October/November 2019 Empties

Hello everyone! I just noticed a bad reflection in this picture. It looks like my Bath & Body Works hand soap has a small halo. Must be from my shiny mascara cap? Not sure....sorry about that in advance. Without further ado, let's get into it.

Nivea Pure & Natural Body Milk (x2) - I am one of those weirdos who keeps multiples of items I use often stashed around the house for easy access. One of these was in my ensuite and another was in the kitchen. They both managed to kick it around the same time. Already repurchased. This is basic hand cream but it does the job.

Deep Steep Passion Fruit - Guava Body Lotion - I was so happy to get rid of this! It worked well but I hated the smell! I bought this at Winners on the cheap. Might consider trying another scent but it won't be this one.

Bath & Body Works Gentle Foaming Hand Soap in Iced Blackberries - I am still on a mission to use up everyone of these that I bought ages ago when I went on a BBW kick. I am totally over it, but I spent good money so I am using them all up if it kills me. This one was one of the better scents.

Clinique Repairwear Sculpting Night Cream - I got this in a gift with purchase bag. I wasn't crazy about it. I mostly applied it to my neck at night...did seem moisturizing but didn't wow me.

Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Recovery Complex II Serum - I must have owned couple of dozen of these over the years all from gift with purchase bags. This is good stuff and I likely will buy a full sized one eventually once I have used up all of my "samples". (review here)

Estee Lauder Double Wear Zero-Smudge Mascara - How many of these have I been through? 50? The only one that doesn't smudge on me. Already repurchased x2.

Makeup Geek Eyeshadow in Rockstar - My heart is broken. This was one of my favourite eyeshadows ever. Makeup Geek discontinued it awhile back. I have been milking what was left of this pan for a long time. I decided it is time to let go and finished it off. My understanding is that MAC's Vex is a dupe for it. I own Vex and I think Vex leans more on the green side versus Rockstar leaned more purple than green. Marlena, if you are reading this, please bring it back!

Shiseido Facial Cotton - The only face cotton I will even think of buying. Costs way too much but I'm hooked and there is no turning back.

Bite Beauty Agave + Daytime Vegan Lip Balm - This is such a far inferior product to the Bite Beauty Agave Lip Mask. It came in a set of Bite Beauty products so heck yes I used it up. I would not purchase on it's on though.

Ok not too many empties the last couple of months but it was time to get rid of them. Hopefully we will have some more interesting empties for December.

OPI Can't Find My Czechbook Swatch?

Hello! Quick post today. Just wanted to show you guys a nail colour that I had on a little while back. This is OPI's Can't Find My Czechbook. I loved it! It actually wasn't the colour I wanted when I went into the nail salon, but boy I sure ended up loving this! I got a lot of compliments on it too! Yes those are my real nails by the way, they are not extensions.

I'll be back in a day or two with some long overdue empties and some posts on some foundations I have been trying.

September 2019 Empties

I don't have much this month but may as well have a quick go through and move on to whatever October empties come along.

Goldwell Dualsenses Color Detangling Conditioner - I've gone through I think 2 of these. My hairdresser used to use this on me and the smell was so divine I ran out and bought a couple of bottles. After awhile I got sick of the smell and so I stopped buying it. This product does not detangle so if you are buying it for that reason, don't bother. What is does do is make any color you have had done pop. Whenever I used this people would ask me if I just had my ombre redone or of I had added highlights. I hadn't, it had been several months ago at that point since I did my ombre.

Living proof. Perfect Hair Day - I've gone through quite a few bottles and this is one of my holy grails. If you haven't already tried this, you really should. (review here)

L'Occitane Foot Cream - Great stuff. Works really well. Wished it smelt a tad better but I can live with it. Used it all summer and I've already cracked open a new tube. (review here)

Bite Beauty Agave Lip Mask in Candy Cane - I love these damn lip masks. I seriously want to have one stashed at work, in my bedroom, my living room, my travel bag and one in my purse. I really liked this colour too but it was limited edition. As soon as they bring out another set of these, I'm going to be all over it. (review here)

Beautyblender - This was maybe my seventh beauty blender?  I can't live without this now. This one was a swirly one although it's so dirty you can't tell....I am finding the swirly ones last longer than the opaque colours but maybe it is my imagination. Already using the OG pink one but I may go back to the swirl (review here) 

Clinique Acne Solutions BB Cream - This is so much more than a bb cream. The coverage is really good. This one was a sampler in light medium. It was a tad dark for me but I made it work. It's super watery and you have to apply it quickly. The smell is meh but it fades. Leaves your skin comfortable. Not sure if I would want to wear it daily, but it's good for running a few errands.

July/August 2019 Empties

It's already the middle of September and I have no clue where the summer went. We should probably just get into the empties. I did finish another huge bottle of liquid soap that I have talked about before so I didn't show it and bore you with it this time.

Klorane Floral Water Make-Up Remover - Countless bottles purchased and finished. Already repurchased.

Earth's Nectar Hair Care Nourish Conditioning Detangler - This product does not detangle. Sorry, but no. It is the best hair refresher that I have found so far when I wear my hair curly. The spray nozzle is brutal though, goes everywhere! Already repurchased. 

Bumble and Bumble BB Quenching Conditioner - I really liked this conditioner and I blasted through this bottle pretty fast. I would repurchase but I don't feel it is my holy grail so the search continues. 

Smashbox Blush Rush in Flush - I loved this blush and I milked this little compact forever. The product is discontinued. Boo! I had a neat little swivel mirror on the bottom of it. One of the best produtcts Smashbox ever made. 

Bio-Sana Waterproof Foot File - Please ignore the limescale on my foot file. There is a reason it is done and going in the garbage. They do work well though. I have owned tons of these but I have moved on to a different kind that hopefully will be easier to keep clean. Will keep you posted.

Estee Lauder Double Wear Light Foundation in 2.0 - It's been discontinued, my heart is broken. I managed to find 3 at the Estee Lauder/MAC and sadly this is the first one gone. Probably used this product close to 10 years. Estee Lauder, please get it together and bring it back. 

Drunk Elephant C-Firma Day Serum - This was the first full sized bottle of this product that I finished. I was so impressed and happy with it that I have bought another full sized bottle and a number of small travel sized versiosn. For me, it makes my skin soft, glow and seems to help with blemishes and uneven skin tone. 

Drunk Elephant B-Hydra Intensive Hydration Gel -They've changed the name of this product to "serum" instead of "gel" but this one says gel. Just a small travel sized tube I've used up. I have purchased the full sized version. I made the mistake of using this alone as a serum and although it was very hydrating, it works best with the C-Firma Day Serum mixed with it. 

Origins Eye Doctor - Another done and another already purchased. Good stuff.

Bite Beauty Agave Lip Mask (2) - These were part of a set I got so they are quite mini. These were the colours Natural and Maple. Didn't like the smell of the Maple nor the colour. Still it's a fantastic product.

Bio Seaweed Gel (UV/LED Polish) in Fairtytale - Swatch

Quick disclaimer before I get into the polish. I am in no way, shape or form advertising or promoting the car manufacturer of my vehicle here. In fact, my car is a lemon. Just wanted to get that out of the way first.

I love this shellac colour!!! This picture was taken in natural light. I think the lilac colour looks a lot darker indoors than it does here. Nevertheless, I loved this colour and would totally get it again. This polish lasted me 4 weeks! I have a totally different colour on now and I will show that soon enough.

May/June 2019 Empties

Happy Canada Day!

I have no idea where the time goes!!! It's July tomorrow! Sheesh. Anyway, looks like I am combining two months again. Let's jump in.

Erbario Toscana Aloe & Tea Tree Liquid Soap - I know I'm a broken record but truly I don't show you all of the liquid hand soap that I go through. I am only mentioning this brand again because it was excellent! Smelt great, was moisturizing, and a good ingredient deck. It's made in Italy too. This was my second bottle and I am using a third right now. Bought it at Winners (Marshalls, TJ Maxx etc.) for $9.99 but look how big it is! Lasted me a good couple of months or more. Will repurchase for sure. 

Aveda Damage Remedy Restructuring Shampoo - I've turned back to Aveda lately for my shampoo, I really like this bottle but I think it is the older version and I heard they reformulated which was not a hit with people. I got sick of it as I neared the end of the bottle, as I do with most shampoos. Might repurchase later on. 

Drunk Elephant Lala Retro Whipped Cream - Loved it! If my skin was dry or mad at me, this was the stuff to reach for! I am so sorry it's gone especially because of the price point it is at! I have some smaller travel containers of it that I am using but I will be repurchasing the full sized for sure very soon!

Urban Decay Naked Skin Weightless Complete Coverage Concealer in Light Neutral - This was my second full sized tube and I blasted through it in 2 months or so. I noticed it only has 5ml so there isn't much in there. I have a funny feeling I will be repurchasing. I bought a Fenty Beauty concealer but it doesn't appear to be as good as this. 

Josie Maran Whipped Argan Oil Face Butter - I have been using this on and off at night for the past few months. I really didn't like it as it was tacky on my face and I don't feel that it moisturized very well. I really like the Josie Maran body butter so  this was a let down. Glad it was a sample size and I didn't pay for it.

