November 2015 Empties

Hi everyone! It's time, once again, to share with you all of the products I used up in November. I'm so happy with everything I was able to use up, and I'm even more happy that there are a whopping 25 products! That's got to be the most I've ever gone through in a month. This might be a long one, so grab a snack and a drink and lets see the products!

Starting with a few miscellaneous products, my husband and I both used the Head & Shoulders Total Care Shampoo. Even though this says it's for men on the bottle, I used it anyway because I do occasionally get dandruff, and this brand is really good with helping it go away. 

Next up is the Hershey's Honey Body Butter. I ended up just dumping out the product in the container because it had separated and smelled a bit funky. 

I adore the L'Occitane Hand Cream, and the one in this particular tube is my favorite. This is a smaller size that came in a kit a while ago, but this hand cream makes my hands feel so soft, and it smells very nice too, sort of like a light baby powder scent. 

You all know how much I love the Philosophy Shower Gels, but the Gingerbread Girl one I didn't care for. It smelled fine, but there are shimmer particles in this that was kind of odd to me, and it didn't necessarily clean very well either. I never thought I'd see the day where I didn't like one of these shower gels!

I take a Biotin supplement daily, and the one from Natrol is pretty good. It's the maximum strength version with 10,000 mcg, which can upset alot of people's stomach, but I was fine taking this as long as I ate breakfast first. I'm starting to notice alot more that my hair is growing faster, it looks healthier, and I had family comment that it looks thicker as well, but I don't notice that honestly. 

Now for some makeup, which is a rare occurrence in an empties post! I decided to just get rid of the e.l.f. Everyday Eye Palette because most of the shadows have broken and I don't really like them, along with the BH Cosmetics California Collection trios. I got both from Ipsy, but really wasn't happy with them. The Lancome Colour Focus Palette most likely came in a gift with purchase, but I don't like these colors and I've had it for many years, so in the trash it goes. 

The Marbella Permanent Eyeliner Pen was fantastic while it lasted. It's very black, goes on nicely, and lasts all day long. The only downside is that it literally is almost permanent. I always had such a horrible time trying to remove it all from my lashline at night and could never get it off fully, which I didn't like at all. It finally dried out on me, so it's time to officially say goodbye. 

I also used up the Mirabella Perfecting Loose Powder. I got this in an Ipsy bag so long ago, and just now used it up. I loved this powder to set my under-eye concealer. It helped it last longer, but didn't look cakey or make me look like an old lady. 

Time for a whole lotta skincare! I finally used up the Simple Refreshing Facial Wash Gel. This was my nighttime cleanser, and I loved this so much! It's so gentle, has no scent, and takes off every last bit of makeup (minus the eyeliner mentioned above. That stuff doesn't go away!). It's amazing when used in conjunction with my Clarisonic, and once I use up my hoard of cleansers, I'll most likely purchase this again. 

I still have some deluxe sizes of Dermalogica products left, but I managed to use up the Multi-Active Toner and the Skin Prep Scrub. The toner is alright, but nothing to write home about. The scrub on the other hand, holy moly is this intense! The scrubbing grains are made of corn meal, which isn't harsh for me, but it sure does get off any bit of dry skin you may have. 

I had to throw away the Super Hand & Cuticle Cream because I'm pretty sure mold was growing inside the bottle. The product had changed from a white color to yellow and it smelled nasty, so it's going nowhere near my skin.

I really enjoyed using the Oz Naturals Hyaluronic Acid Serum. Even though I have pretty oily skin for most of the year, it can get very dehydrated, so serums with hyaluronic acid in them work miracles for my skin without making it more oily. 

I had used up some Ipsy points to get the Tarte Amazonian Clay Double Detox Facial Mask, and I don't know how I feel about this honestly. It had enough product inside for just one use, which was a complete waste of points used, and I didn't expect it to have grainy bits in it. It tingled quite a bit on my skin, but once I worked the mask into my skin when I rinsed it off, my skin was very smooth. I don't think they make this product anymore though, but I could be wrong. 

I also have both of the RevivSerum TelomErase Serums used up. I reviewed these here, and I honestly think that this is such a pricey product for what it is. The samples I got were so small, but if I had gotten a full size to try out more, my opinion could be different. 

I used the bareMinerals Purely Nourishing Moisturizer at night, and I absolutely loved it! It made my skin feel soft and hydrated, but it wasn't greasy at all. I had a hard time finding these products for a little bit, but it looks like Sephora does still carry some products!

