March Favorites

So many goodies, so little time. But despite my constant urge to switch things up and try the next latest thing, I kept reaching for these amazing products over and over this month. They are....

Suave Visible Glow Self-Tanning Body Lotion - My one and only gripe with this lotion is that I'm pretty sure Suave didn't even TRY to disguise the horrible self-tanner scent that I loathe (and I know I'm not alone on that hatred!). Aside from the awful fragrance, this stuff gives great color payoff and it builds easily and naturally. It actually looks like a real glow, not orange or streaky. My wrists are a little tell-tale, but that's because I wash my hands too soon after applying it. I use it at night so I don't have to smell it, and shower it off in the morning and voila! I don't look as ghostly as I normally do! Added bonus: this stuff is under $10!

L'Oreal Voluminous Original Mascara in Blackest Black - I've used this mascara in the past, and found it on clearance at Target so I snagged it up yet again. I forgot how much I love this stuff. It packs a serious punch in the volume department and makes my lashes look darn near like falsies! I don't know why people splurge on high-end mascara... the drugstore is FULL of great options! Once I go through my slew of mascaras, I'm going to put this on my repurchase list forever and ever. 

Dr. Brandt Pores No More Pore Refiner - I rotate between primers, but lately this pore refiner has been my go-to. It smooths easily over the skin and is slightly tinted. Once it's applied my skin looks completely poreless, like glass. This is just a mini sample size, but it could be worth a full-size purchase in the future! 

Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear nail polish in Babe Blue - Cream nail polishes are my favorite, and this nearly neon blue is a stunner. I got so many compliments on this polish and I couldn't pull my own eyes away from my hands! Rarely do I use the same nail polish twice in the same year (don't judge me on my humongous collection...) but you can bet I'll be grabbing for this again soon!

Physician's Formula Ultra-Nourishing Argan Oil Blush in Natural - I admit, when I saw the packaging and design of these blushes I judged them by their cover and had to have one. I really love Physician's Formula blushes though, so I wasn't let down in the least. This color is a really pretty pink and blends easily and naturally on my cheeks. If you've heard people go on and on about how heavily scented these are like I have, I can honestly say I hardly even notice the smell. I mean, it's lame they fragranced these blushes, but don't let that deter you from trying one out! 

L'Oreal Color Lift Blush in Rose Gold Lift - This is a beautiful cream blush that is a gorgeous shade of pink with gold shimmer. I used this so much this month because it looks natural and makes my face dewy so there's no highlighter required once you use this. But my favorite thing about this blush is that it LASTS. 8+ hours of wear ain't no thang for this cream blush! (Seriously, just look above at this beauty up close...ugh... gorgeous)


What have you been loving this month? Let me know!

Empties #12

While I haven't been so great about not buying things (I really need to put myself on a a strict "no buy") I HAVE been excellent about finishing what I have. Let's dig in...

• Essie Smoothies hand & body lotion in Pomegranate & Mango (would repurchase) - This was a nice light lotion that I used as a hand lotion. It didn't leave my hands feeling greasy, but it also wasn't mega-hydrating. This is definitely a good choice for the warmer months when my skin doesn't tend to be so dry.

• C.O. Bigelow Lotio Mentholus (would repurchase) - I loved this hand lotion. It's also very light, and has a soft menthol scent. I love the bottle, too!

• Suave Smoothing lotion with cocoa butter & shea (would repurchase) - Another great lotion option! It is lightly scented so it won't interfere with any perfume you're wearing. It moisturizes without being greasy. I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this.

• Alba Botanical Hawaiian Sunscreen in revitalizing green tea (would repurchase) - This sunscreen is very thick and greasy. It's a bit tough to smooth around on the skin. I wouldn't use this as a daily SPF, but it's good if your plan is to bum around on the beach all day. Plus, it's free of nasty chemicals.

• Soap & Glory Hand Food in Fruitigo (would repurchase) - I loooooved this hand lotion! The scent is addicting but not overwhelming. It moisturizes my hands so well. I could easily abandon all other lotions and use this every day from here on out!

• Lush Snow Fairy shower gel (would not repurchase) - I think I'm one of the only people who does not enjoy the cult Snow Fairy scent. It's not the kind of sweet that I enjoy, it a sickening smell. I bought it online without ever smelling it, and I won't be doing that again!

