Monthly Empties: July 2015 #365DaysOfEmpties

Monthly Empties: July 2015
#365DaysOfEmpties ~ The Wonky Brow

We are more than half way through the year, and that means I am more than half way towards the end of #365DaysOfEmpties!!! I went through a lot of "basics" this month. It's funny how everything tends to run out at the same time... Well, it's funny until you have to replace it all. ;-) 

• Product(s) I will miss the most: Seche Vite Top Coat (#210). I LOVE this top coat. But I have three other top coats on my nail polish rack that I need to use up before I repurchase this one. It's gonna be a struggle. Also, the Pond's Luminous Clean Wet Cleansing Towlettes (#205). These are my favorite face wipes, EVER. But I want to use actual face cleansers and not wipes, since wipes aren't all that great for your skin.
• Product(s) I cannot live/survive/breathe without and have already repurchased: My Clarisonic Sensitive Skin Brush Head (#182), my Sonicare Toothbrush Head (#183), the Sephora Daily Brush Cleaner(#203), and my Clearcare Contact Solution (#204). Must. Have. These. Always. Period.
• Product(s) that will eventually be repurchased: The CVS Premium Cotton Rounds. Although the Walgreens Premium Rounds are just as good. I'll take either of them.
• Sample(s) that made me want the full size: BioRepublic Sheet Masks (#193-195). OMG. I loveeeeed these. They are the first sheet masks that I have tried that have been cut so that they actually will fit ANY face! And they are really saturated with product. Also, the Garnier Clean+ Makeup Removing Cleansing Lotion (#198). I gotta say, Garnier has got this makeup cleansing remover stuff down. I also love the oil they make. 
• Product(s) that disappointed me the most: NYX eyeshadow in Atlantic (#212). Because it's always disappointing when a powder product breaks. But I have learned that I do not like when powders are repressed, and so I must let this one go... Also, the Cynthia Rowley Brightening Illuminator (#200). This was too pink, liquidy, and thin. Meh.
• Product you couldn't pay me to (re)purchase. EVER.: .em by Michelle Phan Lengthening Mascara (#191). This did lengthen my lashes. But It also made it look like I only had 5 super long lashes on each eye. I'd rather have medium length lashes that look voluminous, thankyouverymuch. And the Alterna Caviar Anti-Aging Dry Shampoo (#208). OMG. This deluxe size sample took me a lifetime to use up. And I don't think it was that good! It didn't really help absorb the little amount of oil my hair had. AND it left a white cast if I wasn't careful. No Bueno.

That's all I've got for you! Don't forget to follow along on Instagram to see my empties daily!!! What have you used up in July? Let me know!!!

Monthly Empties: June 2015 #365DaysOfEmpties

Monthly Empties: June 2015
#365DaysofEmpties

We've made it through another month of empties!!! Whooooohoooo!!! Here's what I've got for you this month:

• Product(s) I will miss the most: Urban Decay's All Nighter Setting Spray (#173). I absolutely love this stuff. It really helps my makeup LAST. But I can't repurchase it yet because I have the L'oreal Infallible Setting Spray and a Skindinavia Setting Spray to work through first. 
• Product(s) I cannot live/survive/breathe without and have already repurchased: There is not a single product this month that falls into this category. I'm shocked.
• Product(s) that will eventually be repurchased: Rimmel's ScandalEyes Waterproof Eyeliner in Black (#178). This is good stuff. Good drugstore stuff. If I ever use up my eyeliner pencils, this is one I'd repurchase. Also, E.L.F.'s Clear Lash and Brow Gel (#176). For $2, you can't beat it. But I do want to try some other versions first...
• Sample(s) that made me want the full size: Elizabeth and James Nirvana Black (#169). OMG. I loveeeee this scent. But only the Black version, not the White. lol. 
• Product(s) that disappointed me the most: Philosophy's Miracle Worker Anti-Aging Eye Repair (#157). This. Did. NOTHING. #Fail. It is a very silicone-y product, and I think that's how it fills in your fine lines... Not by actually repairing your skin from inside-out. And Ole Henriksen Truth To Go Wipes (#181). Ummmmm... No. These are so basic and way to expensive. I'm glad they are gone and IF I ever want to purchase any facial wipes again (at the moment I have no intention of doing so), I'll stick with the Ponds in the pink package from the drugstore, thankyouverymuch.
• Product you couldn't pay me to (re)purchase. EVER.: Bath and Body Works Wallflowers (#164-166). I'm just done with these. A few more to go and then never again... They are to hit-and-miss for me. I need more dependability in a room fragrance with four kids, a dog, and a turtle... And a boyfriend. lol. And lastly, the Harvey Prince Sea Salt Texturizing Spray (#154). This was not good for my dry hair. It definitely dried it out even more and so I prefer the Redken version. Which I love. And it smells better too.

