March 2018 Empties

April is here, which means it's time to share all the products I used up in March. I've been doing really well so far this year, and I'm really excited to share my progress with you all!

For skincare, I used up a Bliss Fabulous Foaming Face Wash. I used to really like this stuff, but I realized it doesn't do anything for my skin.

The Algenist Overnight Restorative Cream was really freaking amazing, and I want the full size at some point. This made my skin look and feel so nice!

I wasn't able to use up the Neocorium Derma Carrier and EGF & Stem Cell Concentrate before it expired. It's a shame because this duo was pretty nice, and it's super expensive. 

I really wasn't a fan of the Derma-Nu Blueberry Cranberry Oxygen Facial Scrub. It smelled nice, but felt way too harsh on my skin. 

Montagne Jeunesse is a brand I'm unsure of, but I did like their Creamy Coconut Hydrating single use mask. It made my skin feel really soft and supple. Four more packets of the Dickinson's Oil Controlling Towelettes done, and just a few more to go. 

I usually don't wear perfumes or body sprays, so this Victoria's Secret Pure Seduction Body Splash took years to get through. I have different scents hanging around, so I'll try to use them more. 

I have another Philosophy Cranberry Medley hand cream used up, which I do like. I think I mentioned before, but this doesn't work very well if my hands are extra dry and cracked, but for a little moisture, it works just fine. 

I really enjoy Serious lip balms, and I used up a Peppermint one. I loved this so much. It makes my lips feel soft, and the peppermint scent is really nice. 

I have little samples of the Exuviance Evening Restorative Complex and the Caudalie Eye and Lip Cream. The Exuviance was nice, but felt maybe too hydrating at times, and I really enjoyed the Caudalie eye cream as well. It felt like a balm, but wasn't too heavy so I used it during the day. 

I had a deluxe sample of the Tom's of Maine Rapid Relief Sensitive toothpaste, so I used this up quickly. I didn't care for it much as it didn't help the sensitivity I have. 

I finally have some makeup! The Miss Mona Lisa Eyebrow Pencil was all dried out, and it fell out of the packaging, so I had to throw it away. I've been a fan of The Body Shop's Lightening Touch pen in shade 01 for ages now. I honestly am not sure if they still make this, but I may have a backup to use. I LOVE the Rimmel Match Perfection concealer in shade Fair. It's such a nice color for my under eyes, and blends in like a dream. 

Products used up: 19
total for the year: 57

I truly am so proud of myself right now! I never thought I could use up this many products so early into the year. I'm not sure how April will go, but I may focus a bit more on using up deluxe and foil packet samples. I have a ton of those to go through and really need to start using them up. 

What have you used up recently?

January, February & March 2017 Empties

As promised, I'm showing you all the products I've used up so far since the beginning of the year. It's not alot since I wasn't really taking care of myself because of being with my daughter in the hospital. Now that she's home, it'll be much easier using up products and caring about my health and happiness again. 

Starting off with skincare, I have finally used up the Clean & Clear Morning Burst Shine Control Facial Scrub. I used to like this, but over time I ended up actually hating it. The scent is overpowering and the scrubbing bits can be kinda harsh. 

The Fresh Soy Face Cleanser is something I'd buy over and over again if it wasn't so expensive! I LOVE this cleanser so much. It makes my skin feel clean, without stripping it dry. 

Jack Black lip balms are incredible. I had been trying to use up the Natural Mint scent since before Olivia was born. Granted, I lost it a couple times, but always ended up finding it. I have a few more of these in different scents to use up and would consider repurchasing once I go through my stash. 

Philosophy skincare is hit or miss for me, but the Renewed Hope in a Jar is a hit! I'm not a fan of the cult classic original moisturizer that everyone raves about, but this one is nice. I'd consider purchasing once I use up what I have. 

I got a sample of the Exuviance OptiLight Essential 6 Serum with a product I was sent to try ages ago. I got quite a few uses out of this, but I didn't find it to be anything special. Exuviance is a pretty expensive brand, and I'm sure if I had a bigger size, I would've seen a difference in my skin. 

I tend to get a few samples of the DDF Ultra-Lite Oil-Free Moisturizing Dew, and I think I may have another to use up. This is a pretty decent moisturizer that has a gel consistency, so it's great for Summertime use when my skin is more oily. 

You all know my love for Valentia and their skincare. I did a review of their Royal Rose Hydrating Serum, and completely love it. The rose scent isn't too strong, and it helps to hydrate my skin well. If I didn't have a million serums to use up first, I'd buy this again in a heartbeat. 

I didn't care for the Murad Oil Control Mattifier SPF 15. It smelled weird and made my skin look super pale. 

Philosophy body products are my jam, and the Gingerbread Girl body lotion is no exception. It's not the most hydrating moisturizer in the world, but it does the job well enough and smells like baked goods, which is a plus in my book!

The next four products I used up were hand creams. I went through so many handcreams while my daughter was in the NICU from all the hand washing. The Gold Bond Ultimate Healing Cream with Aloe is probably meant to be a body moisturizer, but it felt so nice and luxurious on my hands, and made them feel like soft baby skin. The Mitchell and Peach Luxury Hand Cream is far from luxury to be honest. It smells like nothing and didn't hydrate my skin at all. I think it made the dryness worse. Everyone talks about the Soap & Glory Hand Food and for good reason! The scent can be a little strong, but the hydration it gives is amazing. Out of all of these hand creams, the L'Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream is my favorite. It smells like baby powder and hydrates like no other. It's expensive as hell, but worth it and I will probably repurchase when I use up my stash. 

Lastly, we have some random products. Bath & Body Works hand soaps are amazing, but expensive, even when there is a sale. Crisp Morning Air smelled nice and fresh, but I like sweet smelling hand soaps more. 

The Colgate Cavity Protection Toothpaste is something both my husband and I used. He used it more than I did since I prefer toothpastes with sensitivity protection. 

Since having Olivia, I have been shedding like a German Shepard. It's so bad, but I know it's postpartum hormones that are causing it. I like the Natrol Biotin 10,000mcg because I feel like it really helps in normal, everyday life, and works great at making my nails super strong as well. 

Number of products used up: 16
Total used up for the year: 16

I'll be going back to monthly empties now that things are starting to settle down. Hopefully I can make my goal of using up 150 products, and that does include foil packets as well. I'm so bad at using my foil packet samples and need to make it a point to use some up this year. 

What are some products you've used up recently?   

Review: Exuviance Gentle Cleansing Creme

*Disclosure* Product mentioned was provided for review. All opinions are 100% honest and my own, like always. 

Hey everyone! I'm really excited to be doing this review today of the Exuviance Gentle Cleansing Creme, as it's really been treating my skin very well. 

Here is a little bit of information about the product:

This gentle, soap-free formulation was created for even the most sensitive of skin to dissolve makeup and impurities and help improve skin’s texture. Formulated with Gluconolactone (a Polyhydroxy Acid), this cleanser provides anti-aging benefits without irritation and has been both Dermatologist and allergy tested.  

The benefits:

This comfort-rich cleanser gently removes makeup, surface oils and impurities without altering the skin's natural moisture balance. The soothing creme formulation is blended with an anti-aging Polyhydroxy Acid (PHA), along with skin conditioners and nourishing botanicals to soften and soothe while improving the skin's texture. This dermatologist developed soap-free cleanser is highly moisturizing and ideal for dry or sensitive skin. It's also wonderful as a makeup remover and can be rinsed or tissued off for a clean, refreshed complexion. Dye-Free. Paba-Free. Dermatologist and allergy tested.

The directions say to moisten hands and face. Dispense product onto fingertips and massage onto face and neck using an upward circular motion. Tissue off or rinse thoroughly with warm water, and pat dry. This can be used morning and night. 

I've been using this at night and it's probably one of the most effective cleansers that removes my makeup that I've ever tried. Seriously, it takes everything off like a dream, and it rinses off nicely as well. I absolutely love using this in conjunction with my Clarisonic as it really gives me that deep clean that I sometimes need. It's a very creamy consistency that doesn't foam up at all, which I surprisingly really enjoy. This makes my skin feel soft and hydrated, and not tight or dry. I also really like the scent too. To me, it smells like coconut, but I don't see an ingredient in the product that would make it smell that way. It's kind of weird, but I'm not complaining!

This product costs $32 and you can find it here on the Neostrata website. Also, be sure to check out their Twitter page here!

What do you think of this cleanser?

YouTube Video: March 2016 Favorites!

Hey guys! I decided to film March's beauty favorites this time around, so I hope you take a look at what I was loving last month! Be sure to give the video a thumbs up while you're there, and subscribe if you want :) I've used some affiliate links below if you wanted to check out any of the products.

Products mentioned in the video:

- Exuviance Gentle Cleansing Creme
- Ole Henriksen Balancing Cucumber Face Mist
- Valentia Royal Rose Hydrating Serum
- Kognac Sponge
- Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Hand Cream
- Covergirl The Super Sizer Mascara
- Revlon Ultra HD Matte Lipcolor in Devotion
- Too Faced Chocolate Bon Bons Palette

What were some of your favorite products? 

