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!

August Empties | #29

Happy September, ya'll! Can you even believe the summer is drawing to an end? I have no idea where the time has gone. While I'm sad to see summer go, I absolutely love fall and I'm excited for pumpkins, apple cider and cozy sweaters. The end of August also means it's empties time and I used up a bunch of different products. Keep reading for mini reviews on each item and recommendations on what to purchase.

• Shea Moisture Replenish & Rejuvenate Body Polish (would not repurchase) - This smelled great and the ingredients are good but it was a pretty weak scrub. There are mini beads in a creamy base and they just don't exfoliate my skin enough. I ended up using this as a body wash with a loofah and that worked fine. I'll stick to Tree Hut sugar scrubs in the future though.

• NKD SKN Tinted Tan Liquid (would repurchase) - This is a good self tanner. It's fool proof and easy to use. See full review here. 

• Waxelene (would repurchase) - This lip balm is a nice alternative to petroleum products if you don't want to use them. This is very basic, unscented, nothing very special, but it'll hydrate your lips and the ingredients are good!

• Rimmel ScandalEyes eyeliner (would repurchase) - This was a good creamy nude eyeliner that I used in my waterline to make my eyes look bigger and more awake, but it's old and I don't want to use anything old on my eyes. 

• Honeybee Gardens Pressed Mineral Powder (would repurchase) - I really liked this setting powder. It doesn't have gross ingredients and it's affordable. I purchase mine on Vitacost where it's a little bit cheaper. (click here for a $10 coupon to Vitacost, affiliate link)

• Algenist Lip Renewal Balm (would repurchase) - This balm came in a Christmas set and it was fine -- nothing special. I used it at night (even though it has SPF in it) and it nourished my lips. It doesn't have a scent so if you avoid fruity or fragranced lip balms, you might like this. 

• Aveeno Nourish + Shine Conditioner (would repurchase) - I liked this conditioner. It made my hair soft and easy to brush.

• Proganix Coconut H2O + Electrolytes Quench Shampoo (would repurchase) - I really like the Proganix shampoos and conditioners. This one smelled great; even though I don't typically like coconut scents, this is one I really enjoyed. See full review here.

• St. Tropez Gradual Tan Anti-Ageing Multi-Action Face lotion (would not repurchase) - This was just an OK tanner for the face. It smelled like tanner, which is gross, and it never really did much for me. 

• L'Occitane 5 Essential Oils Shampoo (would not repurchase) - This worked fine and got my hair really clean, but the smell wasn't my favorite and it costs more than I prefer to spend on a shampoo. 

• Laura Mercier Almond Coconut Milk Souffle Body Creme (would not repurchase) - This little body lotion was part of a set I got at Christmas. The lotion itself is very moisturizing and makes my skin feel soft and smooth, but this is highly scented, so much that you definitely can't wear a perfume with it. I wasn't a big fan of this particular scent, so I wouldn't repurchase, especially because a full size is ridiculously expensive.

• Korres Body Butter in Guava (would repurchase) - This was part of a mini sample pack, and of all the lotions, this was my favorite scent. It didn't really smell like guava, but it didn't smell bad either. Korres products have good ingredients and these lotions are hydrating without being greasy. I liked it!

• Devita Essential Control for Blemishes (would repurchase) - This wasn't a miracle for blemishes, but the ingredients are A+ and I do think it helped prevent further breakouts from forming. This is a great option if you're pregnant and need to avoid traditional acne-fighting ingredients. See full review here.

• Humphrey's Witch Hazel in Citrus (would repurchase) - I used this witch hazel as a toner and I enjoyed it. It smells amazing and I like that it has natural antiseptic properties that help fight acne. 

• Rodan + Fields Daily Cleansing Mask (would not repurchase) - This cleanser is meant to be used like a mask. You apply it to your face, then let it sit, then wash it off. I don't have time to cleanse my face like that most days. I didn't completely use this up, but it's old, so it's got to go. This would not be something I'd purchase, especially because it's quite expensive and I didn't think it did a good job of cleaning my face. See full review here.

• Aquaphor (would repurchase) - I love Aquaphor for healing dry skin. If ever my nose is dry, or I have a patch of dry skin, I slather aquaphor on it before bed and it's healed by morning.

