Laura Mercier Lush Nectarine Blush Review

Whilst browsing the new Laura Mercier stand at the Douglas in Frankfurt, I was on the hunt for something new.  Disappointed by the foundation offerings, I moved on to the blushers.  

One of the makeup artists noticed that I was swatching away and offered to apply some blush on to me and I just figured, why not?  She created what I can only call the most beautiful combination ever.  She mixed together Lush Nectarine and Spiced Cider to create the perfect blush color for any season.  Although I wanted both shades, I couldn't justify spending €28 twice, so I walked away from the stand with only one blush in my hands: Lush Nectarine.

Lush Nectarine ($24/€28) is described as a soft peachy coral, which it is, but then again it isn't.  What I would describe as more of an orange-based coral with a hint of peachy-pink with shimmer, this blush is absolutely stunning for Spring/Summer.  Despite the heavy orange undertones to the blush, it still manages to look natural on me, which is shocking, because most orange-based anythings look awful on me!

As far as longevity goes, you can't get much better than this stuff.  A good 7 hours after application, the blush is still in tact and looks as if I had just applied it not 10 minutes before!  However, at the 11 hour mark, it starts to look a little faded, but somehow not patchy.  I can't say anything, except the longevity is amazing!

However, despite the gorgeous color and the longevity, there is something I just can't get over when it comes to the LM Blushers: the amount of product.  Despite spending a hefty $24/€28, you only get 3.5g of product!  That's the same as any one of the LM Eyeshadows, which I think is nothing short of disappointing.  The blusher is so small and compact, and although that's great for travel, it makes me feel a bit ripped-off.

Longevity: 4.5/5

Pigmentation: 4/5

Packaging: 4/5

Texture: 4.5/5

Application: 4/5

Value For Money: 3/5 

Overall Rating: 8/10

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Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush in Exposed Review

As an admitted blush addict, I'm always on the hunt for a new blush.  I have a collection that would scare most people, yet I can't help but buy them!

Although, I have found love with Estée Lauder's Pure Color Blush in 15 Blushing Nude ($28) (review here), I find it to be too warm to wear with certain looks and when those moments come I always turn to the Tarte Amazonian Clay Blush in Exposed ($26).

Exposed is a brown-pink color with the slightest hint of shimmer in the pan (but it doesn't seem to transfer to the cheeks) that looks so natural on anyone I've ever seen it on.  It doesn't look like you're wearing blush, it just looks like you have a healthy glow to your cheeks.  It's probably the closest color I've found to matching my actual flush color, which is really what anyone looks for in blushers, right?

Since this is a brown-pink, it is warm in color, but it's more pink than brown, making it the perfect blush choice for fair-light skins (such as myself) and not too warm for those with cooler-tones, but warm enough for those with warmer-tones.

The texture is chalky to the touch and is not the easiest to swatch; however, once you pick up a brush, the product is picked up very easily and applies really nicely (I use the Real Techniques Multi-Task Brush)!  It's quite pigmented when applied to the cheeks, so you don't need much.

As for the whole '12-Hour Staying Power' - well, I'm not convinced.  The blush does have good staying power, lasting around 8 hours on me, but 12 hours is definitely not the case.

The packaging is also a little hit and miss.  Each blush in this line has the color packaging that reflects the color inside, which is really helpful for when you're searching through your collection (especially if your collection is rather large - like mine).  However, the overall look seems a tad cheap, in my opinion and it doesn't look like you spent $26, which is a shame.

Overall, I would definitely recommend this blush if you're looking for a natural, pink flush.  Otherwise, if you're looking for a different shade, I know there are a lot of different ones in this range, and if the formulation and pigmentation is the same throughout (I'm not sure, I've only tried this one), then I would definitely say to go for it!

Longevity: 4.5/5

Pigmentation: 4.5/5

Packaging: 3.5/5

Texture: 4/5

Application: 5/5

Value For Money: 4/5 

Overall Rating: 8.5/10

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Clinique Chubby Stick in 07 Super Strawberry Review

After professing my love for the Clinique Chubby Stick in Bountiful Blush (review here), it was only a matter of time until I picked up another one in a different shade.

