Mid October Beauty Empties 2013

Hello everyone. I hope y'all are having a good week. I haven't been feeling too well this week with my vertigo so I have been taking it easy on the blogging. I just filled a box of beauty empties for mid October and decided to come and share with you what I finished and my thoughts on these products.

1. Beauty Secrets Acetone: Nail Polish Remover
- Everyone who knows me, knows that I change my nail polish every 3 to 4 days. So I go through a lot of nail polish remover. I like this formula because it have wheat protein and vitamin E in it so it doesn't completely dry out my cuticles. You can get this brand at Sally's Beauty Supply. The bottle sizes range and the price ranges depending on the bottle size, but this line is affordable.

2. Dove Dry Shampoo
- Everyone and their mother talks about this shampoo. So I decided to go test out this product that everyone is raving about. The only good thing I can say about this dry shampoo is, it does not leave that white residue on your scalp or hair when you apply it. Does it actually soak up the natural oils in your hair to lengthen the amount of shampoo times....No. That's right, I am disagreeing with the majority of people who love this stuff. It does nothing for my hair, and my hair gets really dry at the ends and very oily at the scalp over a few days. I ended up going back to my Tresemme dry shampoo because that one actually helped out my hair a bit. Not to mention that the Dove dry shampoo seemed like you had to use so much of it that you would run out of the stuff so quickly. Not cool. Still on the hunt for a good dry shampoo.

3. Mane N' Tail Color Protect Conditioner
- I finished the shampoo from this set a while back. I always go through shampoo quicker then conditioner. It doesn't help that I really did not like this conditioner. I mean it's an average drug store conditioner, but I am looking for something more moisturizing since my hair is always being blow dried or flat ironed. Gotta make sure I put back that moisture. You can find this at Sally's Beauty Supply for $6-$8. Wal-Mart carries it as well. I preferably love the shampoo. The conditioner can take a number because it's not on the top of my list.

4. MAC Select Cover up Concealer
- I started using this concealer back in high school. It is great for young women who are starting out in make up. This concealer is a bit sheer on the first application. For a more full coverage you would need to apply 2 coats under the eyes. But for those of you ladies and gents who are over the age of 20, please be sure to apply an under eye moisturizer before applying this concealer because this formula tends to accentuate fine lines when you do not moisturize before hand. I learned that the hard way. I love this stuff though. I already had a back up ready to use once I finished this one. But as you all know I am a MAC lover. My shade in this one is NW25 and my skin tone is an olive complexion so it works well with me. Once you apply this concealer under the eyes make sure you set it with a powder, I use the Ben Nye Banana powder works awesome!

5. Silk Elements Olive Conditioner Packet
- I have a few of these individual packets of the olive conditioner. I love this stuff. The packets are cheap at Sally's Beauty Supply. Usually they go on sale for $0.99. This conditioner leaves my hair silky and smooth. Most of all it keeps my hair hydrated and smells great. It does not leave my hair greasy which is an ultimate bonus. They sell this in a bigger bottle as well, but I love these packets because you can take these any where especially if you travel a lot, or go on road trips etc.

6. NeoStrata Night Repair Cream (Sample size)
- I will not waste my time or your time on this thing. I got it in a sample size and was disgusted with it. Applying this night repair cream was gross. It honestly smelled like the Nair hair removal cream. YUCK! Save your money folks and find another product that would work and smell better. But just know the NeoStrata moisturizing face cream is different than this sample here. and the Moisturizing face cream is very good, go check out my last current favorites as this baby is in that article.

7. St.Ives Facial Cleansing towelettes
- I used love these face cleansing wipes. But over the years I notice that these make up removing wipes are not as moist as they once was. I don't know if it's just me or my mind is playing tricks on me but these make up removing wipes are not that great. Not to mention they are expensive $7-$8 for a pack of 32 cloths. You can find companies that have their make up removing wipes 100 times more moistened that these for half the price and they do the job. I doubt I will get these again unless there is a big sale...highly unlikely.

8. Cinnamon Bun Candle from the Dollar Store
- This is my second cinnamon bun candle I finished burning in a span of a month. I found this candle at the local dollar store for a buck! How great is that? This is a great alternative to the Bath and Body Works Candles for those of you who do not want to spend that kind of crazy money on a candle. Love this candle line and will be back to purchase more. The scent when it burns fills the room just like a Bath and Body Works Candle, the only difference is once the candle is out, the scent of the dollar store one does not last as long in the house as the Bath and Body Works one does. But hey for a buck you can't complain.

9. One 'n Only Argan Oil Hair Color Cream Developer in 20 Volume
- I started using this brand about 5 months ago, and I do not think I will go back to coloring my hair with any other coloring line. This brand is amazing. It is made in Italy which is up my ally being Italian and all, has argan oil infused in all their products including their color formulas, and its cheaper the price than to go to the hair salon to get it done.  The cream developer leave my hair feeling so hydrates and moisturized after coloring my hair. I feel like I nourished my hair instead of damaging it. Amazing!

10. Evian Facial Spray
- Finally finished this second facial spray I had from a pack of two. I got these at Sephora for $15. Such a waste of money. I can make my own facial spray at home with a mini bottle and some distilled water for a fraction of the cost. Won't be purchasing this again.

11. Maybelline The Falsies volume express mascara in black
- Love this mascara. It is affordable $5-$7 depending on where you find it, and it lengthens and volumizes just like it says. This mascara really does make it look like you are wearing false lashes! Love it! The brush is a fibre brush with a bit of a curve to it and works wonders on the lashes. The formula is not flaky and applies very nicely. It does not transfer to the under eye, however its not waterproof so don't cry and then expect the mascara not to run.

12. Clinique pore refining solutions correcting serum (sample size)
- This product for the amount I was able to test out from the sample was not the best. It kept me matte for a few hours however I was breaking through some oils later on in the day. It also did not refine my pores as it claims to do. My pores were just as large as they normally are. Not something I would repurchase in a full size.

13. Mario Badescu Cucumber cleansing lotion (sample size)
- I enjoyed using this product as a toner after I cleansed my face. I wouldn't say it was a lotion of any sort. The formula was more like a toner type of product. It was very cooling to the face after I washed it, it did not sting which was pleasant, and it did pick up any extra make up that my cleanser may have missed, which was not much. I am interested to know the price of a full size of this product. However I am not too sure where Mario Badescu products are sold in Canada. If any of you know please leave a comment down below.

14. J R Watkins Hand Cream in Lavender scent (sample size)
- I really enjoyed this hand cream from JR Watkins. It was not greasy. The lavender scent really helped me relax at night, which was when I used this hand cream. I would be interested to know where they sell JR Watkins products in Canada as I have not seen them around before. If any of you know where I can find full size products of theirs leave your comments down below. Very moisturizing hand cream. Loved it.

15. Bath & Body Works Mini Candle in Leaves scent
- I love Bath & Body Works candles. They are so luxurious and enjoyable as most of you may already know since they are the talk of each changing season. I bought two of these mini candles when they were on sale. They were going for 2 for $5. I couldn't pass it up. I bought Leaves and Pumpkin Caramel Latte. I gave the pumpkin caramel latte to my niece to take home since she loved the scent and she is obsessed with Starbucks. I kept Leaves and burned it to the bottom. Leaves is such a refreshing scent and makes your room feel like fall time. The mini candles do not last as long as the bigger candles do. The mini candle lasted for me for a good 5 hours to 6 hours of burning. But really that's all you need to burn a candle for unless you really are not going out anywhere and leave it burning longer.

16. Dead Sea face spa mask
- I love these at home facial masks. They are my favorite thing to do on a Friday night or Saturday when I just want to chill out and relax with a book. Love them! They are very affordable $2-$3 at Wal Mart! You can pick any type of facial mask as they do have a selection to choose from.

