October Empties | #31

Holy cow - my empties bag filled up quick this month. Lots of goodies to share with you, so let's get right to it...

• Proganix Soy Protein + Caffeine Volume Shampoo (would repurchase) - Last month I used up the conditioner, this month I made it through the shampoo. This stuff was fine. It didn't blow my mind, but it made my hair feel clean and volumized without stripping it. Full review here.

• Psssst Instant Dry Shampoo (would repurchase) - This will be featured soon in a battle of the dry shampoos so I don't want to get too detailed, but just know I enjoyed this. 

• Clairol Hair Food Root Cleansing Shampoo (would repurchase) - I absolutely loved this clarifying shampoo. It smells amazing and removes buildup, and it's a better option than some other brands. I only use this once a week or so, so this lasted me forever and ever, but I never got sick of it. Full review here.

• Schwarzkopf Oil Potion Gold Shimmer Treatment (would not repurchase) - I think this was discontinued, and I can kind of see why. It really didn't deep condition my hair, it didn't smell that nice, it was just sort of blah. The only cool thing about it is that it's a shimmery gold cream that looks cool in the jar. 

• CC Pollen Anti Aging Serum (would not repurchase) - I purchased this on a whim from Vitacost, and I can't say I noticed any difference in my skin when using this. It had fabulous ingredients, but it just didn't do anything. Maybe with continued use it would, but I'd rather try out other serums instead.

• Insta Natural Youth Express Eye Gel (would not repurchase) - Let me first say, this is a good product. The reason I wouldn't repurchase it is because it's only good for me in the months my skin needs less hydration, plus this lasts forever and I like to switch things up. If those two things aren't something that you need to look out for, go for this! It has good ingredients and the price is right. Full review here.

• Exuviance Skin Rise Bionic Tonic (would repurchase) - I was on the fence about this product when I first used it. I brought it back out earlier this month to use up, and combined with a retinol, I saw a noticeable difference in my skin. I'd definitely consider getting another jar of these pads because the ingredients are dang good. Full review here. 

• Naobay Oxygenating Moisturizer (would repurchase) - This is a very basic facial moisturizer that I really enjoyed using. I got it in an Ipsy bag, and finally pulled it out just to use up, and not only did this little sample last me forever, but I actually liked using it more than I expected to. It didn't have a scent, and it didn't break me out - both pluses. 

• Neutrogena Healthy Skin Boosters Facial Cleanser (would repurchase) - I like to keep my skincare WAY more natural than this, but I truly enjoyed using this cleanser. It made my skin feel super clean and fresh, which I loved the feeling of in the morning. I get samples of this now and then in Walmart Beauty Boxes, so I hope I get some more. 

• Lush Sympathy for the Skin Hand and Body Lotion (would repurchase) - I really like using Lush lotions, and this is a new favorite. I smelled this when I was in Colorado last year, and loved it so much my husband got it for me for Christmas. I used it sparingly and only just used it up. It smells like vanilla, which I love, and even has little vanilla bean granules in the lotion that soak in to your skin. This certainly won't be my last jar.

• Lush The Sacred Truth Fresh Face Mask (would repurchase) - A great mask for hydration. Full review here. 

• Reviva Labs Antioxidant Skin Smoothing Day Cream (would repurchase) - This is actually my husband's daily moisturizer and he likes it. It has good ingredients and doesn't break him out, so he already had me repurchase another one for him. 

• Covergirl Outlast Stay Fabulous foundation (would repurchase) - You already know this is hands down my favorite foundation of life. I've repurchased this a million times and already have a few bottles on back stock because I refuse to be without it. Full review here.

• Carmex Cherry (would not repurchase) - I love Carmex, but I do not love the Cherry flavor. The taste takes over my mouth and it isn't pleasant. 

• Smashbox Full Exposure Mascara (would not repurchase) - This wasn't the worst mascara, but there was more I disliked about it than I liked. The wand was way too big so I got product all over my eyelids, and it took around 3 coats to get the volume I prefer. This isn't worth the price tag in my book. 

• Rimmel Scandaleyes Precision Micro Eyeliner (would not repurchase) - I only used this a couple times because it's awful. The tip isn't long enough, and it applies so sheer it's laughable.

• Jafra Hydrating Toner (would not repurchase) - There wasn't anything bad about this toner, but it also wasn't anything special. I think Jafra is one of those pyramid scheme beauty brands, and ya'll know I hate that shit, so I wouldn't bother trying to get my hands on this in the future.

