My 3-minute, 5-minute and 10-minute face!

I'm a busy mom of 5 (2 are fur babies!), currently a member of two PTAs, multiple committees, Girl Scout Troop leader, youth basketball coach, avid runner... Getting everyone out of the house on time has become a perfected art form.  Depending on how much or how less time I have in the morning, these are my go to products I reach for to get out the door quickly but still looking put together.  The idea is to not look scary...  :)

Skincare is minimal but still essential so I quickly wash my face with Avalon Organics Vitamin C cleanser or if my skin is acting reactive, I use Cetaphil.  My nighttime routine more than makes up for my morning haste.  Three to ten splashes of water to rinse and then I am on to toner which is currently and usually Witch Hazel.  I follow up with Olay complete all day moisturizer with SPF 15 and an eye cream du jour.  Puffy eyes get hit with Clinique all about eyes serum de-puffing eye massage STAT.  One minute is down.

I slap on Mayebelline dark circle eraser in light under my eyes, around my nose, dot on my chin and a line on the forehead.  I just recently purchased this at Ulta (BOGO 50% off and $3.50 off $10 coupon!) This product has a really nice finish.  I then dot some Lumene CC cream on my cheeks, upper forehead, chin, and nose.  Over the summer I was using CoverGirl ready, set gorgeous in 115 buff beige but it is just a little too dark for me right now. Both the Lumene and CoverGirl have good coverage and look very natural on the skin.  

 

I lightly mist my Real Techniques face brush with a rose water spray and blend the dots on my face in light circular motions or I used the Real Tecniques blending sponge.  Of course I have two rose water facial sprays that I rotate in between, Heritage Store Rosewater and Mario Badescu.  Heritage is typically used for my brushes, MB for a setting spray but when I am in a hurry, it's whatever I grab first!  Curling my eyelashes is essential so while I am blending my face, I am warming my Shiseido eyelash curler in my other hand.  2 minutes down.

Quickly pumping my eyelash curler on each set of lashes, I grab my blush brush and tap it into mark. just blushing in cameo.  This acts as a blush and bronzer combo for my skin tone, warming up the cheeks and around the face.  And then put a layer of mascara.  I take my time with this step, maybe 30 seconds.  Cleaning up mascara messes will take even more time so I slow a bit down for this step.  Three minutes done and I am out the door.

Now with 5 minutes, same steps as above but I will set everything with a powder, especially under the eyes with Tarte translucent powder.  I also sweep on a little NARS Translucent Light Reflecting Setting Powder all over the face and then add some bronzer.  Currently, I am trying to use up NYC Sunny. 

On to the eyes, I will swipe on a L'OREAL Infallable on the lids, most often Bronzed Taupe and line with Julep Kajal Eye Glider dual ended with brown shimmer and carbon black.  With 5 minutes, I work on my brows...  I'm loving Tarte Amazionian clay waterproof brow mousse in rich brown and the brush that comes in the set.

10 minutes allows for a semi-full eye look (I get in time trouble here most days) winged liner, Bobbi Brown corrector under my Mayeblline dark circle concealer, and I take a minute to buff in Laura Mercier mineral powder over a light coat of foundation.  Buffing this mineral powder into the skin is an important step for a flawless finish so I take my time.  I set everything with a makeup setting spray usually Mario Badescu as my skin has been a little dry but I also use one from AVON that worked amazing over the summer.

Oh and lips are done on the fly in the car!  Just a swipe of gloss, whatever is hanging out in my bag at the time.

Most days I have between 3 and 5 minutes to get ready and my makeup usually has to last all day, 8-10 hours, so these my products are my tried and true!

Week 9 Results!

What I started with:

 

What I ended the week with:

 

Foundation:  Still just loving Covergirl Outlast Stay Fabulous 3-in-1 in 825 Buff Beige.  I think it is just the perfect color for me.  Just the tiniest bit pink, I mean tiny. 

 

BB/CC/DD Cream:  I really liked the Kiehl's BB Cream.  It has an SPF 50 and smells like it does but overall the coverage and color is nice.  I think it will be just a touch too moisturizing for me in the summer though. Maybe they will come out with a CC cream next.  I just love Kiehl's. 