Some serious swatching occurred at the Clinique counter, but I left with a new tinted lip balm in my hands and I have been so pleased with it.  I opted for Super Strawberry ($16), a wearable bright pink.

It's described as a sheer berry pink, which is exactly right.   Super Strawberry is exactly the color you would think of when you think of strawberries.  This shade is a great way for adding a pop of color, without going overboard and without sacrificing hydration to your lips.

My lips were recently somewhat destroyed thanks to a certain lip balm (*cough* Nuxe Reve De Miel *cough*) and the Clinique Chubby Sticks and the Chanel Rouge Coco Shines are the only lip products I can wear on my lips besides actual lip balms.  So, if you're looking for hydration and a bit of color, look no farther.

On to longevity, it's about the same as any other tinted lip balm, about 2 hours.  I feel like if you're looking into getting a tinted lip balm, longevity shouldn't be the question you're asking (they all tend to be the same on me), the question should be pigmentation.

One thing I've noticed with the Chubby Sticks is that there not as pigmented at the first bit of the bullet, but once you used up the pointed end and start using what's inside the tube, it becomes more pigmented (very confusing, hope it makes sense).

I also know that there is no shortage of dupes out there, all for about half the price of the Clinique version, but I personally prefer the Clinique version to the dupes I've tried!  

I would definitely recommend this shade to anyone who's looking for a new, bright lip shade for everyday wear :)

Longevity: 4/5

Pigmentation: 4/5

Packaging: 4/5

Texture: 5/5

Application: 5/5

Value For Money: 4/5 

Overall Rating: 8.67/10

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40 Beauty Questions :)

I thought I'd do something a little different today :) I hope you enjoy it!

SkinCare

How many times do you wash your face a day?

Twice a day - once in the morning,and again at night.

What skin type do you have?

Normal to Combination.

What's your current face wash?

In the morning I use the L'Occitane Immortelle Precious Cleansing Foam ($27), which is OK, and the Emma Hardie Amazing Face Natural Lift and Sculpt Moringa Cleansing Balm (£34), which I really enjoy!

Do you exfoliate?

I don't exfoliate my face often enough, I should really get on that...

But I use a body scrub in the shower twice a week, because I suffer from dry skin on my arms and legs..

What moisturizer do you use?

I am currently using the Algenist Firming & Lifting Cream ($94) (review here)! 

Do you have freckles?

I have some freckles on my face, and I love them all!  I can't bear wearing a foundation that doesn't let them shine through :)

Do you use eye cream?

Yes, I recently started using the Kiehl's Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado ($28.50 for 0.5 oz) for in the evening; I really like it so far, but I do think it's a bit too heavy-duty for morning..

Do you or did you have acne pron skin?

Not really, I get the occasional spot, but thankfully it's not too often!

Make-up

What foundation do you use?

I usually switch between the Burberry Sheer Fluid Foundation in Trench No. 01 ($52), the Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation in Porcelain 0 ($47), and the Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum in 51 (£10.99).

How about concealer?
Burberry Sheer Concealer in No. 01 Light Beige ($40) for under the eyes, then Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer in 1 Fair (£4.19) for any spots or redness on my face.

Do you know your undertone color?

Neutral, I believe..

What do you think of fake eyelashes?

I've never used them, but I'd like to try them out for a night out or something.

Did you know you're supposed to change your mascara every 3 months?

Yes, and I try hard to stick to it, as well :)!

What brand of mascara do you use?

Um...currently using...6.  I switch between all six: YSL Shocking Mascara in 5 Cherry Black (review here) ($30), YSL Effet Faux Cils Mascara in 6 Deep Night (review here) ($30), Maybelline Mega Plush Mascara ($6), Maybelline The Falsies Mascara ($6), Maybelline The Rocket Mascara (review here) ($6), and Revlon Grow Luscious Mascara (review here) ($5).  I like them all (except I'm still on the fence about Maybelline's The Rocket), though!

Sephora or MAC?

