Empties [No.5]

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Hey y'all!

Today I'm sharing one of my most favorite type of posts that I do-an Empties post!

Basically, I'm taking you on a short tour of my beauty (+Bath & Body Works products!)-related garbage and sharing mini reviews of each product.

The last time I did this sort of thing was my Empties [No.4] post way back in May...wow was life different way back then!

If you're interested in seeing what types of products I've used up around our house & my thoughts-read on, pretty please.

Skintimate Skin Therapy Moisturizing Shave Gel

I have really, really dry legs y'all!

So during the Summer, I'm constantly putting on lotion and anything else I can do to keep them moisturized.

This shave gel really does help them stay soft, smooth, and hydrated after shaving-that's why I spent the extra dollar or two over the store brand and will pretty much always do that.

Valentia Pure Glow Brightening Moisturizer

I've enjoyed a lot of Valentia products over the years and this one was no different, it was a really nice moisturizer that I used at night because it was very moisturizing.

It had a very pleasant, clean scent and the packaging is pretty to me!

I would repurchase if I was in need of a new moisturizer-there are just so many new ones to try!
Valentia Clear Lift Revitalizing Serum
Unfortunately, this serum is no longer available on the market which is so sad, because it was definitely a serum I could've recommended to you for hydrated, youthful, and glowing skin.
Revlon Colorstay Foundation in 200
This is the best drugstore foundation that I've tried, hands down.
It lasts all day, wears well, doesn't apply streaky and this is a great color match for my skin.
I miss having this, but need to use up one of my foundations I have before I purchase another!
Avon Skin So Soft Replenishing Hand Cream
One of my sweet student's when I was teaching, her mom was an Avon lady, so she gifted me some Avon products at the end of my last year and I'm slowly working my way through them.
I kept this as a hand cream beside my bed for nightly use and it did make my hands feel so soft and supple, however I just wasn't crazy about the Argan oil scent so I don't think I'd purchase on my own-it was such a sweet gift though!

Bath & Body Works Georgia Peach Foaming Hand Soap

We have been washing our hands a lot around here since my last empties post!

I spent my entire pregnancy washing them constantly because I didn't want to get sick & now with the new little one we wash them all the time & have company over washing their hands constantly as well so we go through a lot of soap!

This soap was so fresh and vibrant, it smelled just like fresh peaches & left the perfect amount of lingering scent on your hands without overwhelming you.

This line was one of my favorites from B&BW and I wish they would bring it back!

Bath & Body Works Raspberry Rose' Foaming Hand Soap

This was a really nice, lightly sweetened hand soap that we kept in our guest bathroom.

I loved the classic look of the label and the black pump made it a little different.

I'm always a huge fan of the gentle foaming hand soaps and would recommend this scent for sure if I ever was able to pick it up again.

Bath & Body Works Bergamot Waters Foaming Hand Soap

The first thing that drew me to this hand soap was the beautiful bottle (& the soap was the prettiest blue color as well!), but what kept me loving it was the clean scent.

It's a very warm, yet fresh scent that reminds me of the beach in the best way possible.

It's one of my all-time favorite scents from B&BW.
Bath & Body Works Frost Sips Lime-a-Rita Foaming Hand Soap
This is an older scent purchased at a semi-annual sale, so sadly it's not available even on Amazon.
It's a really nice and fresh lime scent that is perfect for summer, I also thought the label was pretty cute!
Bath & Body Works Fresh Lemonade Foaming Hand Soap
Normally I really enjoy the lemon scents from B&BW, but this one was a little too artificial and sweet for my taste.
I used it up but probably wouldn't buy it again.
I'm finding that over the past two years, I prefer the Fall & Winter soaps to the Summer & Spring scents.
Bath & Body Works Sparkling Pear Riesling Foaming Hand Soap
Shortly before I had Charlie, I made a trip to Bath & Body Works (coupons in hand, in search of a sale) and picked up a ton of new soaps.
I knew we would have lots of company & that Chris and I would be doing lots of hand washing, so I wanted to make sure we had some smelly-good soaps available.
These soaps are also super gentle on my hands and don't dry them out which is a huge win.
This scent is a big favorite for Fall because it's clean and slightly fruity, with a warm background to it-defintely perfect for this cooler time of year!
Oh Happy Day-Pink Grapefruit Pop Foaming Hand Soap
This was a pretty good soap, I did like the citrusy scent, however sometimes grapefruit can have a bit of a bitter twist on the backend and this one seems to do that.
I also wasn't crazy about the label on this one and think they could've done something a little bit better!
All of the Summer soap labels weren't very "classic" in my opinion.

HASK Mint Almond Oil Shampoo & Conditioner
These don't seem to be widely available online anymore, and I can explain probably why.
They're supposed to be thickening, which really to me just caused a lot of buildup on my hair.
The scent is okay, if you like a strong mint scent, but that's about all it had going for it.
Soap & Glory Smoothie Star Body Butter 
I'm a huge Soap & Glory fan and I was so excited when they became available at Target.
I picked up a three-piece set of travel sized body butters after Christmas last year, so I'm slowly working my way through those.
Smoothie Star might be my favorite scent yet because it literally smells like wedding cake-it's almondy and sweet, I love it so much and when I need a new body butter I'll pick this up full sized.
Bath & Body Works Sea Island Cotton Shower Gel

If you like a very clean, fresh scent for a body wash then you would love this one from B&BW!

I was a terrible wife and forgot to replace my husband's shower gel, so I had to hunt one down from my travel drawer that he could use until I could get to the store and this is the one he chose, so it works well for men and women alike.
Soap & Glory Sugar Crush Body Butter
This scent was described to me as a "margarita" type scent and I would have to agree with that!
The formula is still that great Soap & Glory body butter formula, but this just isn't my all-time favorite scent, although it is good.

 NeoStrata Foaming Glycolic Wash

I love using cleansers with glycolic acid in them to resurface my skin & this one was really nice because it was super gentle and helped me keep my face really smooth.

I kept this one in the shower & had no problems with it's texture changing from sitting in there or anything. It was a great product, although a little pricey, but it does exactly as advertised & I would fully repurchase and suggest that y'all try it too!
Victoria's Secret Love Rocks Scented Mist
I've been making a real effort to go through my perfumes in the past few months & this one is finally gone out of my collection of products!
It's a very warm, musky scent that I used to love.
The only downside to these mists is that they aren't long lasting.
Philosophy Candy Cane Body Wash

I love a good seasonal body wash & picked this up last year around Christmas time to start using and y'all-it lasted me until June!

You need just the smallest amount to have a huge amount of foam and it smells really nice, very minty and fresh.

I might repurchase, just in a smaller size if they have it for this year 😂
John Frieda Frizz Ease Keraflex Hairspray
My husband is one of those people that unless he's wearing his cap, he feels like he has to have hairspray in his hair so I gave him this one to travel with and he ended up really liking it!
I enjoyed it when I used it for it's flexible hold, he enjoyed it because it didn't make his hair crunchy but it did keep his flyaways tamed.
Husband approved!

Clear Total Care Daily Conditioner 

I received this & the complimenting shampoo in a Target Beauty Box & really enjoyed the set-it just takes me so much longer to use up a conditioner sometimes!

I just wanted to use up the end of this one, so I used it in our regular shower and really enjoyed it.

It's a lightweight but hydrating conditioner that made my ends feel really moisturized.

When I was picking up a new shampoo at Target, I wish I would've gotten the shampoo that goes with this conditioner-that's how much I liked the set!

Bath & Body Works French Lavender & Honey Shower Gel

Every once in a while, B&BW sends out a coupon for a free product and when they do that, I usually pick up a travel sized shower gel because they're awesome to have on hand for trips.

I had an excess of them in my travel products bin, so I decided to use this one up at home & I'm so glad that I did because now I have discovered one of my new favorite scents.

It's so clean and feminine, sweet without being headache-y. Definitely would recommend.
Biossance Squalene & Probiotic Gel Moisturizer
This is probably a more "natural" gel than the other ones that I mention in this post, but it definitely stands up to all the other moisturizers and is very hydrating.
My skin felt moisturized and balanced when using this, it's just a little cheaper than the Murad so not much difference in price there-they're both a little pricey but if they work then they are worth it!
Murad Nutrient-Charged Water Gel
I really, really enjoyed this Murad moisturizer!
It was a really hydrating gel that I felt really sunk into my skin well and lasted, I would definitely purchase this one full sized, I just wish it wasn't so pricey.
Korres Wild Rose Brightening Oil

This oil came in my Sephora Play! box to test out & I was very interested because I love testing out new skin care.

First of all, I don't really enjoy the rose scent but thankfully it doesn't linger on your skin.

It's claim is that it brightens and evens skin tone & maybe I just needed a bigger sized sample to see results but I wouldn't purchase the full-sized based on my lack of results from the sample size.
Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer
This sample was my first experience with a Smashbox primer & I wasn't disappointed!
This primer definitely helped hold onto my makeup, I used it on days when I really really needed my makeup to last as well as on days when I knew I would be photographed because I wanted to help prevent any flashback.
This primer didn't cause any of my various foundations to pill up or anything, so that's a huge plus that I could use it easily under so many products. 