• Sensodyne Extra Whitening Toothpaste (would not repurchase) - I don't know, I just don't really care for this toothpaste. It's not natural enough and it wasn't very refreshing.

• Listerine Mint Floss (w0uld repurchase) - This is my favorite floss. It's braided so it's thick enough to get everything out from between my teeth. I've purchased this many times and I already have a backup.

• Smile Brilliant Teeth Whitening Gel (would repurchase) - I love this teeth whitening system because it really does get my teeth sparkly white. See full review here. 

• Nivea In-Shower Body Lotion (would repurchase) - I've purchased a full size of this before, just in a different formula (there's a few kinds), and I like it! I wasn't a huge fan of the smell of this kind, but it's a good product to have if you're in a pinch but still want to have hydrated skin without applying lotion after a shower.

• Garnier Blackhead Eliminating Scrub (would repurchase) - I really liked this cleanser. It had the perfect amount of scrubbiness to it and my face felt really clean after using it. I don't have any blackheads so I can't speak to how well it removes them, but I liked how it made my skin feel and I'd like to get this in a full size. 

• Pur-Lisse SPF 30 Sunscreen (would not repurchase) - As much as I liked using this SPF moisturizer for my face, I think it made me break out so I wouldn't buy it in a full size.

• Earth Mama Angel Baby Postpartum Bath Herbs (would repurchase) - New mamas, you need these. I went through a box last month, and I used up one more, and I definitely think it helped speed along my healing. In general, this makes a nice herbal bath soak that's good for your lady parts even if you haven't had a baby recently.

• AuraCacia Lavender essential oil (would repurchase) - I diffuse lavender at bed time at least three nights a week. It's a great way to naturally make a room smell fantastic and it helps promote calm and relaxation. 

• Yankee Candle in Summer Wish (would repurchase) - This used to be one of my favorite YC scents (until I just got sick of it). It has great scent throw and is obviously a great summer scent. Fresh and a bit fruity.

• B&BW Sundrenched Vineyard Candle (would repurchase) - This smelled great and had awesome throw. This fruity wine scent was perfect for  the end of summer. This was a scent that came out a couple years ago, but I have seen it brought back before.

• B&BW Villa Bergamot Candle (would repurchase) - Another oldie but goodie from B&BW that's been hanging out in my backstock. It has a strong bergamot scent with notes of lavender and geranium. This was nice, and definitely something worth picking up if they bring it back again. 

That's all my empties! Have you tried any of these products? Let me know your thoughts!

Play! by Sephora | May 2016

Play! by Sephora is a fun, newer, beauty subscription service that costs just $10/month. You can sign up at Sephora.com, if interested. All the brands and products you receive in your box are available at Sephora - convenient and easy if you end up loving one of the products enough to buy it in full size.

Here's what came in May's box...

• Briogeo Don't Despair, Repair! Deep Conditioning Mask - This deep conditioner is meant to restore and hydrate, and protect against future damage. It's formulated with B-vitamins, rosehip and argan oils, algae and biotin. It's free of DEA, silicones and artificial dyes, plus it's cruelty free.

• Korres Wild Rose + Vitamin C Advanced Brightening Sleeping Facial - This is deemed "an overnight facial in a jar", and aims to improve texture and complexion of the skin. Main goals? Antiaging and brightening. It's free of parabens, sulfates and pthalates. This is a 95% natural product.

• Bite Beauty Amuse Bouche lipstick in Kimchi - This lipstick is creamy and mega-pigmented. They're formulated with 12 edible oils, vitamins, omega oils , fresh pressed pigments and fresh pressed fruit for a citrus flavor. (Personally, I LOVE Bite lipsticks! Totally awesome to get one in this bag!)

• Atelier Cologne in Orange Sanguine - I have a few samples of this yummy perfume, and it's quite unique! It has notes of blood orange, orange peel, geranium, jasmine, tonka beans, sandalwood and amber. Delectable and perfect for summer.

• Tarteist Lip Crayon in Latergram - This is a perfect "my lips but better" lip liner. It's pigmented, and will help prevent lipstick from feathering. It's free of parabens and pthalates. 

• Origins Maskimizer Skin-Optimizing Mask Primer - This spray primes, preps and optimizes the skin for a mask to be used. It will help your mask spread, and rinse of easier while hydrating, soothing and boosting skin-radiance. It's free of parabens, sulfates and pthalates. I've been looking forward to trying this!

