June 2017 Empties

Here is what I got through in June:

Face/Skin items:

Some makeup wipes from Big Lots
Opinion: Yay Big Lots! I am bummed they closed the location close to me. I picked these up for exactly one doll hair during a recent visit to Illinois. They worked great...and did I mention they were cheap??
Repurchase?: Heck yes if I can get myself to another Big Lots.

Burt's Bees Towelettes
Opinion: These worked well enough. They removed my makeup, but they did leave my skin a bit sticky and tight feeling. Since the pack was pretty small, I kept them in my travel backpack to combat my airplane greasies.
Repurchase?: No. Too sticky.

Pore Gone for Good Mask
Opinion: This did nothing for me. It did not piss off my skin, nor did it help it. I was left just feeling a little more moisturized. I can easily achieve the same feeling from a standard moisturizer.
Repurchase?: *yawn* No. Too boring and not worth the money.

MD Solar Sciences SPF Moisturizer
Opinion: I used this on a recent trip to the Mediterranean. It was okay. Nothing fancy, nothing bad.
Repurchase?: No.

Skyn Iceland Cloud Cream
Opinion: My favorite moisturizer ever! Leaves my face SUPER soft and it's not greasy at all.
Repurchase?: Yes! I already blew some Ulta points on a full size, because there is no way my cheap ass would every spend $55 on a moisturizer.

Origins GinZing Moisturizer
Opinion: I want to like Origins. I really do. Their products just seems to underwhelm me over and over though. I guess this one did smell pretty good.
Repurchase?: No.

Murad City Skin Overnight Detox Moisturizer
Opinion: I am starting to really like Murad. This little packet was handy for travel. It left my skin really nice and soft when I woke up too.
Repurchase?: Not sure on this one. Murad is growing on me, but I think I like their serum more than this.

Philosophy Time in a Bottle Repair Serum
Opinion: Yay serum samples! Serum is something I love and use daily, but am still way too cheap to buy.
Repurchase?: Hopefully I will keep winning the sample lottery and won't have to.

Murad Invisiblue Protecting Shield
Opinion: I used this under my makeup like a primer. It had some slip to it, but my makeup stayed put all day.
Repurchase?: I'll just stick to my regular primers.

Hair:

Ouai Treatment Masque
Opinion: I loved this! It made my hair super soft and it smelled so good!
Repurchase?: No, I will be sticking to my much more economical Eva NYC mask.

Hask Macadamia Oil
Opinion: I love these little Hask hair oil bottles! They travel so well. A little goes a long way to make my hair super soft and shiny. I also like it as a heat protectant.
Repurchase?: I am sure I will be traveling somewhere and have to grab another one at Walgreen's at some point.

Makeup:

Some cheapo eyeliner from Beauty Box 5
Opinion: I realized when I swatched this for my eyeliner post that I forgot how much I liked it. Little did I know that the next time I used it would be the last time :(
Repurchase?: Nah, I have eyeliner ADD.

e.l.f. Makeup Mist & Set
Opinion: I tried this $3 version of my beloved NYX setting spray. It worked, but I really didn't not like the packaging. The misted was a little too zealous as well.
Repurchase?: I am sure my cheap ass will at some point. It's less than half of the cost of the NYX version!

Sephora Mascara
Opinion: I am making a point to get through some mascara samples and ditch what I don't like. I gave this 2-3 tried before I put it in the "fail" pile. It left little balls of product at the end of my eyelashes. I HATED the wand as well. Too dense and weirdly flat.
Repurchase?: Nope.

Ulta Eye Makeup Remover Wipes
Opinion: These worked great! I wish there was more in the package.
Repurchase?: Probably not. This is more of a "luxury" product for me.

Some random black eyeliner
Opinion: This eyeliner was very "meh" and I have plenty of other black eyeliners, so I quit using it.
Repurchase?: No.

Urban Decay 24/7 purple eyeliner
Opinion: I really liked this color and the slight glittery effect it had. However, every time I wore it, it would would start flaking off pretty quickly.
Repurchase?: No, and I am hesitant to try any other UD eyeliners now.

Miscellaneous:

Dr. Lipp Original Nipple Balm for Lips
Opinion: Wow was this stuff gooey! It was basically like smearing petroleum jelly on my lips. It did leave them moisturized all night as I slept, and it was still on when I woke up.
Repurchase?: Nah. Too gooey and I hate squeeze tubes for lip balm.

Perfume Minis
Opinion: I am still plugging away on my huge pile. I like practically all perfume, but the one that stood out to me here was Armani Code.
Repurchase?: These brands are all a little too rich for my blood.

May 2017 Empties

Why yes! I am way behind! Here is what I went through in May:

Hair stuff:

John Frieda Frizz Ease Hair Spray
Opinion: I go through a mini can of hair spray about twice a year. This worked I guess. I am just not enough of a hair spray user to give a decent review.
Purchase?: Nope. I probably have 2-4 more mini cans of hair spray, so I am goo for another year or two.

Marc Anthony argan or some kind of other oil
Opinion: I like hair oil for my dry ends. This was suitable.
Purchase?: Nah. I'll stick to my samples or just buy more Hask.

Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Overnight Protector
Opinion: This was nice. I liked leaving it in my hair overnight and waking up to super moisturized locks.
Purchase?: Not for the price this brand runs at. Ouch.

Skin care:

Glam Glow Supermud Clearing Treatment
Opinion: DAMN YOU GLAM GLOW!! This shit was GOOD. I used it on my nose to rip out all of my nasty blackheads. I don't know what kind of witchcraft Glam Glow uses to make their products but DAMN does it work!
Purchase?: I totally would but it is SOOOOO expensive! I wish Ulta carried it so I can cash in my points on it!

Dr. Brandt Poredermabrasion Pore Perfecting Exfoliator
Opinion: I liked this a lot. It really got in there and did some deep down scrubby things to my face. A little went a long way so this sample lasted a while.
Purchase?: I can scratch up my face for a lot less money, so no thank you.

First Aid Beauty Deep Cleanser
Opinion: This worked well enough. I liked the fact that it had clay added to help combat my greasies. It did leave my face feeling a little tight after using it.
Purchase?: Not my favorite cleanser, so no.

Lancome Advanved Genifique serum type thingy
Opinion: I love getting samples of this, because I will never splash out on the full sized version.
Purchase?: See above.

Miscellaneous skin and body:

Suave Visible Glow Self Tanning Body Lotion
Opinion: I think this may be better than Jergens for one reason. It's thinner and applies faster. I hate spending time rubbing lotion into my skin.
Repurchase?: My self tanner loving dumb ass probably will.

Pure Silk Shave Cream
Opinion: BORING.
Repurchase?: Nope. I have been shaving with a giant bottle of Wen conditioner and liking that more. Plus, it has the added bonus of maybe making my leg hair fall out!

Marvis Toothpaste
Opinion: Luxury toothpaste. Huh. This was fine I suppose.
Purchase?: Not as long as the hubby keeps buying massive packs of toothpaste at Costco. This was a nice sample though.

Proraso Cream Liquid After Shave Balm
Opinion: I love this. I had this last little sample to use up, now I am on to my big bottle.
Purchase?: Already have.

Makeup things:

Barry M Flawless Matte Finish Foundation
Opinion: I bought this at a train station in London and I loved it!!! I am super sad I cannot buy more.
Repurchase?: You bet your ass I will. The next time I can find it.

Mally Beauty double ended mascara
Opinion: Mascara, along with bronzer, is one of those rare makeup items that just do not excite me. However, I did really like this. The combination of defining and maximizing brushes really made application a breeze.
Repurchase?: I am literally drowning in tubes of mascara. Full sized. Deluxe sized. Sample sized. I will never be able to go through them all. I would definitely buy this if they all suddenly disappeared though.

Ulta Eyebrow Gel
Opinion: Ewwwww!! Never package eyebrow gel in a clear tube! It started to look very nasty very quickly from applying over my pomade. Also, it got gooey and flaking on me after a few uses. That's why there is still goo in this tube. I could not deal anymore.
Purchase?: I am convinced that all eyebrow gel sucks other than ABH.

Kat Von D Tattoo Liner
Opinion: This definitely lives up to the hype! I can almost pull off a decent cat with this liner. And it stays on through almost anything.
Purchase?: I have another sample size going at the moment. Also, I am sure there is a cheaper dupe out there somewhere.

Harvey Prince Hello
Opinion: I liked this well enough. It wasn't my favorite, but it wasn't the worst either.
Purchase?: No, I am trying to use up my other 10,000 perfume samples.

March/April Empties

I barely touched anything in March, so on decided to combine it with some decent progress in April.

There were definitely a few big wins here.

Shower stuff:

Some Matrix shampoo and conditioner 

Opinion: These fell victim to necessity. My water at home is super soft and all of the things that hotel water is not, so it is hard to form an actually analysis of functionality. Either way, these were decent enough.

Purchase?: These worked for travel. I liked them. More than more travel shampoo/conditioner duos. If I ever run out, then maybe.

Jergens Wet Skin Moisturizer

Opinion: Dude. How can this stuff even be real? I am soooo lazy when it comes to applying lotion, so this is a miracle product for me. It did take me a couple of tries to find a scent that wasn't super gross. This one is just a little gross, but I can handle it. I see that they now have a tanning version, and I love me some Jergens fake tan.