Probably MAC, since I could get everything at Sephora from somewhere else if I HAD to!

Do you have a MAC pro-card

No :(

What make-up tools do you use in make-up application?

I use a Sephora Mineral Powder Brush for foundation, a Real Techniques Domed Shadow Brush for concealer, a spooli for my eyebrows, usually a MAC 217 for my eyeshadow, Shu Uemura Eyelash Curlers, an EcoTools Bronzer Brush for Bronzer, Real Techniques Multi-Purpose Brush for Blush, and a MAC 109 for Highlighter (though this all changes quite often except for the spooli, the concealer brush, and the eyelash curlers!).

Do you use a make-up base/primer for your eyes?

I'm currently trying to work my way through my Urban Decay Primer Potion ($20), though I prefer the NARS Smudge-Proof Eyeshadow Base ($24) (review here).

For you face?

I don't usually use a primer for my face, but sometimes I'll use the Burberry Fresh Glow ($48).

What's your favorite eyeshadow color/shade?

Burberry Sheer Eyeshadow in No. 02 Trench ($29)! It's the perfect color to match my skin-tone, couldn't live without it!

Do you use pencil or liquid eyeliner?

Sometime I use a pencil, but I usually use MAC Smut ($12) smudged into my lash line instead of liner or I'll use MAC Teddy Eye Kohl ($16) on my lashline.

How often do you poke your eyes with your eyeliner?

Not too often, but when I do it's ALWAYS when I'm lining my tightline!

What do you think of pigment shadows?

They look fantastic, but I haven't tried one yet - hopefully that'll change soon :)

Do you use mineral make-up?

I have the Laura Mericer Mineral Powder in Real Sand ($36)  , but it's a tad too dark for me, so I rarely use it, but I love the way it looks on my skin!

What's your favorite lipstick?

Clinique Chubby Stick in Bountiful Blush ($16) (review here) all the way!

How about lipgloss?

I HATE lipgloss with a passion.  I always find it way too sticky and my hair constantly gets stuck in it!

What's your favorite blush to use?

Tie between NARS Douceur ($29) and Estée Lauder Pure Color Blush in #15 Blushing Nude ($28) (review here)!

Do you buy your make-up on eBay?

I've only ever bought one palette from Benefit off of eBay - I'm always too scared that it'll be fake!  Though I have bought used perfumes off of eBay before.

Do you like drugstore make-up?

Yes!  Sometimes I forget how much I love it, but I always try and use a couple drugstore products everyday because they're often just as good as my high-end stuff.

Do you go to CCO's (cosmetic company outlets)

No, I don't think we have them in Germany and I think the closest one to my hometown in America is something like 4 hours away...

Have you ever considered taking a make-up course?

Yes! But I'm not sure where I could take one back home...

Are you clumsy when putting on make-up?

Only if I'm doing something I haven't quite got the hang of - like liquid eyeliner *shudder*.

Name a make-up crime you hate?

Spider lashes!  They really bother me.  I once saw a girl on the train apply mascara for 30 minutes straight.  Her lashes were so spidery and gross, I wanted to change seats just so I wouldn't have to stare at them anymore...

Do you like colorful shades of make-up? ( lipsticks, eyeshadow) or neutral ones?

I love bright lips, and I love using darker shades for my eyes and lips in the Winter, but I'm a major neutral lover overall!

Which celebrity always has great make-up?

Lauren Conrad always has stunning makeup!  But I don't really follow celebrities that much, especially beauty-wise.  I find more inspiration through Blogs and Youtube!

If you could leave the house using just one make-up item, what would it be?

Definitely concealer!

Could you ever leave the house without any make-up?

Yes, and I have many times, I just prefer to have a bit of concealer, a bit of mascara, and my eyebrows filled in if I can!

Do you think you look good even without any make-up?

Yeah, I think it's important to realize you look good without makeup instead of being dependent on it.  So whenever I feel like I don't look good without makeup on, I force myself to go out without makeup.  I like to dive straight into the deep end when it comes to makeup.

In your opinion, what is the best make-up line?