If you have a sensitive nose to scented products like I do, stay away from the Shiseido Urban Environment UV Protection Cream SPF 40. This smelled so strongly of perfume, I almost threw it out after using it for the first time. It also made my skin look very, very white, if that was even possible, and if I didn't blot off the excess with a shine sheet, I'd get asked if I was feeling alright. 

I finally used up the Amara Organics Total Repair Eye Gel. This took forever to go through because I've been testing out a bunch of new eye gels/creams lately, but I did like this. It's a bit too light for the colder months coming up, but it's awesome for Summertime use. 

Finally, we have some samples I was able to use up. The BioRepublic Cucumber Breeze Soothing Fiber Mask wasn't too bad honestly! I'm normally not a huge fan of sheet masks, but this one did make my skin feel soothed after using a detoxifying mask that made my skin red and irritated. 

I love Fresh products, but not the price of them, so any samples I can snag, I'm always happy. The Black Tea Firming Overnight Mask was heaven sent when I went through a dry spell with my skin. Having really cold weather one day, then unseasonably warm weather the next makes my skin freak out, and this helped to really make it feel nice and supple. I was able to get a good three uses out of the little packet. 

I'm not a huge fan of the Grace line of products from Philosophy, but the Pure Grace Foaming Bath and Shower Cream really surprised me. It really just smells clean, that's the best way I can describe it. If I didn't have a massive amount of shower gels/creams to go through, I'd buy a full size of this in a heartbeat.

If you made it here to the end, you're awesome! I know that was alot to go over, but I feel so proud of myself for using all this up. 

What did you use up recently?

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November 2015 Favorites

Hey guys! I can't believe it's already December. I know everyone and their dog says how fast time flies, but this year really flew by for me. I have a few favorite products to share with you from the past month, so lets see what I was loving!

The first product that I've been loving is my Philosophy Lip Shine in the Peppermint Bark scent. I adore these lip shines because the scents they have are just incredible, but they don't taste that great. This particular scent just smells so amazing and gets me in more of the holiday spirit. It also makes my lips look and feel more hydrated and plump. 

Next up we have the Caolion Premium Hot & Cool Pore Pack Duo. This dual phase mask is probably one of the best masks I've tried for my skin. I want to do a full review of this, but it makes my skin look so calm and clear, and my blackheads are almost nonexistent after I use this!

Next up is the First Aid Beauty Daily Face Cream. I've been using this at night, and I have to say, this makes my skin feel so much more hydrated when I wake up in the morning. Occasionally I wake up with a few dry flakes on my skin, but not when I use this! It's soothing and hydrating, but not so hydrating to where I look like a greasy mess.

A rediscovered favorite is the Covergirl Outlast Stay Fabulous 3 in 1 Foundation in the shade 805. This foundation is just incredible. It's actually light enough for my super fair skin, it helps to keep my oils at bay, and it also gives pretty nice coverage. I wore this foundation when I got married, and it lasted threw tears, laughing and just everything that day. When I run out of other foundations I have, I will no doubt repurchase this. 

My last favorite of November is the Pur Cosmetics Eye Polish in the shade Suede. I was very kindly sent the entire 6 shades that are available, but this shade in particular is just so beautiful. It's got some gold shimmer flecks all throughout, which made my hazel eyes pop. I do have one sort of downer with this, and that is I have to layer a shadow on top of these to help prevent creasing. If I wear them on their own, I get creasing within a couple hours, and that's with using a primer underneath. Other than that, I highly recommend trying these out. I do have a full review of the range here.   

What have you been loving this past month? 

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Review: RevivSerums TelomErase Serum

*Disclosure* I received this product complimentary from BrandBacker for review purposes. All opinions are 100% honest and my own, like always

Hey everyone! Today I'm going to be reviewing a product that sounded so interesting, and I was really excited when I was given 2 deluxe samples to try. The RevivSerums TelomErase Serum sounds like a miracle for the skin when you read the ingredient list and the claims it has. 

Here is some info of the product from the RevivSerums website: 

TelomErase Triple Telomere Targeting Serum is next-gen age-defying technology: a 6-in-1 multi-corrective that erases, tightens, brightens, blurs, moisturizes and regenerates. It contains the most powerful combination of new ingredients available to visibly reduce the appearance of sags & bags, dark circles, fine lines, sunspots, redness, pore size & laxity.