Repurchase?: Again and again. Except right now I am trying to use up a Nivea sample.

Face Stuff:

Some more random makeup remover wipes from TJ Maxx
Opinion: They worked!
Repurchase?: I can't resist the makeup wipes at TJ Maxx

Pacifica Sea Foam Complete Face Wash
Opinion: I love this. I had to buy a full sized tube after my sister stole my sample sized one last year. It smells nice, is gentle, and left my skin super soft.
Repurchase?: I have skin care ADHD, so probably not. It's not that I don't like it...I just have lots of others to get through before I come back around to anything.

Pacifica Dreamy Youth Day & Night Face Cream
Opinion: This was very very nice. Moisturizing, but not greasy. Also had a very mild pleasingly neutral scent.
Repurchase?: I am up to my eyeballs in moisturizers at the moment, so no.

Chanel Le Lift Firming Anti Wrinkle
Opinion: LUXURY SAMPLE! I am not sure what this was supposed to be. I used it below my eyes.
Purchase?: I am scared to even look up what this costs.

Makeup things:

NARS Bronzer sample in Laguna
Opinion: Bronzer may be the only makeup category I am just not in love with and/or hoard like crazy. HOWEVER, this product was awesome. I got a few uses out of this card and loved it. It was a good color match for me, and it blended out super well.
Purchase?: No way. I will never buy a bronzer. I get too many as it is from subscription boxes. I will say that this is the first NARS product that I have liked, since their lip crayons give me a rash. 

Skyn Iceland Blemish Dots
Opinion: I used this entire pack for a particularly bad pre-period breakout. I am not sure they did anything, BUT! they did stay on my face the entire night while I slept.
Purchase?: I love Skyn Iceland, but these were not worth it to me.

Makeup Forever Step 1 Primer
Opinion: This was a nice, tinted, "slippery" feeling primer. Very comparable to Benefit Prefessional.
Purchase?: Nah, I am already stocked up on other primers. Plus, Makeup Forever products are a little too pricey for me.

NYX Stay Matte But Not Flat Powder Foundation
Opinion: NYX can do me no wrong! I gave up on this when it was just a little ring around the pan because I felt like it was going to mess up my brushes trying to get the last out of there.
Repurchase?: Heck yes I will! After I use up my BH Cosmetics version. Or maybe I will just repurchase the BH Cosmetics version. Either way, I liked this a lot and will need something like it again soon.

NYX Matte Finished Setting Spray
Opinion: My baby always and forever.
Repurchase? I always have at least two more bottles on standby.

Empty NARS bronzer and NYX powder:

Miscellaneous:

It's a 10 Miracle Leave-In Product
Opinion: You know what? Screw It's a 10! I have never liked their products and this was no different. I do not enjoy sticky hair.
Purchase?: Absolutely not.

Reese's Flavored Lip Balm
Opinion: Mmmmmm.....Reese's! I had this as my bedside lipbalm and it made me happy to slather it on before bedtime. 
Repurchase?: Maybe the next time I see it. I have been murdering lip balms at an alarming rate recently.

Ecolip Bee Free Lip Balm
Opinion: I liked the application and smell of this, but I had to give up on it. It somehow made my lips drier and gave me a rash. I was stuck in a dry ass hotel for an entire week with only this balm in my purse, and it was horrific. I kept waking up in the middle of the night with dry lips and this just somehow made them worse. 
Purchase?: Heck no this was awful.

Pogo Lip Balm in some minty flavor
Opinion: Pogo know what is up with natural lip balms. I have been happily using these up.
Purchase?: Maybe when I have used all of them from my Organic Authority box. I think I am on the last one now.

February 2017 Empties

More progress in February!

Makeup items:

Ulta Demi-Matte Foundation (Ivory)

Opinion: This is my favorite foundation ever! The shade is a perfect match for me, and it is more matte than demi-matte in my opinion. It is quite thick and a little difficult to apply. I find that a Beauty Blender works best. This stuff sticks to my oily face all day.

Repurchase?: I already have. It's nice that Ulta brand items frequently have BOGO sales too.

NYX Matte Finish Setting Spray

Opinion: I blow through this like crazy.

Repurchase?: Again and again. I have two backups right now. I did just buy the E.L.F. version to try though, since it was only $3.00. So far I am not impressed.

Napoleon Perdis Autopilot Pre Foundation Skin Primer

Opinion: This worked well enough. It wasn't my favorite primer ever or anything.

Purchase?: Pass.

