June Empties | #38

Ai yi yi - I'm sure my apologizing over late posts is getting old, but dang my posting schedule is all over the place. I hope this empties post, chock full of mini reviews and purchase recommendations, helps make it up to you! Look for more posts coming soon. :)

• Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray (would repurchase) - Setting sprays are one of those completely optional makeup items that you can choose to or choose not to use. I, however, find it to be an irreplaceable part of my makeup routine, and this is one of my absolute favorite sprays. It helps with longevity, and it takes away any powdery finish my skin may have and helps my skin look more natural. LOVE it and will continue to repurchase this. 

• Neutrogena Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover (would repurchase) - This stuff works like a charm to get even the trickiest waterproof eye makeup off. I'd normally opt for the off-brand Target eye makeup remover because it works just as well, but this was on sale.

• Reviva Labs Antioxidants Skin Smoothing Advanced Day Cream (would repurchase) - This is actually my husband's product, and he really likes it. This day cream is unfragranced, which is essential for him, doesn't feel greasy or break him out, and it has loads of good-for-you ingredients that keep skin healthy. 

• Maybelline Super Stay 10 Stain Gloss in Pink Plush (would repurchase) - I didn't use this stain up all the way, but it's OLD and time to say goodbye. I'm not even sure they make this formulation anymore?? Either way, I did like this, and I liked the color. It was an everyday shade and had good lasting power. 

• Covergirl Hydrofuge Waterproof Mascara (would not repurchase) - I didn't use this much because I didn't like it. It made my eyelashes clumpy and it flaked really bad on me. 

• Maybelline Dream Lumi Concealer (would repurchase) - I've lost count of how many tubes of this I've gone through. I absolutely love it for underneath my eyes. It helps conceal my "I've hardly slept" look most days. 

• Benefit Gimme Brow (would repurchase) - I love this stuff for an easy way to give my eyebrows some definition. It has little fibers in it that also help brows look more full. Back in the day, this used to be one of the only things like it on the market, but now there are more affordable options you can pick up, but this will still remain a tried-and-true product for me. 

• Clinique Bottom Lash Mascara (would repurchase) - I got so sick of mascara transferring below my lashes or flaking all over my face, and once I tried this I was hooked. I will forever keep purchasing this! It has a tiny wand making it easy to coat your bottom lashes. 

• Ole Henriksen Oil-Free Pore Refining cloths (would not repurchase) - These weren't anything special. They weren't damp enough for me, and maybe that's because it was just a travel size, but I wouldn't waste my money to confirm that theory. 

• Clinique Take the Day Off Wipes (would not repurchase) - These were some of the worst face wipes I've ever tried. They smelled like pure chemicals and I had to scrape at my face to get any makeup off. They'll burn your eyes if you try to take off your face makeup (which I don't think it would fully do). No no no, never again. 

• Swisspers Cotton Applicators (would repurchase) - There's no way I'd apply makeup with these, but they were good for cleaning up any makeup mess-ups.

• Covergirl Ready Set Gorgeous foundation (would repurchase) - I liked this foundation. It reminded me of a less intense Stay Flawless, and in less shades. Unfortunately, the lightest shade was a tad too dark for my skin, so I primarily used this when I'd self-tanned. I'd still pick this up again though, as it was good for a medium-coverage, natural look for cheap.

• Coastal Scents Concealer in No.2 (would repurchase) - I love this potted concealer. It's super full coverage, so while it won't be ideal for under your eyes, it's great for spot-concealing. I've already purchased another on their website, and it costs just $1.95!

• Covergirl & Olay Simply Ageless Eye concealer (would repurchase) - This is a discontinued product and I have no idea why! It was an awesome concealer, formulated with Olay to moisturize the undereyes while concealing. I'd grab it if ever I saw it again!

• Clinique Superbalanced Silk Makeup (would not repurchase) - I wanted to like this so bad, but it would break up on my face and immediately make me look cakey within just a matter of hours. It settled in to my fine lines, and the color was too dark for my fair skin. 

• Sensodyne Pronamel Toothpaste (would not purchase) - This isn't anything special, but if I saw it for a good deal, I'd buy it, I suppose. It didn't make my teeth feel any less sensitive, and it really didn't make my mouth feel fresh. But I used it up when our full size toothpaste had SLS in it, which gives me canker sores, and this stuff is formulated without it.
• MAC Prep + Prime Skin Base (would not purchase) - I did not like this primer one bit. I actually think it was breaking my skin out. It didn't make my face look smoother, it didn't extend the wear time of my makeup... to be honest, I'm not sure what it did. 

• MAC Cleanse Off Oil (would purchase) - This wasn't my favorite cleansing oil that I've ever tried, but it did the trick to get my makeup off. I'd consider a full size in the future.

• Tokyomilk Tainted Love perfume (would purchase) - This smelled SO so good. It has notes of vanilla, sandalwood and orchid. I'd definitely consider buying a full size of this in the future. Sometimes I've found Tokyomilk at TJ Maxx so I'll be keeping my eyes peeled.

• Gucci Flora perfume (would not purchase) - This has notes of citrus, sandalwood and rose, and while it smelled nice, it's nothing I absolutely need in my collection. 

• Batiste Dry Shampoo in Wild (would repurchase) - Batiste is my favorite dry shampoo, and Wild is my favorite scent. It soaks up oil on my scalp and makes me look like I wash my hair more than I do. 

• Matrix Total Results So Long Damage shampoo + conditioner (would repurchase) - I've done a full review of these here, so I won't go on for long, but I really enjoyed these. They make my hair feel so soft. 

• Beautyblender (would repurchase) - The beautyblender has replaced all other makeup applicators in my collection. I never touch my foundation brushes or other makeup sponges anymore because this thing is the best. It's pricier than others, but it's also the best I've ever tried. It doesn't soak up my foundation, it doesn't remove makeup once it's applied, and it creates a smooth, natural finish to my face. I'm obsessed. Pro tip: these go on sale on Costco.com and in stores for $10 off now and then!

• Farmacy Eye Dew total eye cream (would not purchase) - I'm glad I tried this before buying it, because as much as I love the Farmacy brand, I didn't love this eye cream. I need far more hydration on my undereye area than this provided. If you don't need anything intense, chances are you'll like this. 

• Ayres Hand Cream (would purchase) - I adored this sample! The lotion smells so nice, sort of a light patchouli scent that isn't overbearing in the slightest. It can be purchased at Target, but it's kind of expensive. I'd consider buying it when I use up some of my other hand creams. 

• Babyganics Face, Hand & Baby Wipes (would repurchase) - I don't use these as baby wipes, for that they are total trash. But I use them to wipe down my makeup desk, and wipe swatches off my hands and for that they are amazing. 

• Jason Healthy Mouth Mouthwash (would repurchase) - I really liked this mouthwash. The bottle doesn't look huge, but it's concentrated so you pour a half cap of wash and add in a half of water and swish away. It left my mouth feeling so clean without any bad ingredients!

• Burts Bees Fresh Cut Grass candle (would repurchase) - I liked this candle, but it seemed to burn rather quickly for a soy candle. Regardless, it smelled nice and fresh and had decent scent throw in my small bathroom. 

• B&BW Paris Lavender Macaron candle (would not repurchase) - This smelled great in the jar, with notes of floral blossoms and sweet cookie, but it didn't give much, if any, scent throw in my house. At least the jar was pretty to look at while it burned.

And that's a wrap! What did you use up this past month? Let me know! 

May Empties | #37

It's that time to dig through my trash! Get your monthly fill of mini reviews all in one convenient place. Let's dig in to what I used up in May...

• Rovectin Conditioning Cleanser (would repurchase) - This is a very basic, gentle, unscented facial cleanser. See full review here.

• Ark Pro Remove One Cleanse (would repurchase) - This is a nice oil cleanser, to be used as a first step to remove makeup. It breaks everything down and doesn't leave a film. See full review here. 

• May Coop Raw Sauce (would not repurchase) - I don't understand the hype around this facial essence. It's essentially a toner made of maple water. It didn't do much of anything for me. It might've hydrated my skin a little, and I'm sure it helped the serums I put on top sink in, but meh... it's pricey and there are toners I like far better. 

• Organic Surge Perfecting Face Polish (would not repurchase) - The ingredients are really good in this face scrub, but it's not scrubby enough for me. It's mostly creamy with a few scrubby pieces mixed in. I love this brand, but I wouldn't get this scrub again.

• Korres Wild Rose Advanced Brightening Sleeping Facial (would not repurchase) - This is another brand I love, but I wasn't in love with this product. It had a gross, old lady rose smell, and I didn't notice any results from using it. 

• Olay Cooling White Strawberry & Mint Body Wash (would not repurchase) - This was fine, nothing special. It didn't feel cooling at all on my skin, and the smell was just pleasantly fruity. It's nothing I need to run out and buy again.

• L'Occitane Almond Shower Oil (would repurchase) - Okay, the hype is real around this stuff. It smells amazingly gourmand and sweet, and it works great as a shaving oil. I have a tendency to get itchy legs after I shave, but I never did when I used this. It's expensive, but it's worth it. 

• Molton Brown Bushukan Body Wash (would repurchase) - This had a unique scent, kind of unisex sexy. It lingered on the skin, too. I love Molton Brown body washes - they're fancy and smell amazing - and I have a whole sample set I got for Christmas to continue using up. Yay!

