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!

August Favorites | 2016

It's been a hot second since I've done a favorites post and there are a handful of things I've been itching to tell you about! All of these are simply awesome and I'd totally recommend you picking them up for yourself. Let's get to it...

I have been using the crap out of the L'Oreal Lash Out Butterfly mascara. I think this exact version might not be widely available anymore, but I am guessing the Voluminous Butterfly version is pretty darn similar since the brushes look identical. This formula separates my lashes and gives tons of volume and length. It's nearly impossible to make your lashes clumpy, even with multiple coats. I'll definitely try out other versions of this in the future. Drugstore mascaras are where it's at, and this is one I'd recommend picking up if you're in the market for something new.

My ultimate favorite products this month are the new Elizabeth & James fragrances. On the left is Nirvana Bourbon, and on the right is Nirvana Rose. I'm going to do a whole post about these soon, but if you're a fan of the original Nirvana Black and Nirvana White, go smell these immediately. Amazing. 

My new favorite skincare item is the Himalaya Herbal Healthcare Exfoliating Walnut & Wood Apple Face Scrub. Long name, awesome product. It reminds me of the St. Ives Apricot Face Scrub, but this is far more natural and not as harsh. It has natural organic ingredients and it smells very herbal which I quite like. It's free of SLS, parabens, pthalates, artificial colors and fragrances and it's not tested on animals. The consistency feels like sand in a cream, and it does provide quite a bit of exfoliation. If you like a gentle exfoliator, this probably isn't for you. My husband also uses this and likes it, so we'll definitely be getting it again in the future. 

The OGX Healing + Vitamin E Penetrating Oil is a multi-purpose oil that I've used in a number of ways. It can be used on hair and skin to help hydrate and increase strength and elasticity. I've used it as a shaving oil, which it's a tad bit thick for, but not bad. I've also used a couple drops in damp hair to help reduce frizz and make my hair soft. 

One of the best eyeliners I've used recently is the Essence Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner. It has a felt tip brush that makes application easy. It dries to a matte, very black black. You get a lot of product in this little bottle and it's under $5! You totally can't beat that. I actually think I like this better than my beloved Wet n Wild liquid eyeliner!


What are you loving this month? Let me know! 

March Favorites!

It's been too long since I've done a favorites post, but recently there have been a few stand out items that I couldn't wait any longer to tell you about. I keep grabbing for these fabulous products, and I'm thinking you might want to pick them up, too...

While on vacation in Hawaii, I reached for the Vita Liberata Self Tanning Gradual Lotion. Even on a tropical vacation, you'll find me underneath an umbrella because me and the sun just don't get along. I was able to fake a teensy bit of color by using this lotion. I applied it every other night for a week and had a nice subtle glow that wasn't orange or streaky. I am very fair skinned and this lotion gave me the perfect amount of color that was still natural. I absolutely love that this lotion is made with organic botanicals and has clean ingredients, AND it has the such a minimal self tanner smell. Loooove.

The rest of my favorites are all for the face. I've really enjoyed wearing L'Oreal's Infallible Pro-Matte foundation. I like this best when applied with a damp beauty blender. It lasts all day long and provides a matte full coverage. I especially like that the lightest color actually suits my skin tone. If you're pale like me, you know the struggle of finding a foundation that is light enough! 

On my cheeks, I've been coming back to an oldie but goodie over and over this month - Wet n Wild's Pearlescent Pink. These Wet n Wild blushes are under $5 and they pack a serious punch in the pigment department. This color in particular is a perfect pink with subtle golden shimmer. You only need to dab your blush brush once or twice in to it and you have more than enough to give your cheeks a healthy glow. 

Lastly, the Covergirl Full Lash Bloom mascara has been my go-to this month. At first, I didn't think it was love, but one day I looked in the mirror and realized how truly full and voluminous my lashes looked and it was all roses from there on out. This drugstore mascara isn't going to give you crazy length, but if you're in need of volume and fullness, I would highly recommend picking up a tube! 


What were your favorites this month? I'd love to know! 

March Favorites

So many goodies, so little time. But despite my constant urge to switch things up and try the next latest thing, I kept reaching for these amazing products over and over this month. They are....

Suave Visible Glow Self-Tanning Body Lotion - My one and only gripe with this lotion is that I'm pretty sure Suave didn't even TRY to disguise the horrible self-tanner scent that I loathe (and I know I'm not alone on that hatred!). Aside from the awful fragrance, this stuff gives great color payoff and it builds easily and naturally. It actually looks like a real glow, not orange or streaky. My wrists are a little tell-tale, but that's because I wash my hands too soon after applying it. I use it at night so I don't have to smell it, and shower it off in the morning and voila! I don't look as ghostly as I normally do! Added bonus: this stuff is under $10!

L'Oreal Voluminous Original Mascara in Blackest Black - I've used this mascara in the past, and found it on clearance at Target so I snagged it up yet again. I forgot how much I love this stuff. It packs a serious punch in the volume department and makes my lashes look darn near like falsies! I don't know why people splurge on high-end mascara... the drugstore is FULL of great options! Once I go through my slew of mascaras, I'm going to put this on my repurchase list forever and ever. 

Dr. Brandt Pores No More Pore Refiner - I rotate between primers, but lately this pore refiner has been my go-to. It smooths easily over the skin and is slightly tinted. Once it's applied my skin looks completely poreless, like glass. This is just a mini sample size, but it could be worth a full-size purchase in the future! 

Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear nail polish in Babe Blue - Cream nail polishes are my favorite, and this nearly neon blue is a stunner. I got so many compliments on this polish and I couldn't pull my own eyes away from my hands! Rarely do I use the same nail polish twice in the same year (don't judge me on my humongous collection...) but you can bet I'll be grabbing for this again soon!

Physician's Formula Ultra-Nourishing Argan Oil Blush in Natural - I admit, when I saw the packaging and design of these blushes I judged them by their cover and had to have one. I really love Physician's Formula blushes though, so I wasn't let down in the least. This color is a really pretty pink and blends easily and naturally on my cheeks. If you've heard people go on and on about how heavily scented these are like I have, I can honestly say I hardly even notice the smell. I mean, it's lame they fragranced these blushes, but don't let that deter you from trying one out! 

L'Oreal Color Lift Blush in Rose Gold Lift - This is a beautiful cream blush that is a gorgeous shade of pink with gold shimmer. I used this so much this month because it looks natural and makes my face dewy so there's no highlighter required once you use this. But my favorite thing about this blush is that it LASTS. 8+ hours of wear ain't no thang for this cream blush! (Seriously, just look above at this beauty up close...ugh... gorgeous)


What have you been loving this month? Let me know!

Empties #12

While I haven't been so great about not buying things (I really need to put myself on a a strict "no buy") I HAVE been excellent about finishing what I have. Let's dig in...

• Essie Smoothies hand & body lotion in Pomegranate & Mango (would repurchase) - This was a nice light lotion that I used as a hand lotion. It didn't leave my hands feeling greasy, but it also wasn't mega-hydrating. This is definitely a good choice for the warmer months when my skin doesn't tend to be so dry.

• C.O. Bigelow Lotio Mentholus (would repurchase) - I loved this hand lotion. It's also very light, and has a soft menthol scent. I love the bottle, too!

• Suave Smoothing lotion with cocoa butter & shea (would repurchase) - Another great lotion option! It is lightly scented so it won't interfere with any perfume you're wearing. It moisturizes without being greasy. I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this.

• Alba Botanical Hawaiian Sunscreen in revitalizing green tea (would repurchase) - This sunscreen is very thick and greasy. It's a bit tough to smooth around on the skin. I wouldn't use this as a daily SPF, but it's good if your plan is to bum around on the beach all day. Plus, it's free of nasty chemicals.

• Soap & Glory Hand Food in Fruitigo (would repurchase) - I loooooved this hand lotion! The scent is addicting but not overwhelming. It moisturizes my hands so well. I could easily abandon all other lotions and use this every day from here on out!

• Lush Snow Fairy shower gel (would not repurchase) - I think I'm one of the only people who does not enjoy the cult Snow Fairy scent. It's not the kind of sweet that I enjoy, it a sickening smell. I bought it online without ever smelling it, and I won't be doing that again!

