Updated Empties

Hey all,
   So another installment of products that I have finished within the last eeeeeeeeh, month I suppose.  So this is going to be a bit longer of a post, so you have all been warned! (mwuahahaha). How is everyone else doing on their journey to finish out products?

L'Oreal EverCreme Sulfate Free Moisture System Shampoo: So after my last experience with sulfate free shampoo and conditioners, I was very reluctant to try this product.  Even several youtubers had said this was not a good product, so when my father dropped off some shampoo that was on sale (aka this one) my heart sank a little bit.  BUT, then I tried it. This is actually a really nice shampoo, good smelling and did not make my hair greasy by the end of the day. I might repurchase if on sale.

Citre Shine Fresh Fusion Shampoo in Pure Energy: I love this shampoo, it had such a fresh scent and always leaves my hair with shine, less frizz, and just very healthy looking. I will repurchase this one.

Hotels in Venice Shower Shampoo in Milk Fig: I got this little sample or "travel-size" bottle from my time in Italy at one of the hotels.  I did not like this fragrance and it left my hair a little tangled. Needless to say, not a huge fan of it.  I have no idea how to even purchase it!

L'Occitane Repairing 5 Essential Oils Shampoo and Conditioner Packets: I love L'Occitane products, especially their lotions and perfumes.  These two samples were nice sized, and very nice on my hair. It felt so silky, and light. My one issue with this product is how herbally it smelled. Now this isn't a herbally in the sense of mint, basil, lavender etc. This just strait smelled of a potent concoction of mixed herbs that was not really pleasant.  I won't purchase because these are also expensive.

Camille Beckman Mango Beach Silky Body Cream: I enjoy Camille Beckman products, but this was just not a scent I am a fan of.  BUT the product itself was so thick and moisturizing to my skin.  My other issue with the product is more packaging, it's just a very thick plastic that makes it tough to get any product out.  Since this cream is so thick, I had to cut it apart to get to the rest of the product. I will repurchase one day, but in a different scent.

Ahava dermud Enriched Intensive Foot Cream for dry skin: This was a nice sized sample of the product and it was sooo nice on my feet. I'm not a foot cream user, but this was a very pampering product.  It took a little while to soak in, but pop in a movie and stay off your feet! I may purchase the product in the future.

Jennifer Aniston Perfume Samples (Two Samples): This perfume was very nice, the notes are floral and Sephora.com states that it has a musk to it. To me, it just smells of light honeysuckles. Don't get me wrong, I liked this scent and would purchase it, if the scent actually lasted on my skin.  I could spray myself and almost 30 minutes later the scent was gone. I went through two samples in roughly 2-3 days. I'd say this is more of a starter perfume for younger girls who don't want to smell sweet or sugary. But at 70 bucks for the bottle...x.x

Twirl by Kate Spade Perfume Sample: I really wanted this scent, this was so nice on my skin, but when I went to the counter and sprayed myself from the larger bottle, it smelled and dried on my skin differently (sad face!) It has a floral, vanilla and fruity sweet scent (again, not something I typically go for and even like), but it leans to more of a floral.  Since the bottle smelled differently than my sample size version, I passed on it.

Mark, White Vetiver Fragrance Sample: I got this sample from a mark. purchase, and honestly I did not like it at all. It just smells of fake floral and vanilla.  (Think of lip glosses with those fake vanilla flavors that somehow end up smelling similar to play dough) NOT a purchase.

Burberry London Delicately Floral Body Lotion: I got this a part of a box set with my Burberry perfume. I love the perfume, and the scent of the lotion is very similar although a bit more floral in comparison to the more spicy perfume.  One thing I noticed with the lotion is that it is very thin, non- moisturizing, and strong scented.  I don't know if I can purchase this separately, but it was overall nice if you are looking for something that you can layer with scents.

Mark. Glow Baby Glow Lip Gloss in Bubbles: I'd like to just say that I love this little sample size! I wish more brands gave out little samples like this so before you purchase you can really test it out.  This gloss is a pinky-purple gloss with baby blue shimmer. It sounds weird but looks so pretty on the lips.  I even used another lip gloss wand to dig out every last bit of it! I can see myself purchasing this the next time I order from mark. or Avon.

