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

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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.

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:
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.

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April 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. 

I've been having some skin issues lately - mostly just dryness/redness and I'm not sure why. In April, I was all about skincare and wore minimal makeup not to cause any more irritation.

CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion
I've been using this for about a month now and I really like it. The consistency is like a lotion, gel, and serum all in one. It dries pretty fast. I apply it before bed and wake up with moisturized skin.

Dr. Lipp Nipple Balm for Lips
I got this about a year ago with my Birchbox points. I rarely used it just because I didn't care for the consistency (very sticky) or scent. My lips have also been dry/flaky/red lately, so I was looking for a fix. I read many people raving about Lanolin on Reddit. As I was about to head to the store to pick some up, I remembered I had this. It has provided a lot of relief for my irritated lips - more so than any other product.

ELF HD Lifting Concealer
I'm not a huge fan of foundation, so I just wear concealer. When face redness kicks in, I need more coverage. I got this months ago but really haven't started using it until recently. Since green and red are opposites, this product camouflages my red spots nicely. Best of all, I'm using less concealer and I still don't have to mess with foundation.

Paula's Choice Resist Moisture Renewal Oil Booster
I received this in my Birchbox. I've barely made a dent in the sample and I've been using it nearly all month. I just use a drop or two on super dry areas before bed. In the morning, face redness and irritation is much more manageable.

Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer Color Correcting Adjust 
I've used this for a year or two. I've really been liking it in combination with the ELF HD lifting concealer. I like the silky consistency of this primer. It helps my powder products to stay on all day long.

green makeup,
-Kaitlyn

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Empties #10

Onto another round of empties! See more information on the #100daysofempties challenge on one of my previous posts: Empties #7. Unfortunately, 100 days has passed but I'm still determined to finish up 100 products!

Empties:
Benefit They're Real! Mascara*
I discussed this mascara in last month's favorites. I really liked this towards the end when it dried up a bit. However, I always toss mascara after three months. I will repurchase this in the future.

Dove Deep Moisture Body Wash
(travel size) This smelled like SweeTarts mixed with soap. I generally don't like food scents, but I found this scent refreshing. The formula was moisturizing. I might repurchase this in the future.

Dove Sensitive Skin Beauty Bar
This is both a staple and a holy grail product for me; I won't continue to rave.

eos Medicated Lip Balm Tangerine
This is probably my favorite eos scent. The scent/flavor was nice - very citrus. This lip balm felt nice immediately after applying, but I didn't notice it really treating my lips. I probably won't repurchase this.

First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream
So, so many people raved about this product - both in the online beauty community and people I know in real life. I finally decided to try it out. It's a little pricey but it was effective. However, I prefer coconut oil over this.

Giovanni 2Chic Shampoo
(travel size) I liked the scent of this - very coconut-ish. Unfortunately, I didn't find it extremely moisturizing.

Maybelline Define-a-Brow Pencil
I read this was a 'dupe' for Anastasia's Brow Wiz. After purchasing, I realized it's a third of the size of Brow Wiz for a third of the cost. I'll probably just with Anastasia. Not to mention, with Anastasia, you get a spoolie instead of a comb.

Neutrogena Healthy Skin Boosters Facial Cleanser
(sample size) This smelled nice and was effective - I found it just okay.

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

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 A Kiss of Mint & Minerals Lip Balm
I liked the scent but I didn't find it super effective.

Paula's Choice Super Antioxidant Concentrate Serum
(Birchbox sample) I really liked this, especially on my red/dry spots around my nose. After using it nightly for just a few days, I noticed less redness. I might purchase the full size.

Ruby Wing Color Changing Nail Polish in Mini Kitten Heels
(Birchbox sample) This is probably one of my most-used Birchbox samples. I received this in my Birchbox years ago and have used it monthly since. It's not completely empty but it has thickened up so much I can't work with it anymore. I might repurchase this in the future.

Schwarzkopf essence Ultime Omega Repair & Moisture Shampoo
(travel size) I found this pretty drying, I didn't care for the formula or scent.

