April Empties | #36

If there's one blog post I can manage to write at least once a month, it's empties. They don't stop coming... and it's an easy way to do a bunch of reviews on lots of different products. So thanks for bearing with me as my posting schedule has been so up in the air! (Blame my growth-spurting, teething, semi-sleep-regressing, cute as a button, near 10-month-old)

Without further ado, here's what I finished up in April. 

• Michael Todd Organic Lemon AHA + DMAE Toner (would repurchase) - I liked this toner. It had a fresh scent, and made my face feel clean without stripping it. Plus it lasted ages. I didn't notice any crazy results, but I enjoyed using it. 

• Human + Kind Wash Off Facial Cleanser (would repurchase) - I purchased this on a whim when Sephora had it on sale, and I really liked it. It's creamy and nourishing but cleanses at the same time. Read more on my past Favorites post.

• Alba Botanica Good & Clean Toxin Release Scrub (would repurchase) - I adored this scrub. It had the perfect amount of scrubbies in it, it wasn't too harsh, and my skin felt so soft and smooth after using it. The ingredients are more natural, which earns points from me. I will definitely be purchasing this again. 

• Weleda Evening Primrose Age Revitalizing Concentrate (would not repurchase) - This was just OK. I think it might have broken me out a bit. If you're looking for a more natural anti-aging serum, give this a shot - it may work better for you than it did for me.

• Keomi Skincare soap in Sea Breeze (would repurchase) - I enjoyed this bar soap. It was hydrating and lathered up nicely. The ingredients are natural, and it smells good. I'd be happy to use this again in the future. See full review here. 

• Zum Bar soap in Frankincense and Myrrh (would repurchase) - Zum is my favorite bar soap brand. Everything smells amazing, it lathers great, it leaves my skin feeling soft, and the ingredients are clean. This scent was so so good, but I think it might be a limited holiday fragrance.

• Hask Greek Yogurt Repairing Deep Conditioner (would repurchase) - This packet of hair treatment got me 2-3 uses, and I enjoyed it. This was on par with a normal conditioner, it didn't seem to have extra treatment properties that I noticed, but I still enjoyed using it. Full review here. 

• Clinique Clearing Gel (would purchase) - This had a strong alcohol scent, but I do think it helped clear up some smaller zits on my face. I'd be interested in keeping a full size of this on hand for when my skin is freaking out.

• Swisspers Cotton Rounds (would repurchase) - You already know, these are  my favorite cotton pads. I use them to apply toner and remove my eye makeup and they work great and don't fall apart.

• Batiste dry shampoo in Blush (would repurchase) - I love Batiste dry shampoo... it's my holy grail. It smells great and actually makes my hair manageable between washes. This mini size was convenient to throw in my purse or keep in my desk at work. 

• Detox Dry Shampoo (would repurchase) - I liked this dry shampoo quite a bit. It gave my hair a bit of volume, it soaked up oil. It'll set you back quite a bit more than a bottle of Batiste, but if you've got the budget, I' recommend trying it.

• Giovanni Wellness System Scalp Serum (would not repurchase) - I didn't notice this doing much for my hair. It was frustrating to use because the serum is so thick the dropper didn't really pick up anything. I couldn't get anything out anymore, and there was easily still half the bottle left, but I was sick of fiddling with it so out it goes.

• Schwarzkopf BC Oil Potion Shampoo (would not repurchase) - There wasn't anything inherently wrong with this shampoo, but I just don't think it kept my hair as fresh between washes. Plus, I think it's discontinued... sooo, there won't be any repurchasing in my future.

• Yes To Carrots Pampering Conditioner (would repurchase) - This is one of my favorite drugstore conditioners. It leaves my hair feeling soft and manageable. It doesn't weigh my thin hair down, yet it leaves it feeling soft and silky. 

• Poshe Treatment Base Coat (would not repurchase) - This is supposed to be a strengthening base coat, but it didn't do anything for my nails. It made any nail polish I put over it bubble, which is a definite no-go.

