January Empties

Here are a few empties from January, along with some thoughts about each product. Yes, I'm a little late, but since I'm the one in charge, I forgive myself. If you have any recommendations or have tried any of these products, I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.

January Empties!

tarte maracuja C-brighter eye treatment

I received this as a bonus with the tarte TSV from July on QVC (what has your makeup done for you lately?). I was just about out of the eye cream I had been using, so I thought I'd give it a try. Honestly, I'm not sure I really saw any difference. I think it applied well, and I'd say my eye area felt moisturized, but I don't think I'd fork over the money to purchase this. Have you tried it?

Organix Renewing Moroccan argan oil shampoo and conditioner

I've watched a few different videos on youtube where these were mentioned and decided to try it out. This may work for some of you, but I didn't really like it. But, true to form, instead of throwing it out, I had to finish it up. My hair has changed a lot (like A LOT) since having kids. It's just not as nice as it used to be. I need more moisture, but not so much that my scalp gets oily. Whatever, the hunt continues.

Makeup Forever Smoky Lash Extra Black Mascara

This came in a little set from an order I made with Sephora - I think it was a 500-point perk. I didn't think I was going to love it, but I did. That being said, I won't be purchasing this for full price. There are too many other mascaras I have that I love that are less expensive. This mascara gave volume and was super black. I really loved it the more I used it. You know how mascaras dry up a bit and it just gets better? I feel like this was one of those. I had to be careful when adding additional coats though - if I waited too long, it seemed to clump up.

John Frieda Frizz-Ease Daily Nourishment Leave-in Conditioning Spray
I've already mentioned that my hair has changed, and I needed something to spray in my hair after washing to help me comb through the tangles. I liked this well enough, and I suppose I would consider purchasing again, but I think I'll try something else first. I thought it had a nice scent.

Bath & Body Works Triple Moisture Body Cream in Pink Chiffon
I've really been enjoying this body cream lately. I wouldn't say it's the best body cream I've ever used, but it definitely does its job. Plus, I find that this scent (along with Carried Away) offers a nice layering piece with my current favorite fragrance (Philosophy Love Sweet Love). It's a lovely thick cream that applies nicely and sinks in fast enough, but still leaves your skin feeling moisturized. Bath & Body Works just had their semi-annual sale and I picked up 3 more (Carried Away, Pink Chiffon and Vanilla Bean Noel)!

tarte gifted Amazonian clay smart mascara

Um...I love this. I want to buy it. But I just can't let myself spend that much on mascara. So, I will continue to purchase kits that include this amazing mascara. I loved lights, camera, lashes and I loved this more. I didn't think that could be possible! It has a drier formula that I find to be easier to use for my lashes. The brush is nice and stiff, helping to separate my lashes and evenly coat them, while providing some serious volume. Beautiful. Seriously. Try it.

If I had to describe the wand, I'd say it felt like boar bristles. I have no idea if that's true!

wen cleansing conditioner in sweet almond mint
I want to love this. I keep trying to love this. I think I'm getting better at applying it but I still find that other shampoos and conditioners can give me a similar result. If you haven't used it before, you're probably thinking I'm lame and wondering why I have to practice application of a product to cleanse my hair. I know, I wonder that too. I received this in a 6 piece set of small 6 oz size bottles. I think I got 1 1/2 uses out of each bottle, and I have about 1/4 left in 2 bottles. I also read that the more you use, the better it works. I just can't justify that financially. Even if I only cleanse my hair every other day, it's too much. Maybe if I cut my hair? I have to say, once I started doing the cleanse process twice (using half the pumps the first time, and the other half the second time), I did have better results. I suppose if I used this for a longer period of time, I would love it.

Rave: the product is super creamy and thick, and it feels wonderful in the hair, and when rinsing it out. You're supposed to rub your scalp for 1-2 minutes, comb through your hair, and then leave on for 5-10 minutes. (Don't quote me on that, this is from memory). I think the product must have menthol in it, when you rinse with cool water, it definitely produces a cold feeling that lasts.

Rant: let me further explain...depending on the size of the bottle you have, the number of recommended pumps will change. For the small 6 oz size and the length of my hair, it was recommended to use 48 pumps. The bottle holds 60 pumps. Here's a little math for you....a 32 oz bottle on QVC sells for $49.50, not including tax or shipping costs, and holds 192 pumps. For this size bottle and my long, thick hair, I would need 16-24 pumps (I'm thinking 24). That would give me 8-12 uses per bottle. If I cleanse my hair every other day, that would be less than a one month supply. I can't do it. I can't spend that much. Can you? If you have been using this product, I'd love to hear your results.

And now, mom duty calls. Have a great day!
Becca