Hello everyone! I know it's over half way through March and I have yet to post the products I used up in February. So sorry it took incredibly long! Life's been getting in the way again and I'm trying to figure a good balance between that and blogging. Anyways, February was a good month for empties, and I went through alot of stuff and got rid of really old products as well.
The first product I used up is my Renu contact solution. This is the only contact solution I can use because everything else I have used has made my contacts feel like I'm sticking acid on my eyeballs! I don't know what it is, but I must be super sensitive to contact solution. This stuff isn't cheap, so I try to buy the double pack at Walmart when I have a coupon for it.
Next up is the Bath & Body Works Signature Vanilla Shower Gel in the Coconut Vanilla scent. I purchased two of these when they were having a sale, and while I did like the scent, it didn't clean very well. I've been noticing that with a few of the B&BW shower gels I used before. I'll use up the shower gels I have, but I most likely won't repurchase.
Another B&BW product I used up is the Vanilla Berry Sorbet Anti-Bacterial Deep Cleansing Hand Soap. This stuff smells amazeballs! My husband and I had a friend stay with us for a weekend, and even he said how awesome this stuff smelled. I really love these handsoaps that have the little scrubby particles in them. I feel like they clean better, and with my husband working in construction, these are great for him too! Definitely a repurchase many times over.
I also used up an E.L.F. Therapeutic Conditioning Balm in the scent Vanilla Cream. This stuff sucked! It left a major white cast on my lips so I only used it before bed. It also only lasted maybe three weeks, and it wasn't at all moisturizing. I think this was only a buck, but don't waste your money. I think I have two more of these to use up, but I will never repurchase!
My next empty is one of the best mascaras I've tried, and it's Maybelline's The Rocket Volum' Express in the Blackest Black shade. Love love love this mascara! The only thing is I feel like it dried up way too fast. While I think mascaras tend to get better as they dry out, this one just seems to get too dry too fast and it ended up getting all clumpy on my lashes, so I decided to toss it. I'll most likely repurchase once I go through the tons of mascaras I have to use up!
I also used up these Make-up Remover Facial Wipes that I got from the Dollar Tree. I got what I paid for, which was a horrible wipe that barely removed any makeup. These were so hard to use up so I mainly used them to remove product swatches, which also did a horrendous job! I'll never get these again, even though they were only $1.
I finally used up the Own Lifting Eye Cream, which I did a review on here. iFabbo sent this to me, but it was a pretty decent eye cream. I used it only at night because it was a tad bit heavy for me for daytime use. Now, I'm only 25 years old and I've been using eye creams since I was a teenager (thanks mom!) so I think I have semi-decent undereyes. I do have dark circles (thanks dad!) so I'm trying to find a product that helps mainly with that. I did like this eye cream though because it kept my undereyes hydrated and didn't irritate at all. Not sure if I'll repurchase since I am on a hunt for a good eye cream for dark circles. I'll keep looking!
I decided to throw away the Rimmel Moisture Renew lip gloss in the shade Pink Remedy. This was gifted to me I don't know how long ago and it started to smell funky, so in the trash it goes!
I'm also throwing out a mini Anastasia Hydrafull Gloss in the color Sugar Pink because it burned the crap outta my lips! I got this in either one of those Sephora holiday lip kits or a monthly subscription box. Not sure how else to describe the burning, but it just felt like I was putting something really hot on my lips. I had to take it off right away, it was that bad.
I'm saving this container just in case I want to put something else in it, but the First Aid Beauty Dual Repair Face Cream got all goopy and smelled really weird, so I dumped it out and cleaned the container. Not sure what I'll use this for yet, but it may come in handy eventually!
I decided to go through my brushes one day and came across these Kat Von D brushes that I had gotten in a kit years and years ago. I don't know what happened to these brushes, but some of the bristles look like they were cut off or chewed up. I honestly don't know what it is, but I never used these, and they look all deformed so it's time to say goodbye.
Last two products! I used up a Nature Made Multi for Her vitamin bottle. I know this probably isn't an exciting empty, but it can be tough for me to get through taking vitamins. I still don't know if they actually do anything, but I guess deep in my brain, it thinks they do something because I keep buying multis when I run out.
Now I actually didn't use up this whole bottle of Sephora 3 in 1 Perfecting Base Coat, it actually fell over when I didn't realize, and most of it leaked out onto my coffee table. I was kinda pissed because I did like this product and now I don't have another base coat as a backup, but I've decided just to use a top coat as a base coat for now until I decide to buy another one.
