July Favorites

'Favorites' posts/videos discuss the products (and other misc things) you loved for that month. The products can either be purchased that month or (old) 'rediscovered' items. Favorites are published at the end of the current month or at the beginning of the following month.

Joico K-Pak Conditioner
This is my holy grail conditioner. I feel like I can use the most horrible shampoo in the world and this conditioner will still make my hair feel, look, and smell great. I always purchase the liter size online just because it's more cost effective for my long hair. Not to mention, a salon pump makes everything SO much easier! I finished a liter of this a few months ago. Since then, I've been using beauty box conditioner samples to switch things up and quit hoarding products. After taking a break from K-Pak and using it again, I noticed an immediate and huge difference in my hair. I can't recommend this enough. 

OPI Nail Polish in Coca-Cola Red
This is truly a coke can shade in a nail polish bottle. It's the most perfect red. I've been wearing it on my toes all month. 

Real Techniques Sculpting Brush
It's been a LONG time since I've purchased a makeup brush. My Sonia Kashuk Angled Brush that I purchased YEARS ago was starting to shed, so I needed a new bronzer brush. I've been loving my Real Techniques Blush Brush, so I figured I'd try another one from the brand. This sculpting brush is really dense, so it's great at applying product AND blending it out. I've been using this brush daily for bronzer and I'm really impressed. Not to mention, I got an awesome deal on the brush (I used a 20% off Ulta coupon, $2 off Manufacturer coupon - from the Walmart Beauty Box, and a $1.50 Ibotta rebate.) I got this brush for just under $5 - which makes me like it even more!

Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb Perfume
I've purchased this perfume twice and have taken it back because it just didn't work with my body chemistry. By the end of the day, it smelled powdery and old lady. I love the way it smells in the air or on the sample paper. Recently, I received some samples in a swap. I decided to give a try once more - this time, I'm only spraying it on my clothes. Which is weird, but my body chemistry doesn't interfere and it smells the same way (like it should) all day long. I really like the floral notes combined with patchouli that leaves a spicy scent. I've been wearing this almost all month. I like it almost as much as I like Stella by Stella McCartney - that's saying a lot. 

pumps & patchouli,
-Kaitlyn

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June Favorites

'Favorites' posts/videos discuss the products (and other misc things) you loved for that month. The products can either be purchased that month or (old) 'rediscovered' items. Favorites are published at the end of the current month or at the beginning of the following month. 

The ridiculous southern heat index has made me pretty unmotivated when it comes to makeup. In turn, my June favorites is going up super late this month. Better late than never, right? I really like looking back at my past monthly favorites - I haven't skipped a month yet! 

Lately, I only wear a lot of makeup about once a week. Most days, it's very minimal or none at all. My skin is doing pretty good, regardless of the heat. I've been drinking lots of water and really just giving my skin a break. These have been my go-to products lately:

Benefit Gimme Brow in Light/Medium*
I've had this little tube for months. It's still going strong! At first, I thought this tube was a sample - nope, it's full size! The small wand is perfect for filling in and setting at the same time. On days I don't feel like messing with a pencil, this is always a must-use. 

Caudalie Beauty Elixir
I purchased this in a Caudalie gift set a LONG time ago. I just didn't understand or get the hype of this product. But recently, it's becoming an excellent product to use when I need a face/skin pick-me-up. I use it on a bare face or over light makeup - multiple times a day.

Origins Vitazing SPF15 Sheer Release Tint
This has been my go-to for years. It's pricey, but it lasts 3-4 months. I use a small amount daily. It does a pretty good job at evening out my skin tone with the release tint. The product comes out of the bottle gray but ends up a nude/tan shade - it's magic. It has SPF, which is much-needed all year but especially in the hot, summer months. Lately, I haven't felt the need to wear a lot of concealer with it, that's why I wanted to rave about it again. 

brows & skincare,
-Kaitlyn 

* = This product was sent to me for free through a Birchbox & Benefit giveaway. 

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Empties #12

Although I have completed the 100 days of empties challenge, I still feel like doing a monthly empties is post is necessary. I always enjoy empties posts and videos because completely finishing products rather just hauling them is a lot more impressive, in my opinion. Here's all the products and candles I've finished in the month of June:

Amika Nourishing Mask Sea Buckthorn Berry 
(Birchbox sample) This sample was pretty small. I used it all over my hair once and just on my ends the second time. I liked the way it smelled. It left my really soft for a day. I liked this but still prefer the Macadamia Masque.

Bath & Body Works Peach & Honey Almond Shower Gel 
(travel size) This was a freebie. The scent got old pretty quickly. It lathered nice and made a good bubble bath, too. I probably won't repurchase it.

Blistex Medicated Mint Lip Balm 
This has a little bit left. I've switched to Lanolin and more natural products. I just find this really irritating now so I'm tossing it.

The Body Shop Shea Body Scrub 
(travel size) I purchased a set of the shea butter scrub, body butter, and shower gel awhile ago. I really like the body butter. This scrub was effective but it didn't smell as nice as the body butter. It also left a weird film in my bathtub. I plan to stick to more natural body scrubs.

Clinique take the day off Makeup Remover
This was my old HG. I'm already working on another bottle. I really prefer micellar waters now. I'm looking forward to buying a big bottle of Bioderma once I get through all of my makeup removers on hand.

Crest 3D White Luxe Vibrant Mint Toothpaste 
This is my HG toothpaste. I'm not sure it really helps whiten, but I love the taste.

Dove Sensitive Skin Beauty Bar Soap 
This is both a staple and a holy grail product for me; I won't continue to rave.

LUSH Ocean Salt Face & Body Scrub 
This is both a staple and a holy grail product for me. (This is the old version. I know they have recently changed the ingredients, I haven't tried the new one yet.)

Klorane Conditioning Balm with Mango Butter 
(Birchbox sample - foil packet) I'm not a fan of foil packets since a one-time-use is hard to really give a review. First impressions: I didn't feel like this was extremely moisturizing.

Klorane Shampoo with Mango Butter 
(Birchbox sample) This shampoo was nice and moisturizing; the mango scent was just okay.

Macadamia Natural Oil Deep Repair Masque
This is both a staple and a holy grail product for me; I won't continue to rave. I'm looking forward to buying another tub!

Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser Concealer in Fair 
This is both a staple and a holy grail product for me. I ran out and bought another the DAY I finished this one. This concealer is so light and doesn't settle.

Neil George Conditioner 
(birchbox sample) The scent reminded me of Pine Sol; I found the formulation very drying.

Neil George Shampoo
(birchbox sample)  The scent reminded me of Pine Sol; I found the formulation ery drying.

Olay Fresh Effects Makeup Remover Wet Clothes (7 ct) 
These feel nice on the skin, but they do have a fragrance and I think they might've broken me out... not a fan!

Paula's Choice Resist Moisture Renewal Oil Booster 
(Birchbox sample) I'm convinced I love all things Paula's Choice. I really liked using this oil/serum on the dry spots on my face; I had a lot less redness and flakes. I might purchase this in the future.

Ruffian Nail Lacquer in Ruffian Naked 
(Birchbox sample) I really liked this shade of nude on my pale skin. About halfway through, the formula just got too thick to work with, so I'm tossing it.

Shea Moisture 10-in-1 Superfruit Complex Hair Masque 
(foil packet) I only used this once since it was a foil packet. For whatever reason, this intrigued me. The scent was way too fruity. I felt like it left a lot of product build-up... I had to wash my hair the very next day. (I usually wash my hair every 3 days.)

Suave Moroccan Infusion Dry Shampoo 
I liked this at first. It smelled sort of masculine and added texture to my wavy hair. I've been trying to use this for months and it still feels half full. I think the nozzle broke or something because mostly air comes out with the smallest amount of product. Recently, it has made my hair fill more oily than fresh. I'm just tossing it.

Swisspers Cotton Rounds (100 ct) 
This is both a staple and a holy grail product for me; I won't continue to rave.

Victoria's Secret So Sexy Balancing Shampoo 
(travel size) This was my HG shampoo & conditioner in high-school. I've been hoarding a travel size set, for some reason. It's moisturizing and smells nice. I'm still on the hunt for a better shampoo though.

