Pre-Vacation Empties

Well I'm off for vacation for 3 weeks, so I thought I would do an empties post before I left!

1. L'Occitane Brightening Instant Exfoliator
I quite liked this sample scrub! It has a nice smaller granual scrub feeling to it, which is how I prefer my scrubs, rather than big chunky scrubbers, and I liked the flowery smell too. The L'Occitane Brightening line really has me intrigued, as I would love to lighten a patch of acne scars on my left cheek! I wonder if this scrub, with long term use would make a difference... but at $36, I'm gonna have to wait til after I get a job!

2. Yes to Tomatos Clear Skin Daily Balancing Moisturizer
1. I love the smell, it's like cinnamon/snickerdoodle cookies. 2. I love the packaging, it's an airless pump. 3. I like the results, it's just what you need from a no super frills moisturizer, while still keeping acne prone skin in mind! And at $15, I definitely see myself buying this again!

3. Mario Badescu Collagen Moisturizer
This moisturizer was nice. I liked that it had SPF, and I liked how it absorbed into the skin. It felt like a good all around light moisturizer because it never felt heavy, but I always felt hydrated enough. Would I buy it full size though? I'm not sure. It starts at $22 and I'm not sure I love it enough to spend that much on a general all around moisturizer. Maybe if it was targeted at correcting something? Or if I found it to be amazing during the winter? I'd love to sample this again in the winter.

4. Mario Badescu Drying Cream
I actually didn't use all of this up, it dried out because the lid cracked when I closed it too hard/too much (something that had a tenancy of happening with all my Mario Badescu samples). It smelled strongly of sulfer, and I wasn't thrilled with the results. I felt like it over dried. It did have one perk of concealing blemishes quite a bit because it was so opaque and thick. Buy full size? Nope, too expensive for something I don't really need.

5. Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua Ultra-Light Skin Perfecting Makeup
Check out my post entirely dedicated to this makeup: here!

6. Essie Disappearing Trick
This is a cuticle remover gel that I would use prior to pushing up my cuticles. I first heard about it on the Youtube, and was intrigued because I always would just push my cuticles up dry - no lotion, nothing. I liked the results, but I feel like it might be a little unnecessary if I have hand creams that might make a good substitute. I haven't done a manicure without this product yet, so maybe my opinion will change and I will realize how much I loved it after I don't have it anymore, but currently I am not running out the door to re-buy it. I am interested in trying out other cuticle creams, etc.

7. Boscia White Mask Sample
I love Sephora samples. This sample was filled to the brim which let me have enough to cover my entire face! Score! Additionally, I found that I loved this mask! It is a peel off mask and unlike the drug store peel off mask I have, this one peels of cleanly, and the small pieces that don't aren't a pain to remove like the drug store one is! Buy full size? I am really tempted to! I am going to get a sample of the black mask and see how I feel about the two. Though, given Boscia's prices, I might not be able to justify the price until after I use up the face masks I currently have, even if they are drug store, and even if the Bosica ones are better for brightening, etc.

8. L'Occitane Hibiscus Flower Ultra Rich Body Cream Sample
Can I just say, that I learned I like the scent of Hibiscus flowers because of this sample? Divine! Combined with the shea butter/ play doh smell that is L'Occitane's Ultra Rich Body Cream scent, the results are heavenly. Like the regular Ultra Rich, this one moisturizes quite nicely and doesn't leave you greasy, or wanting more. Will I buy the full size? Maybe when I have a job and can justify an expensive moisturizer, but until then I can pine, and hope it shows up as a gift this winter!

9. Softsoap Coconut & Warm Ginger Hand Soap
If I recall correctly, I wanna say I got a fabulous deal on this, like BOGO free at CVS fabulous, but I'm not 100% certain. Either way, this is a nice hand soap! I like that the ginger wasn't dominant or overpowering; the scent was more like a coconut soap with the edge cut off by the slight ginger hints. The one thing it doesn't have going for it is moisturization, but it also doesn't claim to do so. I find that I need moisturizing soaps, and this soap proved to be no exception. I enjoyed it while I had it, but won't die if I never buy it again. Would definitely consider buying again if I had a need to a non-moisturizing soap because the scent is quite nice!

10. L'Occitane Ultra Rich Cream
This stuff is beautiful. It smells nice and relaxing, and the moisturization is amazing. I would buy it in a heart beat if it weren't so freakin' expensive! Until I can justify an extravagant lifestyle, I will just have to mope and hope!

11. Yes to Blueberries Age Refresh Brightening Facial Towelettes
I got the travel size of this product in my April birchbox and reviewed it then. I still love the smell, and it's still true that you need to store them upside down. However, unless you actually use them everyday, even storing upside down will not keep them moist when you use them less than a few times a week. When I first bought these, I used them consistently, then I great bored, or my skin became a little sensitive, or something, because I stopped using this pack. Then, when I moved home after law school I decided I needed to use them up because I accrued a bunch of various Klout Perk face wipes that needed to be used, and these Yes to Blueberries wipes were hogging the sink space. When I started up using these again consistently, I found the towelettes to be dry and unfulfilling. Will I buy these again? I am not sure. I think I might not be a wipe person, despite my continued attempts to like them. They weren't terrible, so I wouldn't be against buying a travel size again if I needed them for travel, because the scent is so nice an refreshing. But I don't "need" them, and I didn't notice anything amazingly brightening about them.