• The Body Shop Almond body butter (would repurchase) - Holy cow, I used a lot of lotion these last couple months. Anyway, I love love loved this body butter. It smells sweet and hydrates intensely. It reminded me of my beloved Creme Anglaise (right next to it), and I'll definitely buy this again.

• Lush Creme Anglaise hand and body lotion (would repurchase) - This is hands down my favorite lotion of all time. And unfortunately, Lush discontinued this last year. It is a tragedy. I hope it makes a comeback for a limited release, because I will stock up even though this costs an arm and a leg.

• Aveeno Positively Radiant Skin Brightening Daily Scrub (would repurchase) - This was a very gentle exfoliator, not harsh at all. If you have sensitive skin, this would be a good option for you. Jake also enjoyed using this. It is fragranced, but not overly so. 
• amie Morning Clear Purifying Facial Wash (would not repurchase) - This was an odd face wash. It felt more like I was slathering lotion all over my face than soap. It just didn't do anything for me. 

• Maybelline Clean Express Makeup Remover (would repurchase) - This gets my eye makeup off well. There's not much more to say about it. 

• L'Oreal Voluminous Extra-Volume Collagen waterproof mascara (would not repurchase) - I took a chance on this, and I didn't like it at all. It was clumpy and gritty and was hard to work with. 

• Aquafina Hydrating Lip Oil (would repurchase) - Full review here. 

• fresh Soy Face Cleanser (would repurchase) - I really enjoyed using this face cleanser, and this deluxe sample lasted me ages. I loved how gentle this was. It never broke me out and did a great job of cleansing my skin. 

• Calvin Klein Ck One Color Mascara (Would repurchase) - This was last year's birthday gift from Ulta, and it was awesome. It didn't make my lashes clumpy, but it provided volume and length. If it wasn't a bit spendy, I'd totally buy it again. 

• Rimmel Stay Matte Foundation (would not repurchase) - Full review here. 

• Andalou Naturals 1000 Roses Absolute Serum (would repurchase) - This serum was heavenly! It smelled softly of roses which is already a huge win in my book. It's meant to soothe and nourish sensitive skin, and I did find it calming.

• B&BW Antibac in Apple Wreath (would repurchase) - I use these before applying my makeup so I don't spread germs on my skin. I like the B&BW ones because they have so many different scents.

• Benefit Total Moisture Facial Cream (would not repurchase) - This moisturizer felt like it just sat on top of my skin. It didn't do a good job of hydrating dry patches. It's a pricey moisturizer and it's definitely not worth it to me.

• DrJ Organics Pure Organic Eye-Lifting Creme (would repurchase) - Full review here.

• Indie Lee Brightening Cleanser (would not repurchase) - I didn't care for the scent of this cleanser and I don't feel like it did much for me. 

• Herbal Essences Body Wash in Body Burst (would repurchase) - This smelled really good, just like all Herbal Essences products do. I liked it!

• Leanni Eco 3-in-1 Revolution Light (would repurchase) - I really liked this toner, moisturizer and serum in one! It hydrated and balanced my skin. Once I work my way through my other moisturizers I have in stock, I'd definitely buy this. 

• Coach Poppy Perfume (would not repurchase) - This smelled nice, but it's nothing unique. I don't need it in my stash.

• Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Top Coat (would repurchase) - I have used this top coat for ages. It dries fast and will leave your nails shiny, but it has a tendency to bubble and it chips quickly. I've gone back to using Seche Vite for now.

• Nivea Lip Butter in Vanilla & Macadamia Kiss (would repurchase) - This smelled heavenly. I smeared this on my lips at night before bed, and it did a pretty good job of hydrating. It doesn't penetrate very deeply, but it's not bad for a cheap lip butter. 

• Wet n Wild Mega Eyes Cream Eyeliner (would repurchase) - I really liked this product, and it made my top 14 of 2014, but it dried up on me. I will get it again because it's so cheap and it's mega-black. 

• Clear Clinic Laboratories Vanished Clear Spot Treatment (would repurchase) - I liked this little sample for zapping spots. It was a good morning treatment for use underneath makeup. It wasn't a miracle product, but I do think it helped speed the healing process along. 

