HUGE February 2014 Empties

1) Schwarzkopf Professional BC Bonacure Hair Therapy Amino Cell Rebuild Repair Rescue Shampoo & Conditioner - I got these in an Influenster box awhile back and tried it out for the review then never used it again. I remembering really liking it and I still did this time around. It made my hair EXTREMELY soft and shiny. BUT I feel like it didn’t clean as well as I wanted it to. My hair would feel so greasy the next day. Since it wasn’t meant to clarify, I would use it only once or twice a week. I tried to find this online and only found it on Amazon for about $30 for the duo. I would purchase it if I could find it for a cheaper price.

2) Batiste Dry Shampoo in Wild Sassy & Daring - I LOVE the scent of this one - it smells like vanilla. Batiste is my all time favorite dry shampoo brand and this one comes in second place right after the Batiste Dry Shampoo for Dark Hair. This can sometimes give my hair a grey cast if I’m not careful so that’s why it’s second. I would definitely repurchase this!

3) Bath & Body Works Triple Moisture Body Cream in Merry Marshmallow Kiss - This smelled so good! Nothing like marshmallows though! It was very fruity. I would probably repurchase this next year but it doesn’t compare to my all time favorite Holiday scents: Twisted Peppermint & Vanilla Bean Noel.

4) Bath & Body Works Triple Moisture Body Cream in Vanilla Bean Noel - Like I said, this is one of my all time favorite scents. I will forever repurchase this one. Smells like delicious vanilla and caramel.

5) Shu Uemura Skin Purifier Fresh Pore Clarifying Gentle Cleansing Oil - I loved this stuff for removing my face make up. It had a floral scent and cleansed so well. I ordered this for the Shu Uemura website. I would probably repurchase this, but it’s a bit pricey. This 150ml bottle was about $30. I definitely want to try more cleansing oils from other brands before buying this again.

6) JUJU Cosmetics Aquamoist Moisture Lotion - I bought this in Hong Kong and used it as a toner and I became obsessed with it! I’m so sad I can’t find it anywhere. I know sasa.com sells this brand but I can’t find this particular product on the site. It was a great toner for the winter months. It was very hydrating. I would definitely repurchase this if I could find it.

7) Bath & Body Works 3-Wick Candle in Sparkling Icicles - This smelled just like cologne and was citrusy and musky. I liked it but I’m not going to repurchase it since I like other “cologne-like” scents from Bath & Body Works better.

8) Bath & Body Works 3-Wick Candle in Vanilla Snowflake - At first I really liked this but then I didn’t once I started burning it. It has vanilla, mint and coconut notes, which are notes I love but together, they just don’t work. At first it smells like fresh, minty vanilla, but then it started to smells like moldy vanilla and coconuts. Definitely will not be repurchasing.

9) Bath & Body Works 3-Wick Candle in Mahogany Teakwood - This is one of my all time faves. I think everyone knows what this smells like. I’m surprised I don’t have a back up but I will definitely repurchase!

10) Nature Made Adult Gummies Vitamin D3 - I took these because I am vitamin D deficient and these tastes amazing! lol They seriously tastes like candy. Since I need Vitamin D, I will be repurchasing these.

11) Nature Made Adult Gummies Fish Oil - These were not as good as the Vitamin D ones. Luckily they didn’t taste like fish or anything but they made these sour and I just didn’t like them. I preferred the sweet ones.

12) Whish Exfoliating Body Wash - I got this in a Birchbox and it was just ok. I like that it was a body wash and an exfoliator in one, but I wouldn’t purchase this.

13) The Body Shop Body Scrub in Spiced Vanilla - This was a Holiday scent from the past and it was a pretty good scent. I love The Body Shop body scrubs and have gone through a lot of jars of this stuff but I wouldn’t repurchase this scent. I like their permanent scents better.

14) Ilia Balmy Days - This was a lip balm a friend gave me and it was not the greatest. I’ve definitely had more moisturizing lip balms so I wouldn’t purchase this.

15) Ilia Balmy Nights - This was a lip scrub in a lip balm form. It was a good concept but it grossed me out! I usually use the sugar lip scrubs from Lush that you can just lick off. For this lip scrub, you would put it on like a lip balm but it was made with volcanic rock and if it accidently got in my mouth, I felt like I had sand in my mouth. Just thinking about it, brings back bad memories lol I would definitely not purchase this, but it was a good idea.

16) Urban Decay B6 Vitamin-Infused Complexion Spray - I liked this but I feel like I don’t need it in my routine. I feel like all of the Urban Decay sprays are the same. I’ve never actually purchased one, I just get these samples all the time. I don’t think I would purchase this and I wouldn’t be heart broken if I never got a sample again.

17) Josie Maran Argan Oil Hair Serum - I loved this but I prefer the Orofluido brand a little more. I’m a huge fan of Josie Maran products and this is a good one that got the job done. But it was missing that vanilla scent that I’m used to. I still recommend this product but I will probably end up repurchasing the Orofluido one instead (just for the scent)

18) Bath & Body Works PocketBac in Ho Ho Ho Mrs. Claus’ Apple Pie - This smelled just like Apple Pie but it became too sickly sweet for me. I wouldn’t repurchase this if they brought it back next year.

19) Bath & Body Works PocketBac in ‘Tis The Season - This is my all time favorite Holiday scent from BBW. I literally buy everything in this scent - candle, hand soap, everything! I will definitely repurchase it next year.

20) Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer in Hydrating - This is my first time using the Hydrating primer (I’ve gone through multiple tubes of the Original & the Light) and I liked this! My friend gave it to me and at first I thought it wasn’t going to work since I have oily skin but it kept me matte and kept me hydrated at the same time. I’m not sure if it would work for me in the summer but I would definitely consider purchasing this for the winter months next year.

21) Bath & Body Works Anti-Bacterial Gentle Foaming Hand Soap in ‘Tis The Season - Obviously I’m going to repurchase this.

22) Bath & Body Works Shower Gel in Paris Nights - This was a limited edition scent and I loved it! It was musky and smelled just like the Jimmy Choo perfume. If you can find this scent during the semi-annual sales, get it! I would repurchase it but I have the Jimmy Choo perfume, shower gel, and lotion so I think I’m good for awhile lol

23) Origins GinZing Eye Cream - I had a love hate relationship with this product. My dark circles are one of my main concerns so that means they’re pretty bad. This eye cream brightened them in some lights but at other times it looked like there was nothing there. This definitely didn’t treat the problem, just mask it. I did like how it looked at times but I’m going to look for something better. I would only recommend this if you’re dark circles aren’t that bad.

24) Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue Rollerball - This is one of my favorite scents! I own the full size and will probably always have it in my collection. It’s the classic fresh, citrus scent.

25) Lady Gaga Fame Rollerball - Love this scent! I also have the full size of this one. I think everyone knows what this smells like. I think once I finish my full size bottle, I won’t repurchase since after awhile, all celebrity perfumes start to smell the same.

26) Benefit Bad Gal Lash - This is the second sample size I’ve gone through of this mascara and I just don’t like it! I think it’s too dry and the brush literally does nothing. Don’t waste your money on the full size!

27) Dior Diorshow Extase - I really liked this mascara! This sample size lasted me like an entire month! At first it gave me a really natural look but after awhile (once it became a little clumpier) I liked it even more. I would definitely purchase this once I finish more mascaras I have in my stash.

28) Make Up Forever HD Powder - This was a sample size that lasted me about a month (I’ve already gone through a full size that lasted me for years!) and I love this. I use it every morning to set my make up. Don’t use it if you’re going to take pictures because it does give the white cast but in person it looks amazing! I have travel size that is bigger than this so that will probably last me the entire year. I highly recommend this!

29) Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue Deluxe Sample - I got this in a perfume sampler, and I actually have another one in the same size so you will probably see this again next month, then I will be forced to use the full size one I have lol

30) Dior Addict Eau Fraiche - This kind of smelled like baby powder to me. I didn’t like it.

31) Dior Addict Eau Delice - I liked this one much more. It’s musky but fruity - but I don’t like it enough to purchase it.

