Hair and Skin Empties // August 2015

It's that time where I show you my trash and tell you if I like it or not. There's no better review than once you've completely finished a product, so here we go. 

HAIR

L to R:

Dessange Paris California Blonde Shampoo and Conditioner: I really liked this stuff. It smelled nice, it was cheap ($10ish) and it wasn't too heavy or too light. All around great... I just wish it came in larger bottles.

Pantene Color Preserve Volume Shampoo and Conditioner: I was always told that Pantene was bad for your hair because it strips it and then coats it in oil with the conditioner and makes your hair used to it? Does that even make sense? Anyway I picked this up because it was on sale and color and volume are two things I always look for in hair products. They were really good! 

Living Proof Full Shampoo: Love. I will always have this in my shower. I always have good hair days when I use this.  It's light, gives me lift and body, and it's smoothing but not oily. I don't use it too often because it's freakin' $25 a bottle. 

Clairol Hair Food Volume Shampoo: This is probably my favorite basic shampoo (and conditioner) at the moment. I love that it has a pump. It's not too anything - not too oily, not too dry, doesn't make your hair too fluffy, or too flat. I dig this stuff.

Kevin Murphy Angel Wash/Rinse (Shampoo and Conditioner): This was fine. I honestly don't remember anything super discerning about it, therefore, wouldn't purchase again. 

BODY

L to R: 

Nivea Touch of Smoothness/Harmony Body Wash: This is my go-to body wash. I don't like shower gels because I find they dry my skin out and sometimes they just feel slimy. These are creams and they are the same except for the scent. They are on sale a lot at CVS, so I'll stock up frequently.

Obiqo Body Wash: Ok yeah, back track on what I just said about shower gels. This was really nice. The only reason I bought this because it was cheap at TJ Maxx and it smelled great. I don't like really strong scents in the shower or in lotions because I'd rather wear perfume than wear a body product - ya dig? Anyway - if I could find this on the ever-changing shelves of TJ, I would buy it again.

Ahava Lotion: UGHHH I love Ahava products! Again, I don't like heavily scented body products and all the Ahava products are very lightly scented. They sink into the skin really quickly and I love that. Nothing worse than greasy limbs... They are also made from minerals of the Dead Sea which apparently helps your body naturally stay hydrated. I LOVE their hand lotion if you're looking for a good one.

Jergens BB Body Lotion: This is a nice lotion to put on when you're showing your legs and they aren't ready to be shown. It smooths everything out with a little color and sheen, but it's not a full on tanning lotion. I HATE the scent of Jergens Natural Glow - it's so potent and it's so recognizable... I don't know, I just CAAAAAN'T. This does have a scent but not nearly as bad and I can deal. I can. Whew. 

St Ives Apricot Scrub: This will always be one of my favorite scrubs. My mom always has this in her shower, so I guess it's a little nostalgic. It's a really scrubby scrub with a lot of texture. I feel like it actually gets the job done unlike some others. 

Boutique Bubble Bath: Another product from the shelves of TJ Maxx. I really liked the scent of this, but it didn't produce any bubbles. Oh well, it was pretty good and cheap. 

Bath and Body Works Amber Rush Shower Gel: This was fine. Nothing special. I don't usually buy these so I think it was a gift with purchase when I bought a candle or a birthday present. 

That's it! I already have another bag half full of more empties so stay tuned!

Spotlight: Caudalie Gift Set

A few months ago I placed a Sephora order and had been wanting to get the Caudalie Beauty Elixir. From what I gather, it's a spray that refreshes your skin throughout the day. It's kinda hokey and I don't know if I fully believe everything it claims to do, so I wanted to try a sample first. I wanted it for the summer and I was going to a music festival and thought I could use it there (Spoiler: I didn't). Enter the gift set. Seemed like a good deal at $32 and since the sample of the Beauty Elixir was already $18(!), I figured I would give some other items a shot.

It includes a lip conditioner, hand and nail cream, moisturizer, cleansing milk, the elixir and comes in a reusable bag (I have what feels like hundreds of these things).

Lip conditioner - Nothing special. The packaging and the way it feels on my lips reminds me of the Nivea ones at the drugstore, so I would just go with that instead of paying $12 for this (priced on it's own).

Hand and nail cream - Traditionally I really don't like hand lotion. I don't like the greasy feeling. This is a really nice lotion though. It sinks in really quickly... seems like it's water based rather than oil or something, ya know? It smells very fresh and spa-like... not offensive at all.  I would probably purchase this again. It's only $15 for 2.5 oz and that seems reasonable for me. Also would make a great gift!

