March Empties | #35

The empties bin wasn't too full this month, but we all love some mini reviews, am I right? So regardless, here's what I went through this past month and my feelings on each item.

• L'Oreal Infallible Pro-Matte Foundation (would repurchase) - This has become a staple foundation in my collection. If you have really dry skin, I wouldn't recommend it. For my normal, combo, or oily peeps, this will be right up your alley. This is the foundation I pull out when I know I've got a long day and need my foundation to hold up. The shade is my perfect pale match, and it costs less than $15. This made my top 10 products of 2016, and I still love it. 

• Rimmel Extra 3D Lash mascara (would not repurchase) - This was a flop for me. It has a flat plastic brush with short bristles. It made my lashes really tube-y and clumpy, and was difficult to work with. It got slightly better as the formula dried out, but not enough to convince me it's worth a repurchase. 

• Anastasia Clear Brow Gel (would repurchase) - This is an excellent clear brow gel. I wish that it didn't cost so much, because it just seems dumb to pay a lot for freakin' brow gel, but every time I use it, I fall in love. The brush is a perfect size, it keeps my brows in check, and it isn't sticky. 

• Clinique Bottom Lash mascara (would repurchase) - I know it's kind of gimmicky to buy a mascara just for the bottom lashes, but I personally like the smaller brush and the fact it doesn't transfer. This only costs $10 and lasts me about 3 months, so I already got myself another tube. 

• Smashbox Photo Finish primer (would repurchase) - I wasn't excited about using this, but I ended up really liking it. It blurred my pores and it did help my makeup last longer. I wouldn't run out and buy a full size, but I'd grab it if I was in a pinch. 

• Clear Total Care Nourishing Shampoo (would repurchase) - I enjoy Clear's hair products. I like the creamy texture, and the soft fragrance, and the way it makes my hair feel. I'd get a full size in the future.

• Chanel Le Lift Firming Anti-Wrinkle Cream (would not purchase) - This was outrageously fragranced for a face cream. It smelled like Chanel products do, which I enjoy, but not in my face creams. No way. 

• Erborian Black Concentrated Mask (would repurchase) - I liked this mask. It made my skin feel refreshed and it smelled nice. Hard to say if it was amazing after just one use, but I'd consider a full size in the future. If I'm recalling correctly, this stuff is stupid expensive? I'm sure it is, because I always end up having expensive taste. 

• Tresemme Dry Shampoo (would not repurchase) - I was not a fan of this. It hardly soaked up oil in my hair, it didn't add any volume... it was pretty worthless. 

• Got2b Dry Conditioner (would not repurchase) - I never noticed this doing anything for my hair. It didn't make it soft or shiny, like you'd expect a conditioner to do. It left a huge cloud of product swarming in the air after you sprayed it which I didn't like. I just didn't see the point in this.

• L'Occitane Amande Hand Cream (would repurchase) - Ohhhh the L'Occitane almond line smells so heavenly. This hand cream is no different. It smells divine, and it smooths on so softly and comfortably. It isn't greasy. It just makes your hands feel instantly soft. 
• Thierry Mugler Alien perfume (would repurchase) - I already have a rollerball size of this, and I enjoy this scent. It isn't something I'd wear in the spring or summer, but it's a perfect cozy warm scent for fall and winter. 

• Ole Henrisken Sheer Transformation (would repurchase) - I've used a sample of this in the past and remember feeling ambivalent about it, but this time around I actually enjoyed it. It's a simple moisturizer. It doesn't smell, doesn't feel heavy on the face, but I appreciate how unnoticeable it is. I'd actually consider getting a full size of this in the future.

• Curel Hydratherapy Wet Skin Moisturizer (would repurchase) - I liked this little sample so much I got myself a full size. It even made a recent favorites post.

• LaVanila  Deodorant in Vanilla Amber (would repurchase) - LaVanila is my favorite deodorant brand. It's free of aluminum and other crappy ingredients that are cancer-causing and hormone-disrupting. I believe this scent was limited edition, but I'd get it again if they bring it back.

• Soap & Glory Sugar Crush Body Wash (would repurchase) - Every single Soap & Glory scent smells amazing. Sugar Crush smells like candied limes, and it's truly the perfect summer scent. I got anxious and used it before it was even warm outside, but I enjoyed every second.

