fine, almost sand-like, exfoliant in it and it made my skin feel so soft and clean after using it. I have no idea if this is mega expensive or not, but I would consider buying a full size in the future. 

• DDF Ultra-Lite Oil-Free Moisturizing Dew (would repurchase) - I love this moisturizer. It's light but moisturizing and it doesn't break me out. If I'm remembering correctly, a full size of this is stupidly expensive, but I would consider buying it in the future. 

• Josie Maran Whipped Argan Oil Hand Cream in Be Joyful (would repurchase) - This is such a luxurious hand cream, I'd love to have a big size - especially for winter. The Be Joyful scent was pleasant and not too overpowering. Overall, super nice and worth the couple extra bucks for the brand name.

• Gold Bond Healing Aloe Lotion (would not repurchase) - Wasn't a big fan of this. I used it for my hands and it just felt like it created a layer of lotion on my skin that didn't really do anything. 

• Laura Mercier Body Souffle in Tarte Au Citron (would repurchase) - These body souffles are so decadent and mega-scented. You can't wear perfume over them, which might be a perk if you want to smell good but don't want to layer lotion and perfume. If you like sweet bakery scents, this would be up your alley. It moisturizes really well and left my skin feeling silky smooth. A full size jar ain't cheap though, so keep that in mind if you're watching your wallet. 

Can you tell I'm trying to get through my endless amount of samples?

• Garnier Balancing Daily Exfoliator (would repurchase) - I didn't expect to like this all that much, but it surprised me and I really enjoyed using it. My skin looked brighter and felt really clean after using it. I'd definitely considering purchasing this at some point.
• Biore Charcoal Pore Strips (would not repurchase) - These are shit. They leave sticky black crap all over your nose when you take the strip off. And let's be real - these are actually damaging to your skin. Combat blackheads and clogged pores a different way than Biore strips, people. Not worth it. 

• Peter Thomas Roth Irish Moor Mud Mask (would repurchase) - This was a nice mask. It looked like I was inappropriately trying to pull of blackface makeup, but aside from that it felt nice and made my skin feel clean. 

• Yves Rocher Elixer 7.9 (would not repurchase) - Fairly certain this day cream broke me out. Yves Rocher products are really cheap, and I'm sure the cheap ingredients didn't do anything good for my skin.

• Arbonne Sheer Glow Highlighter (would repurchase) - This was a super pretty cream highlighter that gave a natural glow. It looked amazing in both low light and sun light. I'm not usually one to use cream highlighters, but this made me consider changing that about myself. 

• Matrix Play Back Dry Shampoo (would not repurchase) - I did a blog post on this line from Matrix this summer, and while this was OK, I wouldn't bother getting it again. I have others I like better for less money. 

• Redken Extreme Anti-Snap (would not repurchase) - I like the idea of a product like this - one that helps prevent hair breakage and split ends, but unfortunately it just didn't do anything for me. 

• Pantene Ultimate 10 BB Conditioner (would not repurchase) - I'm not 100% sure, but I think this product weighed my hair down. I only put conditioner in my hair from my ears down, and yet, it seemed like my hair got greasy really fast and was limp and flat when I used this. It's cheap, and you really get what you pay for here. 

• Joico K-Pak Color Therapy Repair Treatment (would repurchase) - This was a nice deep conditioner. I don't have color-treated hair, but I can still use the nourishment that products like this provide. It smelled nice and made my hair feel good. Full review here.

• Sunstar Gum Mint Waxed Floss (would not repurchase) - I keep these little minis from the dentist in my desk at work for desperate flossing needs. This stuff is fine, but it's not the best floss. I wouldn't buy it in a full size.

• Lush Creme Anglaise (would repurchase) - This is my favorite Lush lotion of all time and it's discontinued. I've been nursing this little sample for way too long while I wait for it to someday pop up on the Lush Kitchen site and I can buy a few tubs of it. RIP Creme Anglaise, the most decadent, deliciously-scented, soft-skin-inducing lotion of life. 

