Sunday, November 23, 2014

EMPTIES! #4 | Fall 2014


Happy Sunday!  It's hard to believe it's nearly Thanksgiving here in the US!  Where has the year gone?  What's also hard to believe is the sheer volume of stuff I've used up this fall.  My empties bag overfloweth!  Here's what I've finished since my last empties post in August!

// HAIR //
1. The Body Shop Banana Shampoo and Conditioner: The shampoo was nice but basic, and I didn't find the conditioner hydrating enough for my fine, tangly hair. Would I repurchase? No.
2. Bumble and bumble Creme de Coco Tropical-Riche Shampoo: One of my favorite shampoos!  Smells lovely and makes my hair feel so healthy. Would I repurchase? Yes.
3. Bumble and bumble Hairdresser's Invisible Oil: "Featherlight" is the perfect description for this incredible hair oil that makes my hair look shampoo commercial shiny without making it feel oily and weighed down.  A super helper if you have color damaged ends! Would I repurchase? Yes, I purchased the .85 oz size!
4. Garnier Fructis Damage Eraser Strength Reconstructing Butter: Nothing but love for this pot o' conditioning magic that somehow manages to deeply hydrate and de-tangle without making my hair oily. Would I repurchase? Yes. I cannot wait to finish my current conditioner so I can buy another pot of this!
5. Wen Cleansing Conditioner in Cucumber Aloe: I love this as a weekly treat; nothing makes my hair feel like this!  It turns it into complete SILK.  I do want to find one without mint, though, because I'm just not a huge fan of the ice cold scalp feeling. Would I repurchase? Yes.

// BODY //

6. Bath & Body Works Fall Cranberry Harvest Gentle Foaming Hand Soap: [I know this belongs in the Hand & Nail category; I had a photography fail whale here.]  Such a lovely cranberry scent that screams Fall!  Jason and I decided we're bigger fans of non-foaming soaps, though, because this type of soap does the lathering work for you and it doesn't feel like you're getting a deep clean.  Would I repurchase? Not the self-foaming kind, but yes to their regular Anti-Bacterial soaps.
7. The Body Shop Honeymania Body Butter: I remember being intrigued by this line after reading Tracy at Beauty Reflections' review here. I bought one of the adorable honeycomb glycerin soaps and it was love.  The body butter is amazing and smells so fresh and light!  Usually honey scents are heady and overly sweet, but this one isn't.  Would I repurchase? Yes!
8. Chloé Eau de Parfum: I love this fresh floral!  I'm so proud of myself for finishing a perfume!  I feel like this empty deserve a medal. ;)  Would I repurchase? Yes.
9. Degree Invisible Solid Shower Clean Anti-Perspirant and Deodorant: I'm a big fan of Degree's Invisible Solid line.  They keep me dry and smelling great no matter how hot and humid the weather may get without resulting in that awful "plugged up sweat glands" feel I've experienced with several clinical strength-style AP's.  It also does not transfer onto clothes.  Would I repurchase? Yes, already working on my next stick!
10. Soap & Glory The Righteous Butter: You guys know I have a major soft spot for this product.  It smells CRAZY GOOD and hydrates beautifully.  This stuff has helped get me through the past few fall/winter seasons!  Would I repurchase? Yes, I just bought The Righteous Butter Body Lotion yesterday at Sephora!

// HAND & NAILS //
11. CVS Brand 100% Pure Acetone: I have no issues with acetone for polish removal, so this bottle is my go-to.  You can't beat the price!  Since falling in love with the CVS Remover with Built-In Brush, I've been using the bottle of Pure Acetone to change out the acetone in the remover pot when it needs it.  Would I repurchase? Yes, already have!
12. Orly Bonder Rubberized Base Coat: This has been my go-to base coat for years.  The rubberized finish causes the polish I layer over it to adhere and last longer than it would on a regular base coat.  Would I repurchase? Yes, already have!
13. Revlon Quick Dry Top Coat: This is my HG top coat.  Smooth, glassy shine and minimal dry time.  Bingo!  Would I repurchase? Yes, already have!
14. Southern Hospitality Sunday's Best Foot Creme: This is just loveliness in a pot.  It smells so fresh and clean, and the thickness of this (similar in consistency to L'Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream, slightly thicker than Nivea Cream) delivers maximum hydration.  I used it for my hands and feet and looked forward to applying it at night! Would I repurchase? Yes!
15. Weleda Skin Food: I didn't love the scent at first, but it grew on me.  I applied this every night in bed as my overnight hand cream and my skin felt wonderful the next morning.  As far as the smell, which is earthy and herbal, Jason hated it, then liked it, then hated it again and cheered when I told him I'd finished the tube!  Would I repurchase? Unsure.

