April and May Empties 2015

The empties posts continue. Although April showers are supposed to being May flowers; here in the DC area, April's fall-like weather (I had to pull back out my boots and tights) led to May showers ... well really downpours - there's one going on right now.

Here's what I finished in April and May:

• Palmer's Cocoa Buter Formula Facial Skin Therapy Oil - Really good quality stuff you can get at the drugstore. As I've mentioned in prior posts, I mix this in with my normal cream moisturizer for extra moisture and because my skin is dry, it has no impact on makeup breakdown. Also nice by itself at night or to gently massage over dry patches (such as mostly healed breakouts and the like). I would definitely purchase another bottle once I get through my Tarte Marajuca oil (which is nice, but this is much more wallet friendly!)
• Queen Helene's Royal Moisture Rich Condition - As with all Queen Helene brand stuff, this is very affordable and my hair drank this stuff up. I don't believe it has silicones, but the ingredient's list is super long, so I wouldn't say for certain. I would recommend for us dry haired, curly girls for sure.
• Caudalie Cleansing Water - This cleansing water was far from my favorite. Aside from the lovely scent and nice small dispenser, I felt it was a chore to use up. The reason is it does not remove anything long wearing and forget about using it on waterproof mascara. It's not worth the hassle. With face makeup it's unremarkable and for the price I expect more. 
• Bath & Body Works Vanilla Pistachio Foaming Handsoap - My very last bottle of this and I'm so sad about it cause it's so nice. Granted, now I have more vanilla pistachio scented things around, but a hand soap is nice and easy and can calm you down before going to bed... ahh it just smells so good!
• Essie Smooth Trick Cuticle Oil - The easy dispenser is awesome in theory but not quite so great in practice. I suffer from dry cracked cuticles and skin and thought that this would be great to whip out while on the metro or while traveling without having to bring a glass bottle of a "proper" cuticle oil. The issue with this is the amount that gathers at the tip is dependent by how much you squeeze, and in this case, the items in my purse were squeezing it, leaving me a mess and wasted product. It got to the point where I had to keep it in its own plastic bag and then eventually, I had to just keep it at home. I know there are pen-like products that are housed in hard cases where this would happen less, but this has 1/2 ounce of oil, was/is reasonably priced and effective. I think it's discontinued at this point, but if anyone has any recommendations for something similar that doesn't cause a mess and doesn't wind up costing a ridiculous amount per ounce, I am definitely interested in hearing about them!
• Fresh Sugar Advanced Therapy Lip Treatment - This is the deluxe sample size and I seriously scraped every last bit of this out before deeming it done because I didn't want to waste any. I hardly ever buy these; this one came in a set from Sephora for free - can't beat that! I am not terribly particular when it comes to balms, though I have my favorites. This is one that I wouldn't buy, but I know it works, so any opportunity for freebies is always good!
• Supersmile Ultimate Lip Treatment Vanilla Almond - I remember this came in a Birchbox and I really had to force myself to use it. It was a bit more emollient than I typically like and picture vanilla, almond AND mint. Not my favorite flavor combination. Mostly effective, but not something I would consider purchasing.
• Clinique Take the Day Off For lids, Lashes and Lips - This is definitely a dependable oldie but goodie; though I never wind up buying it since I can always manage to find minis as a 100 point perk at Sephora or gift with purchase.

• Hada Labo Ultimate Anti-Aging Facial Mask- Already mentioned that this is great, especially those with dry skin. Also, significantly more cost effective than those from some of the major brands and ULTA puts these on sale fairly often and can be combined with coupons.
• Epielle Cucumber Cleansing Tissues - A fairly consistent presence in my empties posts. These are only $1 at Big Lots and just as good as the ones from the drugstore (in most instances). I use these on my face as a pre-cleanse step most of the time.
• La Fresh Instant Body Soother - I was doing my usual 5 mile mini self tours of NYC and didn't have time to shower and this proved to be absolutely perfect. Didn't have to deal with doing a full shower routine, but felt fresh enough to interact with people! Not sure I'd purchase on my own as the La Fresh wipes are quite expensive, but they are effective!
• ELF Makeup Remover Cleansing Cloths - I haven't used these on my face since the first time I used them, they seriously stung my eyes, but I was going through my makeup and getting rid of expired and/or dried out products and these took the swatches off like a champ, and I think last time I checked they were still $1. Not good for my face, but my hand can handle these!