• Prada Candy (would not purchase) - This is kind of a cult scent, but it's nothing special and definitely not something I need a full size of. It's very sweet with hints of musk, so it's actually quite mature despite how sweet it is. It doesn't smell bad, but I prefer more unique scents than this. I don't like to smell like every other woman, and this is kind of one of those perfumes.

• Bella Organics Vanilla Mint Deodorant Creme (would repurchase) - Long long ago, Bella Organics sent me a sample of their deodorant to test and review. I absolutely adored it (I wasn't paid to say that either!) I bought a 3 pack on Zulily and this was my last of them. This is a natural deodorant that really does mesh well with my body type, keeping me smelling good even on hot and humid days. It is annoying you have to dig it out and apply it with your hands, but it works so well that I'm over that already. The Vanilla Mint is my favorite scent that I've tried. Full review here. 

• Urban Decay Eye Shadow Primer Potion (would not repurchase) - Hello old packaging! Can you tell it's time to get rid of this? I did use most of it, but it's time to say goodbye. I know people rant and rave over this stuff, but it's not one of my favorite eyeshadow primers. I've found way better than this, especially for oily eyelids. 

• Pacifica Alight BB Cream (would not repurchase) - This stuff is way too shimmery and light for my taste. I ended up mixing this in with foundation for a glow and it was OK for that purpose, but I most certainly don't need a full size of this.

• Up & Up Latex-Free Foam Wedges (would repurchase) - Let's be real, these are the original BeautyBlender. I still love using these with certain foundations and I always have some on backup. I always get latex-free so I don't smell like a doctor office.

• Swisspers Cotton Rounds (would repurchase) - You already know I love these. I use them for toner, eye makeup remover, cleaning my brushes, nail polish remover... you name it. I buy them in bulk from Costco so I'm never without a pack when I use a sleeve up. 

• Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisture (would not repurchase) - This is such a throwback product. I used to use this in high school, but have strayed away from it. I just don't like it anymore. It smells like sunscreen and I think it breaks my skin out. 

• Wet n Wild Mega Liner (would repurchase) - This has been a long time favorite of mine, but Wet n Wild went and reformulated and repackaged this product and it just isn't the same, I'm told. I bought a bunch when they got clearanced off the shelves and I'm sadly working my way through them now. 

• Milani Brow Shaping Clear Gel (would repurchase) - This is an awesome drug store brow gel. It has a small brush and applies easily. It'll hold brows in place without making them feel crunchy. I find it comparable to the beloved Anatasia Brow Gel. 

• Dior Diorshow Mascara (would not repurchase) - This was a pretty good little sample. It made my lashes look long and full, and the mascara itself actually smells good (weird, I know) but it's expensive and there was just something about it that I didn't love but I can't put my finger on it.  I wouldn't buy a full size tube.

• Spongeables Pedi-Scrub Foot Buffer in Citron-Eucalyptus (would repurchase) - I like these, especially in spring and summer when I do a lot of walking and I want to give my feet a good scrub. I didn't like this scent as much as their lavender one, but it worked fine and you get way more than 12 washes like it states. 

• Q-Tips Precision Tips (would repurchase) - I always have these in my vanity drawer. The precision point is nice because you can easily remove stray makeup, an oops with eyeliner, or what have you. 

• Deep Steep Apple Spice Hand Wash (would repurchase) - I love me some Deep Steep hand washes. They're natural and they typically release some good seasonal scents like this one. The Apple Spice scent was perfect for fall. 

• Mrs. Meyers Apple Cider Hand Soap (would repurchase) - I loved this seasonal Mrs. Meyers soap. I also loved the fall colored packaging. I hope they release this again next fall. 

• B&BW Wasabi Apple candle (would repurchase) - This is an older B&BW scent from a couple years back, but it smelled delicious. Let's be clear - I hate wasabi in my food, but the B&BW version mixed with apple was heavenly! 

What have you used up this month? Let me know in the comments! 

June Empties | #27

I feel quite accomplished. This month I used up a bunch of stuff - a lot of it being things like skincare of which I'm trying to work through my backstock of products. But doesn't it just feel good to clean house a bit and use up what you've spent your hard earned money on? I sure think so. Here's my two cents on what I've used up, whether it's worth a repurchase and whether or not I think you should give these things a go.

