April Empties | Health, Beauty, Skincare, Makeup

Hey, Everyone!

Hope all is well with you.

I'm back to share my April Empties. As always, I'll share a brief review of each item and links to products in the headings whenever possible.

HEALTH

CocoaCeps Organic Dark Cocoa with Cordyceps + Reishi Mushrooms

I've been drinking this immune-boosting cocoa powder for years. Just add a scoop to your smoothie in the morning for a delicious and nutritious energy-boosting drink. It has so many health benefits and tastes great! 

Repurchase- Already have

Kirkland Q10 100mg

This is the first time that I tried the Kirkland brand Q10. I'm not sure about the quality. I prefer to purchase the Kaneka type of Q10 by Healthy Origins but the brand it was out of stock so I'm now trying out Country Life Q10 as it is also the Kaneka type of Q10, so far I like it much better than the Kirkland one.

Repurchase- Unlikely

FemMed Stress Anxiety Management

I really like this brand for many of their supplements. This was my first time trying this particular product that contains adaptogenic herbs along with B vitamins to help with stress. Unfortunately, I didn't notice a difference while taking them. I will go back to AdrenaSense for now or straight up Rhodiola as they work better for me.

Repurchase- No

Webber Naturals D3 Gummies

I've never been so consistent with taking my D3 every day until I got these gummies, because YUM! But do they work? Yes, I'd say that they do as I hadn't had any sun for months and my D levels in my blood work are in the normal range since taking these. I am trying out the Vitafusion ones' at the moment, they seem just as good.

Repurchase- Yes

BHI Calming Homeopathic Remedy

Another product I've been using for years. I take them at bedtime and throughout the night when I wake up. I don't feel any noticeable difference after taking them but they often help me fall back asleep, so they must be having some effect on my system.

Repurchase- Already have

Bach Rescue Remedy for Sleep

Another staple in my routine. It's an all-natural supplement made with Bach flowers. It seems to help take a bit of the edge off and helps me sleep in conjunction with my other sleep remedies. It's one I like to have on hand and I also take it when I wake up too early to help me fall back asleep. Doesn't always work, but I believe it does help so it's worth it to me.

Repurchase Already have

BEAUTY / SKINCARE

Nature's Way Liquid Coconut Oil

This is a liquid form a coconut oil that doesn't become solid when the temperature is cold- perfect for those of us with 4 seasons. I use it for baking, as a hair treatment, to remove makeup sometimes, and to massage on my cat's gums for oral health. 

Repurchase- Yes

AG Smooth Shampoo with Argan + Coconut Oil

I love this brand for my dry and frizzy hair. My favourite product by them is their leave-in conditioner called Fast Food, which was recommended by my hairstylist over 10 years ago and I keep going back to it! I found that this shampoo and conditioner did help with my dry and frizzy hair.

Repurchase- I would if I ever finish up what I have!

Live Clean Aromatherapy Foam Bath (Lavender Vanilla)

This is my go-to bubble bath product. I use it every time I have a bath and throw in some Epsom salts, too. I also use their other scents and rotate them depending on my mood. This is all-natural, smells fantastic, and so affordable. Can't be beat in my opinion. 

Repurchase- Yes

Mirenesse Sleeping Beauty Moisture Revival Sleep Mask

I love products like this but many of them clog my pores and make be breakout- luckily, this one does not. I like to use this as my last step at nighttime and feel like it locks in all of the moisture and ingredients from my serums and moisturizers. I use it several times a week or whenever I remember. lol

Repurchase- Possibly (currently testing out this one by Aveeno which is more affordable and seems to do the same thing) 

Indeed Mineral Booster

I really like the ingredients of this skincare booster. I wasn't consistent with it enough to notice if it really made a difference as I used it on and off. I do like this brand and the prices are good so I would try it again but make sure to use it consistently next time.

