February Empties!

Another great month of empties! I'm on a roll!

L to R: Dr. Scholl's Odour Destroyers All Day Deodorant Spray Powder, Secret Clinical Strength Clear Gel with Olay Beauty Anti-perspirant, GlamGlow ThirstyMud Hydrating Treatment

Dr. Scholl's Odour Destroyers All Day Deodorant Spray Powder: See review here. Have already repurchased!

Secret Clinical Strength Clear Gel with Olay Beauty Anti-perspirant: This is probably my favourite scent and formula from Secret! It just works! And this "Olay Beauty" scent is the most to my liking. Clean without powder!

GlamGlow ThirstyMud Hydrating Treatment: From this haul. I've been reading rave reviews about GlamGlow for a while now, and with my skin so parched I pulled this out and gave it a go! I got 2 uses out of this packet. This is not a typical mask and shouldn't be treated as such. This is more of a leave on treatment and is probably best to do before bed. I loved the scent of the mask, luxurious and delicious (seriously I considered eating it!), it smells of honey with sweet coffee and something else I can't quite put my finger on. Anyways, after using this treatment my dehydrated skin was soft and rehydrated for 2-3 days afterwards. I also liked how easy this was to use, put it on clean skin and just leave it on. Easy peasy! I will consider buying this once I'm through my mask / treatment hoard.

L to R: Clean & Clear Advantage Blackhead Eraser Scrub, Selection Organic Makeup Remover Pads, Bath & Body Works Peach Bellini Gentle Foaming Hand Soap

Clean & Clear Advantage Blackhead Eraser Scrub: There was nothing special about this facial scrub, it didn't "erase" my blackheads, and I didn't love the cream texture with the exfoliating beads. I prefer Neutrogena Acne Wash Pink Grapefruit. I will not repurchase.

Selection Organic Makeup Remover Pads: Standard no-name brand cotton pads. These are thinner than some, but still do a good job at toning and nail polish removal. Truth be told these are tied for third place cotton pads for me: first is an as yet reviewed Costco brand that will likely be in my March empties post, second is Quo, and tied for third with Selection is Compliments. They do the job and are cheap! Will repurchase if the first and second choices aren't available!

Bath & Body Works Peach Bellini Gentle Foaming Hand Soap: Love the subtle and lingering scent of this BBW soap! It's like fancier peaches! Also who doesn't love a peach bellini - they're pretty much the only decent item at Milestones! Well I like this formula, foaming hand soap doesn't do me any favours during the dry winter months, every time I wash my hands with these I feel the moisture sapped right out of them. I will repurchase, but only during Spring and Summer!

L to R: Buxom Lash Mascara, Orly Top2Bottom, nails inc. Stratford

Buxom Lash Mascara: Same as previous review here. This is from this haul, and I believe I now have no backups of this mascara. I will not repurchase and I will not use my Sephora Lashstash coupon to get the full-size.

Orly Top2Bottom: From this haul. This lasted me a looonnnggg time. And it's the teensiest cutest bottle. I used this primarily as a top coat. But it did a good job of drying quickly, not bubbling, and adding shine! If I didn't have 5 or 6 other bottles of top coat, I would repurchase. I need to use up at least 4 of those bottles before contemplating buying a top coat, so we'll see how this stacks up then!

nails inc. Stratford: From this haul. Sadly this is dried to the bone with no hope of salvaging (plus with 200+ nail polish, this one just isn't special enough to make a trip to a beauty supply outlet to buy nail polish thinner. Harsh but true). This looks more interesting in the bottle than on the nail. As you can see from the NOTD below, it's just a plain old gold on the nail:



Life is too short to keep dried out nail polish, so Stratford is getting the boot!

L to R: Secret Scent Expressions Antiperspirant Va-Va Vanilla, Smashbox Jet Set Waterproof Eye Liner in Vamp, Calvin Klein One

Secret Scent Expressions Antiperspirant Va-Va Vanilla: See review here. Probably won't repurchase.

Smashbox Jet Set Waterproof Eye Liner in Vamp: I bought this for $10 on sale at Sephora a few years ago. Sadly it's dried up and unusable now. It was a unique purpley brown with shimmer in it. It wasn't the creamy gel eye liner I've tried, but it was the most unique colour! I've come to the realization that I just don't reach for gel eye liners as often as my pencil eye liners, so I likely won't repurchase. If you are a gel eye liner aficionado I highly recommend this shade! Perfect for those with brown, green, or hazel eyes!