• Benefit That Gal Brightening Primer (would not repurchase) - This is a pink primer aimed at brightening the skin. I didn't really notice it doing anything. It didn't brighten my skin, it didn't extend the wear of my makeup, didn't blur my pores. I wouldn't shell out for a full size.

• Smashbox X Rated mascara (would repurchase) - I really liked this mascara. It gave me lots of volume and length. It had a tendency to get a little clumpy, but I could work with it enough and get a look that wasn't gunky or gross. I probably wouldn't shell out the cash for a full size of this, because I'm a believer in drugstore mascaras, but if I saw it around for a good price, I'd get it again. 

• Flower On your Mark Liquid Eyeliner (would not repurchase) - I don't know if I just got a dud pen, but this SUCKED. The product didn't seem to saturate the felt tip, and it was tough to build up a dark enough line on my lids. No thank you. I tried to use it a few times, and then promptly threw it in my empties bin. 

• Rimmel Wonder Lash Mascara (would not repurchase) - I was intrigued by this ever since it came out a couple years ago, only because I fell for the gimmick that it's formulated with argan oil. Every review I saw had nothing great to say about it, but I still had to try it for myself, and well... yeah, I hated it. It provided color and that's about it. No volume, no length.... a total miss. I ended up using it with the X-Rated mascara above, and then over a lash primer so I could get some volume and length. This isn't worth your money, even though it's cheap. 

• Swisspers Cotton Rounds (would repurchase) - You already know, I use at least one of these up per month. I get them in the mega-pack from Costco, and I love them! I use them to remove my eye makeup and apply toner. I think they've changed the packaging already, so in a couple months they'll look a little different when they appear in my empties bin. 

• Pur-Lisse Prevent Blue Lotus + White Tea sheet mask (would not repurchase) - I like sheet masks as a relaxing night time treatment, and I really don't expect much from them, so if they DO provide any sort of bump in my skincare treatments, then great. If not, I'm not that surprised. This did nothing for me, so I wouldn't go out of my way to get it again. 

• Lasting Smiles Organic Lip Balm in Peppermint (would repurchase) - I think I got this in an Ipsy bag ages ago, and they also sell it at Target (or they used to... I've also seen it clearanced out there, so maybe not anymore?). It's a nice lippie. I'd get it again.

• Sierra Bees Organic Vanilla lip balm (would repurchase) - Sierra Bees is exclusive to iHerb.com and they're ridiculously cheap. I really enjoy these lippies and have more to use up.

• Chloe Roses de Chloe perfume (would repurchase) - This is a Scentbird vial of Roses de Chloe. If you like the Chloe perfume, and you like rose scents that aren't granny-like, you'll enjoy this. It's ultra feminine and sexy. See full review here.

• Bvlgari Omnia Crystalline perfume (would not repurchase) - This perfume is very sharp and fresh. It isn't bad, but it really isn't something I'd want a full size of in my perfume collection. 

• Up & Up Acetone (would repurchase) - I know acetone is pretty much awful for your nails, but I have zero patience when it comes to removing my nail polish and acetone makes things speedy. I'm impartial to brand, it's all the same, so I just grab it wherever I am if I'm in need.

• Deep Steep Fresh Honey hand wash (would repurchase) - I adore the Deep Steep brand, and I really enjoy using their hand soaps. If you love that standard honey scent, you'll be head over heals for this hand soap. The cute packaging is an added bonus. You can also get body wash, lotion and body scrub in this same scent. 

• B&BW Paris Lavender Macaron candle (would not repurchase) - I think this scent was limited edition last spring. It smelled great in the jar but didn't really have much of a scent throw. It's supposed to smell like lavender and sweet cookie, and I suppose that's about right. It's not overly lavender-y though, it's just sort of a sweet floral.

• Yankee Candle Cinnamon Vanilla candle (would repurchase) - This smelled amazing and had a great scent throw. It smells exactly like you'd expect it would. 

• B&BW Spring Blue Skies candle (would repurchase) - This was nice. It's comprised of water and citrus and just has that overall characteristic fresh scent. It's perfect for the warmer months.

What did you use up this month? Let me know in the comments!

March Favorites 2017

Unlike some bloggers and YouTubers, I don't do monthly favorites. I don't buy new stuff quite that consistently, nor am I just trying to squeeze PR items in to a post and lie to you about how much I like a given thing (not to say every person doing monthly favorites is guilty of this). Instead, I do them when I've accumulated enough things I love that are worth sharing. That's why it's been a bit since my last Favorites post. Let's get to it, shall we?

• Curel Hydratherapy Wet Skin Moisturizer - I got a sample of this in a Walmart Beauty Box and initially rolled my eyes since it seems every drugstore brand is hopping aboard the shower moisturizer train. Well... I stand corrected because I really like this. You apply it to your skin while it's still wet in the shower, and you don't rinse it off. It truly left my skin feeling hydrated without being greasy. My one gripe is that I find it to be overpriced for a drugstore product. I want to say it costs somewhere in the $10-$15 range. I had a couple coupons and got this for about $6 after all was said and done, and I wouldn't pay much more than that.

• Human + Kind Wash Off Facial Cleanser - I had never heard of this brand until I perused the Sephora sale page and saw they were clearancing out pretty much everything in their stock. I decided to try this face wash and I'm glad I did. It's a creamy cleanser with great ingredients. Plus, can we just take a second to appreciate the beautiful packaging? I'm not sure where I can buy this anymore, since Sephora appears to be discontinuing the line, but I'd definitely keep it in my rotation if I can find it again.

• Dr. Marvey Flash Dry top coat - This was a random Walmart or Target purchase. I ran out of Seche Vite and decided to take a chance on this. Turns out, I think it's going to become a holy grail of mine. It dries super fast, and doesn't leave quite as thick of a finish as Seche Vite so it doesn't chip so easily. So so good.

• Kat Von D Lightning Liner - A couple of the Lightning Liner colors were in the Sephora sale page the other week, and as I've been on the hunt for a great not-black liquid liner, I gave these a shot. (Can you sense a trend... *cough*I'M CHEAP*cough*) Turns out I freaking love these. It's essentially a liquid liner pen - you twist the bottom and the product dispenses in to to brush end and you paint it on. It's very pigmented, but also slightly shimmery, and it lasts all day. I think this line is being discontinued, and all 4 colors are on sale on Sephora.com for $12! Go grab 'em while you can! 

• Benefit Watts Up highlighter - I've got a few samples of this highlighter, and for a long time, I never really cared for it. Then I started using it more regularly and fell in love. It gives a super natural sheen to any place you want to highlight, and the products doesn't travel all over your face as the day goes on (the way many powder highlights do). I adore this product and once I ever run out of my samples, I will definitely buy it in full size.

• Manic Panic Dreamtone - If you're tan, just stop reading right here. This is for my pale girls, especially the ones like me, who often times can't find a foundation shade light enough to match their skin. I present to you, Dreamtone. Add this to any foundation that's too dark and it will lighten it up. This is a freakin' godsend for me and I recommend it to anyone who's living that pale life like me. 

What have you been loving recently? Let me know! 

Play! by Sephora | March 2017

If you remember, last month I wasn't crazy about my Play! by Sephora box. But they made up for it in March and I was all googly-eyed over what came in this month's box. This subscription is just $10/month and features deluxe-sized samples of brands you can find at Sephora. For more info, or to subscribe, click here. 

Let's take a closer look...

• Benefit Watts Up highlighter - This product is a favorite of mine. I've tried it before, and I adore it. It's a cream-to-powder formula that gives the most natural glow. I like it because it doesn't travel all over your face by the end of the day, making you look like some crazed disco ball, the same way some powder highlighters do. You can purchase it for $30 for 0.33 oz.

• Bobbi Brown Long-wear Cream Shadow Stick in Golden Pink - These shadow sticks are pricey, ringing in at $30 for 0.05 oz, so I'm excited to get to test one out. These can be used for an all-over color on your lids, or a highlight on your brown bones or inner corner of your eye. You decide. They come in a range of 13 different shades, most of which are neutral and universally flattering colors. 

• Living Proof Full Dry Volume Blast - This spray is meant to texturize and volumize your hair. Personally, I haven't quite figured out how to make these kinds of products work for me, but if you're on the texturizer train - you're currently on-trend, or so it seems. This claims to give volume without weighing down your hair. You can pick it up for $29 for 7.5 oz.

• Fleur de Chloe perfume - I love the Chloe perfume range. It's certainly not for everyone, but I find it to be a very sexy, feminine scent. This version incorporates notes of rose and freesia for a more floral take on the well-loved original. If you like this fragrance, it'll cost you, totaling up at $75 for a 1 oz bottle. 

• Josie Maran Surreal Skin Argan Finishing Balm - I've been intrigued by this product, so I was excited to see it in this month's box. This product is essentially a makeup primer that adds glow to the skin. You can also use it as a highlight after makeup is applied. Personally, I think it seems to creamy for that. It's made with good ingredients that have anti-aging properties, so you're treating while looking amazing. I love a good 2-in-1 product. A full size costs $36 for 0.5 oz.

• Glamglow Glowstarter Mega Illuminating Moisturizer - Glamglow has finally expanded their skin care line beyond face washes and masks, and I'm sure the beauty world will go gaga. There are three different tones you can purchase this in, the one included is "Nude Glow". This moisturizer has a bunch of glow-inducing ingredients, as well as "pearl particles" (aka shimmer), which may not be everyone's cup of tea. A full size costs $49 for 1.7 oz.

What is your favorite product from this month's box? Let me know! 