• Rodan & Fields Overnight Restorative Cream and Triple Defense Treatment (would repurchase) - I was sent these to review ages ago and only now used them up. I thought they were nice moisturizers (one for use in the morning, one at night) but they are crazy expensive and I just don't really like to purchase pyramid scheme beauty products, even if they're really good. I don't want to have to go through some sales rep whenever I run out of moisturizer. See full review here.

• ClariSEA Instant Glow Powder Exfoliant (would not repurchase) - The ingredients aren't listed on here, but I'm fairly positive this was just pink sea salt. You mix it in with any cleanser to make it an exfoliator. It was fine, but I could literally just buy thick sea salt for way cheaper. I don't really enjoy using salt as an exfoliator either as it burns if you have any slight imperfection. 

• Ole Henriksen Invigorating Night Treatment (would not repurchase) - I can't say I saw any miracles happen on my skin from this treatment. It smelled like vinegar and left my face feeling a teeny bit sticky. I used it up, but I wouldn't shell out the cash for a full size of this. 

• Cotton Labo Organic Cotton Puffs (would not repurchase) - I got a two pack of these cotton puffs on Amazon, hoping they'd be like the Shiseido cotton rounds, but unfortunately they aren't. They are pretty flimsy and not worth your money.

• Noxzema Eyebrow Razor (would repurchase) - I use these little buggers to keep me unibrow and peach fuzz free. Getting rid of those little hairs does wonders for how your makeup applies and looks. These things are sharp, definitely be careful when you're using them. I've been known to knick myself.

• Starskin Calming Bio-Cellulose Second Skin Facial Mask (would not repurchase) - I've used other Starskin masks and really enjoyed them, but the consistency of the actual sheet this mask came on was so brittle I couldn't get it to sit properly on my skin so I didn't use it for the recommended amount of time. Total bummer! See Starskin review here. 

• Spongeables Pedi-Scrub Infused Foot Buffer in Lavender (would repurchase) - I love these things. They're double-sided sponges, one side is scrubby and the other is a sponge with soap and scent infused in to it. They clean your feet and make them feel fresh and you don't have to use your normal body loofah to do it (gross). I got months of use out of this, far more than the advertised "30 uses" per sponge (although I probably only used it about 3 times a week on average).

• Nexxus Dualiste Conditioner (would repurchase) - This conditioner is meant for people with colored hair, but I got it on mega-clearance so I bought it just because. It's actually really nice whether or not your hair is color-treated because it's very hydrating and makes your hair quite soft. I'm not sure if they make this any more, but if you see it, it's worth a shot to try!

• Proganix Quench Conditioner (would repurchase) - Another great conditioner. It smells amazing and made my hair nice and soft. See full review here.

• Insta Natural Argan Oil Hair Mask (would repurchase) - I was sent this ages ago to review and I have to say I really liked it. It has a nice smell, kind of like Juicy Fruit gum, weirdly enough.... but it was nourishing and made my hair feel soft and hydrated. See full review here.

• MEMEBOX I'm Dual Mascara (would not repurchase) - This mascara is double-sided, as the name suggests, one side having a bigger brush for top lashes and the other a smaller brush for bottom lashes. I loved the bottom lash mascara, but the stuff for top lashes just didn't give me enough volume or length. It was way too natural for me. See full review here. 

• Maybelline Great Lash Clear Mascara (would repurchase) - I use this clear mascara as an eyebrow gel and it works great. It's not sticky or clumpy or too heavy, it's perfect and it's also way cheaper than most eyebrow gels. 

• Kat Von D Sinner Liner in Trooper (would not repurchase) - I am not a fan of the Kat Von D eyeliner pens and this was no exception. They're too shiny for me, I prefer a matte black eyeliner, and they just don't give me the oomph I'm looking for. I think I'm the only person on the planet who isn't in to these eyeliner pens... 

• Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer in Nude (would repurchase) - I probably got this little sample in a Sephora order, and didn't think much of it, but it turns out I loved this! It actually gave a decent amount of coverage. I liked it so much I've been really thinking about buying a full size to wear during laid back summer days. This color was perfect for my pale skin tone, too.