• The Body Shop Almond body butter (would repurchase) - Holy cow, I used a lot of lotion these last couple months. Anyway, I love love loved this body butter. It smells sweet and hydrates intensely. It reminded me of my beloved Creme Anglaise (right next to it), and I'll definitely buy this again.

• Lush Creme Anglaise hand and body lotion (would repurchase) - This is hands down my favorite lotion of all time. And unfortunately, Lush discontinued this last year. It is a tragedy. I hope it makes a comeback for a limited release, because I will stock up even though this costs an arm and a leg.

• Aveeno Positively Radiant Skin Brightening Daily Scrub (would repurchase) - This was a very gentle exfoliator, not harsh at all. If you have sensitive skin, this would be a good option for you. Jake also enjoyed using this. It is fragranced, but not overly so. 
• amie Morning Clear Purifying Facial Wash (would not repurchase) - This was an odd face wash. It felt more like I was slathering lotion all over my face than soap. It just didn't do anything for me. 

• Maybelline Clean Express Makeup Remover (would repurchase) - This gets my eye makeup off well. There's not much more to say about it. 

• L'Oreal Voluminous Extra-Volume Collagen waterproof mascara (would not repurchase) - I took a chance on this, and I didn't like it at all. It was clumpy and gritty and was hard to work with. 

• Aquafina Hydrating Lip Oil (would repurchase) - Full review here. 

• fresh Soy Face Cleanser (would repurchase) - I really enjoyed using this face cleanser, and this deluxe sample lasted me ages. I loved how gentle this was. It never broke me out and did a great job of cleansing my skin. 

• Calvin Klein Ck One Color Mascara (Would repurchase) - This was last year's birthday gift from Ulta, and it was awesome. It didn't make my lashes clumpy, but it provided volume and length. If it wasn't a bit spendy, I'd totally buy it again. 

• Rimmel Stay Matte Foundation (would not repurchase) - Full review here. 

• Andalou Naturals 1000 Roses Absolute Serum (would repurchase) - This serum was heavenly! It smelled softly of roses which is already a huge win in my book. It's meant to soothe and nourish sensitive skin, and I did find it calming.

• B&BW Antibac in Apple Wreath (would repurchase) - I use these before applying my makeup so I don't spread germs on my skin. I like the B&BW ones because they have so many different scents.

• Benefit Total Moisture Facial Cream (would not repurchase) - This moisturizer felt like it just sat on top of my skin. It didn't do a good job of hydrating dry patches. It's a pricey moisturizer and it's definitely not worth it to me.

• DrJ Organics Pure Organic Eye-Lifting Creme (would repurchase) - Full review here.

• Indie Lee Brightening Cleanser (would not repurchase) - I didn't care for the scent of this cleanser and I don't feel like it did much for me. 

• Herbal Essences Body Wash in Body Burst (would repurchase) - This smelled really good, just like all Herbal Essences products do. I liked it!

• Leanni Eco 3-in-1 Revolution Light (would repurchase) - I really liked this toner, moisturizer and serum in one! It hydrated and balanced my skin. Once I work my way through my other moisturizers I have in stock, I'd definitely buy this. 

• Coach Poppy Perfume (would not repurchase) - This smelled nice, but it's nothing unique. I don't need it in my stash.

• Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Top Coat (would repurchase) - I have used this top coat for ages. It dries fast and will leave your nails shiny, but it has a tendency to bubble and it chips quickly. I've gone back to using Seche Vite for now.

• Nivea Lip Butter in Vanilla & Macadamia Kiss (would repurchase) - This smelled heavenly. I smeared this on my lips at night before bed, and it did a pretty good job of hydrating. It doesn't penetrate very deeply, but it's not bad for a cheap lip butter. 

• Wet n Wild Mega Eyes Cream Eyeliner (would repurchase) - I really liked this product, and it made my top 14 of 2014, but it dried up on me. I will get it again because it's so cheap and it's mega-black. 

• Clear Clinic Laboratories Vanished Clear Spot Treatment (would repurchase) - I liked this little sample for zapping spots. It was a good morning treatment for use underneath makeup. It wasn't a miracle product, but I do think it helped speed the healing process along. 

