Walmart Spring Beauty Box

The Walmart Beauty Box comes seasonally, and if you haven't yet signed up to receive the spring box, now is the time! You can sign up to receive them here. They're shipping this month. Walmart Beauty Boxes cost just $5, which is solely the price of shipping, so all the goodies are technically free! Basically all of the items in the spring box are travel or sample sized, and aside from the foil packets, everything in this box will get you quite a few uses! 

Included in my spring box are the following:

• Dove Go Fresh body wash in Mandarin & Tiare Flower
• St. Ives Blemish Control Apricot Scrub (A favorite of mine, even if the scrubbies are probably horrible for your skin.)
• Simple Cleansing Facial Wipes
• Jergens BB Body lotion (NOT a favorite because it smells like their tanning lotion to me)
• Neutrogena Healthy Skin Boosters White Tea & Vitamin E facial cleanser
• Ken Paves shampoo, conditioner and hair mask foil packets
• Lady Gaga Fame perfume sample

I've seen other season's Walmart beauty boxes and some are a little better than this, and some are worse, but for $5 I don't mind taking the gamble. I've tried the BB Body lotion, the Simple cleansing wipes and the Fame perfume, but all the other products are new to me. Have you tried any of these products? Which ones did you like? Let me know! 

Current Skin Care Regimen

With summer in full swing, I've changed up my skincare to match the season. The hotter weather makes me more oily in the T-zone, but I've found a routine that works well for me during the Minnesota summer time. Here's what I've been using.

Every morning, I begin by washing my face with the Yes to Carrots Daily Cream Facial Cleanser ($7.99). This is a really light cleanser that has the consistency of a lotion. It doesn't foam up or lather much, rather just slicks over the face, hydrating and cleaning. I wouldn't use this as a night time facial wash as I don't think it would remove makeup well, but in the morning, when my face is already mostly clean, this does the trick.

After washing and drying my face, I then apply the Yes to Blueberries Eye Firming Treatment ($15.99). This is a great eye cream for daytime; it's lightweight and works nicely under makeup. You might remember this eye cream, as I professed my love for it in a favorites post a while back. 

Before applying my makeup, I combine 2 pumps of the Kiehl's Abyssine Lotion (a now discontinued product - sorry, I feel guilty for even bringing it up!) with half a pump of the Neutrogena Oil-Free moisturizer ($11.99). The Abyssine Lotion claims to diminish the effects of aging and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It's not quite moisturizing enough for my skin, so I include the half pump of Neutrogena moisturizer to assist with that. I like this combo of moisturizers for summer because they both have SPF.

In the evening, I begin by wiping my eye makeup off with a cotton pad and eye makeup remover (which changes frequently, so it's not pictured) followed by wiping my face makeup off with a makeup wipe (also changed frequently so not pictured here). Once all the makeup has been removed from my face, I use my handy dandy Clarisonic with one pump of the Simple Foaming Cleanser ($7.49). Because this cleanser is so foamy, it works really well when using the Clarisonic. This cleanser is fairly basic, but it gets the job done just right. I think this cleanser would dry my skin out if I used it in the morning, but as I moisturize heavier at night, this works perfectly.

Once my face is clean, I like to use an eye cream. I've recently been using the Benefit It's Potent eye cream ($34) and I absolutely love this stuff. It helps brighten the under eye area and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. I'm quite prone to fine, dehydration lines under my eyes and this stuff works a miracle on my under eye area! I've got just a little sample that I received in the 2013 Benefit Advent calendar, but I just might have to get the full size once I run out.

To fully moisturize the rest of my face, I've been using the Yes to Cucumbers Calming Night Cream ($14.99). This has that typical Yes to Cucumbers smell, which I like. It feels lightweight, but does an awesome job of hydrating my skin. It's also a good price for the amount you get! I sometimes swap in some face oils instead of the Calming Night Cream when I feel my skin needs it, but I use the cream most often as I think it provides the perfect amount of hydration for my skin in summer.

What's in your skincare army? Let me know if you've tried any of these products!