• C.O. Bigelow Mentha Lip Shine in Ultra (would repurchase) - I absolutely love this lip product. It's tingly and cooling on the lips and I can feel it moisturizing and healing when I use it. It has a minty smell and it supposed to help freshen breath, too. I'll definitely get this again. 

• B&BW Wallflowers in Winter (would not repurchase) - As much as I hate using these because they're chock full of bad chemicals, I always seem to have one going in my house because they smell so dang good. Winter isn't my favorite scent and it's not very strong, it's kind of a fruity winter scent, so I won't buy it again. 

• Jason Powersmile toothpaste in Vanilla Peppermint (would repurchase) - I love Jason toothpastes because they're more natural and SLS and flouride-free. I really loved the vanilla peppermint flavor.

• Aveeno Nourish & Strengthen Shampoo & Conditioner (would repurchase) - I got one use out of these. It was nice, nothing overly special, but I'd try out the full size in the future. 

• Liquid Volumizing Shampoo & Conditioner (would repurchase) - I liked these more than I expected to. My hair felt so soft and silky after using these. I have no clue where to purchase them, but if I saw them around, I'd pick them up.

• Elite Therapeutics Elite Shampoo & Conditioner (would repurchase) - Another good shampoo & conditioner. My hair felt soft and conditioned after using these. I wouldn't go out of my way to find them, but if they're reasonably priced, I'd buy them.

• Yves Rocher Quelques Notes d'Amour perfume (would repurchase) - This little sample smelled SO good. This is the one and only Yves Rocher perfume I've tried, and if they're all this good, I need to smell more! This is musky and slightly rosy - the best of both worlds!

• Lush Honey I Washed the Kids Soap (would repurchase) - I really enjoyed this soap. It has a soft honey scent and is moisturizing. I love that it had a honeycomb imprint on it. I'd definitely buy this again. 

• Lush Butterball Bath Bomb (would repurchase) - The Butterball bath bomb is one of my favorites from lush. It smells like vanilla and makes the bath extra moisturizing. I have another of these in my closet, but it won't be my last. I'll always repurchase this. 

• Yankee Candle Winterland candle (would repurchase) - Aside from the fact this candle burned like crap (see all those ridges?!), it smelled nice like sweet peppermint and I enjoyed it.

• Target Toasted Almond soy candle (would repurchase) - This smelled really good, just like you'd imagine toasted almonds to smell. I loved the chic maroon glass packaging. All around good candle.

• B&BW Cranberry Pear Bellini candle (would not repurchase) - I don't really care for this scent. It's not bad, but just not anything I need.

• Old Factory Candle in Roasted Chestnut (would repurchase) - I loved the smell of this. A full review can be found here. 

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

Empties #9

Here's my trash from the last 2 months. Shall we get right to it?

Yes to Tomatoes Volumizing Shampoo - I like most everything I've tried from the Yes To brand, this shampoo included. It had a really nice, dare I say, feminine (?) scent (my husband used it and liked it, too) but I didn't really notice it giving my hair much volume. Despite that, my hair felt clean and it was enjoyable to use. 
Would I repurchase? Yes.

Batiste Dry Shampoo in Fruity & Cheeky Cherry - I'm a big fan of Batiste dry shampoos. They do a good job of allowing me "clean" hair for a couple days post-wash. The cherry scent was subtle and didn't linger in the hair.
Would I repurchase? Yes.

Pantene Ice Shine Shampoo - I have had this in the closet forever and finally used it up. This is a super basic shampoo. I didn't notice my hair being shinier than normal, but that was OK by me. I prefer a bit more moisture from my shampoos, so this wasn't my favorite, but it certainly wasn't bad. 
Would I repurchase? Yes.

Kiss My Face Big Body Conditioner - This is an all natural conditioner. I've tried many natural conditioners that I've loved, but this one doesn't quite make the cut. I didn't find this to be very nourishing, and the scent was just OK. 
Would I repurchase? Probably not.

