Category: Bye Bye Empties

Bye Bye Empties: March 2018

littlebeautyloves25 Comments

Happy Easter and April Fools!

March was a pretty great month! The weather is continually warming up and I had some fun things planned. I’m a bridesmaid for my best friend’s wedding and I started looking at some dresses. I’m really lucky that she’s given all her bridesmaids the ability to choose whatever dress they want. It was nice to hang out with everyone and I’ll keep you posted as the Wedding draws closer (it’ll be in October this year).

I also did something really drastic with my hair! I cut it! Whoot! It has been a few years since I’ve seen a hairdresser and I usually trim my hair on my own but I finally chopped it off! I was really tired of it!

Here are some of the items that I was able to empty this month;

Face Masks

The Face Shop MASK.LAB Anti-Aging Foil Face Mask. This foil mask came in my February Topbox. I’ve never tried a foil mask before so I was really interested in what made this different. I’ve included a photo of my tin man moment because I thought it was fun to share! The mask is a foil on the outside with a traditional sheet mask fused on the inside (to absorb the serum). The foil trapped the heat so my face felt warm. Nothing uncomfortable but worth mentioning. Also, the foil stopped any access product from dripping which I really loved. I would definitely purchase this again.

Biobelle Cosmetics Sheet Mask in #iwokeuplikethis. This was a 3 mask set in my June BoxyCharm. I think this is good sheet mask that left my skin feeling really nice. I don’t know if it made it more glowy but it did make makeup application afterwards really easy. I don’t know if they ship to Canada but it looks like they have other really good masks on the Biobelle website. I’d be interested in testing out more.

Skincare

MarchEmpties2018_LBL3

Garnier SkinActive Makeup Removing Micellar Wipes. If you read my post on makeup removers you’ll know that I really love this product. The wipe itself is a decent thickness and it feels really soft on the skin. I don’t feel like I’m tugging at my face when I use this and it removes my makeup easily. I’ve actually got other makeup wipes to try, including one from Marcelle that I’m really loving but I’m likely going to repurchase this one again.

Laneige Water Sleeping Mask. I got this deluxe sample of this from Sephora. I got a good two weeks worth of product out of this so not bad at all! The mask was really light and hydrating and was also more gel-like. I liken it to Clinique’s moisture surge. I did like this but I would like some anti-ageing properties in my skincare so I’m not sure if I will repurchase it.

Lancome Energie De Vie the Smoothing and Plumbing Pearly Lotion. I did not care for this lotion. It didn’t hydrate or plump my skin. It had this weird slushy-like consistency. I won’t be repurchasing it.

GlamGlow Nude Glow Primer. I should have probably put this with my makeup empties but since it ended up in the photo with my skin care I’ll just talk about it here. I love this primer because it is illuminating. It has an interesting Flinestone Vitamins type of scent but it wasn’t anything unbearable. I loved wearing this under foundation and if I didn’t already have a Becca backlight primer open I would likely purchase a full size of this.

Benefit Instant Comeback Facial Serum. I’ve had this serum for a really long time and it has finally emptied! I really liked this because it felt like it instantly brightened my face and made my moisturizer glide on so much easier. I’ve since moved on to other serums but I might pick this up again soon.

Dr Brandt Skincare Xtend Your Youth Eye Cream. I got this little sample from Sephora and I used it about three times. As far as an eye cream goes it felt really light and creamy and was easy to spread under my eyes. According to the Sephora website, this is an antioxidant eye cream that protects, hydrates, and smooths the eye area. The ingredients claim to provide protection against free radicals and skin aggressors, all stuff I would love. The only thing it’s missing is some fine line reduction so I’ll have to pass on this.

Makeup

MarchEmpties2018_LBL5

GrandeLash MD Lash Enhancing Serum. I suggest you read my 8-week review of this product here and then follow up three-month review here. In a nutshell, I love this and already have repurchased a second tube.

Lancer Dani Glowing Skin Perfector. I have really been into illuminating primers so I picked this sample up from Sephora. Dani Glowing Skin Perfector is an innovative, illuminating skin finisher and treatment that revitalizes, brightens, and perfects all skin tones in one step. (Sephora.ca) This is really nice but the price is a bit out of my budget at $120.00 CAD/1oz. I did pick up a second sample which I will enjoy but I would not purchase a full size of this.

Yves Rocher Pure Light Foundation. I really enjoy this foundation because it’s very light in consistency but provides a medium coverage. It also is a good shade match for my skin. I think when it comes to Yves Rocher products this is one of my favourite items (second only to their body washes). I’m on a mission to use up the foundations I have so I won’t be repurchasing this.

Benefit Roller Lash Mascara in Brown. I really enjoy this mascara. The curved wand is perfect for lifting my eyelashes. Like foundation, I’m trying to use up all the mascaras I have because I have quite a few. Once I do have a chance to, I will repurchase this one.

