October Empties

1. Simple Cleansing Facial Wipes
I got this little sample/travel sized one for free in a Target Beauty Bag some time this summer. I have reviewed this product before HERE, and HERE.

2. Fekkai Essential Shea Butter Shampoo & Conditioner Samples
I received these samples in my September Birchbox and I really liked them. If I remember correctly, I liked the conditioner better than the shampoo, but it could have been the other way around (I used them up at the beginning of the month). Would I buy the full size? Probably not since Fekkai is so expensive. Will I hope that one day they show up at TJ Maxx for an amazingly cheap price? Heck yes, because I loved the smell, and I feel like long term results wouldn't be disappointing.

3. Beauty Fixation Makeup Remover
I received these three swabs in my September Birchbox as well and I loved them so much I bought the full size (check out my haul HERE). They are super convenient in quick mornings before work when I make a makeup error that needs to be corrected or else I would look sloby for work. Each swab has just enough fluid that it sin't drippy or anything, but you also don't have to rub and rub to make it work - just a swipe or two and you are ready to go. I find they are perfect for the accidental mascara on the brow bone or eyelid. Buy full size? Already have!

4. Miss Jessie's Quick Curls Sample
I received this in my August Birchbox. I liked it, but I'm not sure if I love it enough to buy it because I feel like other brands can do the same for cheaper. It had a nice smell, and it wasn't really fatal if you over used the product, which is nice. However, I feel like it didn't do miracles for my hair, just de-frizzed a little. The sample size was huge though so that was fantastic, and I have always wanted to try this brand out because I keep hearing about it online.

5. Schick Quattro for Women Razor Blades
I got this from my mom when she stumbled upon them in her stash and she realized she doesn't really use the brand so she doesn't even know how she got them, LOL. Fine by me though since I used the Quattro. However, I did find that I like the sensitive version of this blades, which is what I have always bought myself. It was nice to confirm to myself that the sensitive is indeed better though. These blades are nice, but I am totally a "razor with gel stripe" princess and love a nice gel-y lube-y razor over a simple one like this one. Buy myself? Probably not unless I was desperate because the sensitive ones were out of stock or these were hugely cheaper or something.

6. Nivea Creme Tin
I don't like the smell and the formula is nothing special. The smell reminds me of a hospital, and it moisturizes just as much as you would think a really thick cream would, aka, a little bit greasy. I used this at night for a hand cream as well as an occasional calf, or foot cream. I have a second one of these because I bought them to fulfill a promo deal at Target one time, but I probably wouldn't by them again unless I was similarly trying to fulfill a promo via the cheapest means possible (because these tins are under a dollar if I remember correctly). Buy full size? Nope. Buy the mini again? Not unless it was for other reasons than for wanting the product, haha.

7. Grand Home Furnishings Hand Sanitizer
The size of this hand sanitizer is just plain adorable! And you could actually put it in a nighttime clutch if you wanted because it is so slim. I used this up at work because I now have the inspiration to finally use all my sanitizers that I have seemed to aquire. This one was fine, and it was simple. It lasted a couple days with 4-6 times daily use (my office has a few cold bugs going round so I am now one of those obsessive people haha). Buy again? Can't because I got it for free at a Grand Home Furnishings Store. I doubt they still have them out as I got this a few years ago. I am happy I have a second one though so i can experience the cuteness again! haha.

8. Bath & Body Works I Love Shopping Peach PocketBac
The world wanted me to have this hand sanitizer because I got it for free when I found a coupon for a free hand sanitier just laying around on a shelf in a B&BW one time. Then the "I Love Shopping" name just called to me, and the peach scent was the icing on the cake. Like the other hand sanitizer I used this up at work. And would you believe that this was my first B&BW PocketBac? Needless to say I understand the hype now... scented hand sanitizer is just way more fun and the prices of PocketBacs are always 5 for $5 so I am pretty sure I will be buying more of these super soon!

