Showing posts with label Empties. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Empties. Show all posts

Empties #7

New Years Resolution/#100daysofempties
I'm the opposite of a hoarder when it comes to everything except for beauty products. I'm constantly selling or donating things - especially clothes. But when it comes to makeup, I never want to part with it and that means never using it in its entirety. This is probably for many reasons, but three come to mind: (1) Makeup never holds its value unless it's a rare or limited edition item - so it has no resale value. (2) High-end cosmetics are expensive. (For example, when I'm at the end of my $90 perfume, I should want to use it up. But I want to 'save' it for a special occasion. So I don't have to repurchase it.) (3) I hoard samples for when I 'travel' - I travel maybe 10 days of the year so you can see the dilemma. I'm sure there are other factors, but this three are the main things.

Needless to say, I'm drowning in cosmetics. I shouldn't have to buy mascara or shampoo for a year. A few months ago, I discovered @beautyempties on Instagram, the founder of #100daysofempties. Through her Instagram page and other users joining along, I really felt inspired to participate.

I decided my main New Years Resolutions would be to destash/quit hoarding beauty products and reduce the amount of money I spend on cosmetics. The goal of #100daysofempties is to finish 100 products in 100 days. Basically, one product a day for 100 days. To go along with that, @beautyempties also introduced a no-buy challenge: #oneemptyonedollar. For every empty you complete, no matter the cost of that empty, adds $1 to your beauty budget.

Every week or two, I will be sharing the products I used up on Instagram with a mini review. At the end of the month, I will post my normal Empties post here with all products I finished that month and a more in-depth review.

My ultimate goal is to finish 100 products by April 11th and spend no more than $100 on beauty products. I'm not a big fan of single-use foil packets, so reaching this date may be a bigger challenge for me. Even I don't reach the date, I plan to still complete 100 products on my own timeline.

Spending exclusions: I am not counting 'necessary' staples - like skincare items, hygiene items, etc in my beauty budget. I am not counting Birchbox or Walmart Beauty Box in my beauty budget, as I purchased these subscriptions last year. I am not counting candles in my beauty budget or 100 products since I categorize these as a 'home' expense, but I will still list them in my empties posts, since I've mentioned them in the past. Gift cards and Birchbox points do not count in my beauty budget.

beauty empties


Empties:
Anastasia Brow Wiz in Caramel
This is a holy grail product for me; I won't continue to rave. The fine tip makes filling in your brows so easy. On the downside,.003 oz for $21 is ridiculous; I'm hoping to find an alternative.

Blistex Medicated Lip Balm
This was my holy grail lip balm, but the dermatologist said stay away because it does more harm than good. I haven't noticed my lips getting any better or worse since I've stopped using it.

Caudalie Vinosource Sorbet
(sample) I think I got this in a Caudalie sample set. I really liked this at night time.  I'm contemplating buying the full size.

Clinique Take the Day off makeup remover
This is a holy grail product for me; I won't continue to rave.

Crest 3D White Luxe Glamorous White Toothpaste in Vibrant Mint
This is a holy grail product for me; I won't continue to rave. It doesn't tremendously help with whitening, but I really like the flavor.

Dial Crystal Breeze Antiperspirant & Deodorant
I used this until my UK Nivea deodorant arrived; I got tired of the scent halfway through. It worked pretty good; the scent just clashed with other products.

Dr. Jart + Pore Minimalist Black Charcoal Sheet Mask
I received this in my Birchbox. I'm a big fan of sheet masks. But I didn't really notice a difference after using this one. My face felt kind of sticky (you're not supposed to wash it off) after removing it.

Gillette Venus & Olay Razor Cartridge (2)
This is a holy grail product for me; I won't continue to rave.

Laura Geller GlamLASH Dramatic Volumizing Mascara
(sample) I really liked this, especially at the end when it thickened up a bit. I might purchase the full size.

Lierac Demaquillant Douceur 
(sample) This is cleansing water, similar to Bioderma. I used this as an eye makeup remover, it was effective and didn't cause any irritation but I just prefer other removers.

Maybelline Dream Wonder Powder 
(sample) I received this sample in my Walmart Beauty Box. I heard good things about this powder and was looking forward to trying it out. The color was too dark for me and I didn't really care for the consistency.

Neutrogena Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes (2)
(25 ct) This is a holy grail product for me; I won't continue to rave.

Nexxus Color Assure Conditioner
This was the only conditioner my roommate ever used. I found a $7 off coupon in a magazine and decided to give this a try. This smelled nice and was pretty moisturizing but it made no major difference in my hair. I probably won't repurchase it.

