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. 

December/ January Empties: Health, Beauty, Skincare & Makeup!

Time to talk some trash, Today I'm Sharing my health and beauty empties for the month of December and January. I know many of you love empties posts, as do I.  I didn't finish too much for the last two months but enough to share. Some are new products for me and some are staples for me. Read on to see what I'd repurchase. ps. Here is my last empties post if you'd like to see more empties!

Hair & Skin

-Gosh Much More Moist Hair Conditioner- I found this fairly basic for my super frizzy and dry hair. My hair needs something more. This would be a great conditioner for someone with less damaged hair. I love that they are cruelty-free (last I heard).

-Desert Essence Thoroughly Clean Face Wash- Unfortunately, I'm having to toss this product and it's still over 1/2 full. It's a decent cleanser for combo-oily skin, but the best before says 9 months after opening and I've actually had it for much longer. Also, it kept clogging at the nozzle (you can probably see all the gunk built up). I think it's because of the coconut oil in it. Every time I try to pump some out it squirts out the back and all over my mirror. I would not purchase again due to the clogging issue. They are also cruelty-free which is great! Note: by the look of the picture of the product on the website where I purchased it, it seems they have changed the nozzle, maybe to prevent the clogging issue.

-Reviva Labs Elastin & Collagen Skin Toner *discontinued- Anyone who's read any of my previous empties or haul posts is probably already aware that this is one of my holy grail toners. It is so gentle and since I use chemical exfoliants my skin just loves it! My latest bottle of it has a strong scent to it which it's never had before. I really wish they didn't add fragrance to it but I will still repurchase. Also cruelty-free.

Makeup

-Sonia Kashuk Undetectable Cream Bronzer in Warm Tan- Love this! So easy to blend and I would say it's a cream to powder finish. Not too warm or cool toned, I think it's the perfect shade for me (there is one more shade in the line that is darker). I've heard this compares to Chanel's cream bronzer! If I ever need/want another cream bronzer this is the one I would buy. Also, cruelty-free.

-Jordana Best Lash Extreme- I love this mascara. I found that I got similar results with it to Benefit's They're Real mascara. The only thing I don't like is that Jordana's is fairly difficult to remove even though it's not waterproof. Love the price at $2.99 and it's cruelty-free. I will definitely repurchase. 

-Elf Luscious Liquid Lipstick in Nude Pink- First, this is not a liquid lipstick at all, it's a gloss. When I first got it I found the texture or finish strange somehow, but it grew on me and now I love to throw it on when I'm out and my lipstick has worn off. I always have it in my purse. Have already repurchased. Cruelty-free and super inexpensive!

-Elf Conditioning Lip Balm in Peaceful Pink *discontinued- This is definitely conditioning and has a lot of slip to it. It looks more like a lipstick on but with so much slip it ends up all over the place. Due to the strong, pigmentation this isn't something you should apply with a finger even though it would seem it was created to be applied that way.  You really need to apply this using a mirror and a lip brush. Too much maintenance for me. I wanted something I could slap on when on the go using my finger. I tried that and then looked in the mirror and I looked like a clown. I would not repurchase although, I do have this in Nude as well to finish up now... We'll see how that one goes. Another cruelty-free product. 

Health

-Nature's Answer Rhodiola- Another product I wont be without. It helps with stress levels and helps prevent early morning wakings for me. I take one per day.

-California Gold Nutrition Daily Vits & Mins Discontinued- I got a great deal on this so I figured I'd give it a try.  I think they are a good basic multi-vitamin but I'm looking for something special, where I feel a difference so I would not repurchase. (Currently, I'm taking MYKIND multi by Garden of Life and that is going well so far).

-BHI Calming Tablets- These are another repurchase for me. I have been buying these for years. They are a homeopathic composition made to help with insomnia, tension, irritability etc. I always have a bottle by my bedside table. Homoeopathic medicines are great as they do not interact with allopathic medicines. 