• Revo Lip Balm (would not repurchase) - There was nothing inherently wrong with this lip balm, but it just didn't do much for me. It didn't feel extra hydrating, it just sort of sat there. I used it up, but I wouldn't buy it again.

• Ulta Cream Eye Shadow in Shimmering Topaz (would repurchase) - No one really talks about these eye shadows but they're completely underrated. They pack a punch in the pigment department and they last. This one dried up on me so it's time to let it go. See full review here. 

• Arbonne Calm Gentle Daily Moisturizer (would not repurchase) - This moisturizer was fine. It was very gentle, as it claims to be, but the smell was kind of weird and I don't like buying products from these pyramid-type businesses. 

• Pixi Bronzer in Subtly Suntouched (would repurchase) - I got this sample in a past Ipsy bag and loved it so much. It's perfect for pale skin that doesn't need warming up so much as contouring. After this ran out I bought the full size from Target so I'm back in business!

• Bella Organics Deodorant Cream in Lavender Vanilla (would repurchase) - I'm a big fan of the Bella Organics natural deodorants. They aren't made with aluminum or any nasty ingredients and while they won't keep you dry (they aren't an anti-perspirant), they will keep you smelling fresh. See full review here. 

• B&BW Waikiki Beach Coconut Body Lotion (would not repurchase) - This smelled really nice, and I actually used it while vacationing on Waikiki Beach fittingly. I am trying to use more natural body lotions than this, hence why I wouldn't repurchase. If you don't care about that, this is a nice lotion. It's not greasy and provides gently hydration to the skin. 

• Katy Perry Purr Perfume (would repurchase) - This is an older Katy Perry fragrance, it came out in 2010. It's a bit young for my taste, but I enjoyed it nonetheless. It's fruity with notes of vanilla and sandalwood.

• Josie Maran 100% Argan Oil (would repurchase) - You can't go wrong with an all-purpose product like this argan oil. I used it in my hair as well as on my face as an overnight moisturizer. It didn't break me out and left my skin feeling healthy. 

• Shira Organics samples (would repurchase) - I just did a full review of all of these here. Many of these I loved, go check out that post to see what I'd consider purchasing in a full size. 

• No-Miss Almost Natural Polish Remover (would repurchase) - I purchased this when I found out I was pregnant so I could skip using acetone during these 10 months. This surprised me so much, it works like a charm on any kind of nail polish and it has way less harmful chemicals in it. It's a little tough to find, I got mine at my local Natural Grocers, but you can get it at select websites, too. 

• Colgate Optic White toothpaste (would repurchase) - I got this in an Influenster box and enjoyed using it. It made my teeth maybe a teeny bit whiter, but nothing crazy. I wouldn't go out of my way to buy it, as I prefer more natural alternatives, but I'd use it again if it came in to my possession. 

• Nature's Way Priobiotics (would repurchase) - I am religious about taking a probiotic, or at least drinking some if I don't have time to take a pill version. They're so good for your health, especially your digestive health. I would highly recommend looking in to them if you haven't before. I liked this brand and I'd buy it again. 

• Desert Essence Oil Control Lotion (would repurchase) - I actually didn't use this, but I bought it for my husband and he did. He liked it, but he said he wouldn't use it on his forehead or he'd break out. He's using a different one now, but he'd use this again. 

• B&BW Smoked Berries & Incense candle (would repurchase) - This is an older candle from B&BW that was part of a limited collection. I loved pretty much everything from this line, and this candle was no exception. It had a great smoky fruity scent that filled the house. I loved it and would definitely get it again if they come out with it. 

February Empties | #23

February wasn't a very exciting month of using things up, and because it was a shorter month, I feel like I don't have much now but I have a WHOLE bunch of stuff that's nearly empty. March will probably be jam packed with goodies. Here's what I used up in February and my two cents on each product. 

• Suave Visible Glow Self-Tanning Body Lotion (would repurchase) - This stuff reeks like tanning lotion, but it gives a really nice color and it builds fast. It's also ridiculously cheap. I didn't quite finish this bottle, it expired before self-tanning season, but I'll definitely get some more for summer.