If I could only use one brand it would probably be Burberry.  Their foundation and eyeshadows are my favorite of all time, plus their powder, concealer, blushers, and lipsticks are really nice, too!

What do you think of make-up?

I love make-up, it gives me an opportunity to accentuate my features, to add color to my otherwise dead complexion, to brighten up my eyes, to sculpt my face; it lets me achieve something sultry and daring, or natural and glowing.  I love playing around with colors and trying out new looks, and it's amazing how different you can look with just a little bit of concealer and an eyebrow pencil!

I hope you enjoyed this post :)  If you've done this, make sure to link it down below, I love reading these posts!

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NOTD: Essie Maximillian Strasse Her

Essie's new Spring Collection recently arrived here in Germany and I couldn't help myself when I saw the lovely array of shades!  I only bought one, but there's a few more that I definitely have my eyes on.

I opted for the gorgeous grey-tinged, sage green shade, 'Maximillian Strasse Her'.  I picked it up partly for the beautiful shade, but also partly because it has a partially German name :)  Although, the name makes no sense, if I'm honest.

However, names aside, this shade is stunning.

I think it's something that could work really well year round, it has that bit of grey in it that would make it work in Fall/Winter, but the sage green works so well for Spring/Summer.  Also, you really can't go wrong with Essie Nail Polishes in terms of longevity.  They tend to last about 4 or 5 days on me without any major chipping, which is pretty damn good considering it's only $8/€8!

I have a feeling this color is going to make multiple appearances on my nails; it's definitely a winner in my books, so make sure to check it out!

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I've Done Some Shopping...

While walking through town the other day (and again a few days later), I meandered through Douglas and there were some items I just couldn't resist.

Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Sheer Powder in No. 10

The first item that made its way into my basket was the new and utterly lovely Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Sheer Powder in No. 10 (the lightest shade) (€48) (review here).  I saw this for the first time last month when I was in Paris and it just didn't interest me.  I honestly thought they were just bronzers in really gorgeous packaging, and it all seemed a little bit too much for me.  However, once I realized it was a finishing powder (but you could use a darker shade for a bronzer, too), I was all ears!  No. 10 is cooler toned than the others in the lineup, though it's still more of a neutral tone, making it absolutely perfect to set my makeup with!  I'm already in love :)  This has been out in Europe since April, but won't be released in the US until August as far as I know, so keep an eye out for that!

Estée Lauder Vanilla Pods

I also picked up a new eyeshadow duo: Estée Lauder Vanilla Pods (€32/$32).  I initially was interested in getting Raisins, but the colors looked way too easy to dupe from MAC (All That Glitters and Cranberry, anyone?), so I decided to pick up something that I thought I could use on a more day to day basis and that I probably don't already have dupes of in my collection.  As you can see, both shades are very taupe-based, making them really great everyday colors for a neutral eye, which is really the only colors I ever wear on my eyes!

I also couldn't leave the store without picking up a new Clinique Chubby Stick in Bountiful Blush (€20/$16) (review here). I recently lost this and was going mad for about a week before I realized I just can't live without this.  It is my perfect everyday color, a gorgeous, dusty rose that looks so natural on the lips.  I've written a full review on this shade if you want to know more!

I also recently placed an order on Feelunique to stock up on a few essentials.  I ran out my night cream recently and so I opted to pick up a new one: the Antipodes Avocado Pear Nourishing Night Cream (about €40/$50).  I've heard good things about this night cream and about Antipodes in general, so I wanted to test it out for myself!  I also decided to try out a new toner: the Melvita Rose Water (around €8/$10).  I ran out of my LUSH Toner recently, so I thought I would try something new!  I also decided to get the L'Oreal Tecni Art 'Super Dust' (around €13/$17).  I've heard really good things about this, it's supposed to give great volume to your hair, so I'm very excited to test this out!

Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation in Porcelain 0

I also decided to pick up a new foundation because I just really wanted to try something new.  I opted for the Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation SPF 15 ($47).  I'd heard good things about this foundation and I really wanted to try a foundation from Bobbi Brown as I never have!  I'm in the shade Porcelain 0 (second lightest shade, yes!) and it's such a perfect match for me!  It's light coverage, which is perfect for me, and I'm really impressed so far :)

Bobbi Brown Creaseless Concealer in Porcelain

After being so impressed with the Bobbi Brown foundation, I decided to pick up the Bobbi Brown Creaseless Concealer in Porcelain ($23).  I've been wanting to try this for a while, so I'm very excited to try this out.

MAC Temperature Rising Eyeshadow Palette (LE)

MAC Patisserie Lipstick

I then went to MAC and picked up two things.  The first item that went into my basket is the new eyeshadow palette - Temperature Rising ($44) (review here) - from the Temperature Rising Collection.  There's three purple-toned eyeshadows and a random peachy-toned eyeshadow in it, but it looks like it'll be really good!  The other item that made it's way into my basket was the MAC Patisserie Lipstick ($15).  This is a pinky-nude lustre lipstick that I've wanted to try for about a year, so I thought it was about time that I bite the bullet and just buy it :)

Overall, I'm extremely happy with my purchases and I'm sure I'll be keeping you posted with reviews soon!  Anything you've bought recently that you're over the moon about?

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3 Cream Blushers for Spring/Summer!

Ever since the beginning of February, I've had a never-ending bout of Spring Fever.  I've changed to makeup routine to match the *warmer* weather: lighter bases, less eye makeup, coral lips, and of course, cream blushers.

I never used to like cream blushers, but recently, I've been converted!

As I've been loving cream blushers recently, I thought I'd share my top 3 picks for this Spring with you :)

Topshop Head Over Heels (Top: Blended out, Bottom: Heavily swatched)

The first one is the Topshop Cream Blush in Head Over Heels ($12).  Although not the cheapest drugstore price, it's still a lovely blush and I find it works just as nicely as my higher-end cream blushers do.  It lasts all day on me and the color is beautiful!  It's a coral that leans more orange than pink, but it's absolutely perfect for Spring! I'm so impressed with the formula of this that I'm definitely going to pick up some more of these when I'm in London this week!

NARS Penny Lane (Top: Blended out, Bottom: Heavily swatched)

The next blusher is NARS Penny Lane ($29).  The least creamy of the three blushers, but the longest lasting by far.  I wore this the other day and it literally stayed on from when I first applied it at around 11 am until I took it off at 10 pm. The longevity of this alone makes it worth the price!  Penny Lane is a warm, nude pink that looks soft and natural on fair to light skin tones.  However, it might not show up on medium-dark skin-tones, so keep that in mind.  The formula is cream to powder and I'm really impressed with it, despite the lack of creaminess!

YSL 02 Powdery Rose (Top: Heavily swatched, Bottom: Blended out)

My final pick is the YSL Crème De Blush in 02 Powdery Rose ($38).  This is a beautifully packaged soft pink/strawberry shade.  Although quite bright in the pan, the blush applies quite sheerly (though it can be built up), so don't let the color scare you!  It's really easy to blend onto the cheeks and it lasts pretty well, though not as long-wearing as Penny Lane.  The only problem with it?  The packaging is so small and compact that it could be hard to fit your entire brush in.

As for brushes to use, I opt for a stippling brush most days.  I prefer to use the Real Techniques Stippling Brush, but I will also use the MAC 109, as well as the Real Techniques Contour Brush.

The Real Techniques Stippling Brush is perfect for all of my cream blushers, except for the YSL one, as it just doesn't fit into the teeny-tiny pot.  However, it applies all of my blushers like a dream.  The MAC 109 is a small brush, works really well for the creamier of the cream blushers (i.e. the Topshop and YSL ones), plus the entire brush head fits in the YSL packaging!  It blends them out really nicely and doesn't shed when using either of those blushers.  However, it sheds like a mofo when I'm using NARS Penny Lane.  I have to remove about 5 hairs from that blush after each use, so I had to find something else.  I found that the Real Techniques Contour Brush works really well for that.  It blends the color out, applies it nicely to the cheek, and doesn't leave me with a pair of tweezers trying my damnedest not to damage my blush!

These three blushers have already gotten a lot of use and they will continue to throughout the rest of Spring/Summer!  I hope you found this helpful and if you have any cream blush recommendations, I am definitely all ears :)

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Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Sheer Powder Review

While looking around at Sephora when I was in Paris last month, I couldn't help but notice the random stands they had throughout featuring a new product from Chanel - Les Beiges Healthy Glow Sheer Powder (€48).  They had three or four shades available at the stands (I think they were No. 20 through No. 50) and I couldn't help but stare at them - then I saw the price tag.

I walked straight away from the stand, I couldn't believe how much they were charging for bronzer!  It never occurred to me that it was a setting powder, because for someone as pale as me, those shades are bronzing shades.

A few weeks later, I walked into my local Douglas and was browsing the Chanel counter and came across Les Beiges again.  That's when I realized it was actually a setting powder (though, of course, you could also use it as a bronzer if you went up a shade or two).  After doing some research, I decided to bite the bullet and buy it!

There's a bit of a trend going on with the 'new generation of powders' with options like this and the new Hourglass powders (which I haven't tried yet).  I really like this trend, because I often find powders to be too cakey and too much for all over use, but Les Beiges is really good for not looking cakey (so long as you use the proper brush, I really can't stress this enough).

The cool thing about Les Beiges is that it's really a multi-purpose product.  As I previously mentioned, you could use it as a bronzer (though you need to go up a shade or two), you could use it as a finishing powder over your foundation, or you could use it in place of foundation (if you have really good skin).

On first application, I decided to use it in place of foundation, but I just found that it was too light of coverage.  I tried it again the next day and applied too much of it (due to using the wrong brush - the Real Techniques Buffing Brush, use a Kabuki brush or a mineral powder brush like the Sephora Mineral Powder Brush) and felt a bit cakey.  On the third day, I finally got the hang of it and applied the right amount with the proper brush and fell in love.

Les Beiges looks matte upon first glance, but if you look closer you'll notice there is a tiny bit of shimmer in it.  It doesn't look like you have shimmer on your face when you wear it though, it's just enough shimmer to give you a natural, healthy glow.

For reference, I use the shade No. 10, which is the lightest shade.  It's a neutral-toned powder, but compared to the rest of the lineup, which is very warm-toned, it looks quite cool.  I like that it's more of a neutral tone, because I often find powders to go either warm or cool and this is really nice for me, as I am more neutral-toned.

I also just want to take a second to talk about the beauty that is the packaging of Les Beiges.  This is the first time Chanel has not used black packaging with a white logo, instead it's off-white packaging with a black logo and it is stunning.  My only issue with the packaging is that the brush sits on top of a flimsy piece of plastic - whereas I would have preferred a little door for the brush to be kept in, especially considering the price!

Overall, I'm happy with this purchase, but I would definitely say it's not a purchase to rush into, make sure you do your research first!

For those of you in the US, I've heard that this won't be released until August, so keep your eyes out for it when it launches :)

Longevity: 4.5/5

Pigmentation: 4.5/5

Packaging: 5/5

Texture: 5/5

Application: 4.5/5

Value For Money: 4/5 

Overall Rating: 9.17/10

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Products I've Finished: Empties #3

I finally finished a few more products!  I'll just jump right in :)

Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser (£14.75)

I bought this in September, while I was in London, and this 100ml bottle lasted about 5 months, which I think it decent.  It worked really well and it got all of my make-up off.  I might buy it again, but for now, I'm happy with the cleansers I have!

LUSH Eau Roma Water ($19.95)

This was one of the first LUSH products I ever bought. I got it on my trip through the UK last May/June and it lasted until the beginning of April!  I used this twice a day, pretty much everyday since I bought it - which is amazing!  Plus 250g for $20 (or £7.50 for those in the UK) is fantastic.  I will definitely be purchasing this again - I don't think I could live without it at this point.

Clinique Turnaround Overnight Radiance Moisturizer Sample (full size $46.50)

I really enjoyed this sample and may buy this again.  However, I already bought a new Night Cream off of Feelunique, so it may be a while until I add this to my skincare collection.