Here is a list of the key ingredients, and what they're for, also from their website:

CYCLOASTRAGENOL is a novel molecule isolated from the astragalus membranaceous root. This hard-to-source ingredient has been shown to have telomerase activation activity both in vivo and in vitro and has been shown to reverse visible signs of aging.

TELOSOMYL® is a unique ingredient enriched in linear galactans derived from a particular type of red algae, Kappaphycus alvarezii. TELOSOMYL when tested on pre-senescent human fibroblasts, significantly reduces stress-induced telomere shortening by 65%. In a confocal microscopy study, 75% of human test subjects received more than a 30% improvement in the appearance of the dermal matrix. In a fringe projection study, TELOSOMYL improved skin roughness in 79% of the test subjects, and improved skin volume in 67%.

RENOVAGE™ has clinically proven anti-aging effects by addressing telomere stabilization.  

PEPHA®-TIGHT is a unique natural tightening and firming active ingredient that delivers both a fast, instant tightening experience, and a superior long term skin firming effect.

EYESERYL®: A tetrapeptide with a recognized efficacy against puffy eyebags, Eyeseryl reduced eyebags in 70% of test volunteers after only 15 days, as well as decreased dark circles under the eyes by inhibiting vascular permeability. It can also provide a visible lifting action on sagging upper eyelids.

REGU®-AGE: is specially purified soy and rice peptides and yeast-derived superoxide dismutase. It has been shown to visibly reduce dark circles and eye puffiness, strengthen connective tissue, reduce inflammation and prevent UV damage.

aFGF (Recombinant Human acidic Fibroblast Growth Factor): This growth factor or cytokine helps stimulate skin stem cells to rejuvenate both the epidermal cells and the underlying fibroblast cells, which produce collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid. aFGF can help remove the appearance of pigmentation, improve complexion, reverse skin damage and tighten skin.

SYMSITIVE™ 1609 works as a fast-acting “anti-nerve hyper-activator” to calm over-reaction of hypersensitive skin, and help prevent stinging, burning & tingling. 

NANO-LIPOBELLE™ DN CoQ10: A supersaturated CoQ10 double phospholipid nano-emulsion, Nano-Lipobelle DN CoQ10 contains ultra-small particles of highly purified coenzyme Q10, tocopherol (vitamin E) and ascorbyl tetraisopalmitate (vitamin C), creating a liposome. Together, they ensure fast penetration into deeper skin layers to maintain activity & potency and become a potent moisturizer.

So basically, this serum is truly supposed to be a miracle for your skin. In my honest opinion, after using up both of the sample bottles I was given, I don't think it's a miracle, but it is a nice serum. I used the first bottle just at night, then used the second one at night and in the morning. I don't think that made a difference, though. Either way, my skin felt hydrated, soft and my pores definitely seemed to be smaller. I never used it under my eyes since they're super sensitive to what I put there. Overall, I am happy with what this did for my skin, but then again, I don't have wrinkles or sunspots. I'm not terribly happy with the price tag of this... 

A full sized 2 ounce bottle normally costs a whopping $300! I was given a coupon code for you guys to receive 10% off of the $149 introductory sale price, if you use the code TIGHT10, through December 31st. You can find the product here. 

Note: Because of patent restrictions, not to be sold or shipped to Japan. 

I don't know about you guys, but this stuff is incredibly expensive. I only had tiny samples to work with that only gave me about 2 weeks worth of use. I don't think I'd personally buy this myself, but if I had the money to spend, I might just to see if the full size is worth it.

What do you think of this serum? Does it sound like something you would try?

Review: PUR Cosmetics Eye Polishes

*Disclosure* I received these products complimentary  for review purposes. All opinions are 100% honest and my own, like always!

Hello everyone! I hope everyone here in the states who celebrate Thanksgiving had an awesome one! I know I did and I ate way too much food, which I'm ok with honestly. Today's post is going to be a review on the PUR Cosmetics Eye Polishes, which are said to be an eye base + top coat, and can be used as a standalone shadow. I was so excited when I got these in the mail and I couldn't wait to swatch them all!

Here is a description of the product from the PUR website:

Make your eyes pop in a blink! This eye primer and top coat’s pure pigment creates a crease-proof eye shadow base with a luminous metallic sheen. This eye-opening formula glides on with pro precision and builds with exceptional ease with the use of the enclosed Latex-free silicone applicator. Use alone as an iridescent cream shadow, under mineral eye shadows for visibly more vibrant color or over mineral shadow as a top coat to amplify color and add dimension to your eye look!  