• StriVectin Advanced Retinol Pore Refiner (would repurchase) - I love this stuff, as you can tell by the fact I cut it open and got every last bit out. This retinol works for my skin without drying it out completely. It smells nice. It's effective. All that good stuff. I still have another bottle to use, thank goodness. See full review here.

• Sibu Beauty Eye Cream (would not repurchase) - I wanted to love this, and maybe it was just my bottle, but this was separated and chunky and gross. I feel like it went bad, even though it was still a few months out from expiration according to the bottle. I ended up getting rid of this before it was completely gone for that reason. If you've tried this, let me know what your thoughts are on it. 

• bareMinerals Vital Power Infusion (would repurchase) - I did not think I'd enjoy this as much as I did. I'm not sure if it transformed my skin, but I liked the feeling of it, and I kind of want to get a full size bottle to see if I do see results after using it for a longer period of time.

• Phyto Specific Thermoperfect 8 (would repurchase) - This was a cream heat protectant. It worked pretty well, and I liked that it did 8 beneficial things to the hair, but I don't typically need a cream heat protectant - I prefer a spray instead.

• Swisspers cotton rounds (would repurchase) - I love these cotton rounds for removing eye makeup and applying toner. I get them in a mega-pack from Costco, and I'll keep on repurchasing them.

• EcoTools Makeup Brush Cleansing Cloths (would not purchase) - This was nothing spectacular. It's a glorified baby wipe, nothing more. I wouldn't bother getting a full size of these in the future. 

• Simple Micellar Cleansing Water (would repurchase) - I used this mainly to freshen my skin up on days I wasn't wearing makeup and it worked nicely. Made my skin feel clean and refreshed. I don't really like micellar waters for removing makeup, but if you do, I'd recommend giving this one a try.

• L'Oreal Miracle Blur Instant Eye Smoother (would repurchase) - I really liked this little sample. I have fine lines under y eyes and I could notice them looking softer and less noticeable when I used this.

• Shea Moisture Raw Shea Chamomile & Argan Oil Baby Wash & Shampoo (would repurchase) -  I dare you to find a baby shampoo that smells this amazing and has clean ingredients. I guarantee you won't find it. This stuff is my absolute favorite, from a brand I adore. Shea Moisture seriously has the best smelling stuff (without being offensively so) that is actually effective. Love love love.

• Yardley soap in Vanilla & Sweet Orchid (would not repurchase) - I did not care for this soap. It didn't smell that nice and the lather was so-so. I let my husband finish it after trying to like it for a few washes myself. I've got enough crap to use up that I won't bother wasting my time on something I don't like.

• B&BW Marshmallow Fireside candle (would repurchase) - This is one of my favorite B&BW candle scents. It is smokey and sweet and I'll burn it any time of the year. 

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

August Empties | #29

Happy September, ya'll! Can you even believe the summer is drawing to an end? I have no idea where the time has gone. While I'm sad to see summer go, I absolutely love fall and I'm excited for pumpkins, apple cider and cozy sweaters. The end of August also means it's empties time and I used up a bunch of different products. Keep reading for mini reviews on each item and recommendations on what to purchase.

• Shea Moisture Replenish & Rejuvenate Body Polish (would not repurchase) - This smelled great and the ingredients are good but it was a pretty weak scrub. There are mini beads in a creamy base and they just don't exfoliate my skin enough. I ended up using this as a body wash with a loofah and that worked fine. I'll stick to Tree Hut sugar scrubs in the future though.

• NKD SKN Tinted Tan Liquid (would repurchase) - This is a good self tanner. It's fool proof and easy to use. See full review here. 

• Waxelene (would repurchase) - This lip balm is a nice alternative to petroleum products if you don't want to use them. This is very basic, unscented, nothing very special, but it'll hydrate your lips and the ingredients are good!

• Rimmel ScandalEyes eyeliner (would repurchase) - This was a good creamy nude eyeliner that I used in my waterline to make my eyes look bigger and more awake, but it's old and I don't want to use anything old on my eyes. 

