Empties #9

Onto another round of empties! See more information on the #100daysofempties challenge on one of my previous posts: Empties #7.

beauty empties

Empties:
Bath & Body Works Fresh Lemon HandiBac Anti-Bacterial Hand Foam
I had this on my desk at work, I used it daily. Foam (instead of gel) takes a little time to get used to. It was effective and I really enjoyed this scent. I would repurchase it.

Bath & Body Works Fresh Lemon HandiBac Anti-Bacterial Hand Gel
This was in my purse and I coincidentally finished the gel and foam on the same day! It was effective and I really enjoyed this scent. I would repurchase it.

Chloe Sample Spray Vial 
Stella is still my all-time favorite scent. But this scent is nice when I want a change. It's a very clean scent with a hint of floral. I received a roller ball for Christmas so I finally made myself finish this sample vial.

Gilchrist & Soammes Spa Therapy Stimulating Sea Wrack Body Wash 
(Birchbox sample) I really liked this scent - very clean and spa-like. It lathered okay. It seems a little pricey, so I probably won't purchase the full size.

Gillette Venus Swirl Razor Cartridge
I kept seeing commercials and advertisements for this new razor. I had a coupon and gift card, so I finally decided to try it out. I like the handle part of the razor; the small ball makes it slightly swivel to the right and left, allowing a super close shave. The cartridge itself was just okay. I really prefer cartridges with the built-in moisturizing shave bar. I'm hoping my favorite cartridge with fit into this handle!

Joico K-Pak Conditioner (1 Liter)
This is my holy grail conditioner. I've been through a few of these salon-size 1-liter bottles. They're just more cost-effective for me. Not to mention, it's a huge accomplishment to use a liter in its entirety! I'm sure I'll repurchase another once I get through all of my conditioner samples.

Liz Earle Muslin Cloth 
I received this in my Birchbox nearly a year ago. While I found the Liz Earle cleanser just okay, I really liked this muslin cloth it was paired with. I've kept it in my shower and used it consistently. This one is incredibly stained and I finally decided to replace it with a new one.

Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless Foundation in Ivory
(foil packet sample) I received this in my Walmart spring beauty box. I typically don't wear foundation, but this one was actually on my 'to try' list. I used it immediately and was unimpressed. The coverage and matte feature were nice, but it made all of my other makeup seem super matte as well - even my (supposed to be) shiny highlighter. Not a fan.

N.4 Volumizing Shampoo 
(Birchbox sample) This shampoo smelled and lathered nice but it didn't scream 'wow' for me to purchase the full size.

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

Nivea In-Shower Body Lotion
(foil packet sample) I've accumulated a few of these sample packets, so I decided to give it try. The scent was okay - it reminded me of a cold cream. I applied it in the shower and then rinsed it off (as directed.) It felt like I applied a very light, non-greasy lotion. When I towel-dried, I felt like I wiped all of the product away and I needed to apply my regular, normal lotion. I guess this is a good concept if you time to air-dry. Needless to say, I won't be purchasing the full size.

Origins VitaZing SPF 15 Moisturizer
This is both a staple and a holy grail product for me; I won't continue to rave.

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

Zoya Remove+ Big Flipper 
(not pictured) This is both a staple and a holy grail product for me; I won't continue to rave.

Clinique Turnaround Overnight Radiance Moisturizer 
(sample) I've had this for nearly a year. I use it every now and then. Lately, I feel like it was just clogging my pores. I'm about halfway through the sample jar and will probably just give it someone else.

Essentiel Elements Shower Gel
(Birchbox sample) I typically like light, fresh scents in the shower. The scent of this gel was just way too overwhelming for me. It reminded me of Scope mouthwash but stronger. My sensitive skin just couldn't handle it. I used it a few times and I'll be passing it to my younger sister.

Physician's Formula Perfecting Concealer Duo
I bought this when it was on super sale at CVS a while ago. While I liked the colors and concept, the formulation just wasn't working with my skin type. It was caking on me badly. I'll probably toss this or pass it to someone else.

candles

Candles:
Bath & Body Works Champagne Toast (3-wick candle)
This was a holiday scent but didn't scream 'holiday time' to me. It was fresh, clean, and girly all at the same time. I hope it comes back around next year.

Glade Cashmere Woods (6 tarts)
I mentioned these candles in my last empties post. This month, I finished up the matching tarts. I enjoyed this scent - very clean and woodsy.

Greenleaf Candle Cubes Votive in Silver Spruce
I received this candle in my Birchbox a few months ago. I liked this scent but it really reminded me of Christmas... (I burned it in March. oops.)

Totals:
#100daysofempties totals: I've completed 66 products in 91 days.
#oneemptyonedollar totals: $17.49 remains in my beauty budget.

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Three Days, Three Boxes


I'm still holding up pretty well with my empties budget/no-buy and concentrating on finishing products I already own. *pats self on back* The only downside to buying less is fewer products to haul and review. I accumulated three beauty boxes/bags in three days and it almost felt like a haul. I figured an unboxing/haul only made sense...