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel
This has been my favorite moisturizer that I've tried in the past few months-and it's drugstore (although that price is pretty high for drugstore in my opinion!)
It sinks in to your skin so well & I love how light it felt-perfect for daytime.
I will definitely pick this up again in the future.
CoverGirl Loose Powder in Translucent Light

I typically keep a loose powder on hand just so that I can use it all over to set my makeup and his has been my go-to for years.

However, the last two times I've purchased it the lid has cracked and it just makes a huge mess so right now I'm testing out a few different things to see if I can find a replacement.

I did love the formula, so if you don't mind the crappy packaging then this would be a good buy, especially for the price!
The Honest Company Organic Belly Balm
When I was pregnant, I found this on clearance at Target, so I picked it up on a whim.
Now, I know why it was on clearance.
I did use it up just because I spent my $$$ on it but it's not great.
It's SO greasy and smells pretty strongly of an herbal nature.
I would try basically anything else. I also don't think it prevented any stretch marks or whatever, but I also couldn't force myself to use it every single day so who knows.

 Neutrogena Makeup Removing Wipes

If you've read any of my empties posts before then you know I love me some Neutrogena wipes to remove my makeup on those days I don't feel like doing the whole routine.

This time around I've only used up two packs (which is strange for me!) because I didn't wear much makeup over the summer and in the last few months of pregnancy and when I did, I did the whole makeup removing routine!

But these are obviously still a favorite and my tried-and-true, they're great for a busy mom too!

Tony Moly I'm Lemon Brightening Sheet Mask

I went in to Ulta in June to pick up my birthday reward and treated myself to a few new sheet masks while I was there, I had always wanted to try out the cute Tony Moly masks, so I picked up this lemon one and really loved it!

I tend to use a brightening mask before an event and this one didn't disappoint, it hydrated my skin and left it feeling luminous-even if only from the extra hydration.

The scent and cute packaging were big bonuses too.
The Creme' Shop Rosewater Infused Face Masks
I was able to snag this five-piece set for $3 at my local TJ Maxx and it couldn't have been a better deal!
I love the Creme' Shop's masks-they're always soaked thoroughly with product and actually do what they say they will do as far as claims go.
I loved the gentle (not overwhelming!) rose scent that came with these masks and I felt like they really did help soothe my skin and just made my face more hydrated and glowy.
I would definitely pick these up again!

Ouai Volume Shampoo & Conditioner

First of all, these products smelled amazing so I loved them first off for that reason.

They only had enough product for one use, so I honestly didn't see much volume from that, but I can say that they didn't leave my hair feeling a lot of build-up or heaviness so I would purchase the full size to try in the future.

Amore Pacific Intensive Vitalizing Eye Essence 

I got a three pack of these samples in a Sephora order & at first wasn't even going to try them because I thought it was ridiculous to add another step to my skin care routine.

But, I decided what did I have to lose and ended up really loving the way the product felt on my under-eye area and honestly, I think it helped my eye cream sink in and absorb even better.

I'm not sure if it's worth the $95 price tag, but if you're in the market for a product like this one I would definitely recommend.

Olay Whips

This was a pretty basic moisturizer that is really pricey at the drugstore.

I don't think it's even close to being worth that price.

Clinique Foaming Sonic Facial Soap

This product was super underwhelming.

I have drug store products that cleanse just as well as this one for way less cost.

Bath & Body Works A Thousand Wishes Wallflower

Sometimes the wallflowers don't smell like the test candles in the B&BW store...this was one of those.

When I brought this one home and plugged it in, it was SO strong that I had to take it downstairs to my guest bathroom to let it run it's course down there. It filled up the entire downstairs though, if you do like the scent.

You can return B&BW products and exchange them for something else, but I live about 30-45 minutes away from my closest store so I didn't want to deal with the hassle.

Bath & Body Works Pure White Cotton Wallflower

We use our wallflower in our master bathroom so that it will fill our bathroom & bedroom, so I like to keep the scents neutral and fresh and clean.

This cotton scent was really nice and clean, a lot like fresh laundry. I would definitely repurchase this scent in the future and recommend it for year round use!

Bath & Body Works Aloha Kiwi Passionfruit Wallflower

This is another poor wallflower that was banished downstairs because of it's overwhelmingly strong scent. I couldn't deal with the floral sweetness once it was in the wallflower, it didn't seem that strong in store.