Body Care

MarchEmpties2018_LBL4

Ombra Spa Aromatic Foam Bath with Eucalyptus. If you ever feel sick or congested, I highly recommend picking up this bubble bath because it fills your tub with nice bubbles and a punch of eucalyptus to help open up your airways. I got this one from Walmart and I’m probably going to pick up another one come next winter.

Being by Sanctuary Spa Salted Caramel & Macadamia Bubble Bath. This smelled so delicious I swear I could have eaten the bubbles! It makes my bathroom smell like a fudge shop! I picked up this bubble bath and a few body washes from BeautyBoutique to test out Being by Sanctuary products and I’m really loving this brand. The bubbles it creates are awesome too! I am repurchasing this.

Tom’s Long Lasting Deodorant in Refreshing Lemongrass. I hated this because the scent did not work with my body chemistry. I’m not repurchasing this.

The Body Shop Almond Hand and Nail Cream. This was great over the winter for my dry hands. I would repurchase this because I love the almond scent.

That’s all I emptied in March! I’m pretty happy I was able to use up some products that I’ve had for a while.

What have you used up for March?

Lots of Love,
Dal

 

Advertisements

Bye Bye Empties: February 2018

littlebeautyloves11 Comments

Here’s some wishful thinking, but I imagine Spring might be coming a bit early! I’m surprised at how many beautiful and mild days we had in Toronto. Usually, February brings with it a dip in temperatures and a feeling that Winter is never going to end. This time around it’s been so pleasant! I hope that March is the same!

I have lots of skincare empties for this month because I’ve been focusing on keeping hydrated!

Skincare

FebEmpties2018LBL (6)

Yves Rocher Pink Grapefruit Vitamin Face Mist. This item was unexciting. I use face mists all the time but this guy didn’t leave me feeling too hydrated so I would have to spray quite a bit of it on my face to feel like it did anything. Plus I didn’t like the mist. It just splattered onto my face. I will not be repurchasing this.

Estee Lauder Nutritious Night. I really enjoyed this night cream! I shared a review on this which you can read here. I didn’t need very much product so this lasted me quite a long time. I think this particular cream is discontinued, or the name has changed. I have a few other night creams from Estee Lauder that I’m looking forward to trying next.

FebEmpties2018LBL (5)

Secret Nature Rose Mask Sheet. I’m not exactly sure how I got this mask. I think it may have been from my sister. Either way, I absolutely loved the scent. It wasn’t a sweet rose scent, but it lingered on my skin for some time after I removed the mask. This is supposed to even skin tone. I have been using a lot of skin care items the last few months and I feel like in general, my skin has been looking good so I can’t say if this one did anything special.

REN Evercalm Global Protection Day Cream. I was happy with how much I liked this cream. A little pea sized amount was good for my whole face so this little sample lasted me about a week and a half being used every day. The Global Protection Cream is supposed to combat chronic discomfort, redness, and sensitivity. I don’t suffer from those issues but it did feel like my skin did feel moisturized and it was really soothing. It has a very earthy scent which I quite enjoyed as well. I have quite a few moisturizers that I need to use so I don’t think I’ll be repurchasing this anytime soon.

REN Keep Young and beautiful Instant Firming Beauty Shot. I used this just once but it pilled on me so I don’t think I’ll be purchasing a full size. It does have a slight tightening feeling so I’m sure it does firm the skin, it just didn’t work for me.

FebEmpties2018LBL (4)

Peter Thomas Roth Anti-Aging Cleansing Gel. If you read my review of this face wash back in my Summer Night Time Routine you would know already that I didn’t care for this but I was just trying to use it up. I’m not repurchasing this but I’m soooooo happy it’s empty now!

Bioderma Sensibio H2O Makeup Removing Micelle Solution for Sensitive Skin. This is the third large bottle I’ve emptied and I still have another one open which is even with the pump in the cap that I’m using up along with one from Yves Rocher. I like this for breaking down my mascara before I wash my face and sometimes when I’m really lazy and am wearing minimal makeup, I’ll use only this to wash my face. I won’t be repurchasing a new one just yet as I dry to finish up other ones that I have.

Body Care

FebEmpties2018LBL (3)

The Body Shop Shea & Vitamin E body lotion in Butterfly Flower. I really wanted to use up at least half of this but I disliked the scent so much that I couldn’t do it! I had this lotion in my stash for a while that I think maybe the scent might have gotten old. It smells like an old cantaloupe and I don’t like it. I will not be repurchasing this.

Yves Rocher Jardin du Monde Soft Shower Cream in Cotton Flower from India. I feel like every 3rd month I include this body wash into my empties post but I really like it. The scent is so good and I like that it’s moisturizing. As you probably can guess, I’m repurchasing this.

Softsoap Body Scrub in Coconut Butter. Speaking of a body wash with an amazing scent, I absolutely love this one. It smells so yummy. The scrub on this is a bit harsh but since the actual body wash is creamy it was perfect to prep my skin before shaving or when I wanted to exfoliate and hydrate at the same time. If you’re familiar with Softsoap you know that this brand is super affordable, but damn is this one particular body wash so good! I would repurchase this.

Hair Care

FebEmpties2018LBL (2)

Head & Shoulders dry scalp care shampoo and smooth & silky conditioner. Again, another item that has been a repeat quite a bit on the blog. I have dry hair and a dry scalp. The plus of that is that I literally only need to wash my hair twice a week but the downside is that sometimes it’s so dry it’s flakey. I love the deep clean and scent of head & shoulders. I do rotate my shampoos and conditioners only cause I’m not partial to any particular brand but I do love these ones. I have already repurchased more head & shoulders items.

Makeup

SOOOOOO, I forgot to take a photo of my Revlon Mega Multiplier Mascara with my cute polka-dot background so I’ll insert one from my one look one week of reviews series below! haha!

Full Face Review_LBL (15)

If you were interested in my thoughts for this you can read them here. In a nutshell, I liked this mascara. Easy to use, not clumpy, the wand is a great shape for my eyes, however, it is reminiscent of the Princess Lash mascara by Essence and I much prefer that one over this. I did use it all up and I was surprised that the formula didn’t dry out as quickly as I thought it would but it’s not anything special when it comes to mascara so I won’t be repurchasing it.

That’s all the items I have used up for February. What was in your empties stash this month? Did you have a lot of repeat items like I seem to have?

Lots of Love,
Dal

Bye Bye Empties, January 2018

littlebeautyloves6 Comments

The first month of 2018 is done! Woot! Usually I feel like the months go by quickly but this time around it has felt like a good pace. The last few weeks have been spent hanging out with friends on a weekly basis which is great, my weekends have been filled with coffee dates! I’m also really excited because Feb. 1 is my birthday so I have a fun-filled week/weekend planned for that too! I’m really looking forward to February!

Skincare

Empties_January 2018 (6)

MUJI Foam Face Wash for Sensitive Skin. I did a mini-review of this as part of my Summer Night Time Routine. I really enjoyed this cleanser but the more I used it the more I felt like it would irritate around my eyes, contrary to my original review. I don’t have sensitive eyes but it wasn’t very pleasant. I still enjoyed it for the rest of my face. I will not be repurchasing this.

Empties_January 2018 (9)

Buff Her House of Exfoliation Vanilla Almond Crumbles. I shared this in my November 2017 Favourites from the Boxes.  I loved mixing this in with my cleansers. I used a bit more than half the jar but unfortunately, it doesn’t smell as good anymore so I’m just going to toss it.

Olay Prox Exfoliating Cleanser. This came with my Olay Facial Cleansing Brush as a deluxe sample. I’ve included a link here if you wanted to know what I’m talking about. I used this cleanser a few times before moving on to other ones. I actually prefer to use the Olay Brush with my foam cleansers. This product is not empty but it’s been expired for about 6 months when I found it in my bathroom so I’ve decided to toss it. I won’t be repurchasing this.

Empties_January 2018 (7)

Vichy Mineral 89 Sample. I loved the consistency of this serum. It’s gel-like (very similar to Benefit’s Instant Come Back serum) and it was super hydrating. I got about 3 uses out of this sample. I’ve been making a point to go through a lot of my samples and deluxe size items so I have a lot of other serums to get through before I can decide if I want to invest in a full size.

Inglot Milk & Tonic Makeup Remover Wipes. I shared this in an Haul I did back in September. I thought this was OK. It works fine if you don’t wear too much makeup but I was hoping that it would be better for eye makeup and mascara removal. It wasn’t. I won’t be repurchasing this.

Makeup

Empties_January 2018 (2)

Benefit Gimme Brow. I prefer this tiny sample because it lasts me about 3 months, the perfect amount of time before the product dries up! I already have a new sample open for use (in the newer Benefit packaging).

Empties_January 2018 (3)

Benefit They’re Real Tinted Primer. I shared a review of this item way back on the blog here. I noted that I really liked it but it wouldn’t be something I would go out and buy. Well, this particular tube was a gift BUT I enjoyed this so much I did end up repurchasing it! It’sperfect for when I am doing a minimalistic look!

Beauty Blender. It was time to throw this one out. I have replaced it with the Beauty Blender Pro (the black one) which I’m curious about how much different it works compared to the pink one.

Body Care

Empties_January 2018 (5)

Coppertone Clearly Sheer Sunscreen. There isn’t a sunscreen that I enjoy using more than this one. I was introduced to this through Beauty Blogger Network when they sent this to me to try but since then I’ve been repurchasing it on my own. I’ve gone into detail on my thoughts here.

A Girl’s Gotta Spa Energizing Citrus Body Lotion. I enjoyed this product so much! It’s great for my dry skin and I really loved the scent. You can read my review here. I will be repurchasing this.

