Steals and Deals: $75 Fossil Purse for $27!

PSA! Never underestimate the power of local stores, and coupons! Harness these powers and you too can have a Fossil purse for only $27 :)

Here is my beauty:

(They don't seem to still be selling this on the Fossil website, but there is a similar size color and style, and here is one that is similar but for men: Estate Small Utility Pouch)

The Story? I found this GEM of a deal at a local liquidation store called Brand Central Station (think TJ Maxx, or Rugged Warehouse but on a smaller local scale). It was hanging out on a rack with fellow designer brand purses, like a beautiful bright red patent Coach purse that was really calling my name, but even at the steep discount it was out of league, haha. Anyway, the power combo of this deal was the fact that I had a $10 off $30 purchase coupon that came in a local junk mail flyer, YES that flyer that you get in the mail buy hate and usually throw away. Stop throwing them away without checking what coupons are in it, because not all of them suck. I will admit it takes sifting because usually those flyers have like gutter cleaning, and new window installation adds and coupons that aren't really an interest to 99% of the people who receive it.

Why it spoke to me? I think I've mentioned on this blog before, but in case I haven't, one of my shopping rules is that I can only really buy things that "speak" to me. It's kinda like what people say when they meet the "one" they are going to marry, etc. With this rule also comes my rule of: if I wouldn't have bought it at full price, then I shouldn't buy it on sale, because then I'm not really getting a deal. While this purse was $75 at full price, not something I would plunk down without thinking, it was definitely just what I was looking for and I really think I would have bought this a full price if I had an extra $75 hanging around. This also spoke to me for a number of tangible reasons beyond the price because I had been REALLY wanting a leather purse after I bought a little leather clutch (to be hauled in a future post, so keep your eyes open!). I also was really digging the idea of a little purse because the purse I had been carrying around for the last year or two was medium/large, and while that size is useful, I was looking to find something smaller, and crossbody, rather than a clutch, for those days when I don't want to lug around everything. I liked the idea of the Rebecca Minkoff Mini Mac Clutch that had been popular on Youtube this spring, but of course couldn't afford that purse, and that style wasn't really calling to me anyway. I also have a passionate love for Fossil after I bought a pair of Fossil boots at TJ Maxx. All these components combined, and I just couldn't leave the purse, it needed to come home with me, to its true home: on my shoulder :)

*some affiliate links used*

But Wait There's More (Empties)!

Just when you and I thought I had enough empties... I managed to finish a bunch of things all within the same few days! Haha.

1. Garnier Nutritioniste Moisture Rescue Lightweight UV-Lotion
I bought this after having lots of luck with the gel moisturizer in this line, but I had grown bored of that one. I thought the lotion version would be awesome, and super cost effective. But, I ended up hating this lotion, mostly because it majorly peeled/rolled in the morning when ever I would put my makeup on. Boo :( It then took a while to use this up once I found I couldn't use it on my face. I ended up using it as a hand cream (wouldn't recommend though because I think it actually dried out my hands, haha), a body lotion, and some times a foot cream. Won't buy again. Still love the Garnier grape water smell though!

2. Seche Vite Fast Dry Top Coat Mini
I love and hate this... I love its results: super shiny and fast drying. But I hate the smell, and how it gets thick and stringing towards the end of its life. I know that there are ways to "save" this polish once it reaches that gloopy phase, but I can't stand that it happened even with this mini size! Probably won't buy again, because it is expensive, but did like it so would use it again if I some how managed to get it as a gift, or if I found an absolutely fabulous deal on it. Or perhaps after using some other brand top coats I'll change my mind? Guess we'll find out! haha

3. Pantene Pro-V Ice Shine Silicone Free Shampoo
I legitimately loved this, and loved it way more than I anticipated! I looove the smell, and I love it's results. It's simple in the sense that it doesn't try to be more than it is, and gives the results that you expect. It cleaned my hair to the perfect level and I think it actually did make it a little shinier than other shampoos have. Will I buy again? At a price of under $4, I definitely will be! And probably will some time soon once I move out of my parents house and likely will be on a tight budget.

4. Fekkai Glossing Conditioner
I was underwhelmed, but this conditioner was fine. I only bought this because it was on clearance randomly at Walmart one time so I figured, why not? Well, didn't like the herbal smell, and didn't feel that it really did much for my hair. I liked that it was light weight, but I expected way more from this since it is Fekkai. Buy again? Probably not, but still open minded about Fekkai and would try other things, perhaps even other Glossing products too.

5. I Love... Bubble Bath in Coconut & Cream, and Strawberries & Milkshakes
These were nice, especially together in a bath at the same time! What a delicious scent that was! I also found that these bubble baths paired with some coconut oil in the bath creates a fabulous moisturizing bath! These two mark the end of my beloved I Love... gift set :( Buy again? I think I just might! Buy the full sized? I think I just might do that too! Just not sure what scent would win.

6. Softsoap Rich Moisturizing Shea Butter
This soap was nice and kinda moisturizing. I liked the smell too. However, the beads in this soap always stuck around in my sink, and makes my sink look gross! Buy again? Maybe when I move and have a different sink (that maybe would have less of an issue with the shea butter beads?).

7. Sally Hansen French Manicure Pen
I remember looooving this when I first bought it a year or so ago. I bought it as part of a mission to learn to do my own french manicures after being enlightened to my love of them haha. I found that this made drawing the white line pretty easy, but towards the end of the pens life it started getting watery, and I would need to do more than one coat, and even then it just didn't look right, so in the trash this goes! Buy again? Not sure actually, because now I know about the Renforcements trick so perhaps I'll just buy a regular bottle of white nail polish instead? Not sure yet though as I am not having a french manicure phase right now.

Review: Sally Hansen Salon Effects Real Nail Polish Strips

You've seen 'em, now I've tried 'em, and I understand the hype now! It's the Sally Hansen Salon Effects Real Nail Polish strips!

Disclaimer: Anyone who knows me in real life, and maybe you have picked up on it on this blog, knows that I love free stuff. If there is a coupon, deal, or system for sampling free things, I am THERE. However, know that I would never change my opinion of something just because it was free.

**The Sally Hansen Salon Effects Real Nail Polish Strips seen here were given to my for free through Influenster**

The Verdict: While at first I wasn't too thrilled that I was sent this crazy zebra pattern, it has grown on me the past few days. I found that applying them was surprisingly easy, and maybe easier than the other nail polish strip brand I have used in the past, because the polish strips are quite thin, and are easy to make smooth. I can definitely tell that these are real nail polish rather than just stickers, because once they are laid on and dry, you can hardly tell the difference at all! Also, it was during application that I decided the crazy pattern wasn't so bad on my toes because its kind like have crazy socks, or underwear: no one else can really see it unless you want them too, and its like a secret little pick me up for yourself :) The wear on these is also great actually. I have been wearing flats without socks or anything, which normally has a tendency to cause my nail polish to chip or rub off in certain areas, but with this polish, I haven't had that problem.