Dermalogica Hydrablur Primer

Opinion: This was a pretty standard "slippery" primer for me. It worked well. I liked it more than the Napoleon Perdis one.

Purchase?: Doubtful.

IT Cosmetics CC+ Cream

Opinion: Loved this. I understand the hype around this brand because everything of theirs I have tried is awesome. My skin looked great wearing this and this only. 

Purchase?: I have been very tempted to more than once. It's a little on the pricey side for me. I have two other sample tubes I have been hoarding for the hot summer months when I don't feel like slapping on a full face.

Vincent Longo double ended eyeliner pencil

Opinion: I used up the side of this that I like. It was getting kind of old and the color on the other side just got dry and unusable. It started cracking a little too, so it was time to go.

Repurchase?: I love eyeliners and I have a ton. I am currently using a Sigma eyeliner in a color very close to the one side I used up, so I don't need a new one of these at the moment.

yourMinerals Sweden setting powder

Opinion: I liked this a lot. It was very fine and very translucent. It gave my skin a nice soft but natural looking finish.

Repurchase?: My next setting powder purchase is definitely going to be Tarte, but this one is pretty close.

Skin care:

Aveeno Absolutely Ageless Intensive Renewal Serum

Opinion: This smelled really nice. I kept it in my gym bag to slather on after I showered and it made my face nice and soft.

Purchase?: Not at the moment, but I would definitely consider it in the future. When/if I ever run out of serums.

Algenist Genius Ultimate Anti-Aging Eye Cream

Opinion: This was nice enough and the little jar lasted a while. It kept my undereye area hydrated overnight, which is what I expect from a good eye cream.

Purchase?: Not for the price, ouch.

Lancôme Energie de Vie the Smoothing and Glow Boosting Liquid Care

Opinion: I'm not even 100% sure what this was. I used it as a serum.

Purchase?: Too confusing.

Bliss Triple Oxygen Instant Energizing Mask

Opinion: I LOVED this and I see what the Bliss hype is about now. This left my skin so soft and refreshed and it smelled nice too.

Purchase?: This brand is a little spendy for me, but I do see it on Hautelook every now and then. I will pay more attention and look for it now.

Pixi Glow Tonic

Opinion: This is a little sample bottle from the Target advent calendar that I got super cheap after the holidays. I used to go through this like crazy, until I realized that I wasn't actually sure it was doing anything. Also, even though it's not expense, it's not cheap either for the rate that I use toner.

Repurchase?: I'm holding off for now and searching for my HG toner. So far I am really liking The Body Shop's tea tree toner. Next I want to try the Mario Badescu one.

Miscellaneous:

More toothpaste! I keep toothbrushes and toothpaste all over the house. It's a small miracle to me when I finish a tube since I have to use it all by myself. My husband hates the varieties that I use.

Proraso Liquid After Shave Cream

Opinion: I shave my legs very infrequently, and they always burn like crazy afterwards. I got this sample in an Amazon luxury beauty box and I cannot believe how quickly and effectively it makes my legs stop burning!

Purchase?: Already did. This little bottle lasted me forever, so I didn't mind splurging a little on the full size.

Random Perfume Samples

Opinion: I love just about any and all perfumes. I don't have a "signature" scent. I just love wearing perfume and perfume in general. I currently have amassed 60-70 of these little sample vials, so I am making a point to use some up.

That's it for February! March and April will  be a combined post since things were a little slower.

Travel Empties

I just finished up a massive round of business trips! Here is more of my stash that I burned through in February and March. Not everything was captured. I decided to skip shampoo and conditioner sample reviews. I have super soft water at my home. Nothing like the garbage hotel shower water. I can't really do an accurate comparison to my regular shampoo routine, which involves Derm Organic products.

Packets (hits):

To make this short and sweet, I like everything Vichy and I have totally been falling in love with Bare Minerals skin care lately. The Wella hair balm was lovely as well.

Tubes (misses):

While I typically love Pacifica, and this  face wash was nice and gentle, I HATED the smell! It smelled hardcore like bug spray. The makeup remover was freaking awful as well, but I powered through it. I just can't handle adding more oil to my already oily skin. Yuck.

January 2017 Empties

I'm on yet another business trip (nowhere exciting) so I have some hotel down time to catch up with empties. I was very pleased with my progress in January!

Foil packet madness:

I travel a lot so I love foil packets. 

First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream

Price: $30.00 for a 6 oz tub

Opinion: This was a perfectly fine moisturizer. That's about all I have to say.

Purchase?: I'll pass. The price point is pretty good for a decent sized tub though.

Bare Minerals Skin Longevity Vital Power Infusion

Price: $48.00 for 1.7 oz

Opinion: I honestly don't remember too much about this in particular. I do know that I have liked all Bare Minerals products I have sampled or purchased.

