December Empties!

Seeing as I missed (oops!) the November post, this empties is a bit super-sized!

Clean & Clear Makeup Dissolving Facial Cleansing Wipes Oil-Free: I've changed my tune on these wipes since this review. While I still like the Neutrogena wipes better (see below), these are reasonably effective and don't sting or leave oil behind. Will repurchase if in desperate need (ie when my hoard is wiped out) and these are on sale compared to the Neutrogena wipes.

Ducray Elution Shampoo: See review here. Literally the only way to keep my dandruff under control.

Bond No 9 I Love New York For All: From this haul. Sephora describes this fragrance as notes of bergamot, muguet, pepper, coco, coffee beans, creamy chestnut, patchouli, vanilla, leatherwood, and sandalwood. This is a unisex fragrance, and for me it's very obvious. It's muskier than something I would buy for myself, but I like the hint of vanilla and bergamot. However, I'm not a patchouli fan, or a sandalwood fan for that matter. Would not repurchase.

Revlon Colorstay Eyeliner in Black: This is an oldie. While I didn't technically use it up fully, the last time I sharpened it a huge chunk was caught in the built in sharpener, so I can no longer sharpen, and I know this is well over the recommended 2 year life (I've had this since high school at least). This was a reasonably creamy pencil, not as nice as my tarte or Urban Decay liners, but it did the job and didn't smudge. Will not repurchase because I have at least 9 other black eyeliners already on the go.

Neutrogena Make-Up Removing Cleansing Wipes Night Calming: Still my favourite make up wipe! See review here.

Cetaphil Acne Principles Gentle Foaming Cleanser: I prefer the Oily Skin Cleanser version to this one, as the foaming formula was a touch drying. Will not repurchase but will stick to the original!

Bath and Body Works Watermelon Lemonade Deep Cleansing Hand Soap: BBW describes the fragrance as watermelon and freshly squeezed Meyer lemon. Love! Perfect for summer! Would definitely repurchase, and I love this formula which is more forgiving on dry hands than a foaming formula.

Ducray Squanorm Shampoo: See review here. Still love!

What products did you use up in 2015?

Thanks for reading!

October Empties!

Another month, and more empties! I did well this month with 4 full size products used up!

L to R: Cetaphil Fragrance Free Moisturizing Lotion, Aveeno Positively Nourishing Shine Conditioner

Cetaphil Fragrance Free Moisturizing Lotion: This is a very old product, I believe Cetaphil packaging has changed twice since this bottle. This is run-of-the-mill moisturizer, I used this primarily on my legs when they got dry. It does the job, but is nothing special. I prefer fragranced moisturizers, so it's unlikely I'll repurchase.

Aveeno Positively Nourishing Shine Conditioner: from this haul. I liked this conditioner, but it is by no means my favourite. It does the job of detangling hair, I don't know that it really added more shine, and it was the basic Aveeno fragrance. Unlikely to repurchase.

L to R: Bath & Body Works Anti-Bacterial Hand Gel in Mad About You, Neutrogena Make-Up Removing Cleansing Wipes Night Calming, Givenchy Very Irresistible

Bath & Body Works Anti-Bacterial Hand Gel in Mad About You: BBW describes the fragrance as soft peonies & black currant with creamy vanilla musk. I would say this is a floral fragrance with hints of vanilla, I like it! Also, BBW has my favourite formula of antibacterial gels, plus like a million scents to choose from! I would definitely repurchase, but half the fun is trying new scents!

Neutrogena Make-Up Removing Cleansing Wipes Night Calming: I like these wipes better than the Neutrogena basic ones! Love the gentle calming scent which in no way irritates my eyes! Effective and calming! Perfect step at removing make-up before bed (or before shower on non-lazy days!) Will always repurchase!

Givenchy Very Irresistible: from this haul. Sephora lists the notes of this fragrance as; centifolia rose, peony rose, fantasia rose, passion rose, emotion rose, verbena leaf, and star anise. While this is a floral fragrance (who knew about all the different rose scents?), I don't mind this one. While I wouldn't purchase for myself (since I have about 5 full-size perfumes on the go right now), it is a nice floral fragrance without any powder hints that I don't mind!

What products did you finish up in October?

Thanks for reading!

July Empties!

This month I had a good number of full-size items I finished up!

L to R: Degree Clinical Protection Stress Control Anti-perspirant, Neutrogena All-in-One Makeup Removing Cleansing Wipes

Degree Clinical Protection Stress Control Anti-perspirant: I still like Secret Clinical strength better, but I keep branching out and trying new deodorants! Will not repurchase

Neutrogena All-in-One Makeup Removing Cleansing Wipes: See review here. Still love and will continue to repurchase!

Cetaphil Oily Skin Cleanser: See review here. Still love! I will repurchase eventually but I have a big backlog of cleansers to get through first!

L to R: ROC Soft Smoothing Scrub, Aveeno Revitalize Shampoo

ROC Soft Smoothing Scrub: From this haul. I found this scrub to be more creamy than I expected, and less effective at scrubbing. I personally prefer Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash as my facial scrub of choice. Great in the winter when I felt my dry skin needed some additional moisture. Will not repurchase.

Aveeno Revitalize Shampoo: See review here. Still enjoy, but not my favourite by any means.

L to R: Secret Clinical Smooth Solid Anti-perspirant Light and Fresh, Laura Mercier Face Polish

Secret Clinical Smooth Solid Anti-perspirant Light and Fresh: Pretty much the same as the Waterproof review.

Laura Mercier Face Polish: From this haul. This foil packet got me 3 uses of the face polish. I actually really liked how luxurious it felt. Luckily I have another foil packet and a deluxe size sample to test out before determining if I'll buy.

What did you use up in July? Any new favs?

Johnson & Johnson Haul!

I'm back with another J&J haul! Excited to try out these products!

L to R: Clean & Clear Night Relaxing All-in-One Cleansing Wipes, Neutrogena Healthy Skin CC Cream in Fair to Light, Korres Greek Yoghurt Nourishing Primer, Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash, Clean & Clear Morning Burst Hydrating Facial Cleanser

I'm waiting to finish up my current on-the-go tinted moisturizers, primers, and face washes, but have already started using these makeup removing wipes and love them!

Have you picked up any drugstore basics recently?

Thanks for reading!

January Empties!

Hey readers! Sorry I've been away from the blog, I've been sick with an awful cold, but I'm all better now, so I'll fill you in on the products I used up in January!

L to R: Neutrogena All-in-One Make-up Removing Cleansing Wipes, DKNY Be Delicious Skin, Dove Nectarine and White Ginger Scent Anti-perspirant

Neutrogena All-in-One Make-up Removing Cleansing Wipes: Same as the review in April Empties. I will continue to buy these!

DKNY Be Delicious Skin: From this haul. I love how crisp and refreshing this scent is! I definitely get notes of apple, cucumber, grapefruit, with some floral hints my nose isn't the greatest at identifying. I would maybe even buy this fragrance, as it's different from everything I own and I find it a perfect spring/summer fragrance!

Dove Nectarine and White Ginger Scent Anti-perspirant: This wasn't exactly finished, but the solid broke off the bottle and stuck in the cap, making it extremely messy to apply. I love the scent of this, but unfortunately it just isn't effective enough as an anti-perspirant for me to buy again.

L to R: Aveeno Ultra Calming Gentle Make-up Removing Wipes, Bath and Body Works Anti Bacterial Hand Gel Paris Amour

Aveeno Ultra Calming Gentle Make-up Removing Wipes: These are just as effective as the Neutrogena wipes above, but they have more of an herbal/floral scent (probably from the feverfew advertised as being included). I like this packaging better than the Neutrogena packaging, as it keeps the wipes moist throughout their life (I find Neutrogena wipes are drier the farther into the package you get). However, with that moistness I have noticed that these did slightly irritate my eyes when the liquid would get into them. I will repurchase these when they're on sale.