Will I buy another set? Yes! I am dying to try out a solid color on my fingers now! I hope that they wear just as long and great on my crazy chipped peel-y finger nails because I have the hardest time keeping polish on the flaky tips of my nails. *Crosses fingers that this will be an awesome exception*

Also, if you were creative, and really loving a pattern, you could probably figure out a way to make each set last for 2 manicures instead of just one because some of the strips could really be cut in half! I wasn't worried about that with this set because I wasn't wild about the pattern and knew I would probably only tolerate wearing it once. But if I find these working well on my fingers... I'll definitely have to do another review about tips for making the set last longer if I can achieve it!

So what about you guys? Think the zebra is crazy too? Have you guys tried these strips yet? Have any color or pattern suggestions for me? Comment below! Better yet, leave me a link to your blog post about it! I'd love to read it :)

Stash Buster Tips, Tricks, and Don'ts

So, with my parade of empties recently I've gotten some questions about tips for using up stuff, so here are some simple do's and don'ts that might help you encourage a product to kick the bucket

Do's
1. Use a face moisturizer as a body moisturizer!
I started doing this when certain face moisturizers were stinging my face so that I could justify getting through them and then moving on to new gentler products. It's amazing how fast face moisturizers will go when look at them as just regular moisturizer!


2. Use a face cleanser or scrub for body wash!
When I get near the end of a face wash I have a tendency to get a little impatient. When I see that there are only one or two uses left I feel compelled to use up the product right then and there even if it means over using it, haha. Thus, arose my solution: use a cleanser for a body cleanser or scrub and it's a guild free improper use :)

3. Use a colored liquid liner like a shadow for an all over wash of color!
I started doing this with my Kat Von D liner because I've had it for so long, and, sadly, there are only so many occasions where you can use sparkly grey eyeliner. This tip took quite a lot of thinking to come up with, and lots of staring at the product and resisting the urge to just throw it away. Dab a little of the liner on your lid and quickly blend it out. With the Kat Von D I found it created a nice sheer all over wash of color, though with other brands you might find it have a more pigmented result.

4. Use a body spray as a room spray!
I felt like a genius when I came up with this one, even thought it is probably obvious to others. I had a Bath and Body Work body spray lingering around foreverrrr and I wanted it out of my life: solution, over use it in a justifiable way! On days I wouldn't burn a candle I would dance around my apartment and spray the BBW. Before I knew it that sucker was gone and I can return to my candles without guilt!

Don'ts
5. Using a nail top coat as a base coat!
Now maybe this is an issue that is only inherent to my NYC Quick Dry Top Coat, but when I use this as a base coat it makes my nail color peel off in 2 or 3 days! It's almost as if I used nail polish stickers, that's how they peel off! Now, maybe this would be a good thing with those nail polishes that are hard to scrub off, but I don't really have many of those. Plus, finding little sheets of nail polish in your socks or flats is totally weird and gross! haha


What are your tips and tricks for busting down the size of your stash? I'd love to hear them! If I think of any more I'll make a sequel post! Or if enough of you post your own, I'll aggregate them all together with likes to all of your own blogs :)

Spring Cleaning IV! (12 Empties)

But wait there is more! I'm so proud of all these empties! haha. Even though the large quantity is the result of being too busy for a few months to post these regularly, it still feel so good to see the huge pile! haha

1. Glade Candle in Angel Whispers
My opinion of this Glade candle isn't that different than my opinion in Spring Cleaning I. This one had a nice floral-y smell, but I don't think I'd buy it again. I do like that its easy to find coupons for Glade Candles though! Haha. Next time I get one, I'm gonna try some new scents.


2. Bath and Body Works Body Spray in Cherry Blossom
Hallelujah this is out of my life! This scent is ok, but it's not as good as Japanese Cherry Blossom, which I think is what I intended to buy when I bought this long ago. I like that this scent is super strong for a body spray, just don't like the scent that much. I managed to get through this a lot faster than I anticipated because I decided to use it as a room spray in place of burning candles for a week. The master plan was effective because, look, it's empty! Won't rebuy this scent, probably won't rebuy a full sized BBW Body Spray, but still like the minis (new spring/summer scents I'm looking at you!).


3. Simple Hydrating Light Moisturizer
This was discussed in my previous post dedicated entirely to Simple Products. I do however have some additional comments about the product. Now I won't say it was this product in particular, because supsequent products did it too, but I had a phase a few weeks ago where my skin was hooorridly dry and flaky and just plan gross! I blame a combo of frequent weather changes and trying out new products, but what ever caused it, it was also making this moisturizer sting my face upon application, so probably won't buy this again. Plus, I am interested in buying either an anti-wrinkle face cream next, or one with SPF.


4. Clinique Lash Doubling Mascara Sample
This was a great mascara at first and I loved it! It is super lengthening and doesn't really clump at all! Score! But after about a month or two of use, while the product was still fine to apply, this mascara started giving me a raccoon eyes problem halfway through the day. Now maybe this is because I'd had this sample laying around for about a year before I decided to use it, but that is just one mascara problem that I don't ever tolerating dealing with, so out this mascara goes! Buy full sized? Probably not, but this was a freebie in a set that my friend got, and I wouldn't mind getting it free again because maybe it's a lot better when it's actually fresh! haha.


5. Lorac Multiplex Lip Gloss Sample in 3D
WOW this is glittery! I've had this sample for over a year, and it's glitteriness is the sole reason it has taken me so long to use this bitty thing up! If you like glitter than you'll love this because its uber sparkly, and it's not gritty. It is a little sticky though. I did have one good feature: it smell amaaaazing, like nectarines or something. Buy full sized? Never. Intrigued by Locac now? Yes! Do any of their other products have this awesome smell??


6. Gud from Berts Bees Body Lotion Sample in Floral Cherrynova
Ok, the name is ridiculous, haha, but the product is nice. I wouldn't say there is anything special about the moisturization properties of this lotion, but the smell is rather nice. It's kinda like a fruitier version of BBW Cherry Blossom actually. If that body spray had smelled like this, then it wouldn't have been so horrible to use up! Haha. Buy the full sized? Naaah, the lotion is whatever, but would consider buying other products in this scent, and checking out the other scents. Thanks Gud for sending me this sample through your Facebook page! (anyone could request them).


7. Tresemme Fresh Start Dry Shampoo
I bought this back when it first came out and dry shampoos were the new cool thing. This was fine, but it is definitely white and can leave that residue. It does an ok job at "cleaning" 2nd day hair, but it leaves my hair feeling a little grimy, and I hated breathing this in! I wouldn't repurchase this, but I am intrigued to try non-aerosol dry shampoos, as well as a dry conditioner that I spotted by Dove!


8. I Love... Raspberry & Blackberry Bubble Bath and Shower Gel 
Another I Love... bubble bath! Haha, I probably should have group these all together into one post but I didn't feel like sorting through all my empties haha. Like the other reviews, I like the bubbles this makes. This scent is fine, but not my favorite so probably wouldn't rebuy the scent.


9. Juice Beauty Oil-Free Moisturizer Sample
I got this in my April birchbox, and I loved this! I love that it is made with fruit juices in place of the water that other companies use. It makes this smell divine! I also liked that this moisturizer was light but always felt adequate! Will I buy the full sized? I an definitely considering buying it when my birchbox points add up!


