HUGE Monthly Empties | Skincare, Makeup, Health, Pets

I knew that it's been a while since my last empties post but I didn't realize that my last empties post was actually back in November 2017!  I haven't saved everything that I've used up but I've saved a lot for this post.

Usually,  when Spring arrives, I get in full-on Spring cleaning mode. But, this year, I don't have the urge to Spring clean at all. So, I'll let this clean out of my empties box be my Spring cleaning this year.😁

I will include links to products in the headings and be as brief as possible with my mini-reviews.

Skincare

First Aid Beauty Pure Skin Face Cleanser

This product has a ton of 5-star reviews! I found that it was okay, but I didn't notice anything special. Maybe it's more suitable for younger skin types. 

Repurchase: No

Nip & Fab Exfoliate Glycolic Cleansing Fix

I really enjoyed the way this cleanser worked and seemed to clarify my skin. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to use it up before it seemed to turn as I'm always testing new skincare. This product has the symbol that indicates how long it's good for and it's only good for 6 months after opening. I'm sure that would be sufficient time if I wasn't switching my products so much. Nip & Fab is a great affordable brand whose products are actually very effective!

Repurchase: Yes

Simple Eye Makeup Remover

I didn't like this product as it stung my eyes and my eyes are not sensitive. I do LOVE this brand's micellar water which also removes eye makeup. Now that we have micellar water, I do not find a need for a separate eye makeup remover.

Repurchase: No

NeoStrata SecureWhite Brightening Serum

I didn't notice much brightening with this product but it's possible that it was just sitting too long before I got to it and it may have lost some of its efficacy.

Repurchase: No

Glo Skin Beauty Conditioning Hydration Cream

This product claims to moisturize, strengthen, and prevent dryness. I would agree with all of these claims. This product provides long-lasting hydration and I feel it would be great for many skin types including sensitive as it seems to be fragrance-free.

Repurchase- Yes

Paula's Choice Resist Ultra-Light Super Antioxidant Concentrate Serum (Normal, Oily, Combo)

I used this product over my Retin-A as I read that it's good to use antioxidants with Retin-A products. I did like it but I didn't notice anything special. I do like Paula's Choice and would try some of her other products that may give me the results I'm looking for.

Repurchase: No

First Aid Beauty 5 in 1 Bouncy Mask

This was just a sample size. I recall that this product irritated my skin and my skin is not really sensitive but can be reactive and acne prone. 

Repurchase: No

Makeup/Beauty

Sonia Kashuk Cream Eyeshadow in Tiger's Eye

I LOVE this cream eyeshadow. I wish I had used it up before it expired but you know how it goes when you love makeup! I have heard that SK is no longer going to be selling makeup. If that's true, it's unfortunate as she makes some great products including my Holy Grail Lipstick (Shine Luxe Sheer Lip Color in Sheer Pink Lust).

Repurchase: If available

Paula's Choice Best Face Forward Foundation SPF 25 (in Best Champagne Beige)

Claims to give natural-looking coverage, shield against wrinkles and dark spots, leaves a silky matte finish. Check, check and check! This colour was surprisingly good for me (it can be hard to choose the right colour online). I liked the finish, the feel on my skin and the SPF 25 coverage.

Repurchase: Yes

Bath & Body Works Fragrance Mist in Secret Wonderland

I love this scent. It reminds me of my signature scent "Fantasy" by Brittany Spears. I know, I know but it suits my chemistry and I've been wearing it since it came out. I don't like to wear a lot of fragrances or perfumes so a light misting of this gives me that hint of sweetness that I'm looking for. 

Repurchase: Yes

Health

Madre Labs CocoCeps Organic Dark Cocoa Beverage with Medicinal Mushrooms
This product gets featured on my site a lot! I go through about one per month and I've been using it for years. It tastes great in my smoothies and has the benefits of organic dark cocoa as well as cordyceps and reishi mushroom powders (no, you can't taste the mushrooms!). I have an aversion to mushrooms, so this is the only way I can get their health benefits.

Repurchase: Always!

