Empties

Hello everyone! I thought I would share all of my empties with you. These are all the products I have used up in the past couple months. I have been saving them for you all to see.

First are empty hair products.

The giant can of hairspray is TRESemme Tres Two Spray 4: this is my absolute favorite. It tames flyaways, holds slippery ponytails, but doesn't get crunchy. Plus, this giant can lasts a very long time. Garnier Fructis Hydra Recharge shampoo & conditioner. I really enjoyed these. They are rich and moisturizing, which my hair needs to prevent tangles. Garnier Fructis Hydra Recharge Moisture Whip Leave-In Conditioner. This was alright. I personally like to use a ton of leave-in conditioners before bed and then wash it out in the morning. This one smelled nice & didn't feel itchy while I slept.

Second are my empty body products.

The VanillaTini shower gel from Bath & Body Works was good. I like all of their scents and usually get different ones all the time. This particular one was on a clearance table and I got it for $3. Score! The h2o+ Sea Moss Black Sand Body Scrub looked really gross. It was a thick, gritty body scrub that was coal black, and turned into a frothy black mess. I really liked to use it on my feet, legs, and elbows but it was messy. Those 2 little tubes were from a Philosophy Christmas gift set. There were several different flavors, but these were the only 2 empty tubes that survived. I really loved the formula and the yummy scents, but they were hard to open and it was nearly impossible to get all the body wash out.

These are the most boring empties of all, deodorant.

I was originally using an organic one that was aluminum free, but it made my armpits breakout. Wonderful, right? I bought the Dove because they always have commercials for gentle products and clear underarms. It was alright, but when I got near the end of the stick, it completely exploded all over my bathroom. The Secret Clinical Strength Invisible Solid was great, but I did not like the lavender scent, it smelled like cleaning products.

 I have several empty face products this time!
The h2o+ eye makeup remover was great. It was one of those removers that separates and needs to be shaken before you use it. I liked that it removed my eye makeup without a struggle. The Loreal Youth Code Texture Perfecter Correcting Serum was amazing! It was a super thin serum that added a layer of smoothness to my face. I absolutely loved it! It was impossible to get the last few drops out of the bottom of that bottle. Also, it cost $25 at Target- so I am making myself use up a bunch of other products before I buy more. The NUDE perfect cleansing oil was different. It was only of the first cleansing oils I had ever used. The concept was cool, but it left an oily residue on my face that was hard to wash off. The Clarisonic cleanser came with my Clarisonic that I got for Christmas. It was a really gentle cleanser and I liked it but it is really expensive so I won't be splurging on that. The Aveeno Positively Radiant brightening cleanser is my absolute favorite. I have repurchased it over and over. I use it every morning in the shower. I like it so much because it cleans my face thoroughly but isn't too harsh.

The True Blue Spa super softening hand lotion is from Bath & Body Works. I kept this in my work bag and used it constantly. This little tube lasted a long time and really saved my hands during a couple really cold spells this winter. It smells nice and I have already repurchased it. I originally got the Eucerin Skin Calming for my hands also, but I later found out it works well on winter skin. I have already repurchased a large bottle of it and use it on my itchy, dry legs.

Here are some random empties. The Crest 3D White is my absolute favorite toothpaste. I sometimes buy something different but I always go back to this one. I have been taking biotin regularly to help with my skin, hair, and nails. I have noticed a big difference in my nails growing. This little travel size Be Enchanted body spray is from Bath & Body Works. I kept it in my purse for almost a year before it was empty. The compact is Loreal True Match powder. It is not completely empty but I just couldn't get anymore out. I really like it and have already repurchased another one.

Here are some oops products. These are not empty but I just cannot finish them. The Covergirl Bombshell mascara was awful. It went on clumpy and goopy but the worst part was trying to get it off! I scrubbed and tugged at my lashes to get this mascara off. I tried to use it 3 different times and decided, "never again!" The little tiny tube is Origins Plantscription eye treatment. I got it as a sample with a Sephora order. I tried to use it a couple times but it made my eyes burn really bad. The h2o+ Sea Mineral Mud Mask was bright blue going on and my face was bright red when it came off. My face broke out in a terrible rash after using this.

There were all the products I've recently used up. I feel like I've accomplished something when I use the entire thing. Especially since I have millions of products and like to try new things.

Skincare Diary: Makeup Removal

Hello everyone, hope you have all been doing well. At the end of the day I like to remove all my makeup so when I wakeup the next morning I have a clean, fresh slate to work with. Nothing is worse than waking up with mascara smeared across your face & eyeliner ingrained on your eyelids. Sometimes getting layers of makeup off can be frustrating however, I have it down to nearly a science.