Bath and Body Works Anti Bacterial Hand Gel Paris Amour: BBW describes this as French tulips with pink champagne. I don't know that that's what my nose picks up, as I would've guessed there were some fruityness in there. Doesn't matter, because I love this scent! And these are the cutest hand sanitizers! Will always repurchase!

L to R: Revlon Multi Care Base+Top Coat, Origins GinZing Energy Boosting Moisturizer

Revlon Multi Care Base+Top Coat: Finally! If you've been following my blog since the beginning, you'll recognize this as being in most NOTDs. There is a bit at the bottom, but it's too tiresome to try to get it out. And this is effective as neither a base or top coat, so I'm happy to move onto better products. This didn't prevent my nails from staining the way that butter London Nail Foundation does, and I found this top coat dragged on my nails causing lumpiness. Also, this took FOREVER to dry - who has time for that? Will not repurchase.

Origins GinZing Energy Boosting Moisturizer: From this haul. This sample got me 3 uses of this moisturizer on my face. I like the fresh citrusy scent and how hydrating it was! I liked this enough to buy the full size!

Whew. Lots of empties! What products did you use up in January?

Thanks for reading!

November Empties!

Nothing too exciting in this month's empties, but at least I freed up some space for all the orders I've placed! Black Friday was tempting for me, and I'll be sharing what I bought when they arrive!

But for now here are my empties!

L to R: Neutrogena All-in-One Make-up Removing Cleansing Wipes, Secret Clinical Invisible Solid Anti-perspirant in Completely Clean, Compliments Premiere Quality Cotton Pads

Neutrogena All-in-One Make-up Removing Cleansing Wipes: Yup, I'm still using these Neutrogena wipes! Review is same as April Empties.

Secret Clinical Invisible Solid Anti-Perspirant in Completely Clean: Review is same as September Empties.

Compliments Premiere Quality Cotton Pads: Review is same as May Empties.

KIT Strengthening Nail Polish Remover: This is quite possibly the worst nail polish remover I've EVER tried. Yes. Ever! For average creme finish nail polish I would have to use up about 6 or 7 soaked cotton pads in order to remove the polish. I don't have time for that. I won't even tell you how long this product took to remove glitter and foil polish! NEVER AGAIN!

L to R: Dermadoctor KP Duty Dermatologist Body Scrub, Bath & Body Works Anti-Bacterial Moisturizing Hand Lotion in White Citrus

Dermadoctor KP Duty Dermatologist Body Scrub: I received this foil from a Sephora purchase. This exfoliating scrub is best applied to dry skin and is supposed to treat red bumps. I used this packet on the top quarter of my arms where I suffer from red bumps as well as all over my legs which are dry due to the winter conditions and I'm prone to ingrown hairs. No immediate improvement upon this one usage, but I could feel the beads working and don't think this is the worst exfoliant I've ever used.

Bath & Body Works Anti-Bacterial Moisturizing Hand Lotion in White Citrus: Unfortunately BBW no longer makes this moisturizing anti-bacterial, because these are life savers in the winter! During the winter months I'll use this as a substitute for my usual BBW anti-bacterial gel. The scent isn't my favourite, a bit too floral for my nose, but if BBW brought these back I would definitely purchase more!

What products did you use up in November?

May Empties

Better late than never!

Here's what I used up in May:

Neutrogena All-in-One Make-up Removing Cleansing Wipes: From this haul. Same as my review in April Empties.

Tarte Lights, Camera, Lashes! Mascara: From this haul. I really liked this mascara, it wasn't clumpy, felt soft on my eyelashes and delivered volume and length! It also didn't smudge or cause raccoon eyes! As I have a larger sample size, I'm going to get through that before I determine if I will be repurchasing.

 

Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue: From this haul. Sephora describes the fragrance as the following: "Sicilian citron, bluebell, granny smith apple, jasmine sambac, bamboo, white rose, cedarwood, amber, musk". I'd describe it as a citrusy, light, fresh scent, perfect for summer! Reading the description above I wouldn't have guessed I'd like this fragrance as much as I did. Very fresh and refreshing, I wear this on mornings when I'm looking for lightness in my day! Since I have loads of perfume samples + full-size bottles to get through, I'm not sure if I'll purchase this one, but I will definitely keep it in mind!