 

Lumene Time Freeze CC is a really nice product.  I can wear it on it's own, it has a semi-matte finish.  The only fault, I need the SPF a little higher than 20 if I am going to wear this in the sun.  The Derma Doctor DD cream was way too dark for me.

 

Moisturizer: I started out with a bare face and spritz a little Urban Decay b6 Vitamin Infused Complexion spray.  Then I followed up with Origins Plantscription.  This is very moisturizing which was needed this past week.  Just the tiniest amount is needed for my skin.  I mostly just used the Lumene CC Cream as my moisturizer.

 

Primer:  Again my Lumene CC Cream was an all-in-one but I also used Clarins Instant Smooth in my t-zone. 



 

Mask: Julep Mask Noir.  I can't get past how messy this stuff is.  It is thick, very black and just doesn't want to rinse off your hands after applying it.  I have seen people use a brush when applying masks but the product is super thick, I don't know how I would be able to wash off the brush.  I do like that it mostly peels off in one sheet.

 

Hair:  I feel like I have this thinning of my hair going on in my crown.  I'm pretty sure my hair has always been like that because a very long time ago someone mentioned it but every once in a while it bothers me so I will pick up some Nioxin products when I see them at Marshall's.  I use the scalp renew infrequently at best.  I have never seen any noticeable results.  Most likely because I don't really have a thinning problem, just think I do.  But I figure I'm taking care of my scalp and my hair is really healthy.  I just got a hair cut and that helps too!  4 inches gone! 

 

I've really gotten into using a heat protectant this past year.  I usually just let my hair air dry but when I do blow it dry or curl it, I will spray some on.  I think when I first tried them years ago they would feel filmy.  The "modern" heat protectants feel so light they are virtually undetectable.  This one by TONI&GUY is like that.  Good Stuff. I have a full size of Tresemme in the red bottle that I have been working on forever and tons of prep sprays from Bumble&Bumble which I always pick up when they have free shipping. 

 

I have been using this L'OREAL OleoTherapy Hair Expertise since December.  I picked it up from Ulta.  I thought it was on sale and I had a coupon.  Turns out the shelf was mismarked or the sign sale hadn't been taken off.  I have forgotten how much it was but way more than I would have paid.  Ulta is always like that for me though.  My bill is always way higher than my mental calculations of what it should be!  That being said, whatever I paid, well worth it.  This product is lovely and my hair looks really nice.  Sure it's the hair cut, but before the hair cut, I had all kinds of dry, split ends, it was a stringy mess.  This hair oil helped to conceal all of that.  Lovely product and I've barely made a dent using it every day for almost 4 months.

 

Exfoliant: Glo-Therapeutics Refresh Facial Polish has a nice fresh citrus mint scent that is perfect to wake up to in the morning.  I really like it.  It has a small but dense grit so it's gentle but effective.  This is officially in my top 3.

 

Makeup: The AVON and mark. palettes were really nice.  I picked them up from an Outlet catalog months ago and this is my first time using them.  I wore them on their own and layered over Maybelline Color Tattoos in 25 Bad to the Bronze and 55 Inked in Pink.

 

 

The mark. drama case opens up in 2 directions revealing liners and eyeshadows.  All the shadows are decently pigmented and I came up with some really nice eye looks this week.  I didn't use the blue or orange in the mark. but I used all the shadows in the AVON Q922 muse quad.

 

In addition to the Balm trio I used Physicians Formula Happy Booster in Translucent as a highlight.  I can't use this all over because it is quite sparkly.  I forgot how dark Bahama Mama was but it blends out really well when used with a light hand and worked out perfectly.

 

So that was my Week 9 products! 

 

One of these weeks I will give you all a tour of my bathroom so you can see where I store everything currently!





Week 9: Weekly Skincare/Makeup Box!

March is in full swing and we already have a winter advisory starting at 4pm EST!  Ice and sleet are on the way.  In like a lion, out like a lamb?

I officially started training for a 5k and of course I pulled a hammy.  First time EVER.  Ouch.  Definitely a sign that my age is creeping up on me.  In all seriousness, it's a bit sore after a very diligent stretch.  Hopefully we will be back at it in a couple of days.

