June 2015 Project Use It Up Update

Woohoo progress!! I am halfway through June and I have used up 6 of the 7 products I chose for the month! 

This shower gel is the only item in my June project that I am still working on. I really enjoy this scent and I am glad I still have a full size body wash left once this is gone. 

I am setting a goal for myself to use 10 makeup samples and 5 skincare samples before the month is over, since I am almost done with this project already. 

Lindsey

June 2015 Project Use It Up

For my June project use it up, I will continue to focus on a few items from my Christmas challenge and try to use up a few items that have been sitting in my collection not getting any love. May went surprisingly well, so I am trying to challenge myself with the items for this month. Here they are:

1. Bath & Body Works Carried Away Shimmer Mist. 8 oz. Value $14. I have had this body spray for years and it only has about 1 oz left in it. I like the Carried Away scent, but I don't like the shimmer formula anymore. This scent goes well with Sugar Plum Dream so I am trying to use these up at the same time.

2. Rainbow Honey Petit Four Perfume Roller ball. 0.13 oz. Value $3.84. This scent is so delicious. It reminds me of a sweet cake and biscuit scent. It is only 0.13oz so I hope I can use it up within the month. I am really enjoying using this as long as I can remember to.

3. Sonia Kashuk Eye Makeup Remover. 4.75 oz. Value $10.89. This is the eye makeup remover I have been using since January and it is finally almost gone. I really like this and once I finish the other deluxe sizes I have in my collection, I will probably repurchase it. 

4. Bath & Body Works Sugar Plum Dream Shower Gel. 3 oz. Value $5. I love the formula of the shower gels from B&BW. I am trying to work through all of the smaller sizes of these that I own, so you will probably see one a month until I finally run out. This is a very sweet candy-like scent and both my daughter and I really enjoy it. 

5. Bath & Body Works Sugar Plum Dream Body Lotion. 3 oz. Value $5. Body lotions from B&BW go so much faster than triple moisture creams, so I am trying to work through all of them and only plan on purchasing the moisture creams and shea creams from now on. 

6. Batiste Dry Shampoo "Savanna". 1.6 oz. Value $1.90. This can is almost gone and I'm glad. This is my least favorite scent I have tried from Batiste. I think it is just too spicy. Since I have been finding the bigger cans at TJ MAXX, I want to get rid of all of the sample size cans in my hair drawer.

7. Batiste Dry Shampoo "Blush". 1.6 oz. Value $1.90. I received this dry shampoo in the Sample Society box in February and still have not gotten around to using it. This month I will. 

I am excited to start working on all of these items and see what I can get used up in June. My empties value for the month of May was a crazy $530.51 and I have used up $1,752.58 since the first of 2015. 

Have a great day and feel free to join me in this challenge.

Lindsey

12 Empties of Christmas May Update

I am one month into #12emptiesofchristmas and have actually made some really good progress. Most of the products I have been focusing on are going fast, so I am hoping I can finish this challenge early. Maybe even by Halloween. Here is my progress in month #1.

1. Urban Decay Revolution Lipstick "Naked". I love this shade. I wear it at least twice a week, so it is going pretty fast. I have used about 1/4 of an inch of product and I have around 3/4 of an inch left. 

5. Juice Beauty Hydrating Mist. I have been using this almost everyday and really enjoying it. I am halfway done with this mist and used around 1/2 inch of product in the last month.

12. Sonia Kashuk Eye Makeup Remover. I feel like makeup removers go really fast and I don't even wear makeup everyday. This remover does a good job and I really do like it. There is only around 1 inch of product left in this bottle now compared to when I started this project. 

10. Oahu Coconut Sunset Triple Moisture Cream. I loved this scent. I was happy to use it everyday and I might end up repurchasing it even though I don't need any more lotions. Finished 05/25/15. Value $12.50. 

11. Batiste Dry Shampoo "Dark & Deep Brown Hint of Color". This was a really good dry shampoo. I may consider repurchasing it, but right now I am working on a couple mini cans and I  recently bought the "Cherry" scent of this brand. Finished 05/23/15. Value $7.99.

Empties Value (so far) $20.49.

Starting next month, I plan on doing blog style updates on the 24th of each month since the challenge ends on Christmas. 

Lindsey

12 Empties of Christmas

Today, I am going over the 12 items I have picked for the 12 items empties of Christmas.  The #12emptiesofchristmas challenge includes picking out 12 full size items that you want to use up before Christmas. This is been going on for a little under a month now and I will be showing all of the products I have picked out.

