Extreme Couponing: $40 of Beauty Products for under $5!

How do you get $40 worth of beauty products for $4.32? Here is how:

1. Tresemme Sale of 2 for $7
2. Tresemme Coupon Buy A Shampoo and Conditioner get a styler free
3. CVS $2 Tresemme Coupon
4. Nivea Coupon for a free Lipbalm (from Facebook)
5. Dove $1 Coupon
6. 25% Off Whole Purchase CVS Coupon
7. $4.50 in Extrabucks from 2% of last quarter's spending
8. Cotton Rounds & Nail Polish Remover Sale of Buy 2 get one Free
9. $5 back through SavingStar.com
10. And then one more $1 CVS coupon that I can't remember what it was for... maybe the polish remover?

It was one of my more magnificent coupon-ing moments! Have you had any extreme coupon-ing moments recently? Comment below and let me know! :)

**some affiliate links may be used**

September Empties

Who's got empties? ME!!! September was a month to be proud of my empties. Check out my reviews below :)

1. & 2. Herbal Essences Honey, I'm Strong Shampoo & Conditioner

I bought this for my 3 week Florida vacation in August and it lasted me all through the vacation plus another week or so. I bought this because I saw an add for it on Spotify and I was intrigued. I really liked this formula and it was nothing like any other Herbal Essences formula that I've used before. It reminds me of the consistency of the Honey Handsoap that I've used before: this like weird slippery but not oily or heavy feeling; the shampoo had the same feeling here. Is that a honey thing? I don't know, but I like it. Also, the conditioner was nice because it was just the right of heaviness that I like. And, bonus, it smells nice and Herbal Essence-y: fresh and clean, my favorite! Totally will rebuy, and have a renewed interest in Herbal Essences that I had semi abandoned a year or two ago after having a super long term relationship with the Tousle Me Softly line (perhaps I should try that out again now that I have tried a bunch of other shampoos and conditioners?).

3. Jason Restorative Biotin Pure Natural Shampoo

I got this for free through Klout and was surprised at the huge size because it was my first full sized thing from Klout! Now I've gotten quite a few things from Klout so the size isn't as surprising. However, I love ths size of this because it lasted me forever! I had been using this shampoo as my "between shampoos" shampoo that was always there for me while I was deciding what to buy next (which explains why this lasted me from April/May until now, haha). I love that it is SLS free and the product hasn't sacrificed its quality because of it. I have used other SLS free shampoos before but was always disappointed because they didn't lather at all, but this one lathers just the right amount to make me not miss SLS. The smell is a nice "natural" kind of smell, but it's hard to place. I wouldn't say this shampoo does anything special or amazing for your hair, but for someone who values natural ingredients, and doesn't like SLS, parabens, or phthalates in their hair products, this is amazing! I would love to try more stuff form this line! Thanks Klout!

4. Dove Damage Therapy Energize Conditioner

The only thing this conditioner has going for it is the scent, and even that isn't saying much because I would say the scent is an acquired taste and it just happens to be one I like. I love grapefruit, and I love lemongrass, so the scent was fine, but it stops there. I could see how someone could hate the scent, and I would say that it was particularly "energizing." If I want an energizing bath product it would be a shower gel because scents are more potent with those because you use it on your hold body. In a conditioner, that doesn't lather, or have opportunity to work the smell into the air, coupled with the small area it is used on, the "energize" aspect is kinda dumb. Plus, the conditioner doesn't really do much for your hair. I actually wanna say that it manages to be too heavy for my hair in a bad way, and it doesn't even feel that heavy when you put it on! I won't lie, I bought this on a whim for some reason when I was going into the grocery store to buy a different conditioner. A whim that wasn't worth it! Won't be buying this again. But I wouldn't mind checking out the body wash some day, but I'm in no rush for that.

5. Quattro For Women Sensitive Skin Razor Refill
I have used this razor type for some time now, maybe 2 or 3 years, and it's fine. I like the sensitive skin version of the blades better than the others, but I hate that the razor handle doesn't fit other Schick blades (like the Hydro Silk). I never was interested in trying another blade until the Hyrdo Silk came out, and I won't lie, I love the Hydro Silk way more because it is significantly more hydrating, which is an important shaving factor for me. Will I still buy these again? Probably, because I have the "Trim Style" handle with the trimmer blade on one end so I just hate the idea of having two razors in my shower, one for trimming and one for actual shaving, but I guess I'll be doing that for a while since I bought some Hydro Silk blades at a super good deal recently. If the made a Hydro Silk handle that has a trimmer on it... I'd be in heaven!

6. Satin Care Dry Skin Shave Gel Mini
I don't know what possessed me to buy the mini version when I was on vacation, but I did, haha. I like this formula, but it isn't the most hydrating, and I came to enjoy the non aerosol version I had previously. I like that it was small so it didn't take long to get through, hence I didn't have to wait long if I wanted to switch to something else. However, ironically, a coupon lured me into buying the full size of this exact version as my replacement. Guess I'll try a new kind AFTER I used up the big size, haha. Weirdly though, this one is blue colored, and the full sized bottle, that I swear is supposed to be the same formula, is pink, haha (I like the pink better!).

7. L'Occitane Immortelle Brightening Cleansing Foam
I love this. I bought it on a whim when we finally got a local L'Occitane, and I love it. It is gentle without feeling pointless, I love the weird "immortelle" smell that the whole line has, and I want to believe that it helps with brightening (but who knows for sure it a face wash can really do this, haha). I am going to save the bottle because I plan to buy the refill bag instead of buy another bottoe (thank you genius L'Occitane!), so you could say, yes, I am going to rebuy this. I am also super interested in trying out other items in the Immortelle line, like maybe the scrub?

8. Simple Eye Make-Up Remover
I value simple (no pun intended) make up removers because they don't sting, they don't leave behind a residue, but they also do their job. This Simple one does just this! I never had a stingyness or cloudlyness problem ever with this make-up remover and I found myself actually reaching to use it because of that (when previously I was pretty any make-up remover unless I had eyeliner on). Will I rebuy? Definitely! I would just DIE if there was a CVS store brand version too!!

9. Degree Natureffects Honeysuckle + Tea Tree Oil Invisible Solid
I love the scent, but the formula was meh. I found it to be drying at times (something I HATE in deodorants) and it was "white streak" prone. I do still like Degree deodorants but this one isn't anything special and I only bought it because of the scent. Next time I still to a moisturizing deodorant and the body spray in this scent. No rebuy.

10. Laura Mercier Mineral Powder Spf 15 in Tender Rose sample
I love sephora samples. I don't know why I never got a powder sample before because they are super generous with them! I swear this dinky sample lasted me a whole month with pretty much daily/consistent use! Amazing. And it has me sold. I understand the hype and I love it way more than Bare Minerals. I love it some much that I may have already purchased the full size through Amazon O:) It's not bad if it was technically "free" because of stockpiled Amazon giftcards, right? LOVE!

11. Freeman Beauty Facial Hydration Mask Goji Berry
I got this a while back when I used to have MyGlam Bag and forgot about it until now. I had a bad skin reaction to benzol peroxide (due to over use) which left my skin the most dry and grossly flaky I have ever seen! But, I remembered that I had this mask and I think it did help a little. The smell was nice, and though it did sting a big a first I would bet that it normally wouldn't sting because eventually the feeling stopped and it really only stung in the areas that my skin got super red and dry from the benzol peroxide. Would I buy? I think I would! Every now and then I will have a super bad skin day where all I want is a soothing and hydrating mask to make my face less red and to just make it feel better. I don't own any hydrating masks so I think buying one of these on those bad days would totally be a great back up plan!