I have a lot of fun stuff in this week's box so let's get started!

Foundation:  I really liked the CoverGirl Outlast Stay Fabulous in Buff Beige and Lumene CC cream in light combo from last week.  As much as I want to use stuff up, I'm not going to keep things that do not work.

BB/CC/DD Cream:  In addition to Lumene, I have Kiehl's Skin Tone Correcting & Beautifying BB Cream, Smashbox Camera Ready CC Cream, Supergoop! CC Cream (which I have on right now and dare I say I love it!) and DERMAdoctor DD Cream.  I got my B, C, D's covered this week!

Primer:  I have a couple foil packet samples to try of Smashbox.  The regular Photo Finish and the Green Photo Finish with Blemish Control.  I have a larger Photo Finish that I have used before as well.  Algenist Pore Corrector Anti-Aging Primer is in the stash as well. If I finish these, I have Clarins Instant Smooth for back up.  For eyes I have Nars Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base and Benefit Stay Don't Stray in light/medium.  I also like to use this under my eyes to help with concealer.

Moisturizer:  If I need a separate one, I included Origins Plantscription SPF 25.  But I think with all the BB, CC and DD creams, I should be covered in the hydration department.  I also have Jack Black Epic Moisture MP 10 Nourishing Oil for the evening to try out.

SPF:  All the BB/CC/DD creams I should be covered, but I included La Roche-Posay 50 since I will be out a lot running this week.  And it will be a staple from here on out! 

Eye Cream:  Estee Lauder is still hanging tough as well as Ole Henriksen.

Serum and/or treatment:  Ole Henriksen Firming and Sculpting Serum, Dr. Andrew Weil for Origins Mega-Bright Skin Tone Correcting Serum, and Paula's Choice C15 Super Booster.  Urban Decay b6 Vitamin-Infused Complexion Prep Spray kind of smells like hair spray.  Hmm...

Cleanser:  I opened up a Neutrogena Facial Bar over the weekend so that's at the sink.  In the shower I have my Biore Charcoal Cleanser.

Mask: Julep Mask Noir.  I want to finish it this week.  I might be able to squeeze out a couple more applications.  Thick stuff!

Exfoliant:  glo-therapeutics Refresh Facial Polish Facial Scrub.

Makeup:  I'm going to use Boxum Lash, the Balm Bahama Mama as bronzer, Sexy Mama translucent powder, and Hot Mama!  primarily as a blush this week.  I had had this AVON true color eyeshadow quad in muse for a while now and mark drama case which is a eyeshadow and eyeliner palette.  The drama case is unique.  I pull it apart from the side to reveal 6 eyeshadows.  When you pull it apart from the top and bottom, you find 4 eyeliner shadows.  Interesting...

Hair: Toni&Guy Prep Heat Protection Mist

Hands:  My hands are really dry and my cuticles are all torn up so I included Camille Beckman Frecnh Vanilla Glycerine Hand Therapy to help out.

Body:  These will be a single application I'm sure...  100% Pure Coconut Nourishing Body Cream.  I will probably end up finishing my Trader Joe's Coconut Body Butter as well this week.

So that's what I have going on for Week #9!  Hopefully I can get through everything.  :)

Week 7 Beauty Box Results!

 Week 7 Results!  This is what I used last week.  I didn't try all the samples that I had originally put in the box so off they went into week 8.  I don't know about you, but these weeks are really flying by!

Original line up:

 Results:

Foundation/CC cream:  I used Bourjois Healthy Mix, AVON's new Ideal Flawless CC Cream and
Lumene CC cream this past week.  I used the CC cream under Bourjois.  Not sure why, Bourjois has pretty good coverage on its own.  The CC cream provides enough moisture for me lately and since I haven't had any oiliness issues, I'm going to stick to the CC cream.  Lumene has a bit more coverage than AVON's CC cream. But they all worked really nice and was happy with the results.


Primer:  CC creams!

Eye Cream:  Still scraping out product out of Estee Lauder Serum bottle and I tried the Ole Henriksen Ultimate Lift Eye Gel this week.  Sinks in nicely and has a fun cooling effect.  I usually keep an eye gel (when I have one) in the fridge for some serious morning cooling action.  This one is going in!

Serum/Moisturizer:  The L'OREAL Age Perfect Glow Renewal has a very strong perfumey scent.  I don't mind it but noticed that I could still smell on my face it the next morning.  I used Seventh Generation Boosts Clearing with tea tree this week to battle out my congestion issues.  I saw some improvement so I will continue to use on my t-zone.  I bought this at Walgreens on a super sale last summer (store sale and high dollar coupon).  I haven't seen the line since.  I also used Korres Greek Yoghurt Adavanced Nourishing Sleeping Facial to help combat some dryness a couple nights this week.  Works nicely.  

Treatment: Kiehl's Clearly Corrective Dark Spot Solution:  No noticeable results after week 1!

Cleanser:  I used a combination of eclos and Biore charcoal cleanser and even mixed the two a couple of times.  The Biore has a tiny bit of grit in the formulation.  Subtle exfoliator.  I hadn't noticed it before.  

Mask: 40 Carrots Carrot + Papaya Facial Mask.  I used this twice and I think I have one more use. This is a great product.  I will be on the look out for it at Marshall's.  Fingers crossed!

Makeup:  the Balm and the Beautiful is a wonderful palette but I needed some matte neutrals for blending and grabbed the ever so trusty Naked Basics. Physicians Formula Powder Palette in Creamy Natural is a nice powder that leaves the skin very silky.  Nice formula.  The Buxom took a turn this week and it is already drying out.  boo hiss!  This was really nice straight from the tube.  I wonder if a full size lasts longer?  NYC Sunny is always a nice bronzer to warm up the face.  Very inexpensive too! I finally found my larger eye pencil sharpener and was able to use my UD 24/7 glide-on shadow pencils. I have JuJu in the box.  Love this color.  I've been trying out the green end of the Physicians Formula Concealer twins around my nose that can get quite red.  Works pretty good under concealer.  On its own it blends out a grayish color on my skin so I need to cover it up.

Kind of a boring week...  It was a busy week so I was autopilot trying to get out the door in a timely fashion!  It's always a battle. 

And I kind of have a new full blown obsession that has been consuming my spare time as well.  I should have something coming in the mail today...  Hopefully I will be able to share soon!

Next up is what I have been using this week!  Week 8!

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!

February Empties!

It's so crazy keeping all the bottles and boxes and actually seeing the product I go through!  Sickening really.  Talk about needing to seriously do some simplifying.

Again, as like last month, most of these had been started before the start of the year, some way back in the summer.   One almost 5 years ago.  I will explain that one.  :)  Waste not want not!

I'm trying to decide is I should keep all empties for the entire year for a huge photo op in December.  That might be a little crazy and it might take up my entire makeup/quilting/craft spare bedroom.  And I don't want the hubby to think I am anymore crazier than I already am to him.  Some I will definitely keep to remind me to repurchase.  Because like I said on December 31st, 2011, I will not buy anything until that said item needs to be repurchased.

1.  I will live off my stash for the next 12 months, the entire year of 2012 or until it is used up.


I have failed already, but for the most part, I've been really good!  :)

So here they are in no particular order.  Oh and since I never did individual reviews on last January empties, I will do mini reviews here.

 1.  John Frieda Precision Foam Color in 10N:  I really liked this.  My hair of course did turn a bit brassy but I used a couple applications of Roux Fanci-Full Temporary Haircolor Rinse Ultra White Minx and it looked fine.  Fine meaning, it didn't look like a professional job from a hair color expert but I rarely see a true "expert."  I stumbled upon maybe 2...ever...in my entire career of hair dyeing. I will repurchase.


 2.  Lumene Radiant Touch Refreshing Tonor:  Tonor is one of those things that I know that I need, yet I don't think I ever truly see results/benefit of using it.  But I do...  I have another one of these that I am currently using.  After this I will either make my own rose water one or I want to try the Lush Tea Tree one.


