2nd of the year empties?!

I wasn't sure what to title the post. I thought at the beginning of the year I would do quarterly empties but my brown paper bag is over flowing!  Today is garbage day so I need to get it to the curb.  :)

So here we go!

1&2. Fekkai Advanced Brilliant Glossing Olive Oil Shampoo & Conditioner: I won this off of a GlossyBox Twitter Chat with Celebrity Hair Stylist Adir Abergel who is the Celebrity Ambassador for Frédéric Fekkai.  I asked a question and it was chosen for the gift.  I received the shampoo, conditioner and a hair cream from the same line.  I am considering re-purchasing.  I love the way this set makes my hair feel.  My daughter was reaching for them as well because they made her "hair feel so smooth."  It's pretty pricey, $31.97 for 16 oz...  However, it is super concentrated.  I noticed that I only needed a quarter size amount for my longer locks. Oh and the question I asked was if using dry shampoo on first day clean hair would help prevent oils.  Adir said yes, spray in the roots and brush through.  So I've been using dry shampoo on the day of washing and I'm definitely not oily the next day and can go 2 days without washing most days!  :)

3. Soft Soap Coconut Scrub Body Buff Wash: This was on the end cap on sale at my grocery store and I grabbed it.  Smells nice but otherwise unremarkable.  I think I prefer a more natural sugar scrub but this is a nice readily available drug store one.

4.  fresh soy face cleanser:  This came with my Clarisonic which I bought at the end of last year.  Nice cleanser.  I think that this a good, quality cleanser with a crisp cucumber scent.  Works well with the Clarisonic.  I have a few other cleansers to work through but this one is my fave out of the bunch.  I will re-purchase.

5.  Witch Hazel Astrigent:  I wonder why I experiment with tonors...  This is my skin's saving grace.  I use this after cleansing. If I do not use this consistently, it is very noticeable.  I have been out of this for 4 days.  I can tell the difference.  Congested skin around my chin is popping up.  Time to re-purchase!

6&7.  Garnier Nutrisse 434 Deep Chestnut Brown: I grabbed 2 boxes.  It's not bad, but not my favorite. It was a little drying, but overall, covered my grays and the color turned out true to the box. I was afraid that it would turn my hair too red, but actually, no red at all.  I strayed from my Loreal MegaBrowns because my husband would prefer my hair to be a lighter brown.  I'm undecided. What I need to do is go the salon, but frankly I'm scared y'all.  :(

8. Donna Karen Cashmere Mist: This is the best deodorant/anti-perspirant that you can buy.  Skip the drugstore. Just spend the $15.

9.  Dove Soap... of course.  I will never stray.  I use it on my face and body.  Good stuff.

10. Acetone:  I make my own version of Zoya; acetone, glycerin, water...  Works just as good but doesn't smell like Zoya though but it's an affordable alternative that works just as well and is non-drying. :)

11.  B&BW Japanese cherry blossom shower gel:  This was a Beauty Army sample.  Love Beauty Army.  This sample pops up frequently so I always grab it.  I have purchased this scent in the past.

12. Dead Sea Minerals Salt Scrub:  I always purchase these tubs from Big Lots for $4.  Can't beat the price.  The ingredient list is pretty natural except for a perfume and some dye. Great price point.

13. Gillette Satin Care Dry Skin: Instant razor burn.  Will avoid this one.

14. Got2b Guardian Angel Heat Protect Blow Out: This isn't completely empty but I just don't like this product.  It make my hair feel gross and I don't like the smell.  Time to recycle.  I have other products I like much better!

15. Paris Amour Shower Gel:  I believe this was a Beauty Army sample as well.  Always nice to have a good smelling shower gel at the ready.  I have purchased this scent in the past before too!

16. Rimmel Gentle Eye Makeup Remover:  You already know I love this stuff.   I'm almost finished with another bottle currently in use...

17. ion Repair Solutions Effective Care Treatment:  I like to use this right after I color my hair and once a week.  I have a few other treatments & conditioners in rotation but I'm sure in the future I will pick this up on a trip at Sally's.  This is an intense conditioner.  I can over use it very easily and it builds up so much that I can't get a brush through my hair.  I've learned once a week is best!

18.  SheaTerra Premium Dark Chocolate Sugar-Stone Exfoliating Cream:  If I could afford to use this every day, this would be the one scrub I would always buy.  It's a lot gentler than salt scrubs and I really noticed a difference in how my skin felt.  Shea Terra frequently offers 30% off codes.  It's definitely on my list.  I have a couple other things from Shea Terra that I will need to repurchase so I will wait and haul them together.  Just checked my email and there is a code... may2013 Hurry it ends May 23rd!

19.  Dead Sea Collection Anti-Aging Cream with Dead Sea Minerals:  This was a Big Lots purchase for $3.50.  It has a thin/light consistency.  I prefer a thicker cream at night for my eyes.  I ended up using this as a nightly hand treatment.  I will repurchase for that. 

20.  Whish Shave Cream:  This was a Birchbox sample.  I really liked this one.  Very moisturizing.  But I can't spend $20 on shaving cream.  I have kids to feed and put through college.  :)

21.  BVLGARI tea bag for the bath: Yowsers, this stuff was luxurious.  Love the smell.  $54.95 for a set of 6.  I will just buy the perfume!  It has a familiar scent that is comforting to me.  I want to smell like this all of the time.

22.  Alpha Hydox Sheer Silk Moisturizer:  Why I don't have a backup of this is beyond me.  I have a few other moisturizers to use up but I need to repurchase this one.  It does a great job of moisturizing without making my skin greasy.  Love, love, love!  Why did I start trying other moisturizers?  I always ask myself this question.

23. Lush Mint Juleps Lip Scrub:  I definitely need to repurchase this.  My lips have been so dry lately.  I am definitely able to make my own but this one tastes really good.  So worth it!  I'm working on a fresh one at the moment but I really like the Lush.

24.  Pantene Pro-V Restoratives Frizz Control Anti-Humidity Hair Spray:  My mom had this in her stash of products years ago so I bought one for myself after I used it.  This bottle has lasted me 6 years?  I'm pretty sure.  We've been in NC for 3 years and I bought this before our NY duty Station and that was 3 years.  Good purchase!  It doesn't have the best hold but I don't like sticky, stiff feeling.

25&26. L'OREAL Mega Browns Chocolate:  This has been my go to color since the end of last summer.  I'm thinking I want to go lighter but this is a great hair dye.  I will see if the line has a lighter shade of brown and try that.  This formula really covers and does not fade...at all.

27& 28. epielle green tea cleansing tissues:  These are a $1 at Big Lots.  They work great.  The cloth is a little thin and a little dry but they do the trick and are quite affordable.  I prefer the AVON ones as they are thicker and more a bit more wet.  But these are an 1/8th of the price and work in a pinch when AVON is backordered.  Which happens frequently.  So when I order AVON's, I buy a lot at a time.

29. Kinerase Restructure Firming Cream:  This was a sample of a $98 cream.  Just looked it up.  Wow.  I can't remember noticing a difference to be honest.  It should have changed my life... right?

30. Elizabeth Arden White Glove Intensive Revitalizing Mask:  I found these at Burke's Outlet for $7.95.  I have never been in a Burke's before, it's sort of like a Marshall's/TJ Maxx but they seem to get leftover items from those 2 stores as I found some tags on some of the clothes.  They also have 15% off on Fridays!  YES!  These masks are awesome.  I suspect that they are a bit old, maybe expired, but I really noticed a difference in my skin after using one.  My skin felt soft, smoother...  Sad that these are gone.  $19 for 4 on Amazon.com.  I definitely think that they are worth picking up.  Just ordered...

31-33.  forever young Hydrating Facial Wrap Cucumber & aloe, honey & collagen, coconut & shea butter:  Loved these!  $3.99 for 3 masks at TJ Maxx.  I didn't notice a crazy difference in my skin after using these like the Elizabeth Arden ones but they are such a pick me up.  The instructions say to leave on for 20 min.  I think I would do about 30.  One thing I have learned, that just because my skin is oily, I still need to hydrate my skin.  These are a wonderful treatment at night for my skin.  Unfortunately I do not have a TJ's near by so this will be tough to find again.

34. L'OREAL EverCreme Sulfate-Free Intense Nourishing Shampoo:  I really like this shampoo.  I routinely re-purchase this one.

35. Lumene Radiant Touch Refreshing Tonor:  This is a nice tonor but it burns ever so slightly.  My skin prefers Witch Hazel.  I had this for a really long time.  I would use it to remove mario badescu silver powder.  I can use witch hazel for this process so I probably won't repurchase this one.

36. Nexxus Restorative Conditioner:  I grabbed this at Marshall's.  It was a pretty good conditioner.  Really Moisturizing.  I liked the Fekkai Advanced Brilliant Glossing Olive Oil Conditioner much better though. 

