Monthly Empties | Health, Beauty, Skincare!

 It seems like I just posted last month's empties and it's already time for July's empties post! My little dollar store popcorn box that I use to collect all of my empties isn't overflowing for once! Hopefully, I can do better this month at finishing up some more products!

I'll share mini-reviews with links to products and whether or not I'd repurchase. Let's go....

Skincare

Live Clean Hydrating Creamy Cleanser
This is my favourite face cleanser so far. It reminds me a lot of cleansers that I've used from spas! It's very hydrating which my dehydrated skin really appreciates! It's all natural and full of fabulous botanicals.  (I also use the foaming one for when my skin is oilier).

Repurchase- Yes

Pure + Simple Beautiful Skin Face Cream
I love many Pure + Simple products but my skin is not a fan of this cream. It was my first time trying it, and although the ingredients are great, it's just not hydrating enough for my dehydrated, aging skin.

Repurchase- No

Miracle 10 AHA Cream
I used most of this product but didn't finish it, not because it wasn't good, it was just so old. My error in letting it sit there for years before I got around to trying it out. I think it lost its efficacy over that much time. Luckily, I used most of it but I didn't notice much probably because of how old it was.

Repurchase- Unsure

Hair Care

Tarte Hair Goals Dry Shampoo
I wasn't a fan of this dry shampoo. It didn't absorb the oils on my scalp and the scent was very overwhelming and even after a few sprays, I'd have to exit the bathroom. I purchased this as part of a Limited Edition Tarte kit, perhaps the full size works better.

Repurchase- No

L'anza Trauma Treatment
I LOVE this product! It's fabulous for dry, bleached and coloured hair like mine! It really made my hair feel softer and helped with conditioning and frizz control. I found out that a little goes a long way and using more does not yield better results. This bottle lasted me a year. Granted, I don't wash my hair everyday and I do test out a lot of hair products.

Repurchase- Yes

Health

These 2 products will come of no surprise to my regular readers. These are 2 of my go-to supplements that I will not be without!

Nature's Answer Rhodiola Rosea 100mg/ 60 caps
This is an adaptogenic herb which is supposed to help the body cope with various conditions and stress. I used to find that it single-handedly prevented my early morning wakenings. It's not helping so much in that way at the moment, but I do find it worth taking as it has many benefits. I've tried many other brands and doses and this is by far the best one for me. Note: I only take 1 a day not the 2 recommended.. it works for me.

Repurchase- Yes

Healthy Origins CoQ10 100 mg/ 60 soft gels (Ubiquinone)
Ever since I found out that I had some heart issues, Mitral Valve Prolapse (MVP) being one of them, I started taking this Q10. It's been 16 years since I was diagnosed and began taking these everyday and my last echocardiogram showed NO Mitral Valve Prolapse. I couldn't believe it! I didn't follow the cardiologist's orders to do cardio every day, so I attribute my heart repairing itself to this supplement as it's the only thing I did for the health of my heart. After hearing the news, both of my parents started taking this supplement. Q10 has MANY health benefits that go beyond just heart health. I feel that anyone over 40 should take Q10 as it dwindles as we age and affects every cell in our bodies. I'm not a Doctor, this is just my opinion.

Note: I know there are debates about the best form of CoQ10. I've done my research and conclude that there is no reason to change from using the Ubiquinone form at this time.

Repurchase- Yes

That's it for this month. I hope you found some of the info helpful or informative.

Note: I am not a Doctor or health professional. I am just sharing my opinion in hopes of helping others. Always check with your healthcare provider before beginning any new supplements.

Happy long weekend, everyone! 💓

Not sponsored. Some links are referral links. Thank you if you choose to use them.

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.