10. Yes to Blueberries Age Refresh Cleasing Facial Towelettes Travel/Sample Size
Another April birchbox goodie. I loved getting these because I have always been intrigued by Say Yes, but was always overwhelmed in trying to decide which line to use! I'm glad birchbox decided for me, haha. These had a nice zesty smell, which I loved but could see others disliking. I like that it has apple and lemon peel which is supposed to help brighten the skin. With only a weeks use I don't know if I can attest to whether that worked, but these were definitely refreshing and made me FEEL brighter haha. I found that these really need to be stored upside down to make sure the front wipe is actually well saturated (I always heard because say this on Youtube, but never have an issue with it with other brands. Now I get it! haha). Will I buy the full size? I am considering it even though I'm not much of a wipe user unless they are on hand (not because I feel I need them. Use them just to use them when I have them, haha). Next time I am at target though I am going to check out the other Yes to Blueberries stuff!


11. Bio-Oil
I know, I'm naughty and bought this without hauling it for you guys first... please forgive me? O:) I used this on my face for about a week or two until I just got bored/annoyed at the greasy feeling before bed, even though I didn't really wake up that oily. This is supposed to help with scaring and pimples and stuff, but I dunno if it's a miracle worker, though I didn't use it for the recommended three months... I did love using this on my legs though! Even though it ran out before I could test its abilities on stretch marks, I loved how moisturizing this was on my dry legs! I has made me super intrigued in the idea of using oils as a moisturizer rather than just lotion. Anyone have any suggestions for other body oils? Buy again? I think I might when it's on sale, because I'd love to use it longer on my face next time to see if it actually helps with dark spots. I think I'll consider buying it again next winter when I will have less of a greasy feeling problem because my skin will likely be drier so will absorb this better. Have any of you tried it? I know beautycrush and uglyfaceofbeauty on youtube have liked it, that's why I bought it! haha.


12. Febreeze Candle in Petal and Pure
I bought this on a whim and I am so glad I did! I looooved the scent, I loved how large it is and thus how long it lasts, and I love the jar it's in! This burns so nice and cleanly (kinda like the Airwick ones) too. I am actually kind of tempted to keep the jar and use it as a drinking glass because it really looks like it could be one! Woo hoo upcycling! Does anyone else have any candle brands that have nice reusable jars?

Spring Cleaning III (12 Empties!)

Just when you thought that was it... there was more empties! My stash has really taken a beating this spring! I love it, and so does my stash and wallet! :)

1. Simple Exfoliating Facial Wipes
This was reviewed in the post dedicated entirely to a group if Simple products you can check out my review there.

2. Dr. Andrew Weil for Origins Mega-Bright Skin Tone Correcting Serum Sample
Ahhh, I always forget how much I love the texture of a good non-sticky serum! This sample lasted me for 2-3 days so couldn't really get a feel for whether it actually did any skin tone correcting, but it didn't sting, it didn't leave my skin greasy, and I liked the smell. It's expensive because its a serum, but if I keep hearing good things about this product I think I might consider buying this! Maybe as a graduation from law school present to myself? Or maybe later in the year after I make more progress in my stash? I think I would just die if this product was in the Birchbox store because I'd totally save my points for it!


3. I Love... Mango & Papaya Bubble Bath and Shower Gel
See my two prior empties posts for reviews of this product in other scents. I loved loved loved this scent! I liked the little kick the papaya gives an otherwise normal mango smell! I would totally buy this full sized (and even might do it before buying the lemon & lime scented one!)


4. TIGI Bed Head Control Freak Conditioner
I liked this, maybe even loved it, but can't say I would run out to repurchase it or that I really miss it. I liked the weird slippery feeling this conditioner had (probably due to the ingredients behind the "makes your hair dry faster" claim). I loved the smell because it reminded me of sour Juicy Fruit, which I adore! I am considering checking out other "Control Freak" products in this line because I love the smell! As a side note, I bought this at TJ Maxx at a discount so that was nice! If I rebuy this it would probably only be if I got it at TJ Maxx or someplace like that.


5. Philosophy The Microdelivery Exfoliating Wash
I got this in a good bag from an event I attended at my local mall (super fun!). I had heard about this a few times from Emily Noel on Youtube, and it's exactly how she described it! A gentle exfoliator with truly micro beads! Its so nice on your skin without being harsh and without sacrificing result! It has a meh non-smell though. Will I buy the full size? I think so one day, though probably in a kit or something because Philosophy is expensive and this is only a cleanser after all.


6. CVS Brand Deep Action Cream Cleanser
This did it job but did it weirdly! This smells like Barbasol shaving cream, feels like, and acts like it! Haha. I think this did a fine job at cleansing but I do think it was a little drying. I was happy to see this go, but luckily it is quite a runny product so it didn't take as long to use up as a cleanser might otherwise. Won't rebuy.


7. Essence of Beauty Sun Blossom Body Mist Travel Size
I bought this for myself as a valentines present because I had received the hand lotion version of this as a freebie this winter which you can check out my review of here. Like I said before, I'll say again... I love this scent! I also loved this little mini size! So handy and I didn't get tired of the scent before it was gone! I think the next time I'm in the market for a body wash (soonish!) I am going to try out this scent in the body wash! Rebuy? Definitely! :)


8. Juicy Couture Viva La Juicy Perfume Sample
I didn't hate this, but I didn't love it. I can understand why many people like this scent now that I have experienced it, but its not my cup of tea. However, I think I COULD grow to love this kind of scent later in life if I get into more musky scents, which right now I hate, haha. Buy full sized? Nah, but I would eventually use it if I got it as a gift, or in a set or something.


9. Bath and Body Works Country Chic Shower Gel Travel Sized
I first tried out this scent last summer when it first came out. I loved it in the scrub form (see my review here). So when I had a coupon that entitled me to a free travel sized item I jumped at the opportunity to get something in the Country Chic scent! Still love it, and the shower gel formula was just fine. Next time I get a coupon or are actually in the market for a scent, I am gonna buy the travel sized body spray I think :).


10. Herbal Essences Totally Twisted Curl Booting Mousse
Holy crap guys, I finished a mousse! Now just 3 more to go, ugh! haha. I always had liked this mousse but never loved it. After committing to using this up I came to learn that this tends to give me a white flakiness problem in my bangs area! Talk about yucky! So I had to make sure I kept this out of my roots. Otherwise the scent was fine, and this wasnt too sticky or crunchy. Buy again? Probably not, kinda of over all-over-mousses (still like the use of root booting mousses though). But didn't hate it, so would consider other products in the "Totally Twisted" line, or other Herbal Essences mousses.


11. Help I've Cut Myself
So this is another weird non-beauty empty (I discussed another Help product in my first Spring Cleaning empties post!), but I just love this company. Love the packaging, love the price, and love these bandages. I never had an itchiness problem while using these band-aids which I usually have with most brands. I found that they were nice and sticky and the case was super convenient for travel! Buy again? Definitely will after I deplete my band-aid stash haha!


