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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Makeup Detox Episode 1: Gabriel Foundation

Gabriel Moisturizing Liquid Foundation - $28

One of my New Year's goals (I hate making resolutions...) was to replace my products with natural alternatives as I used them up. Firstly, using something up entirely is really difficult for me! Am I the only one? It seems my loyalty is lacking, and my tendency to keep buying and hopping around is terrible! However, I'm almost done with my MAKE UP FOR EVER Mat Velvet foundation, which I love, but it scores a 5-6 on EWG's Skin Deep database. For starters, it contains parabens (studies have found many types of parabens in breast cancer tumors: un-metabolized by the body) and many other chemical ingredients I'd like to do without. So, when that's gone, I need another foundation. Many makeup purists will would rule out all liquid foundations, but I just don't know if I can give them up... 

My first branch out into natural foundation was Gabriel Cosmetics' Liquid Foundation. I decided to do my shopping at Whole Body (the beauty/body care side to Whole Foods). I tried several brands on my hands or fore arms, and this was the most 'normal' consistency in there. That was a little disheartening. You all know how much I love Sephora, so I really wish they had more natural offerings. Even Tarte, Korres and Fresh sometimes have ingredients I don't agree with. So, I ventured out.

I felt I was going out on a metaphorical-makeup-purchasing limb, since the cosmetic department lacked any marketing materials to explain what the purpose of this foundation was (other than the obvious normal use). It also does not come in a box or anything with print on it to "sell" it or promote its benefits. I can understand why: less packaging is green (and less expensive for the manufacturer). However, it left me feeling I was making a decision without all the vital deets. The associate that helped me match the shade said it should work for my oily skin, but she seemed unsure of herself. She also assured me I could return it if it didn't work out, and that sealed the deal!

As you know, I'm as pale as it gets. So, I matched on the inside of my arm (her suggestion) to the Pale Ivory. The packaging is so-so. As you can see, it's frosted glass with a typical top. I honestly prefer a squeeze bottle, so I can get the most use. When I opened the tester in the store, the black square top came off the cap that screws on to the bottle, so I expected mine to do that over time. For $28, I typically prefer some sturdy and more inventive packaging.

It comes out very liquid-y. I'm used to my matte foundation being a bit thicker, so it was easy for me to dispense too much.

When I got home with the product I went online to read about it and saw that it was truly meant mainly to moisturize, and I don't need that. (It does say it won't make skin oily...) I already use my Korres gel moisturizer under my primer, so a moisturizing foundation is too much. It also doesn't help keep the oily-ness down to a minimum.

 I spread this in and around using my fingers. I generally use a blending sponge to help it set on the surface of my skin, so I didn't love how it settled in the lines on my hands.

When applied to my face it was more moisturizing than I would have preferred and the coverage didn't last all day as well as my MUFE does. I also became much shinier than usual. I know... natural makeup can do that! You might be asking yourself: "Are you looking for a miracle, Tara?!" Why, yes...

Because I wasn't "in-love" with it, I did end up returning it. And I appreciated how friendly the Customer Service associate at Whole Foods was! I had my eyes on some BB creams and other foundations I'd rather try, and considering foundations last for half a year with me, I want to make that investment with care. Knowing a BB cream will not give the coverage I want, I have purchased the Korres Mineral Foundation and have really loved how well it does over a tinted moisturizer (and the MUFE foundation). It (+ a BB cream) doesn't provide the perfect airbrushed look I want, but I think I will have to sacrifice that to keep toxins out of my body. (Or I will just have a long quest to discover what works)! But I am excited to let my skin breathe more and hopefully that will result in better skin that needs less coverage.

Have any of you discovered a natural alternative that meets all your needs? Share the wealth!

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Natural & Easy Sunday - FOTD

My First FOTD! 

(Face of the Day)

It's Lazy-Day-Sunday around here, so I went with a natural, romantic look. No eye liner, no HACing, no brow wax/powder & no lipstick. It was nice!

Tarte Smooth Operator BB Tinted Moisturizer in Agent 00 • Tarte Amazonian Clay Waterproof Concealer in Fair • Korres Mineral Foundation in Porcelain 

Korres Blush in 16 Pink/Rose with e.l.f. Blush in Pink Passion stippled on over it on just the apples • Benefit HighBeam on top of my cheek bones

Anastasia Tinted Brow Gel in Espresso • e.l.f. Luscious Liquid Lipstick in  Pink Lemonade

LORAC Behind the Scenes Eye Primer • Lorac Pro Palette CREAM as a wash, LT. BRONZE all over bottom of lid, PEWTER in the crease, GOLD lining the bottom lash line & WHITE in the corners and under the brows

Merle Norman Lash Lift Waterproof Mascara

This was my first time wearing a BB cream. I'm not sure how I feel about it. I'm used to foundation coverage, but I think with a primer and the mineral foundation it works well!