• Honeybee Gardens Pressed Mineral Powder (would repurchase) - I really liked this setting powder. It doesn't have gross ingredients and it's affordable. I purchase mine on Vitacost where it's a little bit cheaper. (click here for a $10 coupon to Vitacost, affiliate link)

• Algenist Lip Renewal Balm (would repurchase) - This balm came in a Christmas set and it was fine -- nothing special. I used it at night (even though it has SPF in it) and it nourished my lips. It doesn't have a scent so if you avoid fruity or fragranced lip balms, you might like this. 

• Aveeno Nourish + Shine Conditioner (would repurchase) - I liked this conditioner. It made my hair soft and easy to brush.

• Proganix Coconut H2O + Electrolytes Quench Shampoo (would repurchase) - I really like the Proganix shampoos and conditioners. This one smelled great; even though I don't typically like coconut scents, this is one I really enjoyed. See full review here.

• St. Tropez Gradual Tan Anti-Ageing Multi-Action Face lotion (would not repurchase) - This was just an OK tanner for the face. It smelled like tanner, which is gross, and it never really did much for me. 

• L'Occitane 5 Essential Oils Shampoo (would not repurchase) - This worked fine and got my hair really clean, but the smell wasn't my favorite and it costs more than I prefer to spend on a shampoo. 

• Laura Mercier Almond Coconut Milk Souffle Body Creme (would not repurchase) - This little body lotion was part of a set I got at Christmas. The lotion itself is very moisturizing and makes my skin feel soft and smooth, but this is highly scented, so much that you definitely can't wear a perfume with it. I wasn't a big fan of this particular scent, so I wouldn't repurchase, especially because a full size is ridiculously expensive.

• Korres Body Butter in Guava (would repurchase) - This was part of a mini sample pack, and of all the lotions, this was my favorite scent. It didn't really smell like guava, but it didn't smell bad either. Korres products have good ingredients and these lotions are hydrating without being greasy. I liked it!

• Devita Essential Control for Blemishes (would repurchase) - This wasn't a miracle for blemishes, but the ingredients are A+ and I do think it helped prevent further breakouts from forming. This is a great option if you're pregnant and need to avoid traditional acne-fighting ingredients. See full review here.

• Humphrey's Witch Hazel in Citrus (would repurchase) - I used this witch hazel as a toner and I enjoyed it. It smells amazing and I like that it has natural antiseptic properties that help fight acne. 

• Rodan + Fields Daily Cleansing Mask (would not repurchase) - This cleanser is meant to be used like a mask. You apply it to your face, then let it sit, then wash it off. I don't have time to cleanse my face like that most days. I didn't completely use this up, but it's old, so it's got to go. This would not be something I'd purchase, especially because it's quite expensive and I didn't think it did a good job of cleaning my face. See full review here.

• Aquaphor (would repurchase) - I love Aquaphor for healing dry skin. If ever my nose is dry, or I have a patch of dry skin, I slather aquaphor on it before bed and it's healed by morning.

• Sensodyne Extra Whitening Toothpaste (would not repurchase) - I don't know, I just don't really care for this toothpaste. It's not natural enough and it wasn't very refreshing.

• Listerine Mint Floss (w0uld repurchase) - This is my favorite floss. It's braided so it's thick enough to get everything out from between my teeth. I've purchased this many times and I already have a backup.

• Smile Brilliant Teeth Whitening Gel (would repurchase) - I love this teeth whitening system because it really does get my teeth sparkly white. See full review here. 

• Nivea In-Shower Body Lotion (would repurchase) - I've purchased a full size of this before, just in a different formula (there's a few kinds), and I like it! I wasn't a huge fan of the smell of this kind, but it's a good product to have if you're in a pinch but still want to have hydrated skin without applying lotion after a shower.

• Garnier Blackhead Eliminating Scrub (would repurchase) - I really liked this cleanser. It had the perfect amount of scrubbiness to it and my face felt really clean after using it. I don't have any blackheads so I can't speak to how well it removes them, but I liked how it made my skin feel and I'd like to get this in a full size. 

• Pur-Lisse SPF 30 Sunscreen (would not repurchase) - As much as I liked using this SPF moisturizer for my face, I think it made me break out so I wouldn't buy it in a full size.