ELF Flawless Finish Foundation in Porcelain
I tried this out after seeing lots of YouTuber's rave about how good this foundation is, for the price.
It costs $6 and it is pretty good, considering how cheap it is-but it's not my favorite.
It tends to apply a little streaky and you have to be careful about the primer you use under it.
I also find it not to be super long lasting, but in a pinch it'll do.
Younique Moodstruck Lashes Kit

I was sent this kit a long, long time ago from a Younique presenter to review on the blog and back then my makeup style was totally different.

While this needed to be tossed because it was severely out of date, it also needed to be tossed because I don't like a fiber-lash look anymore-it's just not me, I like a more natural, fluffy, voluminous look that I can achieve from other mascaras so I wouldn't repurchase and I wouldn't recommend unless you just really enjoy fiber lash mascaras.

Billion Dollar Brows Brow Gel

This brow gel had been in my makeup bag for forever and it was time for it to go because it had taken on the color of my brow product while it was supposed to be clear.

It was just an okay brow product. I've since tried another one that I like much better & would rather spend the money on.

If you like a light-hold brow gel then this one would probably work really well for you, though!
Essie Hi Maintenance Polish
This is one of my all-time favorite polishes from Essie, one I wear on my nails very frequently because it just makes them look polished and not too flashy.
However, this one got too thick and goopy so it's time for it to be replaced!

ELF Hydrating Water Sheet Mask

I picked this mask up (it was actually a pack of two) on a whim before we went to the beach earlier in the year & y'all it was the best four dollars I ever spent in my life.

I used one mask at the beach & saved this one for another night after we got home and these are just the best masks for the value.

They are super hydrating and soothing-I loved how it felt after being out in the sun all day and I distinctly remember how glowing my skin seemed when we went out for dinner that night.

Go pick these up!

Sephora Pearl Eye Masks

These are marketed as being perfecting and brightening, two things I definitely need for my under-eye area as I've always struggled with darker under eyes.

These definitely hydrated that area of my face, but I didn't see a marked difference with the color-so maybe I'd have to buy multiple packets and use them regularly to see a big difference?

They do make for a nice pampering session though!

Que Bella Professional Moisturizing Eye Gel Masks

I love a good eye gel/mask situation, as y'all probably know by now...but this one, I'll be honest, wasn't great.

These claim to be moisturizing but they were pretty dry and didn't leave any lasting results of any sort for my under-eye area.

 Moroccan Oil Shampoo & Conditioner Foil Packet Duo

This duo foil packet came in my Sephora Play! box & I kind of rolled my eyes when I saw it because I don't like getting foil packs in my boxes.

But I tested it out, just to get it out of my drawer and honestly really enjoyed this set!

It was hydrating (my hair has been pretty dry lately) and didn't leave a lot of build up on the one use I got out of it.

I would pick this set up in the future if I saw it on sale.

Hair Food Honey Apricot Shampoo & Conditioner

I've tested this set out before in a foil packet form & really enjoyed them so I wasn't too upset to get these in a subscription box again.

They clean my hair really well without leaving buildup and they're nice and hydrating.

I think they're a great buy for the price & easy to find at Target or Ulta.
Boscia Exfoliating Peel Gel
This was a Sephora sample that I was excited to try, and maybe I would feel differently if I had the full-sized product but I just didn't care for this peel and I do love a good exfoliating peel.
It Cosmetics Confidence in a Cleanser

I always wonder if the higher end cleansers are worth it and spoiler alert...usually they aren't, in my opinion!

While this one was nice and did cleanse my skin, it didn't do anything for me in the one use I got to make a first impression.

I think I would rather spend more on essences, serums, and moisturizers that will sit on my skin rather than a cleanser that I apply and then rinse off, ya know?

Nail Buffing Block (Similar Linked)

You can see just how used & abused this buffing block is over the years of using it!

I buff my nails every single time I paint them so that my polish goes on smoothly, it's an expensive item that really takes your at-home manicure up a step.

Black Wedge Beauty Sponge (Similar Linked)

While I lust after the original Beauty Blender, I've actually never tried it!

I'm usually a big fan of finding good beauty sponges for a good price at TJ Maxx, and this one was one such find.

I ditched it when it wouldn't come clean anymore (you can see how gross the foundation buildup can be!), but I probably wouldn't repurchase this exact one from TJ Maxx if I saw it again.

I do like the wedge shape on one side, but this particular sponge was just a little too dense for my taste-I like a really soft, squishy sponge to apply foundation.

Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair

The Advanced Night Repair is a trusty old favorite for a reason, it really does work.

It keeps my face feeling really youthful and I will definitely buy a large size once I'm through some of my other serums.

Andalou Naturals Night Repair Cream

This came in a Target Beauty Box, so when I needed a night cream I pulled this out of my travel products and tested it out.