Beauty Secrets Acetone Nail Polish Remover - This is the Sally Beauty brand of acetone polish remover. Even though acetone is quite harsh for the nails and cuticles, it cuts out half the time when removing pesky polish. I prefer using it over non-acetone removers, and I liked this brand.
Would I repurchase? Yes.

B&BW Honey Body Scrub in Wild Iris & Honey - This sugar scrub was really enjoyable to use. It left a nice oil on the skin and the scent lasted for a couple hours after using it. I'd never tried scrubs from B&BW before, and after trying this one I definitely want to try more!
Would I repurchase? Yes.

Yes to Carrots Daily Cream Facial Cleanser - I used this cleanser in the mornings as it's very gentle. I don't think it would be something I'd use in the evening as I prefer a heavier-duty cleanser then, but for mornings it was nice. It didn't break my skin out and it didn't leave a film behind on the skin.
Would I repurchase? Yes.

B&BW Dreamy Vanilla Woods Shower Gel - Wowza, this is an old fragrance from B&BW! This guy has been sitting in my closet for way too long, practically begging to be used up. It's a very sweet autumnal scent but I admit it got a bit sickening, so because of that I wouldn't get it again if they re-release this scent.
Would I repurchase? No.

Garnier Expert Exfoliator Daily Exfoliating Gel - This is a very gently exfoliator so if you like to exfoliate every day, this is for you. It leaves the skin with a cold feeling that can burn if your skin is dry, or even hurt if you rub it around on your face too long. It was nice for the time being, but I've found other products I like better.
Would I repurchase? No.

Nourish Organic Deodorant in Almond Vanilla - This is the best all natural deodorant I've ever tried. It is very lightly scented (so if you're someone who needs to mask BO this scent isn't the one for you) and it didn't make my armpits smell bad the way so many natural deodorants do. My one gripe (and I don't know if I just got a bad bottle) is that the texture is gritty. It actually kind of hurt to apply at times. It never irritated my armpits to the point of pain, but it was strange and not comfortable when applying. Regardless, I still loved it.
Would I repurchase? Yes.

Whish Shave Cream in Blueberry - This was a sample from a past Birchbox. I didn't care for the very fake blueberry smell, but it worked really nicely. I've never seen this in stores, but if I did I would consider purchasing it.
Would I repurchase? Yes.

Yes to Blueberries Eye Firming Treatment - This product made a past favorites post, that's how much I loved it. For the warmer summer months, this eye cream was my jam, but when the colder fall months hit it wasn't quite moisturizing enough. I still really enjoyed using it.
Would I repurchase? Yes.

B&BW Anti-bacs in Sweet Clementine and Ice Cream Dream - I always have these in my empties, as I use them prior to applying my makeup to ensure my hands are germ-free. Sweet Clementine had a clean citrus scent and Ice Cream Dream was sweet and heavenly.
Would I repurchase? Yes.

It's So Big Mascara by Elizabeth Mott - This mascara came in a previous Ipsy bag and it was surprisingly really good. It did make my lashes look big and voluminous without compromising length and separation. It flaked a tiny bit, but not enough for me to completely write it off as a bad mascara.
Would I repurchase? Yes.

Tarte Smooth Operator Amazonian Clay Eye Base - I'm willing to bet I got a bad sample of this, because it was hardly usable. It caked all over my eyelids and did nothing to enhance and hold my eyeshadows. 
Would I repurchase? Probably not.

Juicy Couture Perfume - I have to say, I think I'm officially over Juicy Couture perfumes. I never did care too much for the original scent, as I find it a bit too floral for my taste. I just wasn't a big fan of this.
Would I repurchase? No.

Maybelline The Colossal Volum Express Cat Eyes Mascara - In a previous post, I believe I said I enjoyed this mascara. Well, times have changed because I could not get through this tube. This is being thrown before its time because it made my lashes clumpy and it was hard to work with.
Would I repurchase? No.

TheBalm Stainiac in Beauty Queen - This was a really pretty rosy lip stain that gave a perfect glow to my lips. It won't hydrate your lips, but it will stain them a beautiful color that lasts and lasts. I really enjoyed using this little sample, but unfortunately it dried up before I could use it all.
Would I repurchase? Yes.

Maybelline Great Lash clear mascara - I use this to set my eyebrows. It works good, it's cheap. Not much more to say.
Would I repurchase? Yes, already have.

Yes to Cucumbers Facial Towelettes - These are a tried and true makeup wipe that I come back to often. They are moist and gentle and work great to get all my makeup off of my face.
Would I repurchase? Yes.

L'Oreal Laquer Liner in Blackest Black - I didn't completely use this up but it's old and hard and I've had enough of it. It wasn't creamy and easy to work with, it was always kind of hard and tough to get enough of on your brush. 
Would I repurchase? No.

Caudelie Premier Cru Eye Cream - This little sample was really nice. It felt smooth and hydrating on my eyes, but it is definitely too far on the pricey side for me to purchase this anytime soon.
Would I repurchase? Yes.

Chapsticks in Spearmint and Strawberry - These are good plain lip balms that hydrate the lips. I think anyone and everyone has tried these. They're cheap and they do the job.
Would I repurchase? Yes.

Trader Joe's Antiplaque Toothpaste with Fennel, Propolis & Myrrh - Buyer beware! If you don't like licorice, don't buy this. It tastes like black jelly beans. I happen to like licorice, so this was fine with me, but I probably won't buy it again because I prefer a minty toothpaste.
Would I repurchase? Maybe.

OPI Avojuices in Raspberry Violet and Jasmine Juicie - I really like these hand creams. They make your hands ridiculously smooth without feeling heavy or greasy. They won't penetrate the driest, cracked hands, but if you need a little boost of moisture, these will work great. The jasmine scent is my favorite from all the many I've tried of these.
Would I repurchase? Yes.

L'Occitane Hand Cream in Magical Leaves - This had a really nice fresh scent that lasted just long enough (i.e. just long enough that it wasn't offensive). It moisturized really nicely and what can I say - it looked cute on my desk at work! I love the packaging of the L'Occitane hand creams!
Would I repurchase? Yes.

Michael Todd Wild Rose Petal Creamy Body Wash - I had high hopes for this as I love the smell of rose, but this had an old lady sickening rose scent to it. It lathered nicely, but I couldn't get past the scent.
Would I repurchase? No.

GlamGlow Supermud Treatment - It was fun to finally try this product without having to shell out the expensive dough on a full sized tub. I thought it was nice and my skin did feel great, but I do think there are other mud masks that work just as nicely and won't break the bank.
Would I repurchase? Yes.

FAB Face Cleanser - I don't know what I expected this product to be, but it wasn't this. I know people rave about how great this is, but I just didn't find it to be anything special. I had been considering buying this cleanser, but once I tried it I just wasn't very impressed.
Would I repurchase? No.

Benefit The POREfessional Agent Zero Shine Powder - I really liked using this! It set my foundation nicely without looking cakey or too powdery. 
Would I repurchase? Yes.

L'Oreal Revitalift Instensive Overnight Mask - This product claims to show results within just one use. I didn't notice a single change or difference in my skin, even after using it 3-4 times. It was heavily scented which I didn't like as well.
Would I repurchase? No.

StriVectin Eye Concentrate for Wrinkles - I've tried this before and I like it. It does a nice job of smoothing fine lines.
Would I repurchase? Yes.

Sonoma Lifestyle candle in Woodland Walk - This candle is from Kohl's and OH MY WORD. It smelled heavenly. It's the epitome of fall scents, leaning more towards a perfume scent than spicy. I absolutely loved it and hope it's released again.
Would I repurchase? Yes.

Diamond Candle in Pomegranate Lemonade - I did a whole review of this candle here. It was fun to burn this and find the ring inside.
Would I repurchase? Yes.


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

Target Spring 2014 Beauty Box

I feel a bit bad posting about this, as it's no longer available, but as I considered whether or not to share with all of you, I thought - hey, Target does these boxes now and then and you might want to know for the future. So, I apologize this is no longer available, but make sure to keep your eyes open for a new box in the future.

Long story short, I paid just $5 plus shipping for the Target Spring 2014 Beauty Box. ONLY $5!!! That mascara alone is worth ~$8! You can only purchase these boxes online, and you have to act fast as they sell out rather quickly. I think this was a really great value with awesome products to try. I'm really happy with it! 

