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**

May, June, and July Empties

Other than the random empties I found during packing, here are all the empties from the last couple months that I was hoarding all together just for you guys! I think its a nice well rounded group sample products and a handful of full sized products, which now are allowing me to move on to bigger and better things! Woo hoo!

1. Lumene Sensitive Touch Eye Makeup Remover
I bought this one time because it was on sale and I had a coupon or something to that effect, and didn't have an eye makeup remover at the time. While getting through this product I had phases where I felt that maybe it was an excessive purchase because maybe eye makeup remover wasn't something I needed, but then when I finished it I found myself missing having an eye makeup remover! However, I was not missing this particular one. While this formula isn't a bi-phase one, and claims to be oil free, it has an oily texture, and is king at making my contacts cloudy after use. While, temporary, it still annoys me when products do that. Will I buy this again? Nope. Am I scared away from Lumene? Not yet! I would love to try out some other things, because this was super gentle, and the greasy feeling was its only true down fall!


2. L'Oreal Youth Code Foaming Gel Cleanser Sample
I like this product. I wouldn't say I loved it, but that's really only because its the kind of cleanser that doesn't have a bunch of frills and just does its job good and plainly. The smell might annoy some people though as it is cucumber-like, but it didn't bother me. I didn't notice it doing any "youth code" like things to my skin, but hey, it's a cleanser, that's more like serum territory. Buy full sized? Not sure yet, but it's on the list of future contenders.


3. Sensodyne ProNamel Travel Sized
This is my 3rd mini tube of this toothpaste and is one I actually bought, whereas the other two came from my dentist (see my first review here and second review here). I am pretty sure I will buy this full sized now, as it is truly a life saver after a night of citrus-y drinks that seem to love to make my teeth sensitive in the morning! Nothing worse than a hangover AND 4 toothaches at ones, boo! I did find that brushing my teeth like 4-6 times the day after pretty much cured the pain by the 2nd day. The only thing holding me back is the fact that the texture/flavor is kinda meh, but I guess since it's semi a hangover cure I can't be so picky, eh?


4. Essence of Beauty Shower Gel in Limited Edition Island Bliss
There were many things to love about this shower gel: the smell, the foam, the size, and the price! I got this on a whim when I was running low on shower gel and I stumbled upon this in the CVS clearance area for less than $2. Fabulous deal right? It's a fun fruity scent, which is perfect for summer! And I love that the size was big enough that it would last me a while, but also wasn't honkin' and aweful to use in the shower like some shower gels are! Buy again? Definitely in clearance, probably at full price, all depending on what smells are out! I love the Sunblossom scent... maybe I'll get that next!


5. Colgate Optic White
This toothpaste is fabulous, though slightly tooth sensitizing. It definitely whitens well, and I love how cheap it is! Buy again? Quite likely! Though I want to switch to a less harsh aka non-whitening toothpaste next.


6. Masque-ology Pore Minimizing Sheet Mask
I got this in my June Birchbox, and was just thrilled because I've always want to try out a sheet mask! I found this mask to be super wet and drippy though, which could be a good thing I suppose? It was messy to apply though, but once on my face and once I was laying down relaxing it wasn't too terrible. I didn't notice crazy pore minimizing, but I do think it did help calm my face down before a big date of mine where I was suffering from some breakouts (totally not cute!). Buy my own set? Hmmm, not sure, this brand is expensive apparently. I am open to trying more sheet masks out though because people seem to love them so much, I just hope they aren't all gloopy like this one was!


7. Pantene Fine Conditioner Sample
I think I got this in the Target Spring Beauty Bag (so glad I discovered those gems!). This conditioner is fine, though nothing magical or spectacular. I don't think I'd be running to get it full sized any time soon unless I was on a SUPER tight budget, but I do think I would buy it for like travel or something because it's always easy to find in the travel size, and it does do its job as a general conditioner. Perhaps I would be more wowed by their conditioner targeted more at my hair type?


8. Neutrogena Visible Bright Daily Facial Cleanser Sample
From the first time I saw this product on a Target shelf it spoke to me and I was dying to buy it full sized ever since! I couldn't justify it though because of the large amount of sample sized cleansers I have seemed to have managed to collect. When I saw that The Target Spring Beauty Bag had it, I was on a mission to snag myself one! Turns out it didn't disappoint me! The smell is great, the results are great, and I love it's weird almost glittery texture! The shimmer doesn't stay on your face though from what I could tell, but some how the fact that I know its in there just makes me feel like my face looks brighter! Even if it isn't actually any brighter, making me feel like it is is step one! Buy full sized? Yes! My number one choice right now, just have more samples to get through, argh!


9. Caudalie Vinotherapie Hand and Nail Cream Sample
I received this in my May Birchbox and was excited to use it because I had just run out of hand cream at the time. I found myself loving the smell (reminds me of Pez!) and it's texture. It never left my hands feeling greasy or under moisturized. I think it is supposed to help with the look of ageing on your hands, but I didn't notice a huge difference like that other than how moisturizing always makes your hands look better. Extra perk? This was the best purse sized hand cream ever! haha, thanks BB! Buy full sized? When I have a lifestyle that justifies $19 hand cream, definitely. But for now, I will just have to hold on to my fond memories and hope for a freak gift of it from someone! Haha. Shhh a girl can dream!


10. Nivea Extended Moisture Daily Lotion Sample
I didn't like this. It left my legs feeling greasy after use, even though it moisturized just fine. I wouldn't buy the full size because I know for a fact that I love other Nivea brand moisturizers better.


11. & 12. Tresemme Split Remedy Shampoo and Conditioner
I managed to get a hold of two sets of this Shampoo and Conditioner some how, but having use the first set, I am not wowed. It works ok as Shampoo and Conditioner, and it makes my hair feel like its a little smoother and less frizzy, but I don't think it does what it claims for split ends, though perhaps I'll change my mind after the second set. At this point I wouldn't get the full size, but I would still consider the other products in the Tresemme Split Remedy line.


13. Too Faced Shadow Insurance
Finishing this product is like the end of the era! The purchase of this product basically marked my ascension in to the beauty world of beauty products, youtube, and blogs, and was the first product I really bought based on guru reviews, and I am so glad I did. This product made me love eyeshadow again and it never let me down. I will say that I got annoyed when halfway though its life the back end split so I had to tape it shut and hope it wouldn't dry out, but other wise it was fine (though I think it was a little thicker/dryer towards the end of its life than when it started). This baby lasted me for practically a year and a half! Definitely worth the investment, especially given the fact that I probably used this at least 5 days out of the week! Buy again? Maybe if other brads disappoint me in the future, but I am ready to try other things out there, especially since I know this will always be there for me.


14. L'oreal Paris Magic Lumi Light Infusing Primer Sample
At first I thought I was going to hate this because it is like a pure shimmer primer, but I found myself loving it under my foundation! I think it did work decently as a primer, thought I will admit I didn't notice anything spectacular staying power wise. But my favorite part was how it made my foundation brighter without being obvious, and I also like it's texture. Buy the full size? I am really considering it! My only debates is whether it is worth the investment since it is kinda pricey for something I wouldn't say I "need."


15. Revlon Colorburst Lip Butter in Peach Parfait Sample
Can I just say, I don't understand the hype? I did like the texture and application of this, and the color over all, but are all the other colors secretly glittery like this one? Because if they are I am not interested! I just felt stupid with this on because the glitters were so obvious, though the peach tone was pretty perfect for me! Buy full sized? I don't know. I'll have to scrutinize them in the drug store to see if there are colors I might like that don't have shimmer. But honestly, I am more interested in some of the other new lip products than this one, and, besides, I don't need another lipstick! I need to use up more of the ones I have first! Haha.


16. Neutrogena Deep Clean Long Last Shine Control Blotting Sheets
I'm glad there is more competition in blotting sheet land these days (I'm looking at you Clean and Clear, did you're patent expire or something? Because these look and feel identical...). But, I wasn't wowed by these. They act and feel like just regular blotting sheets, when I was expecting them to be different some how from the stereotypical Clean and Clear ones. Like others I have tried, I found myself oftentimes using two sheets at a time because one was just not cutting it. I blame Shiseido for giving me high expectations, haha. Buy these again? I might just because of the price, but likely I'll just buy whatever is the cheapest when I go buy new ones, as I can not justify the Shiseido price so I much toil on with sub-par blotting sheets haha.


17. Cover Girl Trublend Micromineral Finishing Veil
This is part of my Kill It! quest. See my review there!

18. Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant Sample
I got this in my February Birchbox, and I have a love hate relationship with this. I love that it is a powder, I love how it makes my skin smooth, and I also strangely love it's baking powder smell. What don't I love? I'm convinced it was breaking me out! Which, obviously is counter productive for a daily facial product aimed at reducing scars, etc. Buy the full size? Not right quick I'm not... it's quite expensive, and I don't want to run the risk of break outs! Maybe when/if my skin changes. I loved getting it as a Birchbox item though! Trying out this kind of product is why I joined BB!