HairCare

Empties_January 2018 (4)

L’Oreal Ever Fresh Balancing System Sample. I was curious about this hair wash system that I requested a sample from the L’Oreal website when it was available online (I’ve signed up for SampleSource.ca which notifies you whenever a brand is giving out samples – just a great way to test out new products). A hairstylist friend of mine once suggested I use my exfoliating body wash to really deep clean my scalp and this totally reminds me of that. The first step is to use a micro-exfoliant to scrub your scalp then follow it with the shampoo and conditioner. I thought this was great. I probably would repurchase just the exfoliating scrub because I love my own shampoos.

Alterra Caviar CC Cream 10 in 1. I got this as a deluxe sample from Sephora. I really love this brand and I did enjoy this cream until I compared it to my Pantene Pro-V Ultimate 10 BB Cream, you can see my review on the blog. These products actually claim to do the same thing except Pantene is way cheaper! I don’t think I’ll be repurchasing it.

These were all the items I was able to use up for the month! What items have you used up?

Lots of Love,
Dal

Bye Bye Empties, December 2017

littlebeautyloves4 Comments

I’m really happy with the items I’ve been able to empty for December. I keep everything in a bin and I was pleasantly surprised that I had filled it up when I went to create this post. Below are the items I was able to use up!

Makeup

Empties_December_LBL2

Firstly, I used up Sephora’s Retractable Brow Pencil in 03 rich chestnut. I liked the colour of this pencil but I think the brush on the other end is useless. There wasn’t a lot of product in this so it emptied quicker than any other eyebrow pencil I’ve owned. I will not be repurchasing.

I’ve had Yves Rocher’s Velvety Loose Powder in 02 Transparency Beige for the longest time but I’ve finally used it up. I used it to set my face whenever I was wearing full makeup. It came with a sifter which I removed as I got low on the product. I won’t be repurchasing this since I have a lot of pressed and loose powders remaining in my collection.

I’ve decided that it was the time I threw out my Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge. Recently, I have been using brushes to apply foundation and whenever I need a sponge I’ve been reaching for my Beauty Blender instead. I will not be repurchasing this.

Skincare

Empties_December_LBL3

Vichy Laboratories is one of my favourite skincare brands at the drugstore. The Purete Thermal 3 in 1 Cleansing Micellar Solution is fantastic at removing makeup. I have way too many micellar waters to go through at the moment but I’m definitely repurchasing this.

I received this Bioderma Sebium AKN moisturizer in my August 2016 Topbox. I tried to remove the sticker that Bioderma had placed on Canadian store distribution, I was curious what it said underneath, haha! That’s why it has the black residue. This was made for acne prone skin which made it useless for me and it’s probably best I get rid of it. I won’t be purchasing this.

I got this little La Mer the moisture soft cream sample in my September Sephora Haul. Although this technically should be included with my samples below, it’s such an expensive sample and I was able to get 10 uses out of it so I figured I would just put my thoughts here. This brand is ridiculously expensive and I  would not buy this in a full-size cream BUT the littlest bit of this made my skin feel really moisturized and soft.

Next up is this Bella Aura Skincare Antioxidant Booster. I included this in my October Favourites from the Boxes post. I would apply this in-between my serum and moisturizer in my morning routine and I think it worked really well for my skin. I will be purchasing this!

Masks

Empties_December_LBL4

The Face Shop’s White Tea face mask felt really light and comfy on the face. This is supposed to illuminate the skin and it did leave me feeling really hydrated so I would repurchase this mask.

I also enjoyed this Life Brand brightening facial sheet mask. I feel like it did make my face feel brighter so I really enjoyed it. I also like the shape of these masks because the cutouts line up with my face well and they don’t feel like they would slip off. These masks are affordable and effective so I would definitely repurchase them.

Bodycare

Empties_December_LBL5

I enjoy a bath every once in a while and when I take one I must have bubbles. I really enjoyed Dr Teal’s Restore and Replenish bubble bath. It has pure pink Himalayan salt and essential oils so it was great for my muscles and moisturized my skin. It creates such a great lather too. I have already repurchased a new one.

One item I’m really glad to use up is Origins Calm Your Senses Body Souffle in Lavender and Vanilla. Although I loved how hydrated this left my skin feeling I really hated the smell. I love lavender, but the mix of vanilla wasn’t right for me. I won’t be repurchasing this.

Samples

Empties_December_LBL6

I did so much online beauty shopping the past few months and had collected a whole bunch of samples to use up!

I got a one use sample of the Algenist Genius Ultimate Anti-Aging Cream in a Sephora order. This had a mousse texture but it absorbed into my skin quickly and left it feeling really hydrated. I would likely purchase a full size.

Another sample I tried was Fresh’s Seaberry Skin Nutrition Cleansing Oil. I love Fresh items but I probably would not purchase a full size of this because I’m not the biggest fan of cleansing oils. I much prefer Fresh’s Soy Cleanser over this.