12. Jouer Luminizing Moisture Tint Sample in Pearl
This was a nice color match for me, gold star to you Birchbox for not having much info about me! While I don't think I'd ever buy this full sized because of the price, this was pretty good. For something "luminizing" it isn't sparkly upon application though if you touch your face during the day you might see a few little sparkly bits on your fingers, etc. I thought its moisturizing properties were ok, and the coverage fine. If I had not discovered the Garnier BB Cream this Jouer Moisture Tint might have been more ground shaking, but I found myself reaching for the Garnier BB Cream over this so had to continuously decide to use this. Cool thing to get from Birchbox though! I loved having the opportunity to try it out! :)

Spring Cleaning II (21 Empties!)

That's right! Even more empties! The first post became excessively long and I got tired of typing so I needed to break up the posts! Haha.

1. Sensodyne Pronamel Travel Sized Toothpaste
This is my 2nd little tube of this toothpaste (see here for my review after finishing the first tube). My opinion there hasn't changed much. Would I buy this stuff? I think I would, because I find that it does do its job for sensitive teeth and the texture of it doesn't weird me out anymore. But it's toothpaste so I'm not excited about it or anything, and I could be easily persuaded to try out a different one when I am in the market again for toothpaste.


2. Tresemme Nourishing Rituals Rejuvenating Mud Masque
I liked this, but didn't love it. I thought it did an acceptable job, but didn't necessarily do anything noticeable. I did LOVE the awesome smell (which was kinda like sour candy apples!), which was refreshing to smell while it sits in your hair. I think it, at the very least, maintained the moisture of my hair, but I don't know if it really "rejuvenated" it, haha. I don't know if I will buy this product again, but I am intrigued enough to try something else in the line!


3. Jouer Lipgloss in Birchbox Pink
I received this back in my December Birchbox and wasn't super excited about it at the time because adding a lip gloss to my collection was not something I needed, haha. After using it anyway I learned that I loved the crazy bright color! It also taught me that lip glosses, in fact, do not have to be sticky like most of the ones I have experienced over the years, and they can actually be hydrating! I loved wearing this over a NYX lip cream that I got in the December Glambag because it made the perfect mauve color without being too dark and mature. Will I buy the full size? I am suuuper tempted! Because I am trying to reduce my lip product collection I can not justify the purchase at this time, but come that (hopeful) day in the future when I can justify buying a lip gloss, this one is sure to be at the top of my list!


4. Softsoap Travel Sized Moisturizing Body Wash in Juicy Pomegranate & Mango Infusions
I bought this for a trip and decided to use it up instead of saving it for my next trip because it seemed too far off to justify. I loved the smell because it reminded me of my childhood for some reason (can't quite figure out why though), but that was just about all I loved. It was ok as a body was, but I didn't find it moisturizing at all. Not sure if I will buy it again, but if I do it will because I am craving the smell, or just need a travel body wash. Won't buy the big huge full sized version that's for sure!

5. Vichy Lift Activ Nuit
This was reviewed in the post dedicated entirely to the Vichy products I got from Birchbox so you can check out my review there.

6. & 7. Mini Sized Bath and Body Works Candles in Flower Shop and First Bloom
I will admit that I bought the Flower Shop because Sarah Hawkinson said it was her ultimate floral fragrance of all time and she literally went out and bought like 7 of the bigger candles in this scent, haha. After all kinds of hype over BBW candles on Youtube I figured I'd bite the bullet and buy some since I was digging some of the new spring scents! I have to say I am a little underwhelmed. I have gotten better scent payoff with candles from Target! I like candles that can fill the whole room (and since I live in a 1 bedroom apartment, I want it to fill the whole apartment), and these definitely are a halfroom-er. Maybe it's because of there teeny size that they didn't fill the room as much, I dunno (I bought 2 medium sized BBW candles too in the same trip so we'll see how those compare to these). It might be sacreligious but I think I liked the First Bloom scent a teensy bit more than Flower Shop (Sorry Sarah Hawkinson! haha), but that's probably because it has a hint of peony (that Flower Shop doesn't have), and I can never get enough peony! Will I buy these again or a bigger size? At this point, I would say no, but I did enjoy them, and the small size is cute, fun, and a great way to try out new scents even if the scent payoff is meh.


8. Garnier Nutritioniste Nutri-Pure Daily Exfoliating Gel Cleanser
Funny, I don't think I have really mentioned this product before, but this cleanser is what started my obsession with skin care which then inspired my make up obsession which inspired this blog! Haha. Something so monumental in my life, and yet it took me this long to write about it! So what is so great about this product? I does it's job fabulously, leaving skin feeling clean and refreshed without over drying (though after trying out other cleansers I find this a little big drying, but nothing you wouldn't expect from it)! It was this cleanser that I realized that cleansers can actually get results for your skin acne-wise, and it got be started with a daily skin care routine (though at the beginning that simply consisted of cleansing with this 2x a day, and moisturizing afterwards if I felt like it, haha, but hey, gotta start somewhere). After I forayed into skin care land I learned that there are other exfoliaters and cleansers out there that I am interested in trying out (though most aren't really as good for daily use like this one) but I always had some of these on hand because I had quite a little stash of this cleanser haha. While I was on a mission to use this up so I can move on to other cleansers so I won't be repurchasing this right away, this will always be my standby in a time of crisis! And, bonus, it has that Garnier smell which i love! :)


9. Crest Complete Deep Clean + Whitening Toothpaste Sample
When I first squeezed this out, which was awkward because I have never had toothpaste in a little foil sample, haha, I wasn't sure how I would feel about it because it has a gel texture which I haven't used before, but I decided to use it anyway. I found that I loved the texture because after rinsing my mouth felt SO fresh and clean, and I didn't feel like there was a film of stuff left in my mouth to keep rinsing out like most toothpastes make me feel (and I figured was normal til now!). I love the mint flavor and the way it foams up so I see myself buying this in the future after I use up the 2 toothpastes I have right now.

10. Shiseido Pureness Oil-Control Blotting Paper Sample
I got this as a sample in my March Birchbox and words can not describe my love of this product! If it was being sold through the Birchbox store I probably would have already bought the full size, haha. If I remember correctly the information about the product said that it was "patent pending" which as a law student I would find fascinating if they found a new way to make oil-control papers that is patent-able! That aside, these papers perform the best out of, I think, any oil-blotting papers I have ever used! With these I never had to use more than one (many other brands I would need 2 sheets). So, even though these sheets are probably more expensive than other brands, in the long run they might be equally economical, maybe? (Or maybe I just want to tell myself that just to justify the future purchase? haha). Buy the full size? Heck yes! Probably from Sephora this summer or something.


