March 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.
benefit cosmetics

Benefit Rollerlash Mascara*
(sample size) I have been loving this mascara since day one. It gives the illusion of curled lashes without the lash curl curler. While I'm not a fan of the lash curler to begin with, this mascara does make my lashes feel more curled and voluminous.

mascara eyelashes

Benefit They're Real! Mascara*
(pictured above) This mascara has been one of my favorites for awhile. In the past, I've only ever tried the sample size. This full-size tube is creeping up on the three-month mark and I'm starting like this mascara even more dried out a bit. I feel like it's even more thickening with the drier consistency.

Benefit Gimme Brow Tinted Brow Gel*
I have been pretty lazy when it comes to makeup lately. (It's been pretty humid lately, makeup just feels so thick.) Filling in my brows with a pencil has been the least of my worries. On days that I still want a more polished look, I've been loving this tinted brow gel. I've never used a tinted brow gel before, so I'm not sure how it compares to other brands. It's definitely easy to apply and provides good results.

Benefit obsessed,
-Kaitlyn

Disclaimer: I received all of these products for free (through promotions and giveaways); this does not influence my opinion in anyway.

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Blogiversary Giveaway 2015 (CLOSED)

4/28: Congrats, Kara! Thank you all for entering. This giveaway is now closed.

I can not believe my blog turns FIVE this month! As a thank you to current followers/subscribers and welcoming new ones, I'm holding my annual Blogiversary Giveaway!


Prizes
One lucky winner will receive:
• Coastal Scents Revealed 2 Palette
• $10 Starbucks Gift Card
• Deluxe lip products:
------ The Balm Read my Lips Lipgloss in Bam!
------ The Balm Stainaic Lip & Cheek Stain
------ bareMinerals Marvelous Moxie Lipstick in Speak Your Mind
------ Marc Jacobs Beauty Lust for Lacquer Lip Vinyl in Kissability
• a few more surprises!

Rules & Terms
• This is open to all followers and subscribers, both old and new.
• This giveaway is open to the USA only.
• Ages 18 and older can enter.
• Applicant must follow/subscribe to this blog and complete the Rafflecopter widget. Additional entries are available across social media platforms; these are not mandatory but will better your chances of winning.
• The giveaway will close April 27, 2015 at 11:59 pm (Central Time)
• Winner will be chosen through rafflecopter.com and contacted on April 28, 2015 via email. Winner has two days to reply with their mailing address or another winner will be chosen. Winner will be announced on this blog post once their address has been received.
• Social media accounts must be public at the time of drawing.
• Accounts created for the sole purpose of giveaways and/or those who give false entry information will be disqualified.
• This giveaway is not sponsored or affiliated with any mentioned social media platforms, companies, or brands. All prizes are new and were purchased with my own money; the prize package is valued at approximately $60.

How to Enter
To enter, please complete the Rafflecopter form below. (GIVEAWAY CLOSED) You must Follow or Subscribe to this blog. Additional entries are given for blogging about this giveaway, following me on Twitter, tweeting about this giveaway, following me on Instagram, and reposting the giveaway picture on Instagram.

Good luck!
-Kaitlyn

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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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