No Brand Shower Gel: I hated this product. This scent was so gross, it was supposed to be a berry scent, but it ended up being a strange floral. I got this as part of a gift from a friend a few years back, but I never plan to try to figure out where exactly I can get this.

Bath & Body Works Aromatherapy Sensual Body Wash & Foam Bath in Jasmine Vanilla: I've already done a review of this particular product. I love the shower gels from Bath & Body Works because they lather so nicely and only need a small amount per use.  But this scent was something I really disliked. I already have almost 10 bottle in my parents house of these body washes in scents that I love, so I don't need to repurchase anything just yet.

Mark. Three's a Charm 3-in-1 Body Cleanser in Lemon Sugar: I got this from a fellow blogger/ youtuber, Grace from reallygraceful (her youtube name). As much as I liked this product, it just wasn't something that really stood out to me.  It was a great cleanser, but the scent didn't quite tickle my fancy.  I'll have to check if they make other scents!

Opti-Free Replenish Multi-Purpose Contact Solution: I'm not picky when it comes ot my contact solutions. I typically go for whatever is on sale, or the less expensive brand.  My eye doctor suggested this brand when it comes to the lower end of spending scale. What can I say other than it works, and that I'll most likely be repurchasing it once I finish the other bottle.

Old Spice Fiji Deodorant: Yes ladies, I use a "mens" deodorant.  After reading an article on really ow similar men's and women's deodorants are, I just went out and got this one. It has a very fresh and crisp scent, and is something I will repurchase.

Fa Deodorant in Caribbean Lemon: This is a brand from Europe that is not the easiest to find in the typical American drugstore.  I like the scent, it leans to a more lemongrass scent and is fresh without being sweet.  I like it, and next time I'm back in Europe I'll probably pick up a few more.

Sally Hansen Advanced Hard as Nails Protective Base: I have to say, that this base coat was very fast drying.  But what I noticed for the period of time that I used it, my nails still got stained and they would flake so badly.  I do not have naturally weak nails, and I even ate my Jell-O to get some extra strength to my nails, but they would just splice apart.  I wouldn't suggest this and will not repurchase this.

Swan Nail Polish Remover: I think I got a bunch of these from my local Dollar Tree for obviously a buck.  It works well, even though it is not a pure accitone remover.  Hey I like it, it works, it's cheap (after spending 8 bucks on a bottle way back when and it not taking off polish -.-). I'll be repurchasing them until I find some magic product.

** random background story regarding these last few products: I travel a lot, and so I was cleaning out all my travel bags, I found plenty of half used tubes of toothpaste that I finally committed myself to using them all up so I don't have 6+ toothpastes half used. **

Colgate Total Whitening Toothpaste: This was a good one, I like that this toothpaste foams up nicely and just has a nice minty flavor that doesn't make me feel like I'm using baking soda.

Crest Whitening Plus Scope: I was not a fan of this one, I'm naturally not a fan of Crest brand ( I don't know why I just don't) But it cleaned my teeth so I can't really complain.

Colgate Total Advanced Plus Whitening: I can't vouch for the whitening because it is such a small tube, I feel like I would need to use a full-sized one to find out. I don't have badly stained teeth, but I drink my coffee and wine. (I'm 22 if someone is balking at my wine reference)

Marvis Classic Strong Mint Toothpaste: Recently everyone recieved from various beauty boxes this toothpaste, but honestly... it's nothing special. It doesn't stand out to me, other than it's from Italy and therefor is more expensive.  So save a few bucks and get your favorite toothpaste from the drugstore.

PHEWW! Wow, another large chunk of products that I really have no idea how I even finished. So my running totals are:

Lotions/ fragrance/ hair: 19 + 12 =31
Makeup: 10 + 1 =11
Candles/ scents: 6 + 0 =6
Cleansers/ Body Washes: 18 + 3= 21
Randoms: 4 + 9 =13

New Total: 57 + 25= 82!!!

xoxo,
Emily

Birchbox Series: LaROCCA Champagne and Acai Sugar Polish

Hey All,

                Another Birchbox post to bring to you all, I have really been working hard to get finished with all the little samples taking up space in my drawers (which I really need space for other things). I’m bringing a body product to you all, the LaROCCA Champagne and Shimmer Acai Sugar Polish from a November box.  