Empties #6

Holy cow - these empties posts are becoming a monthly occurrence! I have to say, I feel rather accomplished using so much stuff up! It feels good to scale back on buying and go through what I've got stored up. If you're unfamiliar with empties posts, basically I show you my trash and give you a quick review as well as comment on whether or not I'd repurchase the item. Let's go....

• CHI Farouk Royal Treatment Ultimate Control Fast Drying Volume Shaping Spray - Ugh, kill me with that long title, geez! This is my *holy grail* hairspray. It smells like an expensive perfume and holds a curl without weighing my hair down or being sticky. Love love love. Would I repurchase? Yes, already have.
• Creation's Garden Shampoo w/ Argan Oil - I purchased this on a whim at TJ Maxx because it's organic and natural. This stuff was okay - it wasn't amazing. It didn't foam up much nor did it have much of a scent, but it cleaned my hair and that was good enough for me. Would I repurchase? Yes.
• Pantene Ice Shine conditioner - Is it just me, or is it way easier to go through conditioner than shampoo? Anyway, this was nice. It left my hair really smooth but I didn't notice any added shine. Would I repurchase? Yes.
• Suave Moroccan Infusion Weightless Dry Shampoo - I purchased this because I love the smell of the Suave Moroccan shampoo/conditioner, but I absolutely hated the scent of this. It did just an OK job of soaking up extra oil in my hair, but I definitely have tried better. Would I repurchase? No. 

• Satin Care Passionista Fruit Shave Gel - This is your run of the mill drugstore shave gel. I didn't care much for the scent, but it did the job of keeping me knick-free. I hate how the bottom always rusts on these bottles - ya feel me?! Would I repurchase? No, I'd rather try something else. 
• Yes to Blueberries Ultra Hydrating Body Wash - Remember this from my Yes To haul? I had high hopes for this, but I didn't love the smell and it definitely wasn't hydrating. Would I repurchase? No. 
• Secret Clear Gel deodorant in Cocoa Butter Kiss - All Secret deodorants smell inherently the same, IMO. This one had that same Secret smell, and not a lot of cocoa butter scent. I like these gel deodorants in the summertime when I need an antiperspirant and don't want it all over my clothes. Would I repurchase? I already have, but in a different scent. 

• Yes to Blueberries Age Refresh Cleansing Facial Towelettes - Also got these in my Yes To haul. I had hoped these would be as amazing as my favorite Cucumber Yes To wipes, but I didn't care for these. The smell was blah and they weren't very wet. Would I repurchase? No, but I have one more pack of these to use up.
• Simple Eye Makeup Remover Pads - I got these in last year's Allure Beauty Box. They were just OK. They got my eye makeup mostly off, but I usually needed to use another makeup wipe to fully get the grime away. Would I repurchase? No. 

• Yes to Cucumbers Soothing Gentle Milk Cleanser - Another thing from my Yes To haul - really going through that stuff recently. I used this every morning as it's nice and gentle and moisturizing. I wouldn't use this if I needed to deep clean my skin (which I don't in the mornings because I wash my face at night) but its perfect for a gentle wash. Would I repurchase? Probably. 
• Michael Todd Honey and Oat Gentle Deep Pore Cleanser - I really liked this cleanser, which I used morning and night (until I switched to using the Gentle Milk cleanser above in the mornings). It smells like lemon and really cleans the skin without stripping it. Also, it's 70% organic which I personally like in my skincare. Would I repurchase? Yes. 

• Aquafresh Ultimate White toothpaste - Jake and I went to town on this with the tube-wringer (my favorite thing ever) and got every last drop of toothpaste out. It was pretty good, tasted fine. Did I notice a difference in the whiteness of my teeth? No, but whatever.... do you ever really see one with a whitening toothpaste? I certainly don't. Would I repurchase? Yes.
• Bath & Body Works AntiBac in Stress Relief - I use these pre-makeup application to ensure I have clean hands. I don't love the smell of the Stress Relief line from B&BW, but the scent dies away rather quickly on the hands. Would I repurchase? No, I'd rather try another scent. 
• Not Your Mother's Clean Freak Refreshing Dry Shampoo - This was a nice little travel size of dry shampoo. I got quite a few uses from it, too. It smelled fresh and soaked up excess oil. Would I repurchase? Yes.
• Pantene Aqua Light Conditioner - Meh, it was OK. Nothing brilliant. I get like one use out of these little mini travel sizes. Would I repurchase? No.

