December Empties | 2014

Hey everyone! Another month has passed and you know what that means, it's time for my December Empties! This will be my final empties blog post for 2014. I will be honest and say that 2014 was not the greatest year for me, but I have big hopes and plans for 2015. As always, below are the names of the beauty products that I have used up this month as well as my honest thoughts on how the products worked out for me.  

Face

LUSH Fresh Face Mask in Cupcake - I had 5 empty black pots and I was able to turn them into LUSH for a free face mask. I chose this one and really liked the scent. However, I must say that since these need to be refrigerated, I would often times forget about it. I felt as though my skin really did feel soft and refreshed after using it. When I was in the store searching for the product, I couldn't find it and had to ask a sales associate to assist me. If you can't find it in store, don't fret and just ask one of their helpful staff to help you locate the product because sometimes they are hidden due to the fact that they are stored in a fridge.

L'Oreal RevitaLift Radiant Smoothing Wet Cleansing Towelettes (30 Pre-Moistened Towelettes) - I had been meaning to try these makeup wipes for the longest time but they were always $9.99 or higher when I was browsing in the stores. I found them marked down for under $10 (in The States) and finally decided to try them out. I really enjoyed them although they did irritate my eyes occasionally. (Nothing over the top.) I would definitely repurchase them, I just wish that they were cheaper to purchase here in the GTA.

Make-Up

Revlon Color Stay Whipped Foundation in 150 Buff - This is my holy grail foundation. I bought this many shades lighter because I had lost my tan and also, this shade I found to have more of a yellow undertone (which I have.) However, it was too light on me when applied on my whole face. It really wasn't a problem because I would balance it out and use a darker powder.

ELF Eyelid Primer in Champagne #11018 - I love the ELF Eyelid Primer in general and I receive this as a free gift with my purchase a while ago. I think that because it was sitting in my makeup collection and not being used, the formula changed on me as did the scent. I really can't comment on this product because it was my fault that I hadn't used it and that it had gotten old. What I can comment on is that I did like the colour and slight shimmer it gave off underneath my eyeshadows.

Softlips Lip Moisturizer with SPF 20 in Coconut Cream - A coworker actually gave this to me a few months back. I did like how soft it made my lips feel. However, I used this every night before bed and it did not last me very long. I suppose there is a reason why they sell this product in duo packs. Also, there is an expiration date on the bottom that you should check before purchasing and before using the actual product itself.

EOS Lip Balm in Watermelon - This was my last EOS lip balm that I had in my collection and someone did gift it to me. I am over EOS lip balms as I feel as though they do not do much for my lips. I only purchased one because I loved the cute packaging and liked that it came in many different colours. They don't moisturize my lips enough and the product does not last too long on my lips overall.

Nails

Sally Hansen Hard As Nails Hardener - I have been using this product for years and really find that it helps my nails break less. I have two other back-ups of this and will continue to purchase it in the future. I did mention this product in my blog post about my nails. Make sure to check it out!

Wet n Wild Wild Shine Nail Color in Kaleidoscope (460D) - I have owned this product for many years and have always reached for this glitter in particular when I wanted to have one accent nail. I have other glitter nail polishes in my collection but I have always favoured this one. It is a great product to match almost any nail look.

ELF Nail Polish Remover Pads (24 Pads-Fresh Citrus Scent) - This was my first time trying this product out and it is great if you travel because it takes up very little space. Also, you don't have to worry about the liquid spilling because these pads are already saturated with make up remover. It says on the packaging that they are citrus scented but I didn't smell any citrus at all. It may just be me though. They are great for on the go but when I am at home taking off my nail polish, I much prefer to take off the polish with traditional liquid nail remover.

Body

Johnson's Baby Wash in Vanilla Oatmeal - This is another holy grail item for me and I am completely out of it now. I don't even have any back-ups of it which is surprising and very rare! I will see how long I can do without it for.

Bath & Body Works Body Lotion in Secret Wonderland - I really love this scent from BBW and correct me if I'm wrong but I do believe that it is discontinued. I purchased it last year when they were having their semi-annual sale. I have purchased it once before in the past and I am sad that this was my last bottle. I already miss having this scent around.

Samples

Clear Scalp & Hair Therapy Total Care Shampoo - I received this in a promotional tote bag along with the conditioner and I already own the Clear shampoo. It is a great and effective line of hair care.

Clear Scalp & Hair Therapy Total Care Daily Conditioner - As stated above, I received this as a sample and really do enjoy using this hair care line. It really deep cleans my hair and it feels clean with no left-over residue.

TRESemme Platinum Strength Strengthening Shampoo - I received this a few months ago as a sample along with the matching conditioner with my online purchase I had made from Hautelook. I had used the deep conditioning mask from this line a few months back and really enjoyed it. This is a great addition to the line.

TRESemme Platinum Strength Strengthening Conditioner - This product was sent to me and it really did everything that it promised. My hair felt great after I washed it using this product and I couldn't wait to use it again!

Make Up For Ever Smoky Extravagant Mascara - This was the free mascara Sephora was giving away to Beauty Insiders when it was their birthday month. I have heard many people complaining about it but I did not mind this mascara at all. This little sample lasted me awhile and I used it until it completely dried up. I thought the cone shaped wand was innovative. It wasn't hard for me to wash off the mascara on my face at the end of the day. I'm not sure if I would commit to the full sized version but I enjoyed using it while it lasted.

Miscellaneous

Bath & Body Works Gentle Foaming Hand Soap in Peach Bellini - I adore this scent and I have bought the scent portable in the same scent in the past. I will continue to purchase this scent for as long as they make it. I really do hope that they have no intentions of discontinuing it in the near future. If they do, I will go to my local BBW and buy every thing with this particular scent and that is no joke!

Nature's Bounty Hair, Skin & Nails Gummies with Biotin (80 Gummies) - I mentioned this product in a blog post speaking about my nails and I have nothing but good things to say about this product. It really helped me grow my nails and will continue to purchase it when I run out of it.

Omega Nutrition Organic Apple Cider Vinegar (Unfiltered & Unpasteurized) - I bought this awhile ago and even got my brother to use this product on his hair. There are so many different uses for this product whether it be using to cook with or using in your beauty routine. I encourage you to Google it and you will be amazed at how much use you can get out of this lovely multi-purpose product!

Altoids Smalls in Peppermint - This item is completely random but I still wanted to give it a shout out. I bought this at Target the last time I was in The USA and it works great. (I have seen the regular Altoids at one store in the GTA but it was very expensive here.) I have colleagues that know I have these at all times in my purse and always ask me for one! One thing about these that I must say is that because they are 'smalls,' I tell people to take two at a time instead of one because they are smaller. They are still very powerful and really do a great job at refreshing your breath. These are a great alternative to gum when you don't feel like chewing something or if you can't be seen chewing gum at work but need to freshen up your breath quickly. They are very inexpensive and I believe that I bought them on promotion when it was buy two get one free. Each one was 99 cents or so.

Whitening Lightning Whitening Pen - This is the second whitening pen that I have completely gone through. It works great and I have no complaints. It is very easy to use. All you have to do is dry off your teeth, smile and then click the pen up to get the product onto the tip. You then apply it and spread it onto your teeth. I like to wait 60 - 90 seconds and then I stop smiling. After that is done, you can go about your daily routine! 

 

Update: For those who are wondering how my no buy December went, I have great news! I did NOT buy a single thing with the exception of Crest 3D White Strips because they were on a ridiculously good sale and I had already went through my whitening pen. I have decided to challenge myself to another month of not buying any beauty products unless I run out of something that I need in my daily beauty routine. Wish me luck!

Write in the comments down below how you plan on ringing in the new year. Will it be a quiet celebration with family and friends or will you be at Times Square with a ton of people when the ball drops?

Until next time,

STAY CLASSY.

Berrz <3

P.S. All opinions are my own. This blog post is not sponsored but some links are affiliate.