I also tried Philosophy’s take a deep breath oil-free oxygenating gel cream and eye cream. I really enjoyed the formula for these two items because they were light-weight and absorbed easily into the skin. I would purchase this in a full size.

An item that I am definitely purchasing a full size of is Olay’s daily facials 4 in 1 water activated cleansers. I LOVED, LOVED this! You wet the cloth and use it remove makeup and cleanse the skin. You can then re-dampen the same cloth to rinse your face. I love how well this removed my makeup and it left my skin feeling great! I think these would be fantastic to travel with and unlike my makeup wipes, I won’t have to worry about it drying out.

Lastly, I used another KNC Beauty Lip Mask from my BoxyCharm. I included my thoughts on this product in my November Empties post.

What are some items you used up in December? Any item you’ll be repurchasing?

Lots of Love,
Dal

Bye Bye Empties, November 2017

littlebeautyloves12 Comments

I feel like I got through a decent number of products this month which is exciting. Doing these empties posts encourages me to be diligent with using up the products I have.

Skincare/Body Care
Empties_November_LBL (3)

The first item I’ve finished up this month is my L’Occitane Supple Skin Oil with Almond Oil. I enjoy spraying this on my body after I shower but I also would put a few drops in my baths. I’ve been able to work around the nuances that I disliked in this oil in the beginning. I shared a review on the blog over a year ago which you can read here. I didn’t really like the spray nozzle and thought this was really thick at first, but I’ve learned that spraying into my hands then rubbing it on resolved that issue. I’m still unsure if I’d repurchase this or try the body milk instead.

I have used up my Shiseido Facial Cotton pads. I was introduced to these (and the whole Shiseido line) through Stashy at stashmatters.com. Thanks to her I’ve become such a facial pad snob! haha! She also introduced me to the less expensive, but just as good MUJI Cotton Pads (which I LOVE by the way). She’s the best at reviewing so I would suggest heading to her site here (Shiseido) and here (MUJI) for her reviews on each! I already have a backup of this.

After recently raving about this in my Favourites from the Boxes post a month ago I was pretty sad when my Dr.Roebuck’s Polish finished! This mixes two of my favourite things; a facial scrub and moisturizer. I have so many face washes to get through but this is on my list to purchase soon.

Another facial scrub item I used up is the Anthony Glycolic Exfoliating and Resurfacing Wipes. This was harsh on my skin and the last 5 sheets dried out really quickly so I had to wet them to get them to work. I only used this once a week so that was bound to happen. They were very pricey at Sephora so I don’t think I’ll be repurchasing them. You can read my review of them here. I think they just didn’t work with my skin type.

Make-Up
Empties_November_LBL (4)

 I got this deluxe sample of MAC’s Eye Makeup Remover when I bought some items online and I got about 4 uses out of it. I didn’t think it was better at removing eye makeup compared to my miceller waters so I don’t think I would purchase a full size of it.

I really enjoyed this deluxe sample of Cover FX illuminating primer. It gave my skin a glow which looked nice under my foundation. I also appreciated that this didn’t have a scent. I currently have another illuminating primer in my makeup stash but I can see myself purchasing a full size in the future.

I received a Ciate Fierce Flicks eyeliner in my October 2016 Ipsy Bag and I was so happy with it when I started using it a few months later. The felt tip is stiff which I usually don’t like but the formula was great. I could get a very precise line and although it was very liquid it didn’t bleed on me. It doesn’t replace my Stila Stay All Day liner but I’m happy I got to try it!

I was at a Teeez event hosted by Dave Lackie when I received their Desert Metals Mascara and at first, I wasn’t sure how I was going to like the brush. After using this, however, I thought it was because it coated and lifted the ends of my lashes fanning them out for a flirty look. I love Teeez packaging and a really enjoyed the formula so I am going to be purchasing this.

I also used up my Anastasia Brow Gel deluxe sample. I have brows that love doing their own thing so I must have this in my makeup collection (or any type of strong hold brow gel). I’ve done a review of this here and have it in a full size.

Samples
Empties_November_LBL (5)

Through my various Sephora & BeautyBoutique orders these past few months, I’ve made quite a collection of little one use samples. I was hoping that I would enjoy Sephora’s Fond de teint perfection foundation but the formula wasn’t right for me. It felt a bit thicker than what I prefer it didn’t blend in well so I won’t be getting a full size. Another item I won’t be repurchasing is Sephora’s Cleansing Cream in Rose. It felt really good on the skin because it was creamy, but it did not remove my makeup at all and that’s a huge drawback for me.

I have heard so many positive reviews on the Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair Hair Mask that I really wanted to give it a try (I also have a deluxe sample of this so I was really hoping it would work). I have really dry hair so nothing is going to drastically change that but this did help hydrate my hair and made it feel soft. I’m going to use my deluxe sample the next few washes to see if it makes a difference with continued use.

The last item is the KNC Beauty Lip Mask that I received in my November Boxycharm. I got three of these lip masks and I’ve only used one so far. I think you’re supposed to use this 2-3 times a week so I’m not following the directions. I thought this was OK. I didn’t notice a dramatic change but it never hurts to moisturize your lips. I’ll use up the other two but I don’t think I’d purchase this.
Empties_November_LBL (2)

What have you used up in November? Any favourites that you’ll repurchase? Do you have any items you don’t think you’ll buy again?

Lots of Love,
Dal

Bye Bye Empties, October 2017

littlebeautyloves11 Comments

So again, I guess it’s better late than never getting this post up. October was really beautiful and warm for the most part. We celebrate Thanksgiving in October here in Canada so I enjoyed spending time with family. I didn’t do much for Halloween, other than dressing up for an office Halloween party, but I did watch scary movies and shows every day leading up to Halloween. Now I’m ready for Holidays!

On to the empties!

Skincare
Empties_Oct_2017_LBL3

I enjoyed using Neutrogena’s All-in-One Make-Up Wipes. These work OK on their own, but I found them most effective after I washed my face to remove any lingering makeup. The sheets are large, thick and fairly soft. I will be repurchasing this.

I also tried one of my three Bio Belle facial masks. The one I used was #beautysecret. I received this in my June Boxycharm and I’m pretty happy with how it left my skin moisturized. I’m excited to try the other two I still have.

Haircare and Bodycare
Empties_Oct_2017_LBL4

I used up my Dove Coconut & Hydration Conditioner. I’ve mentioned before in many other empties posts that I love the Dove line for my dry hair. This one, in particular, has a pleasant scent and always left my hair really soft. I know for sure I’m going to continue to purchase Dove shampoo and conditioners.

Another item that keeps popping up in my empties posts is Yves Rocher’s Jardin du Monde Soft Shower Cream. The Cotton Flower from India is a scent that I really love because it’s floral and fresh. I love the way these lather up and are gentle on the skin. Of course, I always use this for bubble baths too. I’ve switched up my shower gels for November, but I do keep backups of this.

Makeup Tool

OK, so this isn’t an empty per say but I was so disappointed in Pur’s Blend Squad. I got the 3 piece blending sponges in my April Boxycharm. I was excited initially because I liked the shape of these sponges and was hoping it would be soft like my Beauty Blender when wet. Unfortunately, this sponge is so stiff and I had a hard time blending in my makeup with it. So, after one use I’m tossing this and the other two sponges out.

Samples
Empties_Oct_2017_LBL7

I have a large jar of the Nivea 2 in 1 moisturizing primer but I didn’t want this little packet to go to waste so I used it up. I love Nivea products because they are hydrating for my skin. This one is great because it hydrates and primes and I find that my makeup applies easily whenever I use this.

I usually love all of bliss products but unfortunately, that’s incredi-peel was a bit too harsh and irritating for my skin. I won’t be purchasing the full size but I’m happy I tried the sample beforehand to figure that out.

I got this sample of GlamGlow’s nude glow mega illuminating moisturizer in my Sephora haul back in September. It reminds me of the Becca Backlight Primer because it has that same type of scent (they both smell like Children’s Flinestone Vitamins) and did the same thing. They both make my skin glowy and work nicely under foundation or as a light highlight. They are about the same price, but I like that the Glamglow comes in three shades.

Lastly, I tried the Tocca Body Wash in Giulietta. I love the scent of ylang-ylang and that’s one of the notes in this fragrance body wash. I’m definitely getting this in the full size.

These were the items I used up in October! Some items I really loved and others I was severely disappointed in. What have you used up in October?

Lots of Love,
Dal

Bye Bye Empties, September 2017

littlebeautyloves10 Comments

September has been a busy month for me. With my sister’s wedding at the end of September, most of my time was spent helping her get prepared. September has been a beautiful month and was super warm here in Toronto! It’s like summer finally came and we had some super fabulous days! It’s actually been relatively nice so far in October. Except for a few cooler or grey days, it’s been pretty nice. I’m looking forward to Halloween and Thanksgiving! I’m planning on watching scary movies and shows everyday this month!

I didn’t use up too many items for September mostly because I’ve been using and trying new items!

Skincare
DSC_0125

I didn’t finish up The Body Shop’s Camomile Gentle Eye Make-Up Remover but I think it’s old now and it was time to throw it out. I didn’t really think this was that good for removing eye makeup like I would have wanted it to. That’s probably why I hardly used it. I don’t think I would repurchase this.

I did a review of Caudalie’s Premier Cru The Eye Cream that you can read about here. Essentially, I didn’t see a difference in the appearance of fine lines so I don’t think I’ll repurchase this.

I am absolutely in love with Jurlique’s Rosewater Balancing Mist. I did include it as part of my Summer Morning Routine. This smells so good and the mist is very fine which is super impressive for a sample size product. Unfortunately, I don’t think Sephora carries it anymore, but looking on the Jurlique website they have a lot of other beautiful face mists that I’d be curious to try.