Well that's everything I used up/ threw away for being too old! Hopefully you all can forgive me for getting this up super late. I did get my Ipsy bag in the mail a couple days ago, so expect that post soon!
Also, don't forget I have a blog sale going! Take a look because there are alot of nice products!
Hey guys! Remember me?! I know, it's been way too long since my last post. 10 days, if you want to get technical. I honestly am not sure why it's taken me so long to write up a post. I think part of me is feeling a bit blah in general, I've been exhausted from work, and when I get time to relax, all I want to do is just sit on my butt and do nothing. And with the holiday's coming up, my work schedule might be getting a bit crazy in the next couple weeks, so posting may be sporadic. I'm just warning you now! Anyways, sorry for the long intro, but today's post is going to be my current nighttime skincare routine. I did a post earlier this month on my morning skincare routine here if you want to check that out.
I shower at night, so I wash my face in the shower and I start out with Philosophy Purity Made Simple One-Step Facial Cleanser. I really love this cleanser. I featured it in a past favorites post and I just love how well it cleans my skin. I remember I used to hate this stuff but now that I'm older and my skin has changed, it's an amazing cleanser.
Next up, it should be no surprise that I use The Body Shop Aloe Calming Toner. I've talked about this product about a million times and it's still my favorite toner to use at night. I just started using it during the day as well because my skin is starting to get drier due to the colder weather. This toner really is so calming and when I feel like my skin is being sensitive, it just helps so much.
Then I use the Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Gel for all skin types. I was using the lotion version of this for years and decided to try this one instead once I ran out, and I'm in love. Even with my skin getting drier, this product helps my skin feel soft and keeps my blackheads in check. I have incredibly large pores, so dirt and oil love them. When I don't use this, I start noticing my pores looking larger and my blackheads getting darker. This stuff is a miracle worker!
Now my moisturizer changes depending on my mood and how my skin is feeling, but the one I've been using regularly is the Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisture for Combination Skin. This moisturizer is incredibly light, but still hydrating enough to help with any dryness I may have. I've had this particular bottle for a really long time too since a little product goes a very long way.
The last part of my routine is an eye cream. I've been using the Own Lifting Eye Cream that I received from iFabbo. I did a full review on it here. I'm really loving this product alot. It's really hydrating but it still feels light. I'm not the biggest fan of heavy eye creams because they always seem to make my eyes puffy and sensitive. For me, this product is the perfect consistency for an eye cream.
Now these are products I switch out or use occasionally. When I mentioned above that I switch out my moisturizer depending on my skin, the next two products are what I use. The Own Firming Silk Concentrate is an awesome serum that I'll use by itself or I'll mix a couple drops in with the Neutrogena moisturizer for some extra hydration. If you have incredibly oily skin all year round, this would be a great moisturizer to use on its own. That's what I'd do in the Summer. I also did a review of this product here.
I'll also use the Hydroxatone AM/PM Anti-Wrinkle Complex SPF 15. Now even though this has SPF in it, it's too heavy for daytime use for me, but it's awesome as a night cream. I'll use this moisturizer after I've used a mask or some other treatment on my skin. After I use masks or other treatments, my skin can get dry at times, and this helps give me the hydration I need in my skin. Full review here.
For exfoliation, I tend to use a bunch of different products. I just ran out of a different scrub, so the one I fully switched over to is the Yes to Tomatoes Clear Skin Daily Pore Scrub. I did a full review of this here, and while I was reading it over again, I still agree with what I wrote about the first time. It's quite abrasive, which doesn't make for a good daily scrub. I'll use this 2 times a week tops. It leaves a film on your skin, so definitely follow up with a toner. I don't think it does much in helping with acne, but it does smooth out the skin. I probably won't repurchase this because it's too abrasive for my liking.
I use a mask about once a week or so and I've been loving the Queen Helene Mint Julep Masque. This mask is incredible if you have breakouts and oily skin. I notice if I have a few spots on my face and I use this mask, they're gone the next morning. I don't know what they put in this to make it so effective, but it's amazing, especially since it's so inexpensive!