Purchase?: No. If I can't remember much about it, it certainly didn't $48 "wow" me.

Hada Labo Skin Plumping Gel Cream

Price: $16.49 for 1.76 oz at Target

Opinion: This felt amazingly luxurious on my face. It was a nice thick gel that soaked in while leaking my skin super moist and yes, definitely plump (but in a good way).

Purchase?: I will likely be looking for this the next time I am at Target!

Bare Minerals Brilliant Future Age Defense & Renew Eye Cream

Price: $38.00 for 0.5 oz

Opinion: LOVED this. It was one of the few eye creams that I actually felt "did" something. It made my sad saggy undereye skin feel hydrated and plump all through the night until I woke up.

Purchase?: I have another packet of this to use, thankfully! And then I think I am on to some other eye cream samples. I definitely have this one earmarked for a potential future purchase/splurge.

Too Faced Born This Way Foundation in Light Beige

Price: $39.00 for 1 oz

Opinion: I know this is an itty bitty sample, but it was my first time trying this formula so I wanted to share. This was just okay to me. The color did not match, since I seem to be getting paler by the minute. It was a serviceable enough foundation, didn't cause my oily skin to get too angry, but it just didn't "wow" me.

Purchase?: No. I can get similar or better performance out of a much cheaper product.

Makeup type items:

Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray

Price: $15.00 for 1 oz, $31.00 for 4 oz

Opinion: LOOK AT ME using a different setting spray! I have always wanted to try this, but I have been soooo in love with my much lower priced NYX spray. I finally got to try this product thanks to my Sephora Play box and you know what? I didn't like it!! I don't think it performed any better than my NYX spray.....and I hated the smell! I think it smelled like bug spray. No me gusta!

Purchase?: Big fat NOPE on this one!

The Balm Put a Lid On It Eye Shadow Primer

Price: $18.00 for 0.4 oz

Opinion: My original love, before I discovered Urban Decay's Primer Potion. This was a mini I had in my travel bag that was a little old and started to separate.

Repurchase?: Not as long as I can keep getting UD on sale! Seriously, it seems to go for half off several times per year.

Cover FX Illuminating Primer

Price: $38.00 for 1 oz

Opinion: A decent enough primer. Nothing out of the ordinary - did its job just fine.

Purchase?: I actually recently scored my HG Laura Geller primer on Haute Look super cheap. It's a 3 oz tube that I am sure will last me forever. So no, I am not in the market for any more primer at the moment.

Tarte Smooth Operator Amazonian Clay Setting Powder

Price: $33.00 for 0.32 oz

Opinion: A VERY nice setting powder! My oily skin sucks this stuff right up. It was milled very finely and gave me a natural, soft finish.

Purchase?: I am knee deep in setting powders right now, but I will keep this on my list for when I run out.

Starlooks Pro Luxe Longwear Eyeliner Pen

Price: Out of stock, but was $12.00

Opinion: I somehow got two of these in a subscription box. My mom stole the black one, and I was left with this beautiful aubergine color. I used the crap out of this. The applicator tip was fantastic, and the staying power was unreal. I was super sad when this pen started to skip on me.

Repurchase?: I have mixed feelings on this. I love liquid eyeliner. I love pencil eyeliner. I go in phases with each. Right now I am playing with several different colored pencils. Also, I am not sure what the heck is going on with this brand lately. It is unlikely that I will be splurging on this product in my future.

Skin related things:

Simple Dual Effect Eye Make-Up Remover

Price: $7.99 for 3.5 oz

Opinion: I H-A-T-E-D this!! But I persevered and used the entire bottle because I am cheap. I greatly dislike oily makeup removal products. This was oily and barely worked. It was a chore to get through the entire bottle.

Repurchase?: Hell to the no!

Trader Joe's All-In-One Facial Cleanser

Price: I believe it was $5-7 for 8.45 oz

Opinion: This was a nice cleanser that I was happy to have occupy my shower. It was very gentle and lasted forever.

Repurchase?: Yes. I have a lot of other cleanser to get through at the moment, but you really cannot beat this for the price.

Lancome Advanced Genefique Youth Activating Serum

Price: $140 for 2.5 oz (!!!!)

Opinion: I really liked this, but I knew there was no hope of me ever spending the money on a full sized version.

Purchase?: No, this is way too expensive for me.

La Roche-Posay Anthelios 60 Ultra Light Sunscreen Fluid

Price: $29.99 for 1.7 oz

Opinion: I decided to mix up my moisturizing routine by adding a little bit of sunscreen to use up this sample. This was actually very nice for a sunscreen. It didn't reek like most sunscreen, and it was indeed very light and not greasy. 

