Jen-illocity: Empties

Showing posts with label Empties. Show all posts

Tuesday, July 26, 2016

Empties - May and June 2016

Late as usual, to the point that I wound up combining two months! What else can you expect at this point when it comes to my empties posts? J

This time was heavy on gender-neutral scents and hair products! Not only did we do a lot of traveling recently, but I worked on using up more samples that had already been started, and the easiest pickings were hotel samples.

One other big difference you'll notice if you've ready any of my past empties posts (here and here) is that I spread out my love this month on hand sanitizers. I did use up several, but this time there's 3 different brands.

Makeup

Benefit They’re Real! Beyond Mascara in Jet Black – Sample size. I had used this before and hadn’t been overly thrilled, but this time I really liked it. The only reason I stopped using it is because it started drying out on me, especially for the second coat. Purchase: Maybe. Most people either love or hate this mascra. How do you feel? What's your favorite Benefit mascara?
CoverGirl Intensify Me! Liquid Liner in Intense Black – Full size. I had received this in one of my subscription boxes, and since I don’t use black liner often, I haven’t played with this much. Unfortunately, the cap on this liner doesn’t close well and fell off without me knowing it, causing the liner to dry out before I could properly test it. Because I don’t use a lot of black liner I probably won’t repurchase unless they have other colors. Purchase: No. Are you a black liquid liner person, or do you go another way?
Elf Lip Exfoliator in Mint Maniac - Full size. This was so much better than the original! It worked great, had enough exfoliant power, and stayed soft enough that it didn't kill my lips while maintaining effectiveness. The minty-ness was just enough; you could definitely tell it was mint, but it wasn't overpowering. Repurchase: Yes.

Face Care

100% Pure Coffee Bean Caffeine Eye Cream - Sample from Birchbox. This worked really well reducing my eye bags, which I have definitely noticed became more prominent since I've stopped using it. This sample was huge! This size lasted me forever even with twice a day use. Purchase: Yes.
Beekman 1802 Makeup Remover Wipe – Hotel sample rippy packet. Kind of rough on the skin. Purchase: No.
Burt’s Bees Renewal Intensive Firming Serum – Rippy packet from Walmart Beauty Box. I've used this before, and it's actually not too bad, but it's not my favorite serum. If you want a natural serum from the drugstore, this might be one to try. Purchase: No.
CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream – Full Size. This COMPLETELY broke me out! I wound up using it as a foot cream since it is so thick, and it did an OK job at that, but nothing to write home about. (I spent my own money on a full size, so I wanted to use it up!) Repurchase: No.
Darphin Intral Redness Relief Soothing Serum – Sample from Birchbox. I was really surprised how well this worked taking away my permanent redness in my cheeks and nose. And to top it off, it had the lovely faint scent of root beer! Purchase: Maybe (depending on cost).
Dr. Denese HydroShield Ultra Moisturizing Face Serum – Sample from QVC. I was really surprised by just how much I liked this. It did amazing things for my skin! A little bit goes a long way, and it blends in to an amazing finish. Depending on the price, I may have to own this. Purchase: Yes.
Key West Aloe Gentle Aloe Facial Cleanser (not pictured) - Sample from Birchbox. The kiddo really likes this cleanser for camp because it's gentle and soothing if she gets a sunburn in the summer. She doesn't ask me for many skincare or beauty items, and actually gets on my case for getting too much for myself, so when she asked me to get her more of this, I said Absolutely. Purchase: Yes (already have).
Mary Kay Timewise Day Solution – Fullsize. I like the serum consistency of this under my daily moisturizer and makeup. It doesn’t feel heavy while still providing great protection. I haven’t found anything that compares yet. Once I finish some other samples, I’ll be adding this staple back to my collection, because it’s worth every penny. Repurchase: Yes. Have you tried anything from Mary Kay? (If you need a representative, let me know and I'll send you the info for mine!)
Neutrogena Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes – Full size. HG item. Repurchase: Yes (already have).
Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream Moisturizer – Rippy packet from Walmart Beauty Box. I fell in love with this when using another sample, and take advantage of every new one I get. Purchase: Yes (already have). How do you feel about samples in rippy packets?
Simple Smoothing Facial Scrub – Full size. This was an OK scrub, but it has microbeads, which I am now avoiding. Repurchase: No.
The Skin Lounge Firming Lift Facial Mask – Full size (from a set of 3). This was part of a gift set which I have been enjoying spreading out by not using all at once. Not bad, but not sure if it actually did anything. Purchase: No. Do you like using sheet masks or do you prefer more traditional ones? What's your current favorite mask?
TiZO Photoceutical Replenish - Full size. Check out my full review here. Re/Purchase: Yes.

