The All Natural September Empties

This is only my second empties post, but I'm quite stoked! I'm really not good at using stuff up, so when I do I feel like I've accomplished something... That's weird, right? I also translate that into being allowed to buy more... Another way to feed this girl's beauty appetite.

You'll notice since my Inaugural Empties post that the detoxing of my beauty routine has come quite along! Since I've started blogging, my husband has been curious and slightly bewildered at why I have a special place in the bathroom cabinet for "trash." Ha! 

Let's begin straightaway...

Pacifica Sea Foam Complete Face Wash - 5oz. ($11)

My Target doesn't carry this, but while on vacation in Florida I found this pleasant smelling cleanser. It has a strong (but not overwhelming), summery coconut scent - delightful! Pacifica is known for strong fragrances. It didn't foam up a great deal, but well enough. The charming packaging has a matte finish and is very pliable for squeezing out all the product. If it weren't for the remaining makeup after a wash (maybe it not foaming up a good deal has something to do with that), I'd give it a ten! However, I would have to wash my face twice. It's an issue I discussed in my last post on another natural face wash. Seems it's my new mission to solve this frustrating problem...

I love that it's free of sulfates, petroleum, parabens, SLS, and phthalates. It's also loaded with antioxidants, coconut water, and sea algae. 

So, I probably won't purchase again... Next I'm going to try the Willa Start Fresh Foaming Facewash with Birchbox; and I'll let you know how that goes.

Tarte Amazonian Clay BB Tinted Moisturizer in Fair - 1.7oz. ($36)

I'm a huge (HUMONGOUS, rather) Tarte fan, so I was sad when I didn't love this BB cream. I should have expected the light coverage, as it's called a "tinted moisturizer"; but I still wished for more. Being typically oily, I should've gone with something more matte. That's hard to find in natural makeup, though. Even with my Beauty Blender I found it a bit streaky, not setting into my skin all the way. I also didn't find it corrected any red spots, either. It worked tolerably well, but considering the price, I am still on a mission for something better. I'm currently using Yes To Grapefruit's CC Cream and, though light coverage, am happier with it. I used my Birchbox points and got it for only $5 + free shipping! Boom!

It is nice that it has SPF 20. And, as always, the packaging is fun. LOVE the wood cap, and that it's free of parabens, mineral oil, phthalates, SLS, and synthetic fragrance.

Giovanni Brazilian Keratin & Argan Oil Blow Out Styling Mist - 4 oz. ($9)

I try to not wash/dry my hair but 3 days a week. I have very fine hair, and tangles plague me after showers. So, I thought I'd get a blow-out and detangling spray to help remedy that. I've been using about 6 drops of pure argan oil in my hair after every shower for a while now. When I used this in lieu of that I didn't see a big benefit. I would then combine them and still have a lot of breakage. 

It does claim that it defends hair from heat, moiturizes for silky, voluminous bounce, detangles and banishes frizz. I'm, thankfully, not a frizzy headed gal, but I do need some volume and detangling. I didn't notice a significant amount of either.

I am going to try for a straight-up detangler next (while continuing the argan oil from the ears down).

Klorane Extra-Gentle Dry Shampoo with Oat Milk - 50ml. - ($18 for full size 3.2oz.)

I received this sample size in my May Birchbox, and it took me eons to finish it. Not because I didn't like it... I'm just not typically a fan of aerosol dry shampoos. They always clog up on me, so I can't use it all up. Or, if they don't clog up, they run out quickly. I'd rather my money go further with powder versions that don't clog and last longer. 

This did work well, smelling clean and perfume-ish. If you've become a legit oil slick, this won't cut it. It's a super fine mist. That's when you'll need a powder to get the job done. It comes out white, but not so white you can't blend it in easily. I have dark brown hair and had no issues with that. 

Blum Naturals Daily Cleansing & Makeup Remover Towelettes, Normal Skin - 30 count ($7)

I paid $3.99 for these at TJ Maxx, so I got a good deal. The best way to describe the smell is "sweet powdery cucumber." Super odd, I know. I'm glad, because I don't typically like cucumber scents; this one keeps from smelling like vegetation and adds a sweetness to it. In regards to washing my face, they did the job just like they should. 