January Empties | #33

Starting the new year off right - by getting rid of things! I really want to make a conscious effort in 2017 to pare down my stash of beauty things to just my favorite, most used items and not keep a massive backstock. So often I see a great deal and feel like I have to get something because the price is right, even when I have no need for it. Moving forward, I'm going to be more conscious of how many items I keep on hand. 

With that said... here's what I've used up in January...

• Batiste Dry Shampoo in Floral Essences (would repurchase) - Batiste is hands down my favorite dry shampoo. It works great for soaking up oil and doesn't cost an arm and a leg. Anything that saves me from having to wash my hair multiple days a week earns a repurchase in my book!

• Hask Mint Almond Oil Conditioner (would repurchase) - This is a nice conditioner. It has a nice mint scent and I think this line actually did help spur some new hair growth. See full review here. 

• It's a 10 Miracle Leave-In Plus Keratin (would not repurchase) - This was fine. I sprayed it in my hair after I showered and used it to detangle my hair, which it did. I just prefer a keratin-free leave-in treatment - I don't want to develop breakage from overuse. 

• ARK Age Protect Skin Vitality Moisturizer (would repurchase) - This is a really nice moisturizer. It's light yet moisturizing, but also leaves my skin feeling soft and smooth. It didn't break me out either. My husband used it and liked it, too. See full review here. 

• Up & Up Eye Makeup Remover Liquid (would repurchase) - The Target brand eye makeup remover is the bomb. It competes with any name brand version, such as Neutrogena, out there. 

• Collective Wellbeing Honey Buff Gentle Exfoliator (would not repurchase) - This scrub was like a majorly watered down St. Ives. It ran everywhere when you tried to use it, which drove me crazy. So much was wasted because it ran all over. For that reason, I wouldn't buy this again. 

• CeraVe Eye Repair Cream (would repurchase) - This was a really nice eye cream. It's not too greasy but provides a good amount of hydration.

• Nooni Snowflake Cleanser (would repurchase) - I liked this little sample. Cleansing balms are my favorite way to remove makeup. See full review here. 

• Urban Decay Vice Lipstick in ZZ (would repurchase) - I loved this mauve lipstick sample so much that I bought a full size. It's creamy and hydrating on the lips and the color lasts for hours. This formula is one of my favorites. Definitely want to try more Vice lipsticks.

• Benefit Bad Gal Lash (would repurchase) - This was an OK mascara. Nothing overly special. It took a little bit of building to get the amount of volume I wanted, but overall it was good. I probably wouldn't spend much money on the full size though, because drugstore mascaras are good enough for me.

• Jack Black lip balm in Asian Pear & White Tea (would not repurchase) - I love Jack Black lip balms but I did not enjoy this scent. 

• Essence I Heart Extreme Mascara (would repurchase) - This is an awesome drugstore mascara. I love the short-bristled plastic brush - it makes it easy to coat your lashes and get up to the water line easily. This is super cheap and won't cost you more than $5! This isn't my first tube of this mascara and it won't be my last.

• Maybelline Stay Fit concelear (would not repurchase) - There's SO much hype around this concealer. People rant and rave all about this, but it does not work for me. It creases like mad and makes me look like I'm 50. Noooo thank you. 

• Blistex lip balm (would repurchase) - I like Blistex. It feels cooling and comfortable on the lips. Yeah, I'll buy it again.

• L'Oreal Revitalift Miracle Blur (would not purchase) - This was fine, but it's very synthetic and fake. I don't know if my sample was old, but it was thick and hard to smear around. My skin looked smooth, but there are other smoothing primers I like more than this one. 

• Shiseido Ultimune Eye Power Infusing Concentrate (would purchase) - This was an interesting product that's supposed to be a boost to anything you put on top of it. It smelled really nice and felt good on my skin. I'm sure it's expensive, but I'd be interested to see how my skin adjusts to using more than just a sample of this.

• Liquid BlenderCleanser (would not purchase) - Meh... not worth buying this cleanser made specifically for the beauty blender. It's really nothing special. Dr. Bronner's is my go-to, it's cheaper, and it does a better job. 

• Arbonne Cellular Renewal Masque (would purchase) - This mask was really nice. It felt kind of like lotion, but my skin felt refreshed after using it. I don't purchase pyramid-scheme products, but if I happened upon this randomly, I'd think about purchasing it.

• Keys Eye Butter (would not purchase) - Holy cow, the smell of this stuff was enough to make me throw out this sample. The ingredients are amazing and natural, but I think it's the rosemary oil mixing with something else that is just pungent and unsavory to sniff. Aside from that, it's a nice thick cream that adds moisture to the delicate undereye area, but beware of the scent!!

• 100% Pure Green Apple Nourishing Body Cream (would purchase) - A nice hand cream that smells just like green apples. Good if you like products that lean more natural.