Pantene Aqua Light Clean Rinse Shampoo
I'm so happy to see this finally go. I purchased it on a whim because it was on clearance. I felt like it dried my hair out super bad. I will not be repurchasing.

Soap & Glory Hand Food
(travel size) This was the perfect purse size. This worked good and smelled great. I will probably repurchase in the future.

Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat
This is a holy grail product for me; I won't continue to rave.

Shu Umera Cleansing Oil Shampoo 
(sample) This smelled nice but it made my hair feel kind of dried out.

Swisspers Cotton Rounds
(100 ct) Cotton rounds are a necessary staple for me. This brand is high-quality compared to others; I feel like I use less of these than generic ones because they don't rip.

Vasanti BrightenUp! Enzymatic Face Rejuvenator 
(sample) I really liked this exfoliant: I'm considering buying the full size with my Birchbox points!

candles

Candles:
Bath & Body Works Cardamom & Suede 
(3-wick) I really liked this scent, I didn't realize it was a winter scent until it was too late... I should've stocked up! I hope it comes back around next year.

Bath & Body Works Cranberry Pear Bellini
(3-wick) This is my favorite Winter scent. I purchase one or two every year.

Bath & Body Works Merry Mistle Toe 
(mini) I got this as a freebie a few years ago and kept forgetting to use it at Christmas. This is a good holiday scent. Mini candles are perfect for small bathrooms.

Ikea Tindra 
(single wick) This was one of Brad's candles. I didn't really care for the scent. The candle burned unevenly, too. I wasn't impressed with my first Ikea candle.

Trapp White Fir 
(single wick) Brad's mom gave us this for Christmas. I burned it immediately. This candle made the whole house smell awesome. It's a good holiday scent. I'm looking forward to trying more Trap candles.

Totals:
#100daysofempties totals: I've completed 21 products in 33 days.
#oneemptyonedollar totals: $5.04 remains in my beauty budget.

resolutions & empties,
-Kaitlyn

Follow / Subscribe / Twitter / Instagram

Empties #6

Onto another round of empties! Starting 2015, I'm going to start a project pan and really limit my beauty spending. I'll be joining in on the #100daysofempties and #oneemptyonedollar tags - stay tuned!

beauty empties

Anastasia Brow Wiz in Caramel
Lately, this is my HG brow pencil; I have a few back-ups already but I am on the hunt for a cheaper alternative.

Bath & Body Works Country Chic Shower Gel 
(travel size) This was a freebie, it smelled okay. I probably won't purchase it.

Bath & Body Works Pomegranate Lemon Shower Gel
(travel size) Loved this scent! Like all good things, it was limited edition.

Bath & Body Works White Barn Cranberry Woods 3-Wick Scented Candle 
Loved this scent! It didn't burn evenly though for some reason. I will repurchase next year.

Benefit They're Real! Mascara (2)
(sample size) I really liked these for volumizing and layering with other mascaras. I had one in my vanity and one in my purse. I have quite a few back-ups.

The Body Shop Coconut Body Butter
Didn't really care for this. I prefer the Shea Body Butter or Organic Coconut Oil. I won't repurchase.

Clinque Take the Day off makeup remover 
This is my HG remover; I have a few back-ups.

Dove Sensitive Skin Beauty Bar Bar Soap 
This is my HG soap; I have a few back-ups.

Dr. Lipp original nipple balm for lips 
(sample) This is so sticky. It works but it's not fun to use. I bought a full size awhile ago and now I have quite a few samples. I prefer Aquaphor over this.

J.R. Watkins Foot Repair Salve
I really liked the smell and feel of this but I didn't notice a major difference; I probably won't repurchase.

Laneige BB Cushion SPF 50+ Puff & Light 
(sample) I received this in my Target Beauty Box. I did not like this at all. Generally, I don't wear foundation.This reeked of sunscreen and didn't even cover my redness.

LUSH Ocean Salt Face & Body Scrub
This is my HG face scrub; I'm already working on a new tub.

Maybelline The Rocket Volum' Express Mascara 
This was my HG mascara; I'm not currently using it but I do have a few back-ups.

Miracle Skin Transformer Miracle Mud Skin Restoring Treatment Mask 
(sample) I received this in my Birchbox. I wasn't a big fan. It was super messy, felt gross, and I didn't really see any difference in my skin.