Purchase?: Probably not. I have some other products with SPF in them. Also, I really like the spray on stuff when I'm outside in the summer and need some good protection

Clinique All About Eyes

Price: $32.00 for 0.5 oz

Opinion: This was nice enough. It worked about as well as most eye creams I have tried, which means I did not notice much of a difference.

Purchase?: No. I'll be saving up for the Bare Minerals one.

IT Cosmetics Confidence in a Cream Moisturizing Super Cream

Price: $48.00 for 2 oz

Opinion: I swear everything this brand makes gets hyped up beyond belief. That being said, this was a very nice product. It was probably the thickest moisturizer I have ever used. 

Purchase?: Since this is so thick, a little does go a long way. However, it is still a bit overpriced for me.

Tarte Maracuja Bronzing Serum

Price: On sale for $36.00 for 1.7 fl oz

Opinion: I got this forever ago in Glossy Box. It was probably the first fake tanner I ever used. I was scared to put it on my face at first, but the effect was very subtle. You can still use it a few days in a row and build up a little more color though. I did not like the smell, which I think was like fake tanner mixed with maple syrup. The consistency was also very weird. If you did not rub it into your face very quickly, it got pretty sticky. I used this bottle up by applying every few days so my face would match my foundation further into winter. 

Repurchase?: Likely not. I think I will be sticking to Jergen's for my fake tanning needs from here on out.

Miscellaneous:

Eva NYC Hungry Hair Oil Treatment
Price: $20.00 for 3.38 oz
Opinion: I don't have anything to say about this product besides the packaging is TERRIBLE. It's in a glass freaking that dripped all over the place and made a huge mess. It looks like the full sized is the same way.
Purchase?: Ugh no. I can get cheaper hair oils that do not make messes.

Vince Camuto Amore
Price: $85.00 for 3.4 oz
Opinion: I love perfume. I am not even very picky about the scent. I have amassed a very large collection of very small vials, bottles, and roller balls. I have been trying to go through some of it rather than hoarding it lately, so you will likely see more empties on here. I used this one up over a couple of weeks once I obtained a duplicate. I did rather enjoy doing so.
Purchase?: I need to get through some of my minis before I even consider splurging on a full sized version of any scent.

Empties - BONUS Travel Edition

I've been holed up in boring software classes and my hotel in DC all week. At least I got through some of the packets in my travel basket. Here is a quick review:

The shampoo and conditioner was fine.

The makeup wipe did its job.

I really liked the Tarte cleansing gel, and I got four uses out of this packet.

The Ahava serum barely had anything in the packet, but was okay I guess.

The Dermadoctor Vitamin C peel pad was a pad, did not peeling, and burned like hell.

The Shiseido eye cream was da bomb. I use eye treatments because I feel like I have to. I seldom notice a difference. After just a week, I actually noticed a big different in hydration and inflammation reduction of my under eye area. I am guessing this stuff is expensive.

The Nuxe moisturizer was nice. My skin drank it right up.

October/November Empties

So much product murder over the last couple of months! I showed my husband this pile to justify all of my Black Friday/Cyber Monday purchases. Not that I need justification. I bought all of these with my own monies.

Body and hygiene type stuff:

Rituals Happy Buddha Shower Foam
Origin: Pretty sure it was an Allure quarterly box.
Price: $15.00 on the Rituals website
Opinion: This product smelled amazing! It was very strange to use though. It cam rocketing out of the can as a very thin gel, which foamed up almost instantly with no provocation.
Repurchase?: Eff no, not for $15! It did not last long at all. I can find another much cheaper way to smell good after I shower.

Colgate Optic White Toothpaste
Origin: Allure quarterly box
Price: $5.96 for a 2 pack at Wal-Mart
Opinion: It was toothpaste. I am not picky about toothpaste.
Repurchase?: Not any time soon. I have several other tubes of toothpaste to use up first.

Soap & Glory The Righteous Butter
Origin: Ulta sample pack
Price: $15.00 at Ulta for a 10.1 oz tub
Opinion: This body butter is everything I look for in a body butter. Not greasy. Soaks in nicely. Not too smelly. The hubby really liked it as well.
Repurchase?: More than likely. $15 for a huge tub is not bad.

Bells Brewing lip balm
Origin: Bells tap takeover giveaway
Price: N/A
Opinion: This was nice and smooth and hydrating. It had a fresh minty smell.
Repurchase?: I doubt I would be able to find it again, but I will drink more Bells beer for sure.

