Empties #6 Summer/Fall 2015

            I am the worst at empties posts, I love using them up but just never manage to get the posts up. 

          An empties post would not be complete without Bath and Body Works, I love the three wick candles, they are just so strongly scented and burn so nicely. I used up Summer Boardwalk that smelled like caramel and candy, Fresh Water and Sea Salt that was just such a nice, fresh scent and Twisted Peppermint that was a very strong and lovely peppermint scent. I will be looking for another Twisted Peppermint when they bring out the winter scents. The two foaming hand soaps are Honolulu Sun that was a very tropical, coconut type scent and Sunshine & Lemons that is a perfect kitchen soap.

           I used up two different face wipes, neither was amazing but the Quo ones were decent for make up removing. For a review of the Clinique Acne Solutions Foaming Cleanser and Clarifying Lotion read this post.

          I am all about exfoliating and used up two body scrubs the top one was not my favourite, it was very oily and did not rinse very well. The Bonjour Jolie Organic Body Scrub was lovely, the scent was amazing! I do not enjoy most Pina Colada Scents as they just smell so chemically but this smelled like the actual drink. This scrub was also oily but it was a lot easier to rinse off.

          I love the Mitchell and Peach lotion, it just felt so luxurious and I am sad to see it go. That is not the case with the Jergens Soothing Aloe Relief lotion, I just was not a fan and decided it was just taking up space. I found it did not absorb well and just did not moisturize well enough to make up for that. 

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          I was not expecting much from the Well People Mascara as it was all natural and I had never used a mascara with only natural ingredients. I ended up really liking it, my lashes were long and it did not smudge or flake. This is an excellent mascara for everyday use. The packaging gets very dirty and is impossible to clean off. The Maybelline Fit Me concealer is something I have repurchased a couple times and really enjoy it. The next item I have had for a disgusting amount of time, it is a loose shadow from La Senza that I was given by a friend when I first started wearing makeup in university. It was well past time for it to go. I used a set of Hydro Cool Firming Eye Gels from Skyn Iceland that I received from Birchbox I think. I am not super excited when I get these in a subscription box but they are a fun pampering item.

          I am so glad to use up some hair care items since I have SOOOO many different items. The first is a sample of No 4 Clarifying Shampoo, I loved this little guy. It was from Birchbox I believe. It took all the styling buildup off my hair and smelled amazing, the only downfall was that it was quite difficult to lather, Another Birchbox sample is Fekkai Shampoo, I have tried other items from this brand and have never been impressed. This shampoo was OK but I would not purchase it. This seems to be a theme but the 12 Benefits is another Birchbox sample, it is supposed to be all kinds of helpful and just a general conditioner and hair treatment. I liked it well enough but I doubt I would buy it, I also have another sample of it that I keep in my desk at work for bad hair days or static. I have bought a few bottles of the Marc Anthony Strictly Curls Conditioner, it is my usual summer conditioner as I just wash my hair and let it dry for the beachy waves look. I will buy this again once it is warm enough to walk out the door with damp hair.

          I occasionally get a single box from Little Life Box and one of the items I received was this Pure laundry soap that is a more natural option and I really liked it. It was just as effective as my normal soap and had a great light scent to it. If I saw this in store I would switch to using this exclusively. I also used up two little bottles of cleanser for gel polish, I would say I preferred the Quo one, it just seemed to work a little better. I also used up some supplements the CLK was a metabolism booster that I did not find did much for me but I also did not use it as it was directed so I can not really say anything about it. I used up my GNC Women's Ultra Mega Energy and Metabolism vitamins. 

          Hopefully I can be better about posting empties, judging by my basket of empties I should get working on another post soon.

Thanks for reading!

A.

Check out my last empties post!

Ipsy - October 2015

          I haven't been excited about my last few Ipsy bags but this month I was really looking forward to my bag. I also redeemed for a points item that I can not wait to try out. 

Acure Brightening Facial Scrub

          I used some of my points to get this little guy and I am pretty excited about it. I love any kind of scrub and while I haven't tried it out yet it seems like it is pretty abrasive and that is perfect for me. The scrubby bits are very natural feeling, like apricot seeds. 

The Balm Mary-Lou Manizer Full size: $24 Sample Value: $1.60

           Every Ipster received this sample or a Meet Matt(e) Huges lip product in their bag. I always want to try new lip products but am happy I received the Mary-Lou Manizer as it is just one of the beauty products you always hear about. My highlighter game is weak but I love this, it is just a beautiful pale gold shimmer that also makes a beautiful eyeshadow. Swatched below. 

Tarte LipSurgence Skintuitive Lip Gloss in Energy  Full Size: $23 Sample Value: $4.33

          I am always excited to see a Tarte product in any subscription box, especially a lip product. This is one of those lip glosses that is supposed to react with your skins PH to make the perfect colour or some such witchcraft. Additionally this gloss is supposed to hydrate and fill in fine lines. I am sure to use this but I am not loosing my mind over it. I have a hard time finding light pink lip colours but this one does look nice. Swatched below. 

Nourish Organic Argan Face Serum  Full Size: $23.99  Sample Value: $17.74

          Another thing I love to see are skin care items. I have tried a few items from this brand and enjoyed each of them. Normally Ipsy sends me skin care items that are pretty well suited for my oily skin but this sample is for normal to dry skin. I will still be giving it a try but it is something I'll only wear at night or on days I am just sticking close to home. I tried it out quickly on the back or my hand and it does seem exceptionally moisturizing. 

Ayres Hand Cream in Pampas Sunrise Full Size: $12.50 Sample Value: $6.25

         Yet again a brand I love! I had gotten another lotion quite a few bags ago and have been rationing it out so it lasts as long as possible. This absorbs so fast, no greasiness even for a second. The scent is described as: "Lemongrass, mandarin, bergamot, patchouli and spearmint will awaken your senses, while an exotic background of cedar wood releases a musky scent." Well. There is an awful lot going on in there.  The scent is an Ipsy exclusive and I don't dislike the scent but it isn't something I would choose for myself.

Coastal Scents Xpress Line in 01 Black $2.95

          I am always looking to try out new black eyeliners. This one is awful. It smudges like it is its job (see below) and pulls when you apply it. I will probably just toss this. 

Total Value: $32.88

         Not a huge value but I am happy to play with all these items and love all of the brands in my bag. 

Thanks for reading 

A. 

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Bonjour Jolie - October 2015

           Bonjour Jolie is a period subscription box that sends you a customizable combination of pads, tampons, liners and/or menstrual cups along with snacks, teas, pampering items and a gift. 

          I am not sure what is going on with this subscription, last month it arrived at the end of the month but this month it came mid-month. Also I do not always get the Midol and heating pads I added to my subscription. Maybe since I added them when I bought a three month recurring subscription I only get them in the first box of the renewed three month subscription. I do not know but what I do know is that I love this box all the same. I never have to think about if I have enough period supplies and get some fun little treats and gifts as well.

           This is my October box and I love the Halloween feel. The Theme is "At last, Chocolate" Can't argue with that. 

   

     The least exciting part but the point of the box is period supplies. I have way too many tampons and pads now so I think I am going to switch to full boxes so they are easier to store. 

          I love the cute Halloween snacks! We have some Russel Stover Chocolate Pumpkins, Das Foods Caramel Lollipops, Flips Chocolate Covered Pretzels, Goetz Chocolate Creams, and a mini Rice Crispy Treat and strawberry waffers that are not listed on the card. You can't go wrong with Russel Stover and these pumpkins were amazing, especially the salted Caramel. The suckers were just perfect sea salt caramel flavour. 

          I am all about tea now that it is chilly enough for hot liquids. At home I use loose tea but the tea bags I get from this subscription go right to my desk at work and make for great mid-afternoon pick me ups. This company has a cute story on the card. Apparently in 1942 New York Ruth Bigelow was a housewife that made tea so delicious that her friends soon began buying it from her. The same family owns the company and operated the only tea plantation still open in the USA.

          The gift: We got a makeup item for the second month in a row and that works for me. We received Tat2Lash Mascara ($16) It is a decent mascara, lengthening without clumping and does not smudge as the day goes on. Nothing life changing but I will certainly use it.