11. Evolution of Smooth (EOS) Shave Cream in Vanilla Bliss
I will admit to 2 things... 1. I didn't realize that EOS stood for Evolution of Smooth until making this purchase, and some how knowing the full name makes the lip balms more appeal of a purchase (Can't explain why, haha, but just as EOS lipbalms, I am meh, but Evolution of Smooth Lipbalms? Sounds so much sleeker and awesome... now if only they would make them in less lame shapes...) and 2. I wasn't expecting to be wow-ed by this because I have the belief that EOS should be over rated because the hype over the lipbalms annoyed me, so I would have rerived some joy by being able to rightfully say I didn't like this product... but that would be a lie, because it did wow me, and I am impressed! I bought this because it is basically the only brand that has a pump style dispenser shaving cream. The product itself too is awesome! I loved the smell, which is weird for me because normally I hate vanilla, but this one works somehow. I think it's because its more of a real vanilla smell rather than the fake scent that is put as the fragrance in everything! I loved how moisturizing this was too! Buy again? Yes! I almost don't even want to try something new yet because I liked this one so much! I think I will buy the other scent when I go out to the store just for the fun of trying out both scents haha.

12. I Love... Lemons & Limes Bubble Bath & Shower Gel
I have reviewed this product in another scent in my previous empties post. Unlike that one, I loooved this scent! It first smells like yellow gatorade (which I LOVE), and then has this like bitter limey after smell, which was odd at first, but I found that I loved it! I think I would buy the full size of this one!

13. TIGI Rockaholic Livin' the Dream Sulfate-Free Shampoo + Energy
I posted about this product a bit ago when I initially hauled it at a super good deal. The smell was fine, the results were fine, it was all just fine. I don't know what this "energy" nonsense is about, but otherwise I think it did well as low foaming shampoo. I do wonder why they call it "Sulfate-Free" when its second ingredient is "sodium c14-15 olefin sulfonate" which sounds like a sulfate like derivative or something, which I wouldn't doubt that is is because these kinds of terms aren't really regulated in the beauty industry, but whatever. Still a fine product. This definitely is more of a low-sulfate product than truly free of all sulfates because it does foam more than I anticipated. Buy again? Probably not, if only because it is super expensive, and I wasn't wowed. Would still try other TIGI shampoos though, just not Rockaholic ones.

14. Giovanni Frizz Be Gone Anti-Frizz Hair Texturizing Balm
I can't believe this product is finally out of my life! I still remember vividly the day I got this product... my Dad bought it for me at Whole Foods, and I was super excited because I was pretty sure if my Mom had been the one shopping that day I never would have gotten it. Yay for shopping with Dad! :) Anyway, this was one of my first serums (and I think it might actually be my first, even before the Garnier serum... that lasted me forever). I know I used this in the past as a de-frizzer on dry hair, but for my using up quest I used it on wet hair as my first product out of the shower, and I think it did a pretty great job at de-frizzing. I was afraid that it would make my hair static-y, but surprisingly this is not the case! I also love the fresh smell, it's smaller size, and that it's organic! Buy again? I think so! Plus, the new packaging has a pump unlike mine. Awesome! Just will probably try out other Giovanni products first :) I have my eye on the High Gloss Hair Mist (because it sounds kinda like a spray version of the Balm) the next time I am somewhere that I can buy Giovanni hair stuff (no Whole Foods in VT or NH!)

15. Bath and Body Works Candle in Poppy Sunshine
Like the mini sized candles above, I was underwhelmed by the strength of this scent while the candle was burning. With this scent in particular I also found that I enjoyed the scent less while it was burning that how it smells at first wiff. Also, this candle burned the least clean of all of them. The picture above doesn't do the gross mess justice; there is just all kinda of wax unevenly stuck up on the side! Buy again? Nope, and not in this scent!

16. Bath and Body Works Candle in Gingham Apple
I know, you are probably as shocked as I about the green ratting of this candle. But I loved the scent of this one SO much that I think I would even repurchase it despite the inferior scent strength qualities. I did find that this candle scent performed the best out of the batch though when it came to scent strength. I really wish that this scent in forms other than the candle because I would run out today and get more stuff! Soap, body spray, bubble bath... I would buy it just to be enveloped with the scent! Haha. Plus, this one burned really cleanly too! Hardly any wax evidence of the sides. Repurchase? If they had the huge 3 wick one... I'd go buy it right this second actually, but the $9.50 price tag on this medium size... little over priced for how short of a time it burns. Anyone know any dupes for this scent? I will love you for ever and ever and ever if you would clue me in on them! :)


17. Tresemme No Frizz Ultra Light Shine Spray
This is another one of those products that I have had so long it has just been omnipresent in my collection, but now it is finally out! This does a great job for quick fixes of "bad hair" into "good hair" most days! Occasionally it will make matters worse and make your frizzy hair turn into non-frizz but now greasy looking hair, but that was usually on days where I had used too much of other products or I was over due for a shampoo. I know lots of people will probably be against this product because it is basically silicone in a bottle, but I love it :) Buy again? Yes, and this bottle here is actually my 2nd! After I try out other shine sprays first, because, surprisingly, I don't think I have used any other brands.

18. Scope Dual Blast Fresh Mint Blast Mouthwash
Like the toothpastes, this is also kinda random, but I got this as a sample from the P&G saver thing, and loved the generous size! Haha. However I wasn't hooked. I liked the results it gave because my mouth did feel super duper fresh afterwards but the negatives outweighed this. This was a super burny mouth wash! Plus, even though it says "fresh mint" and is green... I swear there is cinnamon going on in there! And I HATE HATE HATE cinnamon mouth products! Haha. Buy the full size? Nope!

19. Annick Goutal Petite Cherie Perfume Sample
I got this in my March Birchbox, and was prepared to hate it because the description didn't sound like something I would like. However I was pleasantly wrong! It kind of reminds me of what my mother wears (and has worn all my life knowing her, haha) which is usually Wind Song, or White Diamonds. I think it's the musk aspect that reminds me of my mom. However, despite the musk (something I usually don't go for), the main thrust is a sweet little innocent floral that isn't fruity, and then the musky is just a lingering after smell. I love it. Makes me feel like I am a younger version of my mom, and I like to imagine it is something my mom wore when she was younger even thought this isn't true, haha :) Buy the full size? I think I might, but it is actually a super expensive perfume. :( If I come across a smaller size than the standard 1/1.7 oz that is too pricey, I would totally snatch it up! 

20. Philosophy Miracle Worker Miraculous Anti-Aging Concentrate
I wasn't sure what I would think of this because I don't really know or care much about anti-aging serums. I received this in a goodie bag at an event at my mall (one that was open to anyone that signed/showed up, haha, not anything special for bloggers... I wish my blog was that big of a deal! haha :P). I figured since the sample was small, why not just test it out and see what I think of it instead of passing it along to my mom. I found that I really loved the texture of it! It was a serum that left me feeling quite moisturized which I didn't expect after other serum samples. Would I buy the full size? Probably not since I didn't really notice any anti-aging stuff going on, and it's too pricey just for minimal moisturizing needs (wouldn't cut it in the winter I am sure), but I am open to the idea of it, and the brand in the future when I am looking for anti-aging stuff!

