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! :)

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.