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

Empties #10

Dig through my trash with me! Here's what I used up recently.

• Michael Todd Blue Green Algae Antibacterial Toner - I really loved this stuff. It smells like it was made by Aveda (which I love) and made my face feel really clean without stripping the skin. Would I repurchase? Yes.

• Simple Foaming Cleanser - This took me literally forever to go through... I'm talking like 6 months or more? It was a very very basic cleanser, but I think I realized when using this that I just don't love foam cleansers. It was fine, but I got bored by it quickly. Would I repurchase? Maybe.

• Maybelline Clean Express Makeup Remover - This is your basic eye makeup remover. It works really great for waterproof mascara and eyeliner and doesn't burn my eyes. Would I repurchase? Yes, I already have.

• blum Naturals Eye Makeup Remover - Can you tell this is still totally full? This is the worst eye makeup remover I've ever tried. I had to scrub the living daylights out of my eyes and it left me looking like a raccoon - not to mention it really burned! Not a fan, can't even bother getting through it. Would I repurchase? No.

• Michael Todd Antioxidant Carrot Multivitamin Serum - This serum is supposed to help reduce wrinkles and redness and improve the overall health of the skin. I didn't notice any drastic changes, but it was nice. Would I repurchase? Yes.

• B&BW Pumpkin Latte & Marshmallow Triple Moisture Body Cream - Remember this? I loved the smell of this lotion and it did a great job at moisturizing my skin and sinking in without feeling greasy. The B&BW Triple Moisture Body Creams have such a great formula. Would I repurchase? Yes.

• Nature's Bounty Hair, Skin & Nails Gummies - This is kind of a different empty to include, but I thought I'd throw it in. I really do think biotin helps keep my hair feeling healthy and growing faster and I definitely notice a difference in the strength of my nails. Would I repurchase? Yes.

• Korres Body Butter in Basil Lemon - How about this.... remember this? I wasn't the biggest fan of the scent of this lotion, but it did an OK job moisturizing. I hadn't ever tried any body butters from Korres, and honestly, I wasn't in love. I wasn't a fan of the consistency and texture of this lotion - it was hard to rub in and felt like it just sat on top of my skin. Would I repurchase? No. 

• Organic Surge Body Cream in Sweet Blossom - This body cream was awesome! It's very lightly scented, it's lightly moisturizing and I love that it's organic. Would I repurchase? Yes.

• B&BW Wallflowers in Winter Cabin - I'm not sure B&BW makes this scent anymore, do they? I don't like to use wallflowers as they're full of a bunch of chemicals that probably aren't good to breathe in, but I'm determined to use up the ones I have. This smells nice, kind of musky and fresh.

• LUSH Sikkim Girls Body Lotion - I didn't completely get through this before it went sour on me. This is a SUPER fragrant body lotion that's comprised of jasmine, vanilla, darjeeling tea, and cocoa butter. Honestly, I kind of think it smells old lady-ish (I bought it online without ever smelling it) but I also thought it smelled kind of dark and sexy? Idk. Would I repurchase? No.

• Tom's Whole Care Toothpaste in Cinnamon Clove - I don't like using a toothpaste that isn't minty. I never felt like my breath was fresh and my teeth were clean after using it, even if they were. Would I repurchase? No.

• epielle Aloe Vera Cleansing Tissues - I got these at Big Lots and I don't use them on my face, I only use them to wipe up swatches. They're fine and all, but I won't be able to buy them again as my local Big Lots is closing (wahhh!!!!) Would I repurchase? Yes.

• Clarisonic Deep Pore Brush Heads - I don't notice huge differences between the different varieties of Clarisonic brush heads, but these were just fine. Would I repurchase? Yes.

• Covergirl LashBlast Clump Crusher Water Resistant Mascara - I really like the Clump Crusher mascaras, both waterproof and regular versions. It does a good job of lengthening, separating and volumizing without clumping one bit. Would I repurchase? Yes.

• Covergirl Outlast Stay Fabulous 3-in-1 Foundation - My absolute favorite foundation. There's always one of these in my empties. See a full review here. Would I repurchase? Yes.

• Melvita Rose Floral Water - This is a beautifully scented facial mist that is so refreshing on the skin. I love all rose scented things, and this doesn't disappoint. Would I repurchase? Yes.