32) Maybelline Dream Bouncy Blush in Hot Tamale - Hated this. It made my favorites once when I first started using it. Luckily I did my research and got one of the two shades that actually showed up. It gave a really nice flushed look but then the product just got gross. It wasn’t bouncy anymore and I felt like it was dirty because it had my fingerprints on it lol Don’t buy this.

33) NARS blush duo in Orgasm & Super Orgasm - I got this in a set and I love Orgasm. It is the cult favorite and I will always have it in my collection. I already have a back up of Orgasm. Super Orgasm was a pain. The glitter is just way too chunky for me. Definitely pick up Orgasm - Pass on the Super Orgasm.

34) Shiseido Pureness Oil-Control Blotting Paper - I got this in a Birchbox as well. These are way overpriced. Just get the Clean & Clear ones, they’re exactly the same and only a fraction of the cost.

35) Clinique Almost Lipstick in Flirty Honey - This gave the slightest hint of color. It was nice and subtle but I feel like tinted lip balms are more beneficial. This didn’t dry out my lips or anything but I just think tinted lip balms give that same hint of color plus extra. This was given to me and I wouldn’t purchase.

36) Lip Ice Color Gloss - I got this for free at Sasa in Hong Kong. It was the cutest little lip gloss that I kept in my purse. It was just like any other lip gloss tube. It looked clear and made my lips look extra glossy. Luckily it wasn’t sticky but I wouldn’t purchase it since these lip glosses are all the same and this would probably be hard for me to find here in the States.

37) Dior HydraLife BB Eye Crème in Beige Lumiere - I NEVER include foil samples because they’re usually gone between 1-3 uses but this BB Eye Cream lasted me over a month! Crazy! I only used it in the morning since it was tinted and I must say I really liked it! I think this paired with a good eye cream really helps. I would definitely purchase this in the future but I would have to save up! (Luckily I have another foil sample I can use until then)

38) Revlon Grow Luscious Eye Liner in Onyx - I’ve lost count of how many of these I’ve gone through but I love this product. Now I’m not sure if this helps my lashes, or if it’s my biotin, but I love the dark black shade and its pigmentation. Even if it’s not doing anything for my lashes, it is a great black eyeliner that lasts all day.

39) L’Occitane Hand Cream - I kept this sample in my purse and it was amazing! I would definitely purchase this. I’m not crazy about the scent (I’m sure they have more I could choose from) but it made my hands so soft and kept them hydrated with this cold air. I highly recommend this if you’re suffering from dry skin.

40) Bath & Body Works Wallflower Bulb in Marshmallow Fireside - This is one of my favorite scents as well from BBW. I will forever repurchase this one as well. I swear if they made a lotion of this stuff, I would wear it all year round! lol

41) Bath & Body Works Wallflower Bulb in Leaves - Another cult favorite. I always end up purchasing this every year.

42) Bath & Body Works Wallflower Bulb in ‘Tis The Season - Are you surpsied?

Wow! I think this is the first time I’ve gone past 40 empties in a month! And this took me like 2 hours to write lol Hopefully I can finish a lot of products in March as well (Usually after a month like this, I have a sad amount the next month)

February 2014 Favorites

 

Boy this is definitely the latest I’ve ever posted my favorites - March is just flying by!

1) Bed Head Self Absorbed Mega Nutrient shampoo & conditioner - I love the scent of these! Which is weird because they smell like oranges and I usually hate orange scented things, but these smell like orange candies. It’s a nice refreshing scent for the upcoming spring season. I haven’t noticed any change to my hair since it’s “mega nutrient” but they get the job done - the shampoo cleanses and the conditioner conditions.

2) Trader Joe’s Organic Virgin Coconut Oil - Coconut oil is my new favorite thing. I love using it as an oil treatment. I would drench my hair in this stuff and let it sit for half the day, then shampoo & condition it, and my hair has never been softer! Not to mention this was only like 5 bucks and will last me forever! Can’t wait to use this in other ways. And bonus it smells AMAZING!

3) Shu Uemura Depsea Water Lavender Mist - I use this as a toner and it smells just like lavender. I still prefer my Lush Tea Tree Water, but I until I repurchase that, I’m really liking this. I want to try the Josie Maran Lavender Mist. I am obsessed with the scent now!