Moisturizing Sorbet - I love this stuff. I have had it before and I was pleased to get it again. It's a good daytime moisturizer since it's not too heavy but gives a good amount of -- you guessed it --moisture. I'm gonna save this one for traveling since it's such a perfect size.

Gentle Cleansing Milk - A very reasonably priced face wash, especially for a luxury brand.  I liked this just fine. I don't know if I would purchase the full size because it's just fine. Again, nothing special. I would love to get this as a gift though and would definitely use it if I had it... I just don't feel like spending the money.

Beauty Elixir - This has a really fine mist...when it works. I've only used like 1/4 of it and the spray is already not working. When it does work, I like the smell - minty and refreshing. I think it's a step up from the Evian spray, but not at all worth $18 for the little bottle.

I like Caudalie as a brand. Most of the products are natural and have good ingredients like grape seed oil, sunflower oil, etc. All the products that came in this set have 0% parabens, mineral oil, and a ton of other things I can't pronounce. So I feel good putting these products on my skin.

Overall, I would recommend this especially if you're wanting to try out at least two of the items. It's a very good price at $32 ($54 value) with everything that's included. I like the idea of being able to try smaller sizes out before I fork out $ for something I'm not sure I'll like. Smaller sizes aren't just for travel! I will definitely purchase the moisturizer again and possibly the hand cream for me or for a gift.

That Nail Polish Is How Much? // Nails Inc. Victoria Beckham

$25.

Ok. Hear me out on this one...

Every nail polish brand has a "milky pink/white" color. Most of them are a pain in the a to work with: either too streaky, too thick, too thin, too pale, too something. The best one I had found was a Wet n Wild from the drugstore for like $2. Win. (And that's the one I'd recommend if you don't want to spend the insane $$$ I did on this one.)

So I had heard bloggers and YouTubers talk about Victoria Beckham's collaboration with Nails Inc starting about 2 months ago. She created a cream color "Bamboo White" and a red/orange, "Judo Red". How classy to just make two colors really well rather than ten mediocre ones.

When the Sephora VIB annual sale rolled around, I had this in mind. Everyone had been raving about it and I just knew I would get a ton of use out of it. It was just that damn price. Anyway, with my discount code, I steamed straight for checkout.

And here. She. Is.

   

What a beaut. Not streaky. Thick but not too thick. Freakin' perfect. (This would be a great wedding nail color.)

I do not regret this purchase. Yes, of course I wish it were cheaper. But it wouldn't be nearly as special with the incredible packaging, substantial bottle, and the fancy feeling you get when you use it.

And that's all I have to say about that.

Brand Spotlight // Arade Cosmetics

I was recently given some products to try out from a new line called Arade. The company is focused on Moroccan natural oils like Argan Oil and Prickly Pear Seed Oil.

First, the packaging is incredible.  Sleek, substantial, high quality, sophisticated are my first impressions.

I was able to try a few products and here are my thoughts: 

1. 100% Pure Argan Oil - I've used Argan Oil before but this stuff is the real deal. You can tell it's pure and potent. You can use this on your skin, hair, cuticles, as a moisturizer, pretty much anything. Personally, I like to use this as an overnight hair treatment - I run this through my hair, pull it up in a ponytail, go to bed, then wash out the next day. It makes my hair soft and shiny without being greasy - pretty incredible stuff. 

2. 100% Pure Organic Prickly Pear Seed Oil - Apparently this is one of the rarest oils on earth... probably true since most people (or at least most people I know) have never heard of it. I like to use this as a night time moisturizer on my face and neck. Arade says, "Because of its highly active potent antioxidants and fatty acids, Prickly Pear Seed Oil is a luxurious treatment that is easily absorbed, serving to rejuvenate, heal, and transform your skin." The only thing I didn't love about this is the scent... its natural smell is not my favorite. 

3. Revitalizing Face Scrub - This is a nice gel-based scrub and it wasn't my favorite product simply because I like cream scrubs better. You can't ignore the good-for-you and simple products that make up this scrub. Also, it moisturizes the skin and doesn't strip your face...AKA no tight feeling when you dry off.

 

4. Revitalizing Cream with Argan and Prickly Pear Seed Oils - This would be my favorite product out of everything I tried. I'm always looking for a good night time moisturizer that's not too heavy, not too greasy, but still does something for my skin. With both Argan and Prickly Pear Seed Oils and Aloe Vera, I can already tell this is going to be great during the summer months when my skin's dry and sunburned.

Thank you to Arade for allowing me to try out their skincare! I think it's some great luxury products that would make a nice gift for yourself or a friend. Check them out at aradecosmetics.com 

Skin & Haircare Empties // September 2014

SKIN

Philosophy Purity cleanser - This was a little sample probably from a Sephora order or reward. This is a good go-to, basic cleanser. It's milky in consistency and has a slight scent. It's just fine. Pretty basic. I don't love it, don't really hate it. If it's free, I'll use it.

Philosophy Take a Deep Breath - It was an okay moisturizer. It started out really great and then not so much. I can't tell what happened... maybe just lost its shelf life. Anyway, it was ok. Now I'm using the Boscia Nightly Hydration.

3 bottles of Ko Gen Do - I am all aboard the cleansing water train that took over a few years ago. There aren't many in the states yet but Bioderma is available on Amazon and Ebay. I saw these little guys on Hautelook for a pretty good deal and decided to give it a shot. They were good and nice size, but I still like Bioderma better. They both take makeup off, I just feel that Bioderma does it faster and easier. But like... if B was out of commission, I'd for sure buy the KGD, ya dig?

Shiesedo cotton pads - Ok. Before you knock me for buying a $9 package of cotton pads, hold up. I've written about these in an earlier post, but I cannot get enough. It makes me want to tell everyone buying cotton balls at CVS to STOP! This is like a f'ing facial every day I use them to take my makeup off. Cotton companies should take a lesson from these and step up their game.

Soap and Glory The Righteous Butter - I got this in a gift set years ago and it's not technically empty. I realized after taking it on a few trips with me to finish off, I never reached for it. Even when it was my only lotion. I think my main turn off was the scent which was too perfume-y. I didn't feel like it did anything great.

Embryolisse Lait Creme Concentrate - I finished this a while ago and am remembering how much I loved it. It's a great everyday moisturizer that feels almost weightless. Very basic concept and little scent. It's surprisingly hard to find something that is lightweight with no SPF, but gives enough moisture. I purchase mine from Hautelook when it comes up on their sales -- you can also find it here.

Jergens BB Body Lotion - I really liked this stuff. I bought another bottle and am halfway through that already. It's a good mix between regular body lotion and the Jergens Natural Glow. It kind of gives the effect of pantyhose since it "blurs" your imperfections. There is a slight scent but no where near as potent as Jergens NG.

Korres Wild Rose Scrub - Finding a good face scrub is so difficult. There is always something to nitpick. I liked the fineness of this Korres one because I felt like it was actually doing something. It's so frustrating when you get a gentle "scrub" and it feels like a cleanser. Then again, I like really rough, sand-like scrubs. Anyway, this was good but I won't purchase again.

Neutrogena Daily Blackhead Scrub -  So I my mother found this scrub when I was in my teens and shame on me for ever giving up on it. Since finishing this bottle, I've bought two more. It's just rough enough, yet gentle enough to use it as your everyday cleanser. It's great and affordable. Silly me for thinking otherwise.

Bath and Body Works Country Chic - This is my go-to body wash for taking on trips. I feel like it gets me clean, smells good, and is fairly cheap... as in Bath and Body Works is always having a sale. Their website says that it's a "carefree blend of wildflowers, wood, and citrus". Carefree? Sure. Anyway... it's good.

eos Shave Cream - I really like this shave cream because it sticks to my skin. There are few things more frustrating than pumping out shaving cream in the shower and it falling into the drain before you can spread it out. I like the smell of this, and the packaging. I'll probably buy it next time I'm at Target.

Victoria's Secret Body Wash Flirty Peony and Waterlily - I don't think they make this anymore, but I bought a bunch of it at a sale once. It's really light and fresh, but the bottle was nearly impossible to get out any product. Pissin' me off until the last drop.

Skindinavia Makeup Setting Spray - I guess this isn't really skincare but it's damn good. I did a review on the Urban Decay one and Skindinavia manufacturers both of them so...

HAIR

Nuance Deep Conditioner - This was pretty good but I didn't love the scent. It usually takes me about 6 months+ to finish a deep conditioner because my hair is so fine that a conditioner weighs it down. I only use a tiny amount once a week.

Nuance Volumizing Shampoo - I really like this. Not sure if it really volumized but it didn't weigh my hair down or make it too oily, which can be a problem. They run this on sale quite a bit, so I'd recommend picking it up!