1. Urban Decay RevolutionLipstick "Naked". Value $22 . This is a nude pink shade that I really enjoy. I wear this shade often, so I'm sure it will get used fairly quickly. I have already finished a mini size in this color so I know that I love it, when this is finished I'll buy a replacement.
2. NYX Powder Blush "Peach". Value $4.99. This is not the most pigmented blush I own, but I really like using it as a topper on other pink shades. When I wear it by itself, I have to use a lot of product. With constant use, I don't think hitting pan on this blush will be too difficult.
3. NYC Smooth Skin Loose Powder "Translucent". Value $2.99. When I originally picked out the items for this project, I don't think I was thinking straight. With one month of constant use, this powder has shown no progress. It is a good powder and it does not take a lot of product to set my foundation , so I feel like it is going to take the entire eight months to use this up.
4. Soap & Glory Hand Food "Sugar Crush". Value $7. When these hand creams went on clearance at Sephora, I accidentally ordered two. I like this scent and formula, so I figured I would just include one of them into this challenge.
5. Juice Beauty Hydrating Mist. Value $22. The scent of this mist is something I have had to get used to while using this product. It is a nice hydrating mist, but the sprayer is kind of strong. Four out of five times that I use this, I spray a cotton pad then apply it to my face. Otherwise, whatever I am wearing gets covered. 
6. Bath & Body Works Carried Away Shimmer Mist. Value $14. I have had this mist for at least two years. I really enjoy the Carried Away scent, but the shimmer is a little juvenile now. i have been using this on my legs and arms before I go to bed since it is not really a spray I can use during the daytime on my clothes.
7. Covergirl Ready Set Gorgeous Foundation "205 Natural Beige". Value $7.99. This is a great foundation. It wears beautifully and has great coverage. Unfortunately, it is too dark for me right now, so I am hoping I get some sun this summer so I can wear I or mix it in with my lighter foundations. 
8. Bath & Body Works Tokyo Lotus & Apple Blossom Fine Fragrance Mist. Value $14. I love this scent. I picked it up at a SAS and a piece of me wishes I had gotten more than the one spray. The only downside to the packaging is I hate the sprayers on the full size mists. I may pour this into a travel size spray bottle so I am more likely to use it. I plan on wearing this with the matching body lotion I bought at the same time.
9. Bath & Body Works Autumn Pear & Cashmere Woods Triple Moisture Cream. Value $12.50. This is such a nice scent. I love the formula of the moisture creams and I know once I start working on this, I will have it done in four or five weeks. 
10. Bath & Body Works Oahu Coconut Sunset triple Moisture Cream. Value $12.50. I love this scent! I will probably buy another one of these at the June SAS, but I have had this one for over a year so I figured I should use it up before it goes bad. 
11. Batiste Dry Shampoo "Dark and Deep Brown Hint of Color". Value $7.99. Batiste may be my favorite brand of dry shampoo. I like this one because it doesn't leave the white cast that most dry shampoos do. Once I am done with this bottle, I will probably try a different "scent" since I am still looking for one I like as much as "Mamba".
12. Sonia Kashuk Eye Makeup Remover. Value $10.89.  There are not very many eye makeup removers that are as good as Lancome Bi-Facil, but this may be one of them. I really enjoy this remover and it does a god job of taking all of my eye makeup off including my stubborn brow products. 

Feel free to join me in the tag @jencoempties created and follow me on instagram @blushingbeautician . Have a great day.

Lindsey

May 2015 Project Use It Up - Finale

Wow, May is already over. This month seems like it went by so fast, but that is probably because I spend over a week of it sick. Surprisingly, even though my progress in the first half of the month was not as much as I had hoped, I flew through the products in the second half of the month. Here is what I thought of the products.

1. Bath and Body Works Oahu Coconut Sunset Triple Moisture Cream. 8 oz. Value $12.50. I really enjoyed this scent. I prefer the triple moisure / shea formula over the lotions, but I have so many regular B&BW lotions to move through, I may pick up another set of this scent when the semi annual sale starts next month. Finished 05/25/15.

2. Bath and Body Works Oahu Coconut Sunset Shower Gel. 3 oz. Value $5. This formula is my favorite for body washes. It lathered well and both myself and my daughter enjoyed this scent. Finished 05/24/15.

3. Bath and Body Works Oahu Coconut Sunset Fragrance Mist. 3 oz. Value $6. I can honestly say I prefer the travel sizes of mists over the full size from B&BW. The sprayer is stronger and it takes less work to apply than the larger "fine" fragrance mists. Finished 05/26/15.

4. Origins Original Skin Renewal Serum with Willowherb. 0.5 oz. Value $19.50. I really enjoyed this serum. The smell was a little earthy but that didn't bother me. It lasted me the three weeks the packaging said it would, but I don't know if I would spend $40 on six weeks of serum since I did not really see it do anything special for my skin. I was glad to try it though. Finished 05/20/15.

