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. 

May Empties | #26

I'm not kidding you when I say these last few months have been the speediest of my entire life, I think! I can hardly believe that May is over and we're now on our way in to June. Slooooow down, time! The month was fast, but I still managed to use up a good chunk of stuff. Let's take a peek through it  and I'll let you know what's worth your time to try.

• Yes to Coconut Ultra Hydrating Creme Cleanser (would repurchase) - This is a nice, gentle cleanser. It didn't irritate my skin and it kept it soft and smooth. Full review here. 

• Michael Todd Kaolin Clay Detoxifying Facial Mask (would not repurchase) - I've had this for a while now, and it's not gone, but I honestly hate using it because it smells so awful. I have plenty of charcoal masks that work better and don't smell disgusting, so I'll stick to those instead. I typically love everything in the Michael Todd brand family, but this just didn't do it for me. 

• ROC Daily Resurfacing Disks (would not repurchase) - These were just OK. They were super-fragranced, so if you're like me and don't enjoy products with synthetic fragrance up the wazoo, stay away. It cleaned my face fine, but I didn't notice any line reduction in my skin or any fabulous results. 

• Covergirl Full Lash Bloom Mascara (would repurchase) - I loved this mascara so much it made it in to a recent favorites post. It makes my lashes look full without being clumpy or unnatural. I already have backups of this in my stash. 

• Covergirl Clump Crusher water resistant mascara (would repurchase) - Do note, the packaging on this says "water resistant" - it is NOT waterproof. It's a good option, but not what I'd reach for if I need some serious water protection. 

• Benefit Stay Don't Stray Primer (would not repurchase) - This primer is just OK. Most days it couldn't withstand my oily eyelids and I'd be creasy-looking come 5 PM. I used it up, I won't buy it again.

• Benefit Ooh La Lift Under Eye Brightener (would repurchase) - I really like this little brightener. I think it helps my concealer go on better. It's not a miracle product, but I enjoyed using it. 

• Tarte Clean Slate Poreless Primer (would not repurchase) - I wasn't a huge fan of this face primer. It didn't make my skin look flawless like other primers I've tried, and I can't really say it kept my makeup on longer or better. 

• Tree Hut Shea Moisturizing Lotion in Passion Fruit & Guava (would repurchase) - I snagged this on clearance a while back and I really liked it! It had a very subtle fragrance that wouldn't overpower any perfume I wanted to wear. It moisturizes without feeling greasy and the price is quite cheap considering the big bottle size! 

• Soap & Glory Rich & Foamous Body Wash (would repurchase) - Oh my gosh, I LOVED this body wash. It had a creamy consistency and a delicious warm almond scent. This would be a perfect wintertime body wash. I was sad to use it up! 

• Origins Ginger Body Wash & Body Scrub (would repurchase) - I love love love the smell of Origins' Ginger line, and while I enjoyed the body wash, the scrub was just not scrubby enough for me. I'll get the body wash again, but I won't get the scrub again. 

• Yes to Cucumbers Facial Towelettes (would repurchase) - I don't know, I feel like I had these for too long so they were drier and weren't as rave-worthy as I remember them being. I'd still buy them again because I used to love them. I must've just got a bad batch. 

• HASK Purifying Deep Conditioner (would repurchase) - This was nice, smelled great, and made my hair soft. Full review here. 

• Up & Up Cosmetic Wedges (would repurchase) - I love using these wedges to put on my foundation. I always buy latex free because I despise that scent. 

• Swisspers Cotton Rounds (would repurchase) - There's always a pack of these in my monthly empties. I love them, and use them for everything from removing nail polish to applying toner on my face. My Costco carries  them in a mega pack which is the best deal around. 

• Matrix Miracle Extender (would repurchase) - This was a pretty good dry shampoo. It's not cheap, but it did the trick. I can't say I'd spend $16 on it (they sent me this bottle) when I like my $6 bottle of Batiste, but if I found it for cheap, I'd pick it up again. 

• MAC Fix+ (would repurchase) - I love this facial water to set my makeup and give me a little sheen. It helps my makeup look less powdery and more natural and dewy. I already have another bottle ready to go. 

• Covergirl Outlast Stay Luminous Foundation (would not repurchase) - This got a really wonky smell before it was even finished, a tell-tale sign that it's time to let this go. I was not a fan of this foundation as much as I wanted to love it. It made me look way too oily and it didn't last all day on my face the way my beloved Outlast Stay Fabulous foundation does. 

• Desert Essence Blemish Touch Stick (would repurchase) - I picked this up when I found out I was pregnant to help combat hormonal acne without harsh chemicals. It wasn't a miracle but it did help. 

• Nuxe Reve de Miel lip balm (would not repurchase) - I wrote about this in a post about overhyped products. I didn't love this, it felt like it just sat on top of my lips without doing anything. For the price and the less than stellar results, I wouldn't buy this again. 

• Weleda Sea Buckthorn Replenishing Body Lotion (would repurchase) - This little sample smelled great and moisturized my hands nicely. It's free of nasty ingredients and works well. I just bought a full size of this the other day, I liked it that much. 

• Tom's Propolis & Myrrh Toothpaste in Peppermint (would not repurchase) - This wasn't my favorite, it wasn't the worst. It's definitely a very natural tasting toothpaste, so if you're looking for that fake, overly minty taste, you won't find it here. It didn't make my mouth feel fresh enough, so I probably wouldn't pick it up again. 

• Shir-Organics Pure Avocado Moisturizer & Pure Coconut Oatmeal Cleanser (would repurchase) - I don't want to give too much away, but look for a full post on these products soon! 

• Lush Love and Light hand cream (would repurchase) - This was a nice hand cream! It's a little on the greasy side, but I loved it in the dry winter months. To me, it smelled like herbal fruit loops, which I found pleasant. 

• Maybelline Fit Me powder (would not repurchase) - This was just an OK powder. It's nothing special and there are definitely powders I like far better than this. 

• Chapstick in Pumpkin Pie (would not repurchase) - I was not a big fan of the scent of this. I used it up because I'm like that, but I prefer other lip balms and definitely like to keep it a bit more natural than Chapstick.

• bareMinerals Marvelous lipstick in Moxie (would repurchase) - This little sample got super soft and broke off, and I am not fussing around with applying it anymore. It's got a gorgeous mauve color  that I loved wearing, perfect for everyday, but it's not worth toying with. 

• Earth Mama Angel Baby Organic Third Trimester Tea (would repurchase) - This stuff is delicious. It tastes like a peppermint tea but it's got other great stuff for mamas in their third trimesters like red raspberry leaf, which helps to tone the uterus and get it ready for birth. I've been drinking this very regularly and I'm hoping it'll help my labor. 

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