19. Fusion Beauty Lip Fusion
Love love love this lip balm! I got it in my May 2012 and I loooved every second of it's use! I love the weird cirtus/natural mint smell it had going on and the results were fantastic! My lips were nice and moisturized and I didn't feel compelled to use it every hour on the hour like other lip balms! This lip balm is going to ruin my lip balm expectations forever haha. This full sized balm lasted me a month with obsessive use, haha, which is fantastic and almost makes me want to justify the $22 price tag. Also, I love it's heavy metal twist bottom packaging. Did I mention that I loved this lip balm? Buy it again? Yes! My Birchbox points can't add up fast enough!


20. Chapstick LipShield 365
++At the outset I must mention: I received this product via my participation with Influencer for product testing and review. I had no obligations to review this however, and no obligations to review it positively, which will be obvious in a moment++
So this unfortunate chap stick had to follow my Fusion Beauty Lip Fusion experience, but even without that, there would have been nothing to resurrect this chap stick's suckiness. They don't lie about the SPF 50+, this will give you a gross and obvious white caste, which will be accompanied by a gross greasy look and feeling, along with terrible emphasis of any chap-ness on your lips as this stuff loves to stick on ever little flake you have and didn't even know you had! It's one perk? This whole tube only lasted me 2 weeks! Thank god! Buy my own? Never! And so glad this one was free! Don't waste your money unless all you need is the SPF 50+


21. Wen by Chaz Dean Sweet Almond Mint Cleansing Conditioner
I received this through MyGlam back when I was subscribed (it was in the January bag I think?). At first I wasn't thrill at the idea, but I used it just to use it and I found myself a little surprised. I did like the results it gave me: my hair felt cleaner without feeling striped, and I swear my natural curls were cuter and more manageable even without products. The only down side is that my arms would get tired when I massaged it into my head. Buy full sized? I'd consider it if it wasn't so pricey and wasn't so annoying to procure, otherwise, I don't think this is for me.


22. & 23. Clear Scalp & Hair Therapy Total Care Shampoo and Conditioner
One, I love that Heidi Klum is Clear's spokes person, haha. Two, I love that these came out in decent trial sizes given that it is a totally new brand from what I can tell. Three, the product is actually quite nice. It is kinda like Selson Blue meats Herbal Essences. You can definitely tell that it is a product aimed at scalp health by the smell, but it does have enough ingredients and results that keep your hair shiney and normal despite it's aim (I always found products like Selson Blue making my hair weird even if it does help dandruff). Buy the full sized? Hmm, not totally convinced, but I did like the clean healthy feeling. I'm going to keep an eye out on them at the store and see how the brand evolves. Maybe they will have something with more hair care properties to make it more Herbal Essences while still helping the scalp.

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.

The Great Product Massacre!

Talk about spring cleaning right!? I am so proud of myself! :) (Plus I am excited to be allowed to buy some new things, yippie!)

1. Curel Daily Moisture Original Lotion for Dry Skin
I originally bought this specifically for my trip to Florida this past winter so I could moisturize after tanning but also not have to bring a huge bottle of lotion with me on my trip. I really liked it as a moisturizer. The smell left something to be desired, but in some respects I liked that the smell was kinda eh because it didn't last very long so it didn't ever compete with my perfume or anything. Will I buy it again? Quite possibly I will for another trip or something. Until then I am going to try out some more brands (Nivea lotion maybe?)


2. Revlon Calcium Gel Nail Hardener
This baby lasted me forEVER! I am pretty sure that I have had it since the summer of 2010, maybe before then? It was a decent base coat, and I think it might have helped my nails to harden. At the very least it served the job as a base coat to protect my sensitive nails from my colored polish because colored polish tends to dry out and cause my nails to separate (not cute I know! But whatcha gonna do eh?). I may buy it again some day, but I am going to try out another brand next just for the fun of it (maybe an Essie one? Or that Sally Hansen one people like?)


3. Kate Spade Twirl Body Cream
This came with my beloved perfume. I liked it as a lotion ok, but I would say that it does smell a little different than the perfume itself. I did like the different smell but the lotion was kinda eh when it came to moisturizing. I am pretty sure I would never buy this on its own because I reckon that it is probably way to pricey to justify the purchase when I already have the perfume, but if I got is as a gift, I would definitely use it and enjoy it.


