Monthly Empties | Health, Beauty, Hair, Makeup

This empties post is long overdue! My empties bin has been overflowing for months and I had to recycle some just so this post wasn't too long and/or redundant.

Here, I'll share what I used up or what I'm discarding for one reason or another with mini reviews, and whether I would repurchase them or not.

Links to products will be provided in the headings if I can find one.

Hair

It's a 10 Miracle Leave in Conditioner 10 oz/ $30

This is the large sized bottle and it took me forever to use it up. I quite liked it but I recently tried FoxyBae's Leave-in Hair Mask (featured here) and I am preferring it to the It's a 10, at the moment.

Repurchase- I would like to try the version with keratin

Biologe HydraSource Conditioning Balm 500ml/ $32

I've always loved Biolage. This conditioning balm is great for dry and dehydrated hair. It definitely helps leave my dry hair feeling softer.

Repurchase- Yes

Skincare

Garnier Micellar Water for Dry/Sensitive Skin 400ml/ $15

This is a fabulous Micellar water. I use it as my AM cleanse and in the evening as my toner. It removes makeup, dirt, and oil and is gentle and doesn't dry out my skin.

Repurchase - Yes

The Ordinary Buffet Peptide Serum 60ml/ $15

I had really high hopes for this serum and I suppose it was okay but it didn't wow me. I did not notice any anti aging benefits like I did with the Sympli Peptide Serum listed below, now that one wowed me!!

Repurchase- Probably not but I'm not against trying it again because of the reasonable price

Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Retinol Oil 30ml/ $24

This is a great alternative to Prescription Retin A! I used it in place of my Retin A when I had run out and it made my skin look and feel great and it only takes a few drops. It's like a dry oil, and it is hydrating and non irritating. I found that I could use it in places where I can't apply my Retin A like the mouth and nose areas etc.

Repurchase- Yes, if I'm out of my prescription Retin A

Sympli Beautiful Firming Triple Peptide Serum 30ml/$17 USD

This peptide serum blew me away! I read the reviews on iHerb when I saw it in the sale section of the website and I couldn't believe the reviews on it, so I had to try it for myself. Within 2 uses, my skin was so smoothed out and appeared much tighter aka less sagging. Read my full review on it here. There are no incentives to leave a positive review on iHerb, so I should have known but they just made it sound too good to be true. Luckily, it IS that good! You can use discount code AGU725 to get a discount on iHerb. 

Repurchase- I NEVER want to be without it! I have purchased 4 more so far!

Laneige Water Bank Moisture Cream - sample 

I enjoyed using this moisturizer as it is nice and soothing and hydrating. I don't notice any special anti aging benefits aside from moisturization, so I probably wouldn't purchase it because of its price tag. I find that I can get other moisturizers that perform just as well for less money. eg. Cetaphil Moisturizer with Hyaluronic Acid.

Repurchase- If at a great price

Whish Firming Sleeping Mask 60ml/ $54

Unfortunately, I was only able to use this on my neck as it made me breakout when I used it on my face. I did enjoy using it on my neck overtop of my serums and moisturizers to seal them in.

Repurchase- Possible for my neck only. Trying other neck creams for now

Makeup

Marc Jacobs Shameless Ýouthful Look Longwear Foundation 32ml/ $27

I loved this "foundation." I would consider it more of a BB cream or tinted moisturizer. It was very hydrating and had light-medium coverage that was very natural, just the way I like it. I found a cheap dupe though- Elf's BB Cream performs exactly the same for me at a fraction of the price! Read more about it here. 

Repurchase- If I find it at a great price again at Winner's or Marshall's!

It Cosmetics Lash Blow Out- sample

Loved this mascara! It gave me the big and long lashes that I love! It retails for about $24. I don't mind forking out that much money for a mascara for a special occasion, but for everyday use, I prefer to use something more affordable that gives me similar results like Essence Lash Princess Mascara for $5. 

L'oreal Collection Privee By JLo- Jennifer's Nude 370 / $10

Jennifer's Nude has been my favourite nude lipstick since it launched years ago! It's a pink/ nude and I think it would suit a lot of people. I still love it but don't wear lipstick very often since we are still wearing masks. Instead, I opt for tinted lip balms like Burt's Bees.

Milani Keep it Full Nourishing Lip Plumper in Soft Rose 3.7ml / $10

This was a gift from an online buddy and it became my favourite lip gloss. The colour is just what I like, a bit of a nude/ pink, my lips but better shade. It's super hydrating and really does make my lips look much fuller! There isn't any tingle or burn or anything, but it does work to make lips look more plump!

Health

VitaFusion Vitamin D3 1000IU 150 gummies $15

I'm not that picky about my Vitamin D3 supplements, I just happen to enjoy taking them in a gummy form as it makes them convenient to take, and they're yummy so it's easy to remember to take them. I also prefer the 1000IU so I can customize my dose and take more or less, depending on whether I'm getting a lot of sunshine or not. My blood levels of vitamin D are good, so I will continue to take it.