         

           Pampering: As usual we have super handy Advil packets and some cleansing cloths to keep your business fresh. We also received two items from the Gilchrist and Soames BeeKind Collection ($4) At first I was not thrilled with the packaging but after I picked them I realized that the cardboard containers were quite thick and on the back it says that the packaging is a 92% reduction in waste compared to plastic. I have yet to use the shower gel but the body lotion is lovely. The lotion absorbs almost immediately without any stickiness, leaves a very light scent. I really like this lotion but I have so many subscription boxes I will never need to purchase lotion for as long as I live. A portion of the proceeds from sales of those products go to support honey bee and sustainable pollination research. 

         
          The value of this box without the period supplies is about $28 and with a three month subscription I pay about $22 a month. Well worth it in my opinion.

Thanks for reading!

A.

@dirty_cupcake

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Clinique Haul and Review

           I have begun a serious Clinique obsession. It started when I purchased the Acne Clearing 3-Step System and the Moisture Surge Overnight Treatment. Then I picked up the Stay-Matte Oil-Free Makeup, after I fell in love with that I decided to try the Stay-Matte Oil-Free Pressed Powder. When I went to Sears to purchase it I was told if I pre-orded it and came back to pick it up in a week I would get a sample kit worth $85. How could I pass that up? When I went in to pick up my item and gift I decided to purchase the Universal Primer as well so I actually ended up with two sample kits. I have been able to try each of these products and thought I would share my thoughts on each one.

Stay-Matte Oil-Free Makeup in 02 Alabaster (VF-N) $31

          I have been trying to find a foundation that works on my oily skin for such a long time and this is the best out of the dozens I have tried. It is oil-controling, absorbs shine and mattifies for all day wear. I would say this is medium coverage but feels so light that I barely feel like I am wearing any foundation at all and it looks natural, not like you have slathered it on. The main problem that I have with most foundations besides oil and shine showing through is that it separates and moves around my face. With the Stay-Matte oil and shine do show through eventually but the foundation does not separate as quickly and it is less disturbed by blotting. My one issue is that I had a really hard time finding a colour match, I ended up having a Boutique worker at Shoppers colour match me to 02 Alabaster which if I build it up too much it is still a little too dark. Overall I am a huge fan of this foundation ansd I will be replacing it when I run out. As I began using this daily I decided I wanted to try both a primer and powder from Clinique to complete my foundation routine.

Superprimer Universal Face Primer  $33
           I was hopping that there would be a primer in the Stay-Matte line specifically for oily skin but no such luck. I decided I would at least give the Superprimer Universal Face Primer a try since it did say that it was for all skin types. The first time I used this I was shocked at how flawless my foundation went on. I am still in the trial stages of testing out this primer but I can say that it is much better then the ones I have tried out so far including the Smashbox Photo Finish Primer and the Pore Minimizing version as well as cheaper. I am holding out hope that Clinique will add a primer to the Stay-Matte line.

Stay-Matte Sheer Pressed Powder in 01 Stay Buff (VF) $31

           Skipping powder to set my foundation is not an option. I have found a couple drugstore options that work well enough but they do not compare to this powder. I have only used this a handful of times so I am not committed to it yet but as of this moment I see myself repurchasing it as it really does help control shine and oil above and beyond what the Stay-Matte foundation does for me.

Rinse-off Foaming Cleanser $25 for 150ml

          This cleanser is so creamy and gentle. I have tried a number of Clinique cleansers and this one is an excellent formula. It does not dry my skin out but still effectively removes makeup and cleanses. I have been using the Acne Solutions Foaming Facewash but since I do not have what I would consider acne prone skin it is a little too strong so I am glad to have another cleanser to alternate with.

Turnaround Overnight Revitalizing Moisturizer $46 for 1.7oz

           This lotion is supposed to reveal brighter and smoother skin while you sleep. I can not speak to the long term effects but the next day my skin felt moisturized without being overly oily. I use the Moisture Surge Overnight Treatment when my skin is dry but it is too much for every night. This one is more of a nightly lotion. 