Skincare

Asira Body Wash – Hotel sample. Just OK and very gender neutral. Purchase: No.
BBW Body Lotion in Rainkissed Leaves – Hotel sample. Standard BBW lotion in a decent scent. Purchase: Product: Yes (already have); Scent: Maybe. What's our favorite BBW scent?
BeeKind Shower Gel – Sample from Build Your Own Birchbox. This shower gel has a nice feel to it, and I love waking up to a refreshing citrus scent in the morning. Purchase: Maybe.
CardinalHealth Fragrance Free Baby Wipes - Full size. Hospital sample. Purchase: No.
Coloplast Sensitive Skin Moisturizing Body Wash, Shampoo & Hand Wash – Hospital product. I think I've said this before, but for being a product used in hospitals, this is really drying. Purchase: No.
LUSH Blackberry Bath Bomb (not pictured) – Full size. The kiddo seemed to like this better than some others she’s tried. I’m not a fan of baths in general, so if she wants it again we’ll repurchase. Repurchase: Maybe. Which LUSH bath bomb should the kiddo check out next?
LUSH Charity Pot Hand and Body Lotion – Full size. Charity = Toxic Free NC. I found that this left my hands feeling greasy for a long time after applying, even being able to see it where I placed my hands on my desk or computer. In a pinch, I might pick this up again, especially because I thinks it's for a decent cause, and I'll use up the other one I have, but I don't have to rush out and get more. Repurchase: No.
LUSH Mmm Bath Melt (not pictured) – Full size. This smelled like cotton candy, and wasn't exactly like a bath bomb, nor like a bubble bath bar. This was basically bath oil in a solid bar. According to the kiddo, she prefers the bath bombs.
Marlowe Body Butter – Sample from Target Beauty Box. Nothing super special, but not a bad product overall. Purchase: No.
Soap & Glory The Righteous Butter Body Butter - Rippy packet from Ulta. I love this moisturizer and use every sample I get. It has a nice fresh scent and is a powerful moisturizer. I do have to be careful using it around my husband's sensitive nose, though. Purchase: Yes.
Temple Spa La La Lagoon Aromatic Bath & Shower Gel – Sample from Birchbox. This is OK, but I haven’t been overwhelmed by Temple Spa products in general. Purchase: No.
Temple Spa Peace Be Still Calming Face & Body Balm – Sample from Birchbox. I've used this before, and it's OK. I'll use it if I get it again, but I won't go seeking it out. Purchase: No.

Fragrance

Harvey Prince Hello – Sample from Birchbox. I used to really like this scent, but now it's a bit overpowering for me. Purchase: No.

Hair Care

Amika: Perk Up Dry Shampoo – Sample from Birchbox. This was a really decent dry shampoo, but I don't quite understand all of the hype about this product. It does smell AMAZING! But I think you can find others that are just as good or better that are less expensive. Purchase: No.
Beekman 1802 White Water Collection Shampoo and Conditioner – Hotel samples. Very strong scent, and gender neutral or even "manly". Purchase: No.
Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair! Deep Conditioning Mask – Sample from Birchbox. This worked pretty well. However, since I often use my regular conditioner like a hair mask anyway, this isn't worth the expense to me. Purchase: No.
Clear Men - Scalp Therapy 2 in 1 Complete Care Anti-Dandruff Daily Shampoo & Conditioner – Sample from Target Beauty Box. Per Duff: Middle of the road shampoo and conditioner. Had a mild aroma that was pleasant and not overwhelming. Good to my hair and scalp. A little thick so metering a dose was problematic but could be the travel size packaging. Would buy but would not seek it out. Purchase: Yes (probably).
Dove Men + Care Fortifying Shampoo + Conditioner Fresh & Clean 2 in 1 – Sample/Travel size. Per Duff: Middle of the road shampoo with conditioner. No particular smell/aroma with it which suits me and most men just fine. Didn't react or cause any unwanted hair loss. Cleaned and conditioned just fine. A little thick so not the easiest meter out from bottle. Still, an okay product. Purchase: Maybe.
Garnier Whole Blends Honey Treasures Repairing Shampoo and Conditioner – Rippy packets from a magazine and samples from Amazon Beauty Box. OMG, I LOVE THIS! It smells amazing. The conditioner is super thick and just a little bit goes a long way. Purchase: Yes.
L’Occitane Shampoo and Conditioner – Hotel samples. Another gender neutral scent. Not the hugest fan of the formula, and the packaging was somewhat difficult to work with even though they were squeeze bottles. Purchase: No.
LUSH Jason and the Argan Oil Shampoo Bar (not pictured) – Full size. I love the smell of this shampoo bar, and am glad it was the first I tried. I did, however, find that it got somewhat gooey and crumbly at the same time (not quite sure how that happens). It works OK as a shampoo, but I do need to be careful what conditioner I use because of argan oil in it. I'm trying out a different shampoo bar at the moment, so I'll see if it's just this scent that had issues or the product. Repurchase: IDK (Maybe?).
Pantene Pro-V Classic Clean Daily Shampoo - Hotel sample. Standard Pantene shampoo. Purchase: No.
Pantene Pro-V Nature Fusion Smooth Vitality Shampoo and Conditioner – Hotel samples. Standard Pantene shampoo. Purchase: No.