Victoria's Secret So Sexy Conditioner
(travel size) This was my HG shampoo & conditioner in high-school. I've been hoarding a travel size set, for some reason. It's moisturizing and smells nice. However, I prefer Joico K-Pak conditioner over this now.

Bath & Body Works Big Island Bamboo 3-wick candle
I liked this scent. It was clean and refreshing at the same time. I would repurchase this in the future.

Bath & Body Works White Barn Fresh Waters & Sea Salt 3-wick candle
I really liked this scent in the store. It reminded me of the beach. Once I got it home and burned it, it smelled like I caught sunscreen on fire. Not a fan.

Better Homes & Gardens Brazilian Bamboo Wood Scented Wax Cubes (6 ct)
This was similar to Big Island Bamboo, but less clean and more obnoxiously fragrant. It was nice but I probably won't repurchase this scent.

Glade Honey Bee Rhythm single wick Candle 
This candle smelled like Secret Deodorant when burning. Not a fan.

Some tarts/wax-melt info: I always buy my wax melts at Walmart because of the good quality and low price point - 6 melts for $2.00 (about .34 cents a piece.) They'll last for a few days. Recently, I saw Yankee Candle was having a sale and a lot of their tarts were only .75 cents. I bought about 10 different new-to-me scents. My tart burner is on the smaller-side: one Yankee tart would be way too much wax, so I cut them in half. (Making them .38 cents a piece - nearly the same price point as a Walmart one.) The Yankee fragrance only lasts for a few hours and then quickly smells like Crayola crayons. (The Walmart ones don't smell like anything once the scent runs out.) I've only burned 3 Yankee tarts so far but I haven't been pleased with how long they last....

Yankee Candle Coastal Breeze Tart
I liked this scent at first, clean and masculine; it didn't last very long.

Yankee Candle Hazelnut Coffee Tart (2)
I liked this scent at first - like a Starbucks and donut shop combined. (I usually don't like food scents, but this was an exception.) After just a few hours, this smelled like crayons.

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May Favorites

'Favorites' posts/videos discuss the products (and other misc things) you loved for that month. The products can either be purchased that month or (old) 'rediscovered' items. Favorites are published at the end of the current month or at the beginning of the following month. 

Macadamia Healing Oil Hair Spray
I've been using Moroccan Oil and the Macadamia Mask for years. When I received this oil spray in my Birchbox, I was pretty excited as I thought it would be a combination of both. This oil spray doesn't smell like the hair mask, unfortunately. I've been reaching for this oil spray all month to tame fly-a-ways, split ends, and overall dryness. I really like how I can apply it in a hurry and not worry about having residue on my hands like when applying most regular hair oils.

Versace Bright Crystal Perfume
My beloved perfume, Stella by Stella McCartney, is running low. I have no desire to purchased another one anytime soon as the price keeps going up. So, I've been looking for other fragrance options. I got this mini on eBay over a year ago. I really like wearing this scent in the hotter months. It's clean, light and summery.

hair oils and perfumes,
-Kaitlyn

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Empties #11

I did it! I finally completed 100 products and kept my beauty spending extremely low. Five months is officially the longest I've stuck with a New Years Resolution. I'm super proud of myself. Not to mention, my storage space and wallet are thanking me for not bringing in/purchasing a ton of new products over the past five months. The challenge was to complete 100 products in 100 days. Unfortunately, it took me over 100 days as I'm not a fan of single-use packets. But better late than never! In case you missed it, see all the challenge details on my first post: Empties #7.

Empties:
Almay makeup eraser sticks
These used to be a staple for me when I always wore eyeliner. These are perfect for quick fix makeup mess-ups. I always wait for them to go on sale at stock up at $2 or so apiece. In the meantime, a q-tip dipped in makeup remover is just as effective.

Aruba Aloe Luxe Foot Cream 
(Birchbox sample) I liked this. The scent was a little weird but the formulation and results were nice. I'm not sure I would purchase the full size.

Beaver Hydro Nutritive Repair Conditioner
(Birchbox sample) I really liked this conditioner. It smelled nice and I didn't feel like I needed to apply a hair mask or leave-in conditioner because it made my hair so soft.