Purology Perfect 4 Platinum Shampoo - This was a nice one, with a terrible price tag... which is why I just got the tiny size to try it out. I really like their products, but can't validate spending the money...yet.

Nume HydroPunch Conditioner - I got this in a Birchbox or Ipsy or something. I liked it a lot - hydrating and smelled nice. I'd probably buy it if it were convenient, but you can only get it online.

Batisse Dry Shampoo - This. Is. My. Lifeblood. (see previous posts)

Makeup Empties // September 2014

Here are a few of the latest and greatest that I can now throw away...

Some are completely finished products and others are those that got nasty or dried up because of one reason or the other.

Leggo.

2 Hourglass primers - I got my first in some sort of gift from Sephora and liked it because it was silicon based but didn't slide right off my face. I'm still using a third bottle of it.

Makeup Forever primer - This was just fine. I'd use a sample up, but probably wouldn't purchase again simply because I like Hourglass' better.

Shiseido Perfect Refinining Foundation - My #1 summer foundation. Water-based so it's easy to blend and looks super natural. Build-able coverage for those not so great skin days. I would compare it to Chanel Vita Lumiere Aqua but I like the finish of this better.

Makeup Forever HD Foundation - I was surprised that I like this so much... I'm using a bottle now. I like it more for spring/fall ... possibly winter. I don't love it for summer because it is a little too heavy for me. I like the finish it gives and it doesn't get matte or cakey throughout the day.

Aveeno Essential Moisture Lip Conditioner - Eh.  The scent of this started to make me sick after a while.

Chapstick Lip Moisturizer - I keep this in my nightstand because it is basic and does the job without any scent or being too sticky.

Nivea A Kiss of Smoothness - yeah it's fine.

Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment - I really like the texture and taste  scent of this. My only problem is that this little tube was so tiny that it would melt and fall off into my lap or ... my mouth as it happened twice.

Dior Lip Glow - This. Is. My. Jam. I want to buy another one as I'm remembering how much I liked it. It's a neat concept... applies clear and "adjusts" to your skin (lip?) tone. Love this for on the go or when you're running out and just need a little something. Doesn't transfer and a great moisturizer. Yes.

Revlon Color Stay Brow Enhancer - I reaaaally liked the brow wax end of this but didn't even use the highlighter. I would purchase it again but I can't find it anywhere. It reminds me of the Benefit High Brow just a little less creamy and obviously cheaper.

Maybelliene Eye Studio Gel Liner - Love this as a drugstore gel option. This one dried out so I got another one! I like dark brown for a more natural finish. Bobbi Brown also has a great one but since they dry out pretty quickly, I'd rather go for a more affordable option.

MAC Mineralize Skin Finish Natural - Great setting and touch up powder. I love the packaging but would love it even more if I could take it on the go. No mirror or brush included in this one. On light days, I like a BB cream with this over the top just for added coverage. Great for the cooler months as well. Almost half way through my next one.

Revlon Illuminance Cream Shadow - These colors were nice but it dried up really quickly. Also smelled kinda funky.

Covergirl Clump Crusher - Great mascara for light makeup days. Also a good layering mascara. AKA use this first, then follow up with a more substantial (Maybelliene Falsies or any of the clumpier ones) one if you want a more dramatic look.

Almay Get up and Grow - Honestly I don't remember what I thought. It dried out before I could finish it.

Physicians Formula Organic Wear Mascara - Again, a great layering mascara. My routine right now is this + Jordana Best Lash Extreme ($4 at Walgreens!)

Benefit They're Real Mascara - I bought this one thinking I would like it just as much as before. I was disappointed that I didn't remember it to be this way. The brush is too stiff for me and it dried out pretty quickly. I just feel mascara is one of those things the drugstore does juuuuust fine. No need to buy a $40 mascara. (Reference this sentence next time you're in Sephora, Sabie.)

Revlon Base Coat - Great base coat for an affordable price. This one, again, dried out and couldn't get a good smooth stroke anymore. Don't you worry... I bought another one.

Calvin Klein Euphoria - Got this in a Sephora gift set. I really like it for winter because it's musky and really stays with you throughout the day. I have found better ones though so didn't purchase the full size.

SIX Cream Eyeshadows (!!!) Killing me a little to throw all these away.

Ulta Extreme Wear in Berry Trifle - Honestly never wore this. I got it for maybe $2 at Ulta thinking, "yeah, I can rock purple." It's a fine color but the texture is wet, sticky, and not what you want in a cream shadow. Maybe if it were brown I would have given it another shot...