37. L'OREAL Studio Secrets Magic Perfecting Base:  I like to use this primer in my t-zone to fill in some larger pores.  It works really good at smoothing things over.  However when it starts to get hot around here in NC, I try to use a minimal amount of products because no matter what I use, everything melts in this heat & humidity.  I have a couple other primers I am working through but this is one I know works.

38. Neutrogena Pore Refining Cleanser: This came in the Hautelook Beauty Bag last fall.  Its a nice cleanser from the drug store but I won't repurchase.  I really like my Sibu beauty products at the moment since they are a lot more natural.  I routinely got this cleanser in my eyes & mouth for some reason.  Stings and tastes gross.  :)

39. Vichy Aqualia Thermal: I received this in the Vichy Birchbox last year. This product took me a while to use up as I used it sparingly and only when my skin was really dry.  This winter was particularly cold and dry here in NC and my skin which would normally be "normal" in winter actually was quite dry.  I was glad to have this hanging around.

40.  John Frieda Root Awakening:  Happy to report that this is the very last bottle of John Frieda from my couponing days.  Emptying out my bathroom cabinets took a year and now we are at 1.5 years and the last shampoo bottle is going to the recycling.  I really like this shampoo and I'm sure I will repurchase in the future.  But no shampoo and conditioner purchases until all my samples are used up!

41. Ole Henriksen truth serum collagen booster:  I received this with my Clairsonic.  This is a product that I noticed a difference in my skin after the first use.  Tightened, smoothed, cleared... I need another bottle in my life.  It's pricey but worth it.

42, 43, 44: Haus of Gloi!  I finally placed an order!  I have added products to my cart dozens of times but finally I ordered.  I tried multiple products of Lavender and Haus Amber.  I love them both!  I will definitely be repurchasing.  I tried one of their bath bombs for $1 and they are really nice too.  I think I will use 2 for my next bath but wow are they moisturizing.  Great company.  They included a personal thank you card as well.  Nice touch.  Good people.

45. Jack Black Lip Balm:  I grabbed this last summer at the check out of an Ulta a believe.  Pretty good stuff.  It's minty, a bit plumping, moisturizes and sinks into the lips. I can think of other balms that I would buy over this one though.  But I would probably repurchase at the check out again.  Can't say that I won't!  And I really like that it has 25 SPF.  I know that I have neglected my lips for years...

46: Yves Rocher Hamamelis deodorant:  Doesn't perform like Donna Karan but it smells nice. 

47. Sibu Beauty Sea Buckthorn balancing facial cleanser:  I love this cleanser.  I will definitely repurchase.  Sibu Beauty was recently on Hautelook and I picked up a few things.  This wasn't an item that they were selling but I was able to find other Sibu Beauty products.

48,49. AVON makeup remover wipes: Hands down the best, affordable wipes on the market.  I'm sure there are some $20-30 wipes I would like better, but in terms of affordability, moisture, thickness of the wipe, ability to perform and actually remove makeup, these are the best.  They retail for $8 but I stock up when they are $3.99.

50. Origins Gin Zing eye cream:  This was a sample I received from an order from a while back.  This eye cream has a shimmer/sheen to it so I need to use it sparingly.  I didn't notice a change in the overall darkness under my eyes but it does camouflage ever so slightly.  I would surely welcome another sample with purchase but I don't think I would re-purchase.


So 50 products on the dot.  Well actually I had some foil packet products but I barely remember using them so I figured it was best to skip them!  lol  I will take notes next time. 

Overall this year I've been good about keeping myself in check and not buying in excess.  I recently went a little crazy with facial cleansers.  One day I had none, the next like 6!  Oops.  I really have stockpiled the samples recently.  Time to get focused again!

I re-subscribed then cancelled Glossybox again.  For what you get, $20 is just too much.  I did like the BVLGARI tea bag for the bath and was very happy with that sample.  But by far, Birchbox has been good to me.  I've discovered a lot of favorites through them and very happy with the service.  Yes there are less notable months...  They struggled for a few months last year, not sure what happened but they seem to have recovered. 

Oh and I cashed in my Birchbox points and have a haul to share with you next!

What's in my makeup bag- work travel edition

Here's a look into the makeup bag I packed for a recent overnight travel work trip.  I occasionally travel for work, maybe once a month.  When I do travel for work, I work 36 hours straight.   I do sleep (more like a brief rest) but for the 6 hours I am not "sleeping," there is no time for touch ups.  I need to pack reliable and fool-proof products.

I got this makeup bag late last year from the Hautelook Beauty Bag that they offered on Black Friday.  For $20, the samples that were included were meh, but this is a good size makeup bag, with a liner and I use it all the time.  It's big enough to store everything you need. 

 

I will start off my everyday deodorant, Donna Karan Cashmere Mist.  This is the best deodorant I have every encountered.  I do not sweat really unless I am at the gym so I do not need an anti-perspirant on the regular but this deodorant works really well with my chemistry and I don't have to worry about a thing (smelling) using this product.  It's a bit pricey at $15 for 1.7 oz but I bought this back in July I believe and it's just about running out.  I don't live anywhere close to Nordstrom, but they offer free shipping on-line so that's a bonus.

Lips:

I just grabbed a Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain just so I could throw something on that looked natural and would last.  It doesn't last all day but my lips tend to start off pale in the morning and brighten up during the day or it's just my makeup wearing off.  Probably the latter!  :)  This is in Honey.

 

 



Hair:

I packed EverCreme Intense Nourishing Shampoo that I actually didn't even use.  But I love the EverCreme line by L'OREAL and this is a nice sized sample.  The line is very gentle and moisturizing. 

The hotel I was staying at provided Crabtree and Evelyn Avocado, Olive Oil and Basil line and I must say that I had a very good hair day.  I will be picking up a set in the future for sure.  $18 a bottle is a bit steep, but the results were really good.  I also like the LaSource line of shampoo and conditioner which I also discovered at another hotel at which I stayed.  Good stuff!

I also brought a dry shampoo just in case I didn't have time to wash my hair.  It is quite oily so in order to look presentable, I need to wash my hair almost every day.  I had a sample of Oscar Blandi volumizing dry shampoo from a Birchbox a while ago.  It works really well and that sticky, filminess of dry shampoo sprays is very minimal with this one.  And it smells nice!

Skincare:

Frequently, I will squeeze out a foil sample packet into a plastic jar with a lid.  A small sample packet can last you 1-2 weeks.  Seriously try it!  I forgot what is in this jar, it might be something from Kiehl's.  :)

Garnier Ultra-Lift Anti-Wrinkle Eye Roller just has really convenient packaging for travel.  I roll this on all the time and it's pretty effective at hydrating your undereye area in a light weight form.  As far as wrinkles is concerned, I'm not really sure.  I am starting to get a few fine lines here and there as part of the natural aging process of collagen breakdown.  Does this eliminate them?  No, but it's very soothing and the extra light moisture doesn't seem to hurt.

I also packed RAWskincare Ambiant Eye Treatment for my night time routine.  Again, I feel like I need some extra moisture under my eyes but I haven't seen a huge improvement after using this product.

epielle cucumber cleansing tissues can be found at Big Lots and yes they are only $1 for 30 wipes.  They aren't the thickest wipes nor the most wet that I have ever tried but for $1, you cannot go wrong with these.  They remove makeup for the most part. I still need a separate eye makeup remover and I do not use these exclusively for cleansing so they work well for my purposes.  Also did I mention that they are only a dollar?

Oil-Free Acne Wash Pink Grapefruit foaming scrub has a nice scent and is pretty effective at thoroughly cleaning the skin without over-stripping and drying.  I have combo/oily skin, more oily t-zone, mostly normal cheeks.  I enjoyed using this and the packaging is conveniently tiny.

I had the empty box of mdskincare Dr. Dennis Gross 4-in-1 Facial Treatment wipes in my last empties post but I found 3 more in my makeup bag.  Yes!  But this is the absolute last one.  No! I might have to breakdown and buy these. Cleansing, balancing, treating and toning in one step.  Do I just do the one step, no, but I use these as a balancer, treatement and tonor.  So it's a 3-n-1 for me!

Primers:

This Too Faced Primed and Poreless is in the perfect travel size.  This sample has lasted me a really long time as well.  I just use this in my t-zone.  Believe it or not, less is more for me in terms of skincare.  It may seem like I fly through products but I do use them sparingly so for this like a pea size amount is plenty for my t-zone.

Urban Decay Primer Potion works really well for my eye lids to prevent creasing.  I use either Urban Decay or Too Faced Shadow Insurance.  Both work really well on my oily lids.  I think that this my last sample in the "vintage" packaging thankfully.  Blending-wise, I think Too Faced provides a better surface though. 

I also packed this sample of Atzen Balance Protective Day Cream just in case my skin was a little dry.  I did use it that morning and I can say it did not make my skin overly oily during the day I was working.  The directions say 1/4 to 1/8 teaspoon for the entire face and neck and is a perfect base for makeup. I definitely used less than that to cover my entire face and neck.  I focus more on my cheeks and neck and avoid my t-zone.  I might look into a full size of this.  I don't see any SPF information on the sample bottle.