So there you have it, my empties for April and May. I was going to try out the "hair dye" from my previous post but it is storming outside and I have a thing about taking a shower when it's raining, so maybe that particular post will have to wait.

What have you finished recently?

Lip Balm Battle: Fresh vs Jane Iredale vs Blistex

I'd heard for months that the Blistex Complete Moisture lip balm was awesome and very similar to the Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment SPF 15. You may remember that I discovered a dupe for the Fresh in the Jane Iredale Lip Drink Lip Balm which I discovered last year and have since been through a couple tubes.

Let's start with the price and size:
.15oz Blistex Complete Moisture $3 (currently on sale at Walgreens 2/$3.00)
.18oz Jane Iredale Lip Drink $12
.15oz Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment $22.50 (mini pictured)

All 3 balms contain an SPF of 15.

The Blistex Complete Moisture has far more slip than the Jane Iredale or the Fresh. I prefer my lip balms to have more weight which usually results in more longevity. The Blistex is moisturizing from the start but tends to wear off fairly quickly. Both the Fresh and the Jane Iredale last on the lips a bit more; though some people would be unhappy with the slightly waxier texture. Obviously, the Blistex is the cheapest of the lot and can be easily gotten at the drugstore; however, the only thing I find similar about the Blistex to the others is the scent, which is spot on, and the fact the product has an SPF.

There's a reason I splurge on the Jane Iredale (I no longer buy full sizes of the Fresh). I can slather it on at night and wake up in the morning with soft, moisturized lips. If I apply it during the day, I don't have to reapply every 15 minutes and I know it is keeping my lips protected from the sun. I've heard complaints regarding the slightly thicker consistency and that these waxier balms leave a white cast but it isn't an issue on my pigmented lips.

So, the results of my 'battle'?

Jane Iredale definitely wins in my book. The Fresh is definitely a luxury item and fun to own at least once and the Blistex smells nice but doesn't do the job quite as well for me.

I'd love to hear your thoughts if you've owned one or all of these!

April Empties

It is officially May. Ok, it was May about a week ago but this weekend I was uber lazy and didn't feel like photographing a bunch of empty bottles. Sue me. I didn't do too badly in April and this post definitely has more than last month's though I'm hoping it picks up a little. I also have gotten the spring cleaning bug so I tossed a bunch of products that may have not smelled 'off' but were old enough for me to double think putting them near my face or body.

First up, is a bottle of The Body Shop Ginger Scalp Care Shampoo. As most of you know, this is holy grail but it doesn't seem to work as well about midway through the bottle. I need to find an anti-dandruff shampoo that doesn't smell like tea tree to alternate. Deodorant is not usually something I put in empties posts. I usually draw the line somewhere but I had to include this because this is the last tube of the 4 tubes of this I bought on clearance ages ago. I don't know if you can see the sticker, but it was 74 cents and then I had $1 off 2 coupons (yes I remember, how sad) which made them too cheap to pass up. Plus, I love the scent of the Lady Speed Stick Orchard Blossom. Still there comes to a point where you need a little variety, it is the spice of life after all. 

Salma Hayek Nuance Facial Cleansing and Toning Towelettes - As I've mentioned several times, I do really like these, but only on sale!
Jane Iredale Lip Drink Lip balm - Love! I've used up quite a few of these and I have one waiting when I finish some other balms.
Missha Deep Cleansing Oil - I actually didn't use this to wash my face, I used it in conjunction with some dish soap to deep clean my brushes! It works well and smells good (and I have quite a few bottles that I got on sale through the Missha website).

Haus of Gloi Soft Bubbling Scrub in Snow Wolf - Love these. The price has gone up a bit since I started buying them but they are entirely worth it in my eyes. Plus, I enjoy supporting small businesses that have good products and customer service. Haus of Gloi 
Softsoap Coconut Scrub Soap - I finished off another one of these. It's good but is not as scrubby as I like. Still a nice soft non-stripping soap at a great drugstore price. 

And finally, two samples: Fresh Soy Face Cleanser (really like) and Mor Basil & Grape Hand Cream (love and have since ordered the full size)!

So there it is. No real makeup products but I am nearing the end of the Physicians Formula Healthy Wear Powder so I imagine that will be in next month's post. What have you finished recently? If you have an empties post, please link it below, I love to read them!