Calvin Klein One: I received this deluxe size fragrance for Christmas MANY years ago. It took probably more than 5 years to use up. This is why I like fragrance sets better than full-size bottles, fragrance lasts forever! Sephora lists the notes as bergamot, cardamom, fresh pineapple, papaya, jasmine, violet, rose, nutmeg, and musk. I interpret it as more of a citrus-y fresh fragrance. Really reminds me of Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue. I liked this well enough (even though it wasn't my typical sweet and fruity fragrance), but I have too many perfumes on the go to contemplate buying anything!

L to R: Stila Stay All Day 10-in-1 HD Illuminating Beauty Balm, Balea Defrizzing Hair Mask Mandarin & Grapefruit

Stila Stay All Day 10-in-1 HD Illuminating Beauty Balm: From this haul. First up, this is the only shade offered by Stila, and it isn't a one-size fits all situation. It worked nicely for me, and I liked the light coverage it provided, but those with medium or dark complexions would be out of luck. As I mentioned in January, my hoarding situation is out of control, so I will revisit whether or not to repurchase once I've used up 5 face products.

Balea Defrizzing Hair Mask Mandarin & Grapefruit: I bought this on a whim at a Shoppers trip a while back, and finally put it to use! I found this easier to use than I expected (although it's hard to rip open while you're soaking wet in the shower!). I didn't notice an immediate change in my hair - I'd say it's still as frizzy as normal. It smelled divine while I massaged it in - very citrusy and fragrant. The smell did stay while my hair dried naturally, however after blowdrying the scent was gone. Maybe I will venture out and try more hair masks after this one! Will not repurchase, but it's opened my mind to more hair care choices!

That makes the total count 7 full-size products, 5 deluxe-size products, and 2 foil packets! Another great month! Hopefully I can keep this up in March!

What products did you use up in March?

Thanks for reading!

Sephora Haul

Make up addicts will know that Sephora recently had a 15% sale for Beauty Insiders, VIB, and VIB Rouge Members. Not one to pass up a sale, here's what I hauled!

Top row L to R: Omorovicza Queen of Hungary Mist, Hourglass Immaculate Liquid Powder Foundation Mattifying Oil Free, Ole Henriksen Nurture Me Cleansing Cloths: Makeup Removing

Middle row L to R: Kat Von D Lock It Foundation, Sephora Collection Colorful Blush in Raspberry Sheen, Sephora Favourites Lash Stash To Go, Sephora Favourites Time to Prime

Bottom row L to R: Sephora Collection Glossy Gloss in Night Out, Sephora Collection Rouge Infusion Lip Stain in Red Essence, Sephora Collection Glossy Gloss in Berry Shake

This Sephora Collection Set is called the Berry Lip & Cheek Kit, and I thought it was a steal at $20! I have at least 2 other Sephora Collection blushes, and am always looking to expand my blush collection, I also have a Glossy Gloss from one of the lip kits and found it quite good, so I'm happy to have 3 new deeper lip colours!

Lash Stash To Go Top to Bottom: Josie Maran Argan Black Oil Mascara, Lancome Hypnose Drama Mascara, Tarte Lights, Camera, Flashes Mascara, Blinc Amplified Mascara, Too Face Better Than Sex Mascara

I love these mascara sets as you get 3 samples (which last me anywhere from 2-3 months) and a voucher for a free full-size mascara of your choice! Before purchasing this I already knew I liked the Lancome and the Tarte, so it's just a bonus to try out new mascaras! I will say the first one I've tried is the Too Faced, and I'm a bit disappointed, the volume and length wasn't the best I've seen on my lashes and by 5 pm I had raccoon eyes. Mind you the day I tested this was a long and exhausting day, so I will give it another shot!

Time to Prime L to R: Formula X Prime Base Coat, Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer, Smashbox 24 Hour Photo Finish Shadow Primer, Urban Decay Subversion Lash Primer, Bite Beauty Line & Define Primer, Living Proof Prime Style Extender

I was sold on the variety in this collection, a nail base (which I can always use more of!), a face primer, an eye shadow primer, a mascara primer, a lip primer, and a hair product! I'm particularly interested in trying out Hourglass (which I hear great things about), Bite (as anything that makes my lips look better I'm down with), and Urban Decay (who doesn't love a good lash primer?)

So that's what I picked up, I'm happy with the variety and having more new goodies to play around with!

Did you pick up anything from Sephora during their recent sale? If so what?

Thanks for reading!

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?

December 28 Haul

Back row L to R: Sephora Favorites Glitz and Glam, Tinsel Twinkle Perfection Sample Bag, Algenist Pore Corrector Anti-Aging Primer
Front row L to R: Kate Somerville ExfoliKate Intensive Exfoliating Treatment, Bond No. 9 I Love New York for All, Nails Inc. The After Party, and Boscia One Step Wonders

I'll start with the Sephora Favorites Glitz and Glam set, since it was the main reason for the purchase.