I will include L'Occitane Moisturizing Lip Balm in the primer category because I used this to moisturize my lips before any lip products that I apply and at night.  Good stuff.  I like that it is Natural and Organic certified and is made with shea butter.

Makeup:

After priming I go in with Rachel K CC Cream and press it into my skin concentrating in my t-zone and working out towards my cheeks.  I really didn't need to use a separate primer but since I wasn't going to have time for touchups in 12 hours, I just wanted some extra priming on board.   I love Rachel K CC Cream.  It's moisturizing enough just to use alone in warm weather but since it has been very cold and dry down here in NC, I have been using a separate moisturizer most days.   It conceals the redness in my cheeks very well and gives me a smooth and even surface for my foundation.  When days I am running out the door, this is usually all I need and a little blush or bronzer.

Bourjois Healthy Mix Foundation in 52 Vanilla.  This is just a touch too dark right now.  But this foundation works well with Rachel K, has a semi-matte finish and is a medium to full coverage for me.  I just need a tiny bit.  I can also mix it with a moisturizer to make a tinted moisturizer with it which I have done in the past.

Mineralogie U2 Ultimate Cream Concealer is just that.  Great coverage, minimal under eye creasing.  I concentrate it just in the bluish smudge just under my eye (not the entire under eye area) and press it gently in, altogether avoiding any under eye creases that I have.  I also grabbed my L'OREAL true match crayon concealer in fair/light, n1-2-3 to layer over it just in case I needed something extra.  I also use this to conceal around my nose.  The Mineralogie is just a little too moisturizing in that area as I tend to get oily around my nose.

theBalm Sexy Mama finishing powder and Hot Mama! blush are perfect travel packaging.  They are small and compact and come in paper sleeves to prevent them from flying open in your makeup bag.  Sexy Mama is just a touch too dark but I made it work.  Hot Mama! is one of those peachy Nars Orgasm dupes.  I didn't feel the need to pack a bronzer with this one.

Love L'Oreal Infallibles...  I just need these two for a full, no fuss eye.  Bronzed Taupe all over the lid and blended up into the crease, Iced Latte in the inner corner.  I used 2 liners as well.  AVON Glimmersticks in Brown Glow blended out on the upper and lower lash line gives a bronzey glow and Physicians Formula brown liner from the trio for brown eyes is a cool, toned dark chocolate brown for tight lining the upper and lower lash line.  The combination of the two liners really make my blue eyes pop.  Love the way that they look together.  I probably should get backups.  They also do no budge, smudge or run.  I tend to get watery eyes throughout the day, these do not move.

I packed two mascaras.  Smachbox Full Exposure and blinc.  I use Smashbox first to lengthen and build volume and blinc just locks everything in place and holds my curl all day.  blinc is kind of annoying to remove as it forms these little tubes over your eyelashes but I can deal with it if it means my curl will last.

 Oil Control:

Rachel K CC Cream works like a charm but shine is inevitable so blotting papers are a must for me.  I really like this sample pack of Shiseido that I have been using.  They work amazingly well.  I only have to blot once or twice a day with these.  Other sheets 3-4 times.  It may seem that all blotting papers do the same thing which they do, soak up that oil but there is something about this particular brand and their lasting power that works with my skin.    Shiseido was the first brand of blotting powders that I tried back in college.  They may have been the first actually.

So that's what I brought on my most recent overnight work trip.  Thanks for peeking into my makeup bag!!!  :)
 

Makeout 2013

Yeah, I'm a little late to the YouTube party but better late than never right?

Last year was a huge reality check for me in terms of what I had been spending at the drugstore on stuff.  Just stuff!  It took me a year to use up dozens of skincare items, shampoos, lotions, toothpaste...  The list goes on and on of the "stuff" I had stockpiled from my 2010 and 2011 coupon days.

Did I save money?  I sure did, hundreds, probably thousands.  Did I need all that "stuff?"  Nope.  Did I still spend hundreds probably closer to a couple grand on stuff that I really didn't need?  Yes.  It was sheer madness.  I thought by using coupons and saving money, justified the purchases.  Couponing started off with good intentions.  I bought lots of cereal, toilet paper and cleaners nearly for free.  Did we use these items?  Yes we did.

Drugstore shopping was a blast.  Rolling rewards (CVS extra care bucks, Walgreens Register Rewards and Rite Aid +up rewards) and leaving with bags of "stuff" was so much fun for me.  Getting paid to "buy" 4 Nivea body wash and 3 bottles of John Frieda shampoo?  Yes please!   That is until reality hit.  What was I going to do with all this "stuff?"  Where was I going to store it?  Would I ever use it all?  Listen, I wasn't a stockpiler like an extreme couponer, but I had enough to fill up 2 bathrooms.  Enough was enough.

So how did I do in 2012?  Here is my original post...  link!  Lots of cross outs!  I finished every bottle of shampoo, conditioner and every tube of toothpaste.  I did have a little help.  We are a family of 5.  :)  I gave away a lot, pitched some that I know I didn't like and returned items to AVON.

I still have hair products to use as well as self tanners and face masks.  These are things that I use infrequently and take a long time to finish!  The cloth drawer cabinet was emptied as I finished the products and re-purposed the drawers.  And here is what my bathroom cabinets look like now!

Before:

 

After:

The only shampoo I have is now in my shower.  It feels good.  It took my 11 months to go through most of the items.  I did buy somethings in December.  Do I still have a lot of skincare items?  Yes.  I love skincare.   My motivation to finish those items is to go more natural.  I'm doing research on essential oils and I want to make my own cleaners and serums.  I will leave skincare for another post!  :)

Now that I have that situation under some control, it is now time for Makeout 2013.  

I'm going to go through categories and what I need to use up before I repurchase.  Some categories will be impossible to fully "use up."  Those being for starters, foundations.  I have never used an entire foundation.  I came close to Lioele Beyond the Solution BB cream.  Blushes, most eyeliners, most eyeshadow, lipsticks and lipgloss also have proven to be quite difficult to use up before the dreaded expiration.  The sheer quantity I have of each category fully prevents this from happening.

My goal for Makeout 2013 is to get my makeup collection to a reasonable amount of products.  Reasonable to me that is...

Concealer:

I have 9.

None of them truly work on their own to conceal my new dark undereye circles (thanks stressful job and insomnia) and redness around my nose.  I am a cosmetic mixologist.  The Rimmel Match Perfection is too dark.  I mix with either of the 2 Maybelline Mineral Power concealers.  They are also both nearing 2.5 to 3 years old.  Really need to think about pitching them.  They were CVS clearance items when we lived in NY State.  (Since we moved to NC 2 years ago, I have a pretty good idea how old everything is... If I didn't buy it while we have been here, it's over 2 years old.)  The Rimmel is a recent purchase since the first of the year.  It was to replace the 2 Maybelline ones...  Time to pitch.  So now I have 7.

Glamoflage I believe I bought here in NC so it's almost 2 years old.  It took my forever to find it in stock.  It works well but in the summer it just adds to my oil slick.  It also has a tendency to separate...  Philosophy was a Big Lots purchase from last summer.  I forgot all about it!  It's a bit light but since it is so moisturizing, it has worked well this winter.  Mineralogie is a Beauty Army sample.  It is thick and works really well.  It's about a year old.  It can crease under my eye if I am not careful.

My 2 brighteners: L'OREAL Magic Lumi and Maybelline Instant Age Rewind.  Both work but the Maybelline Brightener really highlights my pores and circles.  Not the best look.  Might be good to mix it with the darker Rimmel.

Makeout 2013:  When the 7 remaining are used up I want to purchase a NARS concealer or the Kat Von D and the Giorgio Armani Master Correcter in #1.  That's my motivation to use these up.  :)

Eyeliners:

Woah, that's a lot.

 

I know for a fact that I have bought the following eyeliners since moving to NC and they are the only ones I use on a regular basis except for the blue liners:  

Urban Decay 24/7 liners from Hautelook sale

Milani Easyliner in Espresso

Milani Liquif'eye in Brown

Cargo Eye Bronzer from Glossybox

AVON Glimmersticks in mocha flash, nocturnal, brown glow

Tarte empasEYES inner rim brightener

Cargo EyeBronzer from a Glossybox

Stila  smudge stick in blue ribbon from a Birchbox

Ofra eyebrow from Glossybox.  Well that's an eyebrow pencil that I never use.

BareMinerals Big & Bright Eyeliner in Midnight.  Got it for free with a $5 purchase.  I bought a $5 gift card. 

Rimmel Spark it Up! in peridot.  This was a Walgreens clearance item.

Urban Decay 24/7 Glide on in Elderado was a free item from a purchase.  