March Empties

It is nearly the end of the semester and I couldn't be happier. I'm exhausted but I am so looking forward to the summer. I'll still be working of course, but I've decided to save my last class for the fall so I can regroup a bit. In March, my goal was to use up some samples. Not only do I get samples through subscription services like Birchbox, I get them in Sephora and Bloom orders too. I rarely use the little packet samples but now that I have a few sample jars in use, I've been cleaning and refilling them to actually test the products. What's somewhat crazy is that a lot of samples contain quite a few uses of the product so I can get a sense of how something works and I've confirmed that I will never have to buy another eye cream ever.

 

Wen Cleansing Conditioner in Winter Vanilla Mint - This came in a QVC Beauty Test Tube and I adore this conditioner. The scent is delicious and I found it very moisturizing (also it tingled a bit on my scalp which I happen to like). What I didn't like so much is the pump. It doesn't allow a lot to come out and the little tube going to the bottom doesn't actually reach the bottom. Using up the last bit of this was a drag but it was so nice. I'm tempted to buy more Wen but I know one is coming in the next QVC Beauty Test Tube and this scent was limited edition. 

Goldwell Sun Reflects After-Sun 60 second treatment - I was first introduced to this line when I received it for review a couple summers ago. I believe this is my second or third tub of this product and it is a nice deep conditioner when my hair is feeling dry. I'm not going to repurchase unless they come out with a fresh batch again as I've been repurchasing on Amazon and don't want to buy really old product.

Nuance by Salma Hayek Facial Cleansing Towelettes - Is it obvious that I haven't made it out to Big Lots recently? I buy these when the Salma Hayek range is on sale and I do really like them though one day soon I'll head out to Big Lots and get my beloved Epielle Cucumber wipes for a buck.

Karess Krafters Chai Tea Body Polish - Smells yummy and works but it doesn't wash away clean and I was getting tired of the scent midway through the jar. I'm back to using samples of the Haus of Gloi bubbling scrubs I love. Good scrub for the price though!

Samples!

First Aid Beauty (fab) Ultra Repair Cream - Ok, prefer the Oilatum.

Fekkai Shea Butter Moisturizing Shampoo & Conditioner - Eh.

Bare Minerals Purifying Facial Cleanser & Purely Nourishing Moisturizer - Eh.

Fresh Soy Face Cleanser - Pretty good.

So not too great this month but I've been so busy that most days I just threw on some powder foundation if anything. What did you use up in March?

January Empties

I've heard a trend of people thinking January went by so slowly but to be honest, it seems like every other month to me? I finished a decent amount of products in January, many of them have been reviewed previously so I'll be sure to include the links and make a note if my opinion has changed since then.

Bumble & Bumble BB Tonic Shampoo - I managed to find this for $6 at Big Lots and I can't say I'd rebuy at the full price but it is a decent shampoo especially for those of us with scalp issues. It is drying so a nice conditioner aftwards is an absolute must.
Madre Labs Moisturizing Conditioner - This one was of my two favorite products from the line and I reviewed the full line as well as their bath & body products. This is a nice moisturizing conditioner that does not weigh the hair down. It's also reasonably priced and the scent is yummy. I'd repurchase but not till I finish some of my other conditioners.
NYX All Purpose Makeup Remover Gel Type - Even though I think this is pretty decent the bottle is tiny and the smell is a bit odd. I won't be repurchasing.

Klorane Soothing Eye Makeup Remover - This sample came in a Birchbox and I'm very happy I did not spend money on it. Doesn't do anything. I managed to use it up by using it to wipe off the work the MUFE Sens'eyes already did if I wanted to take my eye makeup and not my full face or if I was using wipes that made my eyes sting (the Pond's below).
Sircuit Skin Fixzit - Holy grail.
Haus of Gloi Plotter's Breakfast Soft Bubbling Scrub - I love the Haus of Gloi scrubs!
Ponds Evening Soothe Makeup Wipes - I wasn't a fan of these. Won't be repurchasing.

Boscia Purifying Cleanser (sample) - drying
Fresh Soy Face Cleanser (sample) - I liked this and I'd consider purchasing it in the future.
Kate Somerville Lash Enhancing Eye Makeup Remover - Meh.
Soft Soap Coconut Scrub Soap - My opinion is unchanged since my review. Quite like this for a drugstore soap and it doesn't strip my very dry skin.

Link your empties post below if you have one. I love to read them!

