Empties - October 2015

So, I know this is late, but I thought I would put it out there.  I'm already collecting for November, and depending on how much there is I may go through the rest of the year.

For now, here are my October Empties!

Makeup

·Bite Beauty Lush Fruit Lip Gloss in Currant – From the Bite Beauty Lush Lip Trio from Sephora.  This was my favorite in the set.  It was a lovely, sheer, light berry color.  The Bite lip glosses are made with fruit juice, so these also smell and taste nice.  Purchase: Maybe.

·CoverGirl The Super Sizer Mascara in Very Black – Full Size.  I LOVE THIS MASCARA!  I have recommended this to so many people already as the best drugstore mascara on the market today.  This is as close to Benefit Roller Lash that I have found in the drugstore.  Repurchase: YES!!!

Face Care

·The Body Shop Vitamin EMoisture Cream – Rippy packet from The Body Shop.  This was OK, but I prefer the Intense Moisturizer better.  Purchase: Maybe.

·Clinique All About Eyes EyeCream – Full size from Sephora.  HG eye cream.  Repurchase: Yes.

·Freeman Facial Anti-StressMask – Single use from Ulta.  This is an OK clay mask.  I already have a full size, but I really don’t use masks all that often, especially clay masks.  Repurchase: No.

·Liz Early Instant Boost SkinTonic Spritzer – Sample from Birchbox.  This was nice, but not sure it really did anything.  Purchase: No.

·Neutrogena Makeup RemoverCleansing Towelettes – Full size and Travel size.  HG product.  Repurchase: Already have.

·Olay RegeneristMicro-Sculpting Cream Moisturizer – Rippy Packet.  Nice, but not really a large enough sample to get a great idea of how well it works.  Purchase: No.

·Ole Henriksen Reparative Anti-Aging Oil – Rippy Packet.  Oils should not come in rippy packets.  Purchase: No.

·Simple Cleansing MicellarWater – Full size.  This is the best micellar water I’ve used so far.  Repurchase: Already have.

·Suki Exfoliate FoamingCleanser – Full Size from Birchbox.  At one point I thought this was my HG face scrub.  Love the feel, love he energizing lemon scent.  Unfortunately, then it started breaking me out.  Repurchase: No.

·Too Cool for School Egg CreamMask – Full Size from Birchbox.  In K-Beauty box.  This was a fun little mask, although so full of serum it was quite drippy and messy while applying.  Purchase: Maybe.

Skincare

·CeraVe Moisturizing Cream – Travel Size from CVS.  I grabbed this when I was first diagnosed with my skin issues and I was trying out several different creams that were recommended by my dermatologist.  This wasn’t bad.  I have other moisturizers I’m working my way through now, but I may think about this again when/if I get through some of those.  Repurchase: Maybe.

·Dove Deep Moisture Nourishing Body Wash – Travel/Sample Size from Walmart Beauty Box.  Pretty standard body wash.  Purchase: No.

·Dr. Hauschka Lemon LemongrassVitalising Body Wash – Sample from Birchbox.  I have found that I really enjoy using citrus-scented bath products in the morning, and this was no exception.  They really help to wake me up.  The packaging was a little awkward on this; it came in a metal tube, so I looked past it every time I was looking for a new body wash because it wasn’t in typical packaging.  Purchase: Maybe.

·Lush Rub Rub Rub Shower Scrub – Full Size.  In Christmas gift.  I don’t know which Lush salt scrub I like better, this or the Ocean Salt Face and Body Scrub.  This one, however, smelled better.  Purchase: Maybe.

·Wet Ones Sensitive Skin Extra Gentle Hand Wipes – Travel size.  I grabbed these from a gas station due to an unfortunate BB cream incident since these were the only ones available.  I have better.  Repurchase: No.

Fragrance

·English Laundry Pour Femme – Sample from Birchbox (gift).  This is now my third sample (at least) of this, and I thoroughly enjoy this scent.  Purchase: Maybe.

·Prada Candy Eau de Parfum – Sample from Sephora.  This was lovely.  Note: spray pump stopped working.  Purchase: Maybe.

·Prada Candy Florale Eau deToilette – Sample card from Sephora.  Another lovely fragrance.  Purchase: Maybe.