All the others are more than 2 years old.  Technically eyeliners can be kept up to a year.  So I'm going to pull one brown PF that I use all the time and the MAC Surf Baby collection liner in Gilded White and the 2 clinique liners and toss the rest.  Since I don't use them, I'm not going to keep them.  I believe the Clinique cream shapers run on me so I will try them out this week.  If they run, they are gone as well.

New drawer!

  

Makeout 2013:  There aren't any eyeliners that I have been wanting other than more Urban Decay.  But since I have enough to last me for another 5 years.  No more eyeliners this year... period...  If I run out of black, I can get a black to replace it, etc.  But I don't typically reach for black eyeliner, I can use a black shadow as a liner.

Lipstick:

I have a modest amount of lippies.  I tend to favor the sheer varieties, i.e. lipbutters and lipgloss.  Just a quick glance into this drawer I've already tossed 2.  L'OREAL Infalliable Never Fail in 730 Grenadine.  I've had it close to 2 years and never been worn.  Also the NYX Lip Smacking in Earth Angel was worn a couple of times probably 4 years ago.  Time to let them go!  Also the L'OREAL Endless in Timeless Tawny is way too brown on me and that taste.  YUCK!  The other 2 L'OREAL's I have Cheryl Cole limited edition 297 Red Passion and 800 Fairest Nude both have that iconic smell and taste but to a lesser degree.

I don't need another nude lipstick.  I have 3; Maybelline Colorsensational Nude Nuances 865 and Revlon Fashion's Night Pout and Ungaro by AVON Lip color in Champagne.  Great formula by the way.  Very creamy.  Limited Edition from a few years ago.  I also have 2 Revlon Super Lustrous in 651 Porcelain Pink and 205 Champagne on Ice.

I'm looking at the Mary Kay's right now. I have 3.  Each bought for special occasions, specifically Marine Corps Birthday Balls.  Sweet Nectar, Whipped Berries and Inspiration.  Lipsticks can last up to 4 years.  I've had these 4-5 years.  They still smell the same.  I will keep these but if I don't wear them in 2013.  It will be time to toss them.

New drawer!

 

Makeout 2013:  I love my Revlon Lip butters but I don't need any more but I reserve the right to hit up a 40% off sale this year.  Same goes for the L'OREAL Colour Caresse Wet Shines...  Thankfully I don't need to shell out another $30 for a YSL.  :)

Lipgloss:

I have too many for my liking.  I remember driving all over the place looking for the Milani Haute Flash and they look ridiculous on me straight out of the tube. But I can't part with them.  I can mix them with other lip products to make them work.

I have one Revlon Colorburst in Strawberry Fraise.  I wear it during the summer.  I remember grabbing this from a CVS in NY right before we moved.  It was bundled with a Grow Luscious Mascara.  I have one MAC Lipglass from the Hey, Sailor Collection.  I love the Cover Girl natureluxe gloss balms.  Not as much as the Revlon Lipbutters though.  These are old, pushing 4 years.  I still reach for them.

I've never worn the Lorac.  I've tested them out but most of the time it's too hot in NC to have stickiness on your lips.  lol  They are starting to lose their watermelon scent.  Great Hautelook sale but such as waste.  :( 

I've narrowed it down to the few that I am keeping.  They fit in 1 drawer now!  Pitching what doesn't fit.

Makeout 2013: No more!  I forgot to mention the Revlon Kissable Balm Stains.  I have 2 and 1 Tarte Lip Surgence.  I don't need anymore of course but I reserve the right to hit up a 40% off sale at the drugstore.  But since I have a variety of colors, I probably won't.

L'OREAL infalliable eyeshadows:

Yes I have these in a separate category.  I have 19 of them.  Most from the permanent collection and from the all the limited edition collections that I can pull off.  I love these shadows.  They are effortless for me.  I can slap them on and run out the door.

Makeout 2013:  I can purchase more but they have to be unique and wearable colors for me.

Maybelline Eye Tattoos:

Yup, I've separated these out as well.  Another drugstore standout for me.  I have 16 of them. And a L'OREAL HiP cream liner...  some of these are better than others in terms of pigmentation and blendability.  I use Inked in Pink, Pomegranate Punk, Bad to the Bronze, Barely Branded and Barely Beige all the time.

Makeout 2013:  Unless the color is to die for, I cannot purchase another one.

All other eyeshadows:

I have too many.  So many palettes in fact that I started selling unopened and untouched palettes on eBay.  I couldn't justify holding on to them anymore.  These are my go to palettes and eyeshadow mostly because I keep them easily accessible. 

All 3 Urban Decay Naked Palettes, WetNWild Comfort Zone, Vanity and Brulee and Stila Cloud.

One day I will do a collection post.  I've done bits and pieces of over the years.  At the moment, it is too intense for me to handle.  lol  I've given a lot to my niece and she is about to get a lot more.

Makeout 2013:  I can buy the Lorac Pro Palette.  INLGOT if and only if I gift out most of my Wet n' Wild and various other drugstore eyeshadow palettes.

Powders:

I've hit pan on the Rimmel Stay Matte in Transparent, PF Healthy Wear in Translucent Light and PF Bamboo Wear in Creamy Natural.  The PF Bamboo Wear has a bit of a shimmer to it.  Some days I like it, others I don't.  It's also about 4-5 years old. I need to let it go.

The Benefit Sexy Mama is a bit dark on me right now but I can work with it.  I love the Airspun Loose Face Powder but I want to finish it up so I can try something else.  The Maybelline Instant Age Rewind is usually in my bag for touch ups.  I have been using the Colorscience over the winter as it is quite light.  

I don't reach for the Milani or the Lorac.  Milani is too dark right now and very full coverage.  Lorac is a nice undereye concealer powder that I really should be using more of!

I just got the Tarte sample with an order.  The color is a touch darker than Sexy Mama so it might be an early summer match.

Makeout 2013:  Every single powder that I own needs to be used until significant pan is showing and then I can purchase new.  I really want to try Bare Minerals again or Laura Mercier Loose setting powder.

Mascara:

I can skip this category as I have 5 samples to work through and I have no full size mascara currently.  I'm not sure what I want to try next.  Maybelline Falsies worked nicely.  I do need a waterproof.  

Makeout 2013:  I can buy one mascara at a time.  Urban Decay Cannonball has been calling out to me!

Blush:

Blush is a little insane right now.  I'm not sure what I like and what I don't.  They are all pretty old.  The PF ones I reach for the most but I really don't need much on my cheeks as they are naturally quite pink.  The cream Maybelline ones seem a bit frosty on me right now.  Not a good look.

I wear the MAC Hey Sailor Highlight powder as a blush one almost every day.  

Not pictured... the 2 NARS Nordstrom LE cheek palettes that I haven't touched.  What I need to do is donate these blushers and open up the NARS palettes.  I almost sold them on eBay but I just couldn't part with them.

Makeout 2013:  I keep wanting to get some new Milani baked blushes as well.  Basically I need to find some good blush.  Any suggestions?

Bronzer:

Most of these bronzers are too dark, too brown, too orange, too shimmery.  Most of the time I can get NYC sunny to work but not in the contour.  I look too done up.  Not a very natural look for me.  Maybe I'm uncontourable.  Is that possible?  :)

I've been trying to find NYX Taupe in stock...anywhere...  Ulta, Ulta.com, Cherryculture.com, Drugstore.com  No luck!

Makeout 2013:  NYX Taupe or an equivalent.  Or Benefit Hoola.  Haven't tried that one yet!

Highlighters:

I don't need any more.  I'm good.

Makeout 2013:  Don't even think about it.  My oil provides enough highlight.  Thank you very much genetics.

So basically, I can't buy until I use up.  For serious.  Except for those categories where I am giving myself some wiggle room.  Sounds awkward but I need to have realistic and achievable goals right?

I'm going to lump foundations in with skincare in it's own separate post next.  Most are BB creams so it's justified.  ;)

Are you participating in a Makeout 2013 or reducing your purchases on cosmetics this year? 

1st of the year empties!!!

I have a brown paper shopping bag of empties so I figure it's time for a review!  And tomorrow is garbage/recycling day.  What better motivation than to clear a little clutter out of the house!

I still have to finish a 2012 wrap up but I can say that I've been super frugal so far this year.  No more stockpiling, I'm using up samples instead of saving them (for what, I have no idea), not buying any makeup, well not much anyway!  I'm working on only mascara samples.  Umm, 3 to be exact.  Don't judge.  And I have 2 more ready to go.  I only have one shampoo and one conditioner in the shower right now.  I'm sure the hubby is really happy about the decrease in shower clutter!

So here they are!

 

1.  Pantene Beautiful Lengths Breakage Defense Shampoo:  Good stuff.  Not sure if my hair is less prone to breakage using this product but it smells nice and leaves my hair soft and shiny.  I'm not planing on repurchasing any time soon but if I saw it on-sale, I would grab it.