4. Sephora Sample: Too Faced Shadow Insurance Lemon Drop Color Correcting Eye Shadow Primer
I loved the idea of this because I have red vein-y eyes, but the color just didn't work for my skin tone I don't think. Just way too yellow that it would look funny and kinda like white cast-ed on my brow bone. Also, and maybe this had to do with the age of the product the sample was taken from, this was a lot thicker than the regular Too Faced Shadow Insurance that I have and love. I am pretty sure that I wouldn't ever buy this, but I do like the concept so would consider buying a different brand/version of a color correcting eye primer.


5. Neutrogena Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover
It may be oil free technically but whatever the top layer of this biphase product is does leave a residue like a oil based product would. It was fine for removing makeup, but the residue issue coupled with it also making my eyes sting plus the fact that I don't really ever need eye makeup remover except on the rare occasion in the year where I wear eyeliner... this all just points to it being a purchase I don't need to make, and won't be something I need to replace any time soon. I am currently using some make up wipes that I am enjoying using whenever I feel the need to remove my makeup before cleansing (which is rare for me). The thing did last me forever though, years and years, because I never needed to use it much haha.


6. Maybelline Wet Shine Lipstick in Crystal Clear
Talk about a blast from the past, this was my first lipstick product (though it applies like a gloss) outside of makeup for theater performances for school. I remember the day my mom brought this home and told me she thought I might find it fun to use as a kind of first step into makeup. Thanks mommy! :) I am pretty sure this product doesn't exist anymore (but there are similar products out there, just check for the clear gloss edition of your favorite lipstick line, a lot of drug store lines have it I think), but even if it did I don't think I would buy it. It wasn't a hardship to use up because it went fast and I just treated it like a lip balm. I am stoked to finish another lip product! Woo hoo go me! I did like the finish it gave though because if you built it up a little it had this nice shimmery sheen on top of the glossiness. I wouldn't buy it again but I would totally buy it as a first makeup product when I have kids :)


7. Wet n Wild Single Eyeshadow in Brulee
Check it out, I used up an eyeshadow! Granted, I did cheat a little because it smashed when I was traveling recently which I didn't realize until I opened it, this causing a hilarious incident of it flying everywhere and into the wet hotel sink, causing most of the crumbs to not be reclaimable. But, I think it is ok because before this incident I would say that I had used up like 75% of the product legitimately and would have actually finished it up. I loved using this as a brow bone highlight because I like matte highlights over shimmery. Will I buy it again? Definitely, especially since it is only $2. Will I run out to buy it? Not yet because I wanna use up more shadows and I like the encouragement of getting one out of my collection even if I might buy it again in a few years. Next I am going to try to make a dent in a shimmery highlight I have but never use. Perhaps I can learn to like it, or at least find a way to make it work for me.


8. PYT Argan Oil Oil Treatment
This was one of those samples that a dude in the mall at a hair straightener cart shoved in my hands and I didn't really want it. I wasn't even going to keep it, but I figured, why not try it. It's one time use, and if it sucks I'll just make sure its a time when I can re-shower to get it out if I have to. The smell was kinda nice, but I didn't notice anything miraculous after use. I have used other oils before and liked the results way more. I am also kinda glad that I didn't like it because I wouldn't want to have to deal with buying it cuz I would have to deal with mall cart business approaches, and me being susceptible to sales associate's pitches if I like the underlying product, I probably would have bought some other things I didn't need. I think just pure argan oil works way better than this which has other stuff in it to.


9. Tretinoin Cream
There should be a national dermatologist recognition day because ever since I went to one and asked for a product for my acne, this product has totally changed my skin! Granted, I still get pimples, mostly at a certain time of the month, but this has greatly reduced them, and made my skin softer. Thanks mom for making me ask about it, because it was actually really easy to get! All I said to the dermatologist was "my mom said that when she was young her dermatologist gave her some face cream that she said amazingly got rid of her acne... do you have anything like that?" and then he prescribed this baby right here. Obviously it hasn't cured me yet, but I think that is also because I think my mom had less acne as a kid that I do. I will definitely be buying ever tube under my prescription and use every last drop! Maybe if I am lucky, after the prescription expires and I use up all my tubes (I think I get 6 total, so 5 left now) I won't need a new prescription because I'll be mostly cured? *crosses fingers* :)


10. Sensodyne Pronamel Tootepaste - Travel Sized
My dentist gave me two little tubes of this when I complained that my teeth were a little sensitive after using a whitening toothpaste. I used this when I was between toothpastes recently, and I quite liked it. It kinda of foamed less and the mint was different in a good way. I also liked that it wasn't gritty at all, more just creamy. I thought I would hate that, but I actually quite like it. Would I buy the full size? Not quite sure yet, but I still have the second tube of this, so after that one I think I might know for sure if I wanna buy the full size. However, after I use up my current toothpaste I wanna try Theodent because it just looks and sounds awesome! Have any of you tried Theodent yet?