Sephora Haul

My Sephora Friends & Family order arrived in the mail yesterday and I thought I'd show you what I picked up for myself. There were a few other things in my package for others (a CP and some gifts). I feel as though I did pretty well, definitely stayed under budget. I guess the one time use code isn't so bad after all if it makes me spend less money!

I bought a nice big bottle of the MUFE Sens'Eyes Waterproof Sensitive Eye Cleanser which as you know from me going on about it is awesome, the Fresh Mini Sugar Kissing Trio, the Tarte Lip Service Collection and the 2 NARS nail polishes that are on sale for $8 (Pokerface & Bad Influence). Not to be forgotten is the massive 12oz bottle of the Philosophy Purity 100-point perk.

What did you get for Sephora Friends & Family?

*hint* If you have a post on your haul, feel free to link it below!

Favorite Fragrances

I've hinted here and there about some of my top fragrance choices. In general, I tend to prefer warmer scents. I gravitate towards scents with main notes of vanilla but I'm not a fan of smelling like a cupcake. I thought I would share some of my top fragrance choices and since the weather has gotten a bit cooler, I'll bet I'll forget to mention some of my summer picks.

The scent that I've been reaching for lately with the pretty significant weather change here has been the Victoria's Secret Body By Victoria Comfort Body Mist: Warm Vanilla. Even though this is technically a body mist and not an eau de toilette or eau de parfum, this has amazing lasting power. I apply right before dressing around 6am and it's still around when I get ready for bed around 9pm. Unfortunately, this particular scent is discontinued and Victoria's Secret has a habit of discontinuing all of their vanilla scents but Vanilla Lace and Amber Romance are also quite nice.

One of my mainstays is Philosophy's Falling in Love which smells of vanilla & blackberry. This is quite a sweet scent but something that I wore everyday for years. I discovered this in college. Actually, a bit of a story. I think it was my sophomore year that Philosophy offered an amazing promotion of a bottle of this and the shower gel free with any purchase. As I was a poor college student, I didn't usually spring for fragrance but the deal was too good so I got it. I fell in love with the fragrance and have gone through countless bottles of this ever since. I also wore this when I met my husband so he considers this "my" fragrance.

Lolita Lempicka's L eau de parfum is a fragrance I started wearing when I worked at ULTA. Before each shift, I'd walk over to the perfume area, spritz my pulse points with this and then spray Kenzo Amour generously all over. The slightly smoky smell of this mixed with the Amour smelled absolutely delicious. I don't currently own a bottle of Kenzo Amour but it is also one of my favorites. L reminds of me cigar smoke, in a pleasant non-cough-inducing way and also like the first whiff of a Diet Vanilla Coke (which I think they stopped making). Either way, it smells really good and is definitely a more grown up vanilla.

I think that's enough vanillas for now, don't you (though there are plenty of honorable mentions I've not mentioned)? I thought I'd mention two scents that I adore that are no longer available and are slightly different from my normal picks.

I've been shopping at The Body Shop for years as I've mentioned and now you probably believe me as I have a long discontinued but much loved bottle of The Spirit of Moonflower. This I keep stowed away, safe from light and it still smells good and I wear it occasionally. This is one of the few floral scents that I can tolerate and is a great day time scent. Not too powdery, not too sweet, I am still mad at The Body Shop for discontinuing this. I wore this during high school, early college and have gone through multiple bottles.

Fresh Memoirs of a Geisha came out in 2005 with the Memoirs of a Geisha movie (clearly) and was a great light summer fragrance that I still love. It's not quite as sour as their Sake fragrance and is nice and light, great for spring and summer days. I've gone through quite a few bottles of this too, even though it's not my usual fragrance.

Ever since I worked at ULTA in the mid 2000s, I have definitely branched out from my usual mainstays; not to mention the going from a bottle or two of fragrance into a collection. These days, I tend to repurchase my favorites that can still be bought fresh and buy new scents that I enjoy in rollerball format or at the most, the 1 ounce sizes.

What are some of your favorite perfumes?

Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment Dupe

I've long been a fan of the Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment but not the price. At $22.50 for .15oz of product it's a little much for my wallet for as much lip balm as I go through. As you may recall, I was introduced to a site called Bloom Circle (actually by a facebook ad, not PR) and they were running a promotion that I couldn't refuse and I made an order. When I made my first order, I picked up the Jane Iredale Lip Drink Lip balm.