// FACE & LIPS //
16. Bite Beauty Agave Lip Mask: Nothing works better for me than this.  My lips feel like a newborn baby's!  Would I repurchase? Yes, already halfway done with tube #2.
17. Clarins One-Step Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser: I really liked this.  It was gentle enough not to cause irritation but had enough grit to exfoliate my skin and leave it feeling smooth and healthy.  Would I repurchase? Yes.
18. Formula 10.0.6 Overnight Success Spot Minimizing Patches: These patches are BOSS!  Once your zit is done exploding (too graphic??), apply one of these clear patches over it and go to bed.  Wake up the next day with less swelling and redness.  I swear these heal blemishes faster than anything else.  Would I repurchase? Yes, though I still have 2 sheets to finish before I need to buy more.  The box comes with 3 sheets of 21 patches.
19. Garnier Nourishing Cleansing Oil: I loved this.  {Full review here.}  Would I repurchase? Yes.
20. Lumene Radiant Touch Refreshing Foam Cleanser: This is a gentle yet effective, fresh citrus-scented cleanser that doesn't leave your skin aching for moisture.  Would I repurchase? Yes.
21. Lush Bubblegum Lip Scrub: My HG lip scrub!  {Full review here.}  Would I repurchase? Yes, already have!
22. Nugg Soothing Face Mask: This didn't do much for me.  It felt like hair conditioner and the single-use pod contained enough product for 2-3 masks with no way to feasibly re-seal it.  Would I repurchase? No.

// MAKEUP //
23. Urban Decay Primer Potion in Sin: This was literally my first tube of eyeshadow primer and I loved it!  It was time to toss it though since it's way past it's use by date and the formula doesn't perform like it used to.  Would I repurchase? Yes, but I'd buy the original (clear) version.
24. Maybelline Volum Express The Colossal Cat Eyes: Not a fan.  The curved natural brush is very skinny -- which I usually love for reaching the roots, but this one didn't do much for my lashes. Would I repurchase? No.
25. MAC Extended Play Lash: A great straight natural skinny brush that reaches the roots and adds length to the lashes.  I do think the price is a bit high at $17.00 USD.  Best drugstore dupe for this is Maybelline Lash Discovery; they are nearly the same thing but the MAC brush is a bit longer.  Would I repurchase? No, but only because I'm all about that volume now!
26. Diorshow Waterproof Mascara: This was my wedding day splurge mascara!  I never wear waterproof formulas because I hate removing them but for the day I got married, waterproof was essential!  Although ironically I didn't even end up crying!  #NoCryingBOSS  Anywho, this moker gives mega volume and the large natural bristled brush wasn't so huge that I bumped it against my lid.  Would I repurchase? Maybe. I have no issues with it, I'd probably just opt for something cheaper from the drugstore.  
27. L'Oreal Voluminous Miss Manga Mascara: New favorite mascara!  The cone-shaped non-rubberized brush grabs every lash and whips up volume and length.  Thank you to one of my favorite Aussie beauty bloggers, Vita from Making Up 4 My Age, for putting me over the edge on whether or not I should try this! Would I repurchase? Yes, already have!
28. Maybelline Great Lash Mascara in I See Blue (LE): While Maybelline offers a Royal Blue Great Lash in their permanent line that I've bought numerous times since discovering it in high school, this limited edition color looked even brighter.  I do enjoy a colored mascara for a pop of something different from time to time.  The wand was perfect for defining my bottom lashes!  Would I repurchase? This was LE, but I'd repurchase the Royal Blue from the permanent line.
What did you finish this Fall?  Any new HG's?  Share!

40 comments :

  1. HOLY what a load of empties! Good for you! So yes to WEN, hey? Always wondered about that stuff!

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  2. I know! I powered through some prods this "semester", lol! I was so jazzed that I finished a perfume! I like Wen a LOT for a once-weekly treat, but it doesn't give my hair the lift or cleansing power it needs for me to use it daily. Plus I'd end up using the bottle in like 8 days based on the length of my hair and the insane amount of pumps that are required. As a treatment though, it's awesome! If I had dry, unmanageable hair, I think I'd suck it up and use it as my daily shamp champ.

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  3. It does look like a ton of stuff, but I guess I just go through a lot in 3 months! The Bumble and bumble oil is seriously incredible! My friend bought a bottle of it because I was with her doing jazz hands over it's greatness and she loves it. She has incredibly thick hair and worries about frizz. It makes her hair soft as kittens and easy to comb through.

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  4. Thats is exactly how my hair is! This is definitely coming home! Thanks Kristen! :-)

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  5. I didn't get on with the Weleda Skin Food well (scent-wise) but I love Soap & Glory's Righteous Butter, it smells so good! :)

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  6. and i thought i had a lot of empties! you killed the empties game!