Nature's Bounty Hair, Skin & Nails Gummies with Biotin
As the name implies, these vitamin gummies are supposed to be good for hair, skin, and nails. I'm not sure if they are doing anything, but I'll keep taking them for a little insurance as I'm experiencing more hair loss as I get older. I have had issues with acne breakouts with biotin on its own but I don't have these issues with this supplement.

Repurchase: Already have 2 on backup!

Nature's Way Calcium & Magnesium Citrate with Vitamin K2 and Collagen
I love that this liquid calcium and magnesium supplement also includes collagen and vitamin K2. Great mix of vitamins. Good for bone health and tastes great. Can also assist with sleep if taken at night time.

Repurchase: Yes

Nature's Way Alive Once Daily Women's Ultra Potency Multi-Vitamin
I've been using this supplement on and off for years. It has an excellent array of vitamins, minerals, superfoods, probiotics, and more. I purchase the one with Iron since I am always a little low in Iron and this vitamin contains 18mg of iron in just one pill (just what my Dr. Recommended). I take so many other supplements, so it's important for me to have a multivitamin where I only have to take one a day. The price is right, too!

Repurchase: Yes

Now Foods 5-HTP 50mg
This is an excellent supplement for sleep. I've tried other brands but I prefer this one as I find it more effective. I also like the 50mg capsules as sometimes 100mg can make my sleep more restless. The 50mg dosage allows me to customize my dosage as needed. I take it for sleep but noticed my mood improve when I take these more regularly.

Repurchase: Always!

Pets

True Raw Choice Colloidal Silver
If you have a pet, I highly recommend that you keep this product on hand. It has many uses and is good for both cats and dogs.

Colloidal Silver is used against 650 disease organisms found in pets and bacteria, fungi, viruses and infections. Can be used internally and externally to combat yeast infections in the ears. Can also be used internally to combat immune system disorders and much more. Can be used externally to help speed healing on cuts and sores, open wounds, hot spots and skin irritations.

I purchase mine at my local Pet Valu.

Repurchase: Always!

Hyalogic HyaFlex Hyaluronic Acid Feline Hip & Joint Formula

This is a fabulous product! I purchased it for prevention. As my kitty ages, I want to make sure to support his hips and joints. Luckily, this product is easy to add to his wet food and he laps it up! The first time that I gave my kitty this supplement, about 3 hours later he went nuts running around the house like a madman! He played like he was a kitten again. So, although this is a rather expensive product, I will continue to purchase it as it seems to work wonderfully.

Repurchase: Absolutely!

I hope you enjoyed seeing what I used up, and hope that you find my reviews helpful. 

Happy Spring, everyone!

Monthly Empties | Skincare, Beauty, Makeup, Pet Health

I seriously can't believe it's already time for another empties post. You can view my last empties if you like.. linked here.

I am trying to keep up with these posts so I can get them up before I have a ridiculous amount of products to talk about.

As always, I will share mini-reviews and links to products where possible in the product heading. If I can't find the exact product I will do my best to link to something similar.

Makeup

Reviva Labs Makeup Primer
I didn't get to finish this before the expiry date. #feelingguilty I am just not one to do too many steps unless it's for a special occasion. And, this product just added yet another step to my already large skincare and makeup regimen. I like that it's an all natural product and it works but I would prefer a multi-tasking product like a BB cream with a primer built in. This product is cruelty-free.

Repurchase- Yes, if needed

Physicians Formula Talc-Free Mineral Wear Matte Finishing Veil
I bought this in a kit for such a great price and I actually only purchased it for the blush that's in the kit, but I ended up loving this product too! But, I hate the packaging so I transferred it to another container and now I'm thoroughly enjoying it. It gives me just the finish that I want without being cakey or accentuating pores like some powders do. It just perfects and mattifies the look of my skin. It also doesn't change or add any more colour to my face. Bonus- this is cruelty-free! PLEASE change the packaging on this PF!!

Repurchase- oh yeah!

Dior Lip Maximizer Collagen Activ Lip Plumper
I received this product from my Instagram friend, Viv @pancakesandlippies. I adore this product and I went through it quite fast. I kept it on my bedside table and applied in AM and PM every single day. I did feel that it improve the look and feel of my lips!

Repurchase- No, but only because of the price!

Real Techniques Complexion Sponge
This is my go-to makeup blending sponge and this one was softer than my current batch for some reason. This one just kept going and going... no mold issues (like a previous one had), no tears. I just replaced it because I felt that I should. You can't go wrong with these sponges and I always buy the slightly more economical 2 pack.

Repurchase- Definitely!

Skincare

Kiss My Face Castile Soap

Castile soap seems to have endless uses. From cleaning your floors, your home, your body, face, makeup brushes etc. I mainly used this to clean my makeup brushes every week and it lasted for about 2 years. It cleanses really well and leaves my brushes super soft. 

Repurchase- Yes (any brand will do)

Avalon Organics Hand & Body Lotion in Ylang Ylang

I crave this scent at the start of every spring. It's so fresh and ahhhhh. I just can't explain it! In the winter months, I use the same lotion in the lavender scent. It's very hydrating and even helps with the goosebumps on the back of my arms.

Repurchase- Yes

TheraNeem, Neem Oil

This was recommended to me by a professional esthetician. It's great for so many skin issues, including acne flare ups! I use a drop or two mixed with my night cream and blend into my face and neck. You need so little that it lasts for a long time. One issue is that it's only a liquid in warmer temperatures so you have to warm it up under the running tap water when it starts to become more solid.

Repurchase- yes

Healthcare/ Supplements

Sisu Cal-Mag Citrates- Liquid in Creamy Vanilla

I picked this up on a whim. It tastes great and I found that it helped with my sleep issues but not if I took too much. I also found that it did wonders for my heart issues as it relaxes the heart muscles just like it does all of the muscles in our bodies. It's also great for bone health. I took one tablespoon in the evening 2 hours away from any medications.

Repurchase- Yes

Calm Magnesium Chloride Oil
I had heard about magnesium oil so I thought I'd give it a shot. It's a topical oil and although it's called an oil, it's not greasy. It did great things for my sleep issues but finding the right dose is a balancing act. If I used too much my sleep became more restless (same for magnesium that I take orally). There is no warning on the label, but make sure not to apply it anywhere that you have cuts or scratches, the natural salt content will burn! Otherwise, you don't feel it but you MUST wash your hands after applying it to your body as you do NOT want to touch your eyes with the residue on your hands! This should also be a warning on the label. I found out the hard way. My Dr. recommended that I apply it to the back of my knees for better absorption. Although this is great for sleep and other issues, it doesn't work for regularity the same way that oral magnesium does, at least for me. I highly recommend this and have purchased a huge bottle by Health and Wisdom Inc. I really need to do a whole post on the wonders of this oil!

Repurchase- Yes, already purchased another brand.

True Raw Choice Colloidal Silver for Pets
I purchase mine at my local Pet Valu and was unable to find a place to purchase this online. I recommend all cat and dog owners keep this on hand for your pets health needs. Colloidal Silver is reported as a treatment to fight more than 650 different viruses, bacteria, fungi and disease organisms found in pets but will not affect healthy cells around the infection. Reported to help with wounds, arthritis, nerves and stress, blood cirdulatory cleanser, eyes, ears, cankers, sinus, muscle and joints, bones and ligaments, allergens, pollution and skin problems. The uses seem endless!

Repurchase- Already have

Dr Mercola Ubiquinol Q10 for Pets
This is another product that I cannot recommend highly enough for your cat or dog. I have seen huge benefits for my cat since starting this product. I take Q10 myself and I wish I had started my cat on this years ago! But, better late than never. I put one pump on his wet food twice a day. Luckily, he laps it up. Sometimes he eats just the Q10 and leaves his food, it's like he knows it makes him feel good. He's often seen charging around the house after his dose. This bottle lasts me about 3 months. The dosage depends on your pet's weight so this will vary for everyone. Cats can be so picky so you never know what they will take. I also got him the Mercola Astaxanthin (another super antioxidant) as a preventative measure, but my cat wont even go near that one. 

Repurchase- Already have 😊

That's it for this month!

I hope you enjoyed seeing what I used up in June and hope that you found the information helpful. 

Stop The Stink With Purequosa Organic Cleansing Body Sprays!

I love it when new products come along that make life a little bit easier. Purequosa's Organic Cleansing Body Sprays were created based on the need that we all have from time to time or maybe daily; to freshen up and stay fresh on-the-go! Such a genius idea. The key ingredient, colloidal silver is something that I've kept in my household for years, even my cat takes it!

