August & September Empties
It's that time of the month! Well, actually, it's several days away from that time of the month, but better late than never right? Time for some EMPTIIIIIES.
I was surprised at how few products I used in August and September, but I did make a concerted effort this month to use shampoo/conditioner samples and index my nail polish, so I've made some purging progress. I did also give a TON of hair product samples away to friendsand made a sale page for the rest, so while it may not look like it, a lot of stuff has left the building :)
Onto the empties!
Garnier Skin Renew Dark Spot Treatment Sheet Mask
I do enjoy a good sheet mask, especially when my skin needs calming down! Visit my 'Battle of the Sheet Masks' for a full review.
John Frieda Frizz Ease Smooth Start Shampoo & Conditioner
I've sampled a bunch of John Frieda this year and while I do like the formulas, I just haven't found one that works enough to replace the paraben-free stuff I currently use. However, if you need frizz control, especially IMMEDIATE frizz control, this set does the trick. Personally I felt it left some residue in my hair but for that first day it looked awesome.
John Frieda Frizz Ease Weather Works Shampoo & Conditioner
This set smelled reaaaally good, but it didn't do as good a job at frizz control as the Smooth Start, and the conditioner was more like a soft mousse? Did. Not. Condition. So, skip it!
L'Oreal Power Moisture Shampoo & Conditioner
This stuff smells FANTASTIC! It definitely was a boon for my dry hair this summer, adding an extra OOMPH of volume when I needed it the most. I'd definitely consider buying this.
OGX Coconut Water Shampoo & Conditioner
And this is a counter-example to the previous set. This set smelled really good but I didn't notice any extra moisture AT. ALL. And I didn't notice extra shine either. Welp.
Stila Stay All Day 1 in 1 Beauty Balm
I love this stuff. I basically love all of Stila's balms. They are ridiculously expensive but my god, it looks amazing and makes your skin FEEL amazing. Demon products, all of them.
Burt's Bees Fabulously Fresh Peppermint & Rosemary Body Wash
We all know I'm a body wash nut and would never buy the same wash twice, but this is a serious contender for PERMANENT BATHROOM STATUS. It's UBER refreshing and envigorating and literally TINGLES on the skin (thanks to all that peppermint). As with all other Burt's Bees products it's sulfate/paraben/cruelty-free so not only is it a fantastic choice, it's a responsible one.
H20+ Targeted Care Hand and Nail Cream
This stuff is like a great hand salve, it's perfect for the cold seasons and works really well if you put it on at night. Too bad the smell is SO STRONG that I can only really put it on before I go to bed.
Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Top Coat
This used to be my go-to topcoat but I've fallen out of love with it recently. While it does an AMAZING job at the fast-drying, gel-nail-look, it gets super goopy and doesn't always land evenly on the nail. The bottom 20% of the product also likes to congeal in the bottom too, so that's a waste. I'm officially breaking up with it!
Ojon Revitalizing Mist Hydrating
Oh Ojon, I really want to like you but you're so expensive, and while I like the smell, it does linger a little too long. It works really well as a wet-hair detangler, but not much else.
Quo Diamond Liner Black Spark
I've had this eyeliner or awhile and while it has a great brush and applicator, the formula is SO RUNNY that it basically requires a hair dryer to dry on your lid. It doesn't stick to the eyelid and causes your shadow or mascara to gob onto it. I finally decided to chuck it!
Olay Regenerist
I HAVE NO IDEA IF THIS STUFF DOES ANYTHING BUT I HAVE SO MANY BOTTLES OF IT THAT I JUST PUT IT ON MY FACE AND DREAM? (DON'T BUY IT, I HAVE NO IDEA IF IT DOES A SINGLE THING)
Bic Dual Blade Razor
Why? WHY? WHY? Never again. No. No. No.
Gillette Venus
YES, MUCH BETTER. You get ONE handle and then you can interchange the cartridge heads as much as you want and SMOOTH SKIN IS JUST A SWISH AWAY.
NAIL POLISH PURGE
Currently destashing a bunch of un-loved, used polishes and giving them away at work for free. On the chopping block - Sally Hansen HD Hi-Definition Nail Color in Laser, Blu, DVD, Wavelength & Revolution, four miscellaneous Sally Hansens, four off-brand polishes I got from beauty boxes and a GOSH glitter that I really hate the formula of.
The ones that were unused are going in my Christmas beauty boxes for my Shoebox Project boxes this winter (I'm aiming for two or three boxes of stuff) and the rest posted here are going to people at work.
It looks like I didn't use too much these last two months, but I'm nearing zero on several maaajorrrr products this month so there will be more reviews to come! I also just did a lipstick inventory so expect some OLD AS DIRT lipstick to show up next month, I'm sure.