That's all I've got for you! What have you used up in June? Let me know!!!

Monthly Empties: May 2015 #365DaysOfEmpties

Monthly Empties: May 2015

Guess what today is!?!?!?! The last day of school for the kiddos!!! Guess what else today is!?!?!?! It's my BIRTHDAY! Yep, it's the 11th Anniversary of my 21st Birthday. ;-) But guess what ELSE today is!?!?!?! It's Empties Day!!!!!! Check 'em out below:

• Product(s) I will miss the most: I really liked the Sephora Nano Lip Liner in Native Nude (#121). But it looks like they reformulated/repackaged these lip liners (and increased the price from $5 to $6) and they no longer carry this shade. Also, the Color Club Nail Polish in London Calling (#131). This shade was a Birchbox exclusive I received the first time I was subscribed to them about two years ago. It's an amazing neon green. But you can only purchase it from the Birchbox shop in a four pack with three other colors, and I'm just not interested.
• Product(s) I cannot live/survive/breathe without and have already repurchased: The Body Shop Pink Grapefruit Shower Gel (#150). O.M.G. This is one of the MOST refreshingly scented body washes I have ever, I mean EVER, used. I love it. It literally wakes me up in the morning. I have the larger bottle waiting to be used...
• Product(s) that will eventually be repurchased: Honestly, nothing in this batch sticks out to me. Possibly Benefit's Porefessional (#146)... IF I ever used up all 832 other primer samples I have. Also, the Bath and Body Works Wallflowers (#128-130). Though they really aren't impressing me and I might have to switch to something else once I use up what I have. Any suggestions???
• Sample(s) that made me want the full size: The Perfectly Posh BFF Best Face Forever Exfoliating Fash Wash, MFEO Mint For Each Other Body Scrub, and The Stripper Detox Body Mud (#151). These samples seriously piqued my interest. The Mint Scrub had such a good scent and was just the right amount of gritty for me. The Stripper Mask, ohhhhh that mask... It tingles. And we aren't talking "GlamGlow" tingle... It's a legit burning sensation. So if you have sensitive skin, skip this, it's not for you. But if you can handle the burn, try this stuff out. My skin felt squeaky clean after using it and I definitely think it helped pull some impurities to the surface. And the Klorane Smoothing and Relaxing Patches (#137). I really enjoyed these. I don't know that they made a difference in brightening my under eye area, but they definitely soothed, softened, moisturized, and refreshed. I really enjoyed these.
• Product(s) that disappointed me the most: The L'Occitane Amande Supple Skin Oil (#125). Yup, I said it. I do not like L'Occitane. But not because their products aren't good. But because I CANNOT STAND THE WAY THEY SMELL. ErrrrMaaaaGerrrrrd. It's so bad. I can't do it. And the worst part is, everything, I mean EVERYTHING else about this oil was amazing. It absorbed so well into the skin. It didn't leave a greasy residue. It made my skin feel amazingly soft. It was soooooo good. Except I smelled like the granny who still perms her hair, has a house full of moth balls, and always tries to feed you stale cookies. IJS. So disappointing. Also, Essie's Romper Room (#139) One of the worst formulations of Essie polish I have tried. But a great color. Too bad.
• Product you couldn't pay me to (re)purchase. EVER.: Cotton Balls (#147). Any cotton ball. The fuzz they leave behind makes me angry. Seriously. It's so infuriating when trying to polish your nails and you constantly have to pull little "fuzzies" out of the polish. No More. I refuse.

So that was my May Round Up for you guys. Have you had any similar experiences? Let me know! Don't forget to follow me on Instagram for daily updates on my #365DaysOfEmpties and sooooo much more! Also, don't forget to enter my Giveaway for reaching 500+ followers on IG! Check it out here!

Monthly Empties: April 2015 #365DaysofEmpties

It's that time againnnnn! Here is my roundup for April's EMPTIES!...

• Product(s) I will miss the most: The ItCosmetics My Sculpted Face palette. I have used and loved this contour palette for years. It was the contour palette that came before all other contour palettes. However, though I have love (and destroyed) this product, I want to try new things. Anastasia Contour Kit here I come.......
• Product(s) I cannot live/survive/breathe without and have already repurchased: Clear Care Contact Solution. I won't start the lecture, but this is a necessity to life. Period.
• Product(s) that will eventually be repurchased: Clarins Multi Active Day Cream and Serum. I have loved all the Clarins products that I've tried. 
• Sample(s) that made me want the full size: Elizabeth & James Nirvana White. Mmmmmmm. The Josie Maran Argan Exfoliating Cleansing Powder. I would purchase this... If I hadn't just purchased the Bliss Micro Magic. For now this will have to wait. And the Wax Melt samples from my girl Erica (@Ericasells on IG). Check out her Etsy shop HERE.
• Product(s) that disappointed me the most: The Whish Blueberry Shave Cream. That was such a disaster. I wanted to love this product. It smelled amazing... Until it touched my skin. And then it all went down hill. The scent changed on my skin. And it was bad. This product is a true CREAM and does not foam or lather. I couldn't get the hang of shaving with this stuff. I used the entire tube in one use because it just didn't feel like I had enough on my legs. And it clumped up in the razor's blades. NO BUENO.
• Product you couldn't pay me to (re)purchase. EVER.: Those Dollar Tree Cotton Swabs. Let's just say no wonder they were $1.

Well another month has come and gone and I'm still going strong with my empties project. Don't forget to follow me on Instagram (@the_wonky_brow) for #365DaysofEmpties!!! xoxoxo

Trash Talk!!! September Empties

Yes, yes... It's that time of month again. And for once I'm (relatively) on time!!! I didn't have a ton of empties this month... However, there were eight products I thought warranted a mention, good and bad.

Beauty Protector Protect and Detangle. So this is a product I originally loved, and grew to dislike. Once upon a time, I received a sample size of this in a Birchbox, and I fell in love... with the scent. OMG, sosososososo good. When this is in your hair, you smell like a bakery treat. So I bought the full size. Only to realize that this does absolutely nothing to help my hair (It claims to smooth, moisturize, detangle, protect from heat and UV-rays, minimize frizz, safeguard color, and add shine. Uh, no.). I ended up using this on my boyfriend's daughter as a detangler since she also LOVED the scent. If it wasn't $22 I'd buy it again just for her. But that's a weeee bit pricey for a kid's detangler.

L'oreal Voluminous Butterfly Mascara. Another love/hate product for me- due to my own error. Honestly, this would've been a favorite mascara... Butttt I accidentally didn't buy the waterproof version (a necessity for my lashes) and so by the end of the day, this mascara was everywhere but on my lashes. The best part about it was the brush. I love the lil' "butterfly" wing to it, it's great at separating my outer lashes which tend to clump together. All in all, I'd try this again... As long as it's WATERPROOF.

Sally Hansen Salon Effects Nail Polish Strips. What's great about these is that they can be found everywhere (Walgreens, CVS, Target, Walmart, Ulta...Etc.) and they have a great selection with trendy/animal prints, geometric patterns, and french manicures. And for the price they aren't too bad. But I have two issues with these. 1. They don't last. For me, they chipped very easily and in some instances peeled right off. 2. You can't use a few at a time for accent nails. I mean you can, but then you'd be wasting the rest of them, because once you open the sealed package that they come in they "dry out" and lose their "stick". No bueno. I'll stick with my Jamberry Nail Wraps (review here). They are more expensive, but  are worth EVERY PENNY.

Bare Minerals Deep Cleansing Foam. This claims to be a "non-drying" cleanser, but after each use my face always felt a little toooo tight. Considering I have dry skin to begin with, it just didn't work for me. That being said, this stuffed foamed up like a champ. You only need a tiny bit. It'll last you forever. If you like foamy cleansers and don't have dry skin, check this one out.

Blue Diamond Blueberry Almonds. Yummmm... Go find these. Try them. And then let me know how much you love them too (In fact, try the coconut flavor too, while you're at it. Trust me, you WON'T regret it.).

Guerlain Lingerie De Peau Invisible Skin Foundation. This is the second sample I've gotten (and used up) from Sephora. I love this foundation. But it carries a hefty price tag... Cough$61CoughCough. It looks so natural and I know it'll be worth the money, but I need to use up what I already have first... Or at least I need to try to use up what I have first. ;-) #makeupjunkieproblems #thestruggleisreal

MAC Viva Glam V

MAC Viva Glam V. Love this lipstick. Great everyday neutral pink shade. Every girl should own this one and it should be a staple in their makeup routine.