I'm sure we've all had those days when we need to freshen up but can't get to a shower. Whether it's after a workout or yoga class, riding your bike to work, while travelling or just to freshen up any time of day. We all have those times and this is where Purequosa steps in with their new travel sized cleansing body sprays.
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They promote healthy skin, are eco-friendly, free of alcohol and harmful chemicals, and are handmade in small batches.

Fun fact: One person can save 5,172 gallons of water by replacing one shower a day with Purequosa

The key ingredient in each formula is colloidal silver along with various plant hydrosols. Colloidal silver has so many uses as it's antiviral, antibacterial, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory. Since bacteria is what causes odour, using these cleansing body sprays kills the odour causing bacteria resulting in a reduction in odour.

Each of the 3 formulas are made with different hydrosols, making each one unique and beneficial in various ways.

Rain Cleansing Body Spray- 2 oz / $4.95 

Cooling, healing, and hydrating
Calms sun/wind burns and soothes skin
Antimicrobial/Antimicrobial/Antifungal/Antiviral

Ingredients:

- Colloidal Silver 
- Plant Hydrosols - Cucumber, Aloe, and Tea Tree
- Plant Essential Oil - Clary Sage

Coastal Cleansing Body Spray - 2 oz / $4.95 

Cleansing, uplifting, and cooling 
Skin soothing and equipment cleaning 
Antimicrobial/Antimicrobial/Antifungal/Antiviral

Ingredients:

- Colloidal Silver
- Plant Hydrosols - Yucca, Aloe, Eucalyptus
- Plant Essential Oils - Sage

Desert Cleansing Body Spray - 2 oz / $4.95 

Softening, healing, hydrating
Soothes skin, mood lifter, skin anti-aging 
Antimicrobial/Antimicrobial/Antifungal/Antiviral
 
INGREDIENTS:

- Colloidal Silver
- Plant Hydrosols - Yucca, and Eucalyptus
- Plant Essential Oils - Cistus/Rock Flower 

I found the scent of all 3 body sprays to be very subtle and unassuming. They are not overpowering at all and are more like a breath of fresh air.

After using these cleansing sprays for a few weeks, I found that the uses are endless!

• I ended up using them in place of my deodorant and had the same results as I do with my non-antiperspirant deodorant
• I used them to freshen up mid-day and at the end of the day (pits, face, feet, you name it!)
• I'm a bit germaphobic when it comes to my cell phone, so I used them to spray down my cell phone with a tissue ALL THE TIME! This keeps the viruses and bacteria at bay so I not only don't get sick but I don't transfer the germs to my face causing acne 
• I also used them to freshen up my shoes
• I used them to clean my hands when I wasn't near a sink (some hand sanitizers contain harmful chemicals. When using Purequosa instead, I don't have to worry about that!)

Purequosa can also be used to freshen up bad breath and to freshen up your bedding, including your pets! It can also be used on all kinds of sporting equipment. I'm sure I will find even more uses for these handy products with time.

I keep a bottle of Purequosa in my bag at all times. Mr Health and Beauty Girl took over the desert bottle and also used it in place of deodorant and to freshen up during the day. He also keeps it in his bag at all times so he can freshen up whenever he wants.

These new travel size bottles make them perfect to throw into your purse, gym, or travel bag for any time that you need to freshen up a little.

They are also available in full sized bottles which are 16 oz each for $16.95. , you can also purchase bundles of all 3 body sprays in either the travel size or the full-size which are a better value.

You can learn more about Purequosa by clicking here.

*Not sponsored. PR provided for consideration. All opinions are mine.

March Empties: Health and Beauty! #Reviews

March seriously flew by! I can't believe it's already time for another empties post. My last empties post can be found HERE if you want to see last months empties.

I didn't realize I had collected so many empties, so I will try and be brief with my reviews and I will post links where possible.

Let's start with beauty products as I know that's what most of my readers are probably interested in.

- George's Always Active Aloe Mist- This is a staple in my beauty routine. I love to use it after cleansing and to dampen skin in between layering my skin products. It's very hydrating and great to have on hand in the summer, but I use it all year.

- Retin-A Micro Gel 0.04%- This is by prescription here in Canada. This particular formula does not cause irritation or peeling of the skin. I never even had an adjustment period with this Retin-A product. Retin-A is supposed to promote skin cell turnover and build collagen.

- Martina Gebhardt Black Mud Cream- I've been using this heavy cream every night since 2012. It did wonders for my dehydrated and acne prone skin! I always go back to it. I am currently trying out another product from Martina Gebhardt, but I highly recommend this to anyone with dehydrated or devitalized, or acne prone skin. (It also comes in a lotion).

- Pure + Simple Rejuvenating Rosehip Mask- This is super hydrating. I love to use it after a gentle exfoliation for better absorption. You can leave it on or wait 10-20 min then rinse. It's all natural and cruelty free.

- Vichy ProEven Advanced Daily Dark Spot Corrector- Although it has some great ingredients, I did not notice enough of a difference to purchase this again.

- Alba Botanica Terra Tints- I have this in the colour "Bloom." This is a mineral tinted lip balm with SPF 8. It gives my lips the hydration it needs, sun protection, and I love the colour on me. It's a pretty blush of colour on my lips, I'd say a light berry tone. I've tried so many others but this is my favourite and it's perfect for summertime!

- Madre Bees Organic Lip Balm- I always have these organic lip balms on hand. iHerb always puts them on sale, so I stock up when they are on sale. (They also come in a shimmer formula).

- Nature's Answer Rhodiola- This is nature's stress buster. Regular readers of my blog know how much I rave about this product. It's the only thing that stopped me from waking up at the crack of dawn every morning! I take one a day in the afternoon.

- Madre Labs CocoCeps-  This organic cocoa powder contains immune building cordyceps & reishi mushrooms, and the pure dark cocoa powder is good for our hearts. I put this in my morning smoothies everyday, and sprinkle it on ice cream etc. It is unsweetened, so I like to add Stevia. It's also a great natural energy booster!

- True Raw Choice Colloidal Silver- I get this at my local pet store (Pet Valu). It's great for people and pets! I highly recommend you keep this product on hand. Below is some info to help you decide if this product is for you and your 4 legged friend...

Here is some info from True Raw Choice's website:

Colloidal Silver is used as a treatment to fight more than 650 disease organisms found in pets. The treatment is effective against bacteria, fungi and viruses without affecting the healthy cells surrounding the infection.
Treats... Osteoporosis, Arthritis, Nerves & Stress, Blood Circulatory Cleanser, Eyes, Ears, Caker, Sinus, Muscle & Joints, Bones & Ligaments, Allergens, Pollution, Skin Problems

- Hydrogen Peroxide- I use this for my homemade cleansers, to disinfect my mouth guard, as a teeth whitener, and for cuts and scrapes. It has many uses and everyone should keep some on hand. I buy mine at the dollar store to save a bit of money.

-Nature's Way Niacinamide- I actually take this to help my body metabolize carbs. It helps me maintain my weight. That's not why I started this product, but that's what it ended up helping with. If I have a high-carb meal I will take 1 capsule. (From iHerb: "Niacinamide is the non-flushing form of Niacin/ Vitamin B3. It is necessary for normal breakdown of fats and the release of energy from carbohydrates"). This explained to me why it ended up helping with maintaining my weight.

I buy a lot of these products on iHerb's website. I highly recommend them for their low prices, low international shipping, and it's pretty much a one stop shop. I can buy most of my health and beauty products there (from Elf to Real Techniques and Physicians Formula, plus all my supplements), it's quite amazing.

If you've never shopped at iHerb, you can save $5 on your first order with discount code AGU725 or by clicking HERE.

If you do shop at iHerb, make sure to check out the Daily specials & Deals at the top of their website. They offer some serious savings with those deals, and they change daily!

I hope you enjoyed seeing what I used up this month as well as what I loved and what didn't work for me.  Hopefully, you find my reviews helpful, I know reading reviews helps me to find products that work for me.

Have you found any products you can't be without? If so, please share in the comments. I get some of the best suggestions from my readers!

ps, come and join the fun over at a fabulousandfunlife and best-blogosphere-link-week-65

Amy
xoxo