2.  L'OREAL Preference Mega Browns BR7 Chocolate:  My go to color.  I will absolutely repurchase over and over and over again... 

3.  Rimmel Gentle Eye Make Up Remover:  I am on my 3rd bottle of this.  It doesn't last long but it works really well.  It's very effective at removing all eye makeup.  I haven't used waterproof mascara in a while so I haven't tested it out on that but everything else melts away with no streaking.  Love it!

4.  N.4 High Performance Hair Care Lumiere d'hiver Clarifying Shampoo:  I'm not sure about this one.  It takes some work to emulsify the product into a usable consistency to lather t through the hair.  It is super thick and concentrated.  This was a Birchbox or Glossybox sample.  It strips color out so I can vouch for the clarifying aspect of it.  Oh and it smells nice.  I won't buy a full size though.

5 & 6.  Advance Techniques Moroccan Argan Oil Shampoo and Conditioner:  This is pretty good stuff.  I would pick this up again during an AVON sale.  I like the smell and the way it leaves my hair soft and clean.  I bought this in a set with a bottle of Moroccan hair oil which I use every day on my straight from the shower.   I have liked that as well too.  All 3 were $9.99.  Super affordable!

7 &8.  Gilette Satin Care:  Another two down the drain.  Literally.  Oh and the price went up at the Commissary... Total bummer but still the least expensive.  I picked up a 3 pack at Target on clearance of the Gilette Satin Care for dry skin and it's not working out so good.  Razor burn city.  I will have to shell out the extra pennies for sensitive skin.  lol

9.  New Garnier Oila Oil Powered Permanent Color in 4.15 Dark Soft Mahogany:  I really liked this color.  The color was much darker than the picture on the box which is true for most boxed hair dyes but it left a nice red highlight.  I will still go back to my Mega Browns because I like the color a touch better and it's more cost effective.  The conditioner that was provided was a bit disappointing. It did give my hair adequate moisture for my hair.  But I can say that it has 100% gray coverage!!!  If I ever need hair color and Mega Browns is not in stock, I can trust this one to have good results for sure.  This was a BzzAgent sample.  They sent me a coupon in my BzzAgent kit and I was able to buy the hair color for free!  Yay!

10.  Dead Sea Collection Salt Scrub in Eucalyptus:  I love these salt scrubs.  For $4 at Big Lots you can't go wrong.  They are no emulsifying/sudsy and leave the skin a bit oily but I like that my body feels very moisturized after using these.  I'm going back for more of course!

11.  Dove Men Extra Fresh Soap:  I really like the smell of this.  Not too manly but fresh.  And it's a Dove product so it's not drying.  This will be a good bar for the summer months.  Need to repurchase.  :)

12 & 13.  Proclaim with Argan Oil Intense Hydrating Masque:  I just realized that this was a "masque" but I used it almost after every shampoo.  I guess it's not so intense that it weighs the hair down after every day use.  I liked the smell.  I used the shampoo along with it which I also used up.  I am actually re-purposing the shampoo bottle as it has a pump.  I put the next 2 products into it!  I would possibly repurchase during a sale again.  I believe I got the 2 of them for $7 at Sally's.  I want to find a Macadamia oil set at Sally's next.

14 & 15.  John Frieda full Repair Full Body Shampoo:  Technically, the shampoo contained in these bottles are not used up, I filled the Proclaim shampoo bottle with them, but these bottles are going out with the recycling tomorrow so I thought I would mention them.  My friend moved to Hawaii recently and gifted me these!  I forgot how wonderful this shampoo was.  My hair feels luxurious after using this shampoo again.  Great stuff.  Good lather, nice smell, moisturizing.  I will probably repurchase at some point in the future.

16.  Dead Sea Magnesium Salts, Lemon Verbena:  Another $4 steal at Big Lots.  I love a good salt bath.  They are very soothing and awesome for sore muscles and various other aches and pains.  This has a nice smell to it.  I will repurchase this or another flavor on my next shopping excursion to Big Lots!

17.  Nexxus Headress Thickening Leave-in Volumizer:  This was another gift from my Hawaii-bound friend.  Leave in conditioners are something I never purchase and when I do, I forget that they are a leave-in and rinse them out!  I don't need a thickening agent for my hair but this was a nice product to try.  I don't need to repurchase this.

18.  MD Skincare 4-in-1 Treatment:  These single use cleansing and toning clothes are the bomb!  I only bought 2 that were on clearance sometime last year and rationed them as long as I could.  I wish now that I had the foresight to have bought all 4 boxes that were on clearance but I thought at the time that would be crazy to clear the shelves of something that I hadn't tried yet.  lol  Hind sight is 20/20.  :)  I got them for $7 and they were regularly priced at $35 I think.  It was a steal.  I don't think I would pay $35 for them though.

19.  Christian Lacroix Rouge Shower Gel:  I had this in my AVON product stash for years.  Literally.  It had to have been expired.  But I used it anyway.  It's a mature scent to say the least, nice but not something I will repurchase.  It has been since discontinued probably for a couple of years.  I do have the perfume which I use sparingly during the winter months.

20.  Freeman Detoxifying Facial Mask:  I received this in a box that was from Influenster but I don't believe it was attached to a VoxBox promotion.  The box had several products in it, but usually VoxBoxes have a card with them detailing the products contained within.  This one did not and when I logged into my Influenster account, I didn't have notification that anything was sent.  That being said, I am totally appreciative of the gift!  :)  I really liked this mask.  Smelled just like chocolate and it was difficult not to try it.  Seriously.  I didn't by the way...  Truth.  :)  I will pick this up someday for sure.

21.  Organix Brazilian keratin therapy:  This lasted forever.  Good stuff too.  Sulfate and Sodium free and smells of coconut.  Leaves the hair soft, shiny and manageable.  I will repurchase during a sale for sure.  I have a few more products that I am working through so it's not a need at this point but works really well for a super straight look.

22.  Nelson Beverly Hills Argan Oil 7-in-1 non-foaming shampoo: I'm quite okay with low-poo and no-poo (so weird to call them that) shampoos but this one was strange.  There were these blue/green beads in a runny white "lotion" presumably to provide an abrasive agent to scrub off the dirt and oil?  Well though I thought I thoroughly rinsed the product, several beads could be felt on my scalp throughout the day.  Nice lemony-mint smell but I would need to try this again to really form an opinion.  The sample was only enough for one use on my long hair.  This was a Beauty Army sample I believe.

23.  Skindinavia Makeup Finishing Spray, The original:  I love using finishing sprays to help do away with the powdery look.  However, for someone with oily skin, that powdery look helps to hold the oils longer.  So when you take them away with a spray, your oils break through faster.  So using one with oily skin kind of defeats the purpose, in my experience...  I find that I like the Urban Decay de-Slick just a touch better, even though they are both made by Skindinavia.  de-Slick really doesn't prevent me from getting oily either but it takes away the powder look and just might keep me from getting shiny prematurely...  :) 

24.  alessandro international Hand!Spa Age Complex Cream Rich Pearl Protein Extract & Hyaluronic Acid:  This is a really nice hand cream.  And priced on the Birchbox website (link!) at $30, it really should be.  I've had some pretty chapped hands this month and I am sorry to see this one go.  I can't spend $30 on a hand cream at this time... but I wish I could. 

25.  Garnier BB cream:  Now that I have purchased the combination to oily skin one, I can pitch this one.  The smell is really over-powering to me after not using it for a few months.  I did like it.  It is a good product if you have the right skin.  Dry to normal.  It only worked for a couple of hours on me.  On a hot and humid day, forget it.  I am liking the new one and have been using it for a couple of months now.  See my review here!

26.  Indie Lee The Cleanser:  Oh oh oh I love love love this stuff!!!  Great cleanser.  I picked this up along with the Squalane oil on a Hautelook sale.  I haven't seen her products on Hautelook since.  I need to repurchase soon though.  It's a gentle, natural, citrusy cleanser that leaves the skin clean and prefectly prepped for your skincare.   I do have some other cleansers to get through so as soon as I'm finished with the squalane oil, I will get them together again.  Indie Lee is just one of those feel good brands that you can trust.  Indie Lee herself has a ton of integrity, she has been through so much in her life, such an inspiration.

27.  Yves Rocher ADN Cellular Renaissance:   Huge claims for this product and at $52, it's pricey.  I got it for free for an order I think last summer or was it the summer before.  I think the summer before.  Yikes!  I liked it but I didn't think it was HG.  It has a botanical, fresh scent.  It's pretty thick and heavy.  I used it mostly on my neck and chest.  I really liked that it was square and opens like a compact.  Pretty cool design.  You don't have to worry about it tipping over on your counter.  I will get this again on a sale but I don't feel that it is something I can't live without.  I like Yves Rocher products.  I haven't ordered from them in a while but I don't believe I ever received a product that I didn't like. 