Well that is it for my Mid October beauty empties. I hope you all enjoy reading these type of entries.
Let me know what you have finished up lately and if you liked it or not! :)

Until Next Time Beauty Lovers❤️ 
MacGirl25

CURRENT EMPTIES! June 2013

So I seriously have A LOT of make up products, hair products, and over all beauty products in general. So I am now trying to plow through a lot of the products I have to finish them that way I can go out and purchase some more!

Over the last few weeks I have managed to empty out a good portion of my products. So lets just dive in on these items, and I will tell you which ones I enjoyed and which ones I didn't enjoy as much. YES Ladies and Gents, I am keeping this review RAW as I always do. Inspired by my YouTube girl WhatWouldLizzyDo :)

Note: I purchased these items with my own dollar bills in case anyone is wondering. I am not affiliated with any company I mention in my list of used products.

1. Crest 3D Whites Strips Advances Seal (2hr sessions)

• I did a review on these not too long ago (go check out my previous articles). I didn't like the feeling and sensitivity it left on my teeth since it was a stronger session then I am used to. I did like the shade of white it brought my teeth to though. But since this is a pricey kit, I wont be purchasing the 2 HR sessions again.

2. St. Ives Naturally Clear cleansing cloths with Witch Hazel

• Love these make up removing cloths. They are a bit pricey for my liking. But when they are on sale I try to grab a couple because I enjoy these cloths so much. They leave your face fresh and with that clean feeling. Plus the witch hazel works as a toner to minimize an over flow of acne.  Definitely would re purchase again once they go on sale. PS. I think the package only comes with 24 cloths for like 7 bucks...YIKES!

3. Vaseline Original Petroleum Jelly

• This container was HUGE! I purchased this Vaseline last summer. I use this stuff for minimizing my stretch marks I get on my thighs or butt area. (No I don't have kids, I'm European so my body is a bit curvy). Any ways, love this stuff! Its pretty cheap, you can get a big tub at Wal Mart for like 4 bucks and it will last you pretty much all year. I normally use it just after the shower. Re-purchase it is!

4. Weight Smart Women's One a day multi vitamins with green tea extract

• Love these multi vitamins! They keep me topped up on the nutrients I may lack on days when I don't eat a balanced meal. Already re purchased too :)

5. Gravol Multi Symptom Natural with Ginger and Willow Bark

• There are days where my vertigo is not behaving itself, and there are days where I just feel nauseous (No I am not preggo). This product is the best natural remedy one can use to help them with dizziness and nausea. I'm not the only one who uses it, my boyfriend also uses it as well. Which is why we run out of it so fast. On my list of Re Purchase items!

6. L'oreal Ever Pure Sulfate free Shampoo in "Rosemary and Juniper"

• This has been a Shampoo I see myself going back to every now and then. I love the scent, it does the job of a shampoo and its affordable. I'm the type of girl who rotates shampoos so my hair doesn't get used to just one. So after a couple of different shampoo rounds I will definitely make my way back to this one.

7. St. Ives Fresh Skin apricot scrub

• This is my favorite facial scrub. Love the fresh clean feeling it gives you when you use it. The scrub itself are medium chunks of wall nut shells which actually feel as if they are exfoliating your face. Some scrubs don't even feel like they are getting the job done. I will definitely re purchase this in the future again. I still need to get through all the rest of my scrubs first. :)

8. Nivea Aqua effect nourishing day care facial moisturizer

• I got this facial moisturizer in a Christmas Gift Box I bought on sale on Boxing day. After using the whole bottle, which wasn't too big thank god, I came to the conclusion that I will not repurchase this. The moisturizer left me really oily, and when I used it just at night, I still could not believe the amount of oil my skin was still producing over night, which is not normal for me when I do not use this product. So I finally used it up and will not be buying it again.

9. Nioxin Scalp Therapy #4 Conditioner

• Love Love LOVE this conditioner! Nioxin products contain peppermint in their formulas which make using their items that much more amazing! This conditioner was not heavy at all and with that hint of peppermint it just made my hair smell and feel like it was hydrated and shiny. Re purchase is in order once I finish all my other conditioners.

