Mid January 2014 Beauty Empties!

Ola Beauty lovers! It's that time of the month where I show you my mid January beauty empties! I love these type of posts to see others opinions on products that they have finished to the very end. So let me stop babbling as always and jump right into the products.

1. Balea Face Masks
- I mentioned these in pretty much every beauty empties. So all I will says is great drug store face mask, cheap and affordable, and works great on the skin.

2. Montagne Jeunesse Face Masks
- Same goes for these masks as well. Another drug store alternative, affordable and works great on the skin. Will continue to use this brand as well.




3. Listerine Mouth Wash
- This is my favorite mouth wash of all time, love the taste and love the fact their is fluoride in this formula. Anything to help me keep those cavities away because I hate filling cavities. Keep a look out because I will be testing out a few other brands to give you readers an idea of what else is decent out there.




4. Single Pouch Conditioners
- I love the green packet Silk Elements Olive conditioner. That is the one I enjoy the most. As for the cream packet Silk Elements luxury conditioner, this one was an utter fail. Only because the formula smells like old hair spray. It hydrated fine, but because of that smell I was totally turned off by it. The purple packet by proclaim is good as well. This one has keratin so be careful you don't over use this product because you don't want to get breakage from too much keratin in your hair. The white packet ion deep conditioner is good as well. Smells like sweet almond oil and to me acts like a normal conditioner but it does hydrate well.
All these packets I got at Sally's beauty supply for 0.99cents.




5. The Body Shop Grapefruit Body Butter
- I just love the body shop body butters. I have been a fan of them since I was in high school. This one is the smaller size container, but I have a couple of the larger tubs so I am excited to use those up as well. They can be pricey $25-$30 for the bigger tubs but it is so worth it.



6. Benefit Bad Gal Lash Mascara- Sample size
- I had a previous sample size before this one and I hate it. The brush is way to large, the product gets all over my lids, and it pretty much was dried up when I opened it up the first time. Not worth the $30 for the full size. Save your money people! There are better mascaras out there for more then half the price.







7. Lancome Visionnaire - sample size
- These type of skin care creams is difficult for me to produce a full opinion on them since I can't get more then a couple uses out of sample sizes. So I only used this as a night cream, did it help diminish pores/wrinkles/dark spots? Not that I could tell but I didn't use it long enough to see an actual difference. Lancome is pricey so no I will not purchase a full size of this.



8. Grassroots Research Labs Vitamin C skin refreshing cleanser
- Got this facial cleanser at the MAC sale back in September, this was on sale for $10. I am not familiar with this brand so I am not sure what their retail costs are. If you do know please leave me a comment below. Anyways it was an OK facial cleanser. It did not wow me in any way. I will not be purchasing this one again, it was decent while it lasted. 


9. Proactiv Solutions: Refining Mask
- This has been in my monthly favorites in the past. LOVE THIS MASK! I have serious hormonal acne and when I start feeling a blemish or break out coming on, I popped this mask on and it would just pull out all the junk out of your skin so that the acne would simmer down. It can be expensive, around $36 a large bottle, but it is well worth the price, believe me.



10. Maybelline Dream Bouncy Blush in Peach Satin
- I enjoyed this blush. It was more of a cream blush but it was very nice. Blends well into the skin. The lasting power is average, I would say between 5-7 hours. I would get another one but I would like to finish a few more blushes before I do so. They are very affordable as well $5-$6. Good drug store alternative.

 

11. Neostrata Intense Brightening Cream- Sample size
- Again I can't come up with a solid opinion on skin care sample sizes so I just used them for night creams. I can't tell if it brightens since I only used it twice, but it was alright while I had the sample. No I will not buy it in full size.


12. Bath and Body Works 3 wick candle: Pumpkin Cupcake scent
- LOVE LOVE LOVE candles. Bath and body works candles are my ultimate favorite. I usually wait until they go on sale 2 for $20 so I can get two for the price of one. The regular price is around $21 each so they are a bit pricey regular price.


13. Lush Sea Spray
- Love this hair sea spray. Its $12 and gives your hair these awesome beach waves. I have repurchased this one already because I enjoy this product so much. I mostly use this in the spring and summer time.This item smells awesome! Like a resort :)


14. Marcelle Eye Makeup Remove
- Like this eye makeup remover. It gets off waterproof eye make up, and its affordable. Wal-Mart carries this brand, and you can get two of these for the price of one. One bottle of this goes for around $7 so that is a good deal. My ultimate favorite is still the L'Oreal one but that one is double the price so I try to only get the L'Oreal one when its on sale.