Estee Lauder Double Wear Light Foundation in 2.0 - It's been discontinued, my heart is broken. I managed to find 3 at the Estee Lauder/MAC sale so I am happily using these three plus the one I have in reserve up right now. I just can't find another foundation that compares. Used dozens, my go-to.

Shiseido Facial Cotton - I'm addicted. A cotton ball just doesn't cut it for me anymore since I started using this. Already repurchased. I have no idea what number bag of this I am using. 

Alterna Caviar Anti-Aging Replenishing Moisture Shampoo - I did not like this and I am amazed I finished it. I took in with me on vacation once or twice and I think some escaped into a Ziploc bag I had it in once or twice. It tangled my hair like nothing I have ever seen before. It made my hair dry despite what it is supposed to do which is moisturize. Will never repurchase. Just not for my hair type I guess.  

Drunk Elephant B-Hydra Intensive Hydration Serum - This was a travel sized tube. I confess I didn't understand what exactly it was for when I bought it as I was using it as a stand alone serum and then adding moisturizer. It works best when coupled with C-Firma Vitamin C Day Serum. Already have two more travel-sized tubes on the go.

Murad Renewing Eye Cream - There was a big fuss over this product a few years back and I got this sample size in a Murad kit I bought. This "sample" travelled with me and lasted a long time! I didn't feel it did much for me. It wasn't even that moisturizing and it did nada for my dark circles. Will not repurchase.

Origins Plantscription - Countless tubes used and I have already repurchased two small sized tubes for travel.

Eos Lip Balm -I really don't know what happened here. I loved these when they first came out. I must have had close to a dozen of them. I got people at work addicted to them. And then...I started having serious lip issues. Redness, blistering and pain! The funny thing is I thought for months it was my face wash or something else and then I heard about the Eos problems and lawsuit. I stopped using them so fast! So here we are years later now and I am still finding the odd one hidden in my house so when I find them, I am chucking them. This one is practically brand new. My cat may had hid it on me.....buh bye.

Phyto Phytojoba Shampoo - I liked this the more I used it. I liked the container too. I may repurchase.

That's all for today!

March/April 2019 Empties

I had full intentions of doing a March empties post but before I knew it the end of April had come so I decided to hold off and do two months together. So here we are. Without further ado....

Murad Time Release Acne Cleanser - I think this is my second or third tube that I have finished. I really liked using it in the shower in the morning as I would leave it on my face while I shower to soak in. I would repurchase it but I have been using this product for a little while and I think maybe it is time for change for a little while. So we will see. It did help my blemishes but I think maybe I don't need it anymore as some of my newer skin care products may have taken its place....

Klorane Floral Water Make-Up Remover - Countless bottles purchased and finished. Already repurchased. If you read my blog, you know.

Bite Agave Lip Mask in Lavender x 2 - I finished full sized one and a travel sized one this Spring. I've gotten to the point where I have a number of these going at one time. One on my vanity, one in my purse, one in my living room....it's become a necessity and an obsession. I quite like the Lavender one as the slight purple sheen makes your smile look whiter and the smell was not strong which was a bonus for me. I currently have another Bite Lip Mask that smells not so great. More on that later...

Burt's Bees Replenishing Lip Balm - This was what I mainly used before Bite Lip Mask's case into my world and rocked it. It's fine stuff, but can't hold a candle to the Bite Lip Mask. Won't rush to repurchase.

Leanne Grace Skin Care Hand & Body Lotion Lemon Buttercream - I have been meaning to do separate post on Leanne Grace Skin Care and my experience with shipping etc. but I haven't gotten around to it. I think I will do that once I finish another jar of cream. In the meantime, I finished this bottle of lotion and I have to say, in my opinion, it was the best lotion/cream of all of the ones of theirs that I have tried. I really liked the smell and the lotion did a good job of moisturizing. I found this one to be the smoothest feeling of their cream and lotion products. I find some of their products feel  a bit powdery to the touch. I did like this product and would recommend it. Since I don't live in the U.S., shipping ended up being pricey especially with the exchange rate so for that reason alone I won't repurchase again.

Drunk Elephant C-Firma Day Serum - More than any other product in my stash, I need to do a full product review of this day serum. I don't want to say too much here but I attribute my skin looking better than it has in years to this product. It smells like a rotten pumpkin patch upon application, but the smell quickly disappears. It's pricey as all hell, but worth it. I started off with this little trial size and now I have the full size which I have nearly finished. I kept this little one for travel which is why I have had it so long. It's empty now!

NARS Audacious Mascara - I am not going to say much about this small tube of mascara because I honestly think I got a dud. Please let me know in the comments below if you have experienced the same issues with the full sized tube or if this is fantastic mascara and I really got a dud. This mascara is the driest mascara I have ever seen in my life. It was not useable at all. It was a free promo from Sephora so I haven't complained.

Drunk Elephant  Protini Polypeptide Cream - This coupled with the Drunk Elephant C- Firma Day Serum has changed my entire skin care routine. I love this stuff. I must do a full review. This has changed my skin. It keeps blemishes at bay, makes my skin glow and helps with evening out my skin tone. The minute I ran out of this product, I was ordering one on the train less than 30 minutes later on my way to work. Already repurchased.

Urban Decay Naked Skin Weightless Complete Coverage Concealer in Light Neutral - Funny story about this. I had a sample of this in Light Neutral and it rocked my world. Best coverage I have ever encountered. It didn't work well for me under the eyes though, but that's ok. I found the colour a tad orange but I was able to work with it. Naturally, I bought the full sized tube. It too was a bit orange, but I made it work. The full sized tube's concealer was thinner than the sample. Disappointing but it was still good stuff. I finished the tube (this one). I decided to try the Light Warm colour because it looked less orange and lighter online. That colour was a disaster. It was almost white on me. I went back and exchanged it for the Light Neutral. Guess what? My new tube of Light Neutral isn't as orange as the last 2 tubes! The colour is perfect! What on earth is going on? The product is still not as thick as the original sample tube though but I still love it!  

BareMinerals 5 in 1 BB Advanced Performance Eye Cream Eyeshadow - I got this as a sample (story of my life!) and hated it. It's not discontinued. I'm not surprised. You needed a shadow primer under it or it creased and slid off of your face. Well it did on mine anyway! Colour was ok, had a bit of a sparkle to it. Nothing special. I object to having to layer a paint pot and/or eyeshadow primer under this supposed 5 in 1 product. It's all dried out so I am chucking it! Good riddance!

Estee Lauder Double Wear Zero-Smudge Lengthening Mascara - My holy grail of no smudge mascara! This was a travel sized one (thank you Estee Lauder sale!) and I was done it in a jiffy.

Kat Von D Tattoo Liner in Trooper - Whenever I tried another liner I am so disappointed these days. This one is the bomb, what can I say. I am not even sure how many tubes I have gone through. I have not repurchased as I am trying to use up a large Clinique one that I have first. I'm on this "let's clear out the stash" kick lately and I must use some stuff up before I bring in more.

Okay that is it and that's enough for now!

Drunk Elephant Lala Retro Whipped Cream - Review

I have received a few travel sized samples of Lala Retro Whipped Cream from Sephora over the last year or so. I liked it so much, I bought the full sized jar. I don't tend to wear this moisturizer daily, as its strength lies in being a really good calming, soothing and deeply moisturizing cream. Anyone with dry skin will love this. A total winter rescue when your skin is dry, flakey and irritated.

The reason I don't wear this everyday is I noticed that while it is a fantastic moisturizer, it doesn't really do anything for my blemishes or uneven skin tone. If you read the information on this product, it doesn't really claim to do anything other than be an awesome straight up moisturizer and frankly, there is nothing wrong with that!!!

Drunk Elephant makes other products that work well on my uneven skin tone and blemishes, but we will get to a review of those products soon enough. Suffice to say, this is a great product, please try if you live in a cold climate or have dry skin. You will thank me later. I like to mix this into my routine as I need it. It retails for $75 Canadian from Sephora and this jar contains 50 ml of product.

As a little side note, I just finished this jar this morning so it will be in my May empties as soon as the time comes. I will repurchase.

March and April empties will be up soon!

February 2019 Empties

Okay February empties, let's go! Have you ever been excited to get rid of a product because it was cluttering up your house, you paid good money but didn't want to waste it or you just got sick of something? I sure have and I've got a few of those for you in this month's empties!

Bath & Body Works Fresh Picked Strawberries Anti-Bacterial Gentle Foaming Hand Soap - I have been itching to get rid of this forever!!! I don't know what possessed me, but I went on this Bath & Body Works hand soap frenzy for a few years there and I just overdosed big time! I can't stand the smell of them anymore. I've really gone to low chemical hand soap in recent years and I just can't with these anymore. I have them in my guest bathrooms and I rarely use these myself but now I am on a mission to use them up and get them out, even if I force myself to use them personally once in awhile. Any of my friends reading this will be thinking, "sure, sure, give us the soap you are trying to get rid of, some friend you are! I see what you are doing there". Actually one friend already busted me doing it. She wanted my really nice plant-based French soap instead! Can't say I blame her. Anyway, I really didn't dig the smell of this particular one, so good riddance!

Aveeno Active Naturals Skin Relief Moisturizing Lotion with Shea Butter - I don't care what Jennifer Anniston tells you, there are some Aveeno products that are wonderful and others not so much. This is a not so much one. I didn't find this one particularly moisturizing and the smell was not great. I won't be repurchasing. It's winter though so I am draining every bottle of moisturizer I have in the house.

Kiss My Face Air Kiss Light Moisturizing Lotion 2 in 1 in Olive & Aloe - I really liked this when I first bought it and it actually took me a couple of winters to use it up. It's great to use when you need to apply lotion super fast in the morning after a shower. I would consider repurchasing but I just got sick of it! I simply had it too long. Also, I have better moisturizers in my bathroom.

Aveeno Active Naturals Skin Relief Moisturizing Lotion with Cooling Menthol - Now this product is the same "blue label" as other Aveeno product I just mentioned, but the two products are night and day! This one with the cooling menthol is the balm. I even got my Dad using it! I don't care how dry and irritated your skin is, this is the stuff to buy. Even helps rashes! Ashen bits, get this! Really moisturizes well too. I have already repurchased 2 more because I am worried they have or will discontinue this. I can't find mention of it on Aveeno's website anymore and will be very upset if it disappears. I even find this stuff gets rid of curling iron burns fast! 

Shiseido Facial Cotton - I'm addicted. A cotton ball just doesn't cut it for me anymore since I started using this. Already repurchased.

Urban Decay Vice Waterproof Liquid Lipstick in Amulet - This was a travel sized sample I got from Sephora. The colour was very pretty (I got a lot of compliments on it) but the formula was unbearably dry! I can see why the reviews aren't good and why people aren't talking about this product. I was done it in a flash. Will not repurchase.

Beautyblender - This was maybe my sixth beauty blender?  I can't live without this now. This one was a swirly one although it's so dirty you can't tell....I am finding the swirly ones last longer than the opaque colours but maybe it is my imagination. (review here)

Estee Lauder Double Wear Zero-Smudge Lengthening Mascara in 01 Black - This was a travel sized mascara. Great for the old purse. Already have repurchased another too. It really doesn't smudge on me which is almost unheard of.

Clarins Instant Light Lip Comfort Oil in 02 Raspberry - I got this as a sample from Sephora. I quite enjoyed it and it smelt great. Not much colour showed up on my lips so it was more of a super glossy clear lip glass. I would consider purchasing it but I don't feel I need it in my life so we will see.

Ok that's it for today! I'll try to get some more Drunk Elephant reviews up soon!

Earth's Nectar Hair Care Nourish Conditioning Detangler - Review

Have you ever had a product that you bought for one purpose but then ended up using for another purpose? I have and today I am going to introduce you to one of those products - Earth's Nectar Hair Care Nourish Conditioning Detangler. First, the obvious. I bought this to use as a detangler. It isn't a very good detangler at all. Sorry Earth's Nectar....I bought this at Sephora (available online only) for $25 Canadian. It sells for $23.50 U.S. The reviews on Sephora's website are 3.6 out of 5 at the time of this post and I see I am not the only one who doesn't find this to be a very good detangler.

Guess what though? I love this product! I have been searching for years for a good hair refresher, especially when my hair is styled curly, and it infuses a wonderful softness to the hair and relaxes Day 2 curls so that my hair is manageable again or at least looks manageable! I find that even if I spritz this on when my hair is wet, that my hair feels so much softer and nicer when it is dry. My hair just becomes easier to work with. For the record I have naturally curly hair which I tend to straighten or wear wavy.

Also from the reviews I see on Sephora's website I am not the only one extolling the softness this brings to the hair. The product is light weight and does not weigh hair down. I will definitely be repurchasing! As you can see, I have gone through quite a bit of the bottle.

The only thing I am not keen about, besides the fact that the product doesn't detangle, is that the spray nozzle is that of an industrial cleaning product. It comes out fast and in large quantities when I spray it and it gets all over my neck, my shirt and my bathroom floor! I am sure I have lost a lot of product as a result! I am tempted to move this into another bottle! I am so careful when I spray it now. I have to say though that the packaging is nice and sturdy, good quality otherwise.

I have purchased another Earth's Nectar product and I might try another so I will keep you posted as to what I think about other Earth's Nectar products.

February 2019 Empties will be up in the next day or so. Happy St. Patrick's Day!

January 2019 Empties

I have a bunch of products sitting here that I need to share my reviews on for you guys but it's already February 16th and my empties will be stale talk very soon so let's tackle this!

Erbario Toscana Olive Oil Liquid Soap - I know I have said it a hundred times before but truly I don't show you all of the liquid hand soap that I go through. I am only mentioning this particular one because it was excellent! Smelt great, was moisturizing, and a good ingredient deck. It's made in Italy too. What's not to like? I have already repurchased 2 more. Bought it at Winners (Marshalls, TJ Maxx etc.) for $9.99 but look how big it is! Lasted me a good couple of months or more.

Aveeno Intensive Relief Hand Cream - I think this was my second tube of this and I have already bought a third and it is in use on my desk at work. Really like this product, perfect for hands.

Drunk Elephant Lippe Balm - I love most Drunk Elephant products, but not this one so much. Full review here.

Aveda Invati Advanced Exfoliating Shampoo  -  This was my second bottle of this shampoo I believe. It's only 200ml or 6.7 oz. so you go through it fast! It's $41 Canadian and I don't think I even got 10 shampoos out of one bottle. I don't have hair loss issues but my hair is not as thick as it once was so I thought I would try this to see if it made my hair thicker. I did notice a little difference after I shampooed with it, but as soon as I stopped and used another shampoo, the effect was gone immediately. I really don't feel that it did that much for my hair, and given the price point, I won't be buying it again. Maybe I have to use it for several months or a year to notice a difference, but I don't have time for that and I am not that desperate or rich. Volumizing styling products work just as well for me.

Not Your Mother's Whip It Up Cream Styling Mousse - I really should do a full review on this product because I have a lot to say about it. I am going to buy a full sized version so perhaps I will wait for that before I do a big review. I bought this at Ulta and paid very little for it. This one is a travel sized container. The product is not sticky, which I love, and it feels very nice in your hand and in your hair. It's an odd product though because I find it works really well in the winter months for me, but not so great in the summer. In the summer, I feel as though it doesn't tame frizz as well as it should and I get a few "straight" pieces of hair that don't match the rest of my head. I have naturally curly hair by the way. In winter, it works awesome, no frizz, hair is evenly curled, my hair is soft, volumized and touchable. So I am a bit mystified about the seasonal thing, but I am going to try a few things and see if they make a difference. If nothing else, it's good for winter!

Clinique Liquid Facial Soap Mild - This product isn't very good at all. I have had this tube for an eternity. I had it in my shower to wash my face with some mornings when I didn't have any makeup on and I just want to wash my face quick. It doesn't really do anything for my skin at all. This was a gwp and I likely have another one kicking around, but I certainly wouldn't buy it on it's own.

Soap & Glory Smoothie Star Lightly Whipped Body Buttercream -  This was a sample and normally I don't review samples because you can't get a feel for a product really from a sample. I am mentioning this one today because the smell of this product was almost like nothing I had ever smelt before from a non-cheap body lotion. The smell almost knocked me off my feet in a horrible way. This body cream straight up smells like a cheap dollar store cookie scented candle. It is so gross! The smell alone makes it impossible for me to even consider even buying this product. The good news is that the product is very thick and works really well! I got 3 uses out of this sample and the moisturizing benefit was fantastic! What a shame it stinks!

Gehwol Softening Balm - This wasn't bad, it was a travel sized tube, but Gehwol makes better products than this one. Wouldn't repurchase but you can bet your bottom dollar I will be buying other Gehwol products again and again.

L'Occitane Amande Precious Hands Hand Cream - I love L'Occitane hand care products in general but I didn't dig the smell of this one. I have smelt much better almond scented products in general and also by L'Occitane!

L'Occitane Previous Cleansing Foam - I bought two of these together awhile back and I was not crazy about them at all. I am not even sure they clean your face whatsoever. This was a travel sized container so it was handy for travel but really was the most ineffective face wash I have ever used. Kept it in my shower for a quick face wash. Would not repurchase. I already finished the other container ages ago and now they are both done! Good riddance!

Estee Lauder Double Wear Zero-Smudge Lengthening Mascara - I am not going to beat this one to death again. Countless tubes finished, the only non-smudge mascara in my opinion. Already have 3 more tubes...

Estee Lauder Double Wear Nude Water Fresh Makeup - My big review is here. After finishing the bottle I actually think I might repurchase. I am very disappointed with the new Estee Lauder foundation that replaced my beloved Double Wear Light. I have a major review to do on that for you guys very soon. I have actually purchased a brand new non-Estee Lauder foundation for the first time in years and it is waiting in the wings to use this week. I will report back to you.