Some random body serum
Origin: possibly Vegan Cuts 
Price: no idea
Opinion: This smelled nice but was a bit sticky
Repurchase?: nah

Chapstick Total Hydration Coconut
Origin: Allure quarterly box
Price: $2.99 at Walgreen's
Opinion: This was a total flood of moisture on my lips. It didn't even feel like it could possibly come from a solid stick. I loved the coconut flavor as well!
Repurchase?: Yes, but I am currently working on another variety.

Face stuff:

Aubrey Organics Everyday Basics Daily Skin Moisturizer
Origin: I'm going to have to go with another Allure quarterly box (I swear they are not paying me for this review)
Price: $8.99 on Amazon
Opinion: This was a nice, thick "night time" moisturizer for me, but it had one major downfall. It reeked strongly of my most hated food, celery.
Repurchase?: Absolutely not! Celery is the worst.

Real Chemistry Luminous 3 Minute Peel
Origin: a sample from somewhere, most likely Ulta
Price: $48.00 of 1.7 fl oz (OUCH!!!!)
Opinion: In no way did this product "wow" me.
Repurchase?: Absolutely not. Way too much money.

Laneige Water Bank Serum
Origin: since it is Laneige, most likely a Target beauty box
Price: $35.00 for 60 ml at Target
Opinion: This was nice, but then again, I have never met a serum I did not like.
Repurchase?: Not right now. I have lots of other little serum samples hoarded at the moment. The price is also a bit high for me.

Lotus Moon Hydro-Therapy Eye Serum
Origin: probably Vegan Cuts
Price: $28.00 at Lotus Moon
Opinion: I loved rolling this under my eyes at night! It was cooling and soothing. It soaked in nicely too.
Repurchase?: I would say "yes" because it lasted FOR-EV-ER, but no because I didn't really see much of a difference in my eye bags. I did love applying it though.

Makeup items:

NYX Matte Finish Setting Spray
Origin: Ulta (I order it because my Target always seems to be sold out)
Price: $7.99 at Ulta
Opinion: This is my favorite setting spray ever, and it's super affordable! I go through a bottle every couple of months. I got sprayed in the face with a hose at work the other day (don't ask, my job is dumb) and my makeup didn't budge one bit!
Repurchase?: I've already went through most of another bottle and I just bought an additional bottle.

Urban Decay Perversion Mascara
Origin: sample size from somewhere, Ulta or Sephora
Price: $22.00 at Urban Decay
Opinion: My HG mascara!!
Repurchase?: I have two more samples hoarded and I hope I never have to actually buy one. I am sure that day will come some day though.

Chella Eyebrow Defining Gel
Origin: I am going to have to go with Ipsy
Price: $18.00 at Chella
Opinion: I honestly do not understand the Chella hype. This barely had any hold and it got gooey super fast. I have had another tube of this in the past and it did (or didn't do) the same things.
Repurchase?: Pass.

Makeup Forever Mat Velvet+ Mattifying Foundation

Origin: Sephora - the actual store!

Price: $39.00

Opinion: When I got my second job, which requires makeup, I actually went in to Sephora to buy my first tube of foundation. I asked for the best foundation for oil skin. The girl who helped me, who was also an oily Jillian, swore by this product and I can see why.
Repurchase?: Maybe eventually. I have recently found a much cheaper Ulta foundation that I like that does a pretty good job controlling oil.  
Laura Geller Tinted Spackle

Origin: sample with a purchase from Laura Geller website

Price: $32.00 for a full size

Opinion: They aren't joking when the say "spackle". This went on smooth, dried down quickly, and left my skin nice and smooth without being tight. My foundation went on evenly over it and stayed put all day.

Repurchase?: Eventually. I have been burning through small primer samples in search of my HG. I believe this is it though.

Benefit The Pore-fessional License to Blot

Origin: most likely came with an Ulta or Sephora purchase

Price: $20.00 on the Benefit website

Opinion: I liked this a lot. I put it on my T-zone before applying primer and foundation and it did a decent job of keeping the greasies at bay.

Repurchase?: Not for the price. I would rather just splurge on a primer that controls oil and more.

Smashbox Photo Finish Pore Minimizing Primer

Origin: Sample from who knows where. I am always swimming in Smashbox primer samples.

Price: $39.00 on the Smashbox website

Opinion: This was my first time trying this variety of Smashbox primer. It was not as slippery as their regular clear Photo Finish primer. I feel that it did an okay job filling in my pores and it did help a little with oil control. I just wasn't super impressed or anything. 

Repurchase?: Nope. I will be saving my money for the Laura Geller Spackle.

The Balm "Put a Lid on It" Eyelid Primer

Origin: I believe I picked this up at Kohl's

Price: $18.00 at The Balm

Opinion: This was the first eyeshadow primer I ever used. I got a sample in Birchbox years ago when I was very new to makeup and my eyeshadow addiction started almost immediately after I discovered this was how I could keep shadow on my greasy lids all day!