The eye polishes come in little round pots that look like glass, but I'm pretty sure it's just really hard plastic, so hopefully there won't be any accidents. I completely forgot to take a picture of the inside of these, but there's a little mesh lining that holds the product in and a stopper type thing on the lid so it doesn't go everywhere. Design wise, they remind me of the Stila cheek colors. These colors though are just beautiful and perfect for any kind of look!

Here are swatches of the colors shown in order from the above picture:

Cashmere: shimmery champagne
Satin: sheer crystal pink
Suede: earthy seductive neutral (their description, not mine)
Silk: prism copper
Velvet: plush amethyst
Caviar: lavish black with gold karat flecks

These colors are just absolutely stunning, and the swatches are done in one single swipe. Talk about pigmentation! Each jar comes with its own little silicone applicator, but I use a brush specifically for cream shadows. That's just easier for me, but you may choose to use your fingers as well. I also personally wouldn't use this as a top coat for shadow, just as a base or alone. Since I have very oily eyelids, I do use an eyeshadow primer first, but you might not have to if you have normal or dry lids. I'm just so amazed with these colors, and they blend out nicely and look really incredible on the eye. 

They're a bit expensive at $26 per jar, but these will last you forever as long as you keep the lid tightly closed. I find them to be worth the price though, and I really hope they make more shades, especially some matte ones!

You can find these on the PUR website, Ulta and I believe Kohl's.

What do you think of these PUR Eye Polishes?

Review: Origins GinZing Energy-Boosting Moisturizer

Hi guys! Today's post is going to be a review of one of my favorite products from one of my favorite brands. I've loved Origins since I was a teenager, and have been a huge fan of their GinZing eye cream for a few years now. I recently switched moisturizers and started using their GinZing Energy-Boosting Moisturizer, and I feel it deserves its own review.

Here is some info on the product from the Sephora website:

What it is:
A facial cream that hydrates instantly to rev up radiance

What it is formulated to do:
This lightweight, oil-free facial cream is fortified with legendary skin-boosters like panax ginseng and coffee bean to jumpstart hydration levels. Lackluster-looking skin is rapidly refreshed and revitalized to create a healthy, vibrant glow

What it is formulated WITHOUT:
- Parabens
- Sulfates
- Phthalates  

What I love most about this moisturizer is how lightweight it feels. It truly is the epitome of a gel-cream moisturizer, and I'm a huge fan of those types of moisturizers with my typically oily skin. Now that the weather is really starting to cool down, I may eventually have to switch this out for something a little more heavy, but right now, it's perfect. It feels amazing on my skin, sinks in nicely, and leaves my skin glowy and feeling hydrated. Another thing I really love, is that this smells like a field of oranges. Seriously, every morning when I use this, I take a whiff of this and feel like I'm in heaven. I'm a fan of citrus scents, so if you don't care for that, then this won't be for you. Since using this moisturizer, I can tell my skin looks and feels so much better. It just looks like healthy, happy skin, which I'm always trying to achieve. With Winter approaching, I need all the help I can get, but this particular moisturizer just might not be enough for those really cold months. 

The 1.7 ounce jar will cost you just $27.50, which to me is a steal considering what this does for my skin, and you can purchase it pretty much anywhere. I purchased mine at a counter in Macy's, but they sell it at Sephora and other online retailers. You don't need alot either, and the amount that's on my hand in the above picture is all you need for your face and neck. I highly recommend this if you have oily, combination-oily or normal skin. Very dry skin types might not get enough hydration, and if you're combination-dry, it could be hit or miss. 

Have you tried this moisturizer before?

November 2015 Ipsy Bag

Hey guys! I finally received my Ipsy bag in the mail yesterday. Every month it seems to get here later and later, which is kind of annoying, but I'm glad it's here! Lets see what I got this month!

The theme this month is Beauty Blast, and the bag that the products come in is probably my favorite design since subscribing. I love anything galaxy themed and the color scheme is really nice too. 

The first product I received is the SLMissGlam Boutique Blusher Brush. The main reason I like this brush is because it's pink, but it's so stinking soft, I can't wait to use it! It seems a bit small for blush, so I may use it for highlighter or contouring, but I will try it for blush and see how I get along with it. 