N. 4 Super Comb Prep & Protect Spray 
(sample) I received this in my Birchbox. I liked it. The scent was too vanilla for my liking but it did a good job at detangling.

Neutrogena Makeup Removing Cleansing Towelettes 25 ct (2)
These are my HG wipes; I already have a few back-ups.

Satin Dry Skin Shave Gel 
(travel size) This lathered nicely but I didn't notice any difference in my skin.

Secret Clear Gel Outlast Unscented Deodorant 
I'm not a fan of gels; I won't be repurchasing.

Skintimate Lotionized Moisturizing Shave Gel 
(travel size) This lathered nicely but I didn't notice any difference in my skin.

Skintimate Lotionized Moisturizing Shave Gel  for Dry Skin 
This was my HG shaving gel but lately, I haven't been using it. I have a few back-ups.

Soap & Glory The Righteous Butter Body Butter
I love this scent, it's pretty moisturizing and lingers all day. I might repurchase although I just prefer Coconut Oil.

Sure Regular Scent Invisible Solid Deodorant (2)
I used this cheapie deodorant for awhile but it has messed up a lot of my clothes. I've switched to something else. I might repurchase.

Up & Up Cotton Rounds 100 ct (2)
These are just a necessary staple.

Venus & Olay Razor Cartridges (2)
These are my HG razors; I already have a few back-ups.

Follow / Subscribe / Twitter / Instagram

Empties #5

beauty empties

beauty empties

Onto another round of empties! The top picture is from my normal empties box and the bottom picture is products are I used/finished up on a cruise.

Anastasia Brow Wiz in Caramel
This has become my favorite brow pencil. On the downside, it's pretty pricey and I'm going through them super fast. I already have a few backups.

Bath & Body Works Shea It isn't So Foot Cream 
(travel size) This used to be my all-time favorite foot cream. Recently, I've just found it too greasy and I've been trying out other brands. I might repurchase in the future.

Beauty Protector Hair Mask 
(2 samples) I got these in my Birchbox. I wasn't that impressed with these. They smell nice but didn't do much for my hair. I won't be purchasing the full size.

The Body Shop Shea Body Butter 
(travel size) I've been wanting to try body butters from The Body Shop for a while. When they had 40% off plus free shipping, I purchased both the Shea and the Coconut butters. I definitely preferred the Shea. It smells awesome and it was pretty moisturizing. I will probably repurchase the Shea butter when I finish up some other lotions.

CeraVe Renewing SA Cream 
This smelled so medicine-y and sort of worked, but I didn't notice any difference over the long run. I won't be repurchasing.

Clinique Take the Day Off Makeup Remover for lids, lashes, & lips
This is my HG makeup remover; I won't continue to rave. I already have a few backups.

Crest 3D White Radiant Mint Toothpaste 
(travel size) This was the only travel size 3D white option, I didn't really care for the flavor. I prefer 'Vibrant Mint.' I probably won't repurchase this flavor.

Dove Sensitive Skin Beauty Bar Bar Soap
This is my HG soap; I won't continue to rave. I already have a few backups.

Gillette Venus & Olay Refill Cartridges (3)
This is my HG razor; I won't continue to rave. I already have a few backups.

INM Out the Door Top Coat
This was a decent top coat, I heard it was similar to Seche Vite without all the chemicals. Unfortunately, I prefer Seche Vite over this. I might repurchase.

Johnson's Baby Oil Gel
I love to use this on dry flaky skin (like sunburn peel, for example) right out of the shower. It really moisturizes. I'm already working on a new bottle.

LUSH Ocean Salt Face and Body Scrub
This is my HG face scrub; I won't continue to rave. I'm already working on a new tub...

LUSH The Olive Branch Shower Gel
This smelled nice and lathered awesome but the consistency turned water-thin super fast. It's kind of pricey. I might repurchase it in the future.

Maybelline Fit Me shine-free Foundation in Porcelain 
I used this more like a concealer for spot treatment. I liked how it dried to almost a powder finish and was really easy to apply. Unfortunately, the lid cracked and the product dried up near the end. I probably won't repurchase.

Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Dark Circle Eraser - Brightener 
MakeupbyTiffanyD raved about this product a few times. I've used the concealer for years so I decided to try out the brightener. I didn't see any noticeable changes; I won't be repurchasing the brightener and I'll continue to stick the concealer.

Neutrogena makeup remover cleansing towelettes (25 ct) 
These are my HG face wipes; I won't continue to rave. I already have a few backups.