 

Sensodyne Whitening plus Tartar Fighting Toothpaste: It does the job, but it isn't my favourite toothpaste, the flavour of the Pro-namel is much nicer in my opinion. I will not be repurchasing.

 

 

Caramel & brown sugar Body & Shower Gel: The last of the no-name body washes! This scent was perfect for fall, very sweet smelling! As I've said before these shower gels are nothing special and I won't be repurchasing.



Ducray Squanorm Shampoo: See review here. This is the best anti-dandruff shampoo I've tried! Have already repurchased.

Bath & Body Works Sugar Plum Dream Anti-Bacterial Hand Gel: I love BBW's hand sanitizers, and this scent was awesome! I really like this and will consider repurchasing at Christmastime!

Aveeno Positively Nourishing Moisturize Shampoo: From this haul. I really love how soft my hair is after using this shampoo! My hair feels silky, soft, and light! I really enjoying using this shampoo when I'm alternating between Squanorm and Elution. I have a back-up, but will definitely considering repurchasing!

Thanks for reading!

April Empties!

April wasn't my best month for empties, but you'll be surprised by the theme I think!

L to R: Ducray Squanorm Shampoo, Secret Clinical Strength Anti-perspirant in Ooh-la-la Lavender

Ducray Squanorm Shampoo: same as the last time, see review here. Still a fav! Have already repurchased!

Secret Clinical Strength Anti-perspirant in Ooh-la-la Lavender: similar review to here, however I enjoy this scent more than the regular scent!

Neutrogena All-in-One Make-up Removing Cleansing Wipes: I love these wipes for those nights when I just want to get into bed as fast as possible! These are fast, effective, and gentle! These are my favourite make-up removing wipes, however they aren't quite as good as Lancôme Bi-Facil, which is my HG eye make-up remover. I also love the Nighttime version of these!

Dove Damage Therapy Shampoo in Nectarine and White Ginger: I love this scent! I also feel like this shampoo didn't completely strip my hair clean (in a good way, my hair was softer after using this shampoo than other shampoos). Although my hair isn't damaged, I really enjoyed this shampoo and will likely repurchase it in the future!

So there you have it, my 4 empties from April (at least they're all full-size)!

What products did you use up in April?

February Empties

I think I did pretty well with this month's empties!

L to R: Too Faced Primed & Poreless Primer, Compliments Premiere Quality Cotton Pads, Smashbox Hyperlash Mascara, Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash Pink Grapefruit Foaming Scrub

Too Faced Primed & Poreless Primer: This was my first ever redemption of points at Sephora. I was really pleased with this primer, I feel it does help reduce the appear of pores and it left my face feeling super smooth. This is one of my fav primers I've tried so far!

Compliments Premiere Quality Cotton Pads: See review here, my feelings have not changed.

Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash Pink Grapefruit Foaming Scrub: See review here, the only change is that I do not have a back up on hand as I'm giving a few other exfoliants a try and will let you know how those measure up against this one.

Smashbox Hyperlash Mascara in Blackout: I purchased this as part of the Smashbox Try It Kit (which is still available for purchase at Sephora and Shoppers Drugmart), I found this did a good job adding volume to my lashes without the clumps. This isn't the best mascara I've ever tried, and at $25 I'd rather stick with Lancôme Hypnose Star Mascara.

Compliments Nail Polish Remover: All my NOTDs have helped me finish this bottle of polish remover (purchased in April) off. This was quite effective at removing nail polish (even glitter), however my nails have weakened noticeably from the heavy use of this remover (since it's acetone-based). So I'm trying my hand out (haha) at a few other non-acetone removers.

L to R: Make Up For Ever HD High Definition Primer, Philosophy Hope in a Jar High-Performance Moisturizer for all skin types

Make Up For Ever HD High Definition Primer: I received this as a free sample with a Sephora order back in December 2012 (yikes, more proof I need to get going on these empties posts!) Because of the small size of the foil packet this isn't the most informed review. I felt this primer was more similar to a moisturizer than the other primers I've used (so it felt fantastic) and I do honestly think my foundation lasted longer with this underneath it, however I think I overall like the Too Faced product better. Will not repurchase.