• glonaturals essentials SPF 30 sunscreen (would repurchase) - This is a Vitacost house brand (Vitacost.com is the best website ever with all sorts of healthy and natural products at a better price than in-store). I like this lotion because it isn't super sticky and it kept me from burning.

• Honest Company SPF 30 Sunscreen (would not repurchase) - This stuff is mega greasy. You will look oiled from head to toe. It's fine for a beach day, but it's not something you want to be covered in if you're just headed out to a ball game or something.

• Davines LOVE Conditioner (would repurchase) - This smelled nice and made my hair feel soft. I do know it's kind of a pricey product, but if I saw it for a good price, I'd snatch it up in a full size.

• Equate Latex-Free Applicator Wedges (would repurchase) - Wedges are still my go-to way to put on foundation. I think they help keep acne at bay because they're one time use only. I'll always have a bag of these in my stash.

• Ken Paves Volumizing Shampoo & Conditioner (would repurchase) - These smelled really good, kind of herbal and reminiscent of certain Aveda products. They made my hair so soft and shiny. I'd definitely pick up a full size of these. 

• Clear Eyes Maximum Redness Relief eye drops (would repurchase) - This spilled all over the bottom of my purse, sadly, but they were good while they lasted. I'm prone to red eyes, so I always keep a bottle of these on hand. 

• Milani Brow Shaping Gel (would repurchase) - This is probably one of my top 3 favorite brow gels. I get it on Amazon for under $10 and it lasts me a solid few months and keeps my eyebrows from being wonky. 

• Dr. Brandt Pores No More pore refiner (would not repurchase) - I've been trying to make my way through the tons of mini primer samples I have, and I started with this one. It does a good job of making your skin look flawless, but I just don't *need* to have it on hand so I wouldn't buy it if I saw it.

• Sensodyne Extra Whitening Toothpaste (would repurchase) - I've got a million of these little travel sizes. I like this toothpaste, and I'd purchase it in a full size.

• Up & Up Eye Makeup Remover (would repurchase) - This stuff works awesome to get tricky waterproof eye makeup off easily. It's cheaper than name brands but works exactly the same. 

• Weleda Oat Replenishing Treatment (would repurchase) - This smelled amazing, very herbal and sort of Aveda-like. It's super thick, like spreading lotion in to your hair, but it leaves hair soft and conditioned. A nice option for a more natural deep conditioner.

• Kiss My Face Triple Action Toothpaste (would not repurchase) - I wasn't a big fan of this toothpaste. It didn't foam up well and it never left my mouth feeling particularly clean. 

• Bella Organics Iced Lemonade deodorant creme (would repurchase) - I did a review on Bella Organics deodorants back in the day, and I ended up buying a 3 pack of the full sizes when they were on Zulily this past summer. I like these natural deodorants a lot. Read the full review for more info. 

• Sephora Organic Cotton facial pads (would not repurchase) - These are overpriced and are far too flimsy. I didn't enjoy using these up and I won't buy them again. 

• Q-Tips Precision Tips (would repurchase) - I loooove these Q-tips. The ends are finer so you can easily remove any messed up eyeliner (what I use them for) or  nail polish. They work great.

• Skinfix Ultra Rich Body Butter (would not repurchase) - I used this on my hands at night before bed. I had realllly dry hands through much of this winter and even this stuff couldn't really save them. It would work if you need medium-intense hydration, but it won't give you mega hydration. 

• Lush Let the Good Times Roll cleanser (would repurchase) - This cleanser for face or body, I used it for face, smells like a cookie and has nice natural grit to exfoliate the skin. My husband wasn't a fan, but I definitely am. 

• Flowerbomb perfume (would repurchase) - I have a full size of this but I used this little mini up. This is the perfume I wore on my wedding day, so it has all sorts of good nostalgia tied to it. 

• Marchesa Parfum Dextase (would not repurchase) - This was wayyyy to much for me. It's strong on the hydrangea/floral notes and just isn't my style.

• Thierry Mugler Alien Perfume (would repurchase) - I love this scent so much. It's warm and inviting and really good for the colder months. I got a rollerball size for Christmas so I don't have to keep hoarding these mini samples anymore. 