Nugg Face Mask Flaxseed & Peppermint 
I received this in my Birchbox. It smelled nice and made my skin feel soft right out of the shower. Otherwise, I didn't notice any major changes. I won't be purchasing.

Olay Regenerist Micro-Exfoliating Wet Cleansing Cloths 
These are my old HG face wipes; I won't continue to rave. I will probably repurchase if I can find the black packaging again.

Organix Sea Mineral Moisture Shampoo
I liked the unique scent of this. But halfway through the bottle, I just grew tired of it. I think it really stripped the color from my hair too. I won't be repurchasing.

Peter Thomas Roth Mega-Rich Body Wash 
(travel size) The citrus scent was really refreshing and a nice pick-me-up. It lathered nicely, too. Although it's a little too pricey for me, I probably won't purchase the full size.

Sephora Waterproof Eye Makeup Remover 
(sample) This didn't work well removing mascara. I won't be purchasing the full size.

Skintimate Skin Therapy Moisturizing Lotionized Dry Skin Shave Gel
This is my HG shaving cream; I won't continue to rave. I already have a few backups.

Up & Up Cotton Rounds (100 ct)
Cotton rounds are a necessary staple for me. Currently, I have a bulk supply of Swiss cotton rounds, but I would repurchase the Up & Up ones in the future.

Up & Up Ibuprofen 
I'm not sure why this ended up in the picture on the cruise. Regardless, I've already repurchased.

Vaseline Lip Therapy 
My dermatologist recommended this when I asked for a lip remedy. I didn't notice any difference in my lips and didn't care for the scent/taste. I won't be repurchasing.

Follow / Subscribe / Twitter / Instagram

Empties #4

beauty empties

Almay Makeup Eraser Sticks
I've purchased these for years and have a few back-ups on hand. They're a quick fix when you make a mess of your mascara or eyeliner. (Makeup remover and a q-tip would do the trick too but these are great for on-the-go.)

Bath & Body Works White Citrus Shower Gel 
(travel size) I'm always drawn to clean or citrus scents - this is a little of both; it's super refreshing and wakes you up in the morning. I will probably repurchase.

Beauty Protection Protect & Detangle Leave-In Conditioner 
(Birchbox sample) This was great at moisturizing and detangling; I just didn't care for the scent - it's a very strong vanilla scent. I probably won't purchase this in full-size.

Dove Sensitive Skin Beauty Bar
My doctor recommended to use this bar soap on more sensitive areas. It lathers really nicely and is scentless. My skin has responded well to it. I have a few back-ups on hand, but I'll repurchase when I need to.

equate Oil Free Eve Makeup Remover 
(comparable to Neutrogena) I usually don't go for generic items but this was on sale and about half the cost of Neutrogena; I decided to try it out for around $3. It was a little bit more oily than Neutrogena, but it's definitely comparable. I'm not sure if I'll repurchase; I prefer Clinique and coconut oil lately.

L'Oreal Voluminous Miss Manga Mascara 
The wand on this mascara was super cool - it bends in all directions. However, it didn't provide more volume than Maybelline The Rocket. I won't be repurchasing.

Maybelline Pumped Up Colossal Volum' Express Mascara
This was just an okay mascara - not good, not bad. I won't be repurchasing.

Maybelline The Rocket Volum' Express Mascara
I've raved about this over and over, it's my favorite mascara. I will continue to repurchase.

MoroccanOil MoroccanOil Treatment
This is the only hair product I really use anymore. I use two pumps on wet hair to moisturize and about half a pump on dry hair to tame frizz and add shine. I've already repurchased another bottle.

Ms. Manicure Strike to Smooth mini emery boards
These mini nail files were great for on-the-go. They take up little space in your purse or travel bag. I prefer glass nail files now, so I don't plan on repurchasing these.

Neutrogena Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes
The are the most effective makeup removing wipes I've tried that don't irritate my skin (aside from the black packaging Olay Regenerist Wipes.) But they're not super great with mascara. I've already repurchased these in bulk.

Revlon Photoready Powder in Fair/Light
It has taken me about two years to finish this powder. (Actually, it finally broke when it was a super thin ring.) I used it just for setting concealer and it did the job. I might repurchase this in the future.

Skintimate Dry Skin Shaving Gel
This shaving cream is moisturizing and doesn't have an overwhelming smell. I have a few back-ups and I will repurchase it in the future.