The next product is the Coolway Stronghold Spray. It says you can use this either on dry or wet hair, but I don't really care for a product like this honestly. I don't use many spray type products in my hair unless it's a leave-in conditioner. I'll give it a shot sometime, but this is the product I'm most disappointed in getting. 

Next up is the ModelCo Highlighting Trio. Another not so great product for me since I have very oily skin. Cream or liquid highlighting products just don't go well with my skin so I tend to stay away from them. Maybe I can use them as cream eyeshadow bases instead. 

Then we have the Smashbox Full Exposure Mascara. I always love sample sizes of mascaras, and I don't believe I've ever tried this particular one. Smashbox has always been hit or miss with the products I've tried, so I'm hoping I like this. As far as I know, everyone received this mascara in their bags this month. 

The last product I received is the INSPR Beauty Eyeshadow in the shade Carnival. I think this is such a pretty taupe-y grey shade, and I'm pretty excited to try it out. I've never heard of this brand before, so it's nice to get something new to try. 

If you want to get your own Ipsy bag, you can do so via my referral link here! It's only $10 a month, plus shipping for some, and you get 4-5 deluxe sized samples of makeup, skincare, haircare etc. I'm divided on liking this month's bag, but usually they're pretty great for the price you pay!
 

Review: Arvazallia Advanced Color Care System

*Disclosure* I received this set complimentary from Tomoson for review. All opinions are 100% honest and my own, like always

Hey everyone! I had seen a couple reviews of the Arvazallia Rejuvenating Hair Mask, and when I was given the chance to try it along with the accompanying shampoo and conditioner, I was so excited! 

Here is some info on these products from Amazon:

Arvazallia Advanced Color Care System with Argan Oil and Macadamia oil is a premium hair care system designed for the unique hair care needs of color treated hair. The advanced proprietary formulas in each product is designed to protect and extend the life of hair coloring treatments while also preventing and repairing damage, dryness, and other issues associated with the application of hair color treatments. This 3-part system is made up of a specially formulated sulfate-free shampoo, conditioner, and deep conditioning hair mask that when used in combination will help you maintain vibrant long lasting color and will also instantly improve your hair's texture and manageability. Our exclusive MRV3 Complex formulation locks in moisture, repairs and prevents damage, and gives your hair added body and volume. Infused with Wheat Protein, Aloe Vera, Argan Oil, and Macadamia oil it also repairs, strengthens, and nourishes your hair with essential nutrients while also promoting natural hair growth. This system will Protect, Rejuvenate, and Beautify your hair. 

I had colored my hair the day before I received these products in the mail, so that was some perfect timing. I waited a few days before washing my hair, and when I did, some of the color did come out, but not as much as I normally notice. The Moisturizing Shampoo smells just incredible, and I'm assuming it's the mixture of Argan and Macadamia oils I'm smelling. For a shampoo that claims to be sulfate-free, this foams up alot more than I thought it would, which I'm actually happy about. This shampoo rinses out nicely and makes my hair feel really clean. The Restorative Conditioner is amazing as well and smells exactly like the shampoo. It's thick, but not so thick that it makes my hair feel greasy, and it also rinses out very well, but makes my hair feel very smooth. 

The Rejuvenating Hair Mask is the star of this set, in my opinion. It's very thick to me, which I tend to be a bit wary about because I have fine hair that gets greasy at the scalp with thick conditioners/masks. However, this makes my hair feel absolutely incredible! When I wash my hair with the Moisturizing Shampoo, I alternate between using the Restorative Conditioner and the Rejuvenating Hair Mask, which they recommend doing. I feel like this system is actually allowing me to go an extra day or 2 longer without having to wash my hair. Typically I wash my hair every other day, but I'm noticing I can go 3 to even 4 days without washing, and I could never do that before. I'm also very happy to say that the color in my hair is lasting very well and I am noticing a good amount of hair growth already. 

Overall, this whole Arvazallia Color Care System is outstanding. You can find it here on Amazon for just $39.99! That price is amazing for all you get here, and it will last you a very long time, especially the hair mask. My hair has never been softer and this manageable, probably ever. I always had such a hard time dealing with an oily scalp, but very dry ends, especially when I colored my hair, but this set has transformed it. I'm so tempted to buy this whole set again even though I have a ton of shampoo and conditioner to go through.

Does this shampoo/conditioner/hair mask set seem like something you would like?