Repurchase?: As much as I enjoy this, I have recently converted to Urban Decay's Original Primer Potion. If UD ever goes to 100% deer foot applicator on their primers I will go back to The Balm though.

Ulta Mineral Setting Powder

Origin: Ulta free-with-purchase beauty bag.

Price: $14.00 at Ulta

Opinion: I fell in love with this immediately! The texture and the smell of all things are fabulous! This mini sample was messy as hell so I ordered the full size very quickly. It is massive so I am hoping it stays in the container better when I dip in my brush.

Repurchase?: Already did. I'm waiting to use up a Tarte and a Swedish Minerals sample before I open it. I have been going through an absurd amount of setting powder lately.

Hair items:

Living Proof Perfect Hair Day 5-in-1 Styling Treatment
Origin: I am guessing this was a Sephora sample
Price: $15.00 for 2 oz at Sephora
Opinion: This was my first encounter with this brand and they aren't joking when they say "perfect hair day". A light coat of this on my damp hair gave me a fantastic blow out without the frizzies.
Repurchase?: No. I don't go through very much hair styling product because I only heat style my hair 2-3 times per month. By the time I run out of something, I typically have another sample on hand.

Eva NYC Therapy Session Hair Mask
Origin: possibly an Ulta sample
Price: $14.99 for 16.9 oz at Ulta
Opinion: I luuuurve me some hair masks and this was way up there in my opinion. It smelled fabulous, was not too heavy, and made my hair silky soft.
Repurchase?: HOW DID I NOT KNOW THIS WAS SO CHEAP?? *adds to Ulta basket*

Octavio Molina Aceite de Argan
Origin: Ipsy
Price: $32.00  on the brand website
Opinion: This was a decent argan oil. It was not too thick and got the job done.
Repurchase?: Nah. I got plenty of argan oil right now. Plus, I feel like my beloved Hask products do just as well (if not better) and are a much better price point.

Marc Anthony Hydrating Coconut Oil & Shea Butter Conditioner
Origin: Ulta sample
Price: $7.99 for 8.4 oz at Ulta
Opinion: This was way too thick for my fine hair. I used it up by mixing it into my regular conditioner a little bit at a time.
Repurchase?: No.

Kardashian Beauty Black Seed Dry Oil
Origin: sample from I don't remember
Price: $9.48 for 3 oz on Amazon
Opinion: I liked this way too much. The consistency, the texture, the smell, the way it made my hair feel...
Repurchase?: Nope. I don't support celebu-tards.

Now on to the "naughty" product pile:

Benefit Ka-Brow! Eyebrow Cream-Gel Color
Origin: Ulta sample
Price: $24.00 on the Benefit website
Opinion: I had such high hopes for this, and maybe it was just the size of the sample, but this SUCKED. I could barely dig any product out of the little glass bottom piece with the very soft brush. It was also the wrong color for me. What little I could get out just smeared all over since the brush was so weak. Maybe the full sized product is better, but I hated this sample.
Repurchase?: NOPE. I will stick to my NYX brow products.

Burt's Bees Lipstick in Magenta Rush
Origin: Allure quarterly box
Price: $9.00 at Burt's Bees
Opinion: I loved this lipstick hard. It was moisturizing, the color was flattering, and it stayed on forever. THEN ONE DAY I reached for it in my purse to slap on before my second job and it had betrayed me. There were hard lumps in the bullet that scraped my lips and moved the color around. I tried wiping off the bullet off to no avail. I even tried removing a large chunk hoping to start anew. Nothing worked. This product was no impossible to apply. You can see what I mean on the swatch below.
Repurchase?: Sadly, no. And I now mistrust all Burt's Bees lip products.

Be a Bombshell Lip Crayon
Origin: Ipsy
Price: $5.00 on the brand website

Opinion: I liked this product at first. The color was very flattering on me, but it always felt very dry. The application had a lot of drag too. I never really reached for this, and I recently discovered that it had gotten very dry and crystallized. I have about a bazillion other lippies begging for attention, so I tossed it.
Repurchase?: Pass

Rimmel The Only One Lipstick
Origin: Allure quarterly box
Price: $6.99 at Target
Opinion: This was a beautiful color and highly moisturizing formula, but it feathered terrible on my lips. Especially at the corners. Lip liner did not help - it still got all over my face in a "wanna know how I got these scars?" sort of way.
Repurchase?: Big nope.

Swatches of Benefit Ka-Brow!, chunky Burt's Bees lipstick, Be a Bombshell lip crayon, and Rimmel lipstick.