Exuviance Daily Protector SPF 50 Giveaway

 

*Disclosure* This giveaway is brought to you by Exuviance and BrandBacker. Not a sponsored post.

Hi guys! I wanted to let you all know that Exuviance is giving away a full size of their Sheer Daily Protector with SPF 50 to 25 winners! This is a US only contest. Click here to enter.

Here is a bit about the product:

This weightless fluid blends effortlessly on clean skin, or layered under makeup in a daily skincare routine. Broad spectrum SPF 50 protects against photodamage, the primary cause of signs of aging. An ultra-fine transparent mineral sunscreen in a virtually invisible universal tint smoothes imperfections and helps natural skin tone appear more even.

Multi-Antioxidants Vitamin E and Lactobionic Acid fortify skin’s natural defense, scavenging free radicals brought on by daily environmental aggressors before they can cause premature aging. A PHA/Bionic complex helps prevent collagen breakdown to maintain a healthy skin matrix and firmness, and helps prevent signs of photoaging such as lines and wrinkles. A highly purified and concentrated form of Green Tea Extract reduces cell breakdown and helps protect cellular DNA for healthy skin. PA++++ highest level of UVA protection.

Suitable for all skin types. Product is fragrance-free, paraben-free and oil-free as well as non-acnegenic, non-comedogenic.

Good luck to everyone who enters the contest! Again, click here to enter! 

Review: Exuviance Triple Microdermabrasion Face Polish

*Disclosure* This product was provided complimentary thanks to Exuviance and Brandbacker. All opinions are 100% honest and my own, like always!

Hello everyone! Today I'm going to be reviewing a microdermabrasion face polish from the brand Exuviance. I had heard of the brand before, but had never tried any of their products. I was so excited to be able to try this out because I'm wanting to try different products to help with exfoliating my skin. 

Here is a bit of info on the product taken from the Neostrata website: 

Our latest antiaging breakthrough masters a triple action approach to skin renewal in a single, yet powerful treatment with a unique blend of physical, chemical and enzyme rejuvenators. With just one application, this intensive exfoliating treatment delivers instant skin resurfacing.

Contains pure professional grade crystals used by dermatologists to smooth skin. Feel this potent exfoliator working as Papaya Enzyme and Glycolic Acid help dissolve impurities that contribute to congested pores, and loosen dead skin cells and dull and dry patches, polishing skin to a gorgeous silky softness and glow. Cell renewal is stimulated, encouraging skin to renew itself. With consistent exfoliation, once or twice a week, skin will be clearer, brighter with reduced appearance of pores and dark spots. Regular use helps increase the performance of your cosmetic treatment products. For best results, complete your facial with an Exuviance concentrated serum or antiaging moisturizer.

I had tried chemical exfoliators in the past, but always had lots of irritation on my skin after using them. I should also mention that Glycolic Acid never used to agree with my skin either. I remember using a face mask that had glycolic acid in it when I was a teenager and broke out so bad from it, I swore off it. Now that I'm 26, I want to be more mindful about anti-aging, and I know Glycolic Acid along with the Papaya Enzymes are really good for anti-aging and smoothing the skin. The little crystals in this scrub are so fine, you can barely feel them, but they get the job done. The directions say to apply a thin layer to your clean, wet face and lightly massage into the skin for 30 seconds. After that, you leave it on for up to 2 minutes, but if you have really sensitive skin, 1 minute. The first time I used this, I left it on for 1 minute and boy is this stuff potent! Within about 20 seconds, my face started feeling warm and tingly, and once the minute was up, it felt very warm. It rinsed off nicely, and my face felt really smooth and soft, but it was a bit red. The second time I used this, I braved 2 minutes and had the same reaction. It didn't feel overly uncomfortable, but it's something to get used to, in my opinion. The mornings after using this, it looks like I have new skin. It's honestly pretty amazing. It's like my complexion is all evened out and my skin looks poreless (from a distance of course). If you have sensitive skin like I do, I recommend only using this once a week. If you're not sensitive, you can use this twice a week. 

This product costs a whopping $72, and you can find it online here at the Neostrata website, or at Ulta here. Do I think it's worth the $72 price tag? Maybe, it depends on how often you use it. I might only use it a couple times a month, and I do like how it makes my skin look. I don't think I would personally go out and buy this myself (unless I was rich). 

Would you try this product?