Maybelliene Color Tattoo in Bad to the Bronze - LOVE this. Sad to say it's dried up but will probably buy another one soon because I love it for fall. Great color that would look good on nearly everyone. These have good lasting power too.

Maybelliene Color Tattoo in Tough as Taupe - Again, good lasting power. Alright color. Didn't use it as much as I thought I would. Probably won't buy again.

Benefit Silver Spoon - This was a Sephora limited release so naturally I needed it. It's color was too silver for me and I just couldn't find a way to love it.

Benefit Skinny Jeans - I liked this shade because it was out of my comfort zone. But because it was, I didn't use it near enough. Dried out :(

Benefit Birthday Suit - This one I used to the very end. Love this shade. A sparkly champagne color with just enough depth. Will repurchase this when I can get over the fact that I just threw 6 of them away.

Overall, I liked most of these things and it's fun to look back and really see what was worth the money. Maybe it's time I give some makeup away instead of letting it dry up.

Battle of the Shadow Sticks

There are plenty of creme shadow pencils/shadow sticks on the market right now and I am a huge fan of them. I decided to put a handful to the test and let you know where you should spend or save. FYI - I have normal skin and oily skin types may have a harder time with staying power than I do. I, 99% of the time, follow the cream shadow with another shadow on top. Yeah they say you could wear it alone, but the eyeshadow gives more lasting power + dimension to the eye. 

1. Wet N Wild Idol Eyes in Pixie - This lil guy came from CVS for $1.99 and it's beautiful. Great sheen and no unwanted chunks of sparkle. I'd be interested to see how the darker colors lasted and looked, but this color is definitely worth it. 8/10

2. Milani Shadow Eyez in Champagne Toast - Another gorgeous nude-pink. I use this as a base for a lot of different shadows. I bet it would look good on darker skin tones as well as porcelain skin. And nearly identical to the next one at a quarter of the price. Beautiful. (This is coming off pretty orange in the photo, but I'd say it's a pink champagne color) 8/10

3. Make Up For Ever Aqua Shadow in 30E - These things have great staying power on the lid so you don't have to worry too much about creasing. They are a little less smooth and harder to blend, but that probably relates to it's lasting ability. These come in a good range of colors too - I have a light and a dark to show here. (This is coming off pretty orange in the photo, but I'd say it's a pink champagne color) 7/10

4. CoverGirl Flamed Out - Nope. Do not like. First of all, you have to sharpen it instead of twist up. The eye area is very sensitive and if you scratch the lid the wrong way with a freshly sharpened piece of wood essentially, it wouldn't feel great. It doesn't glide on like the rest and, when I was taking off these swatches, it was the first one to come off. Lots of sparkle that gets everywhere and a color that doesn't have much oomf. I don't like this. 2/10

5. Stila Smudge Crayon in Smoke - These Stila ones are the newest to the bunch and I really like them. Great packaging - twist up pencil and clicking cap so you know it's not going anywhere. Superb color - taupe/brown/khaki. I really feel like you could wear this one on it's own without shadow on top and you'd be fine. I haven't had them long enough to find out how they wear in different situations or weather. So far, love it. 9/10

6. Laura Mercier Caviar Eye Stick in Amethyst - Beautiful. I loooooove this color. It comes off as a purple/taupe, but once on the lid with the eye color, it looks more taupe/brown. Gorgeous when it catches the light. I do have to wear a shadow over this to make it last all day, but I would normally do that anyway. Beautiful color. I'd love to try the one in khaki or the army green they have. Worth it. 9/10

7. Revlon Smoky Crayon in Bronze Smoke - First, this is not bronze it's straight up brown. Second, it's fine. It's average. It's pretty smooth to apply and a pretty good color. I don't tend to use it a lot because it's dark and because it's plain. I feel like if it had a little sheen or sparkle to it, I would like it more. 5/10

8. Stila Smudge Crayon in Dazzle - So. Freakin. Dark. Honestly I was expecting like a dark gray that I could use all over the eye. I don't think this one will get a lot of use because of the color and there is quite a bit of sparkle, but it's nice to have. I love the texture and the lasting power so I won't complain. 6.5/10

9. Make Up For Ever Aqua Shadow in 4E - Again, this is harder to blend than the rest of them. A nice color to have in my collection, but again, I won't get a lot of use out of it. 6/10

The bottom line: Overall, it's better to spend a little more money and get a great product rather than going for the drugstore. A lot of lines have plenty of color options so you can find one that looks best with your eye color.