• Zoya Anchor base coat (would not repurchase) - This is another base coat I can live without. Zoya is my favorite nail polish brand, but this base is sub par. It doesn't do much for me. I did notice, however, that when paired with a Zoya polish on top, the lasting power of my polish was pretty good.

• Derek Lam Crosby Ellipsis perfume (would not purchase) - Upon first sniff, this smells really good. And then I sprayed it on myself and it had this awful rancid undertone that I could not handle. This is a super expensive perfume and I would never ever want a full size. Yuck.

• L'Occitane Relaxing Shower Gel (would repurchase) - This was a lovely shower gel. It had the smell of natural lavender. I don't know if it's a more expensive shower gel, but if it is, I probably wouldn't shell out a ton of money for it... there are plenty of cheaper shower gels I like just as much.

• Jelly Pong Pong Fairy Lashes (would not repurchase) - If you like drier mascaras, this will probably be your new fave. I prefer a wetter formula, so I was not a fan of this. It was hard to build up the volume and length I like, so I used this for a few weeks and then called it quits.

• Sensodyne Pronamel Toothpaste (would repurchase) - This is fine. I use it when my husband has a toothpaste open that has SLS. SLS gives me canker sores, and Pronamel is free of SLS and therefore I'm free of canker sores. It doesn't make my mouth overly fresh, but it cleans my teeth nonetheless.

• Avene Hydrating Serum (would purchase) - This was nice. I had never tried anything by Avene, only heard people rave about it. This did hydrate my skin, felt nice. Nothing overly special, but I'd give a full size a chance.

• Origins Plantscription (would not purchase) - I did not like this moisturizer. It made my face really greasy and shiny. Not a fan.

• Clinique Pep-Start eye cream (would repurchase) - I actually liked this eye cream so much I purchased a full size. This is the first eye cream I've found that actually helps with the fine lines under my eyes. I'm planning to do a blog post soon about the other product I pair with this for the ultimate hydrating under eye duo. Stay tuned. 

• Christie Brinkley Instant Wrinkle Reducer & Treatment (would not repurchase) - This did nothing for me. See full review here.

• Soap & Glory The Righteous Butter (would repurchase) - This isn't my favorite Soap & Glory scent, but like everything they make, it's pleasant. The lotion kept my skin feeling soft and you get a lot of product for the price. 

• Soap & Glory Hand Food in Sugar Crush (would repurchase) - I enjoy Hand Food. It has a yummy sweet scent, and this version has a hint of lime. It's not the most moisturizing hand cream, but it serves its purpose.

• B&BW Candle in Be Daring (would repurchase) - This candle has notes of spiced saffron and redwood. It's more masculine, with hints of "sexy man" which is the technical term obviously. This usually comes out around winter time at B&BW and it's worth grabbing if you like fresh, cologne-like scents that aren't overbearing.

• New Chapter Perfect Postnatal Vitamin (would repurchase) - Since having my son nearly 10 months ago, this has been my vitamin of choice. It has good stuff in there to support breastfeeding, energy, mood, etc. It's a bit spendy, but it's created with nutrients from whole foods which I prefer.

• Britney Spears Hidden Fantasy perfume (would repurchase) - This scent is so nostalgic for me. I've had it for years and it really makes me think of my college days. It's a mix of warm, spicy and fruity all in one. I've got a soft spot for Britney perfumes, and think they're really well done, this being no exception. If you're a fan of scents like Katy Perry Purr, Viva La Juicy, or Hilary Duff With Love... I think you'll like this.

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

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 #5

There is something so satisfying about finishing products, and I especially feel sated when I've filled my bag and I've got enough stuff worthy of a blog post. That time is here... let's dig through my trash.

• Covergirl Outlast Stay Fabulous foundation - You already know, this is my holy grail foundation. This is the third or fourth bottle I've gone through and believe me, I've got back ups on hand. See my full review here. Would I repurchase? Yes, already have.
• Rimmel Stay Matte Powder - Another holy grail product. I've been using this powder for years and there's just nothing like it for the same price. Would I repurchase? Yes, already have.
• Julep Boho Glam Lengthening Mascara - I received this way back in a Julep mystery box, but I absolutely hated this. It was feathery and hard to apply and there was no way it lengthened my lashes. I used this for my bottom lashes for a bit, but had to throw it out without using it up. Would I repurchase? No.