• Ulta Plush Drama Volume Mascara - This was surprisingly good. It was volumizing and it made my lashes look really nice. However, about a month in, once the formula had been exposed to air and bacteria or whatever, it started making my lashes really clumpy... and then it got thrown in the empties bag. Would I repurchase? Probably.
• Calvin Klein Euphoria eau de toilette - This smells really nice. I got a few uses out of this and enjoyed smelling it all day. Would I repurchase? If I found this  for a good deal, I would definitely consider buying a full-size version. 
• Carmex Moisturizing Lip Balm - Carmex is a tried and true favorite of mine. I always have one somewhere and it always soothes my lips. Would I repurchase? Yes.
• Josie Maran Whipped Argan Oil in Vanilla Apricot - I got this in a gift set for Christmas. I used it every night on my hands before bed and I could tell it actually made a difference in my hands...I used less lotion throughout the day because of it. The scent of this was kind of weird - while my husband would disagree, to me it smells like butter on my hands... hence why I started using it at night before bed. Would I repurchase? Yes.

• Mainstays Candle in Wild Honeysuckle - This candle is from Walmart, and I got it on sale. It smells really nice and spring-like. The scent-throw was just OK, I felt like somedays I could smell it better than others. Would I repurchase? Yes.
• Slatkin & Co Wallflowers in Cool Tropical Breeze - I really don't like to use these because they're full of bad chemicals that you probably shouldn't be breathing in, but I get them as gifts now and then and I'm not just going to throw them away. This scent smells like a coconutty beach and I enjoy it. Would I repurchase? Not myself, no.

Ooff.... there you have it. Let me know if you've tried any of these items or what you've been using up this month! I love to hear from you! :)

Empties | #5

Wowza, I just did one of these posts a month ago but my bag of empties filled up quite quickly in that time so here we are again! Are you ready for this? Here we go...

• Macadamia Natural Oil Deep Repair Mask - I love this stuff. Seriously, holy grail status. It's an expensive little mask, retailing for $30, but it's worth every penny. I'll definitely buy it again. 

• Aveda Invati Shampoo & Conditioner - I bought this stuff because I had been on some medication which totally dried my hair out, and made it feel thin and disgusting. My hair wasn't actually thinning, but I wanted to bulk it up and add some life to it. I didn't really notice any difference, and while this smelled really nice, I wouldn't buy it again.

• John Frieda Luxurious Volume Volume Refresher (dry shampoo) - This made my February favorites because it rocks. If it wasn't discontinued, I'd totally repurchase it again. See my review here. 

• Garnier Ultra-Lift Anti-Wrinkle Firming Moisturizer - I bought this on a whim quite a while ago and finally used it up. This had a very strong smell that didn't linger on the skin, but certainly is enough that it may turn some off. I didn't notice any major wrinkle reducing properties, but it did a decent job moisturizing. I dont' think I'd buy this again, however.

• Simple Soothing Facial Toner - This was really nice. It never made my face sting or burn, but it removed any excess makeup that lingered on my face post-cleaning. I'd buy this again.

• Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Daily Cleanser - I got this in last summer's Allure Beauty Box. It's been marketed as a better alternative to Cetaphil, which I've also used before, and I have to say I did like this better. It didn't break me out and did a good job of washing my makeup off. I'd repurchase this.

• Boots Botanics Soothing Eye Makeup Remover - This wasn't anything special, but it did remove my eye makeup easily and efficiently. It was fairly cheap, too. I would buy this again.