Schwarzkopf essence Ultime Omega Repair & Moisture Conditioner
(travel size) This was more moisturizing than the conditioner, but I didn't care for the scent.

Secret Clinical Strength Deodorant
(travel size) This was my old HG deodorant. I've switched to clear/roll-on to avoid stains on my clothes.

Skintimate Dry Skin Moisturizing Shave Gel
This is both a staple and a holy grail product for me; I won't continue to rave.

Simple Cleansing Micellar Water
This was super effective and gentle. I liked Bioderma a little bit better. But for the cost and availability, this is a good option.

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

Vasanti BrightenUp! Enzymatic Face Rejuvenator
(Birchbox sample) I got my hands on a few more samples from a beauty swap. In the past, I said I would purchase the full-size, I'm sure I still will!

Candles:
Bath & Body Works Rio Red Guava
(3-wick Candle) I liked this scent but it didn't burn properly towards the end.

Better Homes and Gardens Tranquil Garden Spa Wax Cubes
(6) This is my new favorite wax melt scents; it smelled so clean and refreshing.

Glade Poppy Grove Candle
I didn't really care for this scent. It smelled nice at the store, but was ended up being too floral for me. When burning, you could barely smell anything. I like candles/melts to make the whole room smell pleasant.

Yankee Candles Beach Walk Votive
This and Fluffy Towels are my favorite Yankee scents. I've been through so many of these.

Totals:
#100daysofempties totals: I've completed 84 products in 125 days.
#oneemptyonedollar totals: $16.33 remains in my beauty budget.

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Sephora Favorites: Skinstant Radiance

Calling all high-end skincare lovers, RUN to your local Sephora inside of JCPenney! One of my favorite things is to try out new high-end skincare. I don't have the budget to spend $40-$100 on one single skincare item, like a lot of companies charge. I always end up going for these value sets or beauty boxes that feature an assortment of skincare products. After trying them out, I can decide if it really is a miracle product and worth the high price tag.

Nouveau Cheap posted about this value set on Tuesday. I have been loving all of my other Sephora Favorites sets and knew I had to have this one. Not to mention, yesterday also launches the Beauty Insider 10% off sale with code "BILOVE". (Yes, I'm on a no-buy but I always hoard my Christmas gift cards for the April sale.)

I believe this set is available only in-store at Sephora inside of JCPenney; you can not purchase it online.

The Skinstant Radiance Set has 11 skincare samples and a makeup bag. The set says it's a $110 value, I had a difficult time believing that, so I did my own calculations:

• bareMinerals Mineralixirs 5-Oil Blend (0.1 oz.) - $2.94 value
• Boscia Tsubaki Oil-Infused Exfoliating Powder (0.35 oz.) - $5.97 value 
• Dr. Jart+ Premium Beauty Balm SPF45 (0.17 oz.) - $4.42 value
• First Aid Beauty Face Cleanser (1.0 oz.) - (1.0oz retails for $5.50 at Sephora)
• GLAMGLOW Powermud Dualcleanse Treatment (0.5 oz.) - (0.5oz retails for $19 at Sephora)
• Josie Maran Argan Infinity Intensive Creamy Oil (0.16 oz.) - $2.04 value
• Murad AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser (1.0 oz.) - $5.34 value
• Ole Henriksen Ultimate Lift Eye Gel (0.1 oz.) - $4.20 value
• Peter Thomas Roth Rose Stem Cell Bio-Repair Cleansing Gel (3.3 oz.) - $14.75 value
• Soap & Glory The Righteous Butter Body Lotion (1.7 oz.) - $1.50 value
• St. Tropez Self Tan Bronzing Lotion (2.85 oz.) - $14.96 value
• Sephora makeup bag - unknown value

I didn't triple check my math and I could've possibly made an error; according to my calculations, the product value comes out to $80.62. I guess Sephora put a $29.38 value on the makeup bag? (Someone please correct me if you see an error.)

Either way, $35 (plus 10-15% off) for $80+ worth of product and a makeup bag is an awesome deal! I'm super pleased and happy with this purchase. I haven't tried any of these exact products; I'll get to try out new skincare for months!

HE skincare junkie,
-Kaitlyn

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