Suave Moroccan Infusion Shine Conditioner
I picked up a cheap conditioner to leave at Brad's house. This smells great and left my hair pretty soft. It doesn't have any Moroccan oil in it though. It doesn't compare to my beloved Joico K-Pak; I won't be repurchasing.

up & up cotton rounds (2)
Cotton rounds are an essential for me. I go through them super fast, which is why I already repurchased in bulk.

Vitafusion Women's Complete Multivitamin (150 count)
I've discussed these in a previous empties post; I already repurchased an even larger bottle.

Venus & Olay Razor Cartridge (2)
These are my favorite razor... multiple blades, a shave bar, and a moisturizing bar leaves my skin super smooth. I've already repurchased them in bulk.

mascaras & bulk buys,
-Kaitlyn

Follow / Subscribe / Twitter / Instagram

Empties #3

beauty empties

Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion
This is a basic, light lotion. It's good for sensitive skin and didn't interfere with a rash I had a while back. It's 'scentless', as in no added perfumes, but still leaves a sort of weird smell. I probably won't repurchase this.

Caudalie Lip Conditioner
This lip treatment reminded me a lot of MAC's Lip Conditioner. I got this in a set with the cleansing water for $10 over a year ago. I liked the scent - sort of vanilla-ish. It was just a little too waxy for my liking. The retail value is $12, I won't repurchase it unless it's in a set again.

Clinique Take the Day off Eye Makeup Remover
This is still my holy grail makeup remover; I alternate between this and coconut oil, now. They're equally as good - great for getting off super stubborn mascara and lipstick. I've already repurchased another bottle.

Crest 3D White Luxe Vibrant Mint Toothpaste
This is my favorite toothpaste; I haven't noticed a major difference in the color of my teeth. However, I really love the flavor - it's the perfect level of mint - not too sweet, not too overpowering. I have a few backups tubes already.

Dr. Brandt Microdermabrasion Skin Exfoliant 
(sample) - This is probably in my top 10 of favorite samples I've received from Birchbox over the years. My skin felt so clean after using this. However, it retails for $78... it wasn't a miracle product. If I can find it at a lower price, I'd consider repurchasing.

E.L.F. Makeup Remover Exfoliating Cleansing Cloths
I think my beloved Olay wipes have been changed - not only the packaging but also the ingredients; they smell different and leave my face sort of sticky. I made a spur of the moment ELF order and decided to try these - they're cool idea. They exfoliate on one side and cleanse on the other. I didn't think they were super effective (lots of makeup left behind on my face) nor price efficient - 10 wipes for $3 isn't that good of a deal. I won't be repurchasing.

Glam Glow Youth Mud Treatment
(sample) - A few of my coworkers raved about this. I realized I had a few samples, so I decided to finally try it out. The mask made my face unbelievably soft and smooth. Again, the high price point is a turn-off for me. Some drugstore masks are equally as good. I won't be purchasing.

It's a 10 Miracle Leave-in Product
This is a holy grail hair item for me; it completely detangles my long, thick hair. Not to mention, it smells awesome. This is a little pricey - but worth since it's a 10-in-1 product. I've already repurchased.

L'Oreal Voluminous Carbon Black Mascara
I go back to this mascara every 6-8 months. So many mascaras are good at lengthening but aren't good at volumizing; this one is the other way around. It's awesome for adding volume. I often layer this mascara with a lengthening one to get thicker lashes. I'll probably repurchase in the future.

Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Dark Circle Eraser in Fair
I really like this concealer for both under the eyes and to cover redness. The twist-up sponge applicator makes application a breeze. It's light, buildable, and doesn't cake. Currently, I'm using the brightener (the pink shade) but I'd repurchase this in the future.

Miss Jessie's Transitioner's Magic 
(sample) - I absolutely hated this product. I liked Miss Jessie's Pillow Soft Curls, so I immediately tried this sample when I received it in my Birchbox. I applied exactly as directed. My hair never felt more weighed down and oily; I had to wash it immediately. It seemed like this product might be for ethnic hair? Obviously, I won't be purchasing it.

NARS Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base
Urban Decay Primer Potion was a holy grail for me until the wand packaging was no longer available. I picked this up and really liked it - it works just as good, if not better than UDPP. A little goes a long way! I'm currently trying out drugstore brands. I may repurchase this in the future.

Olay Regenerist Advanced Anti-Aging Cleansing Cloths (2)
As stated above by the ELF wipes, I think these might have reformulated. I can only find the white packages now - they smell different and leave my face feeling sticky. The black package (old) is/was my holy grail... on the hunt!