10. Lancome Bi Facial Eye Makeup remover

• This eye make up remover is AMAZING, But expensive. I had a travel size which I enjoy because I can take it with in my make up bag. But in all honesty I am not willing to spend 30 bucks on a makeup remover. Especially when I know there are other good ones out there that are A LOT LESS expensive.

11. Bach Rescue Remedy

• I have been under a lot of stress with work. The only thing that keeps me from not having a nervous break down is this Rescue Remedy. You can get it at your local natural path food store, and it ranged between $9-$15 depending on the size of the bottle you get. You put a few drops in your water or on your tongue and with in a few minutes your anxiety has mellowed out. NO THIS DOES NOT GET YOU HIGH so do not even go there!

12. Delon+ Premium Cotton Rounds

• These are by far my favorite cotton pads to remove any make up on my face. I get a back of 15 at Costco for like $18 and they usually last me a few months. They are made with 100 percent cotton and has Aloe Vera and vitamin E inside the pads, so they don't irritate your face. Perfection.

13. Marcelle essentials gentle make up remover

• I wear make up every day, so make up remover is a clear essential for me. Marcelle Makeup remover is a cheaper option to that Lancome brand I mentioned above, and Marcelle makeup remover is very good. You can by 2 bottle combo pack for $12 at Wal Mart, instead of spending $12 for one bottle everywhere else. Just a shopping tip for you ladies and gents :)

14. Nivea gentle Toner

• This Toner came in my Christmas Gift box I purchased on Sale. Not thrilled with this toner, it did not seem to work for my skin. I basically just felt as if I would putting water on my face. Not a re purchase for me.

15. Evian facial spray

• I mentioned this product in my last favorites article. Love the spray, but its a bit pricey at Sephora. I could re imitate the spray at home using a dollar store mini spray bottle and pour fresh cold water in it. If I was a millionaire then I would get it again, because I didn't have an issue with the product. I just have an issue with the Price ($15 for a combo pack at Sephora)....YA.

16. Marcelle Eyeshadow in "Naked Truth"

• Loved this eye shadow. it was a perfect nude shade for me to wear every day at the office for work. This was my second container I finished. Unfortunately Marcelle discontinued this shadow so I must go on looking for another one similar :(

17. Scented Candle in Lavender

• I adore burning candles. They relax me. They make me feel at peace. I finished this candle a few days ago and they are not expensive at all. I get them at the dollar store for $1.25 as you can see in the photo :P I love the expensive candles too, but I don't always go to Bath and Body works so I make do with what is around me until I make the trip.

18. Lush Cupcake fresh face mask

• All the Lush representatives tell me that this mask if for teenagers mostly. But at this time of year, I am an oily mess, so this mask does wonders to suck up the excess oil from my face. It is a FRESH face mask, so you need to make sure you use it at least by a few days after the expiration date on the package. As long as you keep it refrigerated, you can still use it after the expiry date. Just don't wait too too long after. This mask is about $6 at Lush.

19. Burt's Bees Lemon Butter Cuticle Cream

• I enjoy this cuticle cream as a night treatment only. It can be a but greasy, so it is best used at night before bed. In the morning you wake up with soft, hydrated cuticles for the day. Its important that you use it every night though! Remember a little bit goes along way with this product. I have already repurchased mine.

And that's all Ladies and Gents for now, Hope you enjoyed the reviews of my empties.
Until next time Beauty Lovers <3
MacGirl25

May Favorites 2013

Monthly Favorites: May 2013

We are approaching the end of May this week, and I thought this would be the best time to share with you some of my favorite products I loved using this month. I have a bit of everything. A little bit of make up, some skin care, nail care, and even hair products. Now before I begin note, I purchased these items with my own dollar bills. So no one is paying me to say how much I like these products.

 

1. Balmshell Lipgloss in “Darling you look Fabulous”
• This lip gloss has been my go to lip gloss all month. It’s a perfect hot pink shade for the spring time and the formula of the gloss is not sticky at all. It leaves your lips with a moist feeling and looks like water on your lips for the perfect dewy shine. 