• OPI Avojuice in Jasmine - Avojuice's are one of my favorite lotions, and I especially love the jasmine scented version.This lotion was really hydrating, but it never left my skin feeling greasy. I've got plenty of other lotions to use first, but I'd repurchase this in the future.

• Bath & Body Works Triple Moisture Body Cream in P.S. I Love You - This isn't completely gone, but it just doesn't smell the same anymore... a tell-tale sign that a product is expired. This was one of my favorite B&BW scents, but sadly it's discontinued. These triple body moisture creams are awesome and really hydrating. If it ever gets brought back, I'd buy this again.

• Lush Snow Fairy Shower Gel - You may recall seeing this in my recent Lush haul. This is a cult favorite body wash that comes out at Christmas, and this was my first time trying it. To be quite honest, I didn't like the scent much at all. It's super sickly sweet and just not my taste. I have one more bottle of it (I got sent another because this bottle leaked during shipping) which I'll use, but I wouldn't buy it again.

• Hello Anticavity Toothpaste in Supermint - This is a fairly new brand as far as I know, and I picked this up just out of curiosity. I do like natural toothpastes quite a bit, and this was really nice. My only complaint was the packaging made it quite difficult to get anything out once it started to run out. Because of the packaging, I wouldn't buy it again.

• Juice Beauty Oil-Free Moisturizer - I got this in a past Birchbox, and this deluxe sample size lasted me over a month! I really liked this, but the full-size is a bit spendy and I've got comparable drugstore alternatives I'd use instead of spending the money. If I did find it for a good deal, I would buy it.

• Wet n Wild Mega Liner in Black - Ya'll know I love this. I've bought it time and time again, and will continue to. 

• Benefit They're Real Mascara - I got this little sample in my Sephora birthday pack from last year. I know everyone raves about this mascara, but I really didn't enjoy using this sample. The brush was sharp and it tended to clump on me. I've heard that these little samples aren't the best way to judge this mascara, but I can't say I'd buy the full size any time soon.

• ChapStick Overnight Lip Treatment - This was nice. I used it every night before bed, and it left my lips feeling really soft and hydrated. I'd buy this again.

• Bath & Body Works PocketBac in Wildberry Freesia - You already know, I use these every time before I do my makeup. I liked it, this was a nice scent, but I'd probably try a new scent before buying this one again.

• ChapStick in Strawberry - Everyone knows these are just fine. I kept it in my desk at work and it did the trick of moisturizing my lips when I needed it. I've got plenty more of these, so I won't need to repurchase this any time soon. 

• Givenchy Very Irresistable Perfume sample - This smelled nice, but I don't think I like it enough to get a full-size. I'm not the greatest at describing scents, but it was floral and fresh. Not bad, but just not anything I absolutely need.

• The Country Corn Crib Soy Candle in Pomegranate Spice - These candles are made in Minnesota, and can often be found at craft shows in this area. This scent smelled SO good and had really great scent-throw. You can find them online here. 

• Soy Candle in Exotic Woods - You can read more about this candle in my February Favorites. I really liked it, and would purchase it again if it gets re-released. 

• Bath & Body Works Candle in Black Pepper Bergamot - I really love this scent, but these little candles are just silly. They don't burn very long, and don't put off much scent at all. I'd buy this in a bigger size, but not in this teeny tiny version again.

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

Gone, gone, gone | Empties #3

There is something so sickeningly satisfying about finishing products. With a stash that is ridiculous rather large, I try to get through things so that I can move on to something new. Especially since I like to use some of my beauty products the same way that I read books -- that is to say, one at a time. I do this for things like body wash, moisturizers, shampoos and conditioners, etc. 

It's been just over 2 months since my last empties post, but yet again I've accumulated some trash and so I've got some things to show you with a quick review on each product as well.  Here goes nothin'... 

• Clean & Clear Mattifying Moisturizer - I got this at Big Lots a few months ago, and I have to confess that I didn't use this up entirely. In fact, it's about 75% full. I hated this stuff. It did a horrible job of moisturizing and it would slough off white gunk that wouldn't melt in to my skin. I can't be bothered to get through this tube, and while I think it's discontinued, I wouldn't repurchase it if I saw it again. 