Other

BBW PocketBac in Strawberry and Winter Wonderland – Full size. HG product: Product: Yes (already have); Scents: Yes (if I can find them).
BeautyBlender (the original) – Full size. I’ve had this for a while now, and I’m seeing some iffy stains, so I think it’s time to retire it. I have some other beauty sponges to try out, but all will be compared to this. Repurchase: Yes. Are you a brush or sponge person? Or do you prefer using your fingers to apply your foundation?
Lucky SuperSoft Instant Hand Sanitizer Advanced Formula – Full/Travel size (though I think this one came in a care package). Has a baby powder scent that was really off-putting. Purchase/Repurchase: No.
Purell Advanced Hand Sanitizer in Sweet Plum – Full/Travel size. Purell is a really nice brand for hand sanitizer, and this scent was really nice. Repurchase: Product: Yes (already have); Scent: Yes.
Sensodyne Pronamel Daily Fluoride Toothpaste for Sensitive Teeth in Fresh Breath scent – Full size. HG product. Repurchase: Yes.

Did you finish anything good recently? What are you close to using up?

Friday, May 13, 2016

Empties - April 2016

My favorite post of the month, late as usual. Lots of makeup this month, but quite a few of them are Giveups. Other than that, it's a pretty even mix across all categories, and a relatively slow month overall compared to recent months.

Makeup

Benefit The Porefessional – Sample card from Ulta. I love Porefessional, and found that it is the best primer for me under powder foundations. I’ve gotten a lot of samples, mostly because I’ve bought a lot of Benefit products and will continue to do so since some are HG for me so I haven’t found the need to purchase a full size yet, but I need to never be without this. Purchase: Yes.
Benefit They’re Real! Push-up Liner in Beyond Brown – Sample from Ulta. GIVEUPS. I tried several times to make this work, but it kept crumbling on me by the end of the day. I love eyeliner and have so many better ones that I didn’t want to keep this. Purchase: No.
Hard Candy Brows Now! Brow Fiber Gel + Highlighter in Light Medium – Full size. GIVEUPS. I first bought this because I didn’t want to spend all of the money on Benefit Gimme Brow. I thought it was great at first, then after I tried Gimme Brow, this just didn’t compare. I found it too goopy and the brush too big for my brows. Repurchase: No.
Lip Smacker Cookies ‘N Cream Lip Balm – Full size. This was a Dollar Store find I just couldn’t pass up. Lip Smackers HG lip balm, so when I found one in a decent flavor I snatched it up as fast as I could. Repurchase: Yes (if I can find it again, I think it’s discontinued)
Physicians Formula Shimmer Strips Custom Eye Enhancing Eyeliner Trio for Brown Eyes in Purple – Full size. I was surprised at just how much I liked this trio, but I'm so glad I heard about a sale on this product line from Tati. The purple wound up being the being the least pigmented, and I definitely have more pigmented purple eyeliners. This also didn’t work as great in the waterline as the others in the trio. However, it was a decent enough product, and the trio is worth working with this one again. Repurchase: Yes.
Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer – Sample (probably) from Ulta. GIVEUPS. I tried really hard to like this, and I tried really hard to use up this sample, but I just couldn’t. I made my foundation look cakey regardless of which one I used. I have enough other primers both to try and that I know I like that it just wasn’t worth it to keep using it. Purchase: No. What's your favorite primer?