At first, I was in love with the dispenser, because some brands only have a flap that re-sticks down and doesn't always stick. I prefer these with a lid that clasps to keep them from drying out. After about half way through, the edges started peeling up on this one. I had to store it face down with something on top of it to make sure it stayed as air tight as possible.

My guess is I bought an old package on discount and the glue had begun to break down. When you peel it back, it looks like hot glue and doesn't go all the way around. Other than that, I loved these. Maybe I'll buy a newer package not on discount and see if they do the same.

If you like empties posts, check out my Instagram! I do some mean #beautyempties, #travelsizethursday and #samplesizesaturday (or Sunday) IGing!

And be watching out for the giveaway I'm getting together for y'all! So far I can tell you it'll involve two brand-new Julep polishes!

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The Inaugural Empties

Since beginning this beauty blogging journey in December, I've been saving up my empties to join all the other bloggers who intrigue readers with their... trash? Yep! We're a weird bunch like that. I'll be honest... I have been saving them up for four months and have a Birchbox box overflowing with beauty refuse. These are just a sprinkling of all the empties I have. 

I'm very excited for y'all, because most empties I read are all shampoos and mouthwashes... Less than exciting and mostly non-makeup items... Boo. So, I was excited to be able to tell you about three makeup items!

Make Up For Ever Mat Velvet + Matifying Foundation - $36

I guess only the box has the shade on it, because the bottle does not. On the bottom it says "REF: 37020" so maybe that somehow tells you the shade if you are in-the-know? If I wasn't switching from conventional cosmetics to healthier, more natural options, I would definitely repurchase. I am oily and (with a primer) this foundation had the perfect amount of coverage (I like a heavier coverage) and kept me matte. I really liked the squeeze bottle packaging, so you got as much of the product as possible. If I really wanted to milk it, I would have cut off the bottom, so I could scrape it out with a brush and stored it in a ziploc baggy.  But I'll admit - sometimes you want it to just be an 'empty' already so you can buy something else! I'm not like some of those crazy bloggers (no offense, Ladies) who just spend loads on makeup. I like to wait until I run out.

NARS Pressed Powder in Flesh - $33

Having been a Mac Studio FX powder fan, I tried this because of a Sephora associate suggestion. I wasn't particularly wowed by it. It had a decent coverage, but it always looked too powdery to me. For someone who can pull off powder only, this would probably work well. I like to put powder over foundation (or BB cream, now), and this was a bit too much for that.

Buxom Lash Mascara in Blackest Black - $19

I really like this mascara! I wrote about it in my Sephora Haul post when a smaller size came in my Beauty Insider points perk. Let me tell you the long road I chose to take to get to this wonderful product... It all started about two years ago when I bought a mascara sampler from Sephora. You know, one of their "Best of..." kits. It was about $45 and came with around 10-12 small mascaras. I used EVERY.SINGLE.ONE. until I found my favorite. I went through Too Faced, Tarte, Benefit, MUFE, Laura Mercier, etc, and this ended up being the best. I used up ALL the mascaras and over a year later finally took my 100 point coupon in to buy this full sized beauty. I adore the brush; it keeps my lashes clump free. The mascara is a pretty dry formula (which I prefer), so it's easy to build on. If you want a dramatic lash, this isn't really the best for that, but it does flake less than most I've used. Now, will I repurchase? I might. I'm currently using the sample size from my Buxom sampler box. When I run out, I'll move on to the Tarte Lights, Cameras, Lashes! travel size in my Picture Perfect Duo. 

(P.S. I was so excited about this purchase. Typically, as most of you know, getting any Tarte products half off is nearly impossible. BUT I have a store near me called The Cosmetic Market that has a 50% off wall that always has Tarte, Caudalie and Bare Minerals on it. I got this duo for $8, instead of the normal $16!) 

After I use up the Tarte mascara, I have my eyes on the Korres Deep Colour Mascara.

  

Next let's talk about hair products!