12. Burt's Bees Nourishing Lip Balm with Mango Butter
I am so glad one of my buy friends convinced me to try the non-pepperminty Burt's Bees lip balm because I loved this one too (it came in a 2 pack that had a acai berry one that I also loved). It is hydrating and soothing and has never really let me down. To top it off, I've missed it since it's been gone and can't wait to use up the 4-5 chap sticks I have managed to acquire for free recently (mall event, nivea coupon, sun bum office freebie, etc). Rebuy? Definitely! I would love to try it in other flavors too.

13. L'Occitane Immortelle Brightening Moisture Cream Sample
I got this sample from my mom (she manages to hord L'Occitane samples some how...) and I loved it! It had just the right amount for one full face application without extra product, which was nice because I hate when they give you so much that it's like 1.5 or 2 applications and it's like impossible to keep for the next day. The consistency was kind of like  gel cream which felt quite nice and didn't leave me wishing for more. It had the same nice Immortelle scent like the rest of the line, and it just felt nice and refreshing to put on. I would love to try the full size to see if it actually helps with brightening but will probably put that off for a while due to price.

14. ROC Skincare Multi Correxion Nourish Stress Repair Night Cream
I quite liked this but I wouldn't say it is necessary. The AHA at times was a little much for my skin and made it sensitive but I found it to be nice to use as an "in between" moisturizer and would just switch to a different one whenever my skin got sensitive after a few weeks. I don't know how stress relieving the scent is but I loved how thick it was because it just made it feel moisturizing. Not sure if I would buy this myself though. I got it as a free Klout perk, and I'm sure it is expensive since it is ROC. It was nice to use but I am not chomping at the bit to buy it and I wouldn't say I particularly miss it, especially in light of the AHA sensitivity thing.

15. Clean & Clear Oil Absorbing Sheets
Everyone has either owned a pack or currently owns a pack of these sheets, am I right? And we all have the same opinion. It's good, they do their jobs and it's always there for you. I have tried other brands and find them all to be the same (except the Shisedo ones, those are AMAZING and are significantly better than any other ones I've ever used). I will probably always keep buying these because every now and then they go on sale, which is always nice. But are they to live without? No, not this brand. And will do (like the Neutrogina I've tried, the ELF ones that people swear by but I haven't tried yet, or any other drug store ones.)

16. & 17. L'Occitane Delice des Fruits Citron & Clementine Bath Balls
I bought these at the L'Occitane outlet when I was down in Orlando last month in order to qualify for a free gift with purchase. The smell was nice but I think I have been spoiled by LUSH because other than the smell I wouldn't say these bath balls did much. Would say they were a little drying, and really just a nice fuzzy scented bath ball. It was a nice almost free gift but I wouldn't buy them for myself again.

End of July Empties!

1. Got2b Fat-tastic Instant Collagen Infusion Mega-Lift Root-Booting Spray
I bought this after I saw a vlogger love it on Youtube, and it made her hair more voluminous. However, that girl's hair was thin, whereas my hair is quite thick, so that resulted in this product not doing anything for me at all. But it did smell nice, and I did manage to get it for free because when I purchased it at Rite-Aid last summer there was a rebate to get the whole purchase price back. Would I buy it again? Nope. But I do want to try out other Got2b products, specifically ones targeted for my hair type.


2. Nexxus Pro-Mend Split End Treatment Shampoo
I loved the smell of this: jasmine and coconut. I wish I could have the smell in a perfume. However, this shampoo is a little "eh." Once I used this up and switched to other shampoos I realized how must this shampoo was NOT taking out of my hair, and that my hair didn't really feel clean even when using this 2x each shower. I wouldn't buy this shampoo again, but I do like the brand, and the line, and maybe if my hair was super-duper damaged the over moisturizing nature of this shampoo might be ideal?


3. Nexxus Pro-Mend Split End Treatment Conditioner
I liked this, but I didn't love it. Again, the smell is divine, but I didn't find that this conditioner did magical things for my hair. However, I think this is a good conditioner and that I am just bias because I have used the Split End Binding Treatment in the line, and I think that product really does work better, now that I have used the conditioner alone. But, now re-reading my past post about the treatment, perhaps both products only perform well when they are used together? Perhaps I'll try it out again next summer, since using this product in the summer time seems to be my trend, haha.


4. Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Body Wash
Like the Skin Relief line of the Aveeno body washes, this body wash is ok. The smell is tolerable, but nothing to write home about. The lather is adequate, but nothing special. Would I buy the full size? I don't think I would, only because I feel like the Skin Relief one might be slightly better. But, if this was in the travel aisle and I needed a travel body wash, I'd probably pick this up. **Note: I got this product for free through Influenster without an obligation to review it**


5. Secret Smooth Effects Wildflower Fresh Conditioning Solid
I love this deodorant, and this scent is my favorite in the line. I love that it is conditioning, and that it isn't a true solid. It does give you the classic white streak problem if you put it on before clothing, instead of while already wearing clothing, but I still love it. I have tried other scents (Smooth Powder, and Eucalyptus Blossom) when this scent has been out of stock, but the Wildflower one is still my go to. Buy it again? Definitely! 


6. & 7. Clear Scalp & Hair Therapy Total Care Shampoo and Conditioner
See my previous empties post about this product, or my more detailed new posted dedicated to the product.
**I received this product for free through Influenster for testing and review purposes.**

8. Mario Badescu Enzyme Cleansing Gel
Smells weird, and was too harsh for me. It would leave my skin feeling sensitive and angry afterward. I am glad I got this as a free sample through the Mario Badescu website to learn this. I think that maybe if I used it less often (like once a week?) I might have had less issues with it, but either way, I am not interested in buy the full size of this.


9. Proxi Toothpaste Fresh Clean Mint
This toothpaste is good but not great. I love it while I am brushing because the mint flavor is so my style, and I like that it had a smooth and not gritty consistency. However, I feel like the hydrogen peroxide base that this line is based upon, gives it a funky aftertaste after a few hours. It's hard to describe but I guess I would call it kind of peroxide-y. I don't think I would buy the full size of this tookthpaste, but I do like the idea behind the line and would be interested in buying other things from Proxi.
**I got this for free through Klout (no obligation to review, or talk about it what so ever).**


10. Burt's Bees Rejuvenating Lip Balm with Acai Berry
After the Chapstick Lipshield incident last month, I enlisted recommendations from my friends and a few people recommended Burt's Bees to me. I have used the traditional classic Burt's Bees in the past, but never these new non-minty ones, and I gotta say, I am hooked! I loved the smell of this one, as well as the smooth buttery consistency. This tube lasted me approximately a month and when I bought it it came with another Lip Balm in Mango, and was an excellent deal & combo if you ask me. I also found that with this lip balm I didn't need to reapply as often as I have had to with other brands, though perhaps I am a little biased after the insane amount I had to apply the Chapstick Lipshield? Either way, I approve of this, and would buy it again!


11. Fresh Moisturizing Body Wash
I got this for free from CVS when they had a coupon. Do note, however, if you get a coupon that is for "CVS brand body wash" this line does not count and such coupons cannot be used on this product, even though I would consider it a CVS brand body wash, but whatever, fine print nuances right? Anyway, for a free body wash I quite liked it. The smell was good, though I wouldn't say amazing. I would call it a cucumber kind of grassy smell, with occasional hints of green apple. Also, I think it smelled better lathered up than it does straight out of the bottle. The lather was good, and I have no reason to dislike this product. Buy it again? I think if I was on a tight budget I would, because the price is fantastic ($2.50ish), and the smell is fine. I just wouldn't buy it if I felt I could spend a few more dollars and get a scent that I love instead of just like.


12. Bed Head TIGI Headrush Shine Adrenaline with a Superfine Mist
Words cannot express my love of this product. The smell is amazing (and I was complimented for it on many occasions by persons of both sexes), and I love its results. I love shine sprays in general, and I love this one specifically because the mist is so fine. I think that because it is so fine, it allows you to use more shine spray without the risk of greasiness, and all the perks that you get a with shine spray. Buy again? When I have a budget that can justify the cost, yes! When I bought this bottle I managed to get it at half price so maybe if I way long enough I'll come across a good deal for it again!