• OPI Start to Finish Base Coat, Top Coat & Strengthener - I didn't care for this multi-coat polish. It dried slow and didn't strengthen my nails at all. Would I repurchase? No.
• Ralph Lauren Big Pony #4 Perfume - This perfume smells amazing. It's fruity and floral with top notes of cherry and amber. I really like this, but I don't need another perfume in my collection at this moment. Would I repurchase? Yes.
• Bvlgari Omnia Crystalline Perfume - This smelled alright, but it wasn't something I couldn't live without. Would I repurchase? No.
• Urban Decay Eden Eyeshadow Primer Potion - This sample came with my Naked 3 palette. The packaging claims this packet had a week's worth of product, but I got much more than that. Eden is a creamy nude base that holds eyeshadow on all day. I didn't love this primer, but I didn't hate it. My makeup stayed on using this, but I didn't care for the consistency. Would I repurchase? No.

• Neutrogena Oil-Free Cleansing Wipes in Pink Grapefruit - I really liked these wipes. They're formulated for acne-prone skin and I really do think they helped keep my skin clear. I use these wipes as a makeup remover, and follow up with a facial cleanser. I would never use this type of makeup wipe as my sole cleanser. Would I repurchase? Yes, already have. 
• Yes to Cucumbers Hypoallergenic Facial Towelettes - I love these towelettes, and I've repurchased them a few times now. They're soothing and smell nice and do a good job of cleansing my face of all makeup. Would I repurchase? Yes, already have. 

• Tresemme Heat Tamer Spray - This is the first heat tamer spray I can ever remember purchasing. It does an okay job, but it's not my favorite. I was happy to get through this. Would I repurchase? No. 
• Yes to Carrots Pampering Conditioner - I LOVED this! It made my hair so soft, and it smelled sort of powdery and clean. I love that it's a natural conditioner and it performed really well! Would I repurchase? Yes, already have.
• HerStyler Argan Oil Hair Mask - I won't go on about this, as I've done a full review here, but this was a really nice mask. I enjoyed it, but am sad how fast it went. Would I repurchase? Yes.

• Pecksniff's England Luxury Salt Scrub in Ginger Flower & Patchouli - Ouch, my first salt scrub. I'd never realized I had so many cuts in my fingers until using this scrub. It was painful and made my skin burn. The scent became overbearing, and I couldn't wait to use it up. The only good thing was that this scrub had oil in it so it left my skin silky smooth. Would I repurchase? No. 
• Lush Buche De Noel Facial Cleanser - You can read more about this cleanser here, but I will say that I really enjoyed using this. It smelled so delicious I could have taken a bite, but I refrained. Would I repurchase? Yes.
• Almay Lash Care Gentle Eye Makeup Remover Pads - I got these for a couponing deal at Walgreens and paid under $2 for them. I didn't have high hopes, but they were okay. I had to use one pad per eye but they still left residue around my eyes so I had to use another makeup wipe to remove all of my makeup. I didn't notice anything fantastic happening to my lashes as this product would seem to suggest. Would I repurchase? No. 

• Clarisonic Acne Brush Heads - I really like these acne brush heads. They scrub deep without irritating my skin and my face feels refreshed and smooth after using these.Would I repurchase? Yes.
• Reach Soft Woven Mint Floss - This is my absolute favorite kind of floss. The braided texture gets all the ickyness out of my teeth in a way that regular floss just can't compete with. Would I repurchase? Yes, already have.
• Better Homes & Gardens Wax Cubes in Warm Vanilla Creme - These wax cubes make my house smell so delicious. I loved the scent of vanilla floating through my home, especially in the fall. I was sad to see these go! Would I repurchase? Yes.