• Simple Protecting Light Moisturizer - I did use all of this moisturizer, and I enjoyed it. It was very lightweight, but it packed a punch and was very hydrating for my dry skin. It lasted me a good 4-5 months, so the ~$8 price tag was totally worth it. I would repurchase it.

• Yes to Cucumbers Soothing Facial Towelettes - These are my new favorite makeup removing wipes. They smell really nice like cucumber and they're really gentle while still removing all my makeup. They're also super soft and feel lovely on your face. I will absolutely repurchase these again. 

• Studio Beauty Night Calming Makeup Remover Towelettes - Studio Beauty is Walgreens store brand. These were cheap, and the package says these compare to Neutrogena Night Calming Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes. I've actually never tried those, so I can't compare. I thought these were fine. They weren't anything special, but they didn't break me out, they had a nice light scent and they got my makeup off well. I'd probably repurchase these because they're a bit cheaper than a name-brand wipe. 

• Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser - This is a no nonsense cleanser that is great for people with sensitive skin. It cleans your skin without any scent or fanciness, it just simply wipes the dirt and makeup away! This big daddy size lasted me a good 3 months or so, which is pretty awesome. This isn't the first bottle I've gotten through, and it won't be the last. 

• Boots No. 7 Cleanse & Care Eye Makeup Remover - Boots is a UK brand that has somewhat recently been introduced to Target. Awhile ago I found this eye makeup remover in the Target clearance bin and figured I'd give it a shot. It worked really well without burning my eyes, and it got all of my eye makeup, waterproof and not, off like a charm. I'd definitely repurchase this.

• Bath & Body Works Cashmere Glow Shea Enriched Shower Gel - I have been trying to finish this since FOREVER. I know I said I use body wash one at a time, but there were a couple times I took this out of the shower to swap it for a different scent. It's a very sweet, autumnal scent, and I just couldn't bear to use it in the spring or summer. I can't say I love this scent (primarily a strong shea scent), and I definitely didn't love the fact that it's not moisturizing in the least. Since there's always something new at B&BW I'd rather try something else next time. 

• Jergens Natural Glow Daily Moisturizer - I've talked about this so many times that I won't go in to detail. I like this stuff. It gives this pale redhead some color in the summer, and I can build it up to look pretty convincing. I'll buy this again and again in the summer as I always do.

• L'Oreal Power Moisture Moisture Rush Mask - I use hair masks or deep conditioners once a week to keep my hair healthy, and I like to switch around and use something new. This was one I randomly picked up, and I thought it was just alright. It didn't seem to moisturize my hair any more than a regular conditioner. I don't think I'd buy it again. 

• got2be Oil-licious Golden Shimmer conditioner - I hated the smell of this stuff, but the product itself was okay. It's not thick at all, as if the cream of the conditioner was merely just to hold the oil and transfer it to your hair. The one thing I did like about this was that I could actually SEE the golden shimmer in my hair. It wasn't obnoxious or anything, but in the right light there was a nice sparkle that looked awesome in my auburn hair. I'd maybe buy this again, if I can get over the smell. 

• Covergirl Outlast Stay Fabulous 3 in 1 Foundation - I won't bore you with ANOTHER review on this. I love it. It's my favorite foundation. Period!

• Maybelline Lash Stilletto Voluptuous mascara in Brownish Black - This made it in my August Favorites and for good reason! I really liked it. It separated, lengthened and most importantly, it volumized. It had a cool, curved brush and it applied well. I'd repurchase! 

• Neutrogena Skin Clearing Concealer - I used to use this stuff religiously on any spots on my face, not that it ever seemed to really clear them up (as it's supposed to). I found this in my makeup stash and I haven't used it in well over a year and it's nearly gone so it's time to toss it out! I wouldn't buy this stuff again as it doesn't have great coverage and it was far too runny.