Have you tried any of these products? Let me know! 

August Empties (#17)

Another month, another batch of empties. I like empties posts because things that may not make the blog get their 2 seconds here, and heck -- once you've used a whole product up, you've got a pretty good idea about whether it's worth another purchase or not. 

Let's dig in....

• Nexxus Pro-Mend Split End Binding Daily Conditioner (would not repurchase) - This conditioner had a really weird consistency, almost like lotion. It was super thick, and didn't do a whole lot for my hair.

• Nubian Heritage Honey & Black Seed Heat Protect Keratin Spray (would repurchase) - I really loved the smell of this, but this bottle got old on me and the smell just wasn't right so it had to go.

• Macadamia Healing Oil Spray (would repurchase) - I love everything in the Macadamia line. This spray made my best in beauty in 2013 and for good reason. This brand is super hyped in the beauty world, and I can assure you, the hype is totally worth it because their stuff is amazing. It smells so good and makes my hair silky smooth.

• Fekkai Blowout Dry Shampoo (would not repurchase) - When I first reviewed this dry shampoo, I absolutely loved this stuff. I feel like my scalp has changed, and when I went to finish this off, it just didn't control oil in my hair like it used to.

• Urban Decay All Nighter XL Makeup Setting Spray (would repurchase) - It took me ages to use up this setting spray, as you can tell by the outdated packaging! I like this stuff. It's expensive, but I'd buy it again.

• Urban Decay b6 Vitamin-Infused Prep Spray (would not repurchase) - I'm not sure this prep spray did anything for my skin. I wouldn't buy this.

• Covergirl Super Sizer Mascara (would repurchase) - I love this stuff. I did a full review here. 

• Anastasia Clear Brow Gel (would repurchase) - This brow gel was fabulous. I got it on sale during one of Ulta's beauty steal sales, and I'd definitely get it again on sale because it ain't cheap.

• Essence Liquid Eyeliner (would repurchase) - I purchased this on a whim, and it became an instant favorite. I love this stuff, and it costs under $5! 

• Makeup Forever Smoky Extravagant Mascara (would not repurchase) - I wasn't overly impressed by this mascara. The wand was really big and it didn't do a whole lot for me. It retails for $24, which is a crazy price for a mascara.

• Jergens BB Body Lotion (would not repurchase) - This lotion is supposed to make your skin look flawless, and honestly, I didn't notice a thing. I also didn't like the smell because it reminds me of the Jergens tanning lotion. Not a fan.

• Caudalie Purifying Mask (would not repurchase) - This was an OK mask, but it didn't do anything radical for my skin. It was still nice to use though. 

• Neutrogena Healthy Skin Boosters Facial Cleanser (would not repurchase) - If you're sensitive to fragrance, stay far away from this face wash. It is quite heavily fragranced but the smell is pleasant and fresh. It's a very basic, gentle cleanser, that didn't strip my skin or break me out, but I prefer a less fragranced, more natural cleanser on a day to day basis.

• Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion in Sin (would not repurchase) - I know everyone loves the UD Primer Potion, but it just doesn't keep my shadows from creasing. I have oily eyelids, which is part of it, but I've found eye primers that work far better than this.

• Versace Bright Crystal Perfume (would not repurchase) - This floral citrus-y scent is so not for me. I couldn't even get through this sample size vial. 

• Agave Healing Oil Treatment (would repurchase) - I looooved this sample of agave oil, something I've wanted to try out forever. I actually just purchased a full size bottle and I can't wait to keep using it. It smells great and it will make your hair so soft.

• OPI Avojuice in Cran & Berry (would not repurchase) - I really like the OPI Avojuices, they're lightweight and make my skin soft, but I wasn't crazy about this scent. 

• CO Bigelow Raspberry Mentha Lip Shine (would repurchase) - I love the CO Bigelow lip shines. They have peppermint oil in them so they're pleasantly cooling, and they always soothe my dry or chapped lips. 

• Blistex Five Star Lip Protection (would repurchase) - I really love the smell of this chapstick. It hydrates my lips and it's super cheap. 