Rinse-off Eye Makeup Solvent $23 for 125ml

           This little guy missed the main photo shoot but was part of the sample kit. I am not normally a huge fan of eye makeup solvents or removers and prefer to use cleansing oils to remove my make up but this is an excellent product. It took all my makeup off brows to lashes without stinging or leaving any oiliness behind. There is not really any scent either. The first time I used it the skin around my eyes were red for about ten minutes after use but there was no pain or dryness and it did not happen after using it the second time. I have two of these and two bottles of cleansing oil to go through but I would consider picking this up if I was to buy a makeup remover. 

Calyx Perfume $65 for 50ml

            I am not a fan of this perfume at all. If I can not find someone who wants it I am going to toss it out. The description on the Clinique website:

"An exhilarating scent that is sparkling and fresh. Energizing and audacious, it uplifts the mood and is ideal for the fragrance connoisseur who appreciates the fresh distinction of this unique and highly acclaimed scent."

High Impact Mascara in 01 Black $21 for full sized

            I love this mascara, it gives my lashes some volume, makes them look twice as long and no matter how many coats it piled on there were no clumps, just long, thick, defined lashes. If it gave a little more volume it would be perfect. It lasted all day and night without smudging or flaking. 

Long Last Glosswear in Clearly Pink and Juicy Apple $20 for full size

          Since I got two sample bags I was able to get both shades of this gloss. There are 18 shades that range from sheer coverage to "full intensity". I was not sure about this gloss as it goes on quite thick but it is not sticky at all and lasts for hours. I have never had such a shiny gloss that also moisturizes. 

          Other than the perfume sample I am thrilled with the products I have tried from Clinique. The primer and powder have some more trials to go through but my first impressions are quite favourable. The next products I want to try are the Cheek Pop blush and Lip Pop lip colour and primer. I will also keep hoping for a Stay-Matte primer.

Thanks for reading!

A.

@dirty_cupcake

Clinique Acne Solutions Clear Skin System Review + Bonus Moisture Surge Overnight Mask Review

Birchbox Canada - October 2015

          This month Birchbox partnered with an organization called Look good, Feel Good that helps Canadian women with cancer feel beautiful and confident. The US Birchbox partnered with the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. I like that they chose a Canadian organization rather than just go with the US for all boxes.

            Also on our information card is a "Beauty PSA" that informs us that us Canadian subscribers will be able to take part in sample choice that they have offered in the US for a while. I also believe that we are going to be able to choose curated boxes based on this video by Tati Westbrook of Glam Life Guru. I will be choosing the curated box as I am a huge fan of Tati and want to support her. I am glad to see that they are bringing some of the perks available in the US to Canada.

             I was looking forward to my Birchbox this month and I was happy to see that I had a little bonus sample of conditioner to match the shampoo received. Let's get into it:

ModelCo Ultra Long-Lasting Lipstick in Stiletto Full Size $17 Trio for $23

Highly-pigmented colour that glides on effortlessly, hydrating lips without the hassle of touch-ups.

         This is RED lipstick, it is certainly season appropriate. I have not worn it for a long time but it does go on smooth, dries without drying out my lips and really feels like I am not wearing lipstick at all. I do feel like it makes my teeth look a little yellow so I am pulling out the white strips before I wear this again.

Beauty Protector Protect & Detangle Full Size $26  Sample Value $3.25

Best-selling elixir that locks in colour, protects from heat damage, and adds silkiness.

          Beauty Protector is a common brand featured in Birchboxes but this is the first item I have received. I have heard so many rave reviews about this product, especially the scent. I am not a huge fan of the scent but as far as detangling it works wonderfully. My hair was left soft and manageable. I have been looking for a heat protectant so this is something I am looking forward to trying this out.

Davines LOVE Smoothing Shampoo Full Size $28  Sample Value $8.25

Enriched with olive oil and rice protein, this formula smooths frizzed-out and tangle-prone hair.

Bonus: Davines LOVE Smoothing Conditioner Full Size $32 Sample Value $1.54

           I was a little skeptical about this shampoo working for me, the bottle says it if for frizzy and coarse hair. While my hair can be frizzy it is quite fine rather than coarse. I am not 100% sold on it until I use it for a while to see if it builds up on my hair but the two times I have used it people have stopped me mid sentence to comment on how good of a hair day I was having. If you have coarse, frizzy, dry hair I really think you should try this shampoo and conditioner.