• C.O. Bigelow Mentha Lip Shine in Ultra (would repurchase) - I absolutely love this lip product. It's tingly and cooling on the lips and I can feel it moisturizing and healing when I use it. It has a minty smell and it supposed to help freshen breath, too. I'll definitely get this again. 

• B&BW Wallflowers in Winter (would not repurchase) - As much as I hate using these because they're chock full of bad chemicals, I always seem to have one going in my house because they smell so dang good. Winter isn't my favorite scent and it's not very strong, it's kind of a fruity winter scent, so I won't buy it again. 

• Jason Powersmile toothpaste in Vanilla Peppermint (would repurchase) - I love Jason toothpastes because they're more natural and SLS and flouride-free. I really loved the vanilla peppermint flavor.

• Aveeno Nourish & Strengthen Shampoo & Conditioner (would repurchase) - I got one use out of these. It was nice, nothing overly special, but I'd try out the full size in the future. 

• Liquid Volumizing Shampoo & Conditioner (would repurchase) - I liked these more than I expected to. My hair felt so soft and silky after using these. I have no clue where to purchase them, but if I saw them around, I'd pick them up.

• Elite Therapeutics Elite Shampoo & Conditioner (would repurchase) - Another good shampoo & conditioner. My hair felt soft and conditioned after using these. I wouldn't go out of my way to find them, but if they're reasonably priced, I'd buy them.

• Yves Rocher Quelques Notes d'Amour perfume (would repurchase) - This little sample smelled SO good. This is the one and only Yves Rocher perfume I've tried, and if they're all this good, I need to smell more! This is musky and slightly rosy - the best of both worlds!

• Lush Honey I Washed the Kids Soap (would repurchase) - I really enjoyed this soap. It has a soft honey scent and is moisturizing. I love that it had a honeycomb imprint on it. I'd definitely buy this again. 

• Lush Butterball Bath Bomb (would repurchase) - The Butterball bath bomb is one of my favorites from lush. It smells like vanilla and makes the bath extra moisturizing. I have another of these in my closet, but it won't be my last. I'll always repurchase this. 

• Yankee Candle Winterland candle (would repurchase) - Aside from the fact this candle burned like crap (see all those ridges?!), it smelled nice like sweet peppermint and I enjoyed it.

• Target Toasted Almond soy candle (would repurchase) - This smelled really good, just like you'd imagine toasted almonds to smell. I loved the chic maroon glass packaging. All around good candle.

• B&BW Cranberry Pear Bellini candle (would not repurchase) - I don't really care for this scent. It's not bad, but just not anything I need.

• Old Factory Candle in Roasted Chestnut (would repurchase) - I loved the smell of this. A full review can be found here. 

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

Empties #8

So many empties this month! Check out my mini-reviews on each product below.

• Neutrogena Oil-Free Cleansing Wipes (would repurchase) - These are nice makeup removers, especially for those who are prone to acne. I think they do a good job of removing all of my makeup. I'd buy these again, but Jake hates the smell of them so it probably won't be anytime soon.

• Klorane Soothing Eye Makeup Remover (would repurchase) - I loved this eye makeup remover. It was super gentle and didn't leave any residue behind. I absolutely want to get this again as it's one of the best I've ever tried.

• Lush Prince Shaving Cream (would not repurchase) - This is marketed towards men for facial shaving, but I picked it up on a whim when Lush was out of Turkish Delight. To be honest, I didn't care for this. It had a nice, earthy scent but my legs itched so bad after I finished shaving because this wasn't hydrating enough for me.

• Organix Cherry Blossom Ginseng Shampoo (would not repurchase) - I didn't particularly care for the scent of this, mostly because it smells like a deodorant I've used. I felt like I had to use a lot in order to get a decent lather going, so I don't think I'll get this again.

• Nexxus Dualist Conditioner (would repurchase) - I got this for a complete steal when it was on clearance, and that's the only reason I bought it. This is marketed towards those with colored hair, which I don't have, but it worked just fine for my normal hair. It was moisturizing, and the dual-sided packaging is kind of fun.

• VO5 Daily Leave-In Conditioner (would not repurchase) - This did next to nothing for me. It wasn't great at detangling and I didn't notice any extra conditioning in my hair.

• HerStyler Nourishing & Moisturizing Shampoo (would repurchase) - I did a full write-up on this product here, so I'll spare you the details. 