15. Pro-namel Toothpaste by Sensodyne
- This is my favorite toothpaste brand. It is a bit pricey ($7-$8) but worth it because it really does help with my teeth sensitivity. The iso-active formula is my favorite line in the brand.


Well that is all my empties for the mid month of January. Hope you guys like these quick reviews on my thoughts on these products. Let me know what you have finished and what you liked or didn't like.

Don't forget to go check out my YouTube Channel: MacGirl25Antonietta

Until next time beauty lovers <3
MacGirl25

End of November 2013 Beauty Empties

It is that time of month again, November 2013 Beauty Empties! I love reading and watching these kinds of posts and vlogs because I get to see that persons true opinion on a product after they have fully finished it. So here are my end of November Beauty Empties! Enjoy :)


1. Crest 3D White Strips: 5minute routine
- These white strips took me forever to finish. It comes with 28 top and 28 bottom strips. You put them on for 5 minutes only and then you remove them and rinse. These 5 minute strips are great to remove the surface stains from your teeth if you are a coffee and tea drinker. I have tried the 2 hour strips and although they made my teeth white, they brutally killed my teeth with sensitivity. So I would only re purchase the 5minute strips again. The only thing is that if you are not consistent with these strips then your white teeth will not stay long, you will need to constantly use the strips to maintain your white teeth. I plan on trying out a new whitening system in the near future so stay tuned on my thoughts on that.

2. One 'n Only Argan Oil Hair Color Cream Developer: 20 Volume
- I use this cream developer when I color my hair. This is the only brand I will use developer from since it has Argan oil in the developer which makes my hair so smooth and healthy. I usually get this baby for free when I purchase my hair color at Sally's only because they usually have sales going on for this line every so often. Definitely a re-purchase.




3. One 'n Only Argan Oil Hair Color: Medium and Dark Chocolate Brown
- Love this hair color. Just like the cream developer this color has done greatness to my hair. I will not go back to box color from the drug store nor will I go to another brand. Loving this color and will re-purchase. These can be found at Sally's Beauty Supply as well.






4. China Glazes Glitter Nail polish:  You're a Hoot & Flying South
- I love China Glaze polishes, so do not get me wrong on this one BUT I hate these glitter polished. You need at least 4 to 5 coats of this to make them opaque and once they dry the pop off your nails because you had to apply so many coats!  They were only $6 each so not worried that I am getting rid of them, but I am disappointed because that could have been $12 total I could have used elsewhere. C'mon China Glaze get with the times and work on those glitter formulas.





5. Benefit BAD Gal Lash Mascara-Sample size
- Now I enjoyed the Benefit They're Real Mascara so I thought this one would be great too. Don't kid your self. The wand on this B**** is so huge that you would end up looking like raccoon eyes after applying the mascara you want on your lashes. The formula is more on the dry side so you are sitting there for 20 minutes re-applying mascara that ends up on your lids. Not my cup of tea for a $29 mascara! This one was a disappointment. If you want to see the wand please go check out my YouTube Channel for my November empties video at MacGirl25Antonietta.




6. L'oreal go 360degree clean deep facial cleanser
- I have tried L'oreals facial cleansers so when I tried this one I loved it. It has a great morning citrus scent so it really wakes you up in the morning. I loved the little rubber scrub it comes with to help remove all the dirt properly. This line has a bunch of different types of cleansers for different skin types so I am determined to try each one slowly and give you guys my thoughts on them. The only down fall to this product is that it is a bit pricey, like $14-$16 range. But if you can find them on sale for half the price, because they do go on sale then grab them when you can. You will not be sorry you did trust me.




7. NeoStrata Moisture Infusion Cream (Face): Deluxe Sample size
- I have mentioned this sample size in previous favorite posts. I really enjoyed this face cream. I used it at night before bed, and I found that my skin soaked it up without leaving any greasy residue. The full size of this cream runs about $30, sometimes it goes on sale for $19. So in the future if you want to try it out and can't get a sample size wait until it goes on sale, that way you can save $11. I would purchase this in full size, once I am done the rest of the face creams I have.