 3.  Target Brand hand sanitizing wipes:  These were on clearance and they were crap.  I need a quick wipe of the hands during my morning beautification process (lol) but these barely cleaned my hands and the first wipe would always be dried out.  I will not repurchase.


 4.  Olay wet cleansing cloths:  These were...good...  Not as good as my Noxema.  I bought the Noxema ones on clearance, I hope that they are still in stores.  I'm working through my last box now.  :(


 5.  Julep Facial for Hands Glycolic Hand Scrub.  I love, love, love this...  This is so expensive for me.  I did get this in my first Julep box but I think realistically, I will only use this again unless it is given in another box but since I gift them out, my chances are slim!  


 6.  Chella Anti-Fatigue Eye Mask Kit:  Another pricey one but I can justify the purchase of this one.  I saw results straight away.  It was cooling and comfortable and I was left with super soft skin around my eyes as well as slightly minimal reduction of my fine lines.  So worth it!


 7.  Herbal Essences Hello Hydration Moisturizing Conditioner:  It's nice, but not something I want to use on my hair anymore.  I prefer serums and oils for conditioning now.  I actually used this as shaving cream.  Works like a charm!


 8.  Philosophy Happy Birthday Beautiful  vanilla birthday cake shampoo, shower gel and bubble bath.  I received this as a gift from Sephora for my birthday last April.  I haven't taken very many baths since our move...  I so miss our deep garden tub...  So I started using it as a shower gel and a couple times as a shampoo.  It has a lovely scent, exactly the way it is described, but since I enjoy lathering myself in rose or lavender scents, this won't be repurchased.


 9.  LUSH Lavender shampoo bar:  Love this.  Didn't love it in the metal tin I bought to go along with it.  After a few uses, the bar stuck to the tin, I could no longer take it out and frustration ensued as I would have to pick out pieces to lather up.  When I do repurchase this, I will not put it in the tin!

10.   RoC Retinol Correxion Sensitive Eye Cream:  I bought this on clearance at CVS over the summer.  I loved it until it started rubbing off my face.  Then I just used it at night.  It definitely works.  It is something I would repurchase.

11.  Jouer lip enhancer conditioning lip treatment:  Smoothed on my lips in the morning and at night.  It's lovely but not something I will repurchase.

12.  Lumene Sensitive Touch Eye Makeup Remover:  I've gone through at least 5 bottles of this remover.  It's very nice and works great however if your eyes are dry, it will burn them if you are careless and get it in the eye!  lol  If I get a coupon at CVS, I will repurchase for sure.

13.  AVON Haiku Perfumed Skin Softener:  I really want to start using more natural products.  I could just feel the parabens seeping into my skin with this one.   This is probably a bit harsh, but it was too chemically for me andiIt was actually drying.  Lovely scent, a bit strong though.

14.  Gilette Sensor 3 pack of 4 disposable razors:  These are definitely 10 steps up from the Daisies I used growing up.  Minimal razor burn with these which is huge.  I've been through 2 packs of these and I will repurchase with a coupon for sure.

15.  Lumene Sensitive Touch 5 Minute SOS Cream:  This cream had a variety of uses for me...  Face, hands, feet, my son's eczema flareup, my other son's red chapped cheeks...  I won this from a CVS twitter giveaway.  This will be repurchased.

16.  CVS Premium Cotton Ovals 80 ct.  I have a few of these that I am working through.  I will repurchase. They are a necessity!

17.  Bare Minerals well-cared for brush conditioning shampoo.  Yes this is the product that I have had for 5 or 6 years.  Crazy I know.  I would save this for really washing my brushes and switch on and off with baby shampoo.  Baby shampoo does not keep the brushes as soft as this one.  I'm currently trying out the e.l.f. brush cleaner.  If that one works out, I will skip the Bare Minerals.  If not, I will go back to the tried and true!

18.  boscia Revitalizing Hydra-lift:  I got this as a free gift from a drugstore.com order.  I love this.  I used it as my morning moisturizer.  I have no idea how much this costs, I'm assuming it is quite pricey for my budget.  But I would love to have another one of these.

19.  Vasoline Intensive Lotion:  Great stuff, mostly used on the kids and my hands.  If I have a coupon, I will repurchase.