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January Beauty Favourites

It's that time again! Time to rave on and on about a few things I just couldn't do without in the month of January.

AND I made a video, again. I'm not sure I'm turning out to be a great YouTuber, but I'm proud that I learned how to add music to a video in iMovie. If that's all I get out of this, than good! (Along with learning that I use the word "um" entirely too much! I need to fix that.

Sorry it's so yellow looking... Again, me trying to use a different camera in different lighting. Fail. 

Bag Balm - $9
I've had this for years. It comes in a fun green tin with an udder on it. 'Nuff said, right? This is a great all-around ointment I use on my lips, feet and other rough skin. Only issue I've had was when it caused my nail polish to bubble up when I used it on my cuticles. It happened twice, so I know it was due to the bag balm. I'm not sure what chemically happens for a balm to do that, but it did. I don't use it on my cuticles any more if I have polish on. I use my Josie Maran Argan Oil instead.

Mario Badescu Drying Lotion - $17
I've used Murad & the Pro Activ mask as spot treatments many times, and this is, by far, what has worked the best for me. If you watch the video, you'll see better how the ingredients separate. You're not to shake it up but use a Q-tip to dip it all the way in and apply to the spot. I wouldn't get it anywhere near your eyes. It puts off a stinging vapor-like feeling/smell. It's most likely the isopropyl alcohol. It sort of looks like calamine lotion you used on your chicken pox as a kid, so you can definitely not wear this with your makeup like you can the Murad spot treatment.

Real Techniques Stippling Brush - $10

 I'd never used a stippling brush before, but after hearing all about it by Estee at Essie-Button, I thought I'd give it a shot! If you want to avoid mussing up your foundation and powder coverage by dragging a blush brush across it, this is the perfect fix. The white bristles stick out past the darker ones and help to grab the product. I believe these are mostly recommended for use with cream blushes, bronzers, highlighters, etc, but I love it for just my plain ol' fuschia blush.

Burt's Bees Nourishing Baby Oil - $9

 It smells sweet and yummy and makes for some super soft and smooth skin! I specifically love it for after shaving my legs, but it works for cuticles, too. I also love that it's natural and won't deliver any toxins into a baby's blood stream (or mine!). If you ever use baby oils, definitely switch to this one.

Tarte Amazonian Clay Waterproof Concealer in Fair - $22

I'm on my third one, and that's a massive deal. I'm hardly loyal to products, always hoping to find something better. True to form, I left this concealer - my one true concealing love - to use another (won't name names, but the brand starts with a B and ends with -enefit) and came back! It's super smooth, creamy and great coverage. Only down side is I use it up pretty quickly. It opens like a lipstick but is so creamy you don't have to swipe or drag under your eyes. You can just dab or dot. I've found the best way to apply is to dab it on, do your eyes or foundation, etc and come back to it with a concealer brush after your skin has warmed it.

LORAC Behind the Scenes Eye Primer - $21

Free shipping until 2/28/13 on everything!

I know I've talked about this a lot in my Pro Palette review & Sephora.com Haul when I got the Unzipped Palette. It's amazing!! Bottom line.

WoodWick Fireside Candle - $25

Who knew a lovely smell could come with a soothing sound! These candles crackle like a real fire, and it smells like one, too! It's not too masculine, but it leans more that way. If your hubs or better half isn't all about the floral, beachy scents - try this one. I burn it for hours and hours, and it last a long time. This is our second one along with several car air fresheners, too.

Have I convinced you to try any of these? If so, which ones and why? 

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Sephora.com Haul

One of my biggest guilty pleasures is Sephora.com. I like it much better than the store... don't ask me why. Maybe because no one asks me if I need help. And when I'm still there 3 hours later, no one suspects me of shop lifting...

I had considered a spending ban for the new year, but eff that. Minus nail polishes - those are out of control.

Look at all these goodies! I bet you'd be surprised if I told you I'd only paid for two of them... Well, be surprised!

Another reason I lurve shopping on Sephora.com is the free shipping for over $50, plus my points (had over 600), plus my VIB code (see my breakdown of the new VIB kit here) "2013" for two deluxe samples.

Here's what I've got:

- Lorac Unzipped Eyeshadow Palette - $40

- Buxom Shimmer Shine and Smoke set - 500 points

- Origins Clear Improvement Active Charcoal Mask to Clear Pores - 100 points

- Josie Maran Argan Cleansing Oil - "2013" deluxe sample

- Tarte Smooth Operator Amazonian Clay Illuminating Serum - "2013" deluxe sample

- Origins Sensory Therapy Peace of Mind On the Spot Treatment - $12

- Lancome Trevor perfume sample

- YSL L'Homme sample

- Stella McCartney L.I.L.Y. sample

I just got all this stuff TODAY. Literally couldn't wait a minute to talk about it. When I walked in and saw the box on the counter I got super excited  demonstratively giddy, and the hubs just laughed at me. Since I just got it today I don't have a lot of comments on the product (that's relative to what you think is a lot... let's be honest. I'm long winded), but I will give you some great images and details. Here goes!

Packaging is cool. Not as grippy as the Pro (should stay cleaner), but it's magnetic! I like that & the large mirror, too. 

 Look at that! Shimmer AND matte! So glad they kept with their tradition of combining the two. After being so extremely pleased with the Pro Palette I didn't expect anything less!

I actually really like that there isn't a black shade. Almost every palette ever made has a black for liner, but I don't need that. I'd rather have the extra shade to play with. I also don't have any brown eye liners, so this UNTAMED is perfect.

I love the names of these shades! The Pro Palette was a simple "White, Taupe, Nude, Mauve..." but these are fun and sexy... like it's title of Unzipped!

And now for the REAL reason I bought this whole thing. One of my *Beauty Library* items is the Behind the Scenes primer. It's the BEST I've used. Yes, better than UDPP & Too Faced. I'm getting low on my small size from the Pro Palette. So, while on Sephora.com about to put the $21 primer in my shopping cart I thought: Well, heck... for $19 more I can get my primer AND a new Lorac palette. You can't argue with that logic, can you? (Don't try...) 

I always wait so long to cash in my Beauty Insider points, because I'm not thrilled with the options time and time again. When I saw this one I thought Finally! A perk I will use! (I think a lot, huh?) 

The gloss might be a bit too warm for me and the luminizer (or whatever they call it... too lazy to go look at the box) is really gold. I tend to gravitate towards silver and cool tones, so these will be interesting to try. The liner which has goes on with a fine point and is water proof. I think we'll be good friends. Just a heads up - it has "silver" in the title, and the packaging is navy, but it really looked black on my skin. I'm a little confused by it.

I've already used this mascara before and really like it. It works well for every day lashes. I wouldn't say it gives huge volume or amazing, dramatic results. However, that brush is da bomb at keeping it clump-free. It's also the least flaky mascara I've used.

Having acne and oily prone skin I'm always down for trying a new mask. I'm a fan of origins because of their natural leanings and chemical consciousness. Again, I was impressed with this being a 100 point perk.

Look how thick that goes on! And I didn't dispense very much. This sample will last a LONG time, Folks!

If you read my January Ipsy glam bag review, you know how much I love Josie Maran's 100% Argan Oil for so many reasons. It's friendly to acne prone skin and hasn't even broken me out. So, when this was offered as a deluxe sample, I thought (shocking, I know...) Sah-weet!

It's a cleansing oil. Is that even possible? I guess so! I'll be trying it tonight to remove my makeup (while simultaneously crossing my fingers that I won't have 15 huge blemishes in the morning). 

I'm a HUGE Tarte fan! Like Origins (or Korres or Fresh) they work hard to eliminate ingredients like Propylene Glycol, SLS, and parabens. So, I've always been curious about their illuminating serum. So far I'm a little surprised. It came out really watery. I would recommend shaking it up first. 

You can see how it's thicker than many illuminizers, etc. 

This albino gal would rather call it a bronzer. So, if you're a tanner person than me (which means anything darker than a piece of paper) it will probably serve its purpose. If you are as fair as I am, then welcome to your new bronzer... I'm not sure how I feel about that. It looks pretty orange, huh?

Another Origins item I have been interested in for years but never purchased is their Sensory Therapy Peace of Mind. You just take a spot of it and put it on your ear lobes, temples, back of your neck or on your forehead and it helps relieve headaches and stress. I've actually read so many reviews of migraine sufferers who have had success with this goodness. 

I love anything with essential oils! It took me forever to spend $12 on this little bitty bottle, but who wouldn't spend that and more for a real peace of mind?

I won't go into grave detail re: the perfumes. I do have a mini rant. Why is perfume the ONLY sample that's been available lately? I want makeup samples - lipstick, mascara, eyeshadow? Or what about primers? Any of you received any great samples from the 3 free in every order?

Are you interested in any of these things? Let me know, and I'll do a more in depth review after I've used them!

Are any of these going on your "To Get" or "To Get After this Dumb Spending Ban" list?

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