28.  Amir Argan Oil Moisturizer:  This was one of 3 Amir sample moisturizer from the Hautelook Beauty Bag that I never reviewed.  I need to do that.  I'm not sure if I will ever order the Beauty Bag again but it did have a few decent samples and one full size cleanser.  The lotion had a pleasant scent.  I finished this a while ago.  It was nice.  Not something I would repurchase unless I saw it at Marshall's.  It's currently $24 for 18 oz on Amazon.

29.  Nivea Touch of Smoothness Moisturizing Body Wash:  Smells nice, I really like the orange blossom one though.  That's my fave!  Love Nivea and all of their products.  I would repurchase this.

30.  AVON Foot Works Lavender Comfort Soak:  I've gone through a few of these throughout the years.  They are nice to have on hand for a spa night.  I don't currently have any on hand.  Looks like I need to repurchase...

31.  Kiehl's Powerful-Strength Line-Reducing Concentrate:  Kiehl's is another one of those brands that can do no wrong in my eyes.  There are so many products that I have tried and want to try.  I squeezed this sample packet into a plastic jar with a lid and was able to use it for an entire week!  This stuff is pretty good.  It's very thick and moisturizing, which I like to use a heavy moisturizer at night.  I didn't see any noticeable results in a week's usage but I would definitely buy a full size just to see.  :)

32.  Babor Anti-Stress Anti-Jetlag Cream:  This has been my go to night cream for the last 3 months or so.  A very nice cream with a full size $72 price tag.  Ouch.  Why?!  This was a Beauty Army sample.  Good stuff.  Not too heavy, not light either so it was definitely a night cream for me but when I did have some drier skin issues for a day or 2, this took care of it.  Loved the smell too.  I'm tempted to order the Babor Anti-Stress Relaxation Kit on Amazon for $35.  Hmmm....

Now I can bring my bag to the curb!  :)

Makeout 2013 post is coming up next!

BB Cream crazy...

I...will...try...them...all... Actually, I think I am nearing the end of the try. I recently received a Dr. Jart sample in my Birchbox last month and it might be the one. I've only used it once though. :)

I still want to try some higher end ones like Smashbox, Tarte... I've tried all of the drugstore and even one from Sally's.  I also found a foundation just yesterday that I really love!  More on that later.  :)

But recently, well let's be honest here, it has been a couple of months, I bought the newest Garnier incarnation for oily skin, Garnier BB cream Skin Renew Miracle Skin Perfector Combination to Oily Skin. Yay!

I know that your skeptical.  It's not like an Asian BB cream at all. It's totally American and totally different from any BB cream I have tried for that matter. Should American BB cream really be called a BB cream, well no.  But I'm not going to make that argument in this review.  It's been done...  lol

One, it's runny. I mean, super liquidy. It reminds me of Urban Decay Naked Foundation without the silicone feel.  But don't let that deter you, it's pigmented. Not in a full coverage kind of way, but in a BB cream kind of way. It's also darker than the one shade Asian BB cream which isn't a surprise either. I picked up the light/medium shade.

It's very similar to the original Garnier BB cream in terms of the color but that's the only comparison between the two. That wicked strong chemically floral smell? Well it's gone and replaced with a much lighter scent that disappears almost immediately. That glowy, dewy (umm shiny) finish? That's gone too and replaced with a semi-matte, natural finish. I like it. My winter pale has totally set in and I'm finding it difficult to match my skin with the products in my repertoire. However, the Garnier BB cream for oily/combo skin blends in quite nicely and I can run out the door knowing I have a pretty good match. That's what I want from a BB cream/tinted moisturizer. Effortlessness.

Though BB creams are "supposed" to be skincare, who are we really kidding? For those of us who are truly skincare conscious, we have so many other products in our cabinets... Is 20 SPF adequate coverage for the depleting ozone layer?  No ma'am...  You will need another sunscreen for sure. 

The most important question... Does it keep the oils at bay for an "All-Day Shine Control"?  Well short answer no. I'm not going to sugar coat it. It's winter down here in NC. 30's and 40's. Zero humidity. I've had days with "normal" skin, with minimal oiliness. But for the most part, my skin is still combo/oily. That being said, I've come to except that blotting and powdering are going to happen no matter how good the product. So with the Garnier BB cream for combination to oily skin I can go 5 hours without that uncomfortable shine peaking through. 

But I will say that it's claims of  "immediately mattifies, minimizes pores" are quite true but "conceals imperfections" is a bit of a stretch. If you have near perfect skin, yes, it will conceal your imperfections, but for my imperfections, I still need concealer. It is a light to medium coverage in my opinion.

Now I will say that I liked the original Garnier. I would slap it on before a run or the gym or a quick jaunt to the store. It did the job and looked great.  However, after 1-2 hours it would start slipping off my face. The smell was very noticeable but something I could get over. But after recently throwing it on to run out the door, the scent literally knocked me out. I hadn't used it for months so I'm not sure if it was going bad or that I developed a sensitivity to perfumes but I immediately had to pitch it. Plus I have a replacement!

I apply Garnier BB cream for combination to oily skin either with a Beauty Blender or my fingers.  I have used a brush but I prefer the other two methods.  I usually apply one thin layer and then add another layer to cover up the redness of my cheeks.  It will stick to dry patches so if you are combination, make sure you exfoliate and lightly moisturize before the application of this product.  For my skin type, this product provides adequate moisturization on it's own, but I usually start off with a serum or a primer.

Garnier BB cream is readily available at the drugstores and grocery stores and priced anywhere from $10-13.  I have been reaching for this product the most since I picked it up just after the 1st of the year.  It has that effortless factor and I am really enjoying it.

Have you tried Garner BB Cream Skin Renew Miracle Skin Perfector Combination to Oily Skin?

Sibu Beauty Sea Buckthorn Balancing Facial Cleanser Review and Giveaway!

If you have been reading my blog for a while now, you know how frustrated I am with my oily skin.  I'm always searching for products that work.  Products to clean without stripping, moisturizers that don't leave me greasy, foundations that last longer than 3 hours.  Since moving to NC, my skin still has not "adjusted" and now that I am working 10-11 hour days, I really need a solution!

I thought it was the weather down here in NC but currently we are in the winter months (well that's a loose term, it's been high 70's!) and I still have very oily skin at times.   I think over the summer I was over cleansing and much of the oil I was experiencing was "rebound oil."  You know, the oil you get when you skin freaks out because you took away all it's natural oils.  I don't experience any breakouts whatsoever except when I over-indulge in the sugar department or that occasional monthly blemish.  But typically they are small and clear within a couple of days. 

I've tried cleansing and moisturizing with oils.  I may not have given this a fair shot but I think my main problem is that I don't have hot enough water coming from the faucet to really steam my pores open so I am left with congested skin when I use the oil cleansing method.  I have to run the water for about 20 minutes to get it hot enough!  I just don't want to waste that kind of water.  I like to use oils on my skin at night but this is not possible for my day routine.

As luck would have it, I was contacted by Sibu Beauty to review a product of theirs last month and now that I have been using this cleanser exclusively for 3 weeks, I am ready to share my thoughts!  I picked out this cleanser because I've been searching for something to balance out this bout of oily skin I'm experiencing. 

Well, add this to your list of all natural, paraben free, cruelty free, fair-trade, PETA certified products to try out this year.  It's a lovely cleanser.  Nice orangey/citrus smell, nice lather, it has a gentle physical exfoliating property as well.  It's not packed with granules but there are just enough to gently slough off that dull surface layer without irritating the skin. 

 Extreme blurry closeup of the gel consistency and scrubbing particles...  :)

I use it day and night.  At night I use my Clarisonic  Mia2 to really deep clean my skin.  I do need to use a remover before using this product.  It does a good job on it's own, but it's not perfect for my needs.  I use a retinol treatment, sometimes a mattifying moisturizer, primer, cc cream and either foundation and/or powder, then of course my setting powder, blush, bronzer... That's a lot to get through! 

So I use makeup remover wipes to cut through all of that and then Sibu Beauty Sea Buckthorn Balancing Facial Cleanser to clean my skin.  It will not remove eye makeup on it's own for me.  I prefer a separate cleanser for eye makeup because you really need to treat that area very gently.  No scrubbing or pulling on that delicate skin around your eyes!

Sibu Beauty Sea Buckthorn Balancing Facial Cleanser leaves you with clean feeling skin which Sibu claims is the Sea Buckthorn Oil which is "known for its moisture-retaining and regulating properties that helps preserve your skin's natural moisture."  I definitely agree that with their statement that "this facial cleanser will leave your face fresh, soft and lightly moisturized." 

Sea Buckthorn is packed with Omega-7 fatty acids.  We have all heard about the importance of Omega-3 fatty acids are for our cardiovascular health.  Fatty Acids in general are important to obtain from outside sources (food & supplements) as your body cannot produce them by itself.  Omega-7 Fatty Acids are particularly important to the health of cells and tissues and possibly helping with cell turnover.  Sea Buckthorn has Omega 3, 6, 7, 9 and there seems to be a synergistic effect of all 4 together.  There is a lot of information here  and here about Sea Buckthorn and Omega-7.  Sibu Beauty also has a ton of information on their website about Omega-7 here.