Beaver Hydro Nutritive Repair Shampoo 
(Birchbox sample) I didn't really care for this. It had no scent and made my hair feel a little dried out. But I applied the matching conditioner right after and all was well.

Benefit Roller Lash Mascara 
(sample) This is probably my new favorite high-end mascara. I liked it just as much as the Maybelline's The Rocket Volum' Express Mascara (my HG.)

Blistex Medicated Lip Ointment (3)
I've been using all natural lip products lately. I tried to use this twice this month and it irritated my lips so badly. I had 3 half-used tubes left; I decided to toss all of them and stick with natural products from now on.

Cover Girl Full Lash Bloom Mascara
I didn't really care for this. It made my lashes heavy and limp.

derma-e Evenly Radiant Brightening Day Creme SPF 15 
(beauty box sample) I got this in the Whole Food Beauty Bag. I used this under my makeup. It was a decent cream but I prefer one-step tinted moisturizers.

Dove go fresh revitalize body wash mandarin & flare flower scent 
(travel size) I liked the original scent (that I finished last month) better. This was moisturizing and effective.

Dr. Jart+ Black Label Detox Beauty Balm 
(Birchbox sample) I liked this until I was about halfway through the sample. I felt like this was oxidizing on me and turning me orange mid-day.

ELF HD Lifting Concealer in Adjusting
I discussed this product in last month's favorites.

LUSH Sex Bomb Bath Bomb
This is both a staple and a holy grail product for me; I won't continue to rave.

Neutrogena makeup removing cleansing towelettes (7 ct)
This is both a staple and a holy grail product for me; I won't continue to rave.

Nivea Pearl & Beauty Anti-Perspirant 
I switched to roll-on's as solid deodorants were staining/ruining my clothes. I believe this only available in the UK. (I purchased it on Amazon.) Having a glass deodorant is a little weird; it's not super portable. I liked the scent. I felt like it was effective for normal days. But if I'm being active or sweating a lot - I have to apply this multiple times throughout the day.

Not Soap Radio Body Wash 
(Birchbox sample) This was just okay. Not impressed for the price.

Olay Fresh Outlast Cooling White Strawberry & Mint Body Wash 
(travel size)  This scent was obnoxious. (I don't like food scents anyway.) This reeked of imitation strawberries - like a bad child perfume.

OPI Pink Flamenco Nail Polish
This was my favorite hot pink nail color until I discovered OPI Strawberry Margarita. They're similar. Pink Flamenco just got too dried out - nail thinner couldn't save it.

Plus White 5 Minute Speed Whitening Gel
Crest whitening strips cause way too much sensitivity for me. I was looking for a cheaper and less painful option and discovered this! I don't use the tray; while in the shower, I apply this on my teeth with my finger and try to keep it on the whole time. The main ingredient is hydrogen peroxide. I feel like this has been super effective; I've already repurchased another tube.

Swisspers Cotton Rounds (100 ct)
This is both a staple and a holy grail product for me; I won't continue to rave.

Venus & Olay Razor Cartridge 
This is both a staple and a holy grail product for me; I won't continue to rave.

Candles:
Bath & Body Works Brazilian Blue Waters 3-wick candle
Both Brad and I really liked the scent of this. It smells clean and masculine at the same time (my favorite type of scent.) It was pretty strong when burning.

Glade Hello Spring (green tea & birch) candle
I liked this in the jar. While burning, it was just way too sweet. It sort of smelled like cheap Rave hairspray.

Mainstays Hazelnut Cream wax cubes (6 ct)
I typically don't care for food scents, but coffee is an exception. This smelled like an artificial Starbucks. Okay, but not great.

Scentsationals Herb Garden (basil leaf & fresh rosemary) wax cubes (10 ct)
I liked the lighter side of this set; it smelled clean and herbal at the same time. The darker side gave me a headache.

Yankee Candle Fluffy Towels Votive (2)
This is my favorite Yankee scent. I especially like burning in these in the bathroom - it smells like fresh laundry. I'm bummed you can only purchase these online now, but I do need to stock up!

Totals:
#100daysofempties totals: I've finished 106 products in 153 days.
#oneemptyonedollar totals: $20.39 remains in my beauty budget.

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