Play! by Sephora | November 2016

This month's Play! by Sephora box is themed "Best in Glow" and features products that help combat winter dullness with products that revitalize and perk up the skin. 

For those of you new to the Play! by Sephora subscription, it costs  just $10 per month and you get deluxe sized samples of premium brands sold at Sephora. It's one of my favorite monthly beauty subscriptions. Interested in subscribing? You can sign up here - this is not an affiliate link! 

Here's what came in this month's bag:

• Laura Mercier Caviar Stick in Rose Gold - A long lasting, creamy eyeshadow stick that's pigmented and super soft. 

• Stella McCartney Pop perfume - A fruity sweet scent, characterized by notes of tomato and violet leaves, plumeria, cedarwood and musks. Definitely more of a young, girly scent in my book. 

• CoverFX Illuminating Primer - A primer free that gives the skin a glow and is free of silicone. It preps the skin for makeup and improves skin tone. 

• Sephora Ultra Shine Lip Gel in Pin Up Pink - A mega-shiny lip gloss inspired by gel nail polishes. It sits comfortably on the lips and adds a subtle pop of color. 

• The Estee Edit Dissolve the Drama 2-in-1 Makeup Remover + Cleanser - An oil cleanser that removes makeup and cleans the face with aloe and cucumber. 

• Glam Glow Supermud Clearing Treatment - The face mask EVERYONE talks about. Designed to visibly improve the skin and clear breakouts, you can see problem areas being treated by this mask when you apply it. Super expensive, but feels so nice on the skin. 

Have you signed up for Play! by Sephora? Let me know your thoughts on it! 

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. 

Empties #13

Just to recap from last time - I'm getting even better about not buying things and getting through my stash. This post is proof because I've got a LOT to show you. Of course, I still grab up the things I find on a killer deal, but I can't even tell you the last time I bought something like a new palette! Little victories.....

Here's all the stuff I've finally used up and purged out of my stash. The reason I've continued to do these posts (13 to be exact!) is that once I've finished up a product, I know certainly whether or not I would purchase something again, or whether I think it's worth recommending you try. So, here we go! 

Beauty Protector Protect & Detangle Spray (would repurchase) - This detangler spray is a Birchbox exclusive, so you can only purchase it at Birchbox.com, but girl -- you need to. This stuff is probably my favorite detangler ever. It really works out those stubborn tangles while providing your hair with a whole mish mash of other benefits like heat protections, shine maximization, UV protection and more! Plus it's paraben and sulfate free. 

Kiss My Face 4 in 1 Moisture Shave in Cool Mint (might repurchase) - This wasn't my favorite shave cream, but it wasn't bad by any means. I like that it's formulated without parabens, phthalates, SLS, artificial flavors and fragrances, plus it has vegan friendly ingredients, and is cruelty free. My legs are really sensitive and are prone to razor bumps when I shave, and this didn't prevent them from getting itchy after shaving, but I can't hate because of how good the ingredients are. I can handle a little itch until I'm out of the shower.

Paula's Choice Perfectly Natural Cleansing Gel (would repurchase) - If you're in to products created using healthy ingredients, Paula's Choice is where it's freaking at. This was a very basic cleanser, formulated with 99% natural ingredients, that left my skin feeling clean without stripping it of natural oils. This cleanser is recommended for babies it's so gentle, as well as people with super sensitive skin and those suffering from eczema. I have neither, but I love a gentle, natural cleanser. A+ product!

Herbal Essences Honey I'm Strong Rinse Off Treatment (would not repurchase) - I don't even think this hair treatment is sold anymore. I can see why, because it literally did nothing for my hair. This was about as strengthening and nourishing as a basic conditioner, it was nothing special as a once-a-week treatment. 

Sonia Kashuk Red Promisia Hand Creme (would not repurchase) - Holy smelly, Batman! This stuff is seriously fragranced, smelling strongly of sandalwood, vanilla and jasmine. You could and should bypass perfume if you're going to use this as your daytime lotion or hand creme. I used this at night because it was way too strong and I prefer to use perfume in the daytime and I like my hand cremes to be minimally fragranced. It was hydrating but nothing special. 

Aveda Hand Relief (would repurchase) - On the flip side, this hand creme is one of my holy grails. This version smells like lemon pie and is super duper hydrating. If you have really dry hands, this will be your savior. It makes your hands greasy for a tiny bit but then it soaks in and works moisturizing magic.

Calgon Royal Rendezvouz Velvet Body Cream (would repurchase) - I used this as a body lotion each morning, and it was nice but nothing special. It was lightly hydrating and it smelled fresh, kind of like a shampoo or hair spray. The scent did last for a long time, but I didn't find that it interfered with my perfume. 

Soap & Glory The Righteous Butter Body Moisturizer (would repurchase) - I'm a huge fan of Soap & Glory products because literally everything they make smells amazing. The Righteous Butter has a nice feminine scent, characterized by bergamot, peach, vanilla and sandalwood. These body moisturizers are ridiculously hydrating without leaving your skin greasy. Side note, Soap & Glory has been pulled out of Sephora stores and is making a move to Walgreens - hip hip hooray! Hopefully this means prices go down just a smidge (even though they're not bad to begin with)! 

Tom's Aluminum-Free Deodorant in Wild Lavender (would not repurchase) - I got this deodorant in a PinchMe box for free, and I'm glad I didn't purchase it. This stuff irritated my armpits at times, and didn't keep me dry (not that it promises to) or smelling particularly great on warm or stressful days. I've used way better natural deodorants before so I won't be buying this again. 

Organix Nourishing Coconut Milk Conditioner (would repurchase) - I purchased this travel size to take on trips with me, and I got quite a few uses. It made my hair feel soft and it smelled nice. 

Martha Stewart Essentials Hair, Skin & Nails Vitamins (would repurchase) - I always take some form of biotin, primarily to keep my nails strong as I'm prone to brittle, easy-to-break nails, and I got this when it was on sale. These were nice, they did the job, and they're vegetarian capsules which is an added and necessary bonus for me!

Yes to Tomatoes Skin Clearing Facial Mask (would repurchase) - Unfortunately this wasn't used up entirely, but it dried out on me and started to smell funky. I liked this mask, it wasn't a godsend, but I do think it helped my skin continue to clear. It's affordable and worth a shot if you have problem skin. 

Rimmel Stay Matte Powder in Translucent (would repurchase) - This used to be a holy grail powder for me, but lately I've come to like powders that are truly translucent, and I've found some others that I like more than this. However, if you're an oily skinned gal, this will keep you matte all day, and it costs under $5 which is awesome. 

Finley Grace Wickless Soy Candle in Hot Apple Pie (would not repurchase) - All this is is a solid soy room freshener. It had literally no scent throw so in order to smell it your nose had to be pressed against the freshener. If I didn't have a million wax tarts to use, I'd cut this out and put it in my warmer, but I just don't care enough. 

Lush Lip Scrub in Mint Julips (would repurchase) - Sometimes you just need to exfoliate your lips, especially before putting on a pigmented lipstick. I like these Lush ones because they're made with sugar and (even though it sounds disgusting) you can just lick them off after you scrub your lips. Mint Julips smelled and tasted minty and I enjoyed using it. I bought the Santa's Lip Scrub when this ran out, but I'd get this flavor again.

St. Tropez Prep & Maintain Tanning Mitt (would repurchase) - Nothing much to talk about here. I used this mitt to apply self-tanner and it worked nicely. It didn't rip and it didn't leave me streaky.

Shiseido Facial Cotton (would repurchase) - I've heard everyone and their mom rave about these cotton pads and I always wondered how anyone could be crazy about freaking cotton pads. I wasn't blown away immediately, but after going back to regular cotton rounds, I totally miss using these fancy ones. They're big enough to wipe all my makeup off with a cleanser and they don't fall apart. I'm a fan. 

Swisspers Cotton Rounds (would repurchase) - These are the boring regular cotton rounds I was referring to. I got a big box of these at Costco and I have a many more tubes to use. I've gotten more in to micellar waters and I'd like a bigger cotton round to use instead of these small ones, so once these are gone, I'll probably only use these size to remove my eye makeup.

Aveeno Positively Radiant Makeup Removing Wipes (would repurchase) - Another Costco purchase, I got three packs of these on a whim. Turns out I really like using them. They have a nice pleasant scent, they're super moist and they get all my makeup off. 

Up & Up Cosmetic Wedges (would repurchase) - Call me old school, but my favorite way to apply my foundation is still a good old cosmetic wedge. I always get latex-free because I hate the smell of latex. I'll continue to buy these.

Nature's Bees Natural & Organic Lip Balm (would repurchase) - I picked this up at the checkout counter of Big Lots one day and then proceeded to fall head over heels in love with this balm. It doesn't have much of a scent, but it's so hydrating and comfortable on the lips. Sadly, Big Lots closed in my town, but I went to one elsewhere and picked up 2 more of these because I can't find them online anywhere! 

Covergirl Outlast Stay Fabulous 3-in-1 Foundation (would repurchase) - Holy grail foundation. My favorite ever. I did a full review on this here. 

Sally Hansen Dry & Go Drops (would repurchase) - I got these way back in an old Allure Beauty Box and used them, but they aren't really something I would have thought to buy for myself. It sort of felt like oil drops on my nails, and I think it did help speed up the dry time of my nail polish. 

Laura Geller Spackle Primer in Bronze (would not repurchase) - I didn't finish this completely, but it's super old, from one of my first Birchboxes. I didn't notice this keeping my makeup put any longer than normal or doing anything wonderful for my skin. 

Revlon Nearly Naked Foundation in Ivory (would not repurchase) - I don't use this alone, I actually mix it in with my Covergirl 3-in-1 foundation when I want a more natural or dewy look. It's a bit too slippery on me to use this foundation alone. I did a full review of this here. 

StriVectin-SD Eye Concentrate for Wrinkles (would repurchase) - I have fine lines under my eyes and when I used this, I felt like they were less noticeable. I would totally get this again for upkeep and prevention.  

Milani Eye Tech Extreme Liquid Eye Liner (would repurchase) - This was a nice eyeliner. It had a thin, long tip and was easy to apply. 

Almay Liquid Eyeliner Pen (would not repurchase) - This finished too shiny for my taste, plus the tip was far too thick for my liking. 

Maybelline Great Lash in Clear (would repurchase) - I use this to set my brows. It works like a charm and it's cheaper than many brow gels. 

Sephora Transparent Brow Gel (would not repurchase) - Tried this out on a whim and hated it. It dried sticky and sometimes white. Absolutely awful stuff - I should have read the reviews before buying or I could have saved myself the $5!

OPI Avojuice in Mango (would not repurchase) - Avojuices used to be my favorite lotions, but I've come around and changed my mind. They do a good job at temporarily hydrating my hands, but they don't do any major work. I have other hand creams I prefer more now. 

B&BW PocketBac in Strawberry Hibiscus (would repurchase) - There's always one of these in my empties. I use them before applying my makeup to kill any germs on my hands. This one smelled nice and the packaging is cute! 

Visine Advanced Redness + Irritation Relief (would repurchase) - I'm so prone to having red eyes, and this stuff does the trick to knock redness out. I didn't quite finish these, but they expired and I don't mess around with eye products and expiration dates.

Laura Mercier Flawless Skin Face Polish (would repurchase) - I got this little sample from Sephora and really enjoyed it. It's quite scrubby and feels like sand. It made my skin feel soft and exfoliated. I'm sure a full size is quite pricey, but if I saw it for cheap, I'd consider buying it. 

Garnier Fructis Marvelous Oil (would repurchase) - I used this sample as an overnight treatment for my hair, prior to a hair wash day. It smelled really nice and left my hair feeling smooth. 

Cosmedicine Primary Care Multi-Tasking Moisturizer (would repurchase) - This was a fragrance-free, no-nonsense moisturizer with SPF 20. It was lightweight and worked nicely under makeup.

Keomi Skincare Luscious Lavender Soap (would repurchase) - I love these Keomi soaps and the lavender scent smelled really good. It lathered nicely and made my skin feel clean but not stripped. I did a whole review of these soaps here. 

100% Pure Green Apple Nourishing Body Cream (would repurchase) - I used this sample as a hand cream and it worked well. It wasn't greasy, and it smelled just like you'd expect green apples to. I love that this lotion is 100% natural and vegan. 

Vanedo Beauty Friends Pearl Sheet Mask (would repurchase) - For my birthday, my husband got me a set of various Vanedo sheet masks. The pearl mask left my face soft but I didn't notice any major improvements. I just enjoy a good sheet mask for relaxation and pampering. 

Up & Up Luminous White Whitening Wraps (would repurchase) - Stay tuned, I'm going to do a full review on these soon so I don't want to give anything away. :)

Johnson & Johnson Soft Woven Mint Floss (would repurchase) - I love flossing my teeth, and the woven floss is my absolute favorite. It gets every speck of junk out of my teeth and it doesn't hurt.

GUM Butlerweave Mint Waxed Floss (would not repurchase) - I get these little floss samples from the dentist and I keep them in my desk at work for use whenever I need it. It's fine, but again, I prefer the woven kind.

Jason Powersmile Antiplaque & Whitening toothpaste in Powerful Peppermint (would repurchase) - Jason toothpastes are some of my favorite natural toothpastes. They're fluoride-free (google why fluoride is bad for you if you're curious why I prefer toothpastes without it) but they do a really nice job of cleaning my teeth. This flavor was nice and fresh.

B&BW Cinnamon Sugared Doughnut candle (would repurchase) - This candle smells divine. My best friend went and bought herself a bunch of these candles after smelling it burning in my house. That's how epic this smell is. You can still buy this in large and small sizes, but I do believe the mason jar size isn't available right now. 

Yankee Candle Pink Blush Candle (would not repurchase) - This wasn't a bad scent, but it just isn't something I need again. It's a floral scent with a hint of powder. 

B&BW Flowering Dogwood Candle (would repurchase) - This is ages old and I don't think B&BW even carries this scent anymore. This smells just like Flowerbomb perfume. It's heavenly. 


Uff da! That's it. Have you tried any of these products? Let me know! 

My Current Wishlist | April 2014

Top to bottom, L to R

• Laura Mercier Creme de Pistache Body Souffle - This is a super indulgent body cream that has been all the rage lately. It's uber pricey, but I love all things pistachio and I just know I would love this scent. Someday, I just might have to splurge and drop the $60 on it.

• Bumble & Bumble Pret a Powder - Best described by Bumble & Bumble, Pret a Powder is "equal parts dry shampoo, style extender and volume in a pinch." I use dry shampoo regularly, and this stuff is supposed to be the bomb.

• Chloe Roses de Chloe Perfume - Chloe is perhaps my most favorite perfume I've ever owned, but Roses de Chloe smells absolutely heavenly. Equally classy and sexy, this scent is something I'd never get sick of. I need to use up a couple perfumes before allowing myself to purchase this.

• LaVanila Deodorant - I've been testing various all natural deodorants casually for quite some time now, and this one has been highly talked about. It doesn't come cheap, but I'm determined to find a worthwhile natural deodorant and once I find a great one, I'm happy to pay for it.

• fresh Soy Face Cleanser - I got a sample of this in my Sephora haul, and recently brought it on vacation. I really loved the soft rosy smell and the clean feeling it provided.

• Too Faced Melted Liquefied Long Wear Lipsticks - A gloss, stain, and lipstick in one, the swatches of these lipsticks look amazing. They don't come cheap, so for now they'll remain on my wish list.

Have you tried any of these products? What are you wishing for?