21. Softsoap Clean Protection Hand Soap
I got this as a super good deal at Ocean State Job Lot, after never seeing it before, but now seeing it in stores (and appreciating my good deal!). The smell is kind of a normal non-scent of regular soap smell, but I liked that. Also, it didn't leave my hands super dry like regular soaps do! While it didn't super moisturize or anything, what it says on the bottle... "light moisturizers" is pretty accurate. It slightly moisturizes but leaves you hands feeling super clean afterwards! Repurchase? Yep I think so! Just wanna try a more moisturizing one, and fun scented one next :)

Spring Cleaning I (25 Empties!)

This will be a MAJOR empties post because I have been busy this semester but now that the semester is nearly over and Commencement is ever approaching (May 19th, woo hoo!). The products have been building up and I need to recycle them so on with the reviews so I can feel the bliss of all this spring cleaning of products! Haha.

1. Help I have a Headache
This might be weird to include because it is just acetaminophen but I thought the product was so cute that I just had to share! Plus, when I bought it I got a super deal because there was $2 off coupons at Target where I bought it (I'm not sure if they are still around) and this product is a $3-4 product so GOOD DEAL RIGHT? :) I love that this line of medications has the goal of minimal packaging and removal of unnecessary ingredients like dyes and fillers, etc. I love that the container is so small too! It only comes with 16 caplets which are packaged in pairs so it doesn't last as long as a bottle of pain killers because it really is only 8 doses but I still love it anyway haha. I have a tendency of getting headaches for a variety of reasons and I will say that these work just as well as other brands though I don't know if it is better because they all kind of work the same for me. But since the packaging and the product has less useless stuff in it I think it is better than the others for that fact. Will I buy it again? YES! Just going to use up my other normal Tylenol and stuff first. I also love the small size of this because you are more likely to actually use them all before the product expires and with pain killers that is apparently super important (though I will admit that I have a tendency of keeping and using expired tylenol etc.) That it something that is now important to me with my various medications and stuff but can be so wasteful when a lot of products come with a lot of doses that I never use up before they expire! Haha. Ok, this review has gotten long, but it is just a testament to how much I love this product! haha.


2. Too Faced Lipstick in Free Love
GUYS! I FINISHED A REAL LIPSTICK! Let us rejoice!! *parties* Ok, now that I have got that out of my system, on to the review! This product taught me that I don't love shimmery/frosty lipsticks. And because I knew that I wanted to use it up so I could get it out of my collection and truly put it through the test of whether I truly dislike frosty lipsticks. I reaffirmed that yes I do not like frosty lipsticks haha. I got through the hate by basically using this lipstick like a chap-stick because I found that it was a decently moist product and didn't dry my lips. I am not sure if moisturized itself, but it was a good, like, sealant, for lack of better word, and helped to maintain the moisture level that my lips already have. While I buy it again? Nope, not this color. But I am not totally adverse to the Too Faced Lipstick line though so I wouldn't be against considering another non-frosty color. At $20 a pop though, it is probably unlikely that I will seek it out, but Too Faced tends to put them in kits all the time so I would totally be into buying a kit with a non-frosty lipstick in it! (On that magical day when I am actually in the market to not just buy lipstick, but multiple products and can justify a whole kit! haha)


3. Secret Natural Mineral Invisible Solid in Eucalyptus Blossom
I will admit that I recall that I bought this because what ever it was that I wanted to buy wasn't in stock, but I was in desperate need of a deodorant so had to buy something, haha, and this made the cut. I loved the smell and even though it is a solid (I am more into the like creamy kind now), I didn't feel like this ever made my underarms too dry, which was the problem I have had with solids in the past. Would I buy it again? I think so! Just gonna try some other stuff first. I would totally consider buying a body mist in this scent if they sold it though (which sadly they do not)!


4. Skintimate Moisturizing Cream Shave in Cashmere Rain
I loved this! Just wish it lasted longer. I loved that it was a gel/foam, and this product was my first actual CREAM shaving cream, not one of those gel/foam creams like the other Skintimate products I have tried before. I loved how moisturizing this was! I even felt like I didn't always need to use lotion after a shower with this, but since I moisturize my whole body I would do my legs anyway just so I wouldn't feel uneven, haha. But I didn't feel like I NEEDED to, which other products have made me feel. Will I buy this again? I am pretty sure I will after I try out the few other true cream shave creams there are out there (like the EOS one I think I will try next because that has an awesome pump! haha). This had a weird smell but I kind of liked it. It was a mess in the shower though, would get on the walls and just kind of stay there, haha. But I did like the product so I got over that. If I find another cream that can do what this does but with out the mess factor I may not buy this one again haha.


5. Hawaiian Tropic Silk Hydration Tanning Lotion Sunscreen
I absolutely LOVED this! I bought this back in December when I was on my extended stay in Florida and I had run out of the other spray tanning lotions I had been using. After deciding that even though spray products had the same FL. OZ. quantity, but probably end up wasting more of it because the spray just floats away if it doesn't stick to your body, haha, I decided to try the traditional lotion. This product was completely new to me because I don't remember seeing it last summer. I think it will be new this summer but was released earlier in Florida because, well, it is Florida so they don't have to wait for summer to have the need to buy sunblock haha. I think this truly was hydrating for the 12 hours that is claims because I didn't feel the need to put on lotion after tanning, which I loved haha. I also adored the smell, a perfect tropical summer smell. After my winter holiday I still have some of this left. Some of you may have an issue with this, but I did some tanning at a tanning salon over the winter when I got a super good deal and I felt that I needed some tanning in order to not be so glum over the winter. I would use this when I would go up a level in time in the tanning booth so I wouldn't burn the first time and it was great for that! I can say that I only burned I think once and that was when I went up a level without putting this on, and ever since then I would use this every time before I went up a level. I know that they say that traditional sunblock can be bad for the tanning beds, but the salon I went to had stand up ones so I think it isn't as bad? Oh well, I needed to use it and I didn't use it that many times so I don't think it hurt the blubs? I hope? I am pretty sure that I will be buying this again this summer unless something new and even cooler looking comes out haha.


6. Joico K-Pak Reconstruct Deep-Penetrating Reconstructor
I bought this because I heard rave reviews about this on Youtube and I got a sweet deal on it (see my hair product haul I posted a while back). I wanted to like it, and it may have given me good results, but I just HATED the smell so much that I can't even stand to use it. I know that sounds dramatic, but this is one of the first products that I have had such a strong hate of the smell, I swear it gave me a headache and made me feel a little nauseous in the shower when I was using it, I hated the smell THAT much. It is like a mixture of cinnamon and soggy banana foster or something. Now in writing that sounds delicious, but something about the way it works in this product is just revolting to me for some reason. I know I will never buy this again, and nothing else in this line if it has the same gross sent. Bleck! :P


7. Vichy Cellu Destock
I won't go into this because I talked about it in my previous post devoted entirely to Vichy so you can read about it there :)

8. Dove Ultimate Go Fresh Cool Essentials Cucumber & Green Tea Scent
I was surprised how much I liked this. I was expecting it to be a meh product because I only bought it so I could use it for travel and just needed it to do a minimal job. I liked the smell, the green tea makes it a little more different than the traditional cucumber smell that I don't always like. I didn't find this over drying. However, I did find I didn't like the travel size packaging because it didn't have much product, the lid was flimsy so when I take it off, because I had to squeeze to hold it it would sometimes smoosh the deodorant, and I also found that the curve of the dispenser was oddly high on the sides so sometimes I'd get an unexpected plastic scrap while applying. Haha. Would I buy again? For travel, I think so, for regular life? I'm not as sure.