• Sierra Bees chapstick in Pomegranate (would repurchase) - Sierra Bees lippies are available exclusively on iHerb.com. They're really cheap and they are lovely to use, plus they're all natural and organic! Highly recommend. 

• Equate Beauty Applicator Sponges (would repurchase) - Call me crazy, but makeup sponges are my favorite way to apply my foundation. 

• Pikake Facial Mask (would repurchase) - I got this for fun at a Daiso in California, without much expectation. Turns out, it was really nice. It felt cooling on my skin, and didn't break me out. However, if you're sensitive to fragrance, keep away from this face mask as it's quite scented.

• Vitacost Biotin Raspberry Quick Dots (would repurchase) - I take biotin for stronger, healthier hair, nails and skin. I like these easy to take chewables that don't taste disgusting. (Get $10 FREE to Vitacost at this link - one of my all time favorite websites)

• Jason Powersmile Powerful Peppermint Toothpaste (would repurchase) - This is my favorite all natural toothpaste. I come back to it again and again, and I'll definitely buy it in the future. 

• Listerine Woven Mint Floss (would repurchase) - The woven, rope-like floss is my absolute favorite. It gets in between my teeth to get any gunk out. I already have another in my bathroom.

• Bella Organics Vanilla Mint Deodorant (would repurchase) - I liked this all natural deodorant. For a full review, click here. 

• Crystal Essence Mineral Deodorant in Pomegranate (would not repurchase) - When I first started using this, I was in love. It kept me dry and it smells amazing, but towards the end of the bottle, it started to make my pits smell bad and it didn't control sweat at all. Plus, spray deodorants like this are a little fussy.

• Yankee Candle in Queen Anne's Lace (would not repurchase) - This floral, spring scent was pleasant when smelled directly in the jar, but it had little to no scent throw, sadly.

• TokyoMilk Candle in Cherry Bomb (would repurchase) - This candle says it has notes of vetiver, wild rose, osmanthus, and chocolate. It smelled really warm and I could definitely pick up on the vetiver. I loved it!

Have you tried any of these products? Let me know in the comments! 

Bella Organics Deodorant Creme | Review + GIVEAWAY!

Sooo, things are going to get personal here today on Glazed Over. Maybe it seems goofy that today's post is all about deodorant, but if you're in to natural products like me, perhaps you understand the everlasting hunt for the best natural deodorant. 6 out of 7 days a week or so, I wear natural deodorant (the 7th being an aluminum-based antiperspirant deodorant day - usually reserved for heat waves and stressful days). It's just nice to ditch the bad chemicals and keep things simple. Seriously, just google how bad aluminum in deodorant is for you! It's linked to breast cancer among other icky things. 

ANYWAY. This past week I've been trying out the Bella Organics Deodorant Creme in Vanilla Mint, a product that's completely new to me, and my first foray in to the deodorant "creme" world - a.k.a. you have to stick your fingers in the tub and slather it over your armpits instead of using a stick or spray. 

This deodorant creme is made with natural and organic ingredients: Organic Shea Butter, Organic Arrowroot Powder, (Vegan), Organic Sunflower Oil,  Organic Virgin Coconut Oil, Aluminum-Free Baking Soda, Organic Peppermint Essential Oil, Organic Vanilla Extract, and Organic Tea Tree Essential Oil.

To apply, take a pea sized amount and rub it in to your armpits and voila! Because this isn't an antiperspirant, so it doesn't keep me completely dry throughout the day, I do tend to reapply this on my lunch break to keep me fresh. The vanilla creme scent smells reminiscent of toothpaste, but not in a bad way. Minty scents make me feel clean, and I especially love the scent of peppermint essential oil so I dig it. 

The size you see above is just a little tester, but you can order a 2 o.z. jar for $10.25 at the Bella Organics website where they have a variety of other scents as well. 

Overall, I really liked this deodorant. My hunt for the perfect natural deodorant has not ended yet, but I do think that I'll make a purchase of a larger size of the deodorant creme in the future because it is a really nice option. 

One lucky winner will get the chance to try their own Bella Organics deodorant creme. Just enter below. Sorry, this contest is open to US residents only. 


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