Face Care

Acure Day Cream (Target) – Sample from Target Beauty Box. I love this day cream. It’s nice and light but moisturizes well. I’ve gotten a lot of samples, but I think it would be worth a full size. Purchase: Yes.
Dr. Jart+ Vital Hydra Solution Deep Hydration Mask – Full size. I do like this better than other Dr. Jart+ sheet masks. I had tried this as a sample and bought this one myself, and would do it again. Repurchase: Yes.
Goodal Phytowash Yerba Mate Bubble Peeling – Rippy packet from Birchbox On Trend: Korean Beauty Box. I don’t know if this was any better than any other scrub I use. I don’t normally use peels so maybe that’s the issue, but I wasn’t overly impressed. Purchase: No.
Goodal Waterest First Essence – Sample from Birchbox On Trend: Korean Beauty Box. There were times I thought this was burning my skin, but other times it seemed fine, so I’m not sure at this point. Either way, I’d rather be safe than sorry. Purchase: No.
Manefit Cucumber Soothing + Moisturizing Manefit Beauty Planner Mask (Birchbox) – Full size from Birchbox On Trend: Korean Beauty Box. This was a nice soothing mask I received in a subscription box. If it’s a decent price I might consider more. Purchase: Maybe.
Neutrogena Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes – Full size. HG item. Repurchase: Yes (already have)

Skincare

BBW White Citrus Lotion – Hotel sample. Standard BBW lotion. Purchase: Maybe.
Molton Brown Ylang-Ylang Body Wash – Sample from QVC Advent Calendar. This was a decent shower gel, but had a strong scent and I believe it’s relatively expensive. Purchase: No.
Philosophy Amazing Grace Shampoo, Bath, and Shower Gel – Travel size from QVC Advent Calendar. GIVEUPS. The scent of this was completely overwhelming and seemed to dry me out more than other Philosophy shower gels. Purchase: No.
StriVectin-SD Volumzing Hand Treatment – Rippy packet possibly from Ulta or Sephora. The sample was very small and one use only, so I can’t form an accurate opinion on it. From the single time I used it, it seemed to moisturize fine. Purchase: No.

Fragrance

Elizabeth and James Nirvana Black (Sephora) – Full size rollerball. I love this perfume and am actually considering getting a full size. I’m just trying to use up some of my other ones first. Repurchase: Yes (definitely!)
Marc Jacobs Daisy Dream Eau de Toilette Spray – Sample from Ulta. I generally like Marc Jacobs perfumes, and this is no exception. They don’t necessarily last all day and I tend to get samples all the time so I haven’t felt the need to actually purchase any yet. Purchase: Maybe.

Hair Care

Attitude Shampoo for Volume & Shine – Rippy packet from Target Beauty Box. OK, but didn’t stand out. Purchase: No.
Garnier Fructis Fortifying Cream Conditioner Color Shield – Full size. I received this as an old bottle partially used, and was surprised how well it still worked. It deep conditioned and thoroughly repaired colored hair. Repurchase: Yes (if still available)
Klorane Shampoo with Desert Date – Sample from Birchbox. I didn’t like this, mostly because of the scent. Purchase: No.
Ouidad Superfruit Renewal Clarifying Cream Shampoo – Rippy packet (don't remember source). I surprising liked this. Even though it was clarifying, I think because it was a cream I actually needed less conditioner than usual. Purchase: Maybe.
Soapbox Argan Oil Shampoo – Sample from Target Beauty Box. It was OK, but didn’t stand out. Purchase: No.
Tigi Bed Head Dumb Blond Shampoo for Chemically Treated Hair – Full size. HG product. This is one of my favorites for freshly dyed hair. Repurchase: Yes. What's your favorite hair care line for color treated hair?

Other

BBW PocketBac in Black Cherry Merlot and Pure Paradise – Full size. HG product. Everyone loved the Black Cherry Merlot scent; I got lots of comments from BMT nurses that it smelled like fruit snacks, and we even bought one for the hubby. Pure Paradise was fine, and I wouldn’t avoid it but I may not seek it out. Repurchase: Product: Yes. Scents: Black Cherry Merlot definitely, Pure Paradise maybe.
Hello Fluoride Toothpaste in Supermint – Sample (probably) from Target Beauty Box. The kiddo mostly used this, and she actually didn’t mind this even though she doesn’t usually like mint products. Even though it’s called Supermint, the flavor seemed less strong than my usual toothpaste. If the kiddo wanted this, I would pick it up, but I probably wouldn’t grab this for myself. Repurchase: Not for myself.

What do you think? Will you be trying out any of these? Did any of the ones I didn't like work well for you?

Friday, April 15, 2016

Empties - March 2016

This was a big month for lip products, and makeup in general. I rarely use up any makeup, but to use up 2 lip balms in one month has never happened before! I also tried a lot of skincare, and even found a fantastic drugstore moisturizer.

I also decided to combine the Giveups into the individual sections rather than having a section of their own; we'll see how that goes for a few months. Let me know what you think by shouting out in the comments below.