Skyn Iceland Fresh Start Mask. This was an interesting mask. I received it in an Ipsy bag a while back and finally got around to using it. It's a two step mask. Step one, you put the clay in an even layer all over your face. Step two, you place the activating gel on top of the mud and gently massage in circular motions. When the two products combine they start to effervesce and you get a warm, tingly sensation. You leave it on for 10 minutes, rinse, and voilà! Fresh, smooth skin. I truly enjoyed this mask. My one suggestion is to do this before showering so that you can rinse it off easier.

Thanks for journeying through my trash with me once again!!! Let me know if you used any of the products mentioned and what your thoughts were! Until next time... 

P.S. I'm thinking about doing a blog sale. I have a ton of makeup I either haven't used or just grew out of. So look for that in the near future!

Trash Talk! August Empties...

Another month, Another pile of trash... Let's just jump right in...

Bath and Body Works Villa Bergamot three wick candle. It's one of those scents that comes and goes with all their different sales. I'm sure it will be back, and when it is, you NEED to check it out. It smells delicious. It smells like... Man. I said that to The Boyfriend and he looked at me like I was crazy. But once you go smell it, you'll understand. Hempz Vanilla Plum body lotion. I loved this lotion. It just smelled nice. Not overwhelming. Just Nice. And the lotion it's self was great. Not too thick, not too thin. It was juuuuust right. (I sound like Goldilocks). It blends right into the skin and it moisturizes. I'm sad it's gone and I would definitely buy it again... Once I've run out of the hundred-slight exaggeration-or so other body lotions I have. European Wax Center's The Exfoliate. Ok. Soooo... I go every month to EWC for my wax. And every month they try and sell me products. You'd think after almost two years they'd realize, I AIN'T BUYIN'. Just wax me up and let me go... Howeverrrrr. My girl said "let me show you..." and put this stuff on my hand and gave me two samples to try at home. This right here... It's a must have. It is a gentle exfoliator. You use it on DRY skin, rub it on in circular motions and literally watch the dead skin peel up and away. The best part is... You can use this on your face (I mean come on, if it's gentle enough for your schmundi, than it's gentle enough for your face). So if you have sensitive skin and can't use those harsh exfoliators, go check this out ASAP.

Lush's SuperBalm Scalp Treatment. Ummmm. No. I bought this hoping it would help with my flakes (yes, I have flakes. It sucks and it's a battle I'm currently losing, so if you have any suggestions PLEASE mention them in the comments below). It did not. It did nothing in fact. Except stink. And go bad. It was a greasy mess and I just hated using this. Matrix Exquisite Oil Shampoo and Conditioner. I got these samples packs when I placed an order on Ulta.com. I usually love Matrix products and hate having these little samples lying around so I used them right away. And then I dumped them out. These left my hair feeling sticky and dry at the same time. I don't know how that's possible, but somehow these managed to do just that. I wasn't willing to try them again to see if that was a fluke. #nothankyou Stila All Day Waterproof Liquid Liner. I have a love/hate relationship with this liner. I love the fact that it has an easy-to-use marker-like tip, I love the formula, I hate the way the tip frays. This liner would've lasted me longer but the fraying tip just ruins it. There's nothing like a winged liner with an extra little branch coming out of it... Really though, this would be an amazing liner that would last a long time if only the tip was as durable as the formula is. That's all I've got this month... Thanks for reading and I hope you follow me on BlogLovin' and Instagram!!! Until next time...

Trash Talk!!! Better Late than Never?!?!

I skipped my May and June empties (because I was in the process of moving) and I'm late with July's... Tsk tsk. But I'm going with the "Beter late than never" philosophy, so here we go!

I finally finished up my second sample of the L'oreal Youthcode Pore Vanisher. I stand by my original statement. (Check it out here!) This stuff is awesome.
INM Out the Door Topcoat, you can find it at Sally's Beauty Supply, online at Amazon, and I've even seen it in my local grocery store. You see, I have a love hate relationship with Seche Vite. So I needed to find a topcoat that would do me right, when Seche Vite does me wrong. This is it. It dries so fast. You can do your nails and walk OUT THE DOOR in less than five minutes. ANDDDD it's only $5.49 ($4.99 with your Sally's card). I'll take a savings + quality any day of the week. However, like most topcoats... It did get goopy on me two-thirds of the way through.
Bath and Body Works Espresso Bar candle. OMG. If you appreciate the smell of a coffee bar, this candle is for you! They don't have the 3-wicks anymore BUT they still have the small size AND it's on sale! (Get it here!) It has amazing scent throw, I mean I could smell it before I even lit it. Ohhh soooo gooood. But my kiddos didn't like it. Someday they will. Someday they'll "get it". ;-)

