101 Empties | A Mass Review

I have a secret to share with you.  When I manage to gather this many empties it takes me a few days to write the post.  I will write a paragraph here and there until I reach the end.  Sometimes writing this many mini-reviews is daunting work.  There is only so many different ways to say "I liked this product, but not enough to actually purchase it" with out sounding like a broken record.  But I shall try! 

Life has been a bit hectic these last six weeks, with my undergraduate degree winding down in the form of countless essays and exams, I haven't really had much time to do anything fun.  Hence why March had less than 10 posts on the blog.

Finish It Off February | Update

My goal for February was to finish off as many soon to expire or otherwise or that were mostly done anyways.  Over the last two weeks I have finished off 29 products, so I am pretty happy!  You can read my original post here.

January Empties 2

For part one of my January Empties, click here. Between destashing, a few weekends away, and sheer will and determination I finished an absurd number of products this month.  Keep reading to see how I did!

January Empties 1

This month I went through so many empties that I will be splitting them up in two posts!  I was pretty excited by the number of deluxe and full sized products that I managed to use up, and look forward to continuing to clear out the excess products I own.  Keep reading to see what I went through this month!

Empties | Winter 2015 (Bath and Body)

I haven't had time to do a proper empties post in a while, but when I went to shove one more shampoo bottle into my empties bag I couldn't!  So, I guess its time for an Empties post!  I have an impressive 19 products and mini reviews packed into this post!

Empties | MEGA 56 Product Post

I haven't done one of these in a while.  However when I went to add a second Bioderma makeup remover bottle to my empties box it was actually overflowing, so I figured I should do a post.  It also feels fitting to get rid of this trash to make way for the goodies that Santa has under the tree for me!  And for the insane amounts of Julep I have ordered in the last week or two.  Oops?

Empties | August 2014

This month was just crazy for me!  I finished up my dream internship, packed up my apartment, moved back home, and went on an amazing week long vacation with my boyfriend.  I finished up a whole lot of minis, and had to leave some *almost* finished products behind.  As much as I love my products...packing up a conditioner with only one or two uses left to transport across Ontario just isn't worth the trouble.  

I am still busy unpacking and getting ready for school, so instead of reviewing every single product I used this month I will just give you the "Sparks Notes" version.

Hair Care

Re-Purchase:

Heathy Sexy Hair Soy Beach Spray - I already bought this in full size.  I love spraying it through my hair after I shower for a quick, cute summery look.

Marc Anthony Conditioner - This is my conditioner.  No question, I have been using it for months!  I love how it takes care of my hair, and keeps it shiny and healthy.  I have noticed so many improvements since I started using this product!

Living Proof Restore Treatment - Wow.  I was blown away with how much I love this conditioner.  I really enjoyed using it twice in one week to help nurture my dry strands after enjoying a dip in a (chlorine) pool.  I was delighted to receive two more of these for free from my most recent Ulta purchase.

No Re-Purchase:

Pantene Shampoos and Conditioners - With samples this size its hard to notice any real benefits.  However I didn't find these were anything special.  They did the job but I wouldn't go out of my way to buy them.
Keratin Oil Deep Conditioner - Despite using this frequently I found no noticeable improvements in the health and shine of my hair.
Macadamia Oil Deep Conditioner - Don't get me wrong...I like this product.  But I just discovered their coconut version...and I LOVE it.

Re-Purchase:

The Face Shop Honey Mask - I love a little luxury in my life.  And for $2?  Yes please.  Love how soft it leaves my skin.

Bioderma Face Water - Simply the best way to remove makeup. Gentle but effective.

Lancome Moistuizer - Don't mess with a good thing.  It keeps my skin healthy and happy.

Julep Bare Face Oil - I love using this to remove my make-up before an evening shower.

Ole Henriksen Face Peel- Wow.

Volcanic Clay Nose Strips- These things really take the gunk out of your pores!

No Re-Purchase:

Balea Face Wipes - These make me tear up and leave my skin red and blotchy :(

Other random small things - Not notable.

Make-up

Re-Purchase:

Hourglass Veil Primer - This product makes my skin velvety soft, but without making it feel heavy.

Dior Nudeskin Foundation 010 - Simple.  When you find your perfect foundation colour you stick with it.  I use this product daily.

Stila Kitten Eyeshadow - Whats not to love about a pearl eyeshadow that is universally flattering and can be used as a highlighter incase of emergancy?

Smashbox BB Cream "Fair" - This BB cream is perfect for casual days.

No Re-Purchase:

Pür Big Look Mascara - Literally impossible to remove.  I had to use 3 different makeup removers before I gave up.