LaROCCA Champagne and Shimmer Acai Sugar Polish (November 2011) Full Size: $35.00

According to Birchbox:

“This revitalizing sweet-smelling body polish buffs away dull skin with raw sugar, acai, and 24-karat colloidal gold. But that’s not all, coconut oil and shea butter work to moisturize and combat dryness so that you’re left with nothing but softness.”

My Take:

This product smelled soooo good.  The product also did have this awesome shimmer to it, but the sample was not enough to use on my entire body.  When I use a scrub, I want it to be a bit abrasive, and filled with more scrubbie particles. It’s a cool product, and left a shimmer on my skin, but I could feel the oil, and I was not a fan of it. I get that it makes your skin feel soft, but for me, it was uncomfortable. The scrubbie particles were not packed enough, and very easily melted away in my shower, which was a slight disappointment. It just was not a “WOW, I need this product” feeling.  Also the 24-karat gold was just not a selling point for me. 

How Much Is In A Full Sized:

$35 for 6.76 oz (where do they get these random oz?)

Did Birchbox Make Me Want To Buy It:

For me, this product was just “meh”. It wasn’t special, and I rarely use body scrubs.  I just don’t feel a pull to purchase this product. 

Xoxo,

Emily

Birchbox Series: Clark's Botanicals Radiance Mask

Hey All,

                I’m bringing another segment of the Birchbox Series to you.  It has been a while since I posted anything regarding to these little samples, but I finally pulled myself together and finished one. So in an October box I received the Clark’s Botanicals Intense Radiance Mask.  I received enough product to use for a full face application twice. 

Clark’s Botanicals Intense Radiance Mask (October 2011) Full Size: $72.00

According to Birchbox:

“This white clay mask is formulated to purify skin and soften fine lines and wrinkles. White genepi, an alpine plant extract, delivers antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-bacterial properties, while algae extract zips in moisture and helps to lift and tighten skin. Finally, an advanced tri-peptide complex reduces redness.”

My Take:

The mask smelled quite nice, but I did not see any amazing results.  Frankly, my Queen Helene Mint Julep Mask (drugstore large bottle at that!) leaves my skin feeling more refreshed than this very expensive product. I did not see any purification, and the softening of fine lines and wrinkles would probably have to come after using this product more than twice. I did not find it tightening, or lifting or reducing redness at all. It was just a mask, that sat on my skin, and maybe took away some oils.  

How Much Is In A Full Sized:

$72 for 1.7 fl oz (Holy crap!?!)

Did Birchbox Make Me Want To Buy It:

Nope. I never had heard of Clark’s so this was a first introduction to the brand, and frankly, I don’t believe I will be purchasing a product from the brand. It seems to be overpriced, and doesn’t do anything for my skin type. So at least Birchbox showed me that my cheap, under 10 dollar face mask works better than a $72 one. 

Xoxo,

Emily

Losing Weight Update

Hey Everyone,

    I hope this summer is finding you well.  I just finished my summer class (ICK) so that kinda explains the reason why I haven’t blogged a lot recently.  I wanted to give an update of my working towards health goal.  As of yesterday I was 184.5 pounds which means I have lost 12 pounds so far! Woot woot!.  This means that I lost roughly 6% from my original weight! I haven’t been that number in at least a year or two.  It also made me thrilled that I can fit into a dress (although a tad snug) that I didn’t wear since my sophomore year of college (I’m going to be a senior). This is a HUGE deal for me, and just makes me feel already so much better.  My next goal is to lose 5 more pounds before my trip to Europe so that I can hit the “under 180” mark.  This is something I can do, I just need to work out more regularly.

Something that I have been learning during the last month is changing my choices that I make when it comes to food.  This is coming from a food addict, and it’s been tough.  But I cut myself some slack and came out really proud of myself especially in June, which was a month of almost daily get together with friends and HUGE potluck dinners.  I ate, but I chose what I really wanted to eat too.