Birchbox March 2015
I really like how Birchbox now has sample choice. Don't get me wrong, I love surprises but it's nice every now and then to be able to make a decision, too. This month, I chose It's a 10! Miracle Leave-in Product; this is my HG detangler and I figured I could use a travel size. I received a sample choice confirmation and spoiler email. I was a little disappointed my box featured totally different products. Birchbox informed they ran out of inventory. Bummer!


Products:
  • Benefit Watt's up! Highlighter
  • Derma E Evenly Radiant Brightening Day Creme SPF 15
  • Macadamia Nourishing Moisture Masque
  • Oscar Blandi Pronto Dry Shampoo Powder Spray
  • Roloxin Light Revitalizing Facial Masque Treatment (set of 2)
I already owned/tried three of these products... that has never happened to me in the history of my Birchbox experience. (Nearly four years!) On the plus side, this is probably the highest value box I've ever received - $10 for over $50 worth of product. Impressive! I'm generally always pleased with my monthly Birchbox. Birchbox is a monthly subscription service that brings you new beauty products tailored to your personal profile. Sign up here. (referral link)


Walmart Beauty Box Spring 2015
The Walmart Beauty Box is a seasonal subscription box that cost $5. (There are only 4 boxes a year, $20 in total.)

Products:
  • Dove Go Fresh Mandarin & Tiare Flower Seed Body Wash (travel size)
  • Garnier Miracle Sleeping Cream (foil packet)
  • Lady Gaga Fame Fragrance (sample)
  • Maybelline Fit Me Matte & Poreless Foundation (foil packet)
  • Neutrogena Healthy Skin Boosters Facial Cleanser (White Tea & Vitamin E) (sample)
  • Nivea In-Shower Lotion (foil packet)
  • Rimmel Lash Accelerator Mascara (full size)
  • Schwarzkopf essence Ultime Omega Repair & Moisture Shampoo (travel size)
  • Schwarzkopf essence Ultime Omega Repair & Moisture Conditioner (travel size)
  • $14 in coupons
I'll admit I was a little confused when opening the box, nothing really screamed 'Hello spring!' to me. I'm generally always disappointed with fragrance vials - this one REALLY annoyed me since it came out 3 years ago!! (Subscription boxes normally showcase new fragrances.) However, I'm looking forward to trying everything else. The mascara alone retails for over $5.00. I'm guessing the value of this box is close to $20 plus $14 in coupons. I think this box is totally worth it if you're into drugstore products. Sign up here.

 
Whole Foods Beauty Bag
Whole Foods launched a beauty bag for beauty week. (It hit shelves March 21, 2015. This is not a subscription box. It is/was available in stores only.) The bag retailed for $18 and has a value of over $60! See more details here.

Products:
  • Acure Cell Stimulating Facial Mask
  • Derma E Microdermabrasion Scrub
  • Gabriel Mascara
  • Giovanni 2chic Blackberry & Coconut Milk Ultra-Repair Shampoo
  • Hello, Beauty Bag
  • Pacifica Eye Shadow Duo (or Lipstick)
  • Trilogy Vital Moisturizing Cream 
  • $5 off coupon for any Biosil Product
I saw this bag was being released and knew I had to have it. Three vegan skincare products (& more!) for under $20? Yes, please! I've been eying a few Giovanni products, so that caught my eye too. I would've preferred the lipstick but my local store was only offering the eyeshadow. A more neutral color eyeshadow duo would've been nice, but otherwise no complaints! I'm happy the bag is 'plain'; I'll probably actually use it instead of storing it with the all of the obnoxious printed bags companies usually giveaway. 

surprise samples,
-Kaitlyn

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February 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 products

Jordana Easyliner for Lips in Rock n Rose

This is an oldy but goody. I keep coming back to this one. I've been loving matte lips lately. I've been wearing this on its own most of the month.

Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray 
I've raved about this one too many times. It's part dry shampoo, part texturizing spray - 100% genius. It smells amazing. Just try. it. This product is making me want to try everything else from Oribe.

Parlor Moisturizing Sea Salt Spray
I received this in my Birchbox. This salt spray is super fine and light - not sticky and heavy, like other salt sprays I've tried in the past. It adds texture without a ton of product buildup... win-win.

Simple Cleansing Micellar Water
I FINALLY tried Bioderma - only a small decant. But I really liked it and I was curious how other micellar waters would compare. This was sort of an impulse buy. (It was on sale and I didn't read any reviews first.) I must I say I liked Bioderma better, but the Simple one comes pretty dang close. It's a super effective makeup remover without irritation or a scent.

Wet n Wild Lipstick in Bare it All (902c)
Again, I've been loving matte lips all-month. When I didn't wear the Jordana easy liner - I wore this. It's such a pretty, natural shade.

pump dispenser lid

A 'random' favorite is a storage solution! I FINALLY got my hands on the Up & Up nail polish dispenser. It has the pump dispenser lid, very similar to Zoya's Remove+. Using this huge bottle of Clinique Toner has been a hassle: it's heavy when it's full, I'm paranoid I'm going to spill it, and it doesn't even fit in my bathroom drawer. Taking off my makeup feels like such a chore sometimes; this dispenser has made my skin care routine more effective and effortless.

matte lips & texturized hair,
-Kaitlyn

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