11. Target Brand Bamboo Lotus Fragranced Soy Candle
I loved the smell of this, so fresh but also flowery. I liked the way it burned, but I can't decide if it gave me slight headaches or not (sometimes candles do that to me). The price was good if I can recall ($5 maybe?) and when one thinks of how expensive candles can be (heres looking at you Bath and Body Works, and Yankee candle) which I usually find to be ridiculous for what candles are, I think this candle range is just my style (well other than the 2 voodoo candles that I got in New Orleans last year... :) )


12. L'Oreal Go 360 Clean Deep Facial Cleanser for Sensitive Skin
I will not deny that I loved this when I first got it. I thought it was almost god like compared the cleanser I had been using before, which I used to love, but as my skin has gotten dryer recently (probably from my retinol cream), that old standby love of  cleanser was just to harsh for me now. However, since first getting this and while working through it, I have been able to try a few other cream cleansers and I have found that I think I like those better because this one can still be a little drying since it does have sulfates in it. I do love the scrubby thing and will definitely keeping that! I don't think I would try out other cleansers in this line, if only because none of those are creamy and probably will be too sulfate-y for me, but I do like the line generally and would recommend it generally. Plus it did last me for a good long time despite some product lose due to the way the bottle is designed. I think it lasted me about 2.5 months?


13. Boscia Peppermint Blotting Linens
Check it out! I used up a makeup product! I thought this sucker would never end! 100 sheets amazingly last a really long time because I swear I have been using these almost everyday since sometime this summer and it took me months and months and months to get through these. I think they are awesome as a product, I love the peppermint smell, and how it is kinda refreshing on the skin. I never had anything to complain about when it came to its blotting power, it always did want I wanted it to do. I also think this is a great value of a product because I think I got this on sale for $5 instead of the usual $10, and even at $10 I think it is a good deal. Keep an eye out on sephora for a sale on these linens, because usually at least one version of them (but not always the peppermint ones necessarily) are usually on sale at the $5 price. Also, checking my purchase history on Sephora, these lasted me a really long time because I bought them in November of 2010! It wasn't until recently that I started using them everyday (mostly to inspire my using up of my make up products generally), so if you are a casual blotting paper user, then this is even more of a good deal! Especially when you consider that they are around the same price by sheet count (if not maybe cheaper?) than the Clean and Clear sheets that I have tried before but didn't like because they are so plastic-y rather than tissue-y like these are. Will I buy again? Definitely, just have to use up a pack of blotting sheets from a different brand first :)


14. Up & UP (Target) Brand Moisturizing Hand Soap in Milk and Honey
I love me some Target brand! However I didn't think this was very moisturizing. I did like the smell but I wasn't crazy about it, so only bought it for the moisturizing quality. Won't repurchase this exact soap, but I will try another from the Target brand, will just be sure that I buy my next one for the smell since I don't think I am going to find moisture in these soaps (if I want a moisturizing one I think I will turn to Bath and Body Works because I recall trying one of their moisturizing ones and not being disappointed, but I am on a budget this year, so will stick to cheaper ones until I can justify BBW prices for hand soap, haha).

Updated Opinion: L'Oreal 24 Hour Infallible Eye Shadow

You have probably seen my previous post about the L'Oreal 24 Hour Infallible Eye Shadow because it is currently my most viewed post here! (thanks guys :) )

That being said, my opinions about this product has changed so I think it deserves another post. Generally, I still believe what I said in the previous post, along with everything else I noted in my Maybelline Tough as Taupe post where I also discuss my new opinion on the L'Oreal Shadow. So here is what I didn't mention in that post: I actually went and returned the L'Oreal shadows (I purchased them at CVS and CVS pretty much is as nice about returns as Sephora, at least they have been whenever I have returned things), and here are my reasons why:

1. I felt guilty for breaking my Kill It Quest vow for TWO products.
2. The L'Oreal matte shade, no matter how I played with it, just didn't work for me because of its yellow tones to it. Even though Wet 'N' Wild Brule isn't a cream shadow, it does way more for me than the L'Oreal Endless Pearl did. I wanted Endless Pearl to be basically a creamy fast version of Brule that I could put on and run out the door, but it just wouldn't let me do that, haha.
3. The L'Oreal shimmer shade, Iced Latte, was a duplicative color in my collection, and after a week or so I decided that I couldn't really justify that given my resolutions, plus the fact that I have neglected my Stila Kitten for quite some time that I didn't think it was smart. If I haven't been using Kitten, why would I expect that I would use Iced Latte enough to justify its purchase?
4. After feeling what a cream shadow could feel like with the Maybelline Tough as Taupe and having my eyes opened to what I preferred, I realized that the powdery nature of the L'Oreal wasn't really something I was looking for.
5. The little presser thing annoyed me.
6. The L'Oreal shades are more suited to be used as a main eyeshadow color, something I don't need more of yet, rather than a base color, something that I have been looking for.

MORAL OF THE STORY: Yep your receipts girls, and check your return policies. No reason to send a product through a Kill It Quest or Project Pan in the future when you can return it and get your money back. Who cares about getting your monies worth out of a product you are kind eh about, when you can just get that money back and get something you like more! :)

L'Oreal 24 Hour Infallible Eye Shadow

L'Oreal 24 Hour Infallible Eye Shadow!!

I don't know about you guys but I have been DYING for the drugstore brands to kick their cream shadows up a notch when it comes to choice and quality. I know of a few drug store cream shadows but I have never heard many amazing things about them from bloggers and gurus who seem the most like me.

I vaguely recall hearing about this product a while back but never saw it around because I think it only was released in the US fairly recently. Needless to say, when I saw this product at CVS I had to buy it despite my Kill It Quest because I didn't know if I would ever stumble upon them again! Haha. I'm going to justify the purchase with the fact that I don't own any cream eye shadows and I was looking for something to replace Wet 'N Wild Brule for when I kill it totally soon.

I for one am stoked that it was L'oreal that decided to take the first real plunge into higher quality cream shadows. I haven't used may of their products myself, but I always hear good things and I have always meant to try them out as they always seemed high quality drug store to me.

The colors that I chose were 888 Iced Latte, a champagne shimmery shade, and 899 Endless Pearl, a matte beige shade. First I will say that the name "Endless Pearl" is misleading because it acts like a matte shade for me so I dunno why it has the word "Pearl" in it, when that makes me think of shimmer, but maybe that is just me? Also, if you stumble upon the display for this product you will notice that these are basically the 2 most neutral shades as a lot of them are quite bold.

REVIEW: I found that these cream shadows were dryer and more powdery than I expected, especially when compared to something like Make Up Forever Aqua Creams, but I don't think that it affects the performance of the product. I actually think that allows one to use less product when applying because it makes it harder to pick up too much.

I found that the Endless Pearl shade to be quite similar to Wet 'N Wild's Brule but more of a yellow undertone while Brule has a warmer pink undertone.

Iced Latte is like a true champagne color without being that cliche "pinky peach" color. It makes Stila Kitten look really peach and orange in comparison and makes Sephora Peach Beige look almost silvery and pink. Despite all three colors being quite similar and in the same champagne family, there is some noticeable different when put side by side. Also, the shimmer in Iced Latte is quite fine and subtle whereas Kitten has a strong shimmer quality that makes it feel like it is a larger shimmer but still not at the level of glitter. When compared to Sephora Peach Beige which is also a fine shimmer, some how Iced Latte is subtler, almost as if  the shimmer is less dense but in a good way because sometimes over application of Peach Beige can start to look foil-y by accident.

The way I like to apply these is not much different from my go to neutral look of Brule all over, and Peach Beige on the lid (and recently I have been adding the silver shade in my Kat Von D Palette to taupe-a-fy it! It's a new love). I used Too Faced Shadow Insurance as a primer, applied Endless Pearl all over, and concentrated Iced Latte only on the lid. I think the yellow-ness of Endless Pearl is going to take some time to adjust to and work with since I have more of a warm undertone, but definitely will be enjoying Iced Latte because it looks so nice and I think it will be an easy swipe-and-go color for class next semester.

SIDE NOTE: I am so proud of my pans in Brule and Peach Beige! Peach Beige took a conscious 1.5 month effort to make that pan this fall that I actually wore it to work every day in October and November! Hitting pan on Peach Beige almost allows me to justify the purchase of Iced Latte! Haha

What about you guys? Have you been able to find this product? What do you think of it? Any other colors you recommend? Comment below :)