Similar sleek packaging, same lemon smell, same SPF 15, slightly bigger and about half the price. I don't have a Fresh lip balm in my stash right now to compare, but this is very moisturizing and a similar texture and $11.50 for .18oz. I prefer the thin, slightly lighter metal sleek blue Jane Iredale tube to the massive heavy copper tube from Fresh and will be purchasing this from now on.

Even though this isn't a "drugstore dupe", it's a huge savings! 

A plus, till April 22nd, Bloom Circle is giving you $4 Bloom Bucks per written review (up to $20 Bloom Bucks you can redeem for product) and you get 10% back on all your purchases. They are continuing to add brands and it looks like they are going to start carrying more fragrances, including Viktor & Rolf. Maybe I'll save my bucks and get a proper bottle of Flowerbomb!


ingredients
Zinc Oxide 8%. Ingredients: Macadamia Integrifolia Seed Oil, Beeswax, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Sunflower Seed Oil, Avocado Oil, Carnauba Wax, Candelilla Wax, Jojoba Seed Oil, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Green Tea Leaf Extract, Lemon Peel Oil, Tocopherol, Ascorbyl Palmitate.

Disclosure: This post includes my referral to Bloom Circle. If you sign up through my link, I'll receive $10 in Bloom Bucks when/if you make your first purchase.

Empties

I was expecting this post to be more substantial than it is, but I've decided to not wait until I use something else up since we could be waiting awhile!

I've recently used up 3 products (notice that there's really no makeup but I am working on that!).

- Avene Eau Thermale - Love this stuff and have several back ups waiting for me
- Fresh Seawater & Ginseng Treatment Toner - Love this stuff too. Unfortunately this toner has been discontinued but I use this primarily on my nose or where I have clogged pores, I doesn't burn and it doesn't really tingle all that much, but I swear I feel a kind of bubbling and it brings the ickiness to the top and makes extraction much easier. I usually apply this with a cotton pad on my nose and wait for it to bubble and then use one of those torture devices to clean things up. Also really nice to pour some in a spray bottle, stick in the fridge and spray when it's hot and icky. I already have a backup and will be sad when my stash is gone.
- Woody's Citrus Ice Lipbalm - I've sang my love for this already here. Even though Woody's is a male grooming brand, I really love this lipbalm. It easily compares to the Fresh balm but honestly I think it's a bit better and so is the price point! I won't be repurchasing now because I am what you would call a lip balm connoisseur, but I definitely will in the future. Oh, and I love this balm so much, I scooped out the very very last bit of it before deeming it finished. 

Witness:

Have you used up anything recently? Would you repurchase?

Josie Maran Cosmetics

Run do not walk to http://www.hautelook.com/ (if you need a referral link, let me know so I can e-mail you - leave your e-mail address in comments over course) where they have Josie Maran Cosmetics for up to 60%! Sale runs for another 37 hours. Shipping is extra but it's still a great deal. Josie Maran is usually pretty expensive with eyeshadows and gloss for $20 - on Haute Look they are $8. There are also some great sets if you are new to the brand.

If you weren't aware Haute Look is a site that runs sales for only 2 days at a time. This may seem weird, but they are able to rotate stock very fast and have some of the latest cosmetics, skincare and fashion brands on site. Right now, you can also get discounted BCBG Max Azria (one of my faves) as well. The only thing I wish they would change is you can only checkout with items from the same sale. So if you wanted both Josie Maran items and BCBG, you would have to do the checkout tango twice. Ah well! With prices this good, I sure can't complain.

Don't forget about the 20% Fresh sale too! And the Allure Beauty Box is finally live! Yay for Earth Day!

♥ jeweled thumb

Fresh Sale

Just got an e-mail from Fresh (some of the most luxurious skincare and cosmetics there is - with a price tag to match!).

Celebrate Earth Day with 20% off some of their best sellers. Sale includes these 7 products:

• Soy Face Cleanser
• Brown Sugar Body Polish
• Sugar Lip Treatment SPF 15
• Sugar Eau de Parfum
• Sugar Acai Age-Delay Body Cream
• Creme Ancienne
• Supernova Mascara

Code is EARTHDAY. Code is good only April 22nd (tomorrow). One per customer.

Free shipping automatically on orders over $50 and 3 samples with every order.

♥ jeweled thumb