13. Dove Hair Therapy Nourish Oil Care Anit-Frizz Serum
I had used the conditioner in this line in the past, so when I had a bunch of CVS extrabucks saved up I decided to buy this product because it was basically free due to my rewards $ (though only $8-9 normally), and I am so glad I did! I love the results! I don't care that it is hoping on the argan oil trend, and it is not Morrocan Oil brand, etc, and that it has silicones in it in addition to the argan oil: I love it. I can not deny that my hair likes silicone in moderation. I would use this on my wet hair after a shower, as well as a de-frizzing touch up on occasion, and always love it. I never had a greasiness problem, even when I used 3 or 4 pumps at a time. Buy it again? Yes! Just gonna try out some other argan oil based products first, because this one is amazing, and even for its small size, it lased quite a long time! I wanna say, 2 or 3 months?


14. L'Oreal Youth Code Serum Corrector
I like this product, and its results, but I am not hooked, or 100% convinced. I think that this did help my hard spots some what, but it was nothing miraculous, and the differences I saw could also be attributable to the passage of time, and a lack of sun exposure. I did like the texture, smell, and that I don't think it broke me out. Sometimes if this was paired with certain moisturizers in the morning, there could be a rolling/pealing problem, but I attribute that more to the moisturizers than just this serum, because this serum is nice and lightweight. The only think I dislike is that I can't see into the packaging and know when it is empty before nothing comes out. Buy it again? I think I might, but only after there is a deal going on. When I bought this one I think there was a cash back (CVS extra bucks) deal going on, and I had a coupon or two, so I think that is what made me bite the bullet to try this out since it does cost $25 full price (though it is often on sale I think).


15. & 16. L'Occitane Milk Concentrate Sample x 2
I liked this moisturizer, but I don't think I love it enough to buy the full size. I loved the playdoh/milky smell, and it was nice an moisturizing without being thick or greasy. It was a nice thing to take with me when I was traveling, and I wouldn't mind getting this as a gift or something.


17. & 18. Garnier Fructis Color Shield Shampoo & Conditioner
It's been a while since I used a Garnier Fructis shampoo and conditioner, and getting to use it (I got the sample through the Summer Target Beauty Bag) reminded me how much I love the smell of the products and the basic & reliable results. I didn't notice anything special about this set since I don't have colored hair, but the smell was great, and my hair felt clean and refreshed after I used it. Buy the full size? Not of the Color Shield line, but other lines, yes.


19. Supergoop! Spf 30+ City Sunscreen Serum
I like the idea of a sunscreen serum, but this serum didn't like me. While the Spf was great, I found that my skin was unusually sensitive a week after I used this, and I am pretty sure that it was this product that caused it. My eyelids became super sensitive, red, and peelly, aka, not a cute look! I have one more little packet of this because I got 2 of them in my July Birchbox, and I will try to use that one up too, and avoid my eye area, but I am not interested in buying the full size, and I am not sure I am interested in much more of the Supergoop! line other than maybe the lip product.


20. CVS Brand Premium Cotton Rounds
What can I say, these are cotton rounds. I liked them, they did all their jobs, they didn't shread during use, and they are way better than cotton balls. Buy again? Definitely, as well as other CVS brand cotton products.


21. Harvey Prince Eau Flirt Lavender Pumpkin Perfume Sample
I liked how it sounded on the product info, but the actual execution of the lavender and pumpkin together just does not work for me. I am picky about lavender to begin with, and adding pumpkin to it didn't help it here. I think that a pumpkin based perfume could smell really nice, but pairing it with lavender was not the way to go. Buy the full size? Nope. But was happy to try it out through my July Birchbox

**Referral Links used**

Gigundo Empties Post

I am SO proud of this empties post because it is so well rounded, and because I found a lot of things that I loved. Hope you enjoy! :)

1. Aveeno Skin Relief Body Wash
I used up this body wash because it was sitting around my parents house not being used since it used to be my sisters but she moved out and moved far away, never to return to use this body wash, haha. So, I figured I should give it a good home in my loofa and see whats up with it since my sister ALWAYS gets this body wash. The verdict? It's ok. I didn't notice anything spectacular about it moisturizing and soothing itchy skin, but I think that is because I don't really suffer from that problem like my sister does. It smells kinda funky, but I didn't hate it so much that if I did need to use this for itchiness reasons, I could deal with it. Would I buy it? Probably not, unless my sister convinced me I needed it for hypothetical dry skin of the future.