·Sula Champagne Sugar (Roller Ball) – Full size from Ulta.  I’ve had this for many years now and the scent has held up really well.  I really enjoyed it this and may get it again if it is available when I work my way through some more of my fragrances.  Repurchase: Yes.

Hair Care

·Paul Mitchell Awapuhi Shampoo – Hotel Sample.  This was fine, but there are others I like better for my colored hair.  Purchase: No.

Nails

·Cutex One-Step Pads Advanced Revival Nail Polish Remover Pads – Travel size from Target Beauty Box.  These worked really well and were very convenient for travel.  Purchase: Maybe.

Other

·BBW Blue Skies & Blooms PocketBac – Full Size.  PocketBac is a HG product for me.  Repurchase: Already have (in other scents).

Toiletries

·Crest Pro-Health Multi-Protection Alcohol Free Mouthwash in Refreshing Clean Mint – Travel Size.  Standard mouthwash.  Purchase: Maybe.

Giveups

·It Cosmetics No-Tug WaterproofGel Eyeliner in Black-Brown – Sample from Ulta.  This was very dry and tugged.  I tried using it up because it was just a small sample, but just couldn’t take it any more when I have so many better eyeliners.  One good thing about this product, though, was that it did stay all day.  Purchase: No.

·Laura Geller Blush Brush.  I received this brush in a kit.  It’s a great size for travel, but unfortunately it shed all over the place.  Purchase: No.

·Vasanti BrightenUp! EnzymaticFace Rejuvenator – Sample from Ipsy/Birchbox (multiple samples).  I didn’t like how this smelled or felt on my face.  The scrubby particles are smaller than I prefer.  I will be giving this to my coworker, since I know she really enjoys it.  Purchase: No.

The Ambler Feedstore - Guest Written by Duff

Today's post is a review provided by Duff.  Check out his musings at his personal blog.

(As a little background info, Ambler Feedstore is a restaurant in Ambler, PA.  They’re known for their “handcrafted burgers, sandwiches, salads & snacks.  They cater to many diets and allow certain substitutions.  You should definitely check out their website at amblerfeedstore.com.)

Today’s post is a review provided by Duff. 

This place is awesome!  The burgers are well-prepared but the combinations and toppings are the creative “spice” that puts this place on top.  I love the Greek fries with feta and tapenade.  Check for the special sandwiches.  I had a meatloaf sandwich that was glory in my taste buds.  The kid loves the piggy mac (mac’n’cheese with pulled pork BBQ). 

One drawback is the portion size.  You definitely get your money’s worth, but it is a lot of food and it is hard to put down.  If you do have the self-control, it does make for good leftovers.

Empties - September 2015

Since I’ve been Culling the Collection, I’ve definitely been using things up.  You can see that in my empties this month since there are a lot more full size products than usual.  Shout out in the comments below what good things you finished up this month, and then check out mine below.

Makeup

·YvesSaintLaurent Touche Eclat N^o 1 – Sample Card from Sephora.  I tried to use the other two colors in the sample (2 and 4.5) but they were much too dark for me.  This was just OK; not my favorite highlighter, and I definitely don’t have to buy it.  Purchase: No

·Urban Decay Revolution Lip Gloss in Failbait – Sample blister card from Ipsy.  Really like the formula, but the packaging was difficult to work with.  Very opaque.  I have been thinking about getting one, but have been hesitant because of the price.  Purchase: Maybe

·Ulta Twisted Volume Maximum Performance Mascara – Full Size.  At one point, I really liked this mascara.  It did really nice things to my lashes, I was able to get it for insanely good prices when it was on sale, etc.  But this time, it kept getting goopier as I used it more and stayed wet for a long time after application.  I wound up with smudges under my eyes almost every day.  Luckily, at that point it had been 3 months since opening and it was time to toss it for a new one.  Repurchase: No (but I still have another tube at home I may try to use up)

·Benefit Gimme Brow in Light/Medium – Full Size.  This was the first brow product I ever bought and used on a regular basis.  This was an easy product for a beginner.  I just wish it wasn’t so expensive.  I’m trying out some other things now, but I may consider it again in the future.  Repurchase: Maybe

Face Care

·Dr. Jart+ Vital Hydra Solution Deep Hydration Sheet Mask – Full Size.  This was a sample from Birchbox.  I posted a picture of me trying this on Instagram here.  This was my first sheet mask, and I enjoyed it.  It was so much easier than regular masks!  Purchase: Already have

·Neutrogena Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes – Full Size.  HG product for me.  Repurchase: Already have

·Acure Brightening Facial Scrub – Sample/Travel Size.  I had so much trouble squeezing this out of the tube this time that I actually had to cut the corner off the tube to use it.  I love this product, and didn’t have this problem before, but it makes me hesitant to buy a full size.  Purchase: Maybe

·Ulta Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover – Full Size.  Not the best, not the worst.  OK taking off basic pencil eyeliner, but didn’t work on liquid and some gels for me.  Repurchase: No (but have another at home to use up)

·Dr. Jart+ Dermaclear Micro Water – Sample Size from Birchbox.  I have become a fan of micellar waters, but this has actually been my least favorite of those I’ve tried.  It felt a little, no so much sticky, but not fully gone afterwards.  I also don’t think it removed makeup as well as some others, and I had to be careful with it if I had my contacts in.  Purchase: No

Skincare

·LUSH Whoosh Shower Jelly – Full Size.  So much fun, and the refreshing citrus scent woke me up every morning.  Repurchase: Yes (I may also try some of their other jellies)

·TempleSpa Peace Be Still Calming Face and Body Balm – Sample from Birchbox.  I’ve gotten this same product as hotel samples, so I got somewhat weirded out getting a sample from Birchbox.  I used it, it was OK, but not worth more than samples.  Purchase: No

·LUSH Ocean Salt Face and Body Scrub – Full size.  I didn’t use this on my face, but it was great for scrubbing my dry legs a few times a week.  Repurchase: Maybe

Photo courtesy of www.birchbox.com

Fragrance

·I Am Juicy Couture – Sample vial from Birchbox (gift). I liked this so much I bought a full size roller ball.  Purchase: Already have

Photo courtesy of www.pureology.com

Hair Care

·Pureology Purify Shampoo – Full Size.  This was recommended to me as a swimmer’s shampoo / clarifying shampoo that was safe for color-treated hair by a former stylist.  It’s crazy expensive, but it lasts forever because you only need the smallest amount even for long hair.  The kiddo and I both use it.  Repurchase: Already have

·Suave Professionals Captivating Curls Spray Gel – Full Size.  This was a giant fail!  I had the hardest time spraying this.  The bottle kept collapsing, and now it won’t spray any more at all even though it looks like there’s some left.  I’m done.  There’s enough gone that I’m calling it empty rather than a give-up.  This was one time when trying to find a less expensive substitute for a product I liked didn’t work out.  Repurchase: No

Other

·Degree Motion Sense Invisible Solid in Shower Clean Scent – Full Size.  HG product.  Repurchase: Already have

Giveups

·Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant – Sample Size from Birchbox.  This just didn’t sit well on my skin.  It made me feel sticky and overall didn’t feel like it was doing much good.  I much prefer physical exfoliators, even though they are not recommended by my dermatologist. Purchase: No

·Avon Beyond Color Plumping Lipstick SPF 15 in Divine Wine – Full Size.  I really didn’t have any problem with this at all.  It had just gotten old and started to smell off, so it’s time to move on.  Repurchase: Maybe

·Jasmine La Belle Lip Gloss in Femme – Full Size.  I think this may have been an impulse purchase at a counter somewhere, I’m not even sure where anymore.  It’s old, smells funky, and it’s time to go.  Repurchase: No

·Ulta Extreme Wear Eye Shadow Primer – Deluxe Sample Size.  I got this as part of a GWP set, and it worked OK with certain shadows.  But only with certain shadows.  Once I realized that I was picking and choosing when to use it because it was a finicky primer, and remembered that I didn’t actually directly pay for it, I decided to move on to greener pastures.  Purchase: No

·3 Rollerballs of drugstore perfumes marketed as dupes to high end fragrances – I’m sure everyone remembers these: Drugstores carry cheap knockoffs that are supposed to smell like well-known brands.  I wound up finding 3 of these rollerballs while cleaning out my car, no idea where I got them, and decided to give them a try.  They wound up having almost no scent left and the rollerball mechanism didn’t work at all.  I wound up taking one apart and trying to use a cotton ball to apply it, but that didn’t do much better.  Purchase: No

The ones I had were:

• Q Pour Lui, inspired by Polo
• Lady Q, inspired by White Diamonds
• Lady Q, inspired by Sunflowers

(After I tossed these into my empties bin, the one I had taken apart wound up leaking all over everything.  This month’s empties smelled lovely, but the bottom was a big greasy mess.)

So there you have it.  It was a big month for empties, and October looks to be shaping up the same way.  I will say, this was the first month in a very long time that I haven’t finished a bottle of hand sanitizer, so that was a bit of a surprise!

Anyway, stay tuned for upcoming posts.  I’ve hammered out some ideas, so hopefully I’ll be able to get back to a more regular schedule soon.  Check back or subscribe to keep up with what’s new.

In the meantime, I have been somewhat more active on social media.  Feel free to follow me on Instagram or Twitter!

On Creating a HG Products List...

Last week I sat down to write up a Holy Grail products post.  I was inspired by my on-going culling the collection because based on how I chose to plow through my products, many of the items going first are HG.

A few things I figured out while making this list:

·         I am really not loyal to any single brand.  I’ve tried so many great products over the past few years from so many different brands that there are very few from which I have even more than 1 or 2 favorites.
·         There are so many makeup and skincare items I now use or know how to use.  A few years ago, I really only used a few items.  I always had some kind of lotion around and lip balm for overnight.  Makeup- wise, I had a few lipsticks and glosses, but really the only things I consistently wore every day were eyeliner and mascara.  I now wear so much more on a daily basis, use more skincare items daily, and am always looking for more to try.
·         I’m a big ole’ geek.  (Then again, many of you already knew that! J) I started off with a basic list in Word.  That turned into a categorized Word document which almost turned into one with a table.  After that, I went to Excel and now have a huge spreadsheet to keep track of it all.

You might be asking, “You keep talking about it, but are you ever going to give us this HG products list?”  I will, but it will have to be in pieces.  Like I said above, I use a lot more products than I realized, so it became a much longer list than can comfortably fit in one post.  

Stay tuned…

Culling the Collection

I love using things up completely.  It doesn’t matter what it is: notebooks, skincare, perfume samples, anything.  My coworkers used to joke on me because I was obsessive about my always getting my pens back so I could continue to use them completely.  Something comes over me when I finish something to the very last drop, sheet, whatever.

I think this is why I love Empties posts so much.  I can look back over the month and see just how much I’ve used up, what kind of dent I’ve made in my ever-growing collection, and feel a sense of satisfaction that I’ve accomplished something.

I recently hit pan on a cream eye shadow.  Now, I’ve been through my fair share of eyeliners, mascaras, and bases, but it has been years since I’ve hit pan on any kind of colored makeup product!  My husband didn’t really understand my shock/amazement when I showed him, but it got me thinking.

I have a lot of products I’ve made major dents in because they are well loved.  That’s probably my second favorite feeling about consumables: when I first notice that I’ve used such a significant amount of product that I have a visible decrease in quantity.  So I started kind of a project pan, although I haven’t stopped acquiring new items (so any thought of decreasing my makeup and especially skincare collection is a losing battle).  Also, I’m not satisfied just by hitting pan; I am working to use up the product completely.

I’m really enjoying this process so far, and I’m seeing progress.  I’ve picked one or two of each makeup item I wear on a daily basis and try to use them exclusively.  I do have a few more eyeliners in the rotation, and I haven’t limited my lipsticks, and that has helped me not get bored with wearing the same overall look every day.

I’ve already used up one product completely (Benefit Gimme Brow), and am getting closer every day on an eye shadow and fragrance.  I’m also getting closer to hitting pan on at least one blush of all things!  (There was a time when I never wore blush.)

What’s the last makeup item you’ve used up completely?  Have you ever used up a colored item like blush or eye shadow?  Share in the comments!

Empties - Summer 2015

This summer has been full of stress, changes, and decisions, which is why I haven’t been around much.  I will hopefully be posting more in the near future, but I thought I’d get my feet wet with an empties post.

In addition to everything else, I spent time this summer trying to use up some of the towers of products I have in the house already before buying more.  I was able to live up to one side of that decision.  (What can I say, a killer lipstick or great sale does me in every time). 

So, because this is long, I’ve combined what I could, and won’t be including too many reviews or pictures.