CHANEL Le Blanc Brightening Moisture Lotion Sample (full size $67.50)

This was a nice toner, but I didn't think it was any better than the LUSH one, and it's WAY more expensive than the LUSH one is, so I will definitely not be purchasing this!

Bobbi Brown Extra Bright Advanced Moisture Lotion Sample (full size $55)

Another nice toner, but once again not something I'd repurchase because the LUSH one is just as nice!

Bobbi Brown Protective Face Lotion SPF 15 Sample (full size $48)

I really enjoyed this day cream; it was nice that there was SPF in it, plus it sunk into my skin really quickly, which is something I always look for in a day cream.  However, I already have a day cream I'm working my way through, so no need to add another!

NUDE ProGenius Treatment Oil Sample (full size $78)

I LOVED this so much!  I used it nightly for about 6 months, so it lasts FOREVER!  I will definitely be repurchasing this, but probably not until the 20% off VIB Sale from Sephora this fall, because the price is just - yeah...

BareMinerals Active Cell Renewal Night Serum Sample (full size $50)

This was pretty meh for me.  It was okay, but I didn't like the consistency of it and I really don't feel the need to try it ever again - so I won't.

Soap & Glory The Breakfast Scrub (£10)

I bought this from Boots back in September and it lasted me until mid-March, which I think is really good!  I already bought Sugar Crush (as it's more of a Spring/Summer scent), but I will definitely be hitting up eBay this Fall to buy another one of these (unless they start selling them in the States - please!).

Laura Mercier Almond Coconut Milk Body Butter ($35)

This was the most amazing, most luxurious, most moisturizing body cream I've ever used.  I used liberal amounts of this after every shower I took since October and I only just finished using it up in mid-March.  I loved this so much, I was so sad to finish it up (as you can tell from the picture, I used up every last drop).  I will definitely be purchasing another one of these once I finsh using up my current body cream!

Redken All Soft Conditioner ($15.50)

This was pretty disappointing to be honest.  I didn't think this made my hair any softer than any other regular conditioner.  It wasn't bad, but it definitely wasn't worth the steep price.  Though, I do love the Extreme Conditioner from Redken, so it's just this one that I don't like!

Burt's Bees Nourishing Lip Balm with Mango Butter ($3)

I love Burt's Bees Lip Balms and have been using them for years!  I really liked this one, but I'm going to stick to my all-time favorite: the one with Pomegranate, mmm...

dm Ebelin Nail Polish Remover Acetone Free (ca €0.80)

This was fine, it did the job.  I'm not one to spend tons of money on Nail Polish removers, they all do the same thing in my books.  

Sally Hansen Double Duty Strengthening Base & Top Coat (about $5)

This was a good base coat, I even decided to repurchase it.  I will say that it bothers me that you can't get out all of the product, though.  There was still about 1/4 to 1/3 of the bottle left, and I couldn't get it out because the brush wouldn't reach!  They should fix that, because I want to be able to get my money's worth!

Colgate Optic White Toothpaste ($3)

I really liked this toothpaste!  I feel like it was helping to whiten my teeth, plus Colgate is apparently the best toothpaste for over-all health, so I'm happy.  I'll definitely be purchasing this one again!

NEOM Refresh Travel Candle (£15)

I had issues with this candle.  The wick on this particular candle was messed up and it would constantly stop burning for no apparent reason.  The scent was nice, but I've smelled better from NEOM.  I won't purchase this candle again.  Want to know more?  Read my review here!

Muji Spiced Fig & Berry Candle (€5.50)

This was an OK candle, I can't really complain because it's so cheap.  However, I've found that the only candle I love from Muji is the Log Fire one (or whatever it's called), so I won't be buying this one again.

Muji Cinnamon & Mandarin Candle (€5.50)

Same thing as above, a nice candle, but I don't plan to buy it again.

That's it for this round of Empties!  Very mixed ratings on this bunch, but hopefully you found my opinions helpful :)  Have you finished anything up recently?

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