 One thing that stuck with me were the words of my Health Wellness Professor, the first few bites are always the best, after that we are just chasing after that flavor. The bigger the portion, the less “as good” the flavor is by the last few bites.  This makes sense to me, so I’ve kept my portions a bit smaller. 

I already instated an alcohol only on weekends and with dinner “’rule”.  I do see the weight coming off easier through that. (wohoo) Now my next choice is to have one day a week where I will not have breads or pastas of any kind.  I think that just one day is manageable and practical.  So that is just my little update.

Be healthy!

Xoxo,

Emily

Maybelline Dream Fresh BB

Rarely to I come across products that are such fails that there is nothing I can do with it. I can actually count on my one hand those products. This is now one of them.  The Maybelline Dream Fresh BB "8-in-1 Beauty Balm Skin Perfector Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Light Sheer Tint". The back of the package states: Enhances skin with eight benefits in 1: blurs imperfections, enhances, brightens, adjusts to skin tone, smoothes, hydrates, SPF 30 protects, 0% oils and other heavy ingredients." The directions state: "For sunscreen use: apply liberally 15 minutes before sun exposure." 

The packaging

My camera (and lighting) turned this slightly yellower. But a pea sized amount.

Rubbed out I just get a sheen, but it dries down to nothingness.

There is a pro with this product, but it's not even the product but the display. There were small vials of each skin-tone available so I could more easily match myself to the right color...YAY and FINALLY for that. I hope more products (foundations in specific) do that because I'm getting tired of running back and forth to Harmon's. The staff already know me as the "make-up returning girl" -.-. 


You get 1 fl. oz or 30 ml of this product. Oh let's start from the top with this product. When they say sheer... it's so sheer that I am sorely tempted to go check if the darkest shade available will leave a tint to my skin. I matched myself for color and the next one up was too yellow for me.

The Eight Benefits:
1. Blurs Imperfections: Well...since there was NO COLOR how could it blur imperfections? That just didn't make sense to me. I tried to layer it but I still got no color improvement. I don't want to have to make tons of layers (essentially caking makeup) when this is supposed to be a product that would *in theory* work as several makeup products.
2. Enhances: enhances what? It is so vague...what is this product supposed to enhance on me?
3. Brightens: Ok so I got some dewiness with my application, so I suppose one can classify that as "brightening"? But I already have oily/combo skin, so adding more sheen to my face doesn't seem to make sense to me.
4. Adjusts to skin-tone: again...
5. Smoothes: I can say that my skin felt a little smoother and it did seem to fill in some pore areas, but for that I can get a primer.
6. Hydrates: It hydrated a little, but nothing noticeable or that my daily moisturizer can't do (and for cheaper by the oz)
7. SPF 30: A bonus, I will give it that
8. 0% oils and other heavy ingredients: good thing I guess?

Some of these benefits (to me) seem to just be repeating themselves, but if someone can help differentiate them for me, I'd be truly humbled.



Overall I'd class this as a sunscreen/ moisturizer being advertized as more than it really is or does. I purchased it at Harmon's for just about $6.90. After hearing everyone rave about the Garnier BB Cream I had some high hopes for this one but it really missed the mark. Another return for me...again...joy...BB Creams are supposed to help with anti-aging and are usually one color, both of which are not present with this product.The claims on this product are redundant, and seemingly useless. Which brand BB cream (from the drugstore) do you all suggest?

Finished Products Pt 3

**warning super long post...I will try to keep it short and sweet though!**

Wow, half the year gone and I'm still chugging pretty strong through this project.  I've been finishing up quite a few products and see that a lot of stuff is finishing out (mainly because right about now is when my of my full sized products are running out!) More and more stuff is being added in and I still have half the year to get through, so perhaps by the end of 2012 I will actually finish out a nice chunk of makeup :D (squeals of delight!) Needless to say, this project has already shown me a lot on what types of skincare and body care products I prefer (scent-wise, texture and actual use-wise) so my future product purchases will have that in mind.

Breathing Space Calming Lavender: LOVE. Lasted me a month and was so luxurious feeling.  I'm a stickler for lavender scents and if it does not smell right, I'll refuse to use it, but this product smell just right.  Best part was that this was from my local Dollar Tree so it was only a buck. Will be repurchasing.

Crabtree & Evelyn La Source Body Lotion: This was one of those samples/ travel sizes you get at hotels. It was a good product but I am not a fan of the scent. I love all the other scents from their lines but something about this is slightly off...like a sickly sweet spa. ick. Not purchasing.

Jade Hand and Body Lotion: Another hotel sample I got (I am sooo one of those people who kidnap those lil things) but this one was probably my favorite scent. It was clean yet a hint of floral. It wasn't the BEST moisturizer, but worked in the pinch.


SHINE by bliss Mandarin & Mint: ummm no hint of mandarin and none of mint. This had a weird fruity scent and I was just happy to finally say good-bye to this last lil hotel travel size I had.  It felt greasy and right after I applied it...I still felt really dry.


Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion: HOLY GRAIL right here. If I didn't have almost 5 half or 1/4th done bottles around the house  thanks to my siblings I would repurchase this in an instant. This had such a homey oat-y scent without being off-putting. It left my elbows and knees so soft and well moisturized. Perfect soaking in time too.

L'Occitane Hydration Creme: First off- I hate sachets. There is either too little product or too much and no matter what there is no way to really save to use later. This product had too much in the sample sachet and was so greasy on my skin. Plus it had a cucumber/aloe scent which is something I just dislike. I love L'Occitane but this was a miss on my list.

Jergens Natural Glow Face Daily Moisturizer in Medium: Yes this is for face but it would break me out SO horribly and did not moisturize that I gave up on it. Until I mixed it with my Aveeno Lotion and got a great product. I would not recommend this product though for people with sensitive skin because the fake tanner is irritating.

AcneFree Green Tea Oil Absorbing Moisturizer: I love this product.  This is a great lightweight product but still does the job and keeps the skin nice and clear.  I was so sad to see it go that I actually cut it open to get every last bit. I think my Clean & Clear has some competition.

John Frieda Go Blonder Lightening Shampoo: This product works, I got some really natural lightening which was great for me because it was not like BAM blonde or like with Sun-In all one color.  I like it, but probably wouldn't purchase unless on sale because you don't get a huge amount of product but also I don't really know the long term effects on my hair with this shampoo. The baby version was nice and retails for 1.49 at CVS.

B&BW Coconut Lime Verbena Volumizing Shampoo: I don't think B&BW makes the shampoo of this for retail but I *again* got this from a hotel. I LOVED the scent so much I went out and got the body butter. The shampoo isn't a great product though, my hair got REALLY matted together and just didn't leave any volume.

Carmex Moisture Plus in Peach: First off, this color was NOT peach at all...it was a rosy/ coral pink. But it was so nice on the lips. It still had a slight medicated scent but no where near the typical carmex scent. Will repurchase if I can find it again.

ELF Studio Minty Lip Gloss in New York City: Such a nice gloss! It has a ruby tint with a nice minty feeling. While it looks like I still have some product left, I took the stopper our and the brush does not reach the bottom. I tried the boiling water trick, but it did nothing because there is just so much extra plastic. I have other glosses similar in color so while I won't rush out to get it, I might purchase on a whim one day.

Benefit Stick Foundation in Spin the Bottle: I have sentimental value to this because it was a part of my first actual makeup kit that I got from my mom.  I loved this product dearly, but it is very full coverage.  I don't even know if they still make it!

NYC Lengthening Mascara in Jet Black: This is that rare product that I have repurchased. I like this product because it is a classic spoolie brush and had a very natural look.  I would get some volume and length and it was a drier formula *which is my favorite*

Slatkin & Co Wallflower in Twisted Peppermint: My favorite scent out of the entire B&BW collection.  I have a love hate relationship with this though.  I refuse to pay regular price so I'll only restock on it during the Semi-Annual Sales. It is so fresh and crisp with just a hint of sweet.

Absolute! Green Tea Facial Tissues: This was actually my first facial cleansing wipe and it really just re-iterated that I am not a cleansing towelette girl. I need to go in with my facial cleanser because my skin does break out so easily. I just don't see the attachment to them.