First, I take cotton rounds and wet them with eye makeup remover. I made my own, which I found a quick an easy recipe for on Pinterest. I use the saturated cotton rounds to clean off all my eye shadow, liner, & mascara because this is usually what takes the most "work" to remove. I have recently been using the boscia Makeup-Breakup Cleansing Oil. It is so simple to use! Just rub it on your face in circular motions and your makeup will start dissolving. Then, add a little bit of water and keep rubbing, then splash with water to get it all off. To the left in the picture, you can see a wet paper towel. It is a DIY makeup remover wipe that I also found the recipe for on Pinterest. I don't think they do that great of a job so I just use it on my neck to get the bronzer off. At this point, all my makeup is finally gone!

Even though all my makeup is gone, I like to wash my face with the Olay foaming cleanser & my Clarisonic mia2. I got my Clarisonic for Christmas & I absolutely love it. I use it morning and night & my skin has cleared up completely. The texture of my skin is cleaner & a lot of the blackheads on my chin & nose are cleaned out.

This is my nightly routine, which I follow up with moisturizers & treatments, depending on what my skin feels like at the time.

This is my little basket full of skincare. I got tired of all these little bottles falling everywhere, so I put them in this basket & set it on the back of my toilet. It provides easy access!

Do you have a nightly skincare routine? If so, it is similar to mine, or do you just use a quick splash of water and call it a night?

OOTD: cool day for errands

Hello there! I was out running errands the other day & thought I would share my outfit. It was cold and rainy with lots of wind, so I wore something warm.

My oatmeal cardigan is from Walmart.

Black leggings from Victoria's Secret Pink.

Long sleeve pink tee & pink with floral scarf from Kohl's.

Boots (not in pic) are Steve Madden's from Journeys a couple years ago in the color cognac.

I did not do much with my hair: I just washed it and added some product. I used the Paul Mitchell super skinny serum to prevent flyaways & frizziness & scrunched my still-wet hair with Ouidad Climate Control Heat & Humidity Gel. I have been doing this lately when I don't feel like blowing my hair dry.

OOTD navy stripe

Hello there. The other evening I went out for dinner & a little shopping. It was slightly warmer out & this is what I wore.

Navy striped shirt from Target. Check out these: here. here. short sleeve version here.

Jeans from Gap. get them here.

Jacket from Buckle. This one is no longer available but Buckle has some really cute ones.

Scarf from JC Penney. lots of cute & cheap options: here. here. here. here.

Belt from American Eagle. I got this one about 5 years ago. but here is a cute western version.

Here is a look without the jacket. This navy top has 3/4 length sleeves and is extra stretchy.

I wore my leopard Tieks with this outfit because they matched the leopard scarf. They are so super comfortable & I am going to get so much wear out of them once the weather behaves.

Like my makeup in this post? Check out my Makeup for when you're sick tutorial.

Makeup for when you're sick

Hello everyone. Hope you all are keeping warm out there! Today I am still in recovery mode from being sick so when my fiancé suggested going out this evening, I thought I better start doing my makeup. My first thought when I looked in the mirror was, "How do cover up these dark circles?" & "What can I use to get rid of all this redness?" With those things in mind, I did my regular makeup look with a little extra coverage.

Here is everything that I used. If you would like the recreate this look, you do not have to use these exact products, just use something similar. I numbered them as a reference of order applied & are listed at the bottom of this post. I've added some visuals to assist with your makeup application.

First, I applied #1, the Olay BB Cream all over my face. Day-to-day I skip this BB cream sometimes because I do not always want total coverage. Today I wanted a little extra coverage & this has SPF.



I added #2 Garnier Fructis under eye roller concealer & #3 Almay Wake Up concealer under my eye where the light tan marks are in this pic. The Garnier Fructis eye roller is a yellow-based thinner formula that covers darkness, where the Almay product is a little thicker & lighter than my natural face color, so it brightens up my under eye area. I applied #4 Time Balm concealer by The Balm on areas of redness, which are lined in grey here. I really like this Time Balm concealer, it is a little stiffer consistency & it matches my skin tone perfectly. However- I have had it a long time and the lid is completely gone so it is starting to get a little dried up.

Then I swept my Loreal True Match powder all over my entire face, which is #5 in the pic.

