Empties | November 2012 Edition

Today I'll be sharing my thoughts on products that I've used up for the month of November.  This is my first beauty product empties post on the blog, and I'm very excited to be sharing this with all of you. I really like the idea of sharing monthly product empties as it is a great way motivate people to finish up products they own or try something new in their collections.

For this post, I decided to number the products to avoid making this post too long. Please feel free to let me know if you'd rather I take individual pictures of the products for future 'empties' posts!

 

*Disclaimer: All of the products within this post were purchased by me, with my own money.*

Ready to see my November Empties?

1. Lush Fresh Face Mask in Catastrophe Cosmetic (60 g)
2. Lush Fresh Face Mask in BB Seaweed (60 g)
3. E.L.F. Studio Conditioning Lip Balm SPF 15 in Mellow Mellon (26 oz)
4. GLO Whitening Antioxidant Toothpaste in Superberry (42.5 g)
5. Avon Foot Works Beautiful Lavender Comfort Soak (3.4 fl. oz)
6. BURT'S BEES Peach and Willowbark Deep Pore Scrub (110 g)
7. MARCELLE Xtension Plus Mascara in Black (0.33 oz)
8. Benefit BADgal Lash Mascara (4 g) 
9. Bliss Ingrown Eliminating Pads (10 pack)
10. Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer (0.25 fl. oz)
11. Vitamine & Sea Mineral Clay Mask (5 g) 
12. Eclos Anti-Aging Regenerative Cream (0.25 fl. oz) 

1. Lush Fresh Face Mask in Catastrophe Cosmetic (60 g)

As I've already mentioned once before on my blog, I'm a huge fan of Lush's Fresh Face Masks. I've tried most of their Fresh Face Masks and my favorite two would have to be the ones I will mention here today. Here's a brief description from the Lush website for Catastrophe Cosmetic:

"Prevent disasters by taking regular care with our deep cleaning blueberry mask, Catastrophe Cosmetic. The little blue bulbs are packed with vitamins, with a gentle calamine base to cleanse the skin without stripping it of its natural oils. Use this one weekly as a deep cleansing treatment to kick off your regular skin care routine."

Catastrophe Cosmetic is my absolute favorite Fresh Face Mask, and I always buy two containers as I use them up pretty quickly. This is great for sensitive skin, and has a great texture.

2. Lush Fresh Face Mask in BB Seaweed (60 g)

Along with Catastrophe Cosmetic, BB Seaweed is another Lush Fresh Face Mask favorite of mine! Here's a brief description from the Lush website for BB Seaweed:

"BB Seaweed is a best-seller for its ability turn every rough patch into smooth, supple skin. No surprises here, BB Seaweed is packed full of none other than the ocean greenery itself! Seven pounds of it in each batch, in fact. Finely ground almonds gently slough away dry skin, rose absolute balances skin tone and organic extra virgin olive oil moisturizes. Slather up in seaweed and feel your skin smile."

For those of you who have not previously tried out the Lush Fresh Face Masks, they retail for $6.95 each, and they come in individual black pots with 60g (2.1 oz) of product. Depending on how much you put on your face each time you apply the mask, one container can hold 3-4 applications. Similar to MAC, Lush also has a "Back to Lush" program where you can return 5 empty black pots in store and exchange them for a free mask! As you can see, I go through my masks pretty quickly because they expire within 30 days of purchasing them due to the ingredients. I would definitely highly recommend Lush Fresh Face Masks!!!

3. E.L.F. Studio Conditioning Lip Balm SPF 15 in Mellow Mellon (26 oz)

I'm a big fan of E.L.F.'s studio collection and own nearly all of their studio line products. I currently own all of the E.L.F. Studio Conditioning Lip Balms as they are all very pigmented, I prefer Mellow Mellon because it's the perfect shade that's more subtle and is best for all the seasons. It isn't very long lasting on the lips, but there is a ton of product within the container and it does prevent lips from becoming chapped.

Here's a brief description of the product from the E.L.F. website:

"With the e.l.f. Conditioning Lip Balm, lips get treated to a sheer splash of color that's super smooth, velvety soft and non-sticky. Not only are these sheer, natural shades beautiful, they're also beneficial, with natural ingredients that condition dry, chapped lips including Vitamins A & E. SPF 15 to protect delicate lips against harmful sun damage."

 At $3, the E.L.F. Studio Conditioning Lip Balm is definitely a great product worth trying out.

4. GLO Whitening Antioxidant Toothpaste in Superberry (42.5 g)

I saw this product on my way to the Sephora checkout counter on their cash wraps and I'm so glad I picked this up! This product retails for $6 in this specific sample size. It smells like pomegranate, one of their main ingredients, and I have definitely noticed a whiter smile after having finished using up the product.  

Here's a brief description of the product from the Sephora website:

"A whitening toothpaste enriched with antioxidants and vitamins to promote a healthier, brighter smile."

I definitely recommend this product if you're looking for a great last minute stocking stuffer!

5. Avon Foot Works Beautiful Lavender Comfort Soak (3.4 fl. oz)

I purchased this product from an Avon catalog. It retails for $7.99, however, I bought it on sale for less than $2. Unlike most of the products in this empties post, this is definitely a product that I DID NOT LIKE. The smell is overpowering and gave me a headache. It really doesn't really do anything at all except for discoloring water. Just after one use I decided not to use it again.

Here's a brief description of the product from the Avon website:

"Soothes weary feet with the scent of calming lavender."

 Avon does have a lot of great products, but this one is one of their products that I would NOT recommend.

 6. BURT'S BEES Peach and Willowbark Deep Pore Scrub (110 g)

If you're looking to buy a new face exfoliater, look no further! I've been using the BURT'S BEES Peach and Willowbark Deep Pore Scrub for two years and it's just amazing. As I mentioned earlier, I have extremely sensitive skin, and this product works very well for me, even with the willowbark in it. It has a nice cooling sensation on the skin that lasts a few minutes after rinsing off and definitely leaves my skin feeling very smooth. As it is pretty expensive here in Canada, I always wait until I visit the U.S. and buy it for $8 at Target.

Here's a brief description of the product from the BURT'S BEES website:

"Keep your skin peachy clean. This natural sulfate-free facial cleanser rich with finely ground peach stone naturally and gently exfoliates to remove excess oil, dirt and dead skin cells leaving skin soft and smooth. Willow bark and golden seal extracts, known for their astringent properties, and ginger and sea algae extracts help to revitalize your skin and replenish essential minerals, leaving your face deeply clean and naturally nourished."

This would have to be one of my most highly recommended face products EVER! If you're at Target, don't hesitate to pick this up and try out!

7. MARCELLE Xtension Plus Mascara in Black (0.33 oz)

The MARCELLE Xtension Plus Mascara has become one of my favorites. I'm still on the search to find the 'perfect' mascara for me, but this one definitely comes close. Although this is a brand you can find at most drugstores, I would definitely categorize it as a higher end product at an affordable $12.50 price tag. I received this product in a GlossyBox this summer and I'm so happy that I had a chance to try it out. It definitely lengthens and separates my lashes perfectly. I also really like that it's hypo-allergetic and perfume free.

Here's a brief description of the product from the MARCELLE website:

"Give your lashes extra length and curl with Xtension Plus Mascara. The formula and brush curl, define and separate lashes while minimizing clumps. An innovative and specifically designed soft polymer brush offers a side with a row of longer bristles which reach even the shortest lashes and stretch them from root to tip, achieving their maximum lengthening potential. The tapered brush tip is perfect for extreme definition. Removes easily with any Marcelle eye make-up remover."

 I definitely recommend the Marcelle Xtension Plus Mascara.

8. Benefit BADgal Lash Mascara (4 g)

The Benefit BADgal Lash Mascara is one that I like but can't say love just yet. This sample size is great for on the go or for when you're packing for a trip. This specific sample size did dry out rather quickly and clumped up on the lashes but I'd definitely consider purchasing the full size to give it another go!

Here's a brief description of the product from the Benefit website:

"Sexy, dramatic, pure unadulterated black mascara for full, voluminous lashes. Famously big brush coats lashes with our thick black formula. It's as BAD as you want to be!"

9. Bliss Ingrown Eliminating Pads (10 pack)

This next product is great for both men and women who have ingrown hair problems. I recently purchased the Bliss Ingrown Eliminating Pads and I absolutely love them! They really do work wonders for areas that you pluck or shave. This really does the trick to prevent ingrown hairs or help get rid of the ones you already have that seem to never want to go away.

Here's a brief description of the product from the Sephora website:

"Bliss Ingrown Eliminating Pads help nix ingrown hairs anywhere on the body. A must between waxing or shaving sessions, these single-use swipes tackle hair-raising lumps and bumps with alpha and beta hydroxy acids. Soaked in antioxidant green tea and soothing, smoothing oat extract, they'll get to the root of your ingrown issues."

This is another great stocking stuffer if you get the 10 pack that retails for $8-9 at Sephora. The 50 pack is more pricey but well worth it. I will definitely purchase the full size next time I get the chance!

10. Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer (0.25 fl. oz)

I received the Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer in their Try It Kit that I purchased while I was searching for a new foundation primer that would work well with my currenlt liquid foundation. I was also curious to try different products from the brand itself. The kit retails for $22 which is an extremely great buy for 5 deluxe sample sized products from Smashbox. What I love most about this product as that it's a great match for my Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum liquid foundation and that it's oil-free (another plus). As soon as I ran out, I placed an order on Sephora to get the larger size of this product! Can't wait!

Here's a brief description of the product from the Smashbox website:

 "Create a perfect canvas for foundation application with this silky, lightweight blend of vitamins A & E, grape seed extract and green tea. Worn alone or under foundation, our best-selling, oil-free primer helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines and pores for flawless skin with a velvety-smooth finish. Now in a sleek tube for perfect dispensing down to the last drop!"

Love love love the Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer! Highly recommended! The Try It Kit is also a great stocking stuffer!

11. Vitamine & Sea Mineral Clay Mask (5 g)

I received the Vitamine & Sear Mineral Clay Mask  in one of my Glymm bags. I am definitely a face mask gal and was excited to try this out. That being said, I was actually very disappointed with this product. It had a bad smell and made my face break out. Perhaps I got a bad batch seeing as I've read good reviews for this product, but I doubt that I'd ever buy this.

Here's a brief description of the product from the Vitamine & Sea website:

 "Get instantly radiant, tighter, softer, healthier skin with our natural and organic luxury facial mask made with clay mined directly from the Dead Sea, the worlds richest source of minerals that will tingle as it softly exfoliates, eliminates toxins, promotes circulation, cleanses and strengthens your skin. Our Mineral Clay mask is enriched with vitamins B1, B2, C, A, D and E from sweet almond oil to pamper your skin and a touch of honey that will protect from daily free radical damage and balance your skins moisture, and work immediate wonders on all skin types giving a soft, tight, sexy, radiant glow."

Would not recommend.

12. Eclos Anti-Aging Regenerative Cream (0.25 fl. oz)

I recently received this product in my ipsy bag which I received this month. It was a replacement item for one a lipgloss that Canadian subscribers didn't receive in this month's bag. I've been using this on my face and nech for the last week on a daily basis just before going to sleep, and I noticed a slight change with the lines at the bottom of my neck. It gave off a cooling sensation after applying which I like.

Here's a brief description of the product from the Eclos website:

"The latest in Plant Stem Cell technology helps protect skin’s ability to renew itself. The result? Sagging skin tightens. Wrinkles are postponed. Combined with PhytoPlex24™ anti-oxidants for the ultimate in aging defense."

Of course a sample size wouldn't be enough to see a dramatic change, but this is definitely another product that I would consider buying a full-size of! 

Overall Impressions:

I was very pleased with most of the products that I used up this month, however, there were two products that I wouldn't recommend. I love the idea of participating in monthly empties post so you can definitely expect to see more of posts like these here on the blog! I'm definitely looking forward to trying out different items next month!

What Products Have You Used Up This Month?

Please feel free to link below!

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Swap & Mini Haul!

After a few weeks of planning, I met up last Friday with one of my great friends Cindy - Cindy's Love of Books. Cindy adores makeup just as much as I do, so we decided to make it a breakfast and shopping day!

Me on the left, and my awesome friend Cindy on the right.
Photograph taken by Cindy - Cindy's Love of Books

We began our day with breakfast then hit the mall to let our shopping madness begin! 

Our first stop was Bath & Body Works because Cindy and I both had a coupon to redeem a free signature collection product with any purchase of $10 or more!

Here's a quick overview of my Bath & Body Works haul. I ended up purchasing a big Cider Lane candle that was on sale for 60% off. I couldn't resist the price as their regular sized candles regularly sell for $22 Canadian each. Cider Lane has a great fresh scent, I just wish I had purchased two! Next I bought two mini candle holders for $3 Canadian each, and finally, with the coupon Cindy and I both had, I got a free body lotion in Cashmere glow!

Our next stop was Sephora! I was really excited to go to Sephora with Cindy because there were a lot of products that I had wanted to recommend to her. Naturally, I wanted to purchase the entire store but luckily, I was able to stop myself from making a purchase as I had received a V.I.B. coupon that's only valid as of tomorrow. I did, however, take not of some awesome products that I plan on buying this weekend *whistles innocently*. Cindy did end up buying some great beauty goodies which you can see here: Cindy's Haul.

After Sephora, we made our way into a Lush as I desperately wanted to stock up on a few masks.

Here's a quick overview of my Lush haul. See below for details.

I'm a huge fan of Lush's Fresh Face Masks! After having already tried most of their Fresh Face Mask collection, my favorite would have to be Catastrophe Cosmetic. Here's a brief description from the Lush website:

"Prevent disasters by taking regular care with our deep cleaning blueberry mask, Catastrophe Cosmetic. The little blue bulbs are packed with vitamins, with a gentle calamine base to cleanse the skin without stripping it of its natural oils. Use this one weekly as a deep cleansing treatment to kick off your regular skin care routine."

I always buy two Catastrophe Cosmetic masks because it's great for sensitive skin like mine and I use them up pretty quickly. I also bought another mask, BB Seaweed (Amalgame D'Alques in French) because I've heard great things and I was curious to try it out. This was my first time trying BB Seaweed, and I'm so glad that I did. BB Seaweed is definitely my new Lush Fresh Face Mask favorite! Here's a brief description from the Lush website:

"BB Seaweed is a best-seller for its ability turn every rough patch into smooth, supple skin. No surprises here, BB Seaweed is packed full of none other than the ocean greenery itself! Seven pounds of it in each batch, in fact. Finely ground almonds gently slough away dry skin, rose absolute balances skin tone and organic extra virgin olive oil moisturizes. Slather up in seaweed and feel your skin smile."

The Lush Fresh Face Masks sell for $6.95 Canadian each, and they come in individual black pots with 2.1 oz of product. What's also exciting about this product is that you can return 5 empty black pots in store and exchange them for a free mask.

The last product in my Lush haul was a Lush Charity Pot. Lush normally sells their Charity Pots in large formats for $22.95, however, they are currently selling smaller formats for $5. For those of you what are not familiar with this product, here is a brief description from the Lush website:

"Charitable cocoa butter cream that keeps on giving. Inside every black pot of Charity Pot is a whole lot more than a creamy body lotion to hydrate parched, dry skin. Of course, it’s filled with the finest ingredients, including Fair Trade organic cocoa butter, and made by hand with love. Not to mention the gorgeous fresh, ylang ylang floral fragrance. What makes it so special? Every penny (yes, every single penny) that you pay for a pot, excluding the tax, goes to fund and support grassroots charities all around the world. You end up with softer, floral-scented skin AND you’re doing a world of good with every pot purchased."

I'm not a big fan of the product itself, but I was happy to purchase one because the proceeds all go to a good cause.

A meetup wouldn't be complete without a swap so, before our meeting came to an end, Cindy and I agreed to surprise each other with some goodies!

These were some magazines Cindy had offered to me while she was downsizing her collection.

Cindy and I traded our copies of The Vicious Deep because I prefer trade paperback or ARC formats and she prefers hardcovers. Cindy also gave me two books that included short stories from my favorite author, Kelley Armstrong, and another ARC she had a double of.

Now comes the fun part everyone!
Here are the items Cindy gave me for our beauty product swap!

I was so excited when Cindy took out a cute gift bag and makeup bag filled with Cindy's favorite beauty products and samples! You can all just imagine the anticipation!

These are the products that Cindy had included within the gift bag!

• Clear Brow Gel by Anastasia
• Satin Sugar Glistening Dry Shampoo & Body Powder by Cake
• Satin Sugar Hair & Body Refreshing Powder by Cake
• Combination Skin Balancing Cleanser by Biore
• Touche Eclat by Yves Saint Laurent (Sample)
• Bye Bye Under Eye by It Cosmetics
• Vanilla Grapefruit Hand & Body Wash by SPAresource (Sample)
• Coconut Hand Cream by SPAresource (Sample)
• Vanilla Sugar Hand Cream by SPAresource (Sample)
• LIFTACTIV by Vischy (Sample)
• Hot Couture by Givenchy (Sample)
• Moisturize Foot Cream by SPAresource (Sample)
• Sweet Orange & Vanilla Body Butter by Amedaya (Sample)

These are the products that Cindy had included within the black makeup bag!

• Purifying Dead Sea Mud Mask "Mango" by Purederm
• Ultra Hydrating Shea Butter Mask "Olive Oil" by Purederm
• Deep Cleansing Peel-off Facial Mask by Eurospa
• Skin Firming Peel-Off Face Mask by Balea
• Detoxifying Face Mask by Balea
• Shimmering Body Scrub by Balea
• Airy Fairy Lipstick by Rimmel
• visiblecare Softening Body Wash by Dove
• Smooth Replenishing Lotion by Nivea
• Frizz-Ease Sheer Solution by John Frieda (Sample)
• So Laque Ultra Shine Nail Polish in 21 Cerise Noire by Bourjois
• Eye Make-Up Remover by Simple (Sample)
• 10 Travel Facial Towelettes by Yes to Cucumbers Skincare

I really can't wait to try everything out, Cindy really spoiled me with some awesome goodies!
If you're interested in seeing what I gave Cindy, check out her blog post here.

If you'd like for me to review any specific products in this post or if you'd like for me to check out some of your recent hauls, please feel free to leave a comment!

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