• Dove Cleartone deodorant - I bought a three pack of these last holiday season and I'm still working my way through it. I'm not overly particular about my deodorant, so this stuff worked just fine for me. I wish I could make the switch to all-natural deodorant but it just makes me smell bad! I'd repurchase this.

• Luster Now! Instant Whitening Toothpaste - I received this in an Influenster VoxBox this past summer, and I have to say I enjoyed it. The toothpaste is a bright electric blue color and it foams like crazy. As for whitening, I didn't really notice much. It tasted nice and cleaned my teeth which is good enough for me. I've only seen this at Walgreens and it's a bit on the pricey end of the toothpaste spectrum, so I probably won't buy it again.

• OPI Shatter polish in Black Shatter - I actually only used this a few times, but was cleaning out my nail polish collection and noticed this one had dried up. That's the thing with these shatter polishes, if there's even a tiny bit of air coming in to the bottle they dry up in a split second. I'm not sad about it because I am completely sick of shatter nails. 

• B&BW PocketBac in Raspberry Pink Peony - If you've seen my other empties posts, you'll have noticed these show up in every one. I use these before applying my makeup to kill any bacteria I have on my hands so I don't transfer it on to my face. This one smelled really nice, and I love the design on the packaging. A+! I have more of these in my stash, so I won't be repurchasing this scent any time soon (and I think it's part of the limited edition summer collection). 

• Slatkin & Co. Scented Candle in Autumn Day - Kind of a random empty, but I had to include it! This candle is from B&BW (geez, this is a B&BW heavy post!) and it smelled divine! My whole bag of empties smells amazing because of this candle! It's the perfect autumn smell that will fill up any room you're burning it in. I would definitely purchase this again!

Well, that's it! Another round of used-up products, and I assure you this won't be the last of these posts. Even now I've got a bag started of "new" used things. Stay tuned... and let me know if you've loved or hated any of these same products!

FOTD - September 11, 2013

I was struck with a bit of inspiration today to try a different, fall-feeling combination of warm browns and thought I'd show you what I came up with. Take a look!

Here's what I used to achieve the look... 

I started off by moisturizing my face, as I always do. I've been trying to get through this Simple Protecting Light Moisturizer, so that's what I chose to use first. I then use my Sigma F80 brush to apply my favorite drugstore foundation, the Covergirl Outlast Stay Fabulous 3 in 1 foundation in Ivory (for my full review on this foundation, click here). I set this foundation using my favorite powder, the Rimmel Stay Matte powder in Transparent. To warm up my face I used NYC's Smooth Skin Bronzer in Sunny on the hollows of my cheeks, down around my chin, and on my temples. For a pop of color on my cheeks, I used my Physicians Formula Powder Palette Multi-Colored Blush in Blushing Nude. 

Under my eyes I used the Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Dark Circle Eraser in Fair. I've really been enjoying this concealer, as it doesn't cake up in the fine lines under my eyes like many concealers do. Then I primed my eyelids using my favorite primer, theBalm's Put a Lid on It. All over my lid I used the Ulta Color Coat Cream Shadow in Shimmering Topaz. This is the bronzey pop you see in the middle of my eye in the pictures above.  In the crease, I used my Crown Brush Neutral Colors Smokey Eye Palette that I got off Hautelook not too long ago. I used a combination of the three colors you see in the collage to create a warm matte copper brown to define the crease. I used my holy grail Wet n Wild Mega Liner liquid liner in Black to create a winged out, super black liner look. For my lashes I used Maybelline Lash Stiletto Voluptuous in Brownish Black.

No lip products (other than Aquaphor) as my lips are too dry to sport anything cute despite loads of moisturizing lip gloss. Only a few more months of medication that dries my lips out - thank GOODNESS because I miss my lippies!

I liked this look and I think it's perfect for fall! Have you tried any of these products? Let me know in the comments below!

Product Empties!

If I had to pick a favorite type of video on YouTube, I think I'd have to say product empties vids are my favorite. (Click here or here to see what I mean) I love them because by the time you've used an entire product, you darn well know whether or not you like it. If you're unfamiliar with the format, click the links above, or keep reading to dig through my trash with me and get a quick review of each product.