4) Lush Ro’s Argan Body Conditioner - I feel like this is in my favorites every couple of months - that’s because I can only afford it every couple of months lol. This makes my skin so soft and like my previous favorites, I LOVE the scent. It smells like sweet roses and I seriously can’t get enough of it. This is definitely in my top favorite Lush products.

5) Bath & Body Works Stress Relief Eucalyptus Spearmint Pocketbac - Where has this scent been my whole life? I can’t believe I hadn’t tried it out sooner. This is one of my new Bath & Body Works scents. It’s so fresh and calming! I will definitely be picking up more products in this scent.

6) Bobbi Brown Hydrating Eye Cream - The first favorite that doesn’t have to do with a scent! This has got to be the best eye cream I’ve tried to date. Definitely worth the price tag! I’ve always gone for eye creams that target dark circles but I’ve noticed that I’m starting to get fine lines and my eye area was just not looking good anymore. I finally decided to try this and it has completely changed my life! lol My eye area looks back to normal and I think it’s helping with the dark circles.

7) The Balm Instain in Swiss Dot - I got this in a Birchbox and I thought this was the smallest, worthless “deluxe sample” I’ve ever gotten for a blush. But OMG was I wrong! You literally need the smallest amount possible! It is extremely pigmented and lasts all day! I’m so interested to see how long this lasts me because I used it all of February and it looks like I haven’t even touched it!

8) LAQA & Co. Lil’ Lip in Lampchop - This is a gorgeous fuchsia and I also got this in a Birchbox. It is so pigmented and vibrant - and again, a little goes a long way! It looks amazing alone and it can be paired with any lip gloss. For days when I didn’t want such a bright lip, I would put a brown lip gloss on top and it became a your lips but better pink.

9) Make Up Forever Aqua Eyes in 23L - This is a pinky champagne color and it looks beautiful on the water line. I’m one of those girls who do not look good with white eye liner on their water line. My features are too dark and the white eye liner makes me look like a crazy person. But this is subtle enough and still adds the widening the eye effect. I love it!

10) Biore Deep Cleansing Pore Strips - Now back when I was a pre-teen I tried to use these and they never worked. Not sure if I just didn’t do it right or if they did a 360 with the formula. These seriously work now! I use them once every week or 2 weeks, depending how bad it is lol I like using them right when I get out of the shower when my pores are very open. It’s amazing how it gets everything out!

H&M Rose Gold Bow Earrings

I recently went to the H&M on State Street in Santa Barbara and I found the CUTEST bow earrings. At first I was going to pass on them since I have way too many stud earrings to count BUT I don’t have any rose gold ones soooo yeah lol

This set came with 3 and was $5.95. All three pairs are different but equally adorable. They’re pretty small but that makes them really girly and dainty. I think they’re perfect for spring. They are all rose gold - one pair is a classic bow knot, the next pair has a black detail, and the third is decked out in rhinestones. These might easily become my favorite earrings.

Ulta Haul

 

This haul is a little late - a few weeks ago, Ulta had a promotion where if you spent $35 on a perfume, you got a free bracelet. Usually I pass on these promos BUT THEN Ulta sent me an e-mail for a free 3.3oz Macadamia Natural Oil Flawless with any purchase so I decided to go.

I picked up the newest perfume from Philosophy called Loveswept in the 2oz size for $46. I got a sample of this from Sephora and I knew I wanted to own it! It’s quite musky to me, which I love. The notes are: Bergamot, Blue Violet, Lotus Blossom, Pink Jasmine, Purple Passion Fruit, Skin Musk, Creamy Amber, and White Cedarwood. It is a really romantic scent and the name really suits it.

The free bracelet I chose was the white charm bracelet. They had a pink and gold one but I figured I could get more use out of this one. It’s really cute.

Lastly I got the free 3.3oz 3.3oz Macadamia Natural Oil Flawless which is normally $15. It is meant to cleanse and condition your hair at the same time. It has macadamia oil and argan oil that’s supposed to make your hair soft and shiny. It says you just wet your hair, massage it into your hair and scalp then rinse. I would probably still use shampoo before I use this since I have oily hair but I think I’ll try it on it’s own as well to see how it works.