It wasn't overwhelmingly exciting, it was moisturizing but I didn't see any crazy results or formed a strong opinion on it to want to buy the full-sized.

Laneige Water Sleeping Mask

Does anyone else miss when Laneige was offered at Target?! I do!

But, this mask is now carried at Sephora and it's honestly awesome.

I love the clean scent and how hydrating it is.

I would definitely purchase the full size!

Perricone MD Hydrating Cloud Cream

This was an awesome sample form my Sephora Play! box that I really enjoyed using.

It was almost like a cream gel combination that sunk into my skin quickly but had lasting hydration.

It's a little pricey, but in my opinion worth it.

Dermalogica Rapid Reveal Peel

I was just sent this product from Influenster & have only done three weeks worth (now!) of these tubes, so I can't say I see a huge difference but I can tell you that peels are definitely the way to go!

I can't wait to continue my progress with these weekly peels and see how my skin looks at the end.

Michael Kors Sexy Amber Perfume

I used this up on a trip Chris & I took over the Summer, but I definitely don't think I would repurchase for myself in the future just because it is definitely a warmer scent that is very amber just as the name would suggest.

If you like an overwhelmingly amber scent though, you'd probably like this one.
Tory Burch Love Relentlessly Perfume
I really, really enjoyed this light & sweet perfume for the summertime!
I took this sample to the beach with us earlier in the year and it was perfect for days out and about on vacation. In fact, I would probably add this to my perfume wish list.
YSL Mon Paris Perfume

I know a lot of people complain about getting perfume samples in their subscription boxes or when they get samples from orders, but I love it!

I get the chance to test out perfumes that I otherwise wouldn't have tried or may not have even heard of and this is one of those that I'm not sure I ever would've tried but it's so good-it's probably going on my Christmas wish list.

It's a musky, slightly sweet perfume that I would think would be perfect for nighttime and even better during the Fall & Winter seasons as it's warm and cozy to me.

NYX Eyebrow Pencil in Dark Brown

This is one of my favorite drugstore brow products because the color works really well for me, the pencil itself is large enough that it doesn't take me forever to do my brows, and the formula stays.

My only gripe is I wish it had a spoolie instead of a brush.

Mary Kay Ultimate Mascara

This is called "ultimate" but honestly it was pretty underwhelming.

The brush was just basic and plain.

I wouldn't repurchase.

Aveda Rosemary Mint Shampoo

This is one of the best shampoos, the formula leaves my hair feeling super light & weightless and the scent is SO yummy!

 I don't know who discovered the rosemary mint combo and decided it would work for haircare, but they were right.

Smashbox Photo Finish Primerizer

I loved testing this out on days when my skin was feeling a little dry because it's supposed to be a primer and a moisturizer in one.

I think it worked really well, for the small sample size I got to test out!

 I would definitely consider purchasing full size.

Charriol Perfume

This is a super strong, peppery perfume that almost smells manly but is definitely unisex in my opinion. It would be an awesome winter or Christmas-time scent.

 Bath & Body Works Smoked Vanilla Candle

This candle is an older one that I burned as slowly as possible throughout last Fall & Winter because y'all-it's SO good. I wish they would bring it back because it's perfectly equal parts sweetness with just a hint of smoke like a bonfire.

They do have it (and all of these candles!) on Amazon for various prices, so I'm seriously tempted to purchase another one from there!

Bath & Body Works White Sand Beaches Candle

This candle was the perfect end of summer candle for sure.

My favorite types of candles are more musky instead of sweet and that's absolutely what this is, a musky scent with just a bit of salt like a sea breeze.

Bath & Body Works Bergamot Waters Candle

An all-time favorite B&BW candle and scent in general, I didn't even know what Bergamot smelled like before I bought this candle.

I love the glass this candle is in and the musky, clean-almost laundry like scent that this candle threw.

White Barn "Joy" Peppermint Marshmallow Candle

This is definitely a staple holiday scent that I bet you'll be able to get your hands on in the next few weeks if you visit your local B&BW store.

It's a little spicy from the mint, but cool too from the marshmallow.

This is slightly sweeter in my opinion than my first holiday favorite, Twisted Peppermint.

Wow, y'all-that was a ton of products in just a  few months but I'm so proud of myself for slowly cleaning out what I've been holding onto for so long!
I can't say that I'll be going through as many things in the next few months (but maybe I will?!) because I haven't been as great about taking care of my skin and wearing makeup since Charlie came along, but hopefully that will get better in the next few months.

If you've used any of these products and have opinions, please let me know!

Until next time. . .
xoxo,