It's gentle enough to use on my neck area which you know is hyper sensitive.  I usually just leave it alone but lately I have been needing to blend my foundations/BB creams down my neck for to better match my pale winter skin tone. 

Did it cure my mid-day oil slick?  Short answer, not quite.  I would probably have to change my genetics for that one.  But I feel that I am on the right track with this product.  I'm not overly stripping my skin to get it clean.  My face feels soft and smooth every time I wash it.  A lot of the "congestion" that I have been experiencing has been clearing.  Also I had some irritation or redness on my cheeks that seems to be fading.  I have had to conceal a lot less which cuts out the couple of minutes of blending I would need to do.  When you need to do a 5 minute face in the morning, this has been very helpful.

All in all, I am very happy with this cleanser and I do see myself purchasing a bottle when I have used up this product.

4 fl. oz. of this product will run you about $17.95.  You can buy it on SibuBeauty.com and this month they have a few specials...  Also on Bloom.com, Beauty.com, Drugstore.com, Vitacost.com anywhere from $14.36 to $17.95.  For some, this could be a bit pricey.  I've been using this product exclusively, twice a day for nearly a month and the bottle is just under 3/4 full.  I use half a pump, I feel that the product in concentrated enough and lathers very nicely that a full pump is a bit wasteful but to each their own facial cleansing needs!  :)

I have seen Sibu Beauty featured on Hautelook which I will be looking out for more diligently now as I want to try more from the line.

And now for some exciting news!  I'm hosting a giveaway for your very own Sibu Beauty Sea Buckthorn Balancing Facial Cleanser!  Just enter using the Rafflecopter below.  I will keep the giveaway open for 3 weeks.  From today, Sunday January 20th to Monday February 11th. 

This giveaway is open to all my readers in the US and Canada. 

Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure:  The winner may not have won a Sibu Beauty product in the past.  I was sent a Sibu Beauty Sea Buckthorn Balancing Facial Cleanser for review purposes only.  I have not been compensated to write a positive or favorable review.  This is my own honest and personal opinion of the Sibu Beauty Sea Buckthorn Balancing Facial Cleanser.

You can also follow Sibu Beauty on Pinterest and their blog!

December Empties!

Well hello folks!  That time of the month again. I know I'm almost a month late on this one.  Better late than never... right?  :)

To say this month flew by is an understatement.  I'm pretty sure I said that every month but December really took off and now we are half way through the first month of 2013!

Simultaneously with this post, I'm working on a 2012 wrap up post, 2012 favorites post and of course the new year Beauty Resolutions!  Yay!  Which are pretty much the same as last year.  Work out more and stop buying makeup!  Still editing though.... 

I started to run out of things in November and December and boy did I make up for it.  Dang Friends and Family sales!  But that's what we save all year for right?  :)  I have a few hauls and a ton of reviews lined up.  I'm looking over my list and I have enough material for a few months.  :)

So let's get started...

December empties.  Ended with a bang.  For realz.

1.  Gillette Venus & Olay razors:  I've reviewed/talked about these a ton.  Along with the Schick Naturals, these razors are my favorite/go to that I know will be moisturizing enough and will not cause the dreaded razor burn.  If I use any other razor besides what my husband uses on his face, I will get awful razor burn.  I can't fool around in the shaving department. 

2.  Simply Saline Sterile Saline Nasal Mist:  I thought I would throw this in here.  Beauty related?  Umm yes?!  So winter is here, well for most, but here in the South we are enjoying record highs, 78 degrees, 83 over the weekend!  It's just gorgeous.  But December did bring with it cold dry air.  Saline mist for your nose is your friend.  It's moisturizing for one but also it clears out dust, pollen and dirt and clears congestion.  I'm a nurse and a mother of 3.  My exposure to illness and germs on a daily basis is very high.  I use this saline mist on the daily to clean out my nasal passages so that I am not inhaling those particles deep into my lungs exposing myself to those germs.  And it works.  This combined with Emergen-C, keeps me from getting sick.  Seriously.  Along with diet, exercise and sleep of course... But I don't ever get sick.  Ever...  (knocking on wood right now!)

3.  Gold Bond Ultimate Softening Deep Moisture Body Wash:  My skin was drying out from the cold air last month and I needed to pick this up to see if it would help.  I'm pretty sure it did.  My legs are especially dry right now that I haven't been using any body wash and lotion isn't cutting it.  It smells fresh and clean.  This body wash has a nice creamy lather too.  It has a lot of "bad" chemicals in it though.  I would prefer something more natural but this was at the commissary and I had a coupon.  :)

4.  L'OREAL Visible Lift Line-Minimizing & Tone Enhancing Under Eye Concealer 190 Fair:  This is a perfect example of the perils of hoarding makeup.  Good products go bad when you are distracted by other products!  I grabbed this last year during one of the CVS semi-annual clearances for probably pennies.  Loved it but then got caught up in using other concealers and products.  By the time I got back to this one it only had a month of goodness left.  It was working great for a few weeks and then it started creasing and I assume it is just expired.  But I loved it for the last few weeks of 2012!  Good coverage, blends in really well.  20 spf.  I did use up pretty much the entire tube.  I believe the packaging has changed on this one and maybe the name as well but it's a good one! 

5.  L'OREAL Preference Mega Browns:  I've been coloring my hair in Chocolate every 3 weeks for a couple of months now and it is working out beautifully.  3 weeks is the longest I can go.  The color starts to fade out and my root growth gets a bit crazy.  By 4 weeks I have a half inch of growth and I've gone too far.  I just use one bottle for my roots and brush it down to my ends and I'm good to go.  It's super messy though.  Probably because of the dark color but it's all over my walls and base boards.  This last time I was on my hands and knees wiping off everything and I still have splatter marks everywhere!  But $150 in the salon or $10 at home...  I like the $140 savings thank you very much.

6.  Dove Soap:  Yup went through 2 bars in December.  I love Dove.  Used it since I was a kid.  Probably will forever.  I can use it on my face in a pinch.  I have an amazing cleanser that I am using currently though...  Review coming up soon!

7.  Aussie 3 minute miracle:  I will always have this in the shower.  It's essential for when your hair isn't responding to the oils, creams, tonics, lotions and other conditioners in your shower.  It's stressed, tired and dried out, it needs a miracle.  This product will get your hair back.  This product is in the same category as Pantene.  Pantene always works with my hair.  Sure it's not the best.  It coats your hair, yada, yada, yada but it will always leave my hair soft, silky and smelling great.  I leave it on longer than 3 minutes.  I figure the longer the better.  Also the packaging is A+.  A lot of deep conditioners you have to reach your hands into a tub, it gets under the nails, water from the shower runs down your arms and fingers into the tub and it's just a mess.  This is a squeeze bottle.  Perfection.

8.  Pure White Tarter Control Pre-Whitening Rinse: this is a part of a teeth whitening set.  I really liked the way it made my teeth feel after brushing so even though the 5 minute whitening gel makes me gag something fierce, I still used this up.  The gel does whiten but those strips are just so much more convenient and I have less of a drool-mess fest.  I will review this separately.  So look for that in the near future!

9.  Colgate Total Advanced:  Not a bad toothpaste but nothing whitening about it.  Just documenting that I finished it up!  :)  I still buy it though.  lol

10.  St. Ives Naturally Clear Apricot Scrub Blemish and Blackhead Control:  This is one of those iconic super products from my youth.  One that you can trust will deliver results.  It has changed a bit.  The smell is much different and the scrubbing beads are smaller but it still works.  If you are having a bad skin day or week, whip this baby out and all will get better.  Works for me.  But I think it worked much better back in the day.  Does it instantly clear out all your blackheads?  No, but it does help.  This was a free Facebook sample by the way.  Love freebies. 

11. & 12.  Clear Scalp & Hair Therapy shampoo and conditioner:  I already reviewed or mini reviewed this product and touted it's ability to stop hair from falling out.  No really it did.  I was going through this shedding cycle and it was getting scary.  I received these two travel size bottles in a beauty blogger swap.  It's a good idea to keep a bottle of at least the shampoo in your shower to use from time to time.  A healthy scalp is essential for healthy hair.  Period.  Well along with good food, hydration and exercise...

13.  Bath and Body Works Black Pepper Bergamot:  Hands down my favorite scent of all time except Sensual Amber beats it out for #1 by a hair.  I mean, it's that close but I loved burning this candle in November and December.  I should stop by The Works and see if they are clearanced out!

14.  L'OREAL 20 Volume Developer:  Goes with the L'OREAL Mega Browns color.  I'm not a professional hair stylist but this developer works well for me!