• Dove ClearTone deodorant - FINALLY, I've used up the last of this three pack I bought. (I don't know what I was thinking - I just can't make that kind of commitment to one type of product!) I liked this, it was soothing and gentle on my pits, but I certainly didn't notice it "evening out" my skin tone in my armpits, and I'm not quite sure why I'd care if it did! Would I repurchase? Yes.
• B&BW PocketBacs in Pink Berry Citrus and Lucky - Both of these smelled nice. I use them prior to applying my makeup to make sure my hands are free of any nasty bacteria. Would I repurchase? Yes.

• Yankee Candle in Green Tea - This smelled really great, and actually the "green tea" scent was quite on point. The scent filled the room, and I enjoyed using it up. Would I repurchase? Yes.
• Sugar Blossom candle - Sadly, this didn't have the greatest scent throw. It smelled great if you stuck your face in the candle, but it just didn't fill up the room. Would I repurchase? No.
• B&BW Candle in Party Dress - This had a nice, musky perfume scent and I believe it was part of Bath & Body Works Christmas/New Year's collection. I got it for Christmas and really liked it! Would I repurchase? Yes.

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

Yes To HAUL!

Okay okay, I know I've had quite a few "haul" posts this month, but this is one haul I don't feel even the slightest bit of guilt about. I got all of this stuff WAYYYY back in November, as part of Yes To's Black Friday sale. If any of you tried to shop their "$2 for 2 hours" sale that crashed their whole site on Black Friday, you know why you're only just seeing this post now. They ended up having the sale a couple weeks after the mishap in order to honor the offer that hardly anyone got to redeem, and it took a solid month to find these goodies at my door. And then, once they did get to my door, a couple of the products broke open because it was -10F degrees and it compromised the packaging so then they had to send me replacements. Uff da. I'm just happy to finally have these things in their complete packaging!

So why don't I feel guilty? I paid just $2 for each item. You do the math.... some of these products retail for $10 and higher! What a STEAL! I love Yes To because their products are almost entirely natural and most of them smell awesome, too. And I'm just a skincare junkie. 

Here's what I picked up...

• Yes To Tomatoes Skin Clearing Facial Mask - Claims to block free radicals and keep skin balanced. Fruit acids help clear complexion naturally. I'm also doing a happy dance because this retails for $14.99 and I paid just $2!

• Yes To Grapefruit CC Cream in light - I really like this CC cream. I've used it a couple times already and it has good moisturizing qualities with a hint of color. 

• Yes To Cucumbers Calming Night Cream - I've been using this and so far so good! This is supposed to provide antioxidant-rich moisture and calm the skin. This also retails for $15.99. Score!

• Yes To Blueberries Eye Firming Treatment - This claims to reduce the look of fine lines in 7 days. I haven't used it yet so I can't verify if this is true. For $2, this is totally worth trying (since it retails for $19.99!)

• Yes To Carrots Color Balm in Rosy Bloom - This doesn't provide a great wash of color, but it does hydrate and feels nice on the lips!

• Yes To Blueberries Ultra Hydrating Body Wash - This body wash has a blueberry and lavender scent that is super refreshing, plus it has a creamy consistency that looks very hydrating but I have yet to test that theory. 

• Yes To Blueberries Healthy Hair Repair Conditioner - Never once do I feel bad about having a stockpile of conditioners because I know they'll get used. Happy to add this one to my collection.

• Yes To Cucumbers Gentle Milk Cleanser - This smells awesome, just like all the products in the cucumber line. This is supposed to cleanse, hydrate and calm the skin. It's won a slew of beauty awards, so I'm excited to try this out. 

• Yes To Cucumbers Hypoallergenic Facial Towelettes - These are my favorite face wipes, and they came in the value size (45 wipes!) which I couldn't pass up for $2. I use these every night to get my makeup off, so I bought two packs.

• Yes To Blueberries Cleansing Facial Towelettes - Since I love the Yes To Cucumber wipes so much, I figured I'd give these a shot. I got two of these as well.

Most of these items are discounted right now on www.yestocarrots.com so if anything is piquing your interest, give 'em a shot! All the links in this post will take you right to where you can purchase them. And no, I don't get a commission or make anything when you click the link and buy something. Give it a go - I'd highly recommend this brand! 

Have you tried any Yes To products? Tell me what you love!