1) Treat It Amazing Leave-In 12-in-one Hair Treatment - I'm pretty sure this is an off brand product that I picked up at Big Lots a long time ago. Despite that, I really liked it. I'd spray it in damp hair and I actually did notice my hair feeling silkier throughout the day. I would most likely repurchase this in the future.

2) Dove Refresh+Care Invigorating Dry Shampoo - I really liked this dry shampoo. It has a light clean scent and does the job of sucking up any excess oil in my hair. It also adds a nice bit of volume to the roots. Be warned fellow darker haired ladies, it does leave a white cast, but it can be brushed or massaged out sufficiently. I would repurchase this in the future.

3) L'Oreal Everstrong Deep Replenishing Masque - I cycle through deep conditioning masks like no one's business, as I use them typically once a week. I hadn't tried anything from this Everstrong line until this, so I figured, what the heck? I didn't hate it, I didn't love it. I don't really think it was as good as others I've tried, but considering it was something like $5, I wasn't super disappointed. I think this specific product is discontinued, but if you want to try something pretty much the same it is just repackaged differently and can be found in the drugstore. 

1) Jergens Natural Glow + Firming Lotion - As you can tell, I like this stuff. I've gone through two full bottles. Remember when this came on the market years back and the smell was completely unbearable? You don't have to worry about that anymore. I actually like the smell of it now. I use the medium to tan lotion despite being as fair as they come, but it actually builds up, and I don't feel like the fair to medium version makes much of a difference. The glow it gives is subtle yet noticeable and looks natural. I can't say I've noticed any firming action, but I keep thinking it can't hurt to keep using it in case it actually is doing something. This is a tried and true summer favorite of mine. I'll certainly repurchase this again.

2) Nivea Touch of Sparkle Cream Oil Body Wash - When I bought this, I thought it was going to be shimmery because it says "diamond powder." Then I realized, that is the scent. Are you kidding me, what does diamond powder smell like? If it smells like this body wash, it smells really good - kind of fruity and floral. This body wash is really moisturizing and creamy, and I enjoyed it. I'd repurchase it, but what's the point - there's always a new body wash out there to try!

1) Maybelline Dream Mousse Concealer in Ivory Light - This product is so stinkin' old it's discontinued and probably has been for a long time. Don't get me wrong, I don't like to keep and use expired and nasty makeup, but I found this in the depths of my makeup the other day and immediately decided to throw it out. I haven't used it for a long time and I've actually always hated it. The mousse consistency is weird, it didn't cover well or stay in the area you applied it. Big huge fail. Goodbye gross concealer!

2) Maybelline Dream Lumi Touch Highlighting Concealer in Radiant - On the total flip side, here is an absolute WIN of a Maybelline concealer. I used this down to the last twist, and immediately repurchased it once it was gone. This is the first concealer I've ever used where I can actually tell a noticeable difference when I use it under the eyes. It brightens up areas that need it, and hides any tired dark circles. It's under $10 and you can find it at the drug store. I would highly recommend it.

Neutrogena SkinClearing Oil-Free Foundation in 20 Natural Ivory - This used to be my absolute favorite foundation, hence why I have two used up bottles. My skin is very prone to breakouts and blemishes and because I wear makeup nearly every day I wanted to use something that won't clog my pores. I liked this foundation because it finished matte on the skin and seemed to have decent staying power, but I can't say the acne fighting properties actually worked for me. It retails for around $12 and you can find it at most drugstores. Now that I've found a foundation I love even more, I don't think I'll be repurchasing this any time soon. 

1)  L'Oreal Clean Definition Telescopic Mascara in Blackest Black - I talked about this mascara in my June favorites, so check there for a full review. I liked this mascara a lot, it added volume and definition to my lashes without being clumpy. I'm not sure I can buy this exact kind of the Telescopic mascara any more, but I'd definitely purchase a Telescopic mascara again in the future.