15.  Nuance Raw Honey Color Protect Shampoo and Conditioner foil packet samples:  I really can't review this based off of a sample but the feel and smell of my hair after using this left me intrigued.  It's made with Wheat and Soy protein and Shea Butter, paraben free, sulfate free and not tested on animals.  As I smell the used packets right now, it has a "Sensual Amber" and "Black Pepper Bergamot" smell to it.  No seriously, it must be made exclusively for me.  I'm running out to CVS to grab a set so I can really test them out. 

16.  Urban Decay De-Slick Oil-Control Makeup Setting Spray:  I fly through these sample bottles.  I am using a full size at the moment.  I really like this stuff.  It does help control the oil though it's not perfect.  I'm still looking for the perfect product or combination of products for my oil slick.  I did have one day of dry skin.  It was Thanksgiving morning and I was applying my makeup and I had to start all over again.  It was awful.  So I think I do prefer my oily skin to that dry, flaky mess I had that morning.  I think...

17.  L'OREAL EverCreme Sulfate Free Deep Nourishing Masque:  This is a good alternative to Aussie 3 minute miracle if you wanted to stay away from sulfates.  I really like this one too.  This was my first time trying it out.  I have used the EverCreme line before as you know.  I'm sure I will pick up a full size in the future. 

18.  Philosophy Microdelivery Peel:  I will have a full review on this one.  I really need to pick up another.

19. & 20. AVON Makeup Remover Wipes:  Hands down my favorite remover wipes to date and I have tried them all.  They are quite pricey when not on sale, I think $7.99.  That's probably about average though.  A lot of wipes are priced between $5.99 and $10.99. I just ordered 4 at $3.99 and they are back ordered at the moment.  So I'm not the only one that loves them.  They have the perfect moisture content, the perfect thickness and they perfectly remove makeup.  I will do a separate review.

21.  Cotton jumbo sized balls:  lol  What's not to love about cotton balls. I go back and forth with cotton rounds and balls.  Rounds tend to disintegrate when I wipe them on my eyes and face which Is really annoying.  Cotton balls work well.  These are from Walmart and relatively inexpensive.

22.  Fekkai Shea Butter Shampoo and Conditioner:  Fekkai is one of those untouchable brands for me.  Just way outside my comfortable price zone for shampoo.  If I got it on sale I would do it for sure.  These shampoo is very concentrated.  I should have used only half the packet and since I overzealously squeezed out the entire thing into my hand, it was too late.  lol  It has a nice scent, lathered well.  It's a nice product. 

23.  Oral B Glide Pro-Health Floss.  This seems to be the only brand of floss that I will buy.  If I'm couponing, which I still have a ton of floss to use up from 2011, I will get what I can.  But this is a floss I know isn't going to hurt and tear up my gums.  Good stuff.  And minty too.  Yum!

24.  Pantene Medium Thick Hair Solutions:  Speaking of Pantene...  I haven't been keeping up with all the latest incarnations of Pantene.  I mean, there are dozens.  I swear the different formulations and flavors take up a quarter of the drugstore shampoo aisle.  But this one has that Pantene smell and feel.  It's nice just to have a bottle or a travel size portion to fall back on every once in a while.  Your hair will thank you.

25.  GlamGlow Tingling & Exfoliating Mud Mask:  So yeah, I bought this teeny, tiny tub of mud for $25 plus shipping from Hautelook.  So $30?  Tingling yes, exfoliating, if they say so.  I expected some kind of miracle for that money.  There is like 3 uses, maybe 4 in that thing.  To say that something is going to take care of fine lines, pores, sun damage, age spot, increase elasticity...  Those are huge claims...  I will admit it tingled, more like burned but my skin wasn't irritated by this.  It did feel smoother.  It did suck some oil out of my pores but in doing so the rebound oil I would get the next day after this was unreal.  I just don't get the hype.  Maybe if it was a larger size and I could of used it more consistently.  I get better results with the Shea Terra Black Soap.  Which I haven't used in a while.  I need to do that tonight.

26.  TRESemme Split Remedy:  I thought I liked this. I definitely liked the shampoo but after using this conditioner for 2 days, I couldn't get a brush through my hair.  It left it filmy or something.  It felt good in the shower but it just leaves the hair feeling gross.  Stay away from this.

27.  Neosporin Lip Health Overnight Renewal Therapy:  I swear by this.  Plumps and moisturizer the lips overnight.  Keep it at your night table/bed stand, you won't regret it.  It's tasteless, virtually odorless.  Even my husband will use it.

28.  Garnier Fructis Sleek and Shine Shampoo and Conditioner:  Was my hair sleek and shiny after using this?  Yes.  Did it stay for 3 days?  Not my oily hair.  I can go one day without washing my hair.  My hair is already pin straight.  But it has a nice scent and left my hair soft but I wouldn't be able to go 3 days without washing again with any shampoo/conditioner.

29.  Atopalm Intensive Moisturizing Cream:  I have one more sample of this.  I love it for my hands.  It would be too intense for my face but it's perfect for my dry hands!

30:  Freeman Vita-K Professionals Age Spots:  This wasn't a miracle cure but I used this on my heavily freckled shoulders.  I think it did a good job of fading most of the small ones and lightening the larger ones as well.  I'm very happy with this product.  I received it in a Beauty Army Box.

31.  Freeman Vita-K Professional Spider Veins:  I have a couple areas of spider veining.  One I have had since I was a teenager and others that have sprung up during pregnancies.  They don't really bother me.  However, I did see some slight improvement.  Since I have finished the bottle, the areas have stayed the same so they didn't worsen.  I think that I should pick up another bottle and see what happens!

32.  Gillette Satin Care with Olay:  I always pick this one up.  The packaging is gold and it stands out so I know to grab it and it's the cheapest on the shelf at the commissary.  What's not to love about that!  I will continue to purchase.

33.  Yuko Anti-Frizz Restore and Refresh Shampoo and Conditioner:  I forgot all about this!!!  So glad I throw all my empties in a brown paper bag.  lol  This made my hair noticeably soft, smooth, hydrated and I went an extra day without washing.  I even mentioned it to my husband.  I told him I didn't care how much it cost, I needed it.  He agreed with me.  I was hoping that I got this sample from Birchbox but I'm not sure where it is from.  Amazon has it between $17-22.  I knew it had to be expensive!

34.  NuMe Hydro Punch Hydrating Shampoo:  This stuff is no joke.  Almost too moisturizing for my hair on the daily but perfect before and after a color.  It has that same Sensual Amber, L'OREAL Ever Crème Cleansing Conditioner and now that Nuance Shampoo that I'm going to run out and get smell...  Love it.

35.  & 36.  Maybelline Falsies and Maybelline Illegal Lengths Mascaras:  I bought this combo for my sister's wedding back in June, well a month before in May.  This is a lethal lash combo.  I found out about it from Melissa YouTube's 30plussome.  She is hilarious by the way.  So I grabbed these two on her recommendation and I will be repurchasing the both of them after I finish a couple of samples. 

37.  Benefit Stay Don't Stray:  I've had this for over a year.  Actually probably 2!  Yikes.  This tiny sample of eye shadow primer and that's the only reason I'm discarding it.  I believe there is still enough to keep using it but since I have other primers and this one is really old, it's time to pitch before I develop a nasty pink eye.  :)  I still can't figure out what is my fave primer.  It's a toss up between Too Faced Shadow Insurance, this one and of course Urban Decay.  They all seem to work equally well on my oily lids.  I will still crease with anything... of course...

38.  John Frieda Full Repair Deep Infusion:  I really couldn't wait to finish this off.  Not that it wasn't good, just that it lasted so long and I wanted to try something else!  I have a ton of oils to get through.  I used this exclusively for my ends.  It works great as a hydrator.  As a split end fixer or preventer, I'm not so sure.  Nothing magically repairs split ends like a good hair trim.  Seriously...  But this one is non-greasy and absorbs well.

39...  And a few other foil packet samples.  Nuance lotions.  Good stuff.  Nothing to write home about but I've tried a few products of the line and I like them.  Like them even better during a good sale of course.  Oh and Bb Thickening Shampoo and Conditioner.  I don't need anything thickening for my hair type but I do appreciate a quality shampoo and conditioner.  After using this, I'm kicking myself for passing up not once but 2 times during a Walgreens trip where Bb Cocoa shampoo and conditioner that were on clearance for $7 a piece this past summer.  Well for one, I had no business buying shampoo and secondly, I wasn't supposed to be in a drugstore per my New Year's Resolution.  But I still think back that deal I passed up...  :)

40.  Schick Hydro Silk Razor:  Looks good, felt good but razor burn ensued.  I kept using it too until I finally went out and bought the Gillette.  I know... silly.  Waste not want not though.  I was on a mission to clean out my bathroom cabinets in 2012.  Which you will find out soon enough how I did!

So I know you are dying to know how well I did this year using up my stock pile and emptying my cabinets...  All in due time! 

Chat soon!