Olay Quench Body Lotion
This is probably my favorite drugstore lotion; you can get a HUGE bottle for around $7. It smells awesome; it's light, not sticky, and pretty moisturizing. I've already repurchased!

Sephora super supreme body butter in lusty pleasure 
(sample) - I liked the scent. The lotion was a little sticky and not very moisturizing. I won't be purchasing.

Soap & Glory The Righteous Butter
I've always been a fan of the Soap & Glory products; the scent is wonderful. This body butter was thick and moisturizing. I have a few travel sizes floating around, but when I finish those - I'll probably repurchase.

Victoria's Secret Love my Body Nearly Nude Body Wash in White Tea & Sage
I'm not a fan of this packaging or formulation; the bottle continuously got clogged. I loved the scent, so I dealt with it. It was frustrating to use but the scent and suds were kind of worth it. I think this product has been discontinued. I will repurchase if it is repackaged.

Vidal Sasson Repair Shampoo
I got this for free - coupons - so of course, I gave it a try. The shampoo often came out of the top, even with the bottle sitting straight up. (Think volcano/witch potion.... lots of wasted product.) It smelled and lathered nice. I probably won't purchase this again.

lotions & potions,
-Kaitlyn

Follow / Subscribe / Twitter / Instagram

Empties #2

Onto another round of empties...

beauty empties

Anastasia Clear Brow Gel
I've enjoyed using this but I don't think it's worth the price tag. I have repurchased another just because I got a great deal on it... but any ole clear mascara works just as good.

Camille Beckman Morella Monarch Body Butter (sample)
I received this in my Birchbox. I did enjoy the sample - the scent and texture were nice. But it's too overpowering to mix with perfume. I won't be purchasing this.

eyebrow spoolie
This isn't necessary an empty, but it was beyond cleaning. (product junk/hair) It's time to throw it out. This came in some brand-less makeup brush set. I use this to tame my eyebrows and sometimes eyelashes. I've purchased a few more of these from ELF cosmetics.

Germanicure by OPI Nail Lacquer
This was my go-to nail color all of last year. Apparently, I didn't close it too well and it turned into a goopy mess (nail thinner couldn't save it.) Less than half the bottle was left, anyway. I repurchased another the day I realized this was no longer useable.

Gillette Satin Care with Olay Shave Gel
For starters, I'm a huge Skintimate fan. However, I got this for free when I last bought some razor refills, so I figured I would give it a try - not a huge fan. I won't be purchasing it.

Macadamia Deep Repair Masque
This is my favorite hair mask of all time; it gets all the tangles out and makes my hair soft and shiny. It's pricey but worth it. I've already repurchased another.

Maybelline The Rocket Volum' Express Mascara (2)
This is my favorite mascara - I feel like I'm going through these faster and faster.  I have repurchased another, but I have my eye on a few different new mascaras, too!

Neutrogena oil-free eye makeup remover
I alternate between this and Clinique Take the Day off. This is the best drugstore eye makeup remover I've tried. I recently repurchased the store brand to see how they compare.

Olay Regenerist Anti-Aging Wipes
These have been my favorite wipes for a few months; I already have a few more packages under my sink.

OPI Matte Nail Envy Nail Strengthener
If you have brittle nails or are trying to grow out your nails - I highly recommend this. This has made my nails as hard as rocks. The matte (invisible!) finish is great because it doesn't infer with your nail polish and allows males to wear it to.

Prestige Ideal Match Brow Pencil
It's taken me a little over a year to finish this pencil. After flying through MAC's Brow pencils, I decided it was time to find a cheaper alternative. I've really liked this pencil and still haven't thought about switching back to MAC. As you can see, you can definitely get your $3 worth:

Prestige Ideal Match Brow Pencil

Soap & Glory Flake Away Body Polish
This scrub smells awesome and left the smallest amount of residue in my shower, unlike most scrubs. However, I didn't notice it doing any miracles for my skin. It's just not worth the price tag. I won't be repurchasing.

Vitafusion Women's Complete Multivitamin
As the quote goes, "beauty starts from within." So I threw these in with the rest of my empty beauty product... I'll admit, I don't always eat right and I wanted to avoid the winter blues, so I started taking these vitamins about two and a half months ago. These had great reviews and a good price point... I was sold. These supply vitamins A, C, & D; energy metabolism support; and bone support. Not to mention, they taste like candy. I've purchased two 70 count bottles and recently finally bought the big 150 count bottle since it's a much better value. I definitely recommend these!


Follow / Subscribe / Twitter / Instagram

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

Follow / Subscribe / Twitter / Instagram