2. Physicians Formula Bronzer in “Magic Mosaic”
• This bronzer has been my favorite all month long. It’s got a whole bunch of different shades of bronze in the palette and it transfers on the skin as matte! The formula of this product is awesome; it doesn’t feel like I have any make up on at all, it is very light weight. Also you can see that I have hit pan on this product as I haven’t been just using it all month but pretty much all season.

3. Lush Lip Scrub in “Mint Julips”
• This light scrub has been phenomenal on my lips as a treatment every night before bed. Tastes like mint chocolate and its safe to lick off once you finish scrubbing on your lips because it’s all natural ingredients!

 

4. Nexus Ultimate Hydrating Leave in Spray (Leave in Conditioner basically)
• After every time I come out of the shower, I use this leave in hydrating spray through the ends of my hair and it does wonders for moisture in my hair until I need to wash it again. This spray contains coconut oil, honey, and avocado oil just to name a few great ingredients in this product. It’s a great leave in conditioner for the summer time when it’s very dry and hot out side.

5. L’oreal Ideal Skin Genesis Pore Minimizer

·         Now I know some of you watch those Beauty Gooroos on YouTube who rave and rant about Benefits Porefessional that eliminates the pores. But let’s face it, not all of us have the coin to go and buy that $40 pore minimizer. So a perfect alternative would be the L’oreal Ideal Skin Genesis Pore Minimizer. It’s a fraction of the cost of Benefits Porefessional, and works just as well. It eliminates the size of the pores and reduces that amount of natural oil that comes through on your skin in the middle of the day when you check yourself out at work in the bathroom.

6. MAC Mineralize Skin Finish “Soft and Gentle” Highlighter
• All I can say is amazing highlighter. Lasts a hell of a long time since you get a lot of product and you only need a little bit to use on each application time. A little bit goes a long way.  AMAZING.

7. California Mango cuticle oil
• Love this cuticle oil! Before bed every night I use this to bring back some moisture in my cuticles and it works wonders. Very in expensive too. You can find this oil at Sally’s Beauty Supply.

8. Vaseline Lip Therapy in “Cocoa Butter”
• This little tub of Vaseline is the best thing that ever happened to my lips aside from my scrub. I use this every night after my scrub and in the morning my lips feel as smooth as butter.  Again very in expensive and you can find this at Wal Mart for like $3.

9.  Evian Facial Spray
• I use this facial spray every morning. I spray a bit on my Kabuki foundation brush and it applies my foundation spectacular. Makes me look like I have a dewy glow to my skin! I don’t normally purchase this, but because I had a coupon to Sephora at the time I figured “what the hay”, I will give it a try. A cheaper way to get the same dewy look is buy an empty mini spray bottle at the dollar store and fill it with cool water. Then use the spray bottle to dampen your make up brushes or use the spray bottle right to your face.  Make sure though that the dollar store spray bottle is on the mist setting. You don’t want to poke your eye out J

10.   MAC Mineralize Rich Lipstick in “Style Surge”
• You wouldn’t think that a lipstick could be so moisturizing, BUT this MAC Mineralize lipstick is all that and more. Love the coral color, and love the formula of this lipstick. It leaves my lips moist throughout the day and lasts a long time. It doesn’t bleed and you don’t need a lip liner with it. This product is like a lipstick and lip balm in one. They have a few other shades to select from but since it is Spring I decided lets go Coral!

11.   Mango Vera Body Lotion
• I use this lotion every time I get out of the shower, and every night as well. Smells great and has Aloe in it to sooth the skin, which is great especially since I will be out in the sun on the weekends and my days off! You can find this lotion at Sally’s beauty supply; it comes with a pump so it’s convenient to apply to the skin.

12.  Bath & Body Works Anti Bacterial Moisturizing Hand Lotion in “Cucumber Melon”
• Last but not least my hands get really dry no matter what time of year it is. This month I have been turning to my moisturizing and anti bacterial hand lotion from bath and body works. I just love products that have more then one purpose to them. It really makes a difference and means that your well spent dollars are worth the purchase too. They have other scents but Cucumber melon is my fave!

Until next time Beauty Lovers!  

<3 MacGirl25