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  7. You already know I love Garnier Cleansing Oil (just repurchased it yesterday,lol) and I love Miss Manga mascara too.

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  8. A motherload of empties!!! I looked into the Bite lip mask. While it is VERY tempting, I can't bring myself to put down 30 bucks on a lip balm, especially not when I have found stuff that works well for me! I recently used up my NUXE lip balm and the Omorovicza one (it's super pricey, but I redeemed it with my points so I didn't pay a thing). I already repurchased NUXE, and I will re-redeem Omorovicza during their Black Friday sale!

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  9. I too LOVE the Miss Manga mascara. At first I was a little weirded out by the brush but soon after fell in love. (: Great reviews I added a few of these to my list.

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  10. Wow, so many empties! I must try that base coat you mentioned!
    Tell me, where do you find the Formula 10.0.6 brand sold? I have a mask that I received as a gift and I love it...but I haven't come across the brand myself.

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  11. I love the Body Shop body butters - I always stock up when they're on sale! I want to buy the S&G Righteous Butter, I love the way those products smell. :) By the way, I really like the format of your empties' posts - so organized and helpful!

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  12. Boom POP WAY TOO HYPE OVER THIS POST RIGHT NOW. I literally WAIT for these. I NEEEEEEEED these posts. I love that like 99% of your empties were "yes" for repurchase. This means I've got LOAAAAADS of shopping to do... I can't wait to try out all the goodies you mentioned! Of course I'd let you know if I did try it out. #NoCryingBOSS
    I absolutely LOVE UD eyeshadow primer, IN ORIGINAL!! I wanted to try another shade when I repurchased a while back, and became overwhelmed because there are like three bases now with shimmer..... but thought... Uh, add the "shimmah" yah dang self.. I stuck it out with original. The ONLY eyelid primer I have been head over heels in love with. Oh, and you've already made me a huge fan of the Tropical Riche shampoo. That stuff is boss.

    My friend just gave me a half-bottle of Wen, she couldn't stand it, but I'm hoping to try it out as a weekly treatment sort of thing, too. Silky hair is a good thing, but not when you want curls and volume.. Can't imagine it as an everyday shampoo for me.

    OH AND you totally deserve a medal for having a full perfume on the empties list! CRAY. That's totally an accomplishment!



    Mucho Loveisimo!
    -Stephanie Eva

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  13. Good job with the empties!! I'm usually good with skincare, and I use up stuff relatively quick. It's the makeup that won't die. LOL :-)

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  14. I absolutely love Bumble and Bumble hair products! I don't buy them too often Bc their so pricey. (Even thigh they are really worth it!) just can't afford while dealing with all this infertility crap. But I can't wait to try the Creme de coco shampoo now!!!!
    You have lots of great products and I love how detailed you are with their descriptions. You should start a YouTube channel!!!! (Pretty please!) I have a feeling U would be amazing at it! ;)

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  15. Daaaang that's a load of empties you got there O_O I can't believe you went through all the trouble of keeping all the empty packaging! I wouldn't know where to put it all, lol. I'm a bit OCD so I tend to start using a product and not open another one until I finish my current one.

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  16. Not opening something new until you finish what you're currently using is a good habit to have, Melissa! Oh and all of these empties fit into one paper Nordstrom bag in my closet - tidy and out of sight, lol! :)

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  17. I love Bumble and bumble shampoos, too - they really are wonderful! I never thought hgih-end shampoo was worth it until I tried their line! I find these little shampoos on AllCosmeticsWholesale.com for 2 for $4! Wow - thank you so much for your kind words and encouragement to start a YT channel!! That means SO much to me, Julie! I have been thinking about venturing into that world but I think I need a better camera first! :) Thank you so much for saying that!!

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  18. EXACTLY! I have the exact same issue, Lily! I was happy this time to have mascara empties otherwise - no makeups have bit the dust. As far as Project MAD, though - I'm SUPER close to a completely finished YSL powder! I cheer it on every day to GO GO GO, lol!!

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  19. Aw, Stephersonian! Thank you so much for your kindness! I'm excited that you enjoy these - they are one of my favorites to write! And I'd love to know what you decide to try, FO SHO!! :D I knew you'd appreesh the #NoCryingBOSS, lolol! <3 I used to adore the UD Sin primer b/c on really lazy days, I'd just swipe it on as a budge-proof shadow. Now, though, I definitely prefer a colorless, shimmerless option so the shadows I choose can sing on their own!
    Yay for your friend giving you Wen! YAS! If I had dry/coarse hair, I'd totally use it every day and be really happy, but for fine limp hair? It's not a daily match made in heaven. I hope you love it as a treatment and can't wait to hear your thoughts!
    And thank you for the mental medal on the perfume! I was so excited to finish that!! :)
    Much love and Catfish marathons!
    XOXO

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  20. Me too, Sam! TBS butters are the BOMB - especially on sale, lol! I love the Soap & Glory original pink scent too! It's intoxicatingly good! I just picked up the shower gel and MAN....DELISH! Thank you so much for your compliment about the empties format! You're awesome! :)

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  21. Hey Liliana! Your name is so gorgeous, btw! Definitely try the Orly Bonder - it's SO good! I swear it makes every polish last days longer. I found the 10.0.6 spot pads and a bunch of other goodies from the line at drugstore.com and I think I saw some 10.0.6 on the Ulta site recently! I remember when it used to be carried at drugstores back in the 90s!