20.  wen by Chaz Dean MyGlam Sample.  Hmm...  I don't know if I like this.  I've tried Hair One from Sally Beauty.  I think I liked it better.  And the price of this...  I am using L'OREAL Ever Sleek right now and I really like that one which is 1/5 of the price.  it had a nice scent.  L'OREAL's scent lasts all day though.

21.  LaROCCA Pumpkin Fleur de Sel Body Polish:  This was a Beauty Army Sample.  It smelled just like pumpkin pie, like I wanted to scoop it out and eat it.  But I didn't.  :)  There really wasn't enough to properly test so I'm not sure if I will repurchase.

22.  Apothederm stretch mark cream:  Bluum sample  I did notice a difference in the appearance of my stretch marks.  I probably should repurchase but I probably won't.  Only a tummy tuck will take care of these stretches.  3 kids over 8 pounds will do that to you!

23.  Burt's Bee Shampoo & Wash:  This is the only wash that touches my babies skin and I use it on myself from time to time.  Already repurchased and always will be!

24. Rimmel Lash Accelerator Mascara:  Love this mascara and I will repurchase.  I have a lot to work through right now though.  I've had this forever.

25.  Revlon Grow Luscious Mascara:  Good stuff when combined with other mascaras.  I didn't like it on it's own.

26.  Aveeno Positively Radiant Triple Boosting Serum:  I picked this up at a Ocean City Job Lots in MA.  I think it broke my face out.  Very clogging.  I used it on my hands mostly.  Got to keep them radiant as well!

27.  Julep Pomegranate body scrub.  Super aromatic and hydrating.  I liked that I was able just to use this as a moisturizer as it left the skin with a "film."  Which is not the correct word, but for reason it is escaping me.  You can feel it like an oil but it's not greasy.  I wish I could afford to repurchase  This was in a Julep box.

28.  Mary Kay extra emollient night cream.  I love this stuff.  It works on everything.  Hands, feet, eczema breakouts, cuticles...  It lasted 3 years and now I need to find a rep and get some more!

29.  M.A.D. Skincare Youth Transformation Age Corrective Serum.  This was a Beauty Army sample and I absolutely loved it.  I'm not sure if I saw results but I liked the smell, the way it made my skin feel and I was able to use it as a moisturizer since I have oily skin.   I've stopped with all the layering I used to do thinking it was contributing to extra oil.  I found that it wasn't but there really isn't a reason to put on serums, moisturizers and primers then foundation and powder and yada yada yada.  Way too much stuff on the skin!   It retails at $54 so I will need to wait for a sale!  So worth it though.  I was pretty close to ordering but I will have to wait a few months.  :)

30. Jurlique Balancing Foaming Cleanser  Lovely cleanser and made with wonderful ingredients.  It left the skin soft and cleansed and not overly dry.

31.  eos everyday hand lotion cucumber scent.   This was a freebie in the mail sometime last year.  It is a watery consistency but after you work it in, it really leaves the hands moisturized and soft.  Good stuff.

32.  StriVectin Get Even Brightening Serum.  I used this on my décolletage which does get red and blotchy at times.  I think that this worked well.  But retailing at $89 will definitely prevent me from purchasing unfortunately.

33.  NIVEA Touch of Happiness Moisturizing Body Wash Orange Blossom & Bamboo Essence.  I just love the scent of this.  Body Wash is definitely something I can skip though.  This doesn't really seem to soften my skin.  I like using this on wet hair.  Thankfully I have a backup!

34.  Lancome Genifique Youth Activating Concentrate  This was a small sample.  I had a larger sample that I used up last month.  This stuff is a dream.  I love it.  I'm torn between this, Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair ($52-$80) and Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Serum ($44-$68).  The Lancome retails at $60-$130.  I haven't tried the Kiehl's but there doesn't seem to be anything that my skin doesn't love from Kiehl's.  But I've seen great results with Estee Lauder and Lancome.  But I have my Elizabeth Arden Ceramide Capsules to work through right now so I can hold off.

34.  Nexxus Sleek Finish Silkening Lotion