5. Dermalogica Multi Active Toner. 1 oz. Value $10. I really like this toner. Unfortunately, the sprayer on this was way too strong. Towards the end I started spraying the toner on a cotton round, then applying it so I didn't drown my face. I would consider purchasing a full size since I receive a Pro Discount from Dermalogica. Finished 05/20/15.  

Empties Value for May "project use it up: $53

I have already taken pictures for June, and will have a post up about them before the week is up.

Thank you very much for stopping by.

Lindsey.

May 2015 Project Use It Up Update

I have been working on this project for almost two weeks. I have made some great progress and I think I will be able to finish at least three of these items. Here is my progress (these pictures were taken on 05/14/15):

1. Bath and Body Works Oahu Coconut Sunset Triple Moisture Cream. 8 oz. Value $12.50. I have finished another couple of ounces of this lotion. I just have to keep reminding myself to use it everyday since I have only been using it once every two or three days. 

2. Bath and Body Works Oahu Coconut Sunset Fragrance Mist. 3 oz. Value $6. This is the item I am the least likely to finish. I really like this scent, I just need to start throwing it in my purse to use throughout the day.

3. Bath and Body Works Oahu Coconut Sunset Shower Gel. 3 oz. Value $5. I love Bath & Body Works shower gels. I actually like the smaller sizes better because I like to change up my scents every months or so. This will definitely be used by the end of the month. It is a great scent!

4. Origins Original Skin Renewal Serum with Willowherb. 0.5 oz. Value $19.50. I only have a few more nights left of this serum. I really enjoyed this. It seemed to have a slight cooling effect to it, but that may have been because the room I do my makeup in is constantly cold. 

5. Dermalogica Multi Active Toner. 1 oz. Value $10. I have found the easiest way to use this toner is to spray it onto a cotton pad, then blot it on my face. The sprayer is way too strong for the bottle, but the product is good. This will be done sometime this week.

I am enjoying the products in this months project, but I am ready for a new scent. Hopefully I can get at least three or four of the five items finished this month. 

Lindsey

May 2015 Project Use It Up

I have decided that along with the #12emptiesofchristmas and #panthatpolish challenges I am participating in, I would give myself an additional goal in May. I have four additional items and one of my #12emptiesofchristmas items that I want to finish in May.

1. Bath and Body Works Oahu Coconut Sunset Triple Moisture Cream. 8 oz. Value $12.50.  I love this scent. I bought it last summer and then forgot all about it. I am excited to start using this again. I have used about 1/4 of this already.

2. Bath and Body Works Oahu Coconut Sunset Fragrance Mist. 3 oz. Value $6. I received this free as a gift with purchase a couple of months ago. I like to use a lotion along with the matching mist and body wash, so I am sure I can get this finished in May. This is brand new.

3. Bath and Body Works Oahu Coconut Sunset Shower Gel. 3 oz. Value $5.  I also received this free as a gift with purchase. Since I will be using all three together, they should all be easy to use up. This is also brand new.

4. Origins Original Skin Renewal Serum with Willowherb. 0.5 oz. Value $19.50. This was a promo item that I added onto a Sephora order during the VIB sale. It is fragranced, but the scent doesn't really bother me. I really enjoy this brand but I don't know if I would spend $40 on a serum... This has about 2/3 of it left.

5. Dermalogica Multi Active Toner. 1 oz. Value $10. This is the brand I studied under while I was in school. I purchased a holiday kit from Ulta in January, but this size can be purchased from Dermalogica' website as well. I like this toner, but this bottles sprayer is too strong. I have to hold it at a full arms length to not spray too much. This only has around 1/3 left to be used.


I don't think I gave myself any items I cannot empty. I might post an update half way through the month. What items are you trying to use up this month?

Lindsey

Last Bath & Body Works SAS Haul

Wallflowers. I blame this haul on wallflowers. I found out this month my family and I are moving into a larger house and I decided at under $1.50 for each wallflower, stocking up now was the cheapest option. I spent $36.50 before tax and saved $114.50 on everything I bought. I know I am more than stocked up on body care, so I only purchased home scents this time. This is what I picked up.

• 1 'Tis The Season 3 wick candle. regular price: $22.50. sale price: $7.07.
• 1 Raspberry Meringue hand cream. regular price: $5. sale price: $1.96.
•  1 Kiwi Pear foaming hand soap. regular price: $6.50. sale price: $2.35.
• 1 Endless Weekend foaming hand soap. regular price: $6.50. sale price: $2.35.
• 1 'Tis The Season foaming hand soap. regular price: $6.50. sale price: $2.36.