Two to three times a week, I'll use my Clarisonic when washing my face. I used to use it every single night, but I started feeling that it was doing more harm than good, so I cut back. Since Ive done that, my skin feels alot better and less sensitive. Currently I'm using the Deep Pore brush head with it. I typically use either the Sensitive or Delicate brush head, but I can buy these where I work, and I wanted to try out something different when I got an extra discount. To be honest, I can't really tell the difference between the brush heads, but I'll probably end up buying the Delicate ones again since I do like those.
That's my nighttime routine! Let me know if you've tried any of these products! :)
I also am sorry again for my lack of posting, I really hope to get into a decent schedule soon!
Hey everyone! April is over which means it's time for another monthly favorites post! As you can tell from my hauls this past month, I got a chance to try out some new things that I've been loving so I want to share them with you!
The first product I want to talk about is the Sigma P88 Precision Flat Angled Brush. Now I only got my Sigma order in the mail probably a week and a half ago, but I am so in love with this brush! Seriously, this is probably one of the best brushes I've ever tried in my life. The bristles are incredibly soft yet it blends concealer around my eyes like a dream and doesn't leave any streaks or splotches. Best $16 I've ever spent. I'm definitely going to be doing a full review post for you guys just on this brush alone!
My next favorite is the Covergirl Outlast Stay Fabulous 3 in 1 Foundation in the color Ivory. I received a coupon from BzzAgent for a free foundation from this line in my shade choice. I was so excited to get that coupon because I've been wanting to try this foundation since it came out, despite the fact that I'm not much of a liquid foundation girl. I'm pretty impressed with this to be honest. It evens out my skin tone, and for me, it's a light coverage foundation. I'm currently uploading a video reviewing this foundation as I write this, but I'm having issues with my internet, so it may take a while.
The next product I've been loving is the Own Skin Health Firming Silk Concentrate, which I received from iFabbo. This product is basically a serum that you use after cleansing and toning, but before moisturizing. I'm so in love with how this makes my skin feel! I like using this serum after I've either exfoliated or used a mask because it helps to put back some moisture into my skin. I've only used it at night as it can make my skin a little greasy, but I don't mind that at night because when I wake up in the morning, my face is all glowy and soft.
I only have one complaint about my next favorite, the Covergirl Lip Perfection Jumbo Gloss Balm, and that is it doesn't have the name on the tube! I have to look up the names all the time, and the one pictured is 215 Watermelon Twist. This is such a beautiful pink color that has a hint of coral to it, at least on my lips. It's very moisturizing, but I still like to put a gloss on top sometimes for some extra hydration.
My next favorite doesn't have a name to it, but I just call it my Pinkie Pie Nail Polish. I guess this was from a My Little Pony collection because at Hot Topic where I got this, there were other colors with the ponies on the bottle. I bought this on clearance for $3.50 but I honestly am loving this! I was so surprised with how opaque it went on in one coat, but I still did two coats. I absolutely love the color of it as well, pink is my all-time favorite color! Any shade of pink will do, but the bright pinks like this get me all the time.
My last favorite is a surprise favorite, and it's the Urban Decay Naked Basics Palette. I remember when I did my haul post saying that I didn't need or want this palette but when I saw it, I fell in love! I am truly amazed at how much I reach for this little guy. Naked 2 and Faint are my favorite colors in this palette. I can do a full review of this if you want, but I know there are about a million other reviews on it.
That's it for my favorites this past month! I know this wasn't a long post with many favorites, but these were the products I reached for the most and I'm super excited I got to try some new things! (Especially the Sigma brush!)
What were your favorites for April?
*Disclosure* I received this product complimentary from iFabbo for review purposes. All opinions are 100% honest and my own!
Hey everyone! I'm back today with another product review that iFabbo sent me, and it's the Own Firming Silk Concentrate.
First off, forgive me for not posting a picture of the box it came in, I think I threw it away by mistake! Now, this description is quoted from the Own website, and it says, "The naturally derived and patented CLA formula in Own Anti-Aging Firming Silk Concentrate works with your body to treat all three layers of skin through a power-packed serum that's proven to absorb easily without leaving residue. Own Firming Silk Concentrate works with your own body's chemistry to reactivate healthy processes and rebuild the skin's structure for brighter, taut, and genuinely younger-looking skin." Man, doesn't that sound all scientific and whatnot? Now I know in my post about the eye cream from this brand I mentioned that I don't have wrinkles, so I can't really be a good judge on whether or not this helps with wrinkles. I can only say how my skin felt after using it and if I noticed anything positive from it.