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  22. Me too, Kiki! Miss Manga is definitely my favorite mascara ATM! I wish the brush didn't have the bendy thing because I like to bend brushes sideways a bit to angle them into the corners, but I'm used to the bendy action now, lol! Thank you so much! I can't wait to see what you try! :)

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  23. Ok so I totally get the hesitance on the Bite Agave Lip Mask, Sunny! I too have been searching for a cheaper option and I think I've found 2 that are very similar: 1.) Clarins HyrdaQuench Lip Balm (this is the one Lupita Nyong'o was carrying at the Oscars that Ellen borrowed, lol), $24 USD and 2.) Balm Dot Com, Glossier, $12 USD. They are both SUPER smooth, no grit, and my lips feel repaired overnight! The Glossier is my current favorite and less than half the price! :D Wee! Which Nuxe lip balm did you repurchase? The Reve de Miel?

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  24. Hi Agata! The Garnier Oil and the Miss Manga are definitely favorites!

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  25. Ha ha! I was channeling you, Elle, lol! <3

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  26. Right?! The Weleda Skin Food is...different?? I don't even know how to categorize the scent?! But yes, totally agree, The Righteous Butter smells like a dream! :D

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  27. LOL, Divya! I really did go through a lot this fall! You would LOVe the Hairdresser's Invisible Oil! It is AMAZING! XOXO

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  28. Yup Reve de Miel in a pot! I know some don't like it (but that's everything), but it works well for me. I don't even remember how many pots I've gone through by now!

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  29. Oh wow how on earth do you finish all these products???? The Orly base is one of my faves and I just discovered the B&B Hairdresser's Oil stuff, which is fab.

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  30. LOLOL about Jason and the Weleda Skin Food cream! Hahaha Must be such a big relief!!! :D And look at that Bite Agave Lip Mask tube. What happened to it, Kristen?!!! You really did squeeze every bit out, didn't you?! LOL. I'm still only halfway through my first tube. ^_^

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  31. Wow! All these amazing products. A lot of them are super fruity. I love Weleda creams - perfect for moisturising, but I know what you mean about the smell. Its always a surprise!

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  32. I want to make you a cake that says, "I SALUTE YOU BB!" for finishing up all these products!!! Wait... 5 mascaras?! GURRRL! That's more than I can finish in a whole year.. haha! And I got excited seeing Chloe EDP here because i'm almost done with mine as well - I absolutely love the scent!!! Smells so fresh - like you just dove into a garden of roses (but it doesnt really smell like the typical rose scent ugh I hate explaining perfumes! but you get my drift gurlfran) ;) Seriously congrats on the empties - I cant wait to draft my next empties post!

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  33. geez i need to get that garnier nourishing oil cleanser - glad i looked at this post as a reminder!! i finished up my sample of a hand creme from sephora called tokyo milk, and i MUST go buy it no matter how much it is. it smelled like heaven.

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  34. I reallllly loved that Garnier Cleansing Oil. I plan to pick it up again after I finish up the mini MAC Cleanse Off Oil in Tranquil I'm currently using; I think the Garnier is better! Ooh I've heard good things about Tokyo Milk! I must sniff it ASAP! :)

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  35. Ha ha! I really did take it to the product-finishing hoop last quarter! I'd love a Shari congratulatory cake, lol! I'm terrible about opening multiple mascaras at once. Congrats to YOU for being close to finishing your Chloe EDP! I loved that perfume. I can't wait to read your next empties post! They're some of my favorites to read for sure!

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  36. Thank you! :) Weleda creams do moisturize SO WELL!

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  37. LOL! Yes, he would collapse if I told him I was reordering the Weleda Skin Food! (>_<) And yes ma'am, I REALLY loved the Bite Agave Lip Mask, as you can tell! We become best friends! 555 ;D

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  38. I don't know, Julie! I guess fall was a big time for product usage here at Casa Glambunctious, lol! I'm glad you love the Bumble and bumble Hairdresser's Invisible Oil, too! It is SO hydrating without making the hair oily. True hair nirvana! :)

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  39. Can you believe I haven't tried not even one of these products!? Fantastic post!

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  40. Wow! No cross over at all?! That's loco! :)

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