Haircare & Body Care

DSC_0120

I have been loving this body wash from a girl’s gotta spa! in Energizing Citrus. Talk about a nice smelling product! I love citrus and this one smells super fresh and natural. It helps wake me up in the morning and always put me in a good mood. There is so much that I love about this body wash and you can read all about it here. I would repurchase this.

Lastly, I have finished up a sample of healthy sexy hair Soy Tri-Wheat Leave In Conditioner. I think I got this in one of my subscription boxes. I really liked how it made my hair feel whenever I used it before styling. It left my hair feeling very soft and smooth after I blow-dried it. I don’t think I would repurchase this just yet because I do have other leave-in conditioners and hair products that I want to use up.

There you have it! My little pile of empty items for September.

What have you used up in September?

Lots of Love,
Dal

 

Bye Bye Empties, August 2017

littlebeautyloves5 Comments

Fairwell August! I took a little vacation during the month which really made the time go by quickly because I was constantly busy. I traveled to the Mediterranean and it was so nice to by the beach and enjoy super warm weather! I also went to the Canadian National Exhibition which I did enjoy this year as well. It’s starting to get chillier, with temperature dipping below seasonal but hopefully there are a few nice days before the official end of summer.

Hair Care

20170901_161934

Of all the shampoo brands, Head & Shoulders is my favourite. I wash my hair two or three times a week max because I have dry hair so I love that this keeps me feeling super clean between washes. I already have another shampoo open to replace this one.

I received a few shampoo and conditioner samples in the mail/magazines so I gave them a try this month. I have never used Garnier’s Whole Blends before but their Moroccan Argan & Camellia Oils shampoo and conditioner was very hydrating. I did notice my hair felt smooth and styling afterwards was a breeze. I wasn’t the biggest fan of Garnier’s Fructus Damage Eraser, but then again I’ve never been a fan of Fructus. It was fine for cleaning my hair but I don’t think I’ll purchase the full size.

I used up a sample of Novex Brazilian Keratin Protect and Repair Cream I received in my May 2016 Topbox. I got three uses out of this product. The last time I used it was after my vacation and it really helped restore my hair after being in the sun so long. I think I have more samples of products from Novex that I will be trying out next.

Face and Skin Care

20170901_161959

I have owned the YesTo Grapefruit daily facial scrub for quite some time and I’ve finally used it up. I love the smell of grapefruit to wake me up in the morning, however, the exfoliating bits were too harsh for my skin so I don’t think I would repurchase this.

Through Topbox, subscribers can sign up for a program called Glam Sense where they receive products to test out for free in exchange for a review. That’s how I got this tiny sample of Cetaphil’s Nourishing Moisture Body Wash. In my teens and early twenties I was a huge fan of Cetaphil face wash so I was excited to try this. I thought it was alright though and doesn’t wow me enough to want to purchase a full size bottle. If I ever saw it on sale though I might be inclined to buy it because I like that it’s unscented.

Makeup

20170901_162031

I’ve had this Younique Lucrative Lip Gloss since 2015! It’s pretty much empty but I had been holding on to it for who knows what. It was included in my 3 Summer Lip Essentials back in summer of 2015 and I really do love the formula, nonetheless, it’s time I finally let this go.

Another item that makes me sad is empty is my Benefit They’re Real Mascara. I LOVE this mascara as well as Benefit’s Roller Lash. It’s the perfect formula and wand design for my lashes. This sample came in my either my Topbox or in a Sephora order, I can’t be sure. Fingers crossed I get another sample sometime soon so I don’t have to purchase the full size, but if not I’ve still got my Roller Lash to hold me over.

That’s all I’ve used up for August! What was in your empties bin this month? Have you tried any of the products listed above?

Lots of Love,
Dal

Bye Bye Empties, July 2017

littlebeautyloves5 Comments

July has been such an amazing month! I was guest again on MyLipAddiction.com Beauty Podcast with Cat which is always fun! If you haven’t had a chance to listen you can find all the links in my post here. I also travelled to Las Vegas for a bachelorette weekend which I shared a bit of on my instagram. Lastly, I was invited the Estee Lauder Fall Preview, you can read that post here.

I’m looking forward to August! I have more travel plans and looking forward to more summer fun!

Skincare
Empties_July 2017_LBL (5)

I used up my Sephora Rose Cleansing Wipes soon after I did my post on my Night Time Routine. These wipes were OK. Although they worked for removing face makeup, I couldn’t use it around my eyes which is really important to me so I won’t be repurchasing them. I also finished my bottle of Nivea’s 3 in 1 Micellar Water. I received this product through Chickadvisor.ca to try and review and I thought it was quite nice! It removed all of my makeup including any waterproof mascara or eyeliner easily. I would definitely repurchase this.
Empties_July 2017_LBL (2)I received this Pur-Lisse Face Mask from my May 2107 Topbox and I was really excited to give it a try. The packaging reads that this is intensely moisturizing but after trying it my skin felt tight and dehydrated. I don’t think I would purchase this product. The next mask I used was the Green Tea Mask from the The Face Shop. This mask is meant to purify the skin. After use I had really nice clean skin that felt really clear. I can’t ever go wrong with the Face Shop masks, they are reasonably priced and work really well for me.