Repurchase- Yes

Garden of Life Vitamin Code 50 & Wiser Women Multi Vitamin

Vitamin Code is my current favourite multi vitamin. I am rotating between this version for Women 50+ and the one below geared towards Women in general. I love that these are whole food vitamins that our bodies recognize and I feel better when I take them. I feel like they regulate my body as I sleep better and feel better overall. Garden of Life has several versions including ones for men, over 40 etc. Have a look at the ingredients and see which one has what your looking for. You really cannot go wrong with this brand, IMO.  Note: I sometimes take half of the recommended dose, depending on how I'm feeling, just to make my dollar go further.

Repurchase- Absolutely!

Garden of Life Vitamin Code Women Multi Vitamin

My thoughts on this multi are the same as for the one above by the same brand, just a different version. 

Repurchase- Already have!

Webber Naturals Super Sleep Tablets

I literally cannot live without this product! I have severe and chronic insomnia and this works wonders for me considering how bad my insomnia is. I take half of the recommended dose as that works best for me and also makes the product last twice as long. I take one tablet nightly and once my sleep starts to become more restless, I then take a break from this supplement (or any melatonin containing supplement), after a short break, I can return to it and it works great. Sometimes I take one if I wake prematurely and it usually helps me go back to sleep. I've also found it at Costco.

Repurchase- Yes!

Provita Astragalus Tablets

Astragalus is an adaptogenic herb with amino acids, trace minerals, and polyphenols. It's a great tonic and immune booster. It works as an antioxidant and has anti-inflammatory, and anti aging properties. I took it for adrenal fatigue and felt it worked well for that. I have also taken it in the past when my immune system plummeted after I was struck by a streetcar, and I found that it did indeed boost my immune system as I stopped getting sick all the time. Note: I took the Now Foods brand of Astragalus and will continue to take that brand. 

Repurchase- Yes, I would purchase Astragalus by Now Foods in the future

I hope you enjoyed seeing what I used up and maybe found some of the information helpful. Remember to always consult with your healthcare practitioner before beginning any new supplements. 

See you next week!

Post contains affiliate links.

NARS Afterglow Lip Balm in Orgasm Review with Swatches!

Nars Afterglow Lip Balm in Orgasm $28 USD/ 3 Grams

True to other Nars Orgasm products, this lip balm is described as a sheer, peachy pink with golden shimmer. The Afterglow Lip Balm is available in 8 shades.

Described as moisturizing lip balm infused with a blend of antioxidants to condition and protect lips.

Details:

• Sheer coverage
• High shine colour
• Contains Monoï Oil for long-lasting hydration
• Fragrance-free
• Alcohol-free

As I get older, my lips get more and more dehydrated and lined. So I tend to look for hydrating lip products that add a hint of colour and this lippie seemed to tick off all of my boxes. And, with the Nars Orgasm name behind this shade, I was expecting something really special!

I have to admit that the rose gold packaging is stunning! I find the lip balm to be hydrating and it provides a sheer wash of colour to my lips. However, for the price, I was expecting it to have a wow factor. Don't get me wrong, I do really like it and enjoy using it but the wow factor just isn't there for me. I fee that I can get the same look from a lot of tinted lip balms.

It's very sheer, as it claims to be, but adds a decent amount of pink to my lips (this will vary for each person depending on how pigmented your lips are to begin with). It does swatch quite light and I didn't expect it to show up as much as it does on my lips based on that. It's described as a peachy pink with golden shimmer. It shows up as a sheer, shiny pink on my lips, however, I do not see any golden shimmer.

It is quite hydrating, as it should be. I find that the lasting power is average for a balm. Considering the price tag, I was expecting more here as well. After about 30 minutes, the colour, shine, and hydration start to wear off and I feel the need to reapply. However, if I do not reapply, I find that it does leave a very slight pink tint to my lips that does last as does a little bit of hydration.

Below are swatches from various angles during a dreary day, some with overhead lighting and some without.

As you can see, it is quite sheer against my pale skin. Of course, the effect will be different on your lips since they will have more pigmentation.

Here are a few comparisons of Nars Afterglow LipBalm in Orgasm beside ELF's Bare Kiss Lip Balm and Burt's Bees Lip Balm in Pink Blossom.

I read on a very reputable website that ELF's Bare Kiss was a DUPE for Nars Afterglow in Orgasm, so I purchased it right away. As you can see, they are not even close to each other. The formulas are also completely different (ELF is waxy and dry, Nars is sheer and hydrating).

Top: Nars Afterglow in Orgasm, Middle: ELF Bare Kiss, 

Bottom: Burt's Bees Pink Blossom

Below is right after application

30 minutes after application in the car

Overall, I do love this product even though it didn't have that wow factor that I was expecting. But, I also feel that I can get the same effect from many tinted lip balms. I would definitely repurchase this product if the price tag was around $10. But, at over $30 here in Canada, I would say it is very overpriced for what it is. However, I do think it would make a nice gift for someone who likes tinted lip balms as it comes in such beautiful packaging and it is very pretty. It's just not something I can justify repurchasing at its current price.