Repurchase- Yes

MAKEUP

Essence Brow Gel Mascara
This isn't completely empty yet but it's yucky enough that I've already replaced it. It's super affordable, cruelty-free and gets the job done. I see no reason to spend a lot of money on a clear brow gel.

Repurchase- Already have

Tarte Tartiest Glossy Lip Paint (Free Sephora Birthday Sample)
This was a decent gloss, it felt great on my lips as it was very hydrating. It's definitely a pretty, everyday colour. I just don't see a reason to spend a lot of money most lipglosses. I believe the shade is Rosy Nude.

Repurchase- No

LA Girl Pro Conceal HD Concealer in Natural GC972
This is my favourite concealer! It is great on blemishes and redness as well as for under the eyes as it is not drying and doesn't get cakey- perfect for aging skin like mine! This tube lasted forever too! There is a little bit left but it's VERY old and expired and I have many others to use up before I repurchase this. Oh, it's cruelty-free too.

Repurchase- Absolutely!

Hope you enjoyed seeing what I finished up and found my mini-reviews helpful!

See you next week and stay safe, everyone! 💗

Some links are referral, thank you for the support if you choose to use them. xo

iHerb Health Haul | Anti-Aging, Sleep, Stress, Pet Health

It's been a while since I shared what I've hauled from iHerb. I thought I'd share this one as it contains current essential supplements for me and my pet, and I figured that some of you might be interested in some of these products.

I will share links to products in the product heading. I leave the prices out because they are forever changing.

General Health, Stress & Sleep

Now Foods Glycine (Free Form) Pure Powder- 1lb

From iHerb:
Glycine is the smallest and simplest amino acid, making it versatile for use in a wide range of functions. Glycine is necessary for the production of glutathione, DNA, creatine, bile, hemoglobin, and most proteins. It also helps to promote glycogen storage, thereby making glucose readily available for energy production. Glycine also functions as a calming neurotransmitter in the brain, where it facilitates nerve impulses and is important for the maintenance of healthy sleep patterns.

This product is Vegan/ Vegetarian and Non-GMO.

I don't know a whole lot about amino acids but I picked this up before as it's supposed to help with sleep. I found the action very subtle but what I noticed over time, with daily use, was reduced stress and anxiety. I believe that it's helping with my sleep as well, but I have to stop taking melatonin to truly be able to tell, as melatonin helps me fall asleep but has started to cause me to wake up prematurely. I take 1 tsp of the Glycine powder in my water bottle and sip it throughout the day. It has a slightly sweet taste to it. It's recommended that you take it on an empty stomach, like other amino acids. I find this powder form much more affordable than taking capsules and it's also easier to take.

Nature's Answer Rhodiola Rosea (Standardized)- 100mg / 60 caps

I've been taking this Rhodiola for years! I've taken the occasional break (which I recommend with most herbs), but I really don't like to be without it. Rhodiola is a herb and an adaptogen. Adaptogens help our bodies deal with (adapt) to stressors. I've tried other brands and doses but I find that this one works best for me. I only take one capsule daily.

Dr. Axe on Rhodiola:
"Rhodiola rosea contains a phytochemical known as salisdroside. This component helps relieve anxiety and combat aging. Rhodiola suppresses the production of cortisol and increases levels of stress-resistant proteins."

This product is Vegan/ Vegetarian and Gluten-Free.

Reported Benefits:

• Energy
• Reduces stress and anxiety
• Prevents fatigue
• Increases stamina
• Boosts physical energy
• Improves mood and well-being
• Increases memory and focus
• Improves athletic performance
• Promotes physical recovery
• Cortisol reduction
• Normalizes stress hormones

BHI Calming Homoeopathic Complex- 100 Tablets

Homeopathics can do wonders for many ailments. Many believe in only single remedies but I have found benefits from many composition formulas like this one.

These calming tablets state they relieve nervous tension, irritability, and sleeplessness. I take these for sleep and they are often the ticket to send me over the edge into sleep or to put me back to sleep if I wake prematurely. I have tried many other formulas with some success but I've had the most success with this one. I keep going back to it and luckily, it continues to work for me.

