August Empties (#17)

Another month, another batch of empties. I like empties posts because things that may not make the blog get their 2 seconds here, and heck -- once you've used a whole product up, you've got a pretty good idea about whether it's worth another purchase or not. 

Let's dig in....

• Nexxus Pro-Mend Split End Binding Daily Conditioner (would not repurchase) - This conditioner had a really weird consistency, almost like lotion. It was super thick, and didn't do a whole lot for my hair.

• Nubian Heritage Honey & Black Seed Heat Protect Keratin Spray (would repurchase) - I really loved the smell of this, but this bottle got old on me and the smell just wasn't right so it had to go.

• Macadamia Healing Oil Spray (would repurchase) - I love everything in the Macadamia line. This spray made my best in beauty in 2013 and for good reason. This brand is super hyped in the beauty world, and I can assure you, the hype is totally worth it because their stuff is amazing. It smells so good and makes my hair silky smooth.

• Fekkai Blowout Dry Shampoo (would not repurchase) - When I first reviewed this dry shampoo, I absolutely loved this stuff. I feel like my scalp has changed, and when I went to finish this off, it just didn't control oil in my hair like it used to.

• Urban Decay All Nighter XL Makeup Setting Spray (would repurchase) - It took me ages to use up this setting spray, as you can tell by the outdated packaging! I like this stuff. It's expensive, but I'd buy it again.

• Urban Decay b6 Vitamin-Infused Prep Spray (would not repurchase) - I'm not sure this prep spray did anything for my skin. I wouldn't buy this.

• Covergirl Super Sizer Mascara (would repurchase) - I love this stuff. I did a full review here. 

• Anastasia Clear Brow Gel (would repurchase) - This brow gel was fabulous. I got it on sale during one of Ulta's beauty steal sales, and I'd definitely get it again on sale because it ain't cheap.

• Essence Liquid Eyeliner (would repurchase) - I purchased this on a whim, and it became an instant favorite. I love this stuff, and it costs under $5! 

• Makeup Forever Smoky Extravagant Mascara (would not repurchase) - I wasn't overly impressed by this mascara. The wand was really big and it didn't do a whole lot for me. It retails for $24, which is a crazy price for a mascara.

• Jergens BB Body Lotion (would not repurchase) - This lotion is supposed to make your skin look flawless, and honestly, I didn't notice a thing. I also didn't like the smell because it reminds me of the Jergens tanning lotion. Not a fan.

• Caudalie Purifying Mask (would not repurchase) - This was an OK mask, but it didn't do anything radical for my skin. It was still nice to use though. 

• Neutrogena Healthy Skin Boosters Facial Cleanser (would not repurchase) - If you're sensitive to fragrance, stay far away from this face wash. It is quite heavily fragranced but the smell is pleasant and fresh. It's a very basic, gentle cleanser, that didn't strip my skin or break me out, but I prefer a less fragranced, more natural cleanser on a day to day basis.

• Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion in Sin (would not repurchase) - I know everyone loves the UD Primer Potion, but it just doesn't keep my shadows from creasing. I have oily eyelids, which is part of it, but I've found eye primers that work far better than this.

• Versace Bright Crystal Perfume (would not repurchase) - This floral citrus-y scent is so not for me. I couldn't even get through this sample size vial. 

• Agave Healing Oil Treatment (would repurchase) - I looooved this sample of agave oil, something I've wanted to try out forever. I actually just purchased a full size bottle and I can't wait to keep using it. It smells great and it will make your hair so soft.

• OPI Avojuice in Cran & Berry (would not repurchase) - I really like the OPI Avojuices, they're lightweight and make my skin soft, but I wasn't crazy about this scent. 

• CO Bigelow Raspberry Mentha Lip Shine (would repurchase) - I love the CO Bigelow lip shines. They have peppermint oil in them so they're pleasantly cooling, and they always soothe my dry or chapped lips. 

• Blistex Five Star Lip Protection (would repurchase) - I really love the smell of this chapstick. It hydrates my lips and it's super cheap. 

• Sierra Bees chapstick in Pomegranate (would repurchase) - Sierra Bees lippies are available exclusively on iHerb.com. They're really cheap and they are lovely to use, plus they're all natural and organic! Highly recommend. 

• Equate Beauty Applicator Sponges (would repurchase) - Call me crazy, but makeup sponges are my favorite way to apply my foundation. 

• Pikake Facial Mask (would repurchase) - I got this for fun at a Daiso in California, without much expectation. Turns out, it was really nice. It felt cooling on my skin, and didn't break me out. However, if you're sensitive to fragrance, keep away from this face mask as it's quite scented.

• Vitacost Biotin Raspberry Quick Dots (would repurchase) - I take biotin for stronger, healthier hair, nails and skin. I like these easy to take chewables that don't taste disgusting. (Get $10 FREE to Vitacost at this link - one of my all time favorite websites)

• Jason Powersmile Powerful Peppermint Toothpaste (would repurchase) - This is my favorite all natural toothpaste. I come back to it again and again, and I'll definitely buy it in the future. 

• Listerine Woven Mint Floss (would repurchase) - The woven, rope-like floss is my absolute favorite. It gets in between my teeth to get any gunk out. I already have another in my bathroom.

• Bella Organics Vanilla Mint Deodorant (would repurchase) - I liked this all natural deodorant. For a full review, click here. 

• Crystal Essence Mineral Deodorant in Pomegranate (would not repurchase) - When I first started using this, I was in love. It kept me dry and it smells amazing, but towards the end of the bottle, it started to make my pits smell bad and it didn't control sweat at all. Plus, spray deodorants like this are a little fussy.

• Yankee Candle in Queen Anne's Lace (would not repurchase) - This floral, spring scent was pleasant when smelled directly in the jar, but it had little to no scent throw, sadly.

• TokyoMilk Candle in Cherry Bomb (would repurchase) - This candle says it has notes of vetiver, wild rose, osmanthus, and chocolate. It smelled really warm and I could definitely pick up on the vetiver. I loved it!

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

Empties #11

My bag of empties is spilling over and you know what that means - it's time to dig through my trash! Why do I do these posts? Because if I've used something up, you can bet I have a solid opinion on the product and it's the easiest way to do a whole bunch of reviews quickly! Ready? Here we go...

L'Oreal Vive Pro Glossy Volume Conditioner - This was just OK. I really love the moisturizing version of this conditioner (in the yellow bottle) but this version didn't wow me. I didn't care for the smell either. Would I repurchase? No. 

Dove Dry Shampoo - This is a really good dry shampoo. It soaks up oil and allows me to skip a wash or two. I'm not crazy about the scent, but I can ignore it because it works so well. It's also cheap, which adds to my love for the product. Would I repurchase? Yes.

Nexxus Therappe Ultimate Moisture Shampoo - This shampoo is expensive. Granted, I found it on clearance when I bought it. But with that said, I wouldn't pay full price for it because I don't think it did anything miraculous to my hair. It compares to any drugstore shampoo I've used. If I saw it on sale again, I'd probably repurchase it, but I wouldn't spend full price. Would I repurchase? No.

B&BW Pumpkin Latte & Marshmallow Shower Gel - I purchased this last fall, and oh my GOSH it smelled so good. The scent was seriously amazing. Despite being formulated with shea, it's quite drying so you'll need to use a lotion after your shower if you have drys skin. I really hope this scent is re-released next fall because I will stock up! Would I repurchase? Yes.

Argania Spinosa Organic Argan Oil Special Treatment Masque - I found this hair mask at TJ Maxx about a year ago and HAD to have it because the scent is unreal. It's easily the best smelling hair mask ever and it will make your hair soft and silky. It's made my favorites before for good reason! I loved every minute of this, and sadly I can't find it anywhere to repurchase! I hope I find it again at TJ Maxx because it's great! Would I repurchase? Yes.

Serge Normant Meta Revive Dry Conditioner - I keep seeing this stuff hyped in magazines, and honestly I'm not sure why. I used up this little sample size just for the heck of it, and I didn't feel like it did anything for my hair but make it smell good. I didn't notice my hair looking shinier or cleaner. It was just a novelty. Would I repurchase? No.

Yes to Cucumbers Calming Night Cream - This was nice. It's a light moisturizer that didn't irritate my skin or break it out. I think this is a good option in the warmer months when you don't need intense hydration. Would I repurchase? Yes.

B&BW Cashmere Glow Body Lotion - I kept this little bottle of lotion on my night stand to use before bed because I'm not a fan of the smell (so I didn't want to use it in the daytime). I don't know why I bought this because I can't imagine I ever DID like the scent. The hydration level was just OK - I started adding argan oil or shea butter in with it since I like a heavier lotion at night. If you like the scent and don't like greasy lotions, this is for you! Would I repurchase? No.

Covergirl Outlast Stay Fabulous Foundation - Yep, another one of these. Full review here. Would I repurchase? Obviously.

Kiehl's Abyssine Lotion - Unfortunately, this has been discontinued. I mixed this with another moisturizer in the morning for sun and wrinkle protection. It was fine, but I'm not mourning that it's discontinued.

Josie Maran Argan Cleansing Oil - I really  really liked this. It broke down my makeup well, even waterproof mascara! It has a nice citrus scent and this little bottle lasted me forever and a day. I think I'll be purchasing a full size in the future! Would I repurchase? Yes.

Urban Decay De-Slick Setting Spray - I really like the Urban Decay setting sprays.  They do an excellent job of keeping my makeup lasting for hours. De-slick was nice, but I guess I never really noticed if it actually controlled oil on my face. Would I repurchase? Yes.

Landeva Organics Rose Nourishing Toner - I did a full review of this toner sample here. It was nice! Would I repurchase? Yes.

OPI Avojuices in Winter Huckleberry and Vanilla Snowflake - Both of these scents were nice! Winter Huckleberry is subtle, but Vanilla Snowflake is VERY sweet and smells a bit artificial. These provide quick relief from dry hands but they don't penetrate deeply enough so by the next hand wash you'll have dry skin once again. I like them anyway, especially to have in my purse. Would I repurchase? Yes.

Benefit Bad Gal Lash Mascara - I really enjoyed using this! It did transfer a bit under my bottom lashes which I hated, but it made my top lashes look full and voluminous. Would I repurchase? Yes.

B&BW Antibac in Brown Sugar & Carrots - This smells exactly like it sounds. It was a nice fall scent. I like to use antibacterial gel before doing my makeup so I'm not transferring anything yucky on my face or in my eyes. I typically use the B&BW versions because they have so many fun scents. Would I repurchase? Yes.

Almay Oil-Free Makeup Removing Towelettes - I wasn't a big fan of these. They irritated my eyes which immediately turned me off. They were wet and got my makeup off, but I won't bother with them again. Would I repurchase? No.

Swisspers Cotton Rounds - I don't normally include these, but I've been experimenting with different options so I thought I'd throw 'em in. I got a huge pack of these at Costco since I like to use these to remove my eye makeup. These are nice. They have a textured side and a normal side, and I prefer to use the softer, normal side. Would I repurchase? Yes.

Lush Rose Jam Bubbleroon - Unnghh, I LOVE Rose Jam. It smells simply amazing... a mix of rose, vanilla and lemon. I split this bubbleroon in two and it made both of my baths moisturizing, bubbly and heavenly scented! Would I repurchase? Yes.

Maybelline Dream Lumi Touch Highlighting Concealer - I loooove this concealer. It works wonders for concealing dark circles. It's reasonably priced but performs like a high end option. Would I repurchase? Yes.

Sonia Kashuk Hidden Agenda Concealer Palette in Light - I've had this for ages, so long that they've actually changed the packaging. It's black now, if you want to look for it next time you're in Target. If you need some heavy duty concealer that's light and not cakey, this is the one. I only used the lightest color (which is still a bit too dark for me) but I absolutely love it. I only used this to conceal spots.... it'd be a bit too much for the undereyes methinks. I think the concealer is better in the quad than the ones you can buy individually... the formulation is different. Anyone else notice this? Would I repurchase? Yes.

NYC Smooth Skin Pressed Powder in Translucent - This is an amazing face powder. It costs under $5, but I think you could fool someone that it cost much much more. It's lightly milled and never makes me look cakey. Would I repurchase? Yes.

Givenchy Dahlia Noir perfume - Yuck yuck yuck yuck. I spritzed this on my wrist and regretted it instantly. This smells like an old lady. I would never in a million years buy this. Would I repurchase? No.

BCBGMAXAZRIA bon genre perfume - This perfume, on the other hand, smells absolutely amazing. It's fruity with a bit of spice. If I saw this on sale, I'd totally buy it. Crossing my fingers it shows up at TJ Maxx. Would I repurchase? Yes.

fresh Rose Face Mask - Well you know I loved the scent of this. And to make things even better, it has rose petal pieces in the actual mask. I think this is a really great product. It makes my skin feel balanced and soft. If it wasn't expensive and I didn't have a million face masks, I'd buy it. Would I repurchase? Yes.

B&BW 'Tis the Season & Marshmallow Fireside candles - Can you read that it says Snowday 2013 on these two? I bought them last year.... and they sat around because I don't like to burn things out of season. (#candlehoarder) Of the two, Marshmallow Fireside was my favorite because I love "fireside" scents and I love "marshmallow" so duh. 'Tis the Season really does have a Christmasy scent, but it's not really my favorite. Would I repurchase? Yes.

B&BW Black Tie candle - This candle smells like a man's cologne. They bring this scent back around New Year's and it's really nice. I'm not in love with it, but if I got gifted it, I'd burn it. Would I repurchase? Maybe.

B&BW Holly Jolly Christmas candle - I absolutely loved this candle. It honestly smells like Christmas bottled up in candle form. It's sort of a pine-y fruity scent. My husband and I both really liked this one. I hope it gets brought back next year! Would I repurchase? Yes.



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

Empties #8

So many empties this month! Check out my mini-reviews on each product below.

• Neutrogena Oil-Free Cleansing Wipes (would repurchase) - These are nice makeup removers, especially for those who are prone to acne. I think they do a good job of removing all of my makeup. I'd buy these again, but Jake hates the smell of them so it probably won't be anytime soon.

• Klorane Soothing Eye Makeup Remover (would repurchase) - I loved this eye makeup remover. It was super gentle and didn't leave any residue behind. I absolutely want to get this again as it's one of the best I've ever tried.

• Lush Prince Shaving Cream (would not repurchase) - This is marketed towards men for facial shaving, but I picked it up on a whim when Lush was out of Turkish Delight. To be honest, I didn't care for this. It had a nice, earthy scent but my legs itched so bad after I finished shaving because this wasn't hydrating enough for me.

• Organix Cherry Blossom Ginseng Shampoo (would not repurchase) - I didn't particularly care for the scent of this, mostly because it smells like a deodorant I've used. I felt like I had to use a lot in order to get a decent lather going, so I don't think I'll get this again.

• Nexxus Dualist Conditioner (would repurchase) - I got this for a complete steal when it was on clearance, and that's the only reason I bought it. This is marketed towards those with colored hair, which I don't have, but it worked just fine for my normal hair. It was moisturizing, and the dual-sided packaging is kind of fun.

• VO5 Daily Leave-In Conditioner (would not repurchase) - This did next to nothing for me. It wasn't great at detangling and I didn't notice any extra conditioning in my hair.

• HerStyler Nourishing & Moisturizing Shampoo (would repurchase) - I did a full write-up on this product here, so I'll spare you the details. 

• Organix Hydrating Moroccan Argan Oil Creamy oil Body Lotion (would repurchase) - I LOVED this stuff. It had a very faint shimmer to it (so faint it took me half way through the bottle to notice it), has a nice scent and is moisturizing. 

• love&toast Honey Nectar Body Lotion (would not repurchase) - I used this as a hand lotion, but I didn't find it moisturizing enough nor did I like the smell. Happy to be done with it. 

• Organic Surge Tropical Bergamot Shower Gel (would not repurchase) - While I enjoyed the body wash, I didn't love the scent as much as I thought I did when I purchased it. I would definitely get another shower gel from this brand, but definitely in another scent. This was fine for summer time, but it would not be moisturizing enough for me to use in the colder months. 

• Skintimate Raspberry Rain Shaving Gel (would repurchase) - Nothing fancy, just a shaving cream. It did the job.

• Aquafresh Fresh Impact Toothpaste (would not repurchase) - The toothpaste itself? Fine. The packaging? Horrible. If I hadn't cleaned it up before throwing it in my empties bin, this toothpaste can would have been CAKED with toothpaste. Just disgusting.

• Suave Moroccan Infusion Shampoo (would repurchase) - I don't love the smell, but this is a nice shampoo that makes my hair feel nice. 

• Covergirl Outlast Stay Fabulous 3-in1 Foundation (would repurchase) - Blah blah blah... you've heard me talk about this a million times. LOVE it. Full review here.

• Eyeko Black Magic Mascara (would repurchase) - I got this in a Birchbox a while back, and immediately thought the packaging was so cute! The mascara itself was okay, it didn't do anything magical for me, but if I saw it for a good price, I'd probably buy it again.

• Covergirl eyeliner (would not repurchase) - I don't even know the full name of this... it's not on the tube anywhere! This was a REALLY liquid-y eyeliner pen. It was really difficult to build up a solid line as the formula stayed wet so long. This was a big miss for me.

• NYC Smooth Skin Pressed Face Powder in Transluscent (would repurchase) - This was a surprising favorite of mine. I had this sitting in the back of my drawer and finally brought it out to use up. They have all new packaging on this powder now, so yeah... time to use it up. It's really finely milled and looks so natural on the skin - never cakey. Loved this.

• B&BW P.S. I Love You Shower Gel (would repurchase) - This is an old scent that B&BW doesn't carry anymore so I was sad to see this go. It has a nice floral rose scent and is one of the best scents I think they've ever made. This shower gel is by no means hydrating so don't purchase it if you need extra nourishment for your skin.

• Benefit It's Potent Eye Cream (would repurchase) - This is just a little sample, but I got many uses out of it. I used this as my night time eye cream, but think if I were to purchase it again, I'd use it in the morning instead. It's really moisturizing without being greasy or heavy.

• StriVectin Instant Moisture Repair (would not repurchase) - It could be coincidence, but I think this broke me out a little bit. It was the only thing I switched in my skincare routine, and boom - new zits. No thank you!

• Yankee Candle Beach Vacation Candle (would repurchase) - This had a lovely scent, truly reminding me of sitting beachside somewhere. It smelled faintly of sunscreen and ocean air and had excellent scent throw. Full review here. 

• B&BW Snap Peas Candle (would not repurchase) - I have a full review of this here. I liked the smell, but it just wasn't strong enough for me. 

• B&BW Root Beer Candle (would repurchase) - This is an old B&BW candle that isn't available anymore. It smells JUST like a root beer float and gives off crazy scent throw... my husband actually had to blow it out because it was too strong a couple times! (I loved it, though!)

• Better Homes & Gardens Line-Dried Linen wax tarts (would repurchase) - This gave off the most wonderful laundry scent in my home. It smelled fresh and clean without being overwhelming the way some laundry scents can definitely be. 

• Gold Canyon Ten wax (would repurchase) - My mom bought a bunch of these little wax tubs that you scoop out and put in your wax burners. Ten smells like a high-end perfume and I absolutely loved it. 

• B&BW Lemon Mint Leaf candle (would repurchase) - I have a full review of this here. This was a nice fresh scent, still available at B&BW (with different packaging).

Phew... that was quite the empties post! Have you tried any of these products? Let me know!

April Birchbox

Today I've got a different sort of post for you. Typically, I write only about various nail polishes that I use; however, while I love nail polish, and reviewing it for you, my love of the beauty industry spans more than the nail polish sector. I try out so many products and have an opinion on most of the items in the cosmetics aisles, and I want to share that with you as well. So, from today on out, I've decided to expand the scope of my blog to include more than just nail polish. Yay!

I figured, what better way to kick this off than to show you my April Birchbox. Let's back up for a second - for those of you who are unfamiliar with Birchbox, it's a monthly subscription service for beauty products. Each month, you get a box filled with 5 or 6 sample products to try out. Full sizes of the products are available on Birchbox.com if you like what you've tried! It's an awesome way to "test-drive" often expensive products before you shell the money out on them. For only $10 a month, you can't beat it! I've been a subscriber since October of 2010, and I've been really happy with it so far.

 If you're interested in signing up, click this link to join: www.birchbox.com?raf=owwcv

This month Birchbox teamed up with Women's Health to create a box designed by their wellness experts, filled with a collection of their favorite products. It came like this: 

Inside my Birchbox are the following items:

Caudalie Divine Oil | Full-size: $9-49

This is a 0.1 oz sample of Caudalie's Divine Oil. This can be used in a number of ways: on the skin, hair, or nails, adding a glow where you need it. It has a floral scent that, in my opinion, is a bit overwhelming. I will most likely use this just as a cuticle oil. The packaging notes that the Divine Oil is ideal for the face, but there is no way I'm putting this oil on my acne-prone skin!

Nexxus Youth Renewal Rejuvenating Elixir | Full-size: $20.99

I was really excited to see this sample, as I love Nexxus products and I'm pretty sure this is a new one! This is an anti-aging elixir that boots shine and cures dry ends, while reducing the odds of age-related breakage. It smells wonderful, and is a nice 0.14 oz sample. 

StriVectin-SD Eye Concentrate for Wrinkles | Full-size: $65

This is the product I am most excited about from this month's Birchbox. This is an anti-aging cream designed to diminish fine lines and reverse puffy circles. This is also a pretty decent sample size at 0.25 oz. It doesn't have any detectable smell, which is nice. I'm all about preventative anti-aging skin care, so I will certainly be using this sample until it's gone.

Youngblood Mineral Cosmetics Anti-Shine Mattifier | Full-size: $36

This is an interesting sample. This mattifier zaps shine when you apply it to your T-zone (prior to applying foundation). This little pot is a 0.05 oz sample, and really I'm not a fan of this packaging. I'm not sure if I'll get much use out of this (I'm a little skeptical), but I'll certainly give it a shot. It feels sort of oily on the skin, which is odd for a "mattifying" product.

Weleda Body Lotion | Full-size: $16.50

I always enjoy lotion samples; it's kind of fun to try out something different than the lotions sitting on my vanity every day. These are 0.13 oz samples by Weleda in three distinct fragrances: Wild Rose, Pomegranate, and Sea Buckthorn. I have yet to try these out, but a friend of mine who is also a Birchbox subscriber mentioned that one of these smells like pickle juice - yuck!  I'm certainly not going to spend $16.50 on a pickle-juice scented lotion!

Women's Health One-Year Subscription

A cool little perk in this month's box is a free one-year subscription to Women's Health magazine. Being that I'm a big magazine junkie, I'll gladly take a free subscription! I almost looked past this little goodie, until I watched Eleventh Gorgeous' video for their Birchbox and Ipsy unboxing where they mentioned it - so I have to say a big thanks to them for cluing me in! 

Stay tuned! I'll be doing these Birchbox unboxings monthly and I've got lots of new, fun things up my sleeve! 

** This post contains my referral link. If you click on the link and sign up, I will earn credit towards Birchbox products.

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