Aveeno Skin Relief Body Wash: Really nice product. I love immolating it and doubling it as a shave gel (it's suggested on the bottle). It just makes it a 2 in 1 product for me. Once I do get through all my body gels, this will become a staple.

Montagne Jenesse Pore Cleansing Facial Masque: This was another sachet product that I got roughly 2.5 uses out of. It really just reminds me of the masques my mom would give me as a youngster and doing slumber parties. Those masques did nothing for us but made us feel more grown up. I still have 2 left to get through (weep)

Fa Gelee Royal Almond Blossom: I used this on my face and body (hence the reason why it is in this section) and I love it. This is a brand marketed to central Europe (aka Germany, Poland etc) In the states it is rather expensive, but since I travel to Europe so often (for both research, studies and family) I will be able to pick this up for MUCH cheaper.

Noxema Clean Moisture Deep Cleansing Creme: Most people have a love it or hate it relationship with this product. I for one, love it. I use it as a deep cleanser and leave it on for 15-30 minutes or as a spot treatment on pimples/ whiteheads. By the next day my problem areas are gone! I have a whole other tub which will get more love, once I get through all my other products.

Clean & Clear Blackhead Clearing Scrub: This poor product has just been through the ringer *haha* It is a salicylic acne treatment which seems to work best on my skin type.  I really do like this and I think my typical St. Ives will have some competition.

Burt's Bees Orange Essence Facial Cleanser: I was SO disappointed by this product. I loved the scrub but the cleanser left a waxy film on my face. It was also a mental screw because for me...I want to feel foaming and cleansing of my skin...and if it doesn't do that...I don't feel like my face got clean. This was sadly the case with this product.

Opti-Free Replenish Contact Solution: Just a basic solution but since I have been really focused on being safe with my eyes, I had been changing solution each night.

Bio-True Contact Solution: Got a tester of this from my eye doctor.  It's a bit more expensive because it's supposed to be closer to the biological tears, but I really didn't notice anything special.

New Totals!:
Lotions/ Fragrence/ Hair: 10 + 9=19
Makeup:4 + 6= 10
Candles/ Scents: 1 + 6 = 6
Cleansers/ Body Washes: 7 + 11= 18
Randoms: 2 + 2= 4
Grand Total: 57!!

Bath & Body Works Jasmine Vanilla Sensual Body Wash

**Giving a review on a scented product is always difficult. What smells one way to me, may be different to you.**

 I bought this product at one of the Semi-Annual Bath and Body Works sales for right about a buck. I love B&BW, but really miss their old scent which were classics. I find that the newer scents are all pretty similar or just a buncha mixtures BUT ANYWAYS... I have used the Aromatherapy line in the past but usually calming(lavender) and another eucalyptus scent which I can't remember the name of. I was wandering around and saw this scent and figured that since all the rest of this line was so great, I'd try it-- even though I was not looking for an oooh-la-la sensual scent.

The Label:  Awaken your senses. Jasmine Absolute relaxes the mind and inspires sexy self-confidence. Vanilla Absolute helps soothe and calm so you feel at ease.

Let's take this apart.... Awaken your senses: boy did I have a double take on my 'awakening' this was not the scent I thought it would be.  Jasmine Absolute relaxes the mind and inspires sexy self-confidence: I STANK LIKE A MAN... a man who overdid it on the AXE spray. This is so masculine, so the only thing that it gave me was self-awareness that I did not smell 'right'. This is coming from a girl who does use more neutral scented men's deodorants so I am not a person who likes to smell like candy or fruit.  Vanilla Absolute helps soothe and calm so you feel at ease: the jasmine is so strong that I get NO notes of vanilla, even after washing it off. 

BOTTOM LINE: If you want to smell like a man (a la AXE) use this product. If you wanted a lighter, woods-y, spicy, yet sweet "sensual" scent -- this isn't for you. It's not a bad product based on quality and strength of scent, but my dissapointment stems from what I believed the scent would be and what it turned out to be. Maybe I have a different idea of what a "sensual" scent would be like...

Repurchase? NO!

Ever have one of these moments?
Sometimes I really think that B&BW should have a scent cleanser (coffee beans like they do at Lush) so your nose doesn't get all clogged up with every other scent.
xoxo,
Ema