One more thing of note: I didn’t include it here because it isn’t completely gone yet, but I actually hit pan on a cream eyeshadow!

Makeup

· The Balm Put a Lid On It Eyelid Primer – Deluxe Sample.

· Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment – Deluxe Sample.

· Jouer Anti-aging Moisture Primer – Sample.

· Jouer Lip Enhancer Conditioning Lip Treatment – Sample.

· Mary Kay CC Cream in Very Light – Full Size.  This is one of the best light bases I’ve used.  It covers well and is moisturizing at the same time while not feeling heavy.

· Smashbox Full Exposure Mascara in Jet Black – Deluxe Sample.

· Ulta Waterproof Automatic Eye Liner in Raisin – Full Size.  This was dry and tugged.  I have found much better since.  Even the non-waterproof ones are remarkably better.

Face Care

· Borghese Age-Defying Cellulare Complex Exfoliate Facial Scrub – Sample Size.

· Neutrogena Ageless Essentials Continuous Hydration Night Cream – Full Size.  This is old and I don't think it's available anymore.  Finally using up the last of it.

· Neutrogena Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes (x 2) – Full Size.  HG product.

· No. 7 Beautiful Skin Oil Free Eye Makeup Remover – Full Size.

· Peter Lamas Naturals Detoxifying Citrus C Facial Cleanser – Sample Size.

· Sephora Triple Action Cleansing Water – Full Size.

· Simple Protecting Light Moisturizer – Full Size.

· Yes to Coconut Hydrate & Restore Cleansing Wipes – Full Size.

Skincare

· Aveeno Skin Relief Intense Moisture Overnight Cream – Full Size.

· BBW Shower Gel in Air Pear Blossom and Sun Golden Magnolia – Full Size.

· Caress Body Wash in Adore Forever – Sample.  I know a lot of people like these, but I was not a fan.  I don’t find that the fragrance lasts throughout the day, and really I’m just not a fan of the scent.

· Judith Jackson Spa Tenderly Hand & Body Lotion – Sample Size.

Fragrance

· Harvey Prince Hello Purse Spray – Full Size.

· Justin Bieber The Key Purse Spray – Full Size.  Don't like the Biebs.  Like the perfume.

Hair Care

· Essence Ultime Omega Repair & Moisture Shampoo and Conditioner – Rippy Packets.

· Harvey Prince Sea / Salt Hair Mist – Sample.

· It’s a 10 Miracle Leave-In Product – Deluxe Sample.  Best leave-in conditioner around!

· L’Oreal Total Repair 5 Restoring Shampoo and Conditioner – Samples.

· Matrix Oil Wonders Micro-Oil Shampoo and Oil Conditioner – Rippy Packets.  Don’t ever need to use this again.

· Pureology Essential Repair Condition – Full size.  The kiddo and I use a clarifying shampoo from this brand to remove chlorine from color-treated hair after swimming, and this is a great conditioner to follow with.

Other

· BBW PocketBac in Dancing Waters, Ghoul Friend, Vampire Blood and Vanilla Berry Sorbet – Full Size.

· Sensodyne Daily Repair Toothpaste – Full Size.  HG product.

Giveups

· Eve Lom Cleanser – Rippy Packet.  Can’t handle the smell.

· L’Oreal Colour Riche Lipstick in Divine Wine – Full Size.  I’ve had this lipstick forever and it now smells off.  Time to purge it from my collection.

· Milani Fierce Foil Eyeliner in Purple Foil – Full Size.  Had to go over this countless times to be able to see this at all, then it wouldn’t stay put throughout the day.  I love the brush though!

· Paco Rabanne 1 Million Eau de Toilette Intense – Sample.  Ugh!

· Random Travel Size Slanted Eyeliner Brush – The bristles have started to separate and were no longer creating a tight line.

Quick - No Wait for Ipsy!

If any of you have tried to sign up for Ipsy in the past, you may know that there is a wait list involved.  I know when I signed up, I had to wait about a month and a half before I got my first bag.  Well, this just came across my e-mail...

So in case anyone is interested, here is my referral link.  I have been thoroughly impressed by Ipsy, especially for only $10 a month, and have gotten so many great products in less than a year!

Also, for anyone interested, I hope to get back to more regular blogging soon.  I've been been feeling better, but suffering from some writers block.