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**

Spring Cleaning III (12 Empties!)

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

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

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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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

Steals and Deals: Half Off Hair Haul!

Add caption

Hye guys, I know I am on a no buy, and I especially don't need more hair styling products, but this hauling opportunity was something I just couldn't miss! Plus, I am going to keep this stuff under my sink and only use them after I use up more hair products, like, my current shampoo is almost done so since I don't have any other shampoos I'll use the Rockaholic Shampoo next, etc.

The source of my splendor? My local Trade Secrets was going out of business, which is bitter sweet since I won't have a close Trade Secrets anymore (but there is an Ulta like 20mins away so that isn't terrible), but because they were closing, pretty much everything in the store was 50%! Ridiculous right? I thought so to! Because of this amazing unexpected deal i decided that now was the time to try out a bunch of products I have always want to try, and because even the trial/travel sizes were 50% I figured now was the time. I managed to get everything here for the price I would have paid for pretty much just the Bed Head Headrush and the Big Sexy Hair Backcomb in a Bottle by themselves. CRAZY deal I know :) Here is a list of the full names of everything if you are interested:

Rockaholic Living the Dream Sulfate Free Shampoo + Energy
Bed Head Headrush Shine Adrenaline with a Superfine Mist
Big Sexy Hair What  tease Backcomb in a Bottle
Joico K-Pak Reconstruct Deep-Penetrating Reconstructor
Paul Mitchell Smoothing Super Skinny Serum
It's a 10 Miracle Leave in Product
Big Sexy Hair Powder Play Volumizing and Texturizing Powder
Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat