Empties #3 March 2015

          I have become slightly obsessed with using up products, it is just so satisfying! I have been going through all my beauty and bath items pretty much every day I do not work and picking new items to focus on. So let's get into it:

          I used up quite a few bath items and I was sad to see a few of them go.

Balneotherapy Bath Salts in Be Flexible from Faith Aromatherapy 

          I used a discount code from Ipsy to buy this and something else but I cant remember what. I do remember that whatever it was leaked all over the box and it was a huge mess. When I emailed the company I got no response. I did like the bath salts, they were great to add to the bath after to gym to help relieve sore, tight muscles. I will not be repurchasing because they were not any more impressive than what I could buy at the drug store and I have zero confidence they could get to me safely. 

Ultra-Softening Bath Salts by Village Naturals in White Tea and Jasmine

          This scent is amazing, I keep stopping to smell the container. Before I bought this at Target I rarely used bath salts, I did not really see the point. Oh how young and foolish I was. This not only smells so clean and relaxing but it really is ultra softening. I was shocked how smooth my dry winter skin was after a bath, as someone who believes all baths and showers should be hot enough to burn off at least one layer of skin, bath products that moisturize and soften are a must. If I see this anywhere I will buy it for sure, I would also try any other products from this line in this scent.

Bath and Body Works Stress Relief Eucalyptus Spearmint Luxury Bath

          AMAZING. I love this product, so much so that I am confident in saying that it is my favorite bath product ever. I usually used this with the White Tea and Jasmine bath salts as the scents went so well together and I was practically in a coma I was so relaxed. The aromatherapy collections from Bath and Body Works are a little pricey but at least the stress relief line works. I also have the body lotion and the two of them together will undo many a bad day. The bubbles last forever, through washing my hair, body and just relaxing. Longer than any of the hundreds of bubble baths I have tried.

Hello Kitty Bubble Bath in Strawberry

          I got this from my sister for Christmas, the bubble bath was so-so but how cute is the container? I am going to peel off the Hello Kitty wrapper and use it for other bubble baths so I do not have to keep big, ugly containers by the tub.

White Citrus Bath Gel from Bath and Body Works

          This was a little sample I got from Bonjour Jolie. It is a good body wash, the scent lingers without being overpowering. If I ever use up all the body wash I have I would consider buying this.

Christmas Cookie Bubble Bath from Avon

          I think I got this for Christmas and it really did smell like Christmas cookies. Avon has pretty decent bubble baths for a great price.

Colgate Total Toothpaste

          It's toothpaste, got it for Christmas. It is gone now.

J.R. Watkins Hand and Body Lotion in Lavender 

         This was part of a set of four in a sort of sample box I bought during the Target clearance sale. I am a fan of the lotion but the packaging is horrible. I had another scent standing upside down on my desk for a week and I still could not get any out. I have not actually used all of the lotion up but the container is empty because I ended up scooping it all out and putting it in a cleaned out foundation jar. I saw this same brand at Shoppers and the full size have pumps in them so I will consider purchasing it again once I use up some of the many lotions I have kicking around.

Biore Self Heating One Minute Masks with Charcoal 

          I have used up a couple of these and have another pack in my bathroom. These are the best masks I have ever used. After rinsing my face feels deep down clean, like all the yuckies hiding in my pores have been sucked out. I will buy these again and again and you should too.

Redken Color Extend Conditioner

          I bought this from The Head Shoppe after getting my hair dyed. I have used this and the shampoo many times, great shampoo for colour treated hair. As with most salon products it is a little pricey but the Head Shoppe has deals and sales often enough that I can usually get it for a little cheaper.

Hydrating Facial Ceanser from Epice

         I got this as part of a sample set using a code from Ipsy, it was a really gentle cleanser but still removed all traces of makeup. 

Oil of Morocco Argan Oil Deep Hydrating Conditioning Treatment by Marc Anthony

          I have used this a couple times and it is a great product and I think each package is only a few bucks. It just brings dead, dull hair back to life and the smell is amazing. It does weigh my hair down a bit so I make sure to use a clarifying shampoo first and not leave it on for too long. The package has quite a bit of product, about three uses so I empty it into another container to avoid making a mess or wasting it. 

Glacial Cleansing Cloths from Skyn Iceland

         I got this from Ipsy and I love getting the packs of ten or so wipes, perfect for my gym bag or my purse. These ones however I was not a fan of, they were dry, did not really do a good job of removing makeup and stung a little bit. They had a nice clean smell and that is about the only nice thing I can say about them. I would expect more from these considering how expensive anything from this brand is.