• LI'TYA Munthari Hand Hydrating Lotion - This is a sample size of a VERY expensive lotion. It's formulated with a plethora of different essential oils, so it smells so so so amazing. Unfortunately, I just don't think it hydrated my hands very well, so I'd never shell the money out for it. Would I repurchase? No.

• Jordana Fabuliner Liquid Eye Liner - This eyeliner is ridiculously cheap, lasts a long time, and does the job. The pen isn't as thin as I'd prefer, but I liked using this. Would I repurchase? Yes.

• Wet n Wild Mega Liner Liquid Eyeliner - This is one of my all-time favorite eyeliners. I tend to retire this for the winter months as my eyes are more prone to watering and this will leak at the first sign of watery eyes, but I do love it. Super cheap, and it's easily the blackest boldest eyeliner I've ever used. Would I repurchase? Yes.

• SkinMedica TNS Eye Repair - This was a nice eye cream. I didn't have enough to really get a great feel for how well it works, but it was good for the short while I used it. Would I repurchase? Yes.

• Dr. Lipp Original Nipple Balm - This is an all-purpose balm you can use on dry spots, lips, nipples (if you wish - it was created for nursing mothers originally, I believe) or whatever you need it for. I find it to be a bit too sticky. Would I repurchase? No.

• Taylor Swift Wonderstruck Perfume - I definitely don't need this in my perfume collection. It is so basic, and not unique in the slightest, but it does smell nice. Would I repurchase? No.

• Marvis Toothpaste in Classic Strong Mint - I love the packaging on this little sample. It made my mouth feel super clean and it tasted yummy. Would I repurchase? Yes.

• Old Factory Candle in First Snow - This was really nice and super fresh. It kind of freaks me out that the paper got so hot it kind of burned/singed/whatever? Read more about this candle company here. Would I repurchase? Yes.

• dw Home Candle in Warm Tobacco Pipe - I absolutely adored this candle. Full review here. Would I repurchase? Yes.

• Yankee Candle in Witches Brew - My all-time favorite scent by Yankee Candle. Full review here. Would I repurchase? Yes.

• B&BW Candle in Fresh Balsam - This is last year's packaging... yes.. it's been sitting in storage waiting for Christmas all year long. I didn't think I was big in to pine scents, but I started burning this and now I am OBSESSED with pine! This is so good. Would I repurchase? Yes.

Have you tried any of these products? What have you used up this month? Let me know!

Mega Haul!

It's been QUITE some time since I've allowed myself to splurge on some beauty goodies. Lately I've been focusing on using what I have instead of buying anything more. BUT, I did need some face cleanser, and I saw an excellent deal on some Korres goodies (a brand I've never tried but have been wanting to experiment with) and well... one trip to TJ Maxx later and we've got ourselves a haul....

Back in June, Korres was featured on Hautelook and I could not resist (despite putting myself on a no-buy that I'd been strictly adhering to since May!). I've long wanted to try the lip butters, and I have to say I am not disappointed in the least - they're creamy and hydrating and feel really nice on the lips. I have yet to try the body butters, but I have a feeling I won't be disappointed.

I was super excited to see Organic Surge Pure & Clean face wash at  TJ Maxx. I've tried a couple of Organic Surge products and thoroughly enjoyed them, but never have I used anything from their skincare line. I also decided to pick up the Amie Morning Clear Purifying Facial Wash. I picked this up entirely on a whim; I know nothing about it, so I admit I bought it purely on the cute packaging (I'm such a victim of great packaging). The Rusk Being Gutsy hair thickener I bought for no real reason - it looks cool and I can always use some extra volume.

Yay - two more Organic Surge products! I don't have much selection of facial moisturizers, and these come in really nice, sturdy glass pots (again, a victim of great packaging). My skin has been loving all natural products and I haven't been using an all natural moisturizer lately (at least in the morning), so I'm looking forward to trying these. 

Of all the items I've recently purchased, these are the two I'm most excited about. I've heard so much about Paula's Choice, and I've recently started looking more at Paula's website. If you haven't checked it out, and you care about the ingredients in your beauty products, you need to give it a look. Paula's Choice had their face wash on sale over the 4th of July so I picked a couple up and got an awesome deal. So maybe I'm a bit of a skincare junkie?....

Let me know if you've tried any of these products out!! What have you hauled lately?