• GUM Cavity Protection Toothpaste (would not repurchase) - This is a little sample from my dentist. Again, nothing overly special here. I prefer more natural toothpastes than this, and if I weren't to use a natural kind, this isn't my first pick.

• DKNY My NY perfume (would not purchase) - Not bad, not great. Fruity and warm, but nothing I need a full size of.

• Babyganics Face, Hand & Baby Wipes (would repurchase) - Let me be clear, I wouldn't purchase these again to use on my son's butt because they suck for that. I would purchase them to wipe off swatches and clean up my vanity, which is what I use them for. They're made with good ingredients and free of gross chemicals.

• Swisspers Cotton Rounds (would repurchase) - Y'all already know how much I love these. I use them time and time again and I buy them in a mega pack from Costco so I never run out. 

• Audrey and Lewis Barrier Reef Hand Soap (would repurchase) - I haven't included hand soaps in my empties before, but I figured I'd start. I got this at Marshalls and I enjoyed it. It was very lime-y, so if you like citrus scents, you'd love this.

• Seche Vite Top Coat (would repurchase) - One of my absolute favorite top coats. It dries super fast and leaves my nails looking mega shiny. 

• Benefit Porefessional Primer (would not repurchase) - This is a nice primer that helps minimize the appearance of pores. It has a slippery silicone feel, and actually did make my skin look pretty good. I didn't notice it extending the wear of my makeup at all. I don't think I'd get it in a full size, though. 

• B&BW Radiant Red Maple candle (would repurchase) - I got this candle last year and finally pulled it out -- I'm not sure they brought it back for this season. It smells amazing - like toasted marshmallow and apple. The scent throw was amazing and I could smell it throughout my entire house. 

• dw Home Apple Cider candle (would repurchase) - I'm obsessed with apple cider scented things this season and this candle lived up to my expectations. It smelled just like cider and had great throw. Extra points for the gorgeous frosty orange/red glass. Wish it didn't have writing all over it so I could save it and reuse it.

• Yankee Candle Vanilla Chai candle (would repurchase) - This spicy-scented candle was nice, but didn't have quite the scent throw the other two did. If I left my bathroom door mostly closed, I could smell it when I walked in, but not if I left the door open. It was nice though, perfect for fall. 

What did you use up this month? Let me know!

October Empties (#19)

This month's empties bin filled up really quickly. I seemed to finish a little bit of everything at once. Some good, some bad, I'll fill you in on whether or not each product is worth trying or repurchasing. Here's what I used up in the month of October:

• Loreal Everstrong Bodify Conditioner (would repurchase) - This was nice. It made my hair smell good, feel soft, and look shiny. I like the EverStrong line. I'd definitely get this again in the future. 

• Herbal Essences Long Term Relationship (would repurchase) - This used to be my jam in college, and the smell of it certainly brought me back. I don't love it as much as I used to, but every now and then I don't mind using this for old times sake.

• Aveeno Baby Wash & Shampoo (would not repurchase) - I got this to clean my brushes, but I didn't like the smell so I wouldn't buy this again. It did a fine job of cleaning my brushes, but from here on out I think I'll be using Dr. Bronner's castille soap instead.

• Sonia Kashuk Brush & Sponge Cleanser (would not repurchase) - What I didn't like about this is the packaging. When washing my brushes, my hands get wet (duh) and this packing is slippery to hold on to and spray on to brushes. I couldn't even get the last bit out with the pump at the end, so out it goes. 

• B&BW Mad About You Shower Gel (would not repurchase) - Ooooweee... this body wash had an overly perfumey floral scent (very young scent) and it lingered for a good while after showering. I got this as a free gift with purchase, and I won't grab it again. 

• Soap & Glory Sugar Crush Body Buttercream (would repurchase) - I love Soap & Glory products, and this body butter is amazing. It smells like a key lime pie and does a great job of moisturizing without feeling greasy. This won't be the last time I get this stuff!

• Philosophy Loveswept Body Lotion (would not repurchase) - I got this in a sample bag of some sort, and while it smelled really good (perfumey), it is extremely overpowering and not something you can wear with perfume. I used it at night on my hands and it did a nice job of hydrating my hands, but I prefer a much lighter scented lotion for daily use.

• Loreal Voluminous Butterfly Waterproof Mascara (would repurchase) - I liked this mascara. I'm not the biggest fan of waterproof formulas, but I like to keep one on hand for my bottom lashes or for weddings, or any day that I know there are going to be some waterworks! This was one of the better waterproof formulas I've tried recently - it built up volume nicely and separated my lashes. 