Facial for Hands Glycolic Hand Scrub by Julep

          I love this product. My hands feel softer than ever when I use this after doing my nails. The back of the tube says it best: "Unique double-exfoliating action of glycolic acid and apricot seeds reaveals noticeably softer and younger looking hands after just one use." All true, also hand cream just goes on so much better after this scrub. I just used some of my Julep points to order the body scrub and if it is anything like this I will be over the moon.

Detoxifying Face Mask with Lotus Flower and Ginseng from Balea

         This is normally a product I would love, I enjoy trying out all kinds of face masks but for whatever reason this one stung so bad I had to take it off after like 45 seconds. It was likely just because my skin was so dry but I will not be trying that one again.

          That is all I have used up so far, my next post will hopefully have more makeup items. I have quite a few foundations that are almost empty and I want to get rid of those. I also have some eye shadows and palettes I want to work though but I don't know if I have the dedication to stick with a project pan so that is still up in the air. The more I watch Ashley Elizabeth on YouTube the more I want to commit to a project pan, hopefully she keeps it up and I will finally use up some palettes and single eye shadows.

Thanks for reading!

A.

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My last Empties post

Top 5 March 2015

          Here are my Top 5 Products for March 2015:

Deep Steep Dry Oil Body Spritzer

           I did not think I would like an oil moisturizer but it is lovely, it smells lovely and is a very relaxing scent. The lavender and chamomile scent fits into my latest obsession with lavender scents. I use this before bed and unlike most lotions I use before crawling into bed this oil absorbed fast enough that I did not wake up with cat hair stuck all over me. That is enough to make it into a favorites post on its own.

Thymes Essentials French Lavender Sea Salt Body Scrub

              Another product that goes well with the lavender obsession. This is such a lovely, natural smelling and feeling product. It exfoliates and moisturizes really well but not as abrasive of a scrub as I would normally prefer but I really enjoy this. I use this prior to shaving my legs and it makes them so much smoother. 

Sexy Hair Soy Renewal Creme Oil

         I have had other products from this line before and I loved all of them. This is a blow dry creme with argan oil that is supposed to be a lightweight, moisturizing creme ideal for fine or normal hair. I prefer hair products meant for fine hair as they do not weigh my hair down or leave as much buildup. I got this in my March Ipsy bag and it is already a favorite. My hair felt light, moved easily and it smelled lovely.

 John Frieda Colour Refreshing Gloss For Cool Brunettes

               This is six weekly in-shower treatments meant to boost color and remove red-orange tones in three minutes.After shampooing and conditioning like normal you squeeze all the excess moisture out of your hair and saturate your hair with this gel, leave for three minutes and you have soft, fresh looking hair without any build up or residue. Huge fan, love this. It is perfect for when your colour starts to fade but it is too soon to dye your hair or if you are trying to extend the time between appointments or home dye jobs.

BLUSH Cheek Powder

           This blush is GORGEOUS. So bright and blendable and just perfect. I have used this everyday makeup day since I got it in my February Ipsy bag. It just goes on so smoothly and you can either blend it out for a super natural look or layer it without looking like a cheap hooker.

Thanks for Reading!

A.

Let's Just Take A Moment For This:

          This is my lip colour collection:

          

          There is 75 lip colours here and I know I am missing at least two that are in my desk at the office. I have problems. To be fair some of these were gifts, free samples or from sample subscriptions. 

A.

Ipsy March 2015

          When I first saw the video Ipsy put out I wasn't overly excited for this month but that might just be because I don't like the videos because I was pleasantly surprised. 

          Not loving the bag itself, but I think it could grow on me. I like that I got a variety of products, some makeup, a skin care type item and a hair product.

Marsk Mineral Eye Shadow in Lucky Penny 

     Received full size 0.04oz $22.50

          This was the item I was least excited for. I do not like loose pigments at all I just find they are a big mess and I never use them. That being said the colour of this is beautiful, is quite build able and once it sets it seems like it would last. I am looking forward to trying this out tomorrow. Swatch below) 

Sexy Hair Soy Renewal Creme Oil

     Full size 4.2oz $22.95, received 1oz $5.46

          I always love a hair product, I have had products from this line before and I loved them. This is a blow dry creme with argan oil that is supposed to be a lightweight, moisturizing creme ideal for fine or normal hair. I prefer hair products meant for fine hair as they do not weigh my hair down or leave as much buildup. This was the item I was most excited about, I would be happy with a whole bag of hair products. it also smells amazing.

Dr. Brandt Skincare Pores No More Anti-aging Mattifying Lotion

     Full size 1.7oz $60, received 0.26oz $9.18

          I will take Dr. Brandt products every single month. Mostly because there is no way I will ever pay that much for them even though they are worth the insane price. The tube is only about half full which is disappointing but the primer from Dr. Brandt I got in a previous bag lasted 17 times longer than I expected so I am not overly upset. 