Body Care
Empties_July 2017_LBL (3)

I go through my Yves Rocher Body Wash pretty quickly. It’s because I also like to use them for bubble baths too. This one has a very nice minty/tea scent which I enjoy because it just smells clean. I also finished up my Bath and Body Works Gentle Foaming Hand Soap in Turquiose Waters. Anything from Bath and Body Works that has any beach theme is a scent I tend to enjoy most. Again, they just smell clean and fresh and are usually not crazy strong. I will be repurchasing both of these items although currently I’ve bought a 1 litre bottle of refillable hand soap so it may be a while before I get another body shop soap! LOL!

Hair Care
Empties_July 2017_LBL (4)

I’ve had this N4 Lumiere d’hiver Super Comb Prep & Protect spray for such a long time. I got it in my January 2016 Birchbox (oh Birchbox, why won’t you come back to Canada!!). I wasn’t a fan of any of the products I tried from this brand and this leave-in conditioner wasn’t much different. I really wanted to like it because it claimed to be good to de-tangle the hair as well has providing UV and colour protection. I never really had a chance to really test any of this out because I just got lazy to use it and eventually it started to smell REALLY bad! I won’t be purchasing a full size of this.

There you have it! All the items I managed to finish up.

What have you used up lately? Have you tried any of the items I’ve listed above?

Lots of Love,
Dal

Bye Bye Empties, June 2017

littlebeautyloves7 Comments

Summer is finally here! I have some travel plans in the next coming months so I’m excited to share posts different from beauty ones soon!

I feel like I did pretty well for June empties. I finished up a good number of products I’ve been wanting to finish.

Skincare Bye Bye Empties June 2017 (6)

I finally finished up my Caudalie Polyphenol Anti Wrinkle Fluid, if you recall in my review I wasn’t the biggest fan of this product because I really didn’t see any difference using it. You might probably guess that I won’t repurchase this. I also used up my Body Shop’s Nutriganics Refreshing Toner. For me this was OK, it felt filmy towards the end. I personally like toners that feel like they deep clean so I won’t be repurchasing this one. Lastly, I used up my Bella Aura Gentle Purifying Cleanser. This was a sample that I received in my January 2017 Topbox. This cleanser is great! It feels really creamy and lathers up nicely. The sample lasted maybe 8 washes but I was being very conservative using only a pea size at a time. Another plus for me is that it removes my makeup without irritating my eyes. I would definitely purchase I full size of this it’s just pretty pricey. I would also be interested in trying more from Bella Aura.

Hair & Body
Bye Bye Empties June 2017 (2)

I finished up my Dove Nourishing Oil Care Conditioner. I enjoy this line because it’s perfect for my dry hair. It helps tame frizz and works great with whatever oil or creams I use afterwards to style. I am picking up this again soon! Another item I finished up is Yves Rocher’s Jardins du Monde Soft Shower Cream in Cotton Flower from India. I have 5 back-ups of these body washes (yes, I counted them) I love so many of these scents and for me I can’t go without them! I like to use them as both body wash and as bubble bath! This scent is one of my favourites, it’s sweet and clean.

Makeup
Bye Bye Empties June 2017 (4)

Some of my makeup items are actually empty and some are just products I think are old and need to be discarded. I’ll start with actual empties. When Joe Fresh first released their line at Shoppers Drug Mart I wanted to try it and started with the illuminating concealer.  I wasn’t the biggest fan of this at first because it’s not full coverage but with a change in foundation I found that this looked nice under my eyes adding a light highlight and woken up look. It looks the best with my Maybelline Fit Me foundation. I wish I took a picture of the applicator because I think it’s a really great design. It was long and flat and the angle was great to apply the concealer directly onto my face. I will likely repurchase this.

I also finished my sample of Urban Decay’s All Nighter Setting Spray. I really like this to set my makeup because it helped to blend in any powders and help keep my makeup in place. I will be purchasing the larger size.

This next item in my empties isn’t exactly an empty but an oldie! I’ve had my Too Faced Melted Metal in Melted Candy for way too long and I just wasn’t wearing it. The colour is too bright for everyday and I’m not into super bright lipsticks so this expired before it actually emptied.

The last item is also an oldie which is the Ruby Cosmetics Eyebrow powder. I did a whole review on this product when I first got it here. I pretty much summed it up in my final thoughts about the product, it’s not bad but there are so many brow products on the market I would probably move on to something new. That’s what I ended up doing. I just stopped using this and thought it might be best I just throw it out.

What items have you finished up this month?

Lots of Love,
Dal