#6 is Too Faced Chocolate Soleil Bronzer in Milk Chocolate. I love love love this bronzer! It is the perfect matte shade to warm up my fair skin, plus it smells like chocolate! I added it to the top edges of my forehead & to the hollows of my cheeks- as shown in tan marks in the pic above. Next I applied #7 Tarte Amazonian Clay blush in Exposed to the apples of my cheeks. It is a cool toned blush that looks pretty natural. I generally have red/pnk undertones & don't like a dark blush, so this one is perfect.

I lightly filled in my brows with #8 the Maybelline Master Shape Eyebrow Pencil in Blonde. This one is nice because it looks natural & my eyebrows are not "drawn on" looking. This needs sharpened by a pencil sharpener but it lasts a really long time.

Lastly & my favorite: eye time.

I used #9 NARs eye primer. This formula is so great- it is smooth and helps my eye shadow apply smoothly.

#10 Maybelline Eye Tattoo in Barely Branded was used as my eye shadow base. This color blends well with pretty much any eye shadow.

#11 is Loreal Infallible Eye Color in Amber Rush. I absolutely love this rose gold shade but it is a loose pigment type shadow and does not apply easily. It is really messy & causes fallout under your eye. The shade is great though.

#12 Laura Mercier caviar stick in Amethyst. I love this one. It is super creamy and applies without tugging. It goes on in a rich buttery color and blends super easy. It was so worth the splurge! I just added it to the outer half of my lower eyelid & to the outer corner of my upper lid to define my eye. I usually use brown eyeliner in this step but I think the purple pops with my dark eyes.

#13 is Clinique bottom lash mascara. It has a very small applicator which helps apply it to those tiny lashes without smudging under your eye. It lasts all day & I have never had problems with it transferring under my eye. I really like it & mine is almost empty!

#14 is the new Covergirl Bombshell mascara. It has 2 sides: one to volumize & one to intensify. At first look: the container is gigantic! It is as big as 2 other mascaras! After using, I've noticed that the first applicator is large and rubbery & the second one is small and wiry. This made my lashes look clumpy and chunky. I definitely do not like it. Good thing I used a $3 off coupon to buy it ;)

Here is the completed look. Not too bad considering my sickness :) I did not add anything to my lips, I just applied some chapstick.

Here is a complete list of products used & links to buy them:

#1 Olay BB Cream

#2 Garnier Fructis Under Eye Roller

#3 Almay Wake Up under eye concealer in light

#4 Time Balm concealer by The Balm

#5 Loreal True Match powder

#6 Too Faced Chocolate Soleil Bronzer in Milk Chocolate

#7 Tarte Amazonian Clay Blush in Exposed

#8 Maybelline Master Shape Eyebrow Pencil in Blonde

#9 NARs eye primer

#10 Maybelline Eye Tattoo in Barely Branded

#11  Loreal Infallible Eye Color in Amber Rush

#12 Laura Mercier caviar stick in Amethyst

#13 Clinique bottom lash mascara

#14 Covergirl Bombshell Volume mascara

Rose gold glittery nails

Hello there! I haven't been posting much lately because I have been very sick. I am on my way to recovery & trying to take it easy. I applied these Sally Hansen gel nail strips last night. They are really easy to stick on & then you paint the gel top coat on before baking them under the gel lamp. They are supposed to be extra long lasting, so I'll keep you up to date on that.

I really like this color. I have been trying to stop biting my nails & they have grown out pretty long now. This glittery shade hides the fact that my nails are a little uneven & in that "growing out" stage. Have you tried the do it yourself gel nail yet?

Here is the starter kit from Sally Hansen:

Leopard Print Tieks

Hello! Has anyone out there heard of Tieks before? If you haven't, they are designer flats that are recognized by their bright blue soles. Tieks are small, foldable shoes that have been popping up on Pinterest,YouTube, magazines, and blogs. Where I saw them most often were on the feet of one of my favorite YouTubers, Nikki Phillippi. She was always wearing her hot pink Tieks & talking about how comfortable they are. When she hosted a giveaway, I entered & crossed my fingers... & I won! I was so excited I could scream, because I love love love shoes & I had been wishing for a pair of Tieks for a while but they are kinda pricey. She sent me a givecard & I ordered the leopard print.

How amazing are these? Since we have been having subzero temperatures here, I have only worn them once -but I can say they are extra comfy. I cannot wait to wear them when it warms up a little bit. I love the pop of teal on the soles with the classic leopard on top. Thank you so much to Nikki for the opportunity to win these amazing shoes.

Nikki, the YouTuber I won them from, is extremely sweet. I love to watch her tri-weekly videos on beauty, fashion, and vlogs. Go & check out her channels.