I also wanted to mention that the website says this product has a retinol-free formula, does not cause irritation, redness or flakiness, it's dermatologist tested, fragrance free, paraben free and sulfate free. All of those are a big yay, especially the fragrance free part! I've been really sensitive with scents lately with my allergies and all, so I'm happy this doesn't have an offending smell.
Now for the review! The first thing i noticed with this product is how runny it is. To me, it's not a typical serum where it feels more like a gel. It's almost like an oil/water mixture, but it is so light on the skin! Seriously, it feels incredibly light and silky but it does provide moisture, which is what I need right now. My skin is still freaking out on me with the weather change, so this has been a big help. I've been using this at night after I cleanse and tone, before moisturizing. It's got a dropper where you dispense the product on your hand and you only need 4 drops for your whole face and neck. I know I've mentioned this before, but I always do to my neck what I do on my face. It's also not greasy-feeling at all, which is a big plus for me. Once I wake up in the morning, I notice that my skin feels really soft and actually looks really healthy and glow-y. I've also noticed, and it may be just me, but it seems to make my pores look smaller! I'm not sure how it does that but I definitely notice a difference when I've used this the night before. I've only been using this for a couple weeks now, but I can't wait to see what the long term effects are on my skin! I haven't had any issues with breakouts either, so it's safe to say this is having a positive effect on my skin so far!
That's my review! Like I said, I really can't wait to see what my skin looks like after another month or so of using this! I also wish I could've gotten a picture of what the actual product looks like. It's just so runny and didn't show up at all on camera. It just looked like water on my hand.
I hope everyone likes this review! Comment below if you've tried this product before, or what you think about it!
*Disclosure* I was sent this product complimentary from iFabbo for review purposes. All opinions are 100% honest and my own.
Hey everyone! I have another review for you guys of a product that was sent to me, and it's the Own Skin Health Lifting Eye Cream! I recently got endorsed by iFabbo, which is really, really amazing and I'm so happy to get the chance to review this product. Also, who doesn't love a good eye cream?
The Own website says that this eye cream "is formulated to lift and smooth wrinkles while brightening skin with clinically proven CLA technology. CLA technology lifts and firms, restores and hydrates so your eyes can look as good as you feel." I feel like those are some bold claims honestly. I also don't have wrinkles around my eyes either so I can't really say if it does reduce the look of wrinkles.
According to the back of the box here, in as early as 8 weeks, Own Anti-Aging products have been clinically proven to boost collagen for firmer and fuller looking skin, enhance cell turnover for a more even skin tone and improve skin's moirsure barrier for softer and smoother skin. Sounds amazing, right? Like I said before, I don't have wrinkles so I may not be the best judge on this, but I can really only say how it felt around my eyes and anything I noticed result-wise.
Onto my review! I've been using this eye cream only at night for about the past week and a half. You can use it in the morning as well, but I already have a good eye cream that I use in the morning. When I first put it around my eyes, I noticed how light and smooth this felt. I personally love how light this is for an anti-aging eye cream. I always think anti-aging eye creams need to be thick for some reason. Anyways, I dabbed this all around my eyes, not just underneath and to the sides. I always go over my eyelids a bit because they need hydration as well. Once I let it settle a bit, I just lightly touched underneath my eyes and was very impressed with how soft and hydrated that area felt.
The amount of product I have on my hand here is plenty for both eyes. All I do is squeeze this amount out onto one of my ring fingers and press both of my ring fingers together, then dab gently under and around my eyes. Any more product is a total waste. After I was done admiring how soft it was under my eyes, I went to bed. When I woke up in the morning, I obviously didn't notice a different in how my skin looked, but it still felt really soft and hydrated. Currently, I'm not too concerned with hardcore anti-aging results with my eyes, I just want the hydration factor since I'm still having issues with dryness. This weird weather is making my skin finicky. Overall, I'm really enjoying this eye cream! I'm sure over time, I'll start noticing some more results.
I also want to mention that Own Skin Health has an offer for my readers here! With promo code CLAIFABBO1 you can get 30% off your first purchase at Own products!
So there's my review! Again, I'm so happy I got a chance to try out this nice eye cream. I think it's a good eye cream of you want something hydrating but not heavy, which is what I love! I hope you all enjoyed this post and let me know in the comments of you've tried out this eye cream before :)