Active Ingredients: Each tablet contains: *Chamomilla 2X, *coffea cruda 10X, *humulus lupulus 2X, *ignatia amara 8X, moschus 10X, *nux vomica 30X, *passiflora incarnata 2X, *sulphur 12X, valeriana officinalis 2X, *veratrum album 4X 30 mg each.

Pet Health

Hyalogic HyaFlex Hyaluronic Acid for Joints Feline Hip & Joint Formula- 1oz (Dog formula linked below)

Info from iHerb:
Hyaluronic Acid (HA) is revolutionizing the joint health management for humans, horses, and now your pets. Found naturally in all living organisms, it provides the elastic shock absorbing properties to support healthy joints for your pet.

HyaFlex is patented for joint health and helps to compensate for your pet's depleted ability to produce Hyaluronic Acid with age by maintaining and supporting healthy movement and lubrication.

I gave this to my cat as prevention as he ages. I saw him benefit the same day, as hours after I gave it to him, he suddenly began charging around the house. His hips seem less sensitive to the touch as well. I said I was going to switch to another herbal formula for joint health but it's very difficult to administer that one. This one is so easy as it's tasteless and he laps it up when I put it in his wet food. To make it more affordable, I give him 1/2 the recommended dose and he still benefits. I will bump up the dose if I have to but for now 1/2 the dose is working.

This product is Vegan and Gluten-Free.


Dr Mercola Ubiquinol For Cats & Dogs- 58ml

Info from iHerb:

• Helps To Support Normal Cardiovascular Function and Reduces Oxidative Stress
• For Cats & Dogs
• Made with Quality Ubiquinol
• Recommended to Support Normal Cardiovascular Function and Reduces Oxidative Stress.

I'm a huge fan of CoQ10 and I've personally been taking it daily for over 16 years! My heart actually repaired itself from a condition called Mitral Valve Prolapse (MVP) and I attribute that to the Q10 I've been taking (linked here). 

My cat has been taking this Q10 for quite some time. I noticed that he was benefiting right away so I continued to give it to him. The dose is based on your pets weight and my cat only needs 1 drop per day, so it's quite affordable for us. Doses start at 1 drop per day to 8 drops per day for the largest size pet. There is a dosing chart on the product page, linked here.

I hope you enjoyed seeing my most recent iHerb haul and what some of my current essential supplements are for me and my pet. Hopefully, you found some of the info helpful!

As always, check with your Doctor or health care provider before beginning any new supplements. Health and Beauty Girl is not a health professional. I am sharing what helps me and my loved ones in hopes of helping others.

If you plan on shopping with iHerb, you can save 5% OFF your entire order with discount code AGU725 or just use this link. This code can be used by anyone, unlimited times and it doesn't expire so you can share it with your friends and family as well. The discount code is good for new and existing customers. (This is a referral link).

iHerb's shipping is super cheap and super fast!

Not sponsored. Some links are referral links. Thank you if you choose to use them and support this site.

Monthly Empties + Declutter | Health, Makeup, Beauty, Skincare!

Welcome to another monthly empties and a mini declutter. As always, I will share mini-reviews and links to products where possible.

Health

HyaFlex Hyaluronic Acid Feline Hip + Joint Formula
This is a fabulous product. I started giving it to my cat as prevention as he is aging. The first time that I gave it to him, a few hours later he began to run and jump around like a kitten. That was all the proof I needed that it's definitely benefiting him, so I continue to purchase it. To make the product last longer, I give him 1/2 the recommended dose. I add it to his wet food and he laps it all up. It has no flavour and my cat loves the liquid parts of food, so no problems getting him to ingest all of it.

Repurchase- Absolutely!

Madre Labs CocoCeps Instant Organic Dark Chocolate Beverage
This product has been featured on my site many times, that's because I've been using this product for so long I can't even remember when I started taking it. It contains organic dark chocolate plus certified organic cordyceps and reishi mushroom powders. I use it in my morning smoothies. It tastes great and it's heart healthy and great for immunity too.

