Empties #1

beauty empties

I'm a big fan of "Empties" videos. In a way, they're almost like "Favorites" on steroids. I'm excited to start this series on my blog. However, I'll admit hoarding trash is a little weird. (Especially since I'm the complete opposite of a hoarder.) If you're not familiar with empties videos/posts: You simply share products you've used up in their entirety, give a mini a review, and mention if you would or wouldn't purchase the item again.

Clinique Clarifying Lotion 2 (6.7oz)
I'm not a fan of Clinque's whole skincare line. But this has been my holy grail toner for many years. It's crazy to see how much gunk make-up wipes leave behind.  I've already repurchased the big 16.5oz bottle.

Olay Regenerist Micro-Exfoliating Wet Cleansing Cloths (30 ct)
I've used up two of these. These are definitely my favorite drugstore makeup wipes. The scent isn't too overwhelming, they have just the right amount of moisture, and they're not irritating. I've already repurchased a few more packages.

Joico K-Pak Reconstruct Conditioner (33.8oz)
I use a lot of conditioner needless to say, I always go for the BIG bottles. Salon bottles with pumps are great! I use this everytime I shower; this conditioner is great at detangling and always leaves my hair soft & shiny. I've already re-purchased another big bottle (and I'm a fan of the new packaging!)

Joico K-Pak Reconstruct Shampoo (10.1oz)
I received this as a gift last Christmas and I've been using off and on ever since. (I never go for high-dollar shampoos just because you immediately rinse it down the drain and slather on conditioner.) I'm huge fan of the conditioner but I didn't notice any difference with the shampoo. Not a fan - I won't be purchasing it myself.

Maybelline Volum' Express The Rocket Mascara
I think this is my 3rd or 4th tube. I'm loving this mascara. It lengthens and volumizing and it's under $10! It starts to get clumpy after 2-3 months, but it's just a reminder to switch to a new tube. I have already repurchased a new tube.

Revlon Lash Potion by Grow Luscious Volume + Length Mascara
I didn't like this mascara from day one. It was messy, clumpy, and provided little to no results. However, I layered it with The Rocket Mascara and made it work. A month or two later - the mascara dried out.  I will not be repurchasing this mascara.

(Not pictured:) I also used up quite a few Birchbox samples, like Miss Jessie's Original Pillow Soft Curls, Beauty Protector Protect & Shampoo, Beauty Protector Protect & Condition and  Nelson j Beverly Hills Argan Oil 7 Moisture Healing Mask. I did enjoy using all of these, but I don't plan to purchase these anytime soon.

clumps & big bottles,
-Kaitlyn

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2013 Beauty Favorites

Happy 2014! I'm excited to bring you my annual favorites for a FOURTH year! It was neat to look back on my favorites from 2010, 2011, and 2012 and compare them with the products I've used (or continued using) this year.

(The products marked with - means it is a type of product that I do not use, or I just didn't find a miracle product for the year.)

These are all products I have used continuously through out the year.  I have repurchased most of these or I will in the future.  I have recommended them to friends and family, and I recommend them to you.

Makeup beauty favorites

Makeup
Blush: Wet 'n' Wild Color Icon Heather Silk
Bronzer: -
Brush: Sigma F35 Tapered Highlighter
Concealer: Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser Dark Circles Concealer Treatment
Eyebrows: Prestige BrowPerfection Ideal Match Marbleized Brow Pencil
Eyelash Curler: -
Eyeliner: -
Eyeshadow: (high end) Urban Decay Naked 2 Palette & (drug store) Wet 'n' Wild Color Icon Trio Walking on Eggshells
Eyeshadow Primer/Base: NARS Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base
Foundation: Maybelline Fit Me Shine-Free Foundation Stick
Highlight: MAC Soft & Gentle Mineralized Skin Finish
Lipgloss: -
Lipstick: Revlon Lip Butter in Pink Truffle
Mascara: Maybelline The Rocket Volum' Express
Nail polish: German-i-cure by OPI
Powder: -
Tool:Unii Cosmetics Palette
Top Coat Polish: -

High End Brand: NARS
Drugstore Brand: Maybelline

Body
Bath Product: -
Body Exfoliator: LUSH Ocean Salt Facial & Body Scrub
Body Lotion:Olay Quench Daily Body Lotion
Cuticle Cream: -
Nail Tool: Sephora Glass Nail File
Nail Polish Remover: Zoya Remove Plus
Fake Tanner: -
Foot Cream: -
Hand Cream: Soap & Glory Hand Food
Perfume: Stella by Stella McCartney
Shower Gel: Victoria's Secret Nearly Nude Body Wash
Soap: Dove Sensitive Skin
Teeth Whitening: Plus White 5 Minute Maximum Whitening Speed Gel

Haircare
Conditioner: Joico K-Pak
Electrical: -
Hair Dye: -
Hairspray: -
Mask: Macadamia Deep Repair Masque
Miracle Product: It's a 10 Miracle Leave-In Spray
Shampoo: -

Skincare
Exfoliator: LUSH Ocean Salt Facial & Body Scrub
Eye Product: -
Cleanser/Makeup Remover: Clinique Take the Day Off & Olay Regenerist Wipes
Facial Mask: -
Lip Treatment: Burt's Bees Soothing Lip Balm with Eucalyptus & Menthol
Moisturizer: Origins Vitazing
Toner: Clinique Clarifying Lotion

here's to the best,
-Kaitlyn

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December Favorites

"Favorites" posts/videos discuss the products (and other misc things) you loved for that month. The products can either be purchased that month or (old) "rediscovered" items. Favorites are published at the end of the current month or at the beginning of the following month."

beauty favorites

eos Tangerine Medicated Lip Balm
I loved these eos "eggs" when they first came out. I quit using them just because they're so bulky. My sisters have been obsessed with these recently, so I decided to jump back on the bandwagon. This bright orange medicated one caught my eye on an end cap isle and I haven't been able to put it down since.

Lotions
I don't have one specific lotion but I am really enjoying all lotions in general, this month. With the cold weather, my skin has definitely needed some moisturizer and I'm close to finishing up quite a few bottles.

NARS Larger Than Life Long-Wear Eyeliner in Rue Bonaparte
Years ago, I was one of those girls who would never leave the house without wearing black eyeliner. Now, I really dislike black eyeliner - it makes your eyes appear a lot smaller and sometimes even more tired looking. On the days I feel like I just really need some type of color on my waterline, I've been reaching for this liner - it makes my eyes appear a lot bigger, brighter, and more awake.

Revlon Colorburst Lacquer Balm in Coy
I was a big fan of the kissable balm stains... so you can imagine my excitement when the lacquers and matte shades finally hit stores near me. Since my lips are so dry, I'm not a fan of the matte balms - but Coy is definitely my new favorite lip product! The dark color is pretty and really suits me and the formula feels great on my lips. The tiny shimmer isn't too noticeable but gives a nice shine.

liners & lotions,
-Kaitlyn

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