Wall Flowers:

• 8 Winter Candy Apple. regular price:$6.50. sale: $1.28 each
• 3 Cranberry Pear Bellini. regular price:$6.50. sale: $1.27 each
• 1 Mint Chocolate Bark. regular price:$6.50. sale: $1.28
• 1 'Tis The Season. regular price:$6.50. sale: $1.27
• 1 Sparkling Icicles. regular price:$6.50. sale: $1.27
• 1 Spiced Apple Cider. regular price:$6.50. sale: $1.27
• 1 Sweet Cinnamon Pumpkin. regular price:$6.50. sale: $1.27 

I purchased 1 hand cream, 1 candle, 3 soaps and 16 wall flowers for $36.50. I am  very happy with what I was able to pick up. 

Sample Society January 2015

As of January 2015, Allure's Sample Society box is the only subscription box I have kept. I have really enjoyed the skincare samples I receive monthly from this box and this month did not disappoint. Out of the six items I received, I am loving five of them. This is what I got in January.

1. StriVectin Illuminating Serum. This was an accidental inclusion in this months box so it will also be in next months box. The full size of this product is $89 for 1oz which makes this sample size an amazing value at $22.50 for .25 oz. It is a skin brightening treatment and I am very excited to keep using this to see if it helps even my skin tone. 

2. Phillip B Light Weight Deep Conditioning Creme Rinse. This Shea butter conditioner sounds nice but it will probably only be enough for one or two uses. I doubt it will be enough to see if I actually like it. The full size is $26 for 6oz which values this sample of .5oz at $2.17. 

3. Philosophy Renewed Hope in a Jar. This is an anti-aging moisturizer for all skin types. Unfortunately it does not have any SPF so I will only be using this at night, but I am very excited to try it. The full size moisturizer retails for $47 for 2 oz which makes this size valued at $6.62 for .25 oz. 

4. Zoya nail polish in Tiana. I love this color. It is an awesome mint green and I cannot wait to wear it. It is a full size polish so it retails for $9.

5. Revlon Photoready Eye Art Lid & Line & Lash in Peach Prism. I was already excited to try this product, but when I actually got it and swatched it, I became even more excited. It is almost a perfect match for the Wet & Wild 8 pan eye shadow in Comfort Zone. I have already worn this once and it is great. This eye shadow/eyeliner set is full size and retails for $8.99.

6. Erno Laszlo Sea Mud Deep Cleaning Bar. This is the one item I am not really into trying. Bar soup is not really something I ever use, so I'm not sure if I will try this, or gift it. It is a cleansing bar that can also be used as a mask if it is left on the skin for 5-10 minutes. A full size sea mud bar retails for $45 for 5 oz so I am going to estimate this sample retails for around $4.50. 

Box Value: $53.38

Box Cost: $15

All together this box had a great value and I am very excited to use almost all of these items.

Best of Beauty 2014

Well this is a little over due, but I wanted to go through my collection and yearly empties to make sure I had not forgotten anything. Now I have my 2014 Best of Beauty.

• Brushes- E.L.F. Studio Line brushes. Most, if not all, of the studio line brushes made by E.L.F. at $3 and awesome quality. I currently use the complexion brush, the powder brush, the blush brush, and the small tapered brush. I love this and continue to purchase these. 
• Moisturizer- Clean & Clear Morning Burst. This smells like cucumbers and it really keeps me hydrated during the day. 
• Primer- Benefit Porefessional. Oh man I love this primer. It makes my pores almost invisible and the texture is so smooth. 
• Foundation- Revlon Colorstay Foundation for Oily to Combo Skin. This is a tricky category to choose for because as on January 1st, this was my all time favorite foundation. So for the purposes of this list, it gets the title. But since this year has started, I found Covergirl 3-in-1 Outlast foundation. It is amazing. Hands down, best drug store foundation. 
• Concealer- NYX HD Concealer. I love this concealer. I use others as brighteners, but this is my HG face/blemish concealer. 
• Powder- Rimmel Stay Matte pressed powder. This powder is one of the items I never leave the house without. It is that much of a staple in my daily beauty routine. I recommend it to everyone I know and have yet to find a powder that can even come close to this one.
• Blush- Benefit Bella Bomba. I did not get to try this blush until I purchased the Benefit holiday palette, but I have used so much of it since, I knew I needed to include it in my best of 2014 list. This blush is the perfect shade for my skin tone and it has just the right amount of shimmer.
• Highlight- Wet & Wild Coloricon Bronzer in Reserve Your Cabana. I cannot believe the value you get out of this highlighter. It is marketed as a bronzer but it is a cream shade and for the under $4 it costs, it has lasted way longer than any other powder product I have been using all year.
• Eye Primer- Wet & Wild Fergie Take On The Day shimmer eye shadow primer. This is not a good primer if you want a completely matte eye, but if shimmery shadows are going to be used in your makeup routine, this is a great option.
• Large Palette- Too Faced Chocolate Bar palette. I will always hold a special place in my heart for this palette because it was my first "prestige" purchase. I have used this palette so much this year, hazelnut has almost hit pan. It was definitely the best palette I used all year. 
• Cream Shadow- Maybelline Color Tattoo in Bad To The Bronze. It was almost like this cream shadow was made to be a base for the chocolate bar palette. It is the perfect color for almost any look I wanted to create.