Repurchase- Yep!

Nature's Bounty Hair, Skin, and Nails Gummies with Biotin
I can't take biotin on its own or I breakout. I don't have that issue with these gummies. I can't be certain that they're doing anything but I do notice that I have to clip my nails every week. However, I also take collagen supplements, so it could be either or both that are helping my nails grow like weeds. I will continue to take them as insurance, plus they taste great!

Repurchase- Already have

Reserveage Collagen Replenish Powder with Hyaluronic Acid + Vitamin C
I did a full review on this product linked here. What I enjoyed about this product is that is mixes into my smoothies flawlessly and it has zero taste to it!

Repurchase- Yes but I have many others to test out first.

Healthy Origins CoQ10
This is another product that I've been taking for years and I won't ever stop taking it. I used to have a heart condition called MVP (Mitral Valve Prolapse). During my last ultrasound to check on my heart condition, it came back that my MVP was not found! I can only attribute it to the CoQ10 as I didn't do anything else for my heart.

Repurchase- Yes but I did purchase one from Costco to test out since my heart condition is now gone!

Beauty

Clairol Frost + Tip Nice 'n Easy
I'm certain that this is the same highlighting kit that I used in high school and I always had great results. When I recently decided to try my hand at doing my own highlights again, it was a no-brainer to go back to this kit. Unfortunately, my hair came out orange, so I went and purchased the one that's for darker hair and it also came out orange. I contacted Clairol via their 1-800 number to find out what level of the developer is in the box but they refused to tell me! I couldn't believe it. It's my hair and they won't even provide me with info on what I'm applying to my hair! How on earth can I make an informed decision without this info!?

Repurchase- NEVER!

Miracle 10 Toner
This product was too harsh on my skin. It made my skin red, dehydrated, and irritated. I'm thinking it's the witch hazel in this product since I checked and it does not contain alcohol. I've never had any issues with other Miracle 10 products. Unfortunately, I won't be finishing this product.

Repurchase- No

Vichy Neovadiol Fortifying and Revitalizing Rosy Cream
I have had good luck with Vichy's Neovadiol line. It's hydrating, non-irritating, and my skin does feel denser when I use them. That's a great thing for my aging skin as it becomes thinner as I age.

Repurchase- Yes, as my night cream.

Jouviance PlumpFX Lip Serum
I loved this product. It really made my lips feel hydrated. It definitely improved the look of my dehydrated lips over time. I would say that it gave my lips the appearance of being fuller and they definitely appeared healthier. It wasn't sticky at all, yet it lasted for quite some time. It reminded me of Dior's lip serum. This is still a pricey product at $32CAD.

Repurchase- No. Only because of the price.

Madre Bees Organic Lip Balm (Now called Sierra Bees)
I've been purchasing these lip balms in large packs for years. There are so many great flavours to choose from. I have one in pretty much every room in my house plus my purse. They are super affordable, organic, and quite good for a lip balm and I really appreciate that it's organic.

Repurchase- Yes

Declutter

• Skinn Cosmetics Eyeshadow Palette in Seduction- I never use it anymore and it's super old, but has great pigmentation!
• Joe Fresh Eyeshadow Palette in Neutrals- I never use it and it had very poor pigmentation, is very powdery, and makes my lids look very dry.
• Maybelline Single Eyeshadow in Tastefully Taupe- I have so many other taupe colours in palettes. 
• Covergirl Melting Pout Liquid Lipstick in 105- Just the wrong colour for me. Too orange. 
• Joe Fresh Waterproof Eye Crayon in Taupe- The product dried up and fell out. 
• Rimmel Scandaleyes Eyeshadow Crayon in Trespassing Taupe- It was a great matte eye crayon for when you want a quick eye look that also looks good but it goes on patchy now. Note: the best way to apply it is with the warmth of your finger and blend it out. 😉

I hope you enjoyed this month's empties post and mini declutter! 

XO

Monthly Empties | Haircare, Skincare, Beauty, Health + Makeup Declutter!

I'm trying to keep up with my monthly empties post so I don't end up with an overwhelming amount of products in the post. Here's what I've finished up in July with mini reviews! Links to products provided where possible.

 Beauty

Goldwell Topchic Hair Colour in 10P (Pastel Pearl Blonde)
This is the product that my hair stylist uses to tone my highlights and also slightly lighten my base colour so the difference in my natural colour is not so harsh against my highlights. I also use this product at home 2 months after I get my highlights done to slightly lighten my roots between highlights. Full DIY on how I do this is linked here.

Repurchase- YES!

Miracle 10 Cleanser 1
I didn't find anything special about this cleanser. I much prefer my Live Clean cleansers to this one.

Repurchase- No

Soft & Dry Aluminum Free Deodorant
I purchased this only because I ran out of my aluminium free go-to deodorant by Coty/Adidas, and the store didn't have my Coty/Adidas one in stock. This was the only aluminium free one I could find, so I grabbed it. This lasted so long I couldn't believe it! It seemed like it was never going to end. Not really a bad thing, but since l prefer my Coty/Adidas deodorant I was dying to go back to it.

Repurchase- Only if in a pinch

Retin-A Micro Gel 0.04%
I need a prescription to get this here in Canada. With this formula, I have never experienced any irritation like I did with the formulas that I used in my 20's. I'm thinking of bumping up to a higher percentage to see if I can get more results.

Repurchase- Yep!

Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream SPF 30
I love Olay! I used to use Olay exclusively when I was in my 20's and everyone always asked what skincare I used. I have very acne prone skin and Olay products never cause me to breakout or have any irritation. I just wish they were a cruelty-free brand!

Repurchase- Possibly, but I will choose cruelty-free brands over this

Garnier Skin Renew Anti-Dark -Circle Roller
I only purchased this because I ran out of my favourite eye cream and this was on sale at the drugstore for such a low price. I like this product, it's like an eye cream and highlight/concealer in one. It brightens my under eyes and provides light coverage. I used this daily and thought it would never end, it must have been going for 1.5-2 years, just crazy!

Repurchase- No (I bought 2 more because the sale was so cheap and I had no idea these would last so long!)

Health

Madre Labs Cococeps Instant Dark Cocoa Beverage
Many of you have probably seen this appear on my site before. It's my favourite cocoa powder to use in my protein shakes. It doesn't contain sweeteners, it's organic, and contains immune boosting cordyceps and reishi mushroom powders. This is the only way I can get the health benefits of mushrooms into my diet since I cannot eat them. No- you cannot taste the mushrooms!

Repurchase- Always

Healthy Origins CoQ10 100mg
Another staple in my health care regimen. I've been taking this ever since I was diagnosed with heart issues. I recently had an ultrasound to check on my heart conditions and to my delight, one of my heart conditions has improved. My MVP (Mitral Valve Prolapse) to be specific, has somehow repaired itself. The Doctors couldn't tell me what caused my heart to repair itself.  All I know is that I've been taking this CoQ10 and Fish oil capsules since I was diagnosed with my heart issues.

Repurchase- Always!

Declutter

If you follow me on my Instagram, you may have seen these already. I've been trying to get rid of products that don't work for me or just sit there and never get used for one reason or another. These have all been passed on to homes where I hope they will get the love that they deserve (minus the mascara since that wouldn't be sanitary!). 😊

Prestige Baked Mineral Blush in Natural
This didn't show up on my skin. To get it to show up, I had to pile it on. This made my pores and skin look horrible. I think this would work well on skin-tones that are lighter or darker than mine. It would work well as a highlight for darker skin-tones for sure!

Essence Mosaic Blush in All You Need Is Pink
Essence makes some of my favourite blushes of all times! Their old Silky Touch blushes and their more recent Satin Touch blushes are all 5-star products! The colour of this one was so gorgeous that I had to have it, but sadly it was so powdery and went on very patchy!

Revlon's new Mega Multiplier Mascara
This is a brand new mascara to the market. I've seen so many rave reviews for it but it just didn't work for me. I like big lashes and this gave me very wimpy lashes. If you like more natural looking lashes you may love this product.

Coastal Scents 88 Warm Palette
This is a great palette. It has almost every colour you could ever want. I never thought that I'd get rid of it. But, the truth is that I've had it for years and I NEVER reach for it. I had to store this palette in the back of a drawer because it's so large. From now on I will stick to smaller palettes that I can keep within reach so they get used. I do recommend this palette if you don't mind the size and you'll use it!

Nyx Eyeshadow and Blush Palette (not sure of the name)
The quality of these shadows is really amazing! It has a pull-out tray with blush and lip colours as well. I never thought that I'd get rid of it. It was that one palette that I said I'd keep because it not only had neutrals but if I ever had the urge or the need, it also had bright colours. But, because it's quite bulky and also got stored away in the back of my drawer, it never got used. This has gone to another home to get the love that it deserves.

I am slowly learning the hard way what to buy and what not to buy, so my products get used up. I am much more particular about what I add to my collection now and it's working well for me so far.

I haven't missed one of these items since I passed them on either.

I hope you enjoyed seeing what I used up this month. Let me know in the comments what you've been loving, not loving or decluttering this month. 💓

January Health and Beauty Haul: Makeup, Supplements and More!

I have been placing an order with iHerb pretty much every month for as long as I can remember. This month I ordered some of my must-have items plus a little makeup. I love that iHerb carries health and beauty products (including ELF cosmetics and Real Techniques), it's like a one-stop shop for me.

Here I'll share with you what I ordered this month, with a little info on each product and links where possible.

California Gold Nutrition CoQ10- This isn't my usual brand of CoQ10 but it's on sale for such a great price that I figured I'd give it a try. It's fermented, non-GMO and soy free! I take this for heart health and overall health. I feel that anyone over 40 can benefit from Q10! I take just one a day.

Now Foods Xyliwhite Toothpaste- If you follow my blog, you probably know that this is my favourite fluoride-free toothpaste! It's also SLS free, gluten free, and paraben free! Right now it's on sale for only $1!

Healthy Origins 5-HTP - This is fabulous for mood and sleep. I've read that it's supposed to help reduce cravings and therefore help with weigh loss too. I take 50-100mg if I can't sleep or if I wake and need helping nodding off again.

Nature's Way Vitex- A Woman's supplement used for overall health and balance in a woman's cycle. I cannot take progesterone, even bio-identical, so I take vitex to help raise my progesterone levels. I try to take 2 per day but often only take 1.

Now Foods Evening Primrose Oil- Another great supplement for women. It has naturally occurring GLA (Gamma Linolenic Acid), an omega-6 fatty acid. It's great for our immune system, skin, vascular system, and hormone health. It's also supposed to help with PMS. This supplement also promotes progesterone. This one is non-GMO and Hexane-free! I buy this big-daddy size as it's more cost effective. If I would remember to I'd take 2 a day but I only take one, so this bottle lasts for 250 days!

Elf Eyeshadow Compact in Smokey Eyes- I couldn't resist this palette, it's on sale for a steal! I have this compact in another colour and the pigmentation is just amazing. Elf is Cruelty-free! :D (Note: this one isn't for me.. wink wink)

I hope you enjoyed seeing what I purchased from iHerb this month. I know I love to see what people like to purchase and why. Hopefully you found some of the information helpful too.

If you have never shopped at iHerb before, you can get $5 off your order by using this link (note: this is a referral link and we both benefit if you choose to use it. If you do use it, I do appreciate it very much!)

Please check iHerb's links at the top of their website for fabulous deals under "trials" and "daily deals." 

In Health & Happines
Amy