So that's it, and that is a lot for one month. Will be back with more reviews this week.  

December 2018 Empties

In case you haven't noticed, I love me some "Empties" posts! I like to see other bloggers and vloggers empties posts and I like to do mine. Gives me a sense of accomplishment. I know I have been slacking and have been grouping some of my empties posts into seasons over the last year or two but I did that either due to time constraints or a lack of quantity in a given month to justify a whole post on the topic. Well for December 2018, I have a number of empties and I am dying to recycle some of these babies!

Ok let's jump in. There are two products this past month that I am so happy to get rid of. I am filled with such a sick and twisted joy, words escape me. The first is the L'Oreal Professional Tec Liss Control Smooth Gel-Cream. I finished every last drop of this product, but I didn't love it. I don't dare tell you how old this bottle is. I am pretty sure this product was discontinued 100 years ago. It was ok, but not great. It can't touch Livingproof's Perfect Hair Day in terms of performance. The reason I am delighted to get rid of it, besides the fact that it has been hanging out in my bathroom for far too long, is that I was swindled into buying it by a hair dresser that had no clue about anything (second to worst hair experience of my life) and after he messed up my hair, wouldn't listen to me, he then made me feel bad about my hair to the point of which I was so upset, I caved and bought it. I think we have all had this experience at one time or another. I never darkened his doorstep again, have warned everyone in my town about him who would listen (he works in the biggest salon in town) and all I can say is good riddance to this product!

Now you might think I am crazy for not chucking out this product sooner as it was associated with a bad experience and the product really wasn't that great. The fact is that I paid good, hard earned money for this product and it worked ok enough. You can accuse me of many things, but I do not waste anything unless it causes me harm or I have a damn good reason it needs to go. I am not one of these people who say "well if it doesn't make me feel special, it's no good except for the trash". Sorry, that's not my jam.

Went off on a tangent there. Moving along. Clinique Quickliner For Eyes 06 Violet. This is an old school eyeliner that I probably should've chucked years ago (a normal person would have!) as it was never great, it pulled on my eyelids a touch, wasn't creamy and the applicator tip was total rubbish. I vowed to finish it out of principal. Again, hard earned money spent etc. I also have one in a green colour I am dying to get rid of. You must apply yourself this winter Alexis and use it up.....So I was cleaning my vanity the other day, picked this up, and the last bit of eyeliner fell out and it was hard as a rock. So it's finally bit the dust. Buh bye.

Klorane Floral Water Make-Up Remover - Love it. I'm not interested in your Bioderma. Countless bottles purchased and finished. Already repurchased. (review here)

Estee Lauder Double Wear Makeup To Go Liquid Compact in 2N1 Desert Beige - I have to be honest with you guys and tell you that I hated this product at first. I find it watery, runny and a bit of a mess. I don't care for the bulky packaging nor the "click/pump action" to get the product out. I disliked the product so much that I started only using it if I had to run out the door to do a quick errand and I didn't want to go totally bare faced. Over time, I found myself reaching for it. The product does look dewy and fresh - more so than the foundation that Estee Lauder is making nowadays (eye roll) but we will get into that separate conversation soon enough in the coming weeks. I got a hang of dabbing my beauty blender into the compact and I made sure to hold the compact away from myself when I dispensed the product out of the lower compartment because it has a habit of squirting maniacally sometimes. I got two of these together at the Estee Lauder MAC sale awhile back and I paid something ridiculous like $25 for two compacts as a set ($12.50 each hello!). Compared to what you pay for regular Double Wear foundation, it was a steal. I am just cracking open the second compact now. Would I buy this again? Only if I got it mega on sale like before. This packaging is seriously crap and I wouldn't dream of paying full price for it which is $50 Canadian for one. Insane. 

Gehwol Fusskraft Soft Feet Cream I don't think I have talked about much except in Empties posts. I really, really like this product and it works well on dry feet. I raved about it so much two of my co-workers bought it and they love it. I'm actually a bit upset that I don't have any on hand at the moment and I will be getting another one very soon. I miss it and even though I like my L'Occitane Foot Cream, there is just something I may like more about this product. Even the spa I go to remarked on how good my feet were looking and they wanted to know what I was using. I said well hey you sell the product....meanwhile most of the staff had never tried it! I do tend to buy this online though as it is cheaper I find. 

I have tried two Ouidad products and I have disliked both. I don't think I will be buying another. Ouidad Climate Control Frizz & Fly Away Fighter is one of them. I bought this bottle at Winners so I paid something like less than $10 I think for it. I didn't like the smell (hate the smell of Ouidad products...) and although it calmed down my frizz when I was in a pinch and had no time to restyle my hair, it make my hair sticky and it made my hair look kind of sticky. Not a fan. I really didn't use this product much, it went really fast! Happy to see it go. 