8. Smahbox Photo Finish Lid Primer
- Loved this lid primer. It cancelled out all of my discoloration and veins on my eye lids. I sometimes just use this as my base and add no eye shadow at all because the skin tone it gives off is so awesome. I have already re-purchased this baby even though I am currently using a different lid primer at the moment. This product retails around $21.





9. Prevens Paris Makeup Remover Wipes- Travel size
- Got these wipes at Winners in a bundle pack with the full size packages. Tried them and I am not a fan. The scent of these babies are not appealing at all. The wipes are moist so the make up does come off, but the scent just throws me right off. That makes me un-attracted to putting them on my face. Yuck. The value pack was 2 full packages and the travel package for $6.99, so it was a good deal but I won't be repurchasing these once they are done. Working on the two full packages now. Can't wait until they are finished.





10. Benefit Porefessional Primer: Sample size
- Love this face primer, I have two full sizes of this. This is the most raved primer on YouTube and in the beauty blog world. If you haven't tried it go grab yourself a sample. You won't regret it. This product leaves your skin smooth and silky, the perfect canvas to apply foundation too. Full size bottle retails for around $30, but so worth it believe me.



11. ION Solutions Deep nurturing and hydrating cream
- Love these individual packets of hair masks. Get these at Sally's for $0.99 and you can usually get two uses out of each packet, depending how thick your hair is. My hair is fairly medium volume to thin, so 2 uses per packet I get by with. They are also great for travelling.



12. JJ Face masks: Dead Sea Face Spa & Fudge Sauna
- Love these at home face masks. They are so easy and affordable. You can find these at Wal-Mart or pretty much any local drug store for under $2.



13. Balea Detoxifying face mask
- Love this line of masks as well. If you have read my previous empties I always have a Balea face mask in my empties. They are 3 for $5 at Shoppers Drug Mart here in Canada. Love these at home face masks, one of my favorite past times when I am at home, and it's even better in the winter too because you cozy up with a cup of tea and a book and you chillax. When you rinse it off, your face feels fresh and rejuvenated.




14. Bath & Body Works Creamy Pumpkin Hand Soap
- Love BBW hand soaps. One of my favorite brands. Creamy pumpkin was a nice sweet scent. Loved it. You can get these on sale for 5 for $20 or $25.




15. Bath & Body Works 3 wicket Pumpkin Carving Candle
- Love BBW candles as well. Who doesn't love their candles? They can be pricey so wait until the sales come on and you can get them for 2 for $25. Regular retail they go for $22 each! Can someone comment down below on how I can take out the excess wax from these jars so I can reuse the jars?




16. Lush Almond & Coconut Shower Smoothie
- This was my first time using a shower smoothie, and I do not thing I will ever go back to not using one. These shower smoothies make my skin so hydrated and scrumptious, my skin has never felt so healthy. They are a bit expensive, Lush carries these babies for around $26 at 250gram container. But if you can grab a sample first to try it out because they are awesome. Use this after you wash your body, then rinse and pat dry after you finish in the shower and you will notice your skin is amazing. You can also use this to shave with but I don't waste it on that.





17. MAC Studio Sculpt Foundation in NC35
- I did a detail review on this foundation a long time ago, refer back to my older posts. Love this foundation, it is my go to foundation for winter. Keeps me looking dewy and healthy and it is long wearing. Yes I have repurchased this in a different shade since I thought the cool tone was too light for me. Adding this empty to my back to MAC stash of empties :)




Well everyone that is it for my end of November Beauty Empties. I think I did pretty good this month with finishing products. I managed to finish a few samples this month and I am still going with finishing samples.

Also quick update, I decided to post pone my Make Out 2014 to begin until after the holidays, SO that means I am still able to purchase makeup until January 1st 2014! I will be making up a new post on that closer to the time. Until then just so you are aware, I have been invited to another MAC Sale in my area in about two weeks so keep watch for another mini haul. I won't be going too crazy, but I do need to pick up a couple items so keep on the look out there! :)

Thank you all for keeping up with my posts, I do appreciate all your support! Lots of hugs xxx

Until next time beauty lovers <3
MacGirl25

Mid November Beauty Empties 2013

Hello my beauty lovers! Welcome back. I can't believe we are almost in mid November already. I used to hate the month of November because it seemed like the longest month of the year, but time is flying.

Today I am going to show you what I have in my empties for mid November. I hope you enjoy these reviews as much as I love giving them, because it gives you all an idea if a product is worth the cost or not.