2. Revlon Colorstay Whipped Creme Makeup Sample in Nude.
I got this little sample at CVS when this makeup first came out. I always love a free sample, and have always wanted to try a Colorstay line foundation. While this sample was suuuper tiny and only really covered my cheeks (and just barely that, haha), I did find myself liking it. It didn't break me out, and I like the way it felt when I put it on. I didn't notice anything about my cheeks looking different later in the day than the rest of my face where I had used the Vitalumere Aqua, which is good! While this is a pricier drug store foundation, around $12 I think, I am considering buying it after I run out of my Chanel, because they felt so similar going on. I just hope I can get a good color match in the lighter shades below nude!

3. Kat Von D Autograph Liner in Love Metal
I honestly bought this in like 2008 or something, and because of that fact I think it is time to toss it. While it still applies nicely, it burns like I-don't-know-what if you get it in your eyes, which is probably due to its age. I am pretty sure it was this product that got me really into gunmetal as my favorite color, so it is bittersweet to see this go, especially since it is still about half full. Buy again? Perhaps if I really had a need for a colored liquid liner like this. I honestly have no idea how I used up as much as I did since I hardly wore it haha. Def love the Kat Von D line, and will be checking out more of her stuff in the future :)


4. Urban Decay Heavy Metal Glitter Liner in Distortion
Same story with this as the Kat Von D, though this one was purchased after the Kat Von D, just still ancient, haha. I love love LOVE the color and the way it applies, and I never really had much of a eye-burning problem with this liner as the other one, but sometimes it could get a little itchy in its old age. Buy again? I think I would if I could snag it at a bargain. While I never used it enough to really justify buying it again, I wouldn't mind having it again because I always found that it came in handy for costume events or a glitzy going out look. Hautelook I'm look at you to bring this back into my life! Haha.

5. Sun Bum Chapstick
So sad to see this go! You might remember my mini haul of this back when I was on vacation in December. I have been using it off and on since then, so that's probably why this lasted me so long. I LOVE this chapstick, and will definitely be buying it again when I get the chance! Whats not to love? The formula is light and greasy in a good way, it has 30+ SPF, so perfect for sun worshiping, it tastes and smells like juicy fruit... it has an awesome money head on the top of the cap; it really is perfection, haha. The only down side is that the label that goes around the tube gets easily scuffed up (but the monkey on the top is quite safe, secure, and un-scuffed, which is the important thing, obviously).

6. Pure Coconut Oil
I bought this giant thing last summer at a vitamin store and have never regretted the purchase. I love the stuff, and it has so many uses! My personal favorite use is to add a dollop to your bubble bath to turn it into a moisturizing bath! But it is also great for hair masks (though can be a little messy so be careful), and body moisturizing. Buy it again? I might if I come across a smaller container, because this thing just looked crazy on my counter, haha, but definitely will still be seeking out products that contain coconut oil.

7. Aveeno Positivey Smooth Shave Gel
I bought this slightly on a whim when I just wanted to try a new shave gel because I had gotten bored with all the other choices that are out there. For some reason the idea of it letting me shave less often just hooked me, and once I smelled it I was definitely sold; it smells kinda like play-doh in all the best ways :P I don't think it actually did anything to let me shave less often though. It did perform well in all its shaving gel duties, and it never stung, or gave me razor burn. I also love the packaging because its matte and just has a nice feel to it. It also has a rust proof bottom, which is definitely true because it never rusted even in the slightest during the time ti lived in my shower. Buy it again? Yep definitely, just gonna try out a fun summer scented one next I think.