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**

Mid-July Empties

1. Dial Naturals Hand Soap in Tangerine & Guava
Words cannot describe how amazing this smells! It is the perfect summer fruity smell, I LOVE it! I am considering buying the body wash form when I am in the market for body wash! Buy this again? Heck yes I am! I love it!


2. Gillette Satin Care with a Touch of Olay Shave Gel with Shea Butter
Meh. Can I for one say that I think it is weird that this product comes out blue? When I first used it I thought "wait... it's blue... is Gillette sure they teamed up with Olay, because it seems like the teamed up with Dawn!" because it even kinda smells kitchen soapy! Haha. But, all in all, this shave gel is ok. I did feel like it moisturized but it was amazing or anything. Something about the blue-ness makes me hesitate though. I don't think I will buy this again, if only because I think I like the texture of shave lotions rather than shave gels. The bottle did seem to last for a really long time and it's cheap! So I am resort to this product again if I find myself in super budget land.


3. Biore Deep Cleansing Pore Strips Ultra
These are a great staple, and what girl doesn't love a good pore stripe or face mask right? I love the whole pore stripe concept, and probably would love these like I used to, but having used the Boscia Pore Purifying Black Strips last year and LOVING those, it's hard to go back to the drugstore version. I do love the new Biore rewards system though! (I know, I'm such a sucker for coupons, rewards, and freebies!). Buy again? Quite likely since the Boscia ones are SO expensive and I can't justify it right now. Plus, hello rewards points!

4. & 5. Tresenne Split Remedy Shampoo & Conditioner.
See my review of this product in my previous empties post here as my opinion hasn't really changed with further use.

6. Sephora Brand Snag-Free Hair Elastics
I love these. I love the matchbook packaging (though would be awesome if it was half sized). I love the black color. All around fabulous! Re-buy? Definitely! Any time soon? Perhaps. But might try out the drugstore Goody Brand ones just to see how they compare because I imagine they are super similar and the you get way more of them in the Goody package. However I LOVE that the Sephora ones are only $3.50! A STEAL right? :P


7. Bodycology Wild Poppy Nourishing Body Cream Sample
I got this sample for free via the Bodycology facebook page and I am so happy I did! I LOVE this new scent! Someone take me to a Target now, I want this in my life! I am staring down my full Nivea lotion because that is what is preventing me from running out and buying this body cream right now! Haha. Added bonus, the sample came with a coupon too!


8. Aveeno Smart Essentials Daily Detoxifying Scrub
I liked this but I wouldn't say it is anything special. The texture kind reminded me of the Garnier Nutritioniste Nutri-Pure Daily Exfoliating Gel Cleanser of my past, but otherwise I am not dying because this product is out of my life. I like the idea of a daily scrub though. I've been using a lot of gel and cream cleansers without scrubs recently, and I think I need a little more scrub in my life! haha. Considering trying out the other Aveeno daily scrub for brightening though!


9. Simple Refreshing Facial Wash Gel

To bad I didn't get this sample sooner, I could have included it in my Simple Skincare Overview Post. I got this sample a while ago when CVS was giving them out for free when Simple first launched in the US. I found myself quite enjoying this simple (har har) wash. It really is a no frills gel wash, but that is what I liked about it. I imagine my feeling is kinda like why people like cetaphil. It just is what it is, and nothing more, and that's all we really want from it. It washed without drying, and it never stung or anything. Buy again? Perhaps. Though I am not interested in trying out their Moisturizing face wash because it might be just the kind of thing I'll love even more! Anyone try that one yet? What about the scrub? (Maybe I need to just buy every product! haha. I feel like I've reviewed about half of them by now!)

10. Comodynes Urban Cosmetics Self-Tanning Intensive & Uniform Color Towelette

I got this (along with a second one that I have not used yet) in my June birchbox and was excited to try it because I've never used a tanning towelette before. I gotta say, I really like the concept of it! The only thing holding me back from loving it is the fact that it had that faux-tan smell the next day, and I did have one issue of blotchiness but I do think that that was my own dang fault, haha. I found this to be super even, and it did actually last a good long time! Even as it was fading I didn't have issues with streaking or anything. The blotch that I had was from washing my hands after application and I think I had dripped some water on my leg or something. Also, I love that it said to moisturized before application because I really think that is what happened it too look so great and natural on me! The one toweltte covered both of my legs evenly. At first glance I thought one leg tanned less than the other, but once it fully set they were exactly the same! I totally understand the hype of these now! I would love if this brand made a less "intensive" version. Then I would want to do my whole body!

11. Mario Badescu Skin Care Drying Mask Sample

I quite liked this mask! I loved the weird drying feeling it has after you wash it off. I smells weird though so definitely not something for prior to date night, etc. Buy the full size? Not sure given the price. Loved the sample though! Mario Badescu is awesome about samples. I got six for free just for filling out a survey thing. You should try it out!

12. Mario Badescu Skin Care Strawberry Face Scrub

LOVED! This scrub! I loved that it wasn't that scrubby. All that makes it scrubby is strawberry seeds which is a nice light scrubbing feeling. The smell is amazing too. I think I really will buy this in the full size! Or maybe try out the Kiwi one!