• Earth Mama Angel Baby Postpartum Bath Herbs (would repurchase) - New mamas, you need these. I went through a box last month, and I used up one more, and I definitely think it helped speed along my healing. In general, this makes a nice herbal bath soak that's good for your lady parts even if you haven't had a baby recently.

• AuraCacia Lavender essential oil (would repurchase) - I diffuse lavender at bed time at least three nights a week. It's a great way to naturally make a room smell fantastic and it helps promote calm and relaxation. 

• Yankee Candle in Summer Wish (would repurchase) - This used to be one of my favorite YC scents (until I just got sick of it). It has great scent throw and is obviously a great summer scent. Fresh and a bit fruity.

• B&BW Sundrenched Vineyard Candle (would repurchase) - This smelled great and had awesome throw. This fruity wine scent was perfect for  the end of summer. This was a scent that came out a couple years ago, but I have seen it brought back before.

• B&BW Villa Bergamot Candle (would repurchase) - Another oldie but goodie from B&BW that's been hanging out in my backstock. It has a strong bergamot scent with notes of lavender and geranium. This was nice, and definitely something worth picking up if they bring it back again. 

That's all my empties! Have you tried any of these products? Let me know your thoughts!

May Favorites

If you asked me to put these favorites in a list ranked most favorite to least, I don't know if I could do it. That's how much I love all of these goodies! There's a little bit of everything here, so take a peek and let me know if you love any of these, too!

Full disclosure, these OGX Coconut Curls Shampoo & Conditioner were sent to me, but you need to believe me that this duo is so lovely. I don't have curly hair.... and I love them. The ends of my hair like to flip whichever way they please, but overall, I have pretty straight hair. What I'm trying to say is, any hair type could get use out of these products. This line is formulated with coconut oil so it's nourishing and moisturizing. I was a bit nervous it was going to weigh my hair down, but it never did. It also added a good bit of shine to my hair which I always appreciate as my hair has a tendency to look dull. And of course, the smell - to.die.for. Coconut is not a scent I typically gravitate towards, but the mix of coconut, sweet honey and citrus is so heavenly and it doesn't smell at all like that gross fake coconut that so many hair and body products often have. You can find this line at your local drugstore or superstore like Walmart or Target. 

During the later part of the first trimester of my pregnancy and as well as the beginning half of my second trimester, my skin went haywire. It was on hormone overload, and when that happens, I am one of those lucky people who gets acne near my mouth and around my chin. Turns out, it's really hard to find acne treatments that  don't have salycilic acid or benzoyl peroxide (both pregnancy no-nos), and then I stumbled upon the Desert Essence Blemish Touch Stick. This has a toner-like consistency, and smells like tea tree oil (because that's what's in it). It isn't a cure-all, but it certainly helped heal and treat my blemishes and I've continued to use it on any spots that pop up.

I absolutely love the Essence Liquid Eyeliners, both this waterproof version, or the non-waterproof version. I have used this non-stop this month and I am obsessed. It has a dark matte black color and it is so simple to apply once you get the hang of it. You get so much product for a really cheap price (under $5), and it performs like a high end product. Conveniently, Essence is now available at Target so you can easily find it if you've got a Target nearby. For those of you lucky enough to have an Ulta nearby, you can also find it there. 

I've been curling my hair a bit more frequently than normal lately, and to protect it from all that heat, I use the Shea Moisture Yucca & Plantain Anti-Breakage Thermal Protectant Serum. Woo.. that's quite a mouthful. I love that this is a more natural heat protectant, always a positive in my world. It smells nice and I do think it protects my hair.

I'll end with a confession. I've been wearing a men's cologne. I'm not sorry about it either, Tom Ford's Grey Vetiver smells so so so good, and it's absolutely perfect for the spring season. It's hard to describe the smell of vetiver, but it's fresh and earthy, and it happens to be one of my favorite scent notes. I would argue that this cologne really is quite gender neutral, and no one has ever asked me if I was wearing cologne when I've worn this. It would smell sexy and fresh on a guy, and on a woman I find it to be sophisticated and vibrant. This isn't a new fragrance by any means (although it's fairly new to my collection), but it's worth stopping for a sniff if you ever happen across it! 

What are your favorites this month? Let me know!