NYX Cosmetics Butter Lipstick in Little Suzie

     Received full size $6

          I was hoping to get the dark purple lip colour because I have so many pink lip colours already but the more I look at this in the mirror the more I love it. It reminds me of the Butter Lip Butter in Parfait but with more staying power. It just goes on so smoothly and it does not feel like you have a heavy lipstick on. Once I use up some of my lip colours/go through them to get rid of the ones I do not like I will buy some other shades of this line. Swatch below.

Chella Ivory Lace Highlighter

     Recieved full size $18

          I was looking forward to this product as I am just starting to play with highlighting and contouring. It was much larger than I thought it would be so that was a nice surprise. The product goes on so smoothly and blends like a dream. I can not wait to use this and I hope to make it part of my regular makeup routine. Swatch below.

Swatches

          Overall I am really happy with my bag, I will use almost everything. I do not know if i will really use the Marsk shadow but it is a nice product. Everything else I well absolutely use, a good month for sure. 

Total value: $61.14

Thanks for reading!

A.

Julep Maven - March 2015

     

          I have been skipping most of my Julep boxes lately but the last couple months have been really good. Click here to check out my February box. I was really looking forward to this one, I just got it today and wanted to post about it right away. 

         It came packaged nicely with the little treats as usual. The little paper crinkles are kind of annoying if they escape the box but it makes for safe shipping and look cute. This month I picked the Modern Beauty box. 

$16.00/$12.80 Maven Price

          The product above is the main reason I decided to get the box instead of skip this month, the Get In Line invisible lip liner. Genius. I always want to wear lip liner but who has matching lip liners for all their lip sticks? Then when your lipstick fades you have liner..lines? Whatever you call them I'm not interested. It goes on creamy and totally clear, I am excited to try this out tomorrow. I have a couple lip colours that feather badly but are such great colours and if this product fixes that the box was worth every penny. The box says it is waterproof, prevents fading, feathering and hydrates. If it does all this it will certainly end up in a Top 5 post. 

$20.00/$16.00 Maven Price

          I was not overly excited about the Fluid Eye Glider, I have said it once and will say it again: I am horrible with liquid eyeliner. This one has me cautiously optimistic, the tip is very short and easy to control. It dries very quickly and says it lasts for 12 hours. There are a couple shakey swatches on my hand (I'm left handed, give me a break) and I really enjoy that you can easily do a really fine line or put it on a little heavier. Chances are I will end up using this a couple times and getting frustrated with my incompetence but I am excited to try it out all the same.

$22.00/$17.50 Maven Price

          This completely sold me on the box, lip products are my weakness. I chose the happy hour shade of the Light on Your Lips Full-Coverage Creme Lipstick. It is a beautiful bright pink colour and is another product that contains Julep's age defying Power Cell Complex™. It goes on smoothly, moisturizes lightly and best of all it fades evenly as you wear it, almost leaving a stain behind. I hate lip colours that fade all patchy and leave the outer lines of your lips with colour. The lip liner and lipstick from this box could be an amazing combination. Another fun feature is the packaging of the lipstick, it has magnets that keeps the cap on extra tight so it seems like it will hold up when tossed in a purse.

$34.00/$27.50

          I got Night Shift Sleeping Mask as an add on for ten dollars, considering it is so expensive normally, ten bucks is a deal I couldn't pass up. I use this as part of my nightly routine. Click here for a review and the rest of my nighttime beauty routine.

Total cost of box and add ons: $29.98

Total value of the box: $82.00/$73.80 / Maven Price

** all prices in USD

          I am pleased with the value of this box and feel like all the products received are good quality and will be used often.

          Want to sign up to be a Maven: Become a Maven 

Thanks for reading!

A.

Target Haul - March 2015

          As I am sure everyone knows Target Canada is closing. I am so horribly upset about this, I love Target. I was always finding great deals on makeup and home items. Unfortunately I am trying to be a responsible adult and pay off some debt instead of shopping so I am not taking full advantage of the clearance sales. I have been picking up a few things here and there, like items I have wanted to try but did not want to pay full price for. 

          Chesapeake Bay Candle in Lavender, Chamomile and Blue Sage

                I am obsessed with lavender lately. I have so many lavender scents I use before I go to bed, to bathe with and I have been keeping my room heavily scented in lavender. It helps me relax and I fall asleep instantly. I think this candle was 30% off or so. I do not need much incentive to buy candles so I just picked it up. I only started burning it when I started this post. It is a very light scent, at least the lavender does. I like my candles to be strong enough to choke an asthmatic so it is not blowing my mind but it is nice. I have not tried any layer candles and am looking forward to smelling what happens when it gets to the next layer.