• Jason Cranberry Pure Natural Hand Soap (would repurchase) - I loved this hand soap. It had an amazing light cranberry scent and the ingredients are A+. This big bottle lasted a long time, too. 

• Everyday Shea Peppermint Tingle Hand Soap (would repurchase) - Another natural hand soap, with a light minty smell. Cute packaging as well. 

• Babyganics Face, Hand & Baby Wipes (would repurchase) - I love Babyganics wipes to remove swatches, but not so much for baby wipes. They don't smell like anything and have minimal ingredients. These are my go-to for cleaning up my beauty area and giving everything a good wipe-down. 

• Elizabeth & James Nirvana Black (would repurchase) - Love this perfume and have it in a full size. Just had to use up this mini. See full review here.

• Oscar de la Renta Something Blue (would not purchase) - I do not like this scent. It's very heavily floral and citrusy, the complete opposite of what I like to wear.

• Estee Lauder Modern Muse (would not repurchase) - I like Modern Muse, but not enough to want a full size. It's floral but has undertones of patchouli, woods and musk. I prefer the Modern Muse Rouge and would buy that before the original. 

• B&BW Red Velvet Cheer candle (would not repurchase) - This was from last year's holiday collection. If you like gourmand scents, you'd like this. Unfortunately it didn't have much throw so it was more for the aesthetic than anything.

• B&BW Winter candle (would repurchase) - This is a classic B&BW holiday scent that I really love, comprised of the smells of pine, woods and mandarin.

• Yankee Candle Golden Sands candle (would repurchase) - This smells so nice. It reminds me of Flowerbomb or some comparable perfume. Had a nice scent throw. 

• Yankee Candle Mountain Lodge candle (would repurchase) - A fresh scent, kind of manly. Had a good throw as well.

• Better Homes Scarlet Amaryllis Flowers melts (would repurchase) - This smelled kind of fruity to me in a weird way. It was a strong scent that filled my whole house. Not my favorite, but not bad.

What did you use up this month? Let me know!

Top 10 of 2016 | Year in Review

Holy cow... where did the year go, you guys?! I know people are loving hating on 2016, but while there were definitely lows, there were a lot of good times, too and I'm not going to poo-poo the whole year. Experiencing lows makes you grateful for the highs, ya know? This year my husband and I went to Hawaii, our son was born, we spent quality time with family and friends, and adjusted to being new parents. It's been a wildly fun ride, and I'm looking forward to 2017 with high hopes.

I always like to cap off the year with my list of stand out products, highlighting the things that I came back to again and again. Not all the products are new, but they're the things I like the most during the year. Check out 2015 and 2014's lists here. 

In no particular order, here are my top 10 beauty products of 2016.


1. Yes to Coconuts Facial Souffle Moisturizer (full review)

This moisturizer was fantastic. I clearly am not the only one who thought so, because it's always sold out at my local Target. It's moisturizing without being greasy and oily, the ingredients are good, and it never broke me out. It has a light coconut fragrance that doesn't smell synthetic. It's affordable and you get a lot of product for the price. Worth checking out!

2. L'Oreal Infallible Pro-Matte Foundation (See Favorites)

 This foundation worked its way up to my top 5 favorite foundations. When applied with a damp beautyblender, it gives full coverage that isn't cakey and it lasts all day long. I wear the lightest shade, Classic Ivory 101, but there are 12 total shades to choose from and they can be found at the drugstore. For under $15, this foundation is one you've got to try if you're a full coverage foundation kind of girl.

3. Covergirl In Full Bloom mascara (see Favorites) 

I did not expect to fall in love with this mascara. I bought it at Big Lots and tried it on a whim, and it was a grower. I realized one day how much I loved the way my lashes looked. They looked full like I was wearing fake lashes, but natural all at the same time. It's cheap and found at the drugstore, and it's really the perfect mascara for those who want drama OR those who want to keep it simple. It's a buildable formula, great for whatever your lash preference may be. 

4. Tarte Tarteist Clay Paint eyeliner (see Full Review)

I'm a bold, matte black eyeliner kind of girl. I don't mess around with natural browns, or funky colors.... I want it black and bold. That's it. I had a feeling that I would love the Tarteist eyeliner when it first came out, and I was right. It's everything I love in an eyeliner. It's easy to work with, dries down bold and matte, and it's super black. It's on the pricier end, but one tube will last you ages. 

5. Benefit Gimme Brow

I can't believe I haven't talked about this on my blog, save for an empties post. This is my go-to foolproof eyebrow product. It's quick, you just brush it on, and it adds volume (fibers) and tint to your lashes. It's faster than drawing them in with a liner, and it looks natural. It's a higher end, pricier product, but I will buy it again and again because it's that good.

6. Milani Brow Shaping Gel

This brow product has become a staple of mine on days when I use brow powder or liner. It's a clear gel that rivals the much beloved Anastasia brow gel. It doesn't make your brows crusty, it just holds them nicely in place. It's affordable and a quality product. 

7. Elizabeth & James Nirvana Bourbon perfume (see Full Review)

Oh lordy lordy, you guys already know my love for all of the Elizabeth & James perfumes. When two new scents were launched this fall, I bought both immediately without ever laying my nose to them, and I regretted nothing. I love both scents, but Nirvana Bourbon I loved just a little bit more. It's smoky, musky, woodsy and sexy. A fabulous autumn evening scent. These perfumes are Sephora exclusives and are relatively affordable for quality, lasting fragrances.

8. beautyblender

The beautyblender totally changed my makeup game. It applies foundation like a dream, removing all cakeyness and blending effortlessly. There are no alternatives that work like the beautyblender, and I have no idea why. There's something unique about the beautyblender, it doesn't soak up all your foundation the way most other sponges do. It stays on the surface and blends it in to your skin. I never thought I'd spend $20 on a freakin' makeup sponge, but I've done it many a time now and I won't be without one. 

9. Covergirl Outlast Stay Fabulous 3-in-1 Foundation (see Full Review)

I really need to do an updated review of this, but this foundation has made every single yearly favorites. It's my go-to and it works like a charm on my skin. I have heard from others that if you have dry skin, this isn't for you, but I have pretty normal, combo skin that loves this stuff. It has full coverage without looking like I'm wearing tons of foundation. It lasts all day and doesn't rub off when I touch my skin. It costs under $10 and is easily found at any drugstore. I absolutely love it. 

10. LaVanila The Healthy Deodorant

I don't use anti-perspirants. I've gone the natural deodorant route, and I've tried so many in the quest to find one that works for me. After much trial, I'm completely decided that LaVanila is the one for me. Every scent I've tried, I loved. Now - be warned - what works for me may not be the miracle for you; natural deodorants are very subjective and what works varies widely from person to person. LaVanila isn't the cheapest natural deodorant, but I often buy them around the holidays when value sets are sold and I get enough to last the year. If you're in the market for a natural deodorant, I'd recommend trying LaVanila.


Cheers to 2017 and I wish you all a very happy 2017!

September Empties | #30

About half way through September, I was thinking my empties post was going to be pretty meager. And then all of a sudden I started using a million things up. Feels good to work through my stash, as I'm really making a concerted effort to use up the stuff in my backstock without buying things, and I've been on a recent mission to use up all the dang samples I have - you'll notice that when you see what I've gone through. Let's get to it...

• Yes to Grapefruit CC Cream (would not repurchase) - As you can tell, this isn't even used up, but it did go bad and smells weird so it's time to part ways. This was more of a tinted moisturizer than a CC cream in my book. It didn't do much to even out my skin and it made my skin feel greasy. I wouldn't bother with it again.

• Gotz Bad Ischl Oxygen Facial Tonic (would repurchase) - This wasn't bad, wasn't great. Had a weird smell that reminded me of feet or something... but it still wasn't a horrible product. Full review here. 

• Neogen Code9 Gold Cacao Cream (would repurchase) - This was a really nice moisturizer that I got in a Memebox ages ago. It is especially good for those with dry skin. I used it at night since it's so hydrating. It does have a gold shimmer in it, so it could look nice under makeup, too. 

• Swisspers Cotton Rounds (would repurchase) - These are always in my empties. I use them to remove eye makeup and apply toner. They're great, and I continue to repurchase them.

• Ole Henriksen The Clean Truth Cleansing Cloths (would repurchase) - I loved the smell of these, a yummy orange scent, but they weren't wet enough for removing my makeup. I wouldn't shell out money for a full size of these.

• Dr. Bronner's Peppermint All-One Toothpaste (would not repurchase) - I love the Dr. Bronner's brand, but this was a miss for me. It didn't leave my mouth feeling fresh and clean, it sort of felt like it just dissolved away in my mouth. 

• Himalaya Herbal Healthcare Exfoliating Walnut & Wood Apple Face Scrub (would repurchase) - I love this scrub so much that it made my August favorites. It reminds of the St. Ives scrub but it's a tad more gentle and not as many weird ingredients.
• Origins Checks & Balances Frothy Face Wash (would not repurchase) - It's safe to say I hated this. It was a free gift with purchase so I used it up, but it wasn't good. It burned the CRAP out of my eyes if I got it anywhere near them and it just didn't do anything for my skin. It's so not worth the money.

• Covergirl The Super Sizer Fibers (would repurchase) - This was really good! It separated my lashes and lengthened them without being clumpy in the least. It's not your average gross, clumpy fiber mascara. Full review here. 