Lancôme Hypnose Star Mascara - always a favourite and wanted a backup
Too Faced 3-Way Lashlining Tool - definitely intriguing, and will let you know how it fares once I start using it

Urban Decay Moondust Eyeshadow in Space Cowboy - I was intrigued to try more UD eyeshadow, and thought this shade looked suitable for work.

Josie Maran Coconut Watercolor Cheek Gelee in Pink Escape - Since I've begun my foray into blush, I've been intrigued by cream or gel blush so I thought I'd give this a go. I love the shade, perfect for my pale skin tone and it's quite easy to blend so that you don't end up looking like a clown. Glad I picked this up!

Sephora False Eyelashes in Celebrity - I did end up gifting these, but I love how natural they look!

Stila Stay All Day 10-in-1 HD Illuminating Beauty Balm - I love BB creams, and will let you know how this offering from Stila works out!

NARS Larger Than Life Lipgloss in Gold Digger - Can't wait to try this out, such a pretty shimmery nude colour!

Nails Inc. Kensington Caviar Gel Effect Plumping Top Coat - You can never have too many top coats!

Nails Inc. The After Party includes: Disco Lane, Covent Garden Market, and Soho Street
I've been quite impressed with the Nails Inc. polish I've tried so far and this was $7 for 3 full size nail polish!

Bosica One Step Wonders includes: Luminizing Black Mask, Tsubaki Beauty Oil, and Bright White Mask
I redeemed 500 points for this set, and am glad I did! I'm really enjoying the beauty oil which isn't too oily that you can use both day and night!

Tinsel Twinkle Perfection back row L to R: Philosophy Living Grace, Sephora Age Defy Moisture Cream, Murad Blackhead and Pore Clearing Duo, Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector in Opal, Living Proof Prime Style Extender

Tinsel Twinkle Perfection front row L to R: Lancôme Hypnose Star Mascara, Smashbox Camera Ready CC Cream

Wow. Soo many pictures! More big hauls to come!

Thanks for reading!

September Empties

Used up more items this month! *Pat on the back* Without further ado, here are my thoughts on my empty products

Dove Damage Therapy Conditioner in Nectarine and White Ginger: I bought this at least 2 years ago (I'm not a regular conditioner user...bad I know).  I bought this more based on the scent than the actual claims.  My hair is actually pretty healthy and not in need of much damage control.  However, I loved the scent of this conditioner! So fruity and sweet, I even went out and bought the matching shampoo! This made my hair feel super soft, but I don't think it did much to deal with my frizzyness and puffiness (which it doesn't claim to help).  Still I will likely repurchase just based on how much I love the scent!

Softsoap Body Butter Strawberry Scrub: I bought this a year back in the hopes that it would exfoliate and moisturize my body in the shower.  The scent is okay, pretty much as it's described, however I did not find this very effective at exfoliating and it was too harsh to use in conjunction with shaving.  Therefore I will likely not repurchase this product.

L to R: Quo Brush Cleanser, Lancôme Bi-Facil Double-Action Eye Makeup Remover, Smashbox Camera Ready BB Cream in Light

Quo Brush Cleanser: I bought this last summer, and used this cleanser daily for my foundation brush and gel eyeliner brush, and as needed for my other less frequently used powder based brushes.  I thought this did a great job removing dirt and product from the brushes and it doesn't have a strong smell. I have already repurchased this in the bigger size and recommend any Canadian makeup lovers check this out at their local Shoppers

Lancôme Bi-Facil Double-Action Eye Makeup Remover: I received this deluxe sample in my Sephora ItKit order last year (that was one of the best promo codes ever!).  This is hands down the best makeup remover I've tried! Does a great job removing all makeup without too much scrubbing and it doesn't leave behind a greasy film.  I will likely repurchase this in the future (but at $35 I'll make sure there's a good GWP going on).

Smashbox Camera Ready BB Cream in Light: I received this sample free from Sephora's VIB week (haul here).  I got about 5 or 6 uses out of this packet (but I prefer a lighter foundation look, so others might have got less uses).  This was actually the right colour for my skin, and I liked the overall look of this BB Cream.  I also like that this offers SPF 35, with fair skin that burns easily this is a selling feature for me.  I'm not sure yet whether I'll purchase this since I'm looking at trying out a number of other BB Creams and tinted moisturizers before deciding, but I did like the way this looked and felt on my skin, so it is definitely a contender!

What products did you use up in September?

Thanks for reading!