Re-Purchase:

Almande Oil - This smells soooosososososos yummy and keeps my legs soft after I shave.

Lush Products - Can't wait to pick these cuties up later this fall (Lush is expensive!)

No Re-Purchase:

Everything else - Eh?

Samples

Purchase:

Glamglow Thirsty Mud - I got this as a gift from my boyfriend.  I know-- I'm a lucky girl.  Smells like coconut and leaves me super hydrated.

Urban Decay Sin Eyeprimer  - Can be used as a simple all over champagne eyeshadow or as a base for shimmery eyeshadow.  

La Petite Robe Noire EDP - Also a gift from my boyfriend.  It smells so...sexy?  Musky?  Mysterious? Flawless.

Total Empties - 47

All in.

All in I used up 47 products including full sized and sample products.  I found some new favourites and used up some products that were taking up space.  Not too bad!  I'll have to pick up that Ole Henriksen peel once I get through some more of my skin care.

Sorry my posts have been on and off.  My new goal is 2 per week until exam season and then I will reevaluate.  <3

June Empties!

June was a good month for me for empties!  I must say, its really satisfying to get those all gone.  There were some products I was really excited about this month, and others, not so much.  My...let's call it a collection, my collection is quite large, so "re-purchase"es may be a while off.

Quo Luxury Cotton Pads - Eventual Repurchase

These guys got the job done.  I would totally buy these again.  Nothing special, but if these are the cotton pads on sale at Shoppers next time I am in need, than these are the ones I will get.  For this sort of product I have just about zero brand loyalty.  I generally buy from Shoppers to get my Optimum Points.

Balea Warming Foot Cream - Eventual Repurchase

Speaking of Optimum Points, the Balea masks were on promotion.  Buy 3, get 500 bonus points.  So I picked up this guy, and two others.  I'm a sucker for those points, but I am getting close to 95, 000!  This was nice.  It felt thick and nourishing, however not terribly warming.  I would pick these up again as an impulse purchase, but not a must have.

Glam Glow Under Eye Treatment - Purchase One Day

These retail in sets of 12 for $76, so in other words, a bit more than I would like to spend.  I got this for free some how, and decided to give it a try.  In retrospect, one little pod would have been enough for both of my eyes.  I'll keep that in mind for next time to extend the life of the product.  It felt cool under my eye and after wiping it off I noticed a difference.  I might buy these in January as I work up to maintaining my VIB Rouge Status.

Sephora Pearl Mask - Re-purchase 

This is a cotton sheet mask that retails for a wonderful $8.  They are new to the Sephora line and come in all sorts of scents.  I also picked up the mask in "Honey".  I found Pearl did a nice job at brightening my skin.  It felt relaxing and luxurious with the added benefit of no skin irritation.  I did look a bit silly, but I would buy this again in a heart beat.  Also-- a great product to buy if you want any of the points gifts or samples on the Sephora website.  (Stay tuned for the full review) 

Face Shop Nourishing Gel Lip Patch - Eventual Repurchase

$4 at The Face Shop.  It felt weird, and looked crazy, but it was a heck of a lot of fun!  I didn't notice much of a difference, but I would buy this again entirely for the novelty value.

Julep Nail Mask - Eventual Repurchase

This comes in the Julep Moisture Mask Trio.  It is the dud in the trio for me, and feels awkward to wear but it made my nails feel nice.  So there's that.  I will end up getting it again though because I love the foot and hand masks in the set.

Alterna Hair CC Cream - Re-purchase 

I looooooooooooove this for my hair. It keeps my crazy long hair tame and wavy and I love how it feels.  Full size goes for $28.50 but I got this guy as a 100 point gift.  The mini lasted me for about a month which is pretty good!  I will pick up the full sized of this guy once I get through a few more hair products.  Maybe when I am in the states at the end of the summer and it is cheaper :)

Smashbox Halo Mini in Fair - Re-purchase 

I picked this up in a set when I was going to Europe.  When I travel I like to get my foundation products in mini form, and with its mini set Smashbox makes it easy! I use this product daily and wouldn't have it any other way.  It makes me glow, and helps my foundation really last.

Ole Hendriksen Moisturizer - Eventual Repurchase

This is my go-to moisturizer.  It smells like oranges and keep my skin awake, fresh, and moisturized.  I love it!  I prefer the Lancome moisturizer I use in the summer because it has better SPF, but come fall I will be back to my old citrus ways.

Lancome Multi-Vital Moisturizer - Re-purchase  

This came in a Lancome Gift With Purchase and I fell in love.  It has kept my face and neck sun burn free (which is no small task!) and my skin clear.  I picked it up in full size.  Love, love, love.

