Showing posts with label Nubian Heritage. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Nubian Heritage. Show all posts

Friday, February 2, 2018

Empties | #42

Holy moly, is my empties bin ever full! I've been plowing through all sorts of stuff, and I'm excited to share these mini reviews with you. Keep reading for purchase recommendations and reviews on alllll of this trash. 


  • L'Oreal Vive Pro Smooth Gloss conditioner (would repurchase) - I had an old bottle of this stashed away in my bathroom closet and finally got around to finishing it up. While this might not be the first thing I'd grab from the drugstore shelf, I did enjoy it. It made my hair smooth and soft, and it didn't weigh it down. I honestly have no idea if they still make this (rarely do I shop the hair aisle because my backstock of products is embarrassingly large) but I'd recommend it if you're looking for something that'll do the trick for normal hair and you're on a budget.
  • Orlando Pita Revive Dry Shampoo (would not repurchase) - I won't say too much about this (look for it in an upcoming battle of the dry shampoos) but take this for what you will: this bottle isn't even empty, but it's going bye-bye.
  • StriVectin Hair Conditioner (would repurchase) - This stuff is really nice. It's not the most accessible or affordable, but I loved the smell and what it did for my hair. I can't say it made the biggest different in volume, as it's supposed to, but I still enjoyed it nonetheless. See full review here.
  • Macadamia Natural Oil Deep Repair Masque (would repurchase) - The hype is so, so real around this product. It makes my hair feel ridiculously soft, it smells nice, and it's worth splurging on.
  • StriVectin Hair Bodifying Radiance Serum (would repurchase) - If I saw this for a good deal, I'd consider picking it up again. I didn't see it working any miracles, but it added shine and it seemed to keep my hair healthy. See full review here. 
  • Reviva Labs Eye Gelee Concentrate (would repurchase) - I talked about my love for this stuff in my top 10 of 2017 post. It's made a noticeable difference in my undereye area and it's dirt cheap. I can't recommend it enough if you have dry or lined undereyes. What you see above is a sample size, and this little pot alone lasted me a few months. You definitely get your money's worth.
  • Maybelline Dream Lumi Touch Concealer (would repurchase) - I've used many a tube of this concealer, and I quite like it for my undereyes. It hides dark circles without being cakey, and it's affordable.
  • Makeup For Ever Step 1 Primer (would not purchase) - I had high hopes for this because so many people claim this is their favorite, but I really didn't care for this. It didn't do much for the longevity of my makeup, nor did it seem to make my face smoother. Glad I tried a sample before impulse purchasing this.
  • Hey Honey Day & Night Moisturizing Cream (would purchase) - I really liked this moisturizer, more for daytime than night. It's quite light, has a very subtle refreshing scent, and it didn't break me out. I'd like to get a full size of this in the future.
  • Belif Hungarian Water Essence (would not purchase) - I genuinely wanted this to do something for my ridiculously thirsty winter skin, but I can't say I noticed a difference between days I used this and days I did not.
  • GlamGlow Supermud Clearing Treatment (would repurchase) - I really like the Glam Glow masks. I used this when my skin was acting up, and it seemed to help dry out any spots, and speed up the time it took for them to heal. It's expensive, but I like to get these samples when I can.
  • Clinique Pep-Start Moisturizer (would purchase) - This was a decent moisturizer. It did have a hint of sunscreen smell, but it wasn't overly greasy and it didn't break me out.
  • GlamGlow Glowstarter Mega Illuminating Moisturizer (would not purchase) - This straight up smelled like starbursts. And the scent hung around. On days I didn't wear makeup, I could smell my fruity face for hours. The illumination was just fine shimmer, and didn't add any extra glow to my face under makeup. Overall, it was a miss for me.
  • Swisspers Premium Cotton Rounds (would repurchase) - No surprise here. My favorite cotton rounds that I purchase in bulk from Costco. Good for removing eye makeup, applying toner, or removing nail polish.
  • Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Peel (would repurchase) - I fell in love with these. I could tell they were making a difference in the texture of my skin. I'm trying to hold out until the spring Sephora VIB sale to get a jumbo pack of these, because they're PRICEY, but I'm not sure I'll be able to wait that long.
  • Soap & Glory Clean On Me body wash (would repurchase) - I enjoy all of Soap & Glory's body washes, and this is no different. It smells nice, lathers well, and gets me clean without drying my skin out completely. 
  • Alba Botanica Firming Scrub (would not repurchase) - This was weird. You'd think a scrub with espresso and coffee beans would smell like coffee, but it didn't. It had a gross "unscented" scent. This wasn't my favorite scrub, and I'd opt for something that smells nicer in the future.

  • Babyganics Face, Hand & Baby Wipes (would repurchase) - These are my go-to makeup table wipes. I use them to wipe swatches off, clean up my makeup desk, wipe foundation off my lips, and wipe my kid's boogery nose. Multipurpose! 
  • Ole Henriksen Clean Truth Cleansing Cloths (would repurchase) - I got suckered in to buying these because I like Ole Henriksen skincare, but I don't really like makeup wipes for removing my makeup. These were just okay - they weren't very saturated, and didn't seem to get all of my makeup off, but they smelled nice and did the trick enough.
  • Pacifica Underarm Deodorant Wipes (would not repurchase) - It's not that I didn't like these, but I did not enjoy this coconut scent. I'm not a big coconut person. I also didn't use these in place of a normal deodorant. I kept them in my work desk for days when I needed some extra help in the underarm department, and they did the trick. These dried up before I could use them all, but they sat in my desk door for more than a year. I've since repurchased them but in a different scent, and I much prefer the new scent.
  • Michael Todd Skin Defender Creme Facial Cleanser (would not repurchase) - I've read AHA face washes won't actually provide real benefit to your skin, or at least the benefits you'd expect from an AHA. I'll say I didn't notice any exfoliating benefits or reduced lines from using this, and it honestly didn't make my skin feel very clean. I wouldn't bother with this again.
  • DermaE Purifying Youth Serum (would repurchase) - I didn't notice this doing much, but I think that'd require continued use to really give it a fair shake. I like the clean ingredients, so if I saw this again, I'd consider picking it up.
  • Biore Baking Soda Pore Cleanser (would not purchase) - Baking soda in face washes was a trend for about two seconds, and I can see why it didn't stick. This didn't foam up very well, and didn't appear to clean my skin that well either. Glad I tried this in sample size before opting to get a full size.
  • Clarisonic Refreshing Gel Cleanser (would not purchase) - Another miss in the skincare department for me. To be honest, I didn't use it with my clarisonic (I've been using chemical exfoliants lately instead) but it still foamed up decently. It was kind of old, which perhaps contributed to the weird scent. I just didn't really like this.
  • OPI Nail Envy Base Coat (would repurchase) - Check out that hella old packaging! This stuff isn't a miracle worker, but it does the job.
  • It Cosmetics Superhero mascara (would repurchase) - I really liked this sample. I know sample mascaras sometimes differ from full sizes, but I'd consider getting this in the future. It added volume and length to my lashes and didn't flake. I liked the brush as well.
  • Avalon Organics Nourishing Cherry Aloe lip balm (would repuchase) - Not a lot to say about this, but it has good ingredients and it felt nice.
  • Givenchy Noir Couture mascara (would repurchase) - I'm sure this is ridiculously expensive, but I really liked it. It made my lashes look amazing (again, think volume and length), and the brush was cool. 
  • Nubian Heritage African Black Soap Toner (would not repurchase) - This felt like a glorified water. It didn't really do much of anything, and I have other toners I like far more than this one.
  • Neutrogena Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover (would repurchase) - Good stuff. It'll break down any stubborn waterproof eye makeup like no one's business. 
  • The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% (would repurchase) - I love love love this stuff. It makes a noticeable difference in the appearance of spots on my face. I use it in the morning, and I've already got a couple extra bottles in my stash. If you're not on team The Ordinary, go  check them out because you can get quality products like this for a fraction of the cost of other skincare brands. See more about this product in my top 10 products of 2017 lineup. 
  • Origins Ginger Souffle whipped body cream (would repurchase) - I adore the scent of Origins ginger line. This body cream was nice, with the perfect amount of fragrance that would linger for hours. This body cream was lightly moisturizing, so if you have extra dry skin this might not be moisturizing enough for me.
  • Carrot + Rose Hydrating Cream (would not repurchase) - I tried using this as a face cream and it wasn't cut out for that (at least for my skin), so I used it as a hand lotion which I much preferred. It wasn't anything special, and not very hydrating.
  • L'Occitane Ultra Rich Body Lotion (would not repurchase) - I used this as a hand cream and it didn't seem to do much for my wintry dry skin. I also didn't care for the old lady type scent.
  • Replica Jazz Club perfume (would not purchase) - I did not like this scent at all. All notes sound delicious (rum, neroli, lemon, tobacco), but it didn't mesh well with me. If you like it, be prepared to spend a pretty penny because Replica fragrances come with a hefty price tag.
  • Juicy Couture Couture La La (would purchase) - I quite liked these, even though it's not the typical scent I'd go for. The notes are fruity and floral, but it was pleasant. I wouldn't shell out full price, but if I saw a rollerball for a decent deal, I'd consider it.
  • Juicy Couture perfume (would not purchase) - This I hated. It smelled disgusting. It's mostly floral, and just not at all my style. It's a common scent, but it's the farthest thing from my taste.
  • Schmidt's Oh, Christmas Tree deodorant (would not repurchase) - If you're looking for a deodorant that smells exactly like a real, pine Christmas tree, look no further. I like Schmidt's a lot, but something about this particular stick felt like I was rubbing sandpaper on my armpits which was uncomfortable. The deodorant properties were perfect though. Great natural ingredients and a nice scent.
  • LaVanila Vanilla Blackberry deodorant (would repurchase) - I adore LaVanila deodorants. The ingredients are good, no aluminum, and they work well for me. 
  • The Natural Dentist All Purpose Rinse (would repurchase) - This was a decent mouth rinse. It doesn't burn the way your typical mouthwash would. As you can see, I got it on sale, and it's close to $10 at Natural Grocers normally, and there's no way I'd pay that much for a mouth rinse. I'd get it again on sale, though!
  • Honest Toothpaste (would not repurchase) - It seems to me that Honest Company products are really hit or miss. I wasn't a fan of this toothpaste at all. It was only slightly minty and didn't leave my teeth feeling clean.

And that's a wrap! Have you tried any of these products? Let me know your thoughts in the comments!

Monday, September 7, 2015

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! 
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