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!


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January 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

Dry Shampoos
I'm definitely in a winter funk and I have been slacking when it comes to washing my hair.  I've been loving dry shampoo to hide the oiliness and add volume. I've been using both Psssst and Oscar Blandi all-month. I'm been eyeing some others from Batiste, Dove, and Suave.

J.R. Watkins Peppermint Foot Repair Salve
This has been on my wishlist for a long time. I finally cashed in some Birchbox points and decided to throw this in my cart, too. The salve takes some getting used to if you're a lotion/cream user, but it's worth it. I noticed my feet were softer after just three uses!

Revlon Highlighting Palette in Bronze Glow
I don't need another bronzer, I thought as this ending up in my basket while at CVS. I've really enjoyed using this; it provides just the right amount of color and glow when you swirl your brush in all of the colors. It's similar to Physician's Formula Shimmer Strips.. you can also use the individual colors for eyeshadow or highlight.

Ruby Wing Color Changing Nail Polish in Kitten Heels
This arrived in my January Birchbox and I haven't taken it off since. The staying power was great. No chips until Day 4-5 (miracle!) It only changed colors in the sun a few times; I think the sun has to be at just the right angle. Both the pink and red are vivid, pretty colors.

Urban Decay NAKED 3 Palette
I've tried all of the NAKED eye palettes, and this one definitely works the best for me. There are endless eye looks and all of the rose-gold shades really make green eyes pop. The quality is nothing but amazing... as usual!

peppermint feet & kitten heels,
-Kaitlyn

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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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