9. Love & Toast Shower Creme in Clementine Crush
I wouldn't call this a shower "creme" because it felt like a regular shower gel, and didn't really moisturize that I noticed. But, I loved the smell and the packaging. I love how sleek and slender it is without being super tiny. I remember seeing this brand for the first time in a boutique neat my house, and remember almost buying one of the lotions in this brand in a scent that they don't have at my Target (boo!). I love citrus body products, so it was no surprise that I liked this smell. It had an odd Tang like quality to the smell, which some people might not like, but as I am a fan of powdered and instant drinks (is that weird, haha) I quite liked the smell. I found it super refreshing to use in the shower, which is what I usually look for in a body wash. Lathered nicely too. Will I buy again? I think so. Might try out another scent just because though. I saw that there is a scrub version in this scent, so I am interested in trying that.


10.Glade Candle in Polka Dot Petals (Limited Edition Spring Scent)
I wasn't expecting greatness from a drug store candle because I never hear anyone talk about them, but I did enjoy this scent. I liked that it was floral but also had a nice pineapple twist to it. I'm not sure I'll rebuy it though because I didn't find that the scent filled the room when it burned, which is the point of candles if you ask me. I am going to try out a few other drug store candle brands before deciding to buy this again. This came with a super cute cardboard packaging cover thing with adorable polka dots and flowers on it that I wish was on the candle holder! Also, the bottom of the candle doesn't say the name of the scent so I had to look it up online for this post, which is annoying. What's that about? haha


11. Nivea Happy Sensation Daily Lotion
I loved loved loved loved loved the scent of this. Like fresh orange juice with some floral. It is simply divine. What I didn't like, though, was that the lotion itself kind of left me wanting more of the lotion (though never the smell, always plenty of the divine smell). It's kind of runny, which is nice for application as it makes it easy, but I think this is what makes it less moisturizing and not quite moisturizing enough for me (though perhaps it could be just right for the summer?). I also loved that this had a pump, because pour out lotions annoy me because I can never be exact about how much I get. With a pump I can figure out how many pumps I need for each part of my body, making application faster and less messy. This was a decent size and it lasted me about a month with daily use. Gonna try some other lotions after this to see if I can find one that can really hydrate for 24 hours like this one claims but can not do, but I'll keep it in mind for the summer when I tend to need less moisturizing lotions.


12. BareMinerals Purely Nourishing Moisturizer
This had a crazy herbal natural smell that I didn't like at all. I can handle weird smells in my face wash buy not my moisturizer. Also, I didn't think it was anything special moisturizing-wise. Won't buy the full size, and wouldn't be that excited to get it for free, haha.


13. BareMinerals Purifying Facial Cleanser
I liked this better than the Moisturizer, but not enough to consider buying. This had the same strange herbal smell but it wasn't as strong and it was tolerable in the shower. I think I would have liked this more if it was more of the microfoliant style cleanser, but this is just a regular gel cleanser, which I think gives regular results in this product's case. Wouldn't buy it because I feel like I could get something equitable at the drug store, but if given for free, I wouldn't absolutely hate using it.

14. I Love... Blueberry & Smoothie Bubble Bath & Shower Gel
I really like the formula of this brand. What makes this not a green is the smell. I love the blueberry smell when I soak in a bubble bath but for whatever reason I don't find it as appealing as a shower gel when all lathered up. If you are into Blueberry though, I would totally recommend this to you because it is great! I am just not THAT wild and crazy about blueberry :P Can't wait to see what I think of the other scents!


15. Vichy One Step Cleanser
This was reviewed in the post dedicated entirely to the Vichy products I got from Birchbox

16. Vichy Aqualia Thermal Moisturizer
Same as the cleanser, my review can be found in the Vichy post

17. Benefit the POREfessional
I really liked this! I was stoked when I got this in a birchbox because I had always wanted to try this out but never wanted to buy the full size in order to do so. After constantly having a primer of some sort via birchbox for the past couple months, it is going to be weird to go back to not using a primer (still think they are pricey for what they are). I loved this primer because I do think it did the best job out of the primers I have tried so far for smoothing your face before applying foundation (the other more targeted at just making your make up last longer). I am not going to run out at buy this right away though because it is expensive and I don't think it is "necessary" for my everyday use. I am considering trying out some drug store primers next to see how those compare to this one. Maybe if I'm lucky birchbox will send me another primer to try out! haha.


18. EPIQ Hand Sanitizer Purse Spray
I got this as a christmas present from my dad back in 2010 after he got it as free swag at a fancy lawyer conference of some kind (I'll be a lawyer by the end of 2012, fingers crossed, so maybe I can get more of these from going to conferences myself! haha). I love the bitty size for my purse. Of course this isn't ideal for heavy sanitizer users because it wouldn't last them very long. But because I don't really ever remember to use it, this lasted me a year! I mostly used it for those occasions where I really felt compelled to have hand sanitizer in that situation (like eating with my hands, or eatting after doing something particularly germy, like pet farm animals or something, haha). I didn't find this over drying, and while it didn't have a scent, it had that non-scent to it, which was nice because it didn't stay. Rebuy? Could if I would (I think CVS or Walgreens might sell something like this actually, I'll have to check it out), see them out for propaganda for free-99? Definitely grabbing one!


19. Method Daffodil Bouquet Hand Wash
I posted about this on 4/20 so you can see my hilarious review of the smell there :)

20. Air Wick Scented Candle in Glacier Bay (Limited Edition National Park Foundation Collection)
The color green can not express my love of this candle! 1. I got a super good deal on it because it was in Target clearance because it was a limited edition scent, so I got if for like $2! 2. The scent is divine and just my style, fresh, watery, relaxing. 3. The is the smoothest/cleanest burning candle I have used so far! There are literally no wax chunks on the insides of this candle! That is the first time a candle has done that for me in a realllly long time. I hate when some just stays on the side because it seems like such a waste. 4. The scent filled the room. I hate candles that mislead you and smell really good in the store but then when you burn them you can't really smell them unless you are hovering right over them. I never had that problem with this one, and I could smell it in all parts of my apartment! Win, win, win, win! Will I rebuy? YES! Never again Glade, Air Wick has captured me and I don't ever want to be let go! Haha :P


21. Tarte Lights, Camera, Lashes Mascara Sample
I got this in the Decemeber debut GlamBag (you know, the one GOOD month of GlamBag, haha :P). And I am so glad I did because I LOVE this! I am really tempted to buy the full sized version! This lasted a long time for a sample, and probably would be still usable for some, but I don't like to fight with little baby clumps in the morning when I am cutting it close to getting to class on time, haha. It is amazing at lengthening and defining. Not big on volume, but that's not what I like, so this was perfect for me! Definitely considering buying, or at the very least checking out other tarte products because now I am intrigued!