• Number 4 Super Comb Prep & Protect (would not repurchase) - I was not a fan of this spray in conditioner. Not big in to the scent, and the formula did nothing for me. It's expensive as well, not worth the money when there are better, cheaper alternatives. 

• Oscar Blandi Dry Shampoo (would not repurchase) -I didn't enjoy using this dry shampoo. It has a strong citrus scent and hardly soaked up any oil in my hair.

• Maybelline Dream Lumi Touch Highlighting Concealer (would repurchase) - This is the second or third one of these I've gone through. I really like this concealer because it covers up dark circles, and doesn't get cakey underneath my eyes. 

• Paula's Choice Optimal Results Hydrating Cleanser (would not repurchase) - I really like the Paula's Choice brand, but this cleanser was just too basic. It felt like I was rubbing lotion on my face, and it didn't seem to clean my face all that well. Unfortunately, I just didn't love this and I won't buy it again. 

• L'occitane Hydration Face Mist (would not repurchase) - This is a heavily scented face spray. If you're sensitive to fragrance, this is not for you. It has a fine mist, which is nice, and it did leave my makeup looking more natural after I sprayed it on, but I won't buy it again. There are others I like better, that have better or less of a fragrance.

• St. Ives Apricot Scrub (would repurchase) - Despite how bad this probably is for my skin, I still love it. My face feels baby soft and super clean when I use it, but the uneven scrubbies are probably causing micro-lacerations on my face which isn't good, soooo.... I won't be buying it again. 

• Botanic Farm Grain Ferment Cleansing Sherbet (would repurchase) - I got this from Memebox and I absolutely LOVED it. Best cleansing balm I've ever used. I would highly recommend using this as a makeup remover, if you're in the market for a good one. Full review here.

• Natural Dentist Healthy Gums Anti Gingivitis Rinse (would not repurchase) - This mouth wash had a cinnamon taste, which I don't enjoy when it comes to mouth wash. It did a fine job of rinsing my mouth out and making it feel clean, but I prefer a mint rinse instead.

• Pronamel & Sensodyne Toothpastes (would repurchase) - I have a million samples of these and we're working our way through them. They're nice, minty, and make my mouth feel clean. 

• Swisspers Cotton Rounds (would repurchase) - I get these in bulk from Costco. They're good cotton rounds, and I'll keep buying them for use in applying toner and removing eye makeup.

• Organic Surge Overnight Sensation Night Cream (would repurchase) - This is a very gentle overnight cream that smells of lavender. It's natural and has good ingredients, it didn't break me out either. 

• Reviva Labs Alpha Lipoic Vitamin C Ester & DMAE Cream (would repurchase) - I got this sample on Vitacost ($10 coupon for the website here)and I really liked it. This lightweight night cream felt nice on the skin, and I'd be curious to see how it performs with extended use. 

• Mario Badescu Drying Lotion (would repurchase) - This made my favorites in months past, and for good reason. It helps shorten the time a zit hangs out on my face - who could ask for more?

• Miyu Beauty Di-Stress Mi Beauty Essence (would repurchase) - Ages ago I received this from Birchbox, and it's a really nice peppermint face spray. It smells good and feels nice on the face. I'd definitely purchase it again. 

• Alterna Bamboo Abundant Volume Shampoo & Conditioner (would not purchase) - I didn't really care for the smell of this, but it was an OK combo. I know it's kind of pricey, and I wouldn't shell the cash out for it.

• Rituals Magic Touch Cherry Blossom & Rice Milk Body Cream (would purchase) - I already have a full size of this. It's makes my skin soft, and has a nice light scent that isn't overpowering.

• L'occitane Precious Cream (would purchase) - This night cream was soooo nice. My skin felt soft and smooth, and I liked the herbal scent of it. I'm fairly certain it's pricey, but it might be worth splurging on in the future.

• Hourglass Mineral Veil Primer (would not purchase) - I know people swear by this stuff, but I can't say I was impressed. It didn't do anything for the longevity of my makeup wear, and it didn't make my skin look any better.

• Caudalie Vine Body Butter (would not purchase) - This was just OK. It smelled fresh and was hydrating on my skin, but it wasn't so great I need to run out and buy it. Especially not for the price.

• Mario Badescu Drying Cream (would purchase) - This stuff really helped my skin clear up. It smelled pretty gross, but the results were good enough that I didn't mind.

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