Bath and Body Works Golden Sugar Scrub (The scent happens to be Warm Vanilla Sugar-LOVE-The thoughts are about the actual scrub). I thought I loved these scrubs. I've come to realize it was not true love. True love just doesn't leave you feeling greasy and filmy. I don't love the residue that is left behind with these scrubs. I want a scrub that exfoliates, smells good, and then washes away without leaving a trace. This is not that product. I still have 3 or 4 more left, and I will use them. But they won't be repurchased. #ontothenextone.
La Fresh Oil Free Face Cleanser Wipes. I received these in my Ipsy bag and was sooooooooooo excited. I had been dying to try these. I'd seen them on YouTube. And Hautelook. And I was curious... What a disappointment. They are just so dry. And barely took off my eye makeup, which is really what I use wipes for. I'm just glad I found out before I bought some. $10 on an Ipsy bag with four other products is better than the $10 I was going to spend on just these wipes alone. So, YAY for Ipsy. BOO for these wipes.
That's all I've got for you this month! What did you use up in July? Let me know! xoxoxo...

P.S. The Ipsy link above IS an affiliate link. I do not get paid by Ipsy. This is not a sponsored post. Should you choose to subscribe, I simply earn points. Any questions? Feel free to ask! Thanks!

Sample-Stash Sunday!

Happy Sunday everyone!!! If you saw my last post you may have noticed I used quite a few samples up last month. My opinion on sample packets fluctuates, but mostly I find them annoying. To really get to know if you want to buy an item or not, you need more then a couple days worth of product to decide. Most samples barely last a week, at least that's how it is for me... Still I always end up with a lil' box filled with them and they do at least give a general idea of whether or not something will interest me.  (Mainly, I use them for scent. Yes, scent. The smell of a product is make or break for me. If I can't stand the smell, it's a no-go. Regardless of if it's a miracle in a bottle.) So without further ado, here's some mini-reviews of the sample-sized products I used up last month...

1. Sephora Collection Supreme Body Butter- Meh, it was alright. It moisturized. It smelled decent. I have nothing spectacular nor horrendous to say about this one... 

2. La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo- I'm still on the fence with this one. I've only used it as an acne spot treatment. And it think it's just so-so for that.  However, I know some people use it daily (for acne prevention) and apply it to their whole face. I think I'll try that and let you guys know, seeing as how I still have four more packets of this stuff...

3. Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer- This is good stuff. Butttttt... It's not my favorite. It's pretty comparable to any other "high-end" silicone primer out there, I just prefer the Benefit Porefessional and even the L'oreal Youthcode Pore Vanisher. I feel they are better at filling in my pores and fine lines, but this one will work in a pinch. 

4. Garnier Clean + Nourishing Cleasnsing Oil- LOVE. Love at first use with this one! I love how it removes eye-makeup. And I love how it smells! (OhEmGeeeee... How it smells! Amazing.) And I love how it can be found at the drugstore. #winning. I will be purchasing this very, VERY, VERY soon.

5. WEI Royal Ming Firming and Hydrating Cream- I had never seen or heard of this brand before but was extremely impressed. This moisturizer felt so hydrating on my dry, parched skin. I really, really liked it. That being said, it's $98 for a 1.7oz jar... Eh, I dunno, that's a little price-y for me. 

6. Algenist Multi-Perfecting Pore Correcter Gel Moisturizer- No. <gasp> That's right, I said no.  This is the first product I've tried from Algenist and I wasn't impressed. For some reason this moisturizer beaded (Is that a word? Oh well, that's all I can think of to describe what it did.) up on my skin. It didn't absorb. Or perfect. Or correct. Or anything. Pass.

7. L'occitane Immortelle Precious Cream- This was ok. I really liked the scent and it moisturized well. And at $60/1.7oz it's a little easier to swallow. (Sorry WEI.)

8. per-fékt Skin Perfecting Gel- Another Ok product. I do think it enhanced the appearance of my skin (which is what it claims to do) but so do a lot of other products. Nothing really stood out to me and made me think "I need this in my life!"

How is your Sample-Stash doing? Used any up lately? Good, Bad?! Let me know!!! Until next time...

Trash Talk!!! April "Empties"...