Let's jump in, this one is not as long as my other empties but if you wish to grab yourself a hot cup of something before we begin go ahead, I am waiting :)....

Now that you have your hot drink let's begin.

1. Listerine Mouth Wash in anti cavity formula
- Love this mouth wash, will aways re-purchase it. If you are not new to my blog you know I always run out of this stuff. You can get this at any drug store for under $10. Helps freshen the breath after brushing and prevents those cavities with the fluoride formula. Love, love, love it!



2. Estee Lauder Gentle Eye Makeup remover
- I do not know what happened with this product, but for it being such an expensive product, it did not feel good when I used it on my eyes. I did not purchase this myself (Thank God), my mom gave this to me from a girl at work who apparently gets this brand for cheaper as one of her family members works for the line. Anyway, when I used this remover, it left this white mousy film on and around my eyes, it was gross. It did not sting, but the residue it left behind was not pleasant. My L'oreal eye makeup remover does a better job than this stuff and is half the price. Won't be purchasing this with my own dollar bills.



3. Neo Strata Micellar Cleanser (Deluxe Sample Size)
- I have two deluxe sample sizes of this stuff. One of which I have finished. This make up remover is amazing. Really impressed with how much face makeup it takes off before I use my cleanser. Once I finish the second sample I will be looking into the price of a full size. Really did help making the removal of make up a lot easier at night time. Doesn't leave an oil residue, doesn't smell bad either. What more could you want? Let's hope the price is decent.



4. Dead Sea Elements Facial Cleansing wipes
- Bought this wipes at Winners hoping that they would be great since they were $5.99. In all honesty, I was not wow'd by them at all. The wipes were maybe medium moist. The makeup removal part was not that great. It would not take off a full face of make up. These are not to be used around the eyes, as they sting a tiny bit. Definitely not a re-purchase for me.

 

5. Balea Facial Mask: Purifying Cucumber and Melon
- I have said it before and I will say this again. Love these Balea facial at home masks. They are easy to apply, cheap, and great when you need 15 minutes to your self to wind down. My favorite time to put these on is right after a hot shower when your pores are opened at their best. I get these at the drug store 3 pouches for $5 and this line is paraben free which is a bonus!



6. NeoStrata Moisture Infusion 24 HR Hydrating Serum (Sample Size)
- I have mentioned in my last favorites the NeoStrata Moisture infusion facial cream. Love that stuff. I have a couple of these sample sizes of the hydrating serum and I am enjoying them. Once I finish some other sample skin care items, I will be interested to check out the price to the moisture infusion line from NeoStrata. This line doesn't leave my skin feeling greasy at all. Love using these products at night before bed.



7. Bumble & Bumble Thickening Shampoo & Conditioner (Sample size)
- I hear everyone raving about the Bumble & Bumble line of hair care. However once I tried these samples I was not impressed at all. The shampoo was OK, it was a clarifying formula which was average. BUT the conditioner was awful! My hair felt even drier after using that conditioner then before I used it. For the price this line is, not worth the splurge (each bottle is $30+). Save your money ladies and gents, you can find better quality products out there for less.

 

8. Equate Cotton Rounds
- For the price you pay for the equate brand at Wal-Mart, I love these cotton rounds. I love the ones I get at Costco more but I don't go there often so sometimes a girl has to improvise. These do the trick for makeup removal and nail polish removal. They go for about $2 or less. Thumbs up!



9. Benefit They're Real Mascara (Sample size)
- This mascara is raved about so much. I can see that a lot of people enjoy it because it gives you that length and a bit of volume. I would get a few compliments on my lashes with this mascara on. BUT there is a catch. This mascara I find dries quicker then other brands. Also to take this mascara off your lashes you need an ultimate eye makeup remover. The only brand I find that takes this baby off is my none other then L'oreal Eye Makeup remover. One last thing, once I do take it off I find that my lashes are more drier then normal. For the price (about $26+) of a full size of this I don't think I will purchase this in full size. I can find other mascaras that do the same job for less and not dry out my lashes or make it a chore to take off my face.





Well Ladies and Gents, that is my mid November Beauty Empties. I hope you enjoyed this post. Leave a comment down below of any items you finished that you love or you will not buy again! Would love to hear from you.

Until next time beauty lovers ❤️
MacGirl25