Make a collage

• Eye Liner- Jordana Fabuliner. I love felt tip liquid liners and this one is the best one I have tried. It is my favorite because it applies so well over top of shadows.
• Mascara- Urban Decay Perversion. THE BEST MASCARA OF 2014! Probably my favorite product of the year. Awesome separation. Great length AND volume. I love this stuff!
• Brow Product- Maybelline Brow Drama. I used to be able to get away with only using clear brow gel, but recently I have gotten a few spots that aren't growing as well as the others. This gel hold very well and has good color pay off.
• Lip Balm- Chapstick in the flavor Cake Batter. This lip balm is super yummy. I went out and bought a bunch of back ups when I thought it was seasonal in 2013. I am beyond set when it comes to this flavor.
• Lipstick- Revlon Colorburst Lip Butters. I have only recently become a lipstick person, so these were an awesome transition product. They have enough color pay off to be visible, but not so much that they are high maintenance. I own 6 or 7 of these and I really like all of them.
• Chubby Stick- Revlon Matte Balm in the shade Showy. This was the first bright colored lip product I ever purchased that I was comfortable wearing out. It is super pigmented and lasts through meals and drinks like a champ.
• Lip Gloss- NYX Butter Glosses. I love the shine these glosses have and they smell amazing. I get a little bit of streakiness when using the lighter shades, but the darker shades are amazing. 

Customize your own picture collage

My ultimate choices for 2014 are Porefessional, Rimmel Stay Matte, Too Face Chocolate Bar, Urban Decay Perversion, and Chapstick Cake Batter. 

Oops.... Another Small Bath & Body Works Haul

I swore to myself I wasn't going to go into Bath and Body Works again until after the semi-annual sale was over.... That didn't work too well. I went in with my mom so she could pick up a bunch of lemon hand soaps, and ended up picking up a few things for myself. The fact that I only spent $16 is still awesome to be, so I can't be too upset about the trip. This is what I picked up.

*Country Chic Triple Moisture Cream. I already have body spray in this scent. I enjoy it a lot and I may go back before the sale ends to pick up a body wash.

Scent description: Carefree blend of wildflowers, wood, and citrus.

*Fresh Picked Hand Cream in Farmstand Apple. I love this scent and was super happy to get this 6oz hand cream for only $1.60. Yes please!!

*Carried Away Triple Moisture Cream. This is my favorite perfume type scent from B&BW. I have the regular lotion, shimmer mist, and shower gel for this set already. 

Scent description: Spirited blend of raspberries, jasmines, and whipped vanilla. 

*Wine Down Wall Flower. I have not seen reviews on this scent or had the ability to smell it, but for $2.25, I figured I would give it a shot. 

Garden Strawberry, Holiday Crisp, and Pumpkin Sugared Doughnut medium candles. I had not tried any of these scents, and for less than $3.25 each I decided to pick them up. When I burn a candle on my side table, the throw doesn't need to be amazing, so these smaller candles work well. 

I really was going to stay out of the store after I did my last haul, but I'm glad I picked up what I did, There is nothing I need before the June semi-annual, so I do not plan on having any B&BW purchases other than some new candles and soaps for work.

Bath and Body Works Semi-Annual Sale Jan 2015

I spent a lot of time at B&BW last year, so I mostly picked up the items I knew I could only get during this sale. This is what I got.

Lemon Vanilla: 1 fragrance mist, 1 body lotion, and 3 body washes.

Scent description: "A bright blend of refreshing lemon and cool vanilla"

Jingle Bellini: 1 body lotion and 1 shower gel. I already own the shimmer mist from this set.

Scent description: "A festive cocktail of peach champagne, apricot nectar, and powdered sugar"

Vanillatini: 1 body lotion, 1 shower gel, and 1 shimmer mist.

Scent description: "An addictive cocktail of fresh vