Empties | #42

So many empties, so little time. Let's get right in to it - here's an up close and persona look at my recent beauty trash, complete with purchase recommendations and short reviews.

• StriVectin Hair Shampoo for fine hair (would repurchase) - A nice shampoo choice, but it is not the cheapest option you'll find. See full review here. 

• Batiste Dry Shampoo in bare (would repurchase) - I love me some Batiste, and I enjoyed this new (to me) scent. It soaked up oil effectively, and also gave my hair a little oomph. The scent was indeed light and not overpowering.

• Schwarzkopf Gliss Ultra Moisture Conditioner (would repurchase) - This smelled good and worked fine. It wasn't anything to write home about. I wouldn't run out and purchase it, but if I needed something in a pinch, I'd grab this.

• OGX Nourishing Coconut Milk Hibiscus lotion (would repurchase) - This is a lightly moisturizing lotion with a subtle scent. I liked this because it didn't leave my skin greasy and the scent was light enough that I could use perfume on top without being a scent-bomb.

• The Natural Dentist Antiseptic Rinse in Cool Mint (would repurchase) - This is an alcohol-free mouth rinse that is way overpriced ($9+ at full price!!). It left my mouth feeling clean, but I got it for half off and couldn't imagine paying close to $10 for a small bottle of mouthwash.

• Schmidt's deodorant in Holiday Spice (would not repurchase) - I enjoyed this scent quite a bit. It smelled like oranges and cloves and kept me smelling fresh all day long. The thing I don't like about this deodorant is it can get stuck in your clothes even after washing, which darn near ruined a couple shirts of mine. Unfortunate for such a nice deodorant.

• Sephora Lashcraft Mascara (would repurchase) - I liked this little sample mascara. It gave my lashes lots of volume and length. I felt like this little tube dried out rather fast, but I'm not sure if that would happen with a full size.

• Becca Backlight Priming Filter (would repurchase) - I liked this primer for the glow it gave my skin. I wish it also filled in pores and helped with makeup longevity, because then it'd be a major keeper, but it just gave my skin a nice radiant glow and that's about it.

• Clinique Bottom Lash Mascara (would repurchase) - Surprise, surprise. Another tube of this stuff. Like I always say, it's trivial, but I really like it because it makes it easy to coat your bottom lashes without getting mascara all over your face. 

• Guerlain Maxi Lash mascara (would repurchase) - Nothing overly memorable, but a solid mascara. It's uber pricey, so I probably wouldn't buy it, but I'd gladly use up another sample. 

• BeautyBlender (would repurchase) - I have yet to find another beauty sponge that compares to the BeautyBlender. It's light and bouncy and doesn't absorb your foundation the way some sponges do. I think it's worth paying a little extra for this applicator.

• Maybelline Color Tattoo in Nude Pink (would repurchase) - This was a limited edition Color Tattoo that came out ages ago. I loved it as a primer for eyeshadows as it was the perfect color for my skin tone. Full review here.

• Swisspers Cotton Rounds (would repurchase) - A standard in my morning and evening skincare routine. I use these for applying toner and removing eye makeup, in addition to removing nail polish and cleaning brushes.

• First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Pads (would not repurchase) - I've heard so many good things about these, but I didn't see what the hype was all about. Maybe it takes a full size jar to see the change in your skin because a trial size just didn't do it for me.

• GlamGlow Daily Hydrating Cleanser (would repurchase) - I really enjoyed this cleanser sample. It smells good and it made my skin feel clean without being stripped. I've sometimes seen this at TJ Maxx, and I'd definitely grab it if I saw it again.

• StarSkin Hydrating Bio-Cellulose Mask (would repurchase) - This was nice! It didn't do anything amazing, other than some light hydrating, but it felt good. I like to think sheet masks are kind of like taking a multivitamin - there's gotta be benefits that I can't see happening for my skin, right? See more here.

• Secret Garden Olive Oil Ampoule Mask (would repurchase) - This is the first two-step sheet mask I've tried before. You apply the little serum first, and then you stick the sheet mask on top. I loved this mask. I felt like I could see and feel a noticeable difference in my skin. I got this in an Ipsy bag ages ago and I'd love to know where I could find it in the future.

• Choco Cacao Collagen Mask (would repurchase) - I honestly can't remember much about this mask. It must not've been terrible, or I think I'd remember it. Basically, I liked the packaging and that alone would make me grab it again. 

• Nuxe Reve de Miel Lip Moisturizer (would repurchase) - I like that this version of Reve de Miel is in stick form, compared to the standard jar. It was comfortable on the lips. I enjoyed it most for daytime use, not as much for night time when I prefer something thicker and more healing than this. 

• Neutrogena Norwegian For000000mula Hand Cream (would repurchase) - I was pleasantly surprised by this hand cream. The texture is something between a lotion and petroleum jelly, but every night I used it, I'd wake up with smooth hands in the morning. This is a nice option for winter time healing.

• Nivea Lip Butter in Raspberry Rose Kiss (would not repurchase) - I don't like these lip butters at all. They don't hydrate, they just sit on top of my lips and give the illusion that they're doing something. 

• Laneige Water Bank Moisture Cream (would not repurchase) - This was fine, nothing amazing. I read somewhere that these water-based moisturizers don't actually do much for your skin so, whether or not that's true, I probably wouldn't get this again.

• Origins GinZing eye cream (would repurchase) - A gentle hydrator for under the eyes. Truth be told, I could probably use a little extra boost beyond what this provides, but I do like it and would consider it again in the future. 

• Belif The True Cream Moisturizing Bomb (would repurchase) - I liked this way more than I expected to. It was so moisturizing and luxurious, and had a very light pleasant fragrance. I will be purchasing this when the Sephora VIB sale rolls along for sure. If you have more oily skin, this may be too much oomph for you.

• Burberry Brit Sheer (would not purchase) - This was not my style at all. It's floral and woodsy, but not something I liked on me at all. I didn't use up the whole sample.

• Bvlgari Jasmin Noir perfume (would not purchase) - Also not my favorite, this scent is obiviously heavy on the jasmine but has woodsy and floral notes as well. I am not huge into Bvlgari scents, so it came as no surprise that I wasn't floored by this.

• Yankee Candle Apple Cider (would repurchase) - A perfect apple cider scent for fall. It's exactly as you'd imagine it, warm and spicy. 

• ScentSationals Simple Romance wax melts (would repurchase) - Oh these smelled so good, kind of like perfume almost. I loved the way this made my house smell and I'd definitely grab these again if I saw them.

And that's it! Have you tried any of these products? Let me know your thoughts below!

May Empties | #26

I'm not kidding you when I say these last few months have been the speediest of my entire life, I think! I can hardly believe that May is over and we're now on our way in to June. Slooooow down, time! The month was fast, but I still managed to use up a good chunk of stuff. Let's take a peek through it  and I'll let you know what's worth your time to try.

• Yes to Coconut Ultra Hydrating Creme Cleanser (would repurchase) - This is a nice, gentle cleanser. It didn't irritate my skin and it kept it soft and smooth. Full review here. 

• Michael Todd Kaolin Clay Detoxifying Facial Mask (would not repurchase) - I've had this for a while now, and it's not gone, but I honestly hate using it because it smells so awful. I have plenty of charcoal masks that work better and don't smell disgusting, so I'll stick to those instead. I typically love everything in the Michael Todd brand family, but this just didn't do it for me. 

• ROC Daily Resurfacing Disks (would not repurchase) - These were just OK. They were super-fragranced, so if you're like me and don't enjoy products with synthetic fragrance up the wazoo, stay away. It cleaned my face fine, but I didn't notice any line reduction in my skin or any fabulous results. 

• Covergirl Full Lash Bloom Mascara (would repurchase) - I loved this mascara so much it made it in to a recent favorites post. It makes my lashes look full without being clumpy or unnatural. I already have backups of this in my stash. 

• Covergirl Clump Crusher water resistant mascara (would repurchase) - Do note, the packaging on this says "water resistant" - it is NOT waterproof. It's a good option, but not what I'd reach for if I need some serious water protection. 

• Benefit Stay Don't Stray Primer (would not repurchase) - This primer is just OK. Most days it couldn't withstand my oily eyelids and I'd be creasy-looking come 5 PM. I used it up, I won't buy it again.

• Benefit Ooh La Lift Under Eye Brightener (would repurchase) - I really like this little brightener. I think it helps my concealer go on better. It's not a miracle product, but I enjoyed using it. 

• Tarte Clean Slate Poreless Primer (would not repurchase) - I wasn't a huge fan of this face primer. It didn't make my skin look flawless like other primers I've tried, and I can't really say it kept my makeup on longer or better. 

• Tree Hut Shea Moisturizing Lotion in Passion Fruit & Guava (would repurchase) - I snagged this on clearance a while back and I really liked it! It had a very subtle fragrance that wouldn't overpower any perfume I wanted to wear. It moisturizes without feeling greasy and the price is quite cheap considering the big bottle size! 

• Soap & Glory Rich & Foamous Body Wash (would repurchase) - Oh my gosh, I LOVED this body wash. It had a creamy consistency and a delicious warm almond scent. This would be a perfect wintertime body wash. I was sad to use it up! 

• Origins Ginger Body Wash & Body Scrub (would repurchase) - I love love love the smell of Origins' Ginger line, and while I enjoyed the body wash, the scrub was just not scrubby enough for me. I'll get the body wash again, but I won't get the scrub again. 

• Yes to Cucumbers Facial Towelettes (would repurchase) - I don't know, I feel like I had these for too long so they were drier and weren't as rave-worthy as I remember them being. I'd still buy them again because I used to love them. I must've just got a bad batch. 

• HASK Purifying Deep Conditioner (would repurchase) - This was nice, smelled great, and made my hair soft. Full review here. 

• Up & Up Cosmetic Wedges (would repurchase) - I love using these wedges to put on my foundation. I always buy latex free because I despise that scent. 

• Swisspers Cotton Rounds (would repurchase) - There's always a pack of these in my monthly empties. I love them, and use them for everything from removing nail polish to applying toner on my face. My Costco carries  them in a mega pack which is the best deal around. 

• Matrix Miracle Extender (would repurchase) - This was a pretty good dry shampoo. It's not cheap, but it did the trick. I can't say I'd spend $16 on it (they sent me this bottle) when I like my $6 bottle of Batiste, but if I found it for cheap, I'd pick it up again. 

• MAC Fix+ (would repurchase) - I love this facial water to set my makeup and give me a little sheen. It helps my makeup look less powdery and more natural and dewy. I already have another bottle ready to go. 

• Covergirl Outlast Stay Luminous Foundation (would not repurchase) - This got a really wonky smell before it was even finished, a tell-tale sign that it's time to let this go. I was not a fan of this foundation as much as I wanted to love it. It made me look way too oily and it didn't last all day on my face the way my beloved Outlast Stay Fabulous foundation does. 

• Desert Essence Blemish Touch Stick (would repurchase) - I picked this up when I found out I was pregnant to help combat hormonal acne without harsh chemicals. It wasn't a miracle but it did help. 

• Nuxe Reve de Miel lip balm (would not repurchase) - I wrote about this in a post about overhyped products. I didn't love this, it felt like it just sat on top of my lips without doing anything. For the price and the less than stellar results, I wouldn't buy this again. 

• Weleda Sea Buckthorn Replenishing Body Lotion (would repurchase) - This little sample smelled great and moisturized my hands nicely. It's free of nasty ingredients and works well. I just bought a full size of this the other day, I liked it that much. 

• Tom's Propolis & Myrrh Toothpaste in Peppermint (would not repurchase) - This wasn't my favorite, it wasn't the worst. It's definitely a very natural tasting toothpaste, so if you're looking for that fake, overly minty taste, you won't find it here. It didn't make my mouth feel fresh enough, so I probably wouldn't pick it up again. 

• Shir-Organics Pure Avocado Moisturizer & Pure Coconut Oatmeal Cleanser (would repurchase) - I don't want to give too much away, but look for a full post on these products soon! 

• Lush Love and Light hand cream (would repurchase) - This was a nice hand cream! It's a little on the greasy side, but I loved it in the dry winter months. To me, it smelled like herbal fruit loops, which I found pleasant. 

• Maybelline Fit Me powder (would not repurchase) - This was just an OK powder. It's nothing special and there are definitely powders I like far better than this. 

• Chapstick in Pumpkin Pie (would not repurchase) - I was not a big fan of the scent of this. I used it up because I'm like that, but I prefer other lip balms and definitely like to keep it a bit more natural than Chapstick.

• bareMinerals Marvelous lipstick in Moxie (would repurchase) - This little sample got super soft and broke off, and I am not fussing around with applying it anymore. It's got a gorgeous mauve color  that I loved wearing, perfect for everyday, but it's not worth toying with. 

• Earth Mama Angel Baby Organic Third Trimester Tea (would repurchase) - This stuff is delicious. It tastes like a peppermint tea but it's got other great stuff for mamas in their third trimesters like red raspberry leaf, which helps to tone the uterus and get it ready for birth. I've been drinking this very regularly and I'm hoping it'll help my labor. 

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

May Ipsy Glam Bag

First things first - how cute is this month's Ipsy bag?! TOO CUTE. I feel like the actual Ipsy bags have gotten cuter and cuter this year. Anyway, if you're not familiar with Ipsy, its a beauty subscription service that costs just $10/month and will get you awesome beauty goodies straight to your mailbox! Click here to sign up for Ipsy today! (affiliate link)

Here's what came in May's Glam Bag....

• Urban Decay 24/7 Glide on Lip Pencil in Ozone - This is a clear lip liner that is meant to prime the lips and latch on to any color you apply over it. I have yet to put it to the test but I'm looking forward to giving it a go. 

• Luxie Beauty Tapered Blending Eye Brush 205 - I've never heard of this brand, but I've already tried out this brush and it is wonderful. It retails for $12 on the Luxie Beauty website, so this product alone costs more than the Ipsy bag! Good value indeed.

• Bare Republic Naturals SPF 30 Mineral Face Sunscreen Lotion - Another brand I've never heard of. This sunscreen is lightly tinted, has no chemical additives, synthetic fragrances or parabens.

• NUXE Reve de Miel Facial Cleansing and Makeup Removing Gel - The Reve de Miel lip balm has a cult following, but this product is totally new to me. This cleanser is soap free and soothing with sunflower and honey. 

• BellaPierre Cosmetics Waterproof Mineral Gel Eyeliner Pencil - This stuff is serious business. I swatched it on my hand and it stayed put all day and all night, and even through a shower. A hair washing shower, no less!!! I don't typically like pencil liners for my upper eyelid, but I used this and I actually really love it. Make sure you have a good waterproof eye makeup remover to get this stuff off! 

Overall, I thought this Ipsy Glam Bag had excellent value and great products - all of which I'm excited to try out! Are you a subscriber? Let me know what you got in this month's bag! 

Bye Bye Birchbox Haul

If you follow me on instagram, you know I recently unsubscribed from Birchbox. I subscribed for over 2 years, but felt that it just wasn't worth even $10 a month anymore, especially with services like Ipsy that provide excellent value each and every month for the same price. I had accumulated $50 worth of Birchbox points, and figured before I canceled, I ought to cash those out! Here's what I used my points for.

• Shea Terra Organics Body Creme in Bourbon Vanilla ($16) - I took a chance on this body creme. I'd never heard anything about it before, but all the scents sounded amazing (Bananas & Baobabs, White Chocolate, Gingered Pumpkin, etc) so I took a leap of faith and picked the bourbon vanilla scent. It doesn't go on super smooth, but I kind of wonder if it froze when it was delivered. Aside from that, it smells amazing and I love it! 

• Nuxe Reve de Miel Ultra-Nourishing Lip Balm ($19) - Beauty bloggers galore love to rave about this lip balm. It's thick, citrusy and mega-hydrating. I haven't really given this much of a go, but I'm going to put this in to my night-time lip therapy rotation soon.

• Klorane Soothing Eye Makeup Remover ($9) - Much like the body creme, I had never heard a peep about this eye makeup remover so I took a chance. I haven't tried it, but stay tuned for my review once I do.

• Jack Black Intense Therapy Lip Balm in Shea Butter & Vitamin E ($7.50) - This lip balm won Temptalia's 2014 Reader's Choice awards, so I knew it had to be good.... and it totally is. 

Overall, I'm really happy with what I got with my Birchbox points! Have you tried any of these products? Let me know!