• Organix Hydrating Moroccan Argan Oil Creamy oil Body Lotion (would repurchase) - I LOVED this stuff. It had a very faint shimmer to it (so faint it took me half way through the bottle to notice it), has a nice scent and is moisturizing. 

• love&toast Honey Nectar Body Lotion (would not repurchase) - I used this as a hand lotion, but I didn't find it moisturizing enough nor did I like the smell. Happy to be done with it. 

• Organic Surge Tropical Bergamot Shower Gel (would not repurchase) - While I enjoyed the body wash, I didn't love the scent as much as I thought I did when I purchased it. I would definitely get another shower gel from this brand, but definitely in another scent. This was fine for summer time, but it would not be moisturizing enough for me to use in the colder months. 

• Skintimate Raspberry Rain Shaving Gel (would repurchase) - Nothing fancy, just a shaving cream. It did the job.

• Aquafresh Fresh Impact Toothpaste (would not repurchase) - The toothpaste itself? Fine. The packaging? Horrible. If I hadn't cleaned it up before throwing it in my empties bin, this toothpaste can would have been CAKED with toothpaste. Just disgusting.

• Suave Moroccan Infusion Shampoo (would repurchase) - I don't love the smell, but this is a nice shampoo that makes my hair feel nice. 

• Covergirl Outlast Stay Fabulous 3-in1 Foundation (would repurchase) - Blah blah blah... you've heard me talk about this a million times. LOVE it. Full review here.

• Eyeko Black Magic Mascara (would repurchase) - I got this in a Birchbox a while back, and immediately thought the packaging was so cute! The mascara itself was okay, it didn't do anything magical for me, but if I saw it for a good price, I'd probably buy it again.

• Covergirl eyeliner (would not repurchase) - I don't even know the full name of this... it's not on the tube anywhere! This was a REALLY liquid-y eyeliner pen. It was really difficult to build up a solid line as the formula stayed wet so long. This was a big miss for me.

• NYC Smooth Skin Pressed Face Powder in Transluscent (would repurchase) - This was a surprising favorite of mine. I had this sitting in the back of my drawer and finally brought it out to use up. They have all new packaging on this powder now, so yeah... time to use it up. It's really finely milled and looks so natural on the skin - never cakey. Loved this.

• B&BW P.S. I Love You Shower Gel (would repurchase) - This is an old scent that B&BW doesn't carry anymore so I was sad to see this go. It has a nice floral rose scent and is one of the best scents I think they've ever made. This shower gel is by no means hydrating so don't purchase it if you need extra nourishment for your skin.

• Benefit It's Potent Eye Cream (would repurchase) - This is just a little sample, but I got many uses out of it. I used this as my night time eye cream, but think if I were to purchase it again, I'd use it in the morning instead. It's really moisturizing without being greasy or heavy.

• StriVectin Instant Moisture Repair (would not repurchase) - It could be coincidence, but I think this broke me out a little bit. It was the only thing I switched in my skincare routine, and boom - new zits. No thank you!

• Yankee Candle Beach Vacation Candle (would repurchase) - This had a lovely scent, truly reminding me of sitting beachside somewhere. It smelled faintly of sunscreen and ocean air and had excellent scent throw. Full review here. 

• B&BW Snap Peas Candle (would not repurchase) - I have a full review of this here. I liked the smell, but it just wasn't strong enough for me. 

• B&BW Root Beer Candle (would repurchase) - This is an old B&BW candle that isn't available anymore. It smells JUST like a root beer float and gives off crazy scent throw... my husband actually had to blow it out because it was too strong a couple times! (I loved it, though!)

• Better Homes & Gardens Line-Dried Linen wax tarts (would repurchase) - This gave off the most wonderful laundry scent in my home. It smelled fresh and clean without being overwhelming the way some laundry scents can definitely be. 

• Gold Canyon Ten wax (would repurchase) - My mom bought a bunch of these little wax tubs that you scoop out and put in your wax burners. Ten smells like a high-end perfume and I absolutely loved it. 

• B&BW Lemon Mint Leaf candle (would repurchase) - I have a full review of this here. This was a nice fresh scent, still available at B&BW (with different packaging).

Phew... that was quite the empties post! Have you tried any of these products? Let me know!

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! :)