Giovanni Colorflage Daily Color Defense Shampoo in Brazenly Brunette - $9

I would definitely repurchase this. I'm a fan of Giovanni products, because they avoid many ingredients I do: propylene glycol, SLS, and parabens. This shampoo smells divine, and the fragrance comes from essential oils. When purchasing products I also look at whether it just says "fragrance" or if it explains where it comes from/is organic. Most natural products derive the fragrance from something natural, because they don't have heavy chemicals to cover up. I also love the packaging. The "spout" is at the bottom, so it's easy to squeeze it all out and not have to turn it upside down when you begin to run out. If you are not brunette, they also have products for blonde, red and black hair.

Rita Hazan Root Concealer in Light Brown - $25

I'm in my twenties and am about 25% gray. Yup! It's terrible... So, I needed a solution for the days and weeks between the never ending coloring I'll do for the REST.OF.MY.LIFE. This root concealer actually has an updated formula and packaging, so I'm not sure you can get this exact product. It has a very small sprayer that focuses a light brown "spray paint" onto your roots to cover roots and gray hair. I liked this product and may purchase again in the future, mainly because there are not a lot of options out there like it. I've seen hair "crayons" and sticks, but this is quicker and easier, to me. The only down side was at times the sprayer sputtered, and brown dots would get on me, my clothes, or my shower curtain. An additional perk to covering up my gray hair was that it also soaked up oil. I felt like it acted as a dry shampoo, as well! The main thing making me hesitate to repurchase is the price point and that it contains butane, which scores a 5 on EWG's Skin Deep database for immunotoxicity.

Whish Shave Crave Shaving Cream in Blueberry - $20

My photo of this is the small .75floz version that came in my monthly Birchbox in March. It's currently a Birchbox exclusive item. The full size bottle is not a squeeze tube, like this. (Do you see the little lines across it where I tried to use my new tube wringer? Clearly, it doesn't work well on plastic... just metal tubes). It smells really great with a very heavy blueberry scent. However, I didn't find it to moisturize my skin any more than a normal shave gel. (I'm currently using Skintimate). It comes out like a white cream, and I almost feel like you can't use too much. I would find myself dispensing a big blob and not be able to cover my whole leg. I could see someone using this up really fast, and for the price point, that's not a perk to me.

Lastly, let's talk about hygiene and natural products!

Burt's Bees Facial Cleansing Towelettes with White Tea Extract - $6

I have acne prone skin, and I honestly believe it's because I'm terrible about sticking to a pre-bedtime routine. I'm notorious for starting a book or TV show and getting so tired that I crawl into bed without washing my face. (Here's my hand... slap it. I know!!) So, my solution for the past year or so is to keep wipes on my night stand.  I've used Neutrogena wipes and some other brands, but since detoxing my beauty life, I tried these. (I also bought some Giovanni wipes that are waiting in the closet for when my current Blum wipes run out). The Burt's Bees version smells delicious and is very effective at taking all my makeup off. The only downside to using wipes is that I tend to not get all my mascara off. I started to realize I was rubbing a lot harder and pulling on my eye area too much with wipes. So, I often times will have to go back over it the next morning with eye makeup remover. (I talked about my favorite Bliss Lid + Lash Wash one in a favourites posts here). The reason I switched to the Blum wipes was the ingredient phenoxyethanol found in the Burt's wipes. It scores a 4 on the EWG database. Some would argue it's not toxic unless ingested, but if I have an option to buy wipes without it, I will. 

Jason Sea Fresh Fluoride Free Strengthening Toothpaste - $6.39

About two years ago I took a six week class with Dr. Josh Axe on toxins in foods and products. I learned a lot about the dangers of fluoride and have since switched to fluoride free toothpaste and mouthwash. This little guy is a travel size toothpaste, which I think is awesome. For some reason, travel sized products make me so happy. It's like a beauty baby - so little and cute! But one thing that has always frustrated me is I could never find natural options. Now I go to Whole Foods before a trip (which is where I got this) or if you're an online shopper Minimus.biz has a great collection of natural products.

I'm currently using a full size Jason toothpaste with a cinnamon flavor and love it. This particular product pictured above had a nice, clean flavor. Natural toothpastes tend to have a grittier texture, but it doesn't bother me. 