2) ModelCo Fibre LashXtend Extreme Black Lengthening Mascara - I received this mascara in one of my previous Birchboxes and I was super excited to try it out, given that it's a full-size product. Much to my dismay, I absolutely hated it. I'm not sure if it was dried out by the time I received it or if that's just the formula, but it is awful. The fibery formula wouldn't stick and my lashes looked horribly spidery. It costs a whopping $28, which is kind of crazy for a brand without much recognition (correct me if I'm wrong, but I haven't seen much of anything from them.) I will not be purchasing this in the future.

3) Maybelline The Colossal Cat Eyes Mascara in Glam Black - Truth be told, I bought this mascara because I liked the packaging, but fortunately I also liked the product. I don't think it gave me "cat eyes" (whatever that means), but it applied easily and didn't clump. I also think it smells kind of good? I don't know, I'm weird. Click the link to see what the brush looks like. I don't know if I'd repurchase this because it didn't really thrill me, but it wasn't a bad product- some of you might love it!

4) Urban Decay Supercurl Curling Mascara - I got a little sample size of this mascara and holy COW, I fell in love. This might be my favorite mascara of all time. It was brilliant - it held a curl like no other, it separated my lashes and added volume and it did all of this without clumping. Click the link to see what the brush looks like. I was very sad to use this sample up. If I can get over the $20 price tag, I will most definitely purchase a full-size of this in the future.

1) Wet n Wild Mega Liner Liquid Eyeliner in Black - I talked about this eyeliner in my May Favorites, so check that out for a more thorough review. This is a long time favorite of mine, and probably the 50th time I've used up a bottle because I use it every single day, and I have for the last 8 or 9 years. I will continually repurchase this product until I find something that tops this (which I doubt is possible). 

2) Rimmel Stay Matte Pressed Powder in Transparent - This is another long time favorite of mine that I've repurchased time and time again. I use it to set my foundation, and I haven't found anything that compares. There are plenty of pricier powders that don't do half as good of a job. For under $5, you've got yourself one heck of a powder. It isn't transparent, as the name suggests, but it isn't cakey or overly powdery on the face. I've already purchased another of these, and will do so until I find some other better replacement.

1) Simple Cleansing Facial Wipes - I love a good makeup removing wipe, but unfortunately I didn't love these. I wanted to use something for sensitive skin, but I don't think they did much for me. Beware of the"simple" marketing, which often makes the mind think "natural" (a mistake I made myself), but there are parabens in these face wipes if you browse the ingredients. I won't be repurchasing these.

2) Pond's Evening Soothe Wet Cleansing Towelettes - I loved these. The wipes are quilted which helps scrub off makeup without being rough on the skin, and they smell absolutely amazing (I love chamomile scented products). These are so gentle and soothing on the skin. I will definitely repurchase these in the future. 

1) Bath & Body Works PocketBac Anti-Bacterial hand gel in Cucumber Melon - I love keeping these mini antibacterial gels in my makeup bag so I can use them before I start doing my makeup, that way I don't spread bacteria on my blemish-prone skin. I especially love these PocketBacs because they're small and don't take up a ton of room while traveling, and they come in a variety of scents. This cucumber melon scent smells just like you would imagine it to - nice and refreshing. 

2) Bath & Body Works PocketBac Anti-Bacterial hand gel in White Citrus - You know I love these already. White Citrus smells really sharp and fresh. It isn't my most favorite scent, but it's not repulsive or anything. I've already replenished my stash of these (in other scents) so I can keep on using them every time I do my makeup. 

3) O.P.I. AvoJuice lotion in Crisp Apple Juicie - OPI's AvoJuice is my most favorite lotion. It's lightweight but it is insanely moisturizing. It is seriously awesome. I have a bunch of full size bottles, and I also have some of these minis which I always keep in my purse for use on the go. This smells just like macintosh apples, and makes me think of fall. I would definitely repurchase this in the future. 

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That's all for now, folks. If you like these kinds of posts, let me know in the comments below. Also let me know if you've tried any of these products and and what you thought of them. Have a great rest of your weekend!