I hope you enjoyed seeing what I used up in December and January. I hope to have a lot more for next month! If you have an empties post to share please leave a link, I'd love to come and check it out! 

In Health & Happiness, 

Amy

This post contains affiliate links

Product Empties #2: Makeup, Beauty, Skincare, Health with #reviews

My last empties post was back in April so I've collected quite a few more empties to post and review since then. Many products were close to being finished so I focused on using them up so I could move on to other products. Some are my holy grail products that I always repurchase and others were new to me. Many of my products that didn't make it to an empties post wound up in my Makeup Graveyard post.

Sometimes I feel like a beauty products hoarder, but the truth is that companies are coming out with new products with claims of the latest and greatest technologies at a pace that's impossible to keep up with. And, let's face it, if you love health and beauty products like I do, we're always looking for the latest and greatest in hopes of finding our new holy grail products!

Hair

- Giovanni 2chic Avocado & Olive Oil Ultra-Moist Shampoo for Dry Damaged Hair-  I always look for sulfate free shampoos because I colour my hair. This one is sulfate free and still lathered really well. It has a soft, slightly perfume-y scent that I didn't mind. It worked well but I have my sights set on some other products from this line and also have many others to finish before I even consider repurchasing this one.

-Giovanni 2chic Avocado & Olive Oil Ultra-Moist Conditioner for Dry Damaged Hair- I liked this conditioner, it did the job. I did seem to have less breakage and I like that it's more natural but it seemed fairly basic and I would like to be wowed by my next conditioner! Plus, I would like to try some newer products within this line. I have pretty difficult to deal with hair. 

- Garnier Fructis Style Curl Calm Down Anti-Frizz Cream- I have fine, frizzy and naturally curly hair. This cream did a fairly good job at taming the frizz but I have moved on to more natural oils for my hair that I feel are better for the health of my hair.

Cosmetics

-Elf Wet Gloss Lash & Brow Clear Mascara- This is a repurchase and I will continue to repurchase. I only use this to tame my brows and keep them in place and it does just that. I use both sides of the tube for my brows only. It's so inexpensive at $1.99!

-Sally Hansen Salon Nail Lacquer in Passion Plum- I swear I wore this on my toes for about 10 years it seems! I can't believe I finally finished it. It was such a deep plum it looked black. I will find a new replacement. These colours are easy to dupe these days.

-Jordana Eye Primer- I didn't get to finish this before it dried up but I did use it for a year or two and hit pan. It was a great eye base for only $2! I would repurchase if I ever get through some others I am working on now.

-Nivea Lip Butter in Vanilla & Macadamia- This was OK, the lasting time was just mediocre. I would not repurchase as I would prefer lip products that I don't have to stick my finger in.

-Maybelline Dream Fresh BB 8-in-1 Beauty Balm in Light/Medium- This had decent coverage and I liked that it had SPF 30. It says it hydrates all day and I would not agree with this, I definitely needed a good moisturizer underneath and I have combo/oily skin.  I would not repurchase as I am constantly trying out new BB creams and have found others I like better (currently, Physicians Formula Organic Wear BB cream).

Face and Body

-Retin-A Micro (Tretinoin gel) 0.04%- Retin-A is a prescription here in Canada and luckily it's covered under our medical plan. I have been using this for well over a year (maybe 2) and it's a very gentle formula. I've never had any irritation with it but I'm not noticing any more improvements in my skin so I might need to go up in strength.

-Reviva Labs Elastin & Collagen Skin Toner- This is a total holy grail for me! I use other toners as well but this is the one I go to at night. It is the most gentle toner I've ever used! It's very soothing and doesn't cause breakouts or any irritation. It says for dry skin but I have combo/oily and I love it! I do decant it into a glass bottle with a pump from an old toner that I had. Definite repurchase.