Philosophy Hope in a Jar High-Performance Moisturizer for all skin types: I received this as part of a gift with purchase from this haul. Although I liked the way this moisturizer felt, the smell of the moisturizer (others have likened it to smelly socks) is a bit of a turn off for me. Will not repurchase.

What products did you use up in February?

November Empties

This month was better for me for empties, and I have a feeling December will be even better!

L to R: Ducray Squanorm Shampoo, Secret Clinical Strength Waterproof Anti-Perspirant

Ducray Squanorm Shampoo: same as last time (see review here), still a fav! Have already repurchased!

Secret Clinical Stength Waterproof Anti-Perspirant: same as last time (see review here), still a fav! Have already repurchased!

Rexall 125 Quilted Round Cosmetic Pads: these are some of the worst cotton pads I've used in a while.  Really fluff, get caught everywhere, and aren't even strong enough to withstand removal of glitter nail polish.  Will not repurchase!

L to R: Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash Pink Grapefruit Foaming Scrub, Chocolate Chip Cookie Bath & Shower Gel, Lancôme Hypnose Star Mascara in Black

Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash Pink Grapefruit Foaming Scrub: This is my fav facial scrub I've tried, I love the citrus scent, and the price is very reasonable! I use this 3 to 4 times a week to slough off dead skin on my face, and I think it does a great job exfoliating! I still have a backup of this but will definitely repurchase again!

Chocolate Chip Cookie Bath & Shower Gel: this is a no-name brand shower gel that came in a set of 5 other fall-themed scents that I received as a gift.  There is a reason there's no name-brand here, this shower gel hardly lathers at all although the scent is dead-on. Even if I could repurchase I would not.

Lancôme Hypnose Star Mascara in Black: I received this deluxe sample of the mascara in my Sephora It Kit last December, this bottle lasted me a long time, definitely loaded with product! I do really like this mascara, but I'm not sure if I would spend > $25 on a mascara.  I have already accumulated 2 backups of the sample size, so I'm set for a while!

What products did you use up in November?

Thanks for reading!

Johnson & Johnson Haul!

I'm lucky enough to have a family member working at Johnson & Johnson who can get me discounted products, so without further ado here's my pretty massive J&J haul!

Back row L to R: Band-Aid Advanced Healing Blister Cushions, ROC Repairing Lip Care, Benadryl Nighttime, Reactine Extra Strength, Polysporin Daily Lip Care

Middle row L to R: Aveeno Intense Relief Hand Cream, ROC Soft Smoothing Scrub, ROC Double Action Eye Make-up Remover, Aveeno Positively Nourishing Moisturize Shampoo, Aveeno Positively Nourishing Shine Conditioner, Neutrogena All-in-One Make-up Removing Cleansing Wipes (x2)

Front row L to R: Tylenol Cold Daytime, Tylenol Cold Nighttime, Benadryl Allergy, Clean & Clear Splash Wildberry & Guava Morning Burst Body Wash, Johnson's Baby Shampoo

So I haven't had a chance to try everything here so far, but I do have some favs among them!

ROC Repairing Lip Care: this is a repurchase, and one of my favourite lip balms on the market! I just wish it was scented!

Aveeno Positively Nourishing Moisturize Shampoo: I actually have oily hair so I was a bit scared of this one. OMG, my hair has never felt softer! Even without any conditioner! This also helped calm my irritated scalp, so even more points!

Neutrogena All-in-One Make-up Removing Cleansing Wipes: I've bought these before, easy to use on those nights you're in a rush and also feel soothing to the skin!

Johnson's Baby Shampoo: I bought this to use as a brush cleaner substitute, and I loved the results I got! Lots of foam and helped soften my make-up brushes! Not to mention I think this did a better job cleaning my brushes than other brush cleaners I've tried in the past!

Have you tried any of these products? Have any recommendations for J&J brand products I should try?

Thanks for reading!