LA Fresh Acetone Free Nail Polish Remover Pad - Re-purchase 

I had such low expectations for this acetone free pad. Buuuuut it got an entire mani off and smelled like wonderful pomegranates.  I would love to pick up a set of these.  I think I originally got it in either an old Ipsy bag or an ancient Glymm bag.

butterLondon Scrubber - No Purchase

Other than the fact that I was supposed to have two of these in my set, it worked well.  It got polish off 8 of my nails which is good, but not great.  I like that these can be used pre and post polish.  But, I don't see myself picking up the full sized pack.

Living Proof Make-Up Bag - No Purchase

This came in my Living Proof 500 point gift.  After 2 days of service the zipper promptly died on me.

Marc Anthony Macadamia Nut Deep Conditioner - Re-purchase 

I use to get the Moroccan Oil Deep Conditioner package, until I tried this part of their line.  I find it richer and even more moisturizing.  It makes my hair soft and clean and I love it.  I have two more to go  until I have to get more!

The Body Shop Mango - No Purchase

It smells good.  It scrubs.  It makes me feel pretty.  I like the Honeymania scent better, but this is a strong second.  That being said, I have a collection of body scrubs to get through and this, while good, isn't my absolute favourite. 

Hair Brush - No Purchase

I picked it up at Winners for $8.  It couldn't handle my wet tangled hair, and then it popped off and that was the end.  I ended up replacing it with another random one from Winners.

Olay Wipes - No Purchase

I find these irritate my eyes a bit, but they get the job done.

Quo Wipes - Re-purchase 

These are so lovely!  I picked it up on a points bonus and couldn't be happier.  Its loaded with vitamin-E and helps keep my skin soft and clean and happy.  What more could you ask for?

Well, what a month!  I'm happy to have finished 19 items this month.  The goal for July? 100.

TOTAL: 19

May: Favourites, Empties, and Wish List

Favourites

The Works Onion Rings and Beachhouse Sauce

I have to admit, I was never really an "onion ring" person.  Until my boyfriend took me to The Works for the first time last year.  Now we go about once a month.  Every time we order the Onion Ring Tower.  He likes to switch up his sauce, but I always ask for Beachhouse.  It reminds me of a garden veggie ranch, he says its a mayo, but whatever it is, it is delicious.  We had a pretty stressful day last week, so to make it better we went out for a nice lunch.  These delicious, perfect onion rings hit the spot.

Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Sunscreen

Shoppers Drug Mart

I envy those who can walk outside and get a nice golden tan.  I am really, really pale so this SPF 60 is my best friend.  Last week I forgot my sunscreen for an hour, and I got quite the burn.  At least when it gets better it will be a tan.  

Unique Graphique Rosa Notebook

$10 Papyrus

Last month I noticed this pretty little book while I was meandering The Path in downtown Toronto.  IT was $10.  It was floral.  And now, it is mine.  I love that when I have an idea to jot down, or a list to make that I can pull this little feminine book out.

Empties

Benefit: They're Real Mascara

I know, I know, one should only keep a mascara around for 3 months.  I have had this one around for...a while.  I love how it looks when its on, but I am not a fan of plastic mascara brushes (I love the big fluffy ones!) and I find the formula pretty tough to remove.  I have placed myself on a strict mascara no-buy since about December because I have a dozen mini mascaras, and four unopened full sized mascaras to get through.  I might re-purchase this one one day, but when I get through my mascara stash my first mascara purchase will be Make Up For Ever's Smokey Lash.  

Wish List

Yves Saint Laurent: Gloss Volupté #19

I was at the Bay a few weeks ago when I was handed two samples of 3 lip glosses.  I fell in love with the kiss-shapped applicator.  This gloss adds a nice glimmer to my lips and I can't wait to pick the full size!  In the winter I am all about lipstick, but this spring I can't get enough of glosses!  I really like that this one isn't sticky.  

Yves Saint Laurent: Touche Éclat #1

YSL has the prettiest, classiest packaging!  I love the look of this gold pen.  I have eyed it in store for months, and have tried it, I love how it brightens under my eyes and conceals evidence of my lack of sleep.  Maybe at the end of June I will take the $50 plunge.

Benefit: Hydrating Tinted Lip Balm in Lollibalm

I doubt this works better than any other tinted lip balm but it is so so so so pretty.  I love the packaging. I love that it is on trend with the colour of the year.  I love the colour.  I don't need it.  But I want it.

Update:  I tried it in Shoppers Drug Mart.  I love how it makes my lips feel however I didn't really notice it on.  Before I decide if I am going to buy it I am going to try one of those EOS sphere lip balms.