• e.l.f. High Definition Undereye Setting Powder (would not repurchase) - This is super old and I didn't enjoy using it. It has glitter in it, which is really weird. I think that's supposed to be brightening or something, but it just looks like glitter. No thank you.

• Benefit Gimme Brow (would repurchase) - I got this as a point perk from Sephora and fell in love! There are little fibers in this that give you just enough tint and definition, assuming you don't have super sparse brows. If you don't have much brow hair, this probably isn't for you.

• Clinique Almost Lipstick in Black Honey (would not repurchase) - This is a cult shade of lipstick that unfortunately just didn't look good on me. It's hydrating and perfect for any occasion, but it isn't my thing.

• Yu-Be Lip Balm (would not repurchase) - I didn't care for this lip balm. It felt nice on, but it had that camphor taste and truth be told, this was actually pretty old and needed to go which is probably why I didn't care for it anymore. Full review here. 

• NYX The Curve eyeliner (would repurchase) - This is a felt tip liner that made drawing a skinny, precise wing nice and easy. It takes a bit to find this shape comfortable for application, but once you get the hang of it, it's quite nice. 

• The Body Shop Satsuma Body Sorbet (would not repurchase) - This was a really weird body moisturizer. It had a creamy gel texture and provided very light hydration. It smelled great but just wasn't my favorite.

• Lush Beautiful Shower Gel (would repurchase) - I like Lush shower gels. They foam up nice and even these little sizes last me a long time. Beautiful wasn't the best scent, but it wasn't bad.

• Shiseido Ultimune Power Infusing Concentrate (would purchase) - Obviously it's hard to say if this did anything for my skin with just a small sample, but I definitely enjoyed using this. It smelled amazing and I'd be curious to see what long term use does for me.

• Paula's Choice Super Antioxidant Concentrate Serum (would purchase) - I really liked the feel of this serum. It was moisturizing and I liked how it felt on my skin. I think I will get a full size of this in the future. 

• Paula's Choice Hydralight Moisturizer (would purchase) - This wasn't amazing, but wasn't bad. It did the job and it doesn't have bad ingredients, so I'd consider getting a full size.

• Murad Clarifying Wipes (would purchase) - I reallllly liked this wipe. It was kind of minty on my skin and it was so refreshing. If I saw these for a good deal, I would totally get more.

• Arbonne Sheer Glow Highlighter (would purchase) - This is a liquid highlighter that adds a gorgeous natural glow to the skin. It looked good in low light and looked natural and gorgeous in sunlight. Worth picking up if you're looking for a highlight that isn't too shimmery. 

• Miss Jessie's Creme de la Creme (would purchase) - I really liked the smell of this. It wasn't quite a deep conditioner, but it did a good job of keeping my hair from being tangly.

• Proganix Soy Protein + Caffeine Conditioner (would repurchase) - This doesn't have the best smell, but it made my hair feel nice and when I used a blowdryer it did give me volume. Full review here. 

• Suave Strengthening Light Leave-In Cream (would repurchase) - This was a really nice leave-in conditioner. It smelled great and really did soften my hair. It's cheap, too! 

• Jo Malone Wild Bluebell perfume (would not purchase) - I really enjoy Jo Malone perfumes, and Wild Bluebell was nice, but it's not something unique enough that I need to own, and it doesn't particularly smell great with my body chemistry. 

• Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair (would not purchase) - I don't quite understand the hype around this stuff. If you watch beauty videos or read blogs, you've surely run in to people RAVING about this stuff, but it just didn't do anything fancy for me. Plus, it had a weird smell like orange Emergen-C which I did not enjoy. 

• Fresh Rose Face Mask (would repurchase) - This little sample was enjoyable. It made my skin feel clean and refreshed, it smelled nice like roses, but it's ridiculously expensive so I probably wouldn't shell out the cash to get it because I'm cheap. 

• The Body Shop Camomile Cleansing Butter (would repurchase) - This was a great cleansing butter. You smooth it on dry skin and it turns in to an oil and removes all traces of makeup. This also lasted me quite a long time, so it's definitely worth the price. 

• Peter Thomas Roth Pumpkin Enzyme Mask (would not repurchase) -  I got 4 or 5 uses out of this, and enjoyed it all but my last use. The last time I used it, it was a bit drier and my skin reacted badly to it. It got all red and felt burnt. For that reason, I wouldn't buy it again.

• Woodwick Seaside Mimosa wax melts (would repurchase) - Oh my gosh, these smelled heavenly. Grapes and citrus, a true summer scent. I loved these. 

• B&BW Malibu Smash candle (would not repurchase) - This is hella old... like years old. I found it in my closet and burned it up. It was a pretty boring scent, a typical B&BW summer fragrance. The scent is comprised of citrus, blackberries, bourbon, brown sugar and mint. It smelled mostly fruity. 

What did you use up recently? Let me know!