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.

Follow me on Bloglovin!

Follow my blog with Bloglovin Super easy way to follow all your favorite blogs in one place!

Favorite Products of 2013

Another year has come and gone. It's scarily true that when you get older, time seems to speed right past you. Anyway... onto the goods that made the cut for the favorites of 2013.

Covergirl 3-in-1 Stay Fabulous foundation - I kept going back to my drawer of makeup thinking, "this can't be my favorite of the year... it's from the drugstore." Yet here we are. It lasts, it evens out my skin tone, and it matches perfectly. I've heard a lot of great things about this foundation and it lives up to those claims. And honestly, I haven't heard that many bad reviews. So you need to go get it.

MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural in Light Plus - Ok ok ok. I know this is just a powder and you could totally find something at CVS for less, but I'm here to say that this is worth the extra few bucks. First, it's lasted me a good while. Second, it offers enough coverage that I can wear this on the weekends when I'm not needing a ton of makeup. Third, it's really smooth - some drugstore powders can be, well, powdery and dusty. Ya need it.

Rimmel Blush in Pink Sorbet - This dinky little packaging holds a great blush. It's a light flush color with a hint of sparkle that really brightens up your complexion. The container is a fail, but pretty easy to travel with and it hasn't broken yet so maybe they are onto something. Cheap, pigmented, easy to find blush that any teenager, 20-something would look great in.

NARS Blush in Sin - This may look a little scary in the packaging for the non-makeup-obsessed, but do not be fooled. This wine colored blush with gold and bronze sparkle packs a huge punch. Great for fall and winter, it gives a deeper hue than the bright pinks we are used to in the summer. I bet this would look awesome on a darker, olive skin tone too. Trust me, try it.

Revlon Colorstay Concealer - I'm not a huge concealer junkie... meaning I can't tell a huge difference between them. This ones easy to use, dries quickly, stays in place, and matches my skin tone. That's all I could really want so this one stays in my every day routine.

Wet-n-Wild Eyeshadow Trio in Silent Treatment - Beautiful. Soft. Pigmented. These shadows rival all the higher end ones and honestly I reach for this over the one Chanel eyeshadow I have. Super easy to use and travel with. I really like all the Wet-n-Wild trios, but this color is super flattering on my eye color if I do say so myself. And I bet it would look good on you --- so get it (it's only $3.99 so stop dilly dallying!).

MAC Eyeshadow in Wedge - The perfect crease blending color. Just a bit darker than my skin tone, I put this in the crease every day to make other shadows blend easier. Instead of having a light shade on the lid and a super dark shade in the crease, you put a light brown in the crease first to make the transition easier.. more on that later. But first, find your crease color.

Loreal Liquid Eyeliner Linear Intense - With this brush tip applicator, I could do liquid eyeliner in my sleep. Ok not so fast, Sabie. But it is super easy to use and to control. Felt tip liners on the other hand...I think they have a vendetta against me. Anyway... I recommend this to anyone, especially ones who aren't used to liquid because it's really easy to catch on. Go.

Anastasia Brow Wiz - Alright. Another one that I heard a ton of people singing its praises... and I gave in. Seriously great though. My only problem with brow products is I feel like I go through them so quickly and I don't even have thick brows. It's very thin and therefore looks super natural. I want to compare this and the Mac one because I know I liked the Mac one in the past, but now, Anastasia, you make me second guess my likes.

Jordana Best Lash Extreme - I thought I would be let down by the hype of this mascara. By hype I mean one person loved it, but still. Fab. U. Lus. Clumpy (come on you know you want a teeny bit of clump) in all the right places, defining and lifting in all the nooks and crannies. You can find this at Walgreens for $3.19... I think.

Soap and Glory Sexy Mother Pucker Gloss Stick in Plum Jam - Apparently this brand is from the UK and they have loads of stuff over there. Us Americans get few products, but the ones we get are great. I've tried a few different skincare things and they are pretty dang good. This lip gloss stick thing is similar to the other ones on the market but it is not a stain and has a sticky glossy feeling, which I happen to like. The color is perfect for throwing on with any look, dressy or casual. Just an easy, go-to product for me this year!

Living Proof Full Shampoo and Conditioner - Holy dang. This stuff is freakin' fabulous. It's got quite a heafty price tag, so I save this for going out nights, or special days. Usually a couple times a month. Huge volume. Not drying. Not heavy. Smells great. I love it. I haven't tried the rest of this Living Proof range but I bet it's awesome. Just try one of them... treat yo' self.

Batiste Dry Shampoo - Do I even have to explain? I go through these things like it's my job. Less than $10 for a bottle of the best dry shampoo I've used? Ok, done. You can find this at Ulta and TJ Maxx.

Embryolisse Creme Riche Hydratante - It's a moisturizer. A basic, no fluff (though you wouldn't know it from the French name) moisturizer. I love that it's just enough moisture but not too much, and that it soaks in quickly. Tip: make sure you let your moisturizer fully soak into your skin before applying primer or foundation... otherwise it will fade faster. Anyway, it's a great everyday item and I usually get it from Hautelook for $20.

Korres Wild Rose Sleeping Facial - This came in a kit with the Wild Rose Buffing Scrub around Christmas time and it was a great value - kinda bummed they don't have it anymore. But they do sell them separately and if I had to choose, I'd pick the sleeping facial. It's basically a night cream that claims to "brighten" and "stabilize vitamin C". I don't know if I believe those claims because I don't really have problem skin, but I do notice that in the morning, my skin is plump and hydrated... a rarity in winter. So I like it and I bet anyone needing an extra boost in winter would too. (not pictured)

So there ya go! Links for all the products are in their name, if you're interested in more information. What were your favorite products this year??

Product I've Used Up | December 2013

Let's go through my trash shall we...

I've used probably 10 packs of these makeup wipes but I didn't keep all the wrappers. I love the Simple brand and CVS brand does just fine too. The purple ones on the left are from Target and they are good but I always forget to pick these up when I'm in the throws of that beautiful store.

Two bottles of Jergens Natural Glow Firming Lotion - I mentioned this in my last post about how I'm not positive if the firming claim is true, but I might as well use it cuz u know we all need sum firmin'!

Shesiedo Cotton Pads - These lil guys changed my mind on cotton. After using these squares, I loathe using regular cotton balls. They are so soft and really get the job done. I used to be ashamed of spending money on them but I am converted. Long live expensive cotton!

This Macadamia deep conditioner took me over a year to finish. My hair is super thin and if I use it more than once a week and more than a nickel size, I have heavy, greasy hair. It is a great product and smells incredible. I really don't need to purchase another one but I may...

This primer came in a Birchbox a while back and I really liked it. I'd never heard of the company before (Mirabella). I would repurchase it, but I've since found an even better one from Hourglass.

Bobbi Brown corrector - you devil. I don't know how to feel about this. I love the effect it gives by brightening under-eye darkness, but I can't seem to have it not settle into my lines. I find myself touching it up later in the day. I may be applying it wrong so I'm gonna keep tryin' (because I already bought another one).

THE mascara of the year: Jordana Best Lash Extreme. I get this at Walgreens for $2.99 and it's the best mascara I've found in a long time. Lengthening, separating, volumizing... you've gotta try it!

The Sheshe Vite top coat is a good un. It's essential when you want your manicure to last more than a day - which is every time for me. This bottle still has a good amount left, but it got clumpy so I'm throwing it out (which is it's only downfall). I have already purchased a new bottle.

Essie Nail Polish in Splash of Grenadine. This gorgeous color is perfect for summer. Again, it dried out so I threw it out... but I bought another bottle.

Garnier Under Eye thing. Yeah... this is still half full but I've had it for over a year so it's time to go. I just didn't love it, I guess.

Joico K Pak Restorative Conditioner. I don't know what I was thinking buying a massive conditioner. Oh, yes I do - it was on sale (I'm such a sucker for a good deal). Anyway this thing lasted over a year and I liked it ok but was ready to get rid of it. I'm not loyal to any hair products really, so I probably will not repurchase at least for a while.

Healthy Sexy Hair Leave in conditioner/detangler. Smelled great. I didn't notice a huge difference in my hair when using it so I won't repurchase. It would be great for a person with crazy curly hair, but I've never had a huge problem with detangling.

I may have a problem. In a matter of weeks I'm throwing out 4.5 bottles of Batisite dry shampoo... and I have three more bottles waiting to be used. IT'S JUST SO GOOD. Cheap, effective, smells great, and unlike the Tresemme, the nozzle doesn't clog. (I buy this at Ulta and sometimes I can find it at TJMaxx)

Urban decay setting spray. Hey girl heyyyy! This stuff rocks my world. I did a post here all about it.

This Soap and Glory Foam Call Shower Gel smells diiiiiiiivine (I love that word). It's a good body wash and I'd repurchase it in the future but I haven't yet. Fun packaging too!

This Bioderma makeup remover was a Christmas gift last year so it lasted just about a year. It is a beautiful makeup remover that has no scent, no feeling at all really. Just is like water melting away your makeup. I can't wait to get some more (It's not available in the USA, but you can get it on Amazon and Ebay).

I use baby shampoo to wash my makeup brushes (instructions here). It's cheap and effective and I'm already about a fourth of the way through a big new bottle.

Nail polish remover - nothing super special here. I always by generic because I don't think it makes a huge difference. I have heard good things about the Zoya one though that I'd like to try.

So that's it! Check out my last post about the product I used up here.