My holy grail - Living Proof Perfect Hair Day. I can't live without this. I am not sure if this was my second or third bottle finished. I am already onto a new bottle. I've said it before and I will say it again, if you try one new hair product this year, make it this one. 

I have gone through a number of tubes and jars of Origins High-Potency Night-A-Mins over the years. I don't love it, but I like it. The product smells great and is comforting to my skin. I wish I saw more of a difference in the morning like I do with other products. I am not sure if I will rush to repurchase but I would gladly use up another one especially if it is a free gift with purchase lol. 

Ok Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara let's talk about this. I found this tube when I was cleaning up my vanity recently and this stuff is dried out...beyond recognition. So it's done. People rave about this mascara but I don't really get it. The wand is massive and pokey! I have small eyes and small, short lashes. I can't use this brush easily. As for the product itself, meh. It's alright but it doesn't rock my world. I think I have had a couple of these from holiday sets etc. over the years. I might still have a fresh one somewhere in my stash but I wouldn't buy this separately. Oh and you shouldn't say something is better than sex if it isn't. There, I said it. 

Origins Eye Doctor is easily one of my staple products. I have no clue how many jars of this I have gone through. Whenever I switch to something else, I live to regret it. Eye Doctor still doesn't do all that I need it to but it's the best I have found so far. Already repurchased. If any of you know of a fantastic eye cream for dark circles that I haven't tried, please let me know. 

Let's kill two L'Occitane birds with one stone here. I finished up another L'Occitane travel sized foot cream. I use this when I travel. Pretty straightforward. I do like it and buy it again and again. I am possibly more in love with the Gehwol Fusskraft Soft Feet Cream though. I got this mini L'Occitane hand cream in Arlesienne in a set of things from L'Occitane. At first I wasn't keen on the scent, then it grew on me. It was in my purse and went fast. I think I prefer some of there more basic scents but I would use this again. 

Finally, last empty is a tube of Korres Body Butter in Cassis Fig. I found the scent of this one a tad overpowering but the product itself worked well. I got these in a set and have been steadily ploughing through them for some time. This may have been the last of them, but I am not 100% sure as I strategically hid them around my house for easy access when I need some moisture. One may still pop up. I have a friend who loves these body butters like you wouldn't believe. I am not a fan of the ingredients so I likely will not repurchase.   

I am trying to decide if next I should do another Drunk Elephant review or talk about some Tatcha products that I have been saving myself to talk about. If you have a preference, let me know! 

 As a side note, blogger seems to refuse to let me make a blog post one uniform font. Sorry if my posts look crazy, I have no idea what is happening.  

Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Frambois Glycolic Night Serum - Review

Hello! I promised you guys more Drunk Elephant product reviews so here is another.

I read a blog post awhile back which I can't locate now where the blogger said this was by far her favourite Drunk Elephant product. I am not sure if it is my favourite, but man does it work and it easily deserves 5 stars. This is a serum that you mix with Drunk Elephant's Virgin Marula Luxury Face Oil, slap it on your face at night and then in morning...you aren't sure where your facial skin went, but somehow you have a new smooth, baby soft face that is visibly clearer and brighter than the face you had the night before! I noticed this the first night I used it.

It feels great wearing it - very moisturizing. Your moisturizer and makeup glide on so nicely the next day. Where has this been all of my life?

My skin has always responded well to glycolic products but this stuff works like nothing I have ever seen before. It is essential that you mix it with the Virgin Marula Luxury Face Oil though or this stuff will burn! I accidentally had a small amount I didn't mix in with the oil properly one day and man did it sting. The face oil is a whole other conversation that I will save for another post. It is fantastic stuff though I will say that.

I bought the NightBright Duo from Sephora which contains an 8ml small bottle of the T.L.C. Frambois Glycolic Night Serum and an 8ml small bottle of the Virgin Marula Luxury Face Oil which was $36 Canadian. Sephora claims it is a $55 value which I believe is true because if you crunch the numbers versus the full sized bottle (holy expensive!) and the amount of product in there, the NightBright Duo is very good value. I will definitely repurchase the T.L.C. Frambois Glycolic Night Serum in the full size one of these days, but hey I might just buy another NightBright Duo and get more bang for my buck if it is still available. 

This is the type of product that I don't think you should use nightly. Once or twice a week is likely plenty. As such, the two little bottles I have may last me for ages...

I highly recommend you check this product out!