9. L'Occitane Dry Skin Hand Cream
I got this for free when I was at the L'Occitane outlet in Florida (See my haul post HERE). I had always heard about this hand cream being good, and my mom loves L'Occitane, but this is the first time I've ever owned it. I've gotta say, it is just as good as the hype makes it out to be. Its just the right amount of moisture without being greasy, and it always does it's job. I never was much of a hand cream person but now that I have an office job I am washing my hands all the time and there is nothing worse than the feel of dry hands, eww! (well maybe dry feet is worse, haha). This lasted me a bout two and a half weeks use when I used it many times per day at work. Buy full size? Well I have a second one in this size that I got for free with a Facebook promo/coupon, so we'll see if I want to drop the money for it after I used up that one.

10. Origins Checks and Balances Frothy Face Wash Sample
I can't remember how I got this sample again, but my opinion hasn't changed since the first time I reviewed it HERE.

11. Simple Soothing Eye Balm
This thing lasted FOREVER! I got this in the beginning of the year and it lasted me until now! WOW! HERE is my previous review of the product itself, which hasn't changed.

12. L'Occitane Precious Eye Balm Sample
This was one of the many L'Occitane samples that my mom gave me that she had been hording for some time. This eye balm just didn't meet my needs after using the Simple Soothing Eye Balm. This one stung my eyes a little bit upon first application, and I didn't notice that it did any better of a job at hydration than the Simple one did. It did have the nice Immortelle scent, but that was about the only thing it had going for it. Buy the full size? Not likely given my experience and I'm sure the price point isn't something I would want to pay for an eye cream at this point any way.

13. L'Occitane Brightening Essence
I liked this product. It was light, smelled nice, and didn't feel sticky or leave a residue. My only problem, that isn't really a problem, is the fact that it was a one time use size. I have not idea if it really brightens my skin after just one use. I would love to try this out but as a L'Occitane serum that costs $56, my purchasing it doesn't seem likely unless I get to try it out for a longer (via a gift set maybe?) and actually think it gives results. I so love the Immortelle scent though and I forgot how much I loved it since I used up my cleanser already.

14. Australian Gold Tan Extender Moisture Lock Moisturizer
I bought this when I was on vacation in Florida while I was getting my tan on. I love the fruity smell, I like the slick texture, and I felt that it did extend my tan. At the very least it was a nice moisturizer because it never felt greasy, it sunk in pretty quick, and it never really left me wanting more. This was my first Australian Gold product and if they are all this good then I understand why the brand is loved so much. Buy again? Definitely!

15. Lush Noubar Soap Sample
I got this as a sample at Lush when I bought a different item. I like the smell ok (it smells strongly of pistachios), but everything else about it wasn't that fabulous. It has these weird chunks in it but I wouldn't say that makes it srubby at all, which it claims it does. It makes you squeaky clean, which some people may like, but I prefer feeling moisturized. It was fun to have the sample, but I know I would never buy it. Still love Lush though! If I wanted a scrub soap I think I would try their Buffy Bar or that other one that is blue and has the sand in it that my Gay BFF swears by.

16. Tretinoin Cream
Another tube down and I am still in love! I found that now that I wash my face morning and night, and continue applying this at night, that my face is doing WAY better than when I was only washing my face at night (thanks Mom for the tip!). I don't wanna jinx myself and say I might be almost clear skin 24/7 until I see the results remain for more than these last couple weeks, but I know that it is significantly better even if I do break out later this month during the "lady time" of the month. Any spots that I have had recently were super small, not really that noticeable and went away after a day or two. The proof? I have been using my Laura Mercier Mineral Powder Foundation at work! My skin is so clear I can get away with it, and I am not reaching for my foundations! I love love love my skin this month :)

17. VMV Hypoallergenics Re-Everything Cream
I have reviewed this previously HERE.

18. Soap & Glory The Righteous Butter Mini
I got this for free via a gift card via the app called Wrapp which legitimately gives you free giftcards to give to friends! I convinced my sister to send me a $5 Sephora one and I went and got this, all I had to pay was the few cents of tax. Woo hoo I love social Media! I have reviewed this product previously HERE and my opinion is still the same. I am contemplating purchasing one of the gift sets for myself so I can try other products by Soap & Glory! :)

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