In hindsight, I would probably purchase the mini Afterglow Lip Balm that comes with the corresponding blush (linked here), and probably will when I finish this balm. 😊

$28 USD (Shop Now)

Once I find a DUPE for this product, I will be sharing with y'all as soon as I find it!

Let me know what your favourite coloured lip product is for aging lips in the comments below!

Not sponsored. Contain referral links. Thank you if you choose to use them!

Physicians Formula Butter Bronzer in Bronzer #Review

I finally "hit pan" on my Physician's Formula Butter Bronzer in the shade Bronzer. This bronzer definitely took time to grow on me. The formula is fabulous, it's soft and buttery just as the name implies. The shade can look a little muddy on me though because I find the Bronzer shade to be more of a contour shade, so I use a light hand. I like to bronze all over for a sunkissed look, because of this, I actually prefer bronzers with a bit of a red undertone to mimic a fake tan. I find the darker shade from this line "Dark Bronzer" (which is waiting patiently in the wings for me to use it) has more of a red undertone, so I prefer that one for an all over bronzed up look . These bronzers do have a sweet tropical scent which fades once applied. I'm really not offended nor sold by the scent. I actually prefer unscented beauty products but it wouldn't stop me from purchasing this product. 

My all-time favourite bronzer is still Laura Geller's Bronze n' Brighten and it's been my favourite for at least 10 years! But since I like to try new products, I had purchased the Butter Bronzers to give them a go. You never know if you'll find a new favourite, eh? Until I use this up, I will alternate my PF Butter Bronzers and my Laura Geller one, which I use in medium, btw.

Overall, the formula is fantastic and now there are 4 shades to choose from Light, Bronzer, Deep,  and Sunkissed, so there is something for everyone. Physician's Formula is a Cruelty-free brand. Plus, they are accessible and affordable if you wait for a sale. Right now all shades are half price at $7.69 on Amazon.com.

Shop Physicians Formula Butter Bronzers HERE.

What's your favourite bronzer? 

Hope everyone has a great week ahead. 

XO's Amy

*not sponsored. Some links are referral. Thank you if you choose to use them!

Blog Giveaway Winner!

I wanted to thank everyone for participating in Health and Beauty Girl's 1 year birthday big beauty giveaway! The winner "Julie R" has been contacted. 

I had a lot of fun doing this giveaway, so I can't wait to host another giveaway. It's always fun to give to others and make someone's day! I would love to give back to all of my readers! 

I love that everyone who entered the giveaway shared their number 1 beauty item. Most of the products listed are products I haven't tried, so I am making a list of products to try from everyone's recommendations. If you want to check out this list you can visit the post and read the comments HERE.

Once again, thanks to everyone for visiting and supporting my blog and participating in this giveaway!

Amy

xoxo

1 Year Blog Birthday! Big Beauty Giveaway! *CLOSED

A year ago today Health and Beauty Girl was born. I want to celebrate Health and Beauty Girl's birthday by giving back to you with a giveaway!

I started this blog to share my experiences and passions with other like-minded people. I have learned so much along the way and met some of the most incredible people! I have been very lucky and truly have the most amazing readers. Having this giveaway is my way of saying thanks for reading my posts and sharing so much with me.

I can't believe that I've been blogging for a year! The year just flew by... must be having fun! I had no idea that I would end up blogging for this long and didn't know where things would go, but I'm even more excited today for the future of Health and Beauty Girl than I was when I started.

I will probably celebrate with a cupcake and my favourite tea! And, this giveaway of course.

Let's get this party started!

I have selected some of my personal favourite beauty products and some I've never tried before to give to one lucky reader.

This beauty prize pack (value over $60) includes:

-Elf eyeshadow palette in Smoky
-Elf eye primer
-Essence Contour and highlight powder (New product, I hear it's comparable to high-end!)
-Essence Sun Club all-in-one bronzing highlighter (I own this and love to use it every summer)
-2 Essence Lipsticks in my 2 favourite colours: Cool Nude and Creamy Nude
-Sonia Kashuk Eye on Neutral eyeshadow palette- matte 02
-Sonia Kashuk Shine Luxe Sheer Lip colour in "Sheer Pink Lust" (I have backups of this!)
-4 eye brushes
-a pair of rhinestone crawler earrings

Giveaway details:

-The giveaway will run for 1 week and will close on March 18th
-The winner will be announced on the blog, twitter and IG
-It is open internationally
-If the winner's shipping address is outside of Canada and the USA, the package will be shipped by ground and may take up to 6 weeks to reach you
-No purchase necessary
-Must be age of majority in your state, province etc.
-Healthandbeautygirl.com is not responsible for lost or damaged merchandise
-This giveaway is not sponsored and is fully funded by Moi!


Thanks to everyone for participating in my giveaway and congrats to the winner! It was such a good time, I will definitely be hosting more giveaways in the future!

Enter using the Rafflecopter form below

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