It's that time of month again... Time to talk about my garbage.  I feel like I wasn't toooo productive in the empty product department this time around.  I did use up quite a few samples (they accumulate and drive me crayyy, so I made it a point to work through some), but other than that... Not too much.  Nevertheless, here we go... I've got 5 standouts this month, starting with my favorite: Shout Wipes- That's right, instant stain remover wipes.  These will forever have a home in my purse/backpack/suitcase/makeup-bag/glove compartment and anywhere else I can hide these lil' bad boys.  And that's because... (1) They are individually wrapped and (2) During a recent trip to visit The Boyfriend, I brought two dress shirts to wear to his company banquet (YES, TWO. I need options.)... While removing said shirts from my vehicle I got lipstick on one of them.  The one I was leaning towards wearing.  (Don't ask me how. I couldn't tell you. Stains are just a part of my existence.  Coffee stains.  Ink stains.  Makeup stains.  Kid stains.  Pet stains.  It's par for the course around here.)  And not just any lipstick.  A bright Fushcia lipstick.  On a sheer white blouse.  FML.  (Enter Shout Wipes.)  The stain was completely removed!  My top was still in perfect condition!  And I happily wore it the next night with no one the wiser as to how much of a klutz I truly am... Can I get a Hallelujah?! Esmalte Endurecedor Para Unas- No, you haven't gone crazy.  That shit wasn't in english.  And I don't know exactly what it translates to but I can tell you it's a nail hardener.  I used about 75% of this bottle, before it got all goopy on me... So it's time to let it go.  I was recommended this product by multiple people, however, it wasn't until I had my acrylics removed and my nail tech used it on my extremely thin and brittle nails that I was like "hey!!!" And then I went out and bought it.  This stuff definitely helped my nails grow and feel thicker.  That being said, I must warn you... Don't use more than ONE coat.  Your fingers will feel like they are on fire.  And I don't just mean your nails, I mean your entire fingertip.  Also, they recommend using it only ONCE a week.  I know, I know... It all sounds shady BUT it works.  I swear. That empty little tin you see at the bottom of the picture, that's an eyeshadow... Well it WAS an eyeshadow.  That was the shade Virgin from the Urban Decay Naked palette.  This is the second shadow I have completely used up from this palette.  Urban Decay is my favorite brand when it comes to eyeshadow.  And the Naked palette... Well... It's my favorite palette, by far, hands down. A couple months ago I told you about my FAVORITE contact solution, ClearCare (don't question me, just go buy it, go use it, go love it... You can thank me later), today I'm telling you about my contacts.  Bioinfinity by CooperVision.  LOVE them.  For me, the most important factor in whether or not I will wear my contact lenses is if I can FEEL them.  If they feel like a steel plate on top of my eyeball, it's not gonna work.  These lenses feel like air.  That's the best way I can describe them.  They are monthlies (you replace them once a month) and they boast that they can be worn continuously for 6 nights/7 days (I cannot confirm this... I won't wear contacts overnight unless it's been a loooooong night.  Like a night that ends the next morning... Or afternoon.  ;-)  By that point I've typically forgotten I have eyeballs, so lenses aren't an issue.) Lastly... Macadamia Healing Oil Spray.  I got this in a "two-pack" from Target along with the Leave-In Cream (still currently using).  Aside from the scent, which I could do without, I thought this product was great.  It's easy to use (just a few spritzes, comb, voilà!) and it made my hair feel softer and look shinier.  I recommend spraying on damp hair, when I sprayed it on my dry hair I looked like a grease ball.  (I have dry, frizzy hair... So grease ball status is something I usually have to work hard for.)   The only item that failed me this month was my Urban Decay 24/7 Eyeliner in Whiskey.  I usually LOVE my UD eyeliners... For some reason this shade just smudged on me.  It ended up on my cheek bones.  Which is not where eyeliner belongs... And is never a good look.  So into the trash this goes... Sad, but such is life... Alas, there is plenty of fish in the sea, on to the next one!!! Have you had a different experience with any of these products?  Leave me a comment letting me know! Until next time...

Trash Talk! The Good, The Bad, and The Mehhhh...

It's that time again!!! And I have decided to refer to my monthly empties post as 'Trash Talk' (as I'm sure you've already read above…) Original, right?!? Lol… But really that's what I'm doing soooooo… That's what I'm calling it.  So let it be written, so let it be done. ;-)  (Anyone catch that reference???)  Enough of the nonsense.  Onto the products/mini-reviews!!!