8. Tresemme Heat Tamer Spray
It's the classic heat tamer spray. It does its job, it sprays nicely (though I always pour it in a small travel sprayer when I use it because I just find that is easier), and it smells nice. I have nothing too passionate to say about it either way though. This was my second bottle I have used up in my life so I think I am going to try out a new brand's heat protector next just to try something new, but this will always be a go to steady in my life. Plus its super cheap! Always a bonus!

9. Redkin Nature's Rescue Radient Sea Spray
I bought this back in Janurary after remembering that a Youtube guru I watch loved it last summer so I decided to give it ago. I do love the scent that it gives your hair, and I do think it can last quite a bit in your hair. My favorite is when I spray it in my hair after a shower before bed, and then when I ruffle my hair in the morning it smells super fresh. I do think it is pretty expensive for a product that is a hair perfume. It was fun while it lasted but I don't think I would ever buy it again. I would love getting it as a gift or something though. I wonder if I can dupe it with a cheaper body spray or something and just spray that in my hair? Suggestions? Comment below, haha. :P

10. ELF Makeup Mist & Set
I honestly can't remember why I bought this, but I remember being on a mission to get it at Target and felt very victorious when I got it, haha. I don't think it really makes your makeup last longer but it was great for what I used it for: to spray on after applying power to get ride of that "powdery" look since I tend to use too much power just to use up the powder on my Kill It Quest faster, haha. It has a strange smell but it doesn't last after it dries, so it's a whatever point. At $3 this is fabulous, and I love the size of it. Buy it again? Definitely will at that price, especially if I have more "powdery"ness issues in the future.

11. L'Oreal EverCreme Intense Nourishing Shampoo
I bought this with low expectations because I had heard mixed reviews about it on the internet but was feeling compelled to try it for myself, and I also needed a few dollars for a CVS bonusbuck deal if I recall and this was the perfect amount to reach the threshold, haha. I am glad I did it though because I learned that I quite like this shampoo. While it does have some derrivative sulfate-like ingredients, and you can tell by how it does lather up a bit, I do think it is better for your hair because it doesn't really strip it of much, but in a good way. Some people have complained that their hair didn't feel clean after using this, but I always shampooed twice, and didn't use the accompanying conditioner, so maybe that was a key to my success? It also has a nice kind of cinnamon-y smell. Buy it again? Yep, I think I would, just have other things to explore first.

12. Dove Nourishing Oil Care Daily Treatment Conditioner
When I bought this I wanted to try out the Dove Daily Treatment Conditioner, as well as their new Nourishing Oil line so when I saw that both things were put together in one product I was sold, and I loved every second of this conditioner! Firstly, I never knew Dove smelled this fantastic! Where has Dove been all my life!? No more wasting my time with Herbal Essences, the smell of Dove is just so divine in comparison! Secondly, I think this performed rather well! While my hair wasn't magically changed, I think it did improve my hair, and it was always a pleasant experience to use. Buy again? Definitely. I think I might try the non-nourishing oil version of the daily treatment, as well as just the Nourishing Oil line actual oil and see how that works for my hair. If that isn't as good, that I am definitely returning this baby!

13. Ojon Damage Reverse Restorative Conditioner
I was STOKED when I got this in my May Birchbox because I have been stalking this line for years at Sephora but just never had tried it til now. It always sounded like a product I would love, but I learned that I'm glad I didn't buy the full size all those times I considered it. The smell of this product is just something I can't work with. I can't even describe the scent, but I just know that I don't like it, and I don't care how magical the results might be. I used this twice (though really one and a half), because that's how many uses I could get out of it, and didn't notice any magical difference. I wouldn't doubt that maybe longer use of this product could convince me of its great ways, but the smell... I just wouldn't be able to get past it to use up a whole full sized bottle (kind of very similar to the issue I had with the equally hyped Joico conditioner I tried). Buy full sized? Obviously not.

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