May 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. 


Macadamia Healing Oil Hair Spray
I've been using Moroccan Oil and the Macadamia Mask for years. When I received this oil spray in my Birchbox, I was pretty excited as I thought it would be a combination of both. This oil spray doesn't smell like the hair mask, unfortunately. I've been reaching for this oil spray all month to tame fly-a-ways, split ends, and overall dryness. I really like how I can apply it in a hurry and not worry about having residue on my hands like when applying most regular hair oils.

Versace Bright Crystal Perfume
My beloved perfume, Stella by Stella McCartney, is running low. I have no desire to purchased another one anytime soon as the price keeps going up. So, I've been looking for other fragrance options. I got this mini on eBay over a year ago. I really like wearing this scent in the hotter months. It's clean, light and summery.

hair oils and perfumes,
-Kaitlyn

Follow / Subscribe / Twitter / Instagram

Empties #11

I did it! I finally completed 100 products and kept my beauty spending extremely low. Five months is officially the longest I've stuck with a New Years Resolution. I'm super proud of myself. Not to mention, my storage space and wallet are thanking me for not bringing in/purchasing a ton of new products over the past five months. The challenge was to complete 100 products in 100 days. Unfortunately, it took me over 100 days as I'm not a fan of single-use packets. But better late than never! In case you missed it, see all the challenge details on my first post: Empties #7.

beauty empties

Empties:
Almay makeup eraser sticks
These used to be a staple for me when I always wore eyeliner. These are perfect for quick fix makeup mess-ups. I always wait for them to go on sale at stock up at $2 or so apiece. In the meantime, a q-tip dipped in makeup remover is just as effective.

Aruba Aloe Luxe Foot Cream 
(Birchbox sample) I liked this. The scent was a little weird but the formulation and results were nice. I'm not sure I would purchase the full size.

Beaver Hydro Nutritive Repair Conditioner
(Birchbox sample) I really liked this conditioner. It smelled nice and I didn't feel like I needed to apply a hair mask or leave-in conditioner because it made my hair so soft.

Beaver Hydro Nutritive Repair Shampoo 
(Birchbox sample) I didn't really care for this. It had no scent and made my hair feel a little dried out. But I applied the matching conditioner right after and all was well.

Benefit Roller Lash Mascara 
(sample) This is probably my new favorite high-end mascara. I liked it just as much as the Maybelline's The Rocket Volum' Express Mascara (my HG.)

Blistex Medicated Lip Ointment (3)
I've been using all natural lip products lately. I tried to use this twice this month and it irritated my lips so badly. I had 3 half-used tubes left; I decided to toss all of them and stick with natural products from now on.

Cover Girl Full Lash Bloom Mascara
I didn't really care for this. It made my lashes heavy and limp.

derma-e Evenly Radiant Brightening Day Creme SPF 15 
(beauty box sample) I got this in the Whole Food Beauty Bag. I used this under my makeup. It was a decent cream but I prefer one-step tinted moisturizers.

Dove go fresh revitalize body wash mandarin & flare flower scent 
(travel size) I liked the original scent (that I finished last month) better. This was moisturizing and effective.

Dr. Jart+ Black Label Detox Beauty Balm 
(Birchbox sample) I liked this until I was about halfway through the sample. I felt like this was oxidizing on me and turning me orange mid-day.

ELF HD Lifting Concealer in Adjusting
I discussed this product in last month's favorites.

LUSH Sex Bomb Bath Bomb
This is both a staple and a holy grail product for me; I won't continue to rave.

Neutrogena makeup removing cleansing towelettes (7 ct)
This is both a staple and a holy grail product for me; I won't continue to rave.

Nivea Pearl & Beauty Anti-Perspirant 
I switched to roll-on's as solid deodorants were staining/ruining my clothes. I believe this only available in the UK. (I purchased it on Amazon.) Having a glass deodorant is a little weird; it's not super portable. I liked the scent. I felt like it was effective for normal days. But if I'm being active or sweating a lot - I have to apply this multiple times throughout the day.

Not Soap Radio Body Wash 
(Birchbox sample) This was just okay. Not impressed for the price.

Olay Fresh Outlast Cooling White Strawberry & Mint Body Wash 
(travel size)  This scent was obnoxious. (I don't like food scents anyway.) This reeked of imitation strawberries - like a bad child perfume.

OPI Pink Flamenco Nail Polish
This was my favorite hot pink nail color until I discovered OPI Strawberry Margarita. They're similar. Pink Flamenco just got too dried out - nail thinner couldn't save it.

Plus White 5 Minute Speed Whitening Gel
Crest whitening strips cause way too much sensitivity for me. I was looking for a cheaper and less painful option and discovered this! I don't use the tray; while in the shower, I apply this on my teeth with my finger and try to keep it on the whole time. The main ingredient is hydrogen peroxide. I feel like this has been super effective; I've already repurchased another tube.

Swisspers Cotton Rounds (100 ct)
This is both a staple and a holy grail product for me; I won't continue to rave.

Venus & Olay Razor Cartridge 
This is both a staple and a holy grail product for me; I won't continue to rave.

candles


Candles:
Bath & Body Works Brazilian Blue Waters 3-wick candle
Both Brad and I really liked the scent of this. It smells clean and masculine at the same time (my favorite type of scent.) It was pretty strong when burning.

Glade Hello Spring (green tea & birch) candle
I liked this in the jar. While burning, it was just way too sweet. It sort of smelled like cheap Rave hairspray.

Mainstays Hazelnut Cream wax cubes (6 ct)
I typically don't care for food scents, but coffee is an exception. This smelled like an artificial Starbucks. Okay, but not great.

Scentsationals Herb Garden (basil leaf & fresh rosemary) wax cubes (10 ct)
I liked the lighter side of this set; it smelled clean and herbal at the same time. The darker side gave me a headache.

Yankee Candle Fluffy Towels Votive (2)
This is my favorite Yankee scent. I especially like burning in these in the bathroom - it smells like fresh laundry. I'm bummed you can only purchase these online now, but I do need to stock up!

Totals:
#100daysofempties totals: I've finished 106 products in 153 days.
#oneemptyonedollar totals: $20.39 remains in my beauty budget.

Follow / Subscribe / Twitter / Instagram