The contents of the box are as follows (From the Target website):

1) TONI&GUY Casual Sea Salt Texturising Spray (2.5 fl oz): Want beachy hair without hitting the surf? Spray from root to tip for salty, sultry texture and subtle, windswept waves.
2) L’Oreal Voluminous Butterfly Mascara (.22 fl oz): Stretch and lengthen lashes for a fluttery, winged-out look with this unique mascara formula and revolutionary asymmetrical Butterfly Brush.
3) Herbal Essences Naked Dry Shampoo (1.7 oz): Give hair a rejuvenating boost with this paraben and colorant-free formula made with natural tapioca to instantly absorb excess oil with less residue.
4) COVERGIRL Smoochies Sizzle Gloss (.44 fl oz): Pucker up. Sheer color meets sizzling shimmer in a moisturizing formula that’s always stunning, never sticky.
5) Jergens BB Cream Light (2 fl oz): Finally, a multi-tasking beauty cream in a quick-drying formula that goes on sheer and delivers visible results in just 5 days. 

Have you tried any of these products? Were you lucky enough to score one of the Target Beauty Boxes? Let me know in the comments below! 

Out with the old, in with the new! | Empties #4

Since my last empties post in December, I've been using things up like mad and I can't stand to see this bag of trash in my room for a second longer! If you're unfamiliar with "empties" posts, I show you what I've used up and give a brief review on each product. By the time I've used something up entirely, I've got a pretty good idea of what I like and don't like and I know if I'd repurchase it. Plus, these are some of my favorite posts from others to read so I enjoy writing them just as much! Let's dive in....

• epielle Green Tea Cleansing Tissues (repurchased) - I get these at Big Lots, primarily for spot cleaning brushes and wiping swatches off my arms/hands. They do a good job. I've already repurchased another version of the epielle tissues.

• Pond's Evening Soothe Wet Cleansing Towelettes (would repurchase) - These are in my top 3 favorites for cleansing cloths, and you probably recognize these from past empties posts. These cloths are quilted, smell amazing and do a great job scrubbing my makeup off.

• Alba Botanica Hawaiian 3-in-1 Clean Towelettes (would not repurchase) - This was the first time I've ever tried anything from Alba Botanica, and sadly these wipes just didn't do it for me. They weren't wet enough for my taste and I just didn't feel like they got rid of all my makeup well enough. 

• Oscar Blandi Daily Leave-In Detangler (would not repurchase) - I feel like it took me forever to get through this bottle. I wasn't a big fan. It smelled faintly of pickle juice, and was just okay at getting tangles out of my tangle-prone hair. 

• Batiste Dry Shampoo in Floral & Flirty Blush (would repurchase) - I really like Batiste dry shampoos. I come back to them again and again because there always seems to be a new scent I haven't tried. This had an okay floral scent and did the job of soaking up excess oil in my hair.

• Herbal Essences Hello Hydration Moisturizing   Conditioner (would repurchase) - This was nice. It wasn't anything special, and it definitely isn't my favorite out of the Herbal Essences line, but it was good. 

• Clear Damage & Color Repair Nourishing Shampoo (would repurchase) - Holy cow, this took me FOREVER to get through (as shampoos always do). This had a creamy consistency which I liked and foamed up really well. I have lots of other shampoos to go through first, but I would repurchase it in the future.

• Essence I Heart Extreme Crazy Volume Mascara (would repurchase) - I loved this stuff! It gave me awesome length and tons of volume without being clumpy. It's also mega cheap, which you can't beat! I did experience some flaking during the day, but minimal enough that it didn't bug me. I can't wait to get more of this stuff!

• Covergirl Clump Crusher by Lashblast Mascara (would repurchase) - Another mascara I totally loved. It made my Best of Beauty for 2013, so you know it's good stuff! Lengthening, volumizing and never clumpy, this is where it's at for drugstore mascara.

• L'Oreal Shocking Extensions Waterproof Telescopic Mascara (would not repurchase) - While I normally love the Telescopic line, I didn't like this waterproof version. It didn't apply as smoothly as the normal formula, unfortunately. I'd stick to the normal formula in the future.