22. Sephora Brand Mascara Sample
I didn't even use this up. After the tarte mascara reached its end I reached for this next and when I pulled the brush out it just looked so awful that I didn't want to ever risk wearing it and having to redo my makeup all over if it was a total fail. The brush was crappy with the bristles sticking together, and looking kinda mushy and not firm. It was like the mascara brush had spider lashes! If the brush has it, then I am sure the brush would give them to me! Also, the formula looked dull, dried and clumpy (granted I have been hording this for a while). Yucky. Maybe this is normal looking when you first get it and maybe I would enjoy it then, but currently this one is just yuck city! Won't buy!!


23. Bath and Body Works Lemon Mint Leaf Mini Candle
I hate to say it, but after all the beauty world hype over BBW candles, I have to say I am underwhelmed. I bought a couple minis and a few medium sized candles (which I don't think I hauled here, oops) when the spring scents came out and there was a sale going on. While they smell amaaaazing in the store (hense my purchase of 5 different candles! haha), I find that when they are burning they aren't that strong. I just can't believe that after all the hype my $2 Air Wick candle was way more impressive. This Lemon Mint Leaf one was the strongest of the bunch, and you could smell it in the air when it was burning but definitely not throughout my whole apartment, just the living room. Buy it again? Probably not. Buy the scent it in another format? totally would if BBW sold the new fresh picked candle scents in other formats, but sadly they don't :( the sales person said it was because the scents didn't really translate as well in other forms, which I thought was ironic because once I got home I felt that they didn't even translate well to a burning candle! I do like this mini candle size though... so cute! If maybe the scent problem is just this collection, I wouldn't mind giving BBW candles a second chance via buying more mini candles in their core collection scents.


24. Bath and Body Works Forever Sunshine Travel Body Spray
I will admit I bought this scent because youtube girls said they liked it. After I got it home and really started wearing it I realized it was much more heavy on the sweet side rather than the citrus side which I like better. It wasn't awful using this up because I didn't hate it or anything, I just wasn't that excited to use it. I am glad that I bought the mini size though because if I had bought the big size I would probably be regretting the purchase way more. This small travel size is just my style of body sprays. Big enough to get a good use and value of it, but small enough to not hate the scent as you use it up if you decide you don't like it anymore half way through. I think my new test for BBW body sprays should be that I shouldn't ever buy the big size ever again unless I go through a mini size and love it the whole way through. Money, and time saver! (I'm looking at you BBW Cherry Blossom, the bane of my existence!). While I wouldn't buy this body spray again, I will buy the size, and I could consider buying this scent in other formats because I find sometimes the scents can be a little different in different products, so maybe one of the other products in the scent line leans more citrus-y, that would be cool!


25. Vicky Soothing Eye Make-Up Remover
This was reviewed in the post dedicated entirely to the Vichy products I got from Birchbox

DIY Studded Sweatshirt

Who likes to DIY her fashion? This chick! Check out this awesome sweatshirt that I studded recently!

  

Here is a close up of the studs so you can see that they are different sizes and my pattern/non-pattern design of them


I got the idea to do something like this after stumbling along Studs and Pearls who have a few different stud and sweatshirt tutorials. I wasn't quite gun-hoe about the exact tutorials she did so I decide to do my own thing. I searched "studded sweaters" for some ideas after Pinterest didn't give me much inspiration and I came across this cute number (on Alloy of all things, blast from the past!). After seeing that one I knew the general style that I wanted. The one that I was using for reference was more patterned and formulaic in the stud placement, which I didn't quite like so I went for a more random approach with mine.

Materials:
Bordeaux Champion Crew Neck Sweatshirt ($7 at Ocean State Job Lot)
Some 4.5mm rounds studs ($6.49 for 100)
Some 6.5mm rounds studs ($6.99 for 100)
Some 8mm rounds studs ($7.99 for 100)
Scissors
Butter Knife (for bending stud prongs)

What did I do?
1. Cut the bottom banded hem, and the sleeve bands just before the seam. I liked the interesting little touch this adds while keeping the tightness of the hem line. I have never been one to like raw edges at bottoms and sleeve ends so when I came up with this idea I was pretty stoked because I have never seen a tutorial that recommended something like this.
2. Cut the neck band out with a little extra taken off for slight boat-neck/off-the-shoulder-ability.
3. Studded randomly.
4. Look cute!

What do you guys think? Does it look home made? Or like something that you might actually buy?
Anyone out there have a stud obsession? After buying a bunch of studs I have a sudden need to stud everything! What else have you studded? Recommendations? I am thinking of studding the collar of a white shirt with the little bitty studs a la H&M beaded collar, what do you think of that idea?

Review: Kate Spade Twirl

This perfume was first mentioned back in August 2011 when I received it as a sample in my first Birchbox, and I have been in love with it ever since. I was so much in love that come Christmas I bought it for myself with my Christmas money and have never regretted the purchase (especially since I bought it suuuper cheap in a set that was on sale that I paid for mostly with giftcards, heck yes!).

Why: I originally was intrigued by this perfume when I got it in my first Birchbox ever, and I will admit that description had me hooked before I even smelled it. Then when I smelled it I couldn't get enough of it! What I loved about the description was that it said it was kind of a modern "Holly Golightly" scent, which is the name of the girl in Breakfast at Tiffany's. I have always loved that movie and semi want to be Holly Golightly, haha, so I really wanted to love the fragrance just knowing that. Then when I smelled that it was a fruity floral that is kind of cirtus-y, I was doubly sold because that is the kind of scents that I love! Had it been a sweet fruity floral I might not have enjoyed it so much.

This fragrance also has some personal meaning to me beyond the Holly Golightly-ness because I bought it at a time where I was going through quite a few personal things, and trying to figure out what kind of person I was, blah blah blah, which probably sounds cliche, but it was true. 2011 was a hard year for me, and I don't know if this will sound whiny or stupid, but I had a lot of bad experiences with men last year, and I learned a lot of things about myself because of it, and in December was when I was really learning from it all and I emerged with an identity that I don't need men, but of course don't hate them. What I really did was redefine my values and gained the strength and confidence to stick with them rather than abandoning who I am as a person just to be a guy to have a man in my life even if it felt like settling. So when 2012 began, me and this perfume became best buds and it kind of stands for my new "Miss Independent" identity and whenever I spray it on it kind of serves as a reminder to not forget all the things that I learned.

Notes: The Kate Spade official description says there are notes of watermelon, blackberry, red currant, musk, and french macaroon. I think this makes it sound sweeter than it really is. I think the top notes have more of a fresh orange and blackberry smell that turns more musky and mature as it ages through the day. When this is described as day-to-night fragrance I do think it is true because it has a lighter funner fragrance at the start and ends more sultry by the night.

Repurchase: Would I buy this again when I run out? I can't really say for sure at this point because I don't know where I will be in life when it runs out. Depending on where that is my identity might be calling for a new fragrance friend that identifies with who I am then. But I will always have a place for this in my heart :) What is probably more likely is that after I use up this big bottle I will probably purchase the little roller ball version so I have it around, but my next full bottle purchase will probably be something else.