Tuesday, May 31, 2016

Huge May Empties: Health, Beauty, Makeup, and Skincare!



I love reading empties posts as well as sharing what I've used up. 

As someone who is constantly trying out new products, it isn't always easy to finish up products. This month I definitely did well in finishing up quite a few items.

Here is a link to last months empties with a lipstick purge if you are interested in checking it out.

Let's start out with skincare.

Skincare



Garnier Skin Renew Dark Spot Treatment Mask- There are 6 masks in this pack. It's a 10-minute sheet mask and I find these very convenient. The masks were very saturated and left my skin feeling smooth and hydrated. I found it on sale for a great deal. I do like the mask and would re-purchase for the right price but unfortunately, I find the regular price in stores is far too high.

Lise Watier Hydraforce Hydra-Protective Comforting Creme- I received this product for trial purposes from Glamsense. I really like the product and found it very hydrating. It did not irritate my reactive skin and I didn't experience any breakouts at all. I would purchase this product if I wasn't constantly trying out new skincare. It definitely does what it says. Full review can be found by clicking this link.

The Face Shop Raspberry Roots Mask- I received this sample from The Face Shop in my local mall. I got 2 uses from the little pot. This definitely isn't the right product for my skin as I woke up with deep acne forming. Luckily, once I stopped the product the acne disappeared.

Oz Naturals Super Youth Under Eye Gel- I received this product for review purposes and I fell in love. It's loaded with advanced skincare technology and although it didn't help with my under eye puffs, it did help with my hooded, over the eye puffs. I love the hygienic dispenser except for the fact that I couldn't tell when I was about to run out. I would purchase this eye gel and I can see why it's an Allure beauty winner! Full review can be found here. 

Kirkland Daily Facial Towelettes- These were one of my go-to makeup removing wipes. They are a good wipe and get the job done. However, I recently discovered a much better value that does the same job. So I probably wont be repurchasing these. A review of my new, budget friendlier makeup wipes can be found here. 

Cotton Rounds- I buy my quilted cotton rounds at the dollar store. There are 100 in a pack and I find they are just as good as the ones in the drugstore. So, for only $1, I will keep repurchasing these.

Makeup




Elf 6pc GEO 2nd Version- Besides the odd name for this palette, it is not a bad palette but it's not great either. Some of the colours are very chunky and just crumble. The colours that I would use are nice and creamy but in such a small pans that it's difficult to get my brush in. I have so many other neutral shadows that I reach for more often, so I am giving this one away.

Essence All About Matt Fixing Compact Powder- I liked this powder but it did leave a tiny bit of a white cast on my skin. I think this is best to be used for touch ups throughout the day instead of using it to set my makeup. I would repurchase it to be used as a touch-up product. Note: Once I hit pan on it ,the product shattered shortly after when I dropped it into my sink. It may be too fragile of a powder to carry in my bag.

Beauty Sponge- This was an Ebay purchase that was supposed to be a dupe for the Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge. I am so happy that I've repurchased my Real Techniques sponge in a money-saving 2 pack as this "eBay dupe" didn't even come close to being a dupe. Full review can be found here.

Other



Triaxon Ionic XP KeraPro CMC13 Inner Core Reconstructor- I purchased this product EONS ago from The Shopping Channel here in Canada. I always used this product as a leave-in treatment before I would go in for my quarterly highlights. I felt that it helped to protect my hair from the damaging effects of the bleach and hair dye. Sadly, I haven't been able to find this product to repurchase it. 

Tom's of Maine Long-Lasting Deodorant- This is an aluminum free deodorant which is what I like to use on a day to day basis. I try to stay away from aluminum based deodorants/ antiperspirants and save those for certain days where I need more protection. I'm constantly trying new, natural deodorants. I liked this one and would repurchase when I'm not trying something new.

Now Foods Xyli White Toothpaste- Anyone who's seen my hauls or empties posts has seen this one before. This is hands down my favourite toothpaste. It's fluoride, SLS, gluten, and paraben free! I've had better dental check ups since I started this toothpaste. The active ingredient for healthy teeth in this product is Xylitol at 25%! It does come in mint flavours, but I like the cinnamon. 

Supplements



Madre Labs CocoCeps- I repurchase this every month. I use it in my protein drinks. It has heart-healthy antioxidants like organic dark cocoa and immune-boosting organic cordyceps and reishi mushroom powders. This product is unsweetened, so I use stevia to sweeten my beverages. It tastes delicious too! 

Now Foods Kelp Powder- This superfood is rich in iodine and great for thyroid support. I like to add it to my protein drinks with the Cococeps powder mentioned above, and I can't even taste the kelp powder. It's also a vegetarian product. Note: you use so little of this kelp powder that I recommend sharing the bottle with someone. Mine expired before I could use it all.

Nature's Way Alive Once Daily Women's Ultra Potency- My diet is far from perfect. This is a fabulous once a day multi that fills in my nutritional gaps. It contains all the vitamins that I need plus so much more! You really have to check out the ingredients and I think you'll be impressed.  It's food based, has a heart blend of nutrients, plus enzymes, amino acids, fruit and veggie blend, CranRX,  digestive blend, organic mushroom blend plus hair, skin and nails blend. It comes in formulas for men and women, with iron or without plus formulas for 50+.  I'm currently testing out a new multivitamin but I would definitely repurchase this one in the future.

Renew Life Critical Omega- This was my first time trying out this particular fish oil. I try to take a fish oil capsule everyday. I find it helps with my skin and hair but it's also crucial for our hearts and our brains. My favourite fish oil is Jarrow Max DHA which contains higher amounts of DHA which is so important for brain health. 

From iHerb: " DHA is the predominant fatty acid in the brain, nervous system and retina of humans. DHA is important for fetal and infantile neurological development. DHA also supports neurological function in seniors."

Garden of Life Primal Defense- This is the best probiotic I have ever tried. I have a whole blog post dedicated to this wonderful product! I have had IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) and digestive issues my entire life. This single supplement has taken care of all of my digestive and IBS issues. I have been using it for over 18 years now and I will NEVER be without this product. It's worth its weight in gold. It is pricey but I stock up with the biggest bottle and I find I only have to take one a day now, so it lasts me for 216 days (the value size bottle usually gives you 216 caps).  You can start out with a smaller sized bottle to see how it works for you before you decide on purchasing the "big daddy." It also comes in a powdered form for those who don't like swallowing capsules, as well as a banana flavoured formula for kids

I hope you enjoyed seeing what I used up, what I liked and what I didn't. I tried to be brief with my reviews of each product but in some cases such as supplements, I know that more info is often warranted. 

Please remember to always check with your Doctor before implementing new supplements into your routine as everyone is different and some supplements can interact with some medications.

If you have an empties post I'd love to come and check out what you used up! Please leave a link in the comments!

ps. come and join the fun over at a Fabulous and Fun Life and The best of blogosphere!

*Some products have been gifted for review and some have been purchased by me, my opinions are always honest and my own. Some links may be affiliate links.

Amy
xoxo



12 comments:

  1. Wow, you've emptied so much! I'm so impressed with how many vitamins you finish up. Shame about that ELF Eyeshadow quad.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I probably would have kept the elf quad if I was a newby to makeup or didn't have so many other neutrals. ;) The kelp powder took years to use and I didn't even get to finish it before it expired :(

      Delete
  2. Wow so many empties! Amazing achievement. It is so interesting to hear about all the different products you can get in another country as I am from Australia and what is available is so different with some things being the same. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I agree! I love seeing what you guys have over in Australia too!

      Delete
  3. Ohhh good to know that the ebay sponge is not up to scratch! I am thinking about getting real techniques sponge or a beauty blender, but everything in my bathroom gets mouldy :/

    Lily not Louise

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I never had a problem with the mold.. until this week! I used to keep the sponge in an open glass kind of shot size glass. I knocked it over by accident and broke it so I switched to an open acrylic/plastic container and suddenly I see a few little spots on my sponge! I've only had the sponge for a couple weeks so I'm thinking maybe the container makes a difference.

      Delete
  4. I love empties, it's so great to see what people are loving/hating to help with future purchases.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. me too! So satisfying to see empties and finish products up.

      Delete
  5. Crikey you put me to shame hon - awesome amount of stuff, and I SO appreciate your honesty! In fact I'm inspired to ditch some of my old and tired quads that leave a lot to be desired in the pigment department. And definitely picking up some of that probiotic stuff you love xxx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I was shocked myself when I saw how full my empties bin was, this was def. a big one! It really feels good to get rid of stuff I'm not using. I'm even selling clothing and other items to consignment shops! I really cannot live without my Primal Defense probitics.. if I go without them I pay for it. xo

      Delete
  6. I hate swallowing capsules and especially tablets. For some reason I just find it really difficult so I love hearing about supplements that come in powdered form.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I never used to be able to swallow even the smallest tablets either. I can now for some reason. More companies need to offer powder products especially since it's common for a lot of people to have difficulty swallowing pills.

      Delete

End of code