-Garnier Fructis Triple Nutrition Miracle Dry Oil, For Hair, Face and Body- I only used this product on my body so I can't say how well it works as a face or hair oil. I sprayed it on my body after a bath or shower when still damp, this way the product is absorbed better. Miracle Oil? Not so much. There was nothing miraculous about it! In fact, it left my legs dry and scaly and I've never had a problem with that before. I will not repurchase, however, I will re-purpose this bottle and fill it with my Organic Sesame oil that doesn't have any other ingredients and hydrates well.

Health

- Now Foods, Xyli White Cinnafresh Toothpaste- I've been using this toothpaste for years and my dental checkups have really improved for the better since then. I will definitely continue to repurchase this product. I am currently trying out their Neem/ Xyliwhite toothpaste from the same line. Note: it comes in mint flavours for those who don't like cinnamon.

-Jarrow Curcumin Phytosome with Meriva- I've been taking curcumin for quite some time. It's a wonderful antioxidant with an army of purported health benefits. I was mainly taking it as a preventative measure but after I ran out of it and decided not to repurchase, I suddenly gained 5 pounds in a month without changing anything else. I was trying to think of what I had done differently since gaining the weight and the only thing I could think of was that I had stopped the curcumin. I didn't think that would be the cause of the weight gain because I didn't recall reading about curcumin as an aid in maintaining or losing weight. So, I decided to google curcumin and weight and numerous articles came up about how it helps with maintaining blood sugar and weight (especially the excess weight around the abdomen area.) I quickly re-ordered my curcumin and I'm happily fitting into my jeans again! I wont be without this.

So that's it for my empties for a while I think. I'm currently working on my ridiculous amount of samples that I've collected while I was working on my full-size products. I intend to have some fun testing out all the samples and posting about them with some quick reviews.

Have you found any new holy grail products lately? I'd love any suggestions. Still on that hunt!

 Amy

iHerb Haul for Y'all: Health, Beauty, Skincare, Makeup, Supplements!

Health and Beauty Haul!

I received a package from iHerb today and thought I'd share my little haul with y'all. Maybe you will get some ideas for things you want to try. I love finding out about new products to try out. Some of these items are repurchases and other are some new discoveries for me.

As usual, I tore into everything right away! Not pictured in the haul pic above is an Elf eyeshadow that arrived as dust. :(

This is Elf's Pressed Mineral Eyeshadow in Lunch Break it's currently on sale for only $2.10! The great thing about iHerb is that they immediately refunded my money and I am reordering this with my next order. I did manage to swatch this and it's BEAUTIFUL! I actually didn't expect it to be such a nice colour from the swatches I found online.

The rest of my items and all the deets:

Rainbow Light Multivitamin

Rainbow Light Just Once Women's Food Based Multi 150 tablets for $32.89- this is a repurchase. I love this multi because it's made from food-based ingredients so our bodies recognize the ingredients more compared to manufactured ingredients and it has some herbs specifically for Women's issues and you only need one a day!

From iHerb's website:
#1 Natural Women's Multivitamin Brand

• • Promotes Bone, Breast, Heart & Skin Health
  • Provides Energy & Stress Support
  • Easy to Digest with Probiotics & Enzymes
  • Gluten Free
  • Soy Free
  • Dietary Supplement

  Naturally nourishes, energizes, and protects the major systems of a woman's body.

  Just one tablet of our food-based Women's One multivitamin goes beyond minimal daily values to deliver clinically researched key nutrients in forms that are easy for your body to absorb.

  • Bone, breast, heart, skin & immune health

  Vitamins B, C, D3, E, K • 2:1 calcium : magnesium ratio • antioxidants • whole foods

  • Energy, mood & stress management

  Women's Nourishing Blend • potent B complex

  • Brain & nervous system health

  B6 & B12 • choline

  • Easy to digest: can be taken on an empty stomach

  Fast-acting probiotics • plant-source enzymes 

Country Life Coenzyme B-Complex

Country Life, Gluten Free Coenzyme B Complex Caps, Veggie Caps 60 caps for $11.99 or 120 caps for $17.99- this is a new purchase for me. It's supposed to be easier for our bodies to absorb because of the Coenzyme formula.  