Embryolisse Lait-Creme Concentre Full Size $28 Sample Value $2.60

A makeup artist fave, the French moisturizer heals dryness and preps skin for foundation.

          This seems like a small sample but you need so little that it is actually a decent amount of product. I am often guilty of not putting on moisturizer on under my makeup since I have such oily skin but this absorbs so quickly and just leaves my skin so smooth. If I choose the curated box by Tati I will get another sample of this product.

Eyeko Black Magic Mascara Full Size $32 Sample Value $15.06

Water-resistant formula that curls, adds volume, and has major staying power.

           I was hoping for this sample when I saw some spoilers since the packaging is so different from most mascaras and has a curved brush. I do find that it curls my lashes more than most other mascaras, makes them very long and defined and really does have some serious staying power. Would I pay $32 for it? Absolutely not, it was a decent mascara but does not compare to others around the same price point.

Total Value: $46.16

          Pretty decent value in this Birchbox, plus the bonus item is another 10 points for reviewing and that works out to a dollar in the Birchbox shop. I am seriously considering using the my points to get the complete LOC collection by Tati.

Thanks for reading!

A.

@dirty_cupcake

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Bonjour Jolie - September 2015

          Bonjour Jolie is a period subscription box, for the details check out these posts: Bonjour Jolie - July 2015, Madame Lady Bug vs Bonjour Jolie

           The theme for the September box is "De-Stress and Stay Calm" I can use all of that. I didn't receive this box until nearly the very end of the month but it was so worth the wait. I was cited about everything I received. 

Product Card

          The least exciting part but the whole point of the box is the period supplies. There are quite a variety of brands of tampons and pads to choose from, even menstrual cups. You can also choose any assortment of up to 25 products or a full box if you don't want your hygiene items handled. 

          You can also choose some items to help you survive your period. I added Advil packets, heat pads and Midol. These heat pads and Midol have saved many lives together. 

          Check out these snacks! Beast loves this box, anytime something comes in the mail he doesn't recognize he asks if it is the one with snacks. You can't go wrong with Mini M&Ms, blueberry shortbread and little buttery cakes. The Bali's Best Tea and Coffee Candies are amazing, there are latte, original iced tea and green tea flavours and each tastes exactly like each of those things. The Chimes Organic Ginger Chews took a little getting used to, they were very gingery. The mango and orange ones were much better than the original ones. 

          Yes. These teas from Yogi are amazing. I am all about receiving tea in my subscription boxes, especially since it is fall and starting to get chilly. I have had this brand before and love the Soothing Caramel Bedtime, I actually fell asleep before I could finish it on two separate occasions. 

The Gift 

Laura Geller Baked Eyeshadow in Strawberry Shortcake and Coffee Bean $24

          The product card describes these eyeshadows as highly pigmented, based on the swatches below I do not really agree with that but I do like them. I have been using the pink shade as a light, natural blush and the brown as my base eyeshadow shade. They are infused with grape seed  oil and without mineral oil or parabens. The formula is so soft and really makes my skin soft underneath the makeup. Would I pay $24 for this? No. 

The Pampering 

Tocca Bodywash in Cleopatra $4

          "A gentle cleansing wash that conditions with the natural essences of olive oil, honey, and calendula extracts. A rich lather washes cleanly, leaving even the most sensitive skin soft, supple and lightly fragranced of grapefruit and cucumber. Gluten and paraben free"

          I actually just received a luxury hand lotion in the same scent from Tocca in my September Birchbox I find the scent to be very sophisticated and fresh, the body wash is more lightly fragranced than the lotion. Normally I find this type of scented shower gel to be rather drying or it just does not rinse cleanly. I do not have either of these issues with this bodywash. I am very happy to try another product from this brand. 

   

         The value of the box before the period supplies in the first two photos is $38. If I was ambitious enough to do all the math to figure out the cost of the pads, liners, tampons, Advil, Midol etc it would really boost the value of the box. Bonjour Jolie is both practical and a treat, you are going to purchase period supplies anyway, why not have them show up at your door complete with treats, gifts and pampering items? I see no reason not to.

Thanks for reading!

A.

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