          Garnier Skin Renew Miracle Skin Perfector BB Cream for Combination to Oily Skin

                According to the box it is anti-shine, minimizes the look of pores, evens, hydrates and brightens. I saw this at Walmart and it was maybe $19 and there was no way I was paying that for a BB cream, I just wont. When I went to Target I caved because it was marked down and then 30% off, I got light/medium because I have the complete lack of tan that any respectable Atlantic Canadian woman should. I was worried it would still be too dark but it blends nicely. I have not tried many BB creams because my oily skin just eats it up or it makes me look shiny. I wore this once for errands and around the house. It delivered on the anti-shine and pore minimizing and lasted for hours which is hours longer than most of the BB creams I have tried. I will see how I feel about it over time with more use but at this exact moment I am pretty impressed which kind of sucks because I do not want to pay $20 for a BB cream. 

          Secret Aerosol Antiperspirant in Baby Powder

                This was super cheap, like $2-$3 so I picked some up. Honestly I do not remember to use this in the morning so I do not know how it would stand up to the day. I mostly use it before bed, on my days off around the house or if I am already smelly and do not want to actually shower. Yea, I am a disgusting person. At least I cover up the smell I guess. 

           All About Feet Peppermint Sugar Scrub

                I do not really use foot specific scrubs but this smelled so amazing I could not put it down. It was about $6. I use it on my whole leg before and after shaving, the peppermint and spearmint leaf oil really moisturizes quite well. Not as abrasive as I generally prefer my scrubs but the peppermint oil is amazing. I really did not need this but Beast will get some use out of it too so it will not go to waste for sure.

          Listerine Total Care Mouthwash for Sensitive Teeth

                Its mouthwash. For sensitive teeth. 

          J.R. Watkins Naturals Lotion Devotion Kit

               I have been eyeing this kit since Target opened here. It was 30% off $12.99 and the very last one. It has five 1oz bottles of lotion, Aloe & Green Tea, Lavender, Lemon Cream, and Mango Hand and Body Cream and Peppermint Foot Cream. The foot cream went right to Beast, he will get more use out of it than I. These lotions are all very natural and the natural scent comes out in all of them just under the named scents. I would not typically purchase a lotion in either Lemon Cream and Mango but I love both of them. I can not stop rubbing my hands, the lotion is so thick and moisturizes so intensely. There is a list of like nineteen things that are not in this lotion, all of which I am assuming are bad, the ingredients are all flower extracts and different oils. My only complaint is the packaging, the little bottles just have screw off caps and the lotion is so thick it is impossible to get out. I have the bottles lined up on my desk all upside down and I can hold them upside down without a cap and it still does not come out.

          Clio Necklace

                This is just a $15 statement necklace, nothing fancy. I got it for just over $5, a lot of the outfits I wear to the office in the winter are black sweaters over black tank tops and black leggings so it will help inject some color into my look.

          John Frieda Colour Refreshing Gloss For Cool Brunettes

               I had not seen this product before which is surprising as I spend a fair amount of time looking at hair products. This is six weekly in-shower treatments meant to boost color and remove red-orange tones in three minutes. I used this right after I bought it and while my hair is not completely dry yet I do think it refreshed my colour somewhat. This product will certainly extend the time I am happy with my hair colour and I am really happy I picked this up for $7. I do not know how much this normally is but I would pay more for it. After shampooing and conditioning like normal you squeeze all the excess moisture out of your hair and saturate your hair with this gel, leave for three minutes and you have soft, fresh looking hair without any build up or residue. Huge fan, love this. I was just rereading the box and it lists which shades of the John Frieda hair dyes along with other major brands this gel works with. My brand is not listed but that is really a neat thing for them to do. I assume there are different colors of this product.

          Thymes Essentials French Lavender Sea Salt Body Scrub

               This is another company I have been eyeing for a while, I seem to be gravitating towards more natural products without any real conscious effort to do so. It goes well with the lavender obsession. This is such a lovely, natural smelling and feeling product. It exfoliates and moisturizes really well but again not as abrasive of a scrub as I would normally prefer but I really enjoy this.

          Scrunci Hair Clip

                I guess this haul is all about dreams coming true because this was ANOTHER item I had been thinking about buying for sometime.It is magic, I twist my hair up and the clips hold it firmly in place without pinching or pulling. This scientific advancement lays flat on your head so you can lay down with it on, as an extremely lazy individual that is so very exciting for me. I am going to wear it at the office tomorrow and I really hope that by the end of the day I still love it rather than taking my hair down as soon as I walk out the door. I guess it is normally about $10, I paid $7 and it is so worth it.

Thanks for reading!

A.