From Iherb's website: "Coenzyme B-Complex contains essential B vitamins in its active, "coenzymated" form. This complex that you've known and loved for over 15 years now includes Methylfolate (Quatrefolic) - the most advanced form currently available. And as always, you don't need to worry about the typical vitamin B taste or odor."

Reviva Labs Rosewater Facial Spray

Reviva Labs, Rosewater Facial Spray  8oz for $6.51- this is another new purchase. I love my facial sprays and I'm so excited to try this one, it has great reviews on iHerb`s website. 

From iHerb's website: With Aloe, Herbs, Minerals & Hyaluronic Acid, Refresh Skin & Set Makeup, Spray Away Perspiration, Moisturize Skin & Hair in Dry Weather, Use as a Sensitive-Skin Tonic. "Natural extract of roses makes this Facial Spray very refreshing and stimulating. Helps moisturizers and night creams have better effects in making skin look better with makeup, or "setting" makeup; you'll find dozens of other uses. For male and female athletes, this mist is a great refresher and cleansing aid."

Now Foods XyliWhite Neem & Tea Tree Toothpaste

Now Foods, XyliWhite Neem & Tea Tree Toothpaste 6.4oz for $4.57- This is another new product that I'm trying. I usually use this product in the regular XyliWhite cinnamon flavoured toothpaste and have had great results. Once I saw this formula with Neem and Tea Tree I had to get it. 

From iHerb's website: XyliWhite is a remarkable fluoride-free toothpaste gel that uses natural Xylitol as its main ingredient.

• Formulated with the purest ingredients
• Free of SLS (sodium lauryl sulfate)
• Vegetarian/vegan ingredients
• Cool, minty, refreshing taste
• White, stronger teeth
• Contains 25% Xylitol, one of the highest contents available
• For adults and children

Healthy Origins 5-HTP

Healthy Origins 5-HTP Veggie Caps 50mg/ 120 veggie caps for $10.98- This is another new product that I'm excited to try. It has great reviews and I'm hoping it will help with sleep and mood etc.

From iHerb's website: 

• Economy Size
• Naturally Sourced
• Non-GMO
• Soy Free
• Supports a Positive Mood
• Vegetarian Formula
• Dietary Supplement

``Healthy Origins 5-HTP (5-Hydroxytryptophan) is a naturally occurring substance extracted from the seeds of the Griffonia Simplicifolia plant. 5-HTP is a precursor to serotonin which is a vital neurotransmitter in the body. Serotonin is one of the primary neurotransmitters which supports healthy mood, appetite, and sleep.``

Healthy Origins 5-HTP is guaranteed to be free of "peak x" contaminant.

California Gold Curcumin C3

California Gold Nutrition, Curcumin C3 Complex 30 Veggie Caps (at the time I purchased they were on a trial special for .90cents) iHerb always has super specials and trial specials going on, you just have to click on those links on their site. I have taken curcumin before but not by this brand. Curcurmin has so many purported health benefits. Info on Curcumin.

I love shopping at iHerb. The products are much cheaper than if I were to buy them in retail stores and they have superb customer service (eg. it took me about 3 minutes on their live chat today to tell them about my broken eye shadow and they quickly refunded me.) They operate out of California and because I`m in Canada I use international shipping. Even with international shipping, this entire order cost me a flat $5.34 USD for shipping. Depending on the weight I often get shipping for a lighter order for just $2! Everyone will receive a discount on orders over $40 and if you`ve never shopped with them before, they will give you $5-$10 off your order by using this iHerb coupon code  . I`ve shopped around and always find they have the lowest prices and lowest shipping charges. 

I hope you enjoyed seeing all the new products I purchased. I know I`m excited to try all of the new ones! If you have any questions or would like any reviews on any of the products please let me know. 

Click here for $5-$10 off your first iHerb order

Xo Amy