The Good…
I'm going to start with the Dickinson's Witch Hazel Towlettes.  I am in LOVEEEE with these.  I use these nifty lil' wipes after I exercise, just as an added cleansing step to get the sweat off.  And they are cool and refreshing and moist… saturated. (Moist is just an awkward word.)  Plus they are individually wrapped, so they are great on the go.  I use them daily and these wipes do not dry out my skin.  They do have a strong scent.  You've been warned.  I've gotten used to it and just attribute the scent to the wipes "refreshing-ness". 

Another great traveling product is the Spongeables Travel-Sized Pedi-Scrub Foot-Buffer.  I got this at Ulta with my rewards points a while ago.  And just got around to using it.  Now this is no pumice stone.  BUT for traveling… This is awesome.  It has a sponge-y side and a scrubby side.  The sponge-y side has soap in it, so once you've wet it, it begins to lather.  After you've washed you just flip this lil' sucker over and scrub-a-dub-dub… Voilà!!! Fresh and clean toes!!!  The travel-sized version is good for 5+ uses.  There is a larger version that claims to get 20+ uses.

Bath and Body Works Vanilla Berry Sorbet Pocketbac… GO SMELL IT.  NOW.  'Nuff said.

I got a sample of the L'oreal Youthcode Pore Vanisher.  Love.  Okayyyy… I got two samples.  And I will be purchasing this once I've used up my L'oreal MiracleBlur.  This stuff puts the MiracleBlur to shame.  It doesn't feel oily or greasy and is a skin tone color that blends in flawlessly.  AND it really does blur your pores.  It's very similar to Benefit's Porefessional (which is a FAVORITE of mine)… But you get a lot more for your money with this, than with the Porefessional.  Maybelline Baby Skin? Ha!  That ain't got nothing on this bad boy.  Go get you some…

Ok, last one… Degree MotionSense in Active Clean.  Good stuff.  I recently switched to Degree because I've been using Dove for about 10 years (+/-) and it just stopped working.  All of the sudden.  Out of the blue.  One day, I was fine.  The next, I was stinky.  I really like the scent of this particular deodorant and the slogan is true… "It won't let you down."

The Bad and The Mehhhh…
Completely Bare Bikini Bump Blaster.  This claims to get rid of bumps and ingrown hairs.  I beg to differ.  I believe the only accomplishment this product can attest to is drying out my skin and making it worse.  (TMI ALERT!!!)  And not in an area that anyone wants all dried out and worse… #truestory

Bettina Nail Polish in Marshmallow.  Nope. Nope. Nope.  Try again… This stuff is thick.  And gooey.  Even after using a thinner.  And nail polish remover.  If you see this in your drugstore, keep on walking.

You might have noticed that one of my "empties" is full… Yup. It was THAT bad.  The Dove Stlye + Care Non-Aerosol Hairspray left my hair so crunchy.  And crispy.  And crackly.  Like a potato chip.  I used this once.  Never again. 

Dear, Dear Duo… What happened… One day your fine… The next, HOLY CRAP! WHAT IS THAT SMELL? Why, it's my eyelash glue.  Eww.  I really don't know what happened here.  I don't remember it smelling bad, but all of the sudden it did.  And I mean baaaaaad.  Like, rotten eggs bad.  I'm going to buy a new one just to see if the smell was because it was old, or if it always smells… Because it really does work.  

I don't get all the fuss about the Glamglow Youthmud Tinglexfoliate Treatment.  Okayyyy… It tingles. But what else does it do?  Nothing that I could see.  I'm glad this was a sample because at $69 for the full size, I'd want to see SOMETHING… I'll keep my money this time around, thank you very much…

Another one I just don't get… the Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment… It was nice.  But I wouldn't spend $22.50 on a lip balm that makes me say "Mehhhh…" Don't get me wrong, it moisturizes but so does my Malin+Goetz Mojito Lip Balm.  And my lips still feel moisturized in the morning when I use it at night.  And it lasts longer.  And it's only $12.  AND it's Mojito! IJS…
Last but not least… Simple Revitilizing Eye Roll-On.  Once again… I didn't notice a difference.  Supposedly this product "helps reduce the appearance of puffiness and wakes up tired eyes by instantly cooling and gently massaging the eye area"… Ummm… Huh?  Not for me.  Sure the metal roller felt cool under my eyes for the few seconds I rolled it around there but, uh, that's about it… 

So the search continues for the best and worst in beauty… What did you use up this month?  Anything worth trying??  Or anything completely worthless???  Let me know in the comments!!!  
Oh! and BTW,  Happy April Fool's Day!  Anyone play any good pranks? Until next time… ;-)

For Better or Worse. An "Empties" tale...