And, just to reassure you, I just went to the dentist last week after missing my 6 month cleaning, and the  dentist said I have "dental school perfect teeth" and no cavities!

And for my last surprise 'empty,' I want to chat about a book I recently finished.

Not a Sparrow Falls by Linda Nichols - $5.38

I like to peruse the free kindle books every so often, and this one caught my eye. I actually really liked it. I typically feel so-so about the free ones. But, this one actually made me cry. It's a story of a troubled young woman running away from her past and doing her best to make a future she knows she can't have unless the truth comes out. But the truth could ruin everything. On the flip side, there is a man who worked his whole life for success and respect that also has a secret that could strip him of the life he has built. In the mix are neglected children, a released convict with a deadly grudge and a kind spinster who has given her life to others. I really recommend reading this!

What books have you recently finished you could recommend? I don't have anything waiting for me, so I need some suggestions! 

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December Beauty Haul

My First (mega) Haul!

December was a big huge haul month for me this year. First off, I started a beauty blog. Of course I had to buy some things I was curious about or read about! Secondly, it's Christmas! I mean... how many of you didn't get something beauty related for Christmas? Thirdly, I was born in December. So, all those bday gift cards got spent...

None of them are from one place. They came from either:

- Sephora (my fave)

- Target

- Birchbox

- Whole Body

- Ebay

- Amazon
or

- Gifts from others

So, wanna know a super long list of a break down of what I got? I knew you would. So, here goes!

Sephora Haul:

I've recently discovered Korres, so I went a little crazy with some bday gift cards. (Thanks, Mom!)

• Korres Pomegranate Pore Minimizing/Skin-Perfecting/Mattifying Primer
• Korres Mineral Foundation in Porcelain
• Korres Pomegranate Balancing Cream-Gel Moisturiser (For oily to combination skin)
• Korres Wild Rose Instant Brightening Eye Treatment

Also from Sephora:

• Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment (Sephora Birthday Gift sizes) in Original and Rose
• Tarte emphasEYES inner rim brightener
• Sephora professional eyeliner brush

Target Haul:

• Maybelline the Colossal Volum Express mascara in brown (I don't normally wear brown mascara, but wanted a cheapy one for those random au naturel days)
• Maybelline Color Tattoo 24hr eyeshadow (recommended by Essie Button)
• Pixi by Petra Lash Line Ink Eyeliner
• Sonia Kasuk nail Colour in Mauving on Up (I have a random love for all things mauve recently)
• Sally Hansen Hard as Nails Xtreme Wear Nail Color in Mint Sorbet
• Revlon Colorstay Longwear Nail Enamel in Bare Bones (also recommended by Essie Button in her Winterlicious tag here)
• EOS Lip Balm in Raspberry
• Taylor Swift Wonderstruck perfume

Whole Body, Birchbox, and others:

• Giovanni 2chic Brazilian Keratin & Argan Oil Blow Out Styling Mist
• Giovanni D:tox System replenishing facial moisturizer (I had just bought the way more expensive Korres, but this was $5.99 @ TJ Maxx! I mean... I couldn't just let it sit there.)
• Jason Brigthening Apricot Scrubble (sweet gift from my husband after I mentioned I couldn't find it anywhere)
• Jason Pure Natural Super-C Cleanser (also from my husband; it smells amazing!)
• Nuxe Reve de Miel Lip Balm (OMG - amazing stuff!) (Birchbox)
• NYX Blush in Taupe (for contouring for my pale skin)
• Lipstick Queen Invisible Lip Liner (Birchbox)
• Prestige Waterproof Eyeliner in Star (for my waterline... used once and worked great!)
• Essie in Ballet Slippers and Wicked (gift from a sweet girl @ work)
• Purple glitter polish from F21 (99 cents... come on!)
• Nicole by OPI in Khloe Had a Little Lam-Lam (another gift from a coworker!)

Phew! Ok... that's all. Now, I want to hear from you on what you want a review on! What are you curious about? Want swatches? Don't spend your money. :) Let me tell you what I think!

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