• Tarte Lights, Camera, Lashes! Mascara (repurchased) - I think the tube I got was dried out because this was not usable. I know people rave about this mascara, and I can't believe the formula I got is the same one others rave about. I tried to use it a couple times, but I couldn't stand it. I got a couple more of these for Christmas so I'll be keen to find out if the formula is different. 

• Olay Anti-Wrinkle Nutrients Night Renewal Cream (would repurchase) - This night cream was nice. It hydrated my skin and smelled pleasant. I have another night cream I'm using now, but I would probably give this a shot again in the future.

• Covergirl Outlast Stay Fabulous 3-in-1 Foundation (repurchased) - I won't even go on about this. You know I love it. For an in-depth review, click here. 

• Aquaphor Healing Ointment (would repurchase) - I used this for dry skin patches and lip balm and I love it. Nothing heals dry skin and chapped lips like Aquaphor. I've got a big tub of this to get through yet, but I will definitely repurchase in the future.

• Kiss My Face Ultra Moisturizer (would repurchase) - I used this lotion for my hands as it was too thick for use on my face, but it was nice. It has no fragrance so I never had to worry about it competing with my perfume. Nice and simple, I liked it.

• Grand Central Beauty S.M.A.R.T. Skin Perfecting Polisher (would not repurchase) - I got this little sample in a past Birchbox. I didn't notice this doing anything for my skin at all. I can't say I enjoyed using it.

• Bath & Body Works Anti-Bacterial Hand Gel in Peach Poppy (would repurchase) - There's always one of these in my empties! Peach Poppy smelled really nice, and the packaging is super cute. I liked this a lot!

• Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion (would not repurchase) - I kept this little guy in my purse for use on the go. I didn't think it was anything special and I just wanted to get through it.

• Boots Brazil Nut Body Wash (would repurchase) - This smelled AMAZING. I don't like to eat brazil nuts, but I sure loved using this scent of body wash! I've got more body wash to use for now, but this will be making a comeback in my stash at some point.

• The Body Shop Cocoa Butter Creamy Body Wash (would not repurchase) - I thought this was going to smell much better than it actually did. I don't know if it was just old (purchased it from TJ Maxx) or if that's actually how The Body Shop's Cocoa Butter line smells, but I wasn't a fan.

• Bath & Body Works Festive Vanilla Fig Body Lotion (would repurchase) - I didn't use this up entirely, but it's been in my stash for far too long and needs to be thrown out. It smelled really nice and hydrated well.

• Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Top Coat (repurchased) - This is my holy grail top coat. I've gone through a few of these, and I'm already working my way through another. It leaves your nails shiny and dries super fast. A+!

• Chapstick in Green Apple (would repurchase) - I got sent a bunch of these quite a ways back, and I have to say I like it! It smells just like you'd imagine it would and does a good job of hydrating my lips. I've still got a couple more of these left to use up.

• Weleda Pampering Body Lotion in Wild Rose (would not repurchase) - I got this sample in a past Birchbox (grrr tear-open samples!) and remembered to use this the other day. I didn't really like this smell, and I typically like rose scents. This just didn't do it for me.

• fresh Lotus Youth Preserve Face Cream (would repurchase) - I don't even remember where I got this, but I really liked it. The smell wasn't my favorite, but it moisturized well.

• Studio Beauty Calming Mask & Detoxifying Mask (would repurchase) - These little face mask packets are from Walgreens' own beauty line. I liked the Detoxifying Mask more than the Calming Mask, although my husband said it smelled like asian beetles. They were cheap and fun to try, and I got 2-3 uses from each packet.

• Bath & Body Works Candle in Merry Cookie (would repurchase) - This smelled SO good, super sweet like a sugar cookie! I loved the adorable packaging this came in, too.

• Holiday Time Candle in Winter (would not repurchase) - This candle is from Walmart and is part of their "Holiday Time" Christmas collection. The scent throw on this was weak and it burned rather quickly. I wasn't really expecting much from this, and should have listened to my gut that it wasn't worth picking up.

What did you get through this month?