I just emptied my trash onto my floor.  Literally.  And I had quite a bit this month.  So in an effort to save time, conserve energy, and prevent boredom... I'm only going to discuss the products that stood out to me.  For better or worse…

I Do's:

I have two words for you. Clear Care.  I never hear anyone mention this product.  It's like a secret agent you can find in the drugstore.  Mr. Under Cover... That being said, let me begin with the con's for this item… 1. It's a bit high-maintenence and 2. It's pricey.  Now I'll explain why that info is irrelevant… This stuff is AMAZING.  Maybe you didn't understand. A-MAYYYYY-ZINGGG.  If you wear contacts, you should be using this.  Period.  If you find that your eyes are getting dried out, are irritated after wearing your contacts, or get infected often- you NEED this in your life.  What makes this high-maintenence is the fact that this is a hydrogen-peroxide solution.  (DISCLAIMER- DO NOT GET/PUT THIS STUFF DIRECTLY INTO YOUR EYES).  Once you put your lenses into the solution you cannot wear them for six hours.  SIX hours.  Get over it because I promise you, your eyes will thank you.  As for the price, it goes on sale regularly.  And there are always coupons.  Combine the two and stock up.

Ole Henriksen 3-Step Power Peel.  Loved it.  My skin felt amazing afterwards.  I decided to give it a whirl after one of my co-workers told me how much she loved it.  Sephora sells a two-pack, check it out...- http://www.sephora.com/product/productDetail.jsp?keyword=OLE%20HENRIKSEN%20Power%20Peel™%20Professional%20Spa%20Grade%20Kit%20%20P375421&skuId=1431956&productId=P375421&_requestid=165521

Dental Floss… But to be specific Oral-B Glide dental floss.  (WARNING!!! Rant ahead!!!) Flossing is important to me for two reasons.  The first (and more "shallow") reason, Fresh Breath.  Nothing is more of a turn-off than the scent of decaying food. Ick.  Second, you only get one set of permanent teeth.  If you don't take care of them, they aren't gonna stick around.  Cavities, root canals, or extractions; that will be your future.  I have always gone to the dentist religiously and my mother was a dental assistant. She would always preach to me about the importance of flossing.  As a child I never had cavities so I thought she was nuts.  Then it caught up with me… I'll never forget when my dentist oh-so nonchalantly said to me "you don't want to floss? That's okay. I'll just see you more often".  That got my attention.  I love my dentist, but that shit gets expensive.  I prefer to see him twice a year.  No more, no less.  Now I'll be completely honest with you… I have not always brushed my teeth twice a day, but I damn sure floss EVERY night before bed.  Now what makes this floss so special, you ask???  It glides.  Duh.  Hence, the name.  But it really does.  If you have tight spaces in-between your teeth, this will be your savior.

Salon Grafix Shaping Hair Spray… Now this caught me by surprise.  I used it because I ran out of my Tres Two and I was expecting it to pale in comparison.  It did not.  It was actually great.

Maybelline the Colossal Volum' Express Cat Eyes… For me the formula was just ok, it was the brush I fell in love with.  It separated my lashes like nothing else I've ever used.  I plan on throwing away the tube and keeping the brush just to use in a lash-clumping emergency.

Last but not least!!! Revlon Lip Butter in Creamsicle. Love. Period. Will re-buy again and again.  We all know the Revlon Lip Butters are great, but this one I love for the color.

I Don'ts:

Simple Eye Makeup Remover. Oh. Em. Gee. I'd rather use a scouring pad.  Or rather, it's LIKE using a scouring pad. No, just NO.

Macadamia Deep Repair Masque… I bought the sample packet to try before splurging on a $30 hair masque.  I'm glad I did.  I was curious because so many people rant and rave about this stuff.  For me, it's just meh.  My hair did feel softer afterwards but that only lasted until I washed it again.  Not for me. I prefer to make my own hair and scalp treatments with natural ingredients.  That way I can customize to suit my needs better.  And it's cheaper.  Win-Win.

It Cosmetics Hello Lashes! Ha. How about Hello 'coon eyes! Or Hello Smudgy Black Mess!  This stuff dripped off my lashes.  Dripped off and landed on my orbital bone.  Plus that little ball-y thing at the end broke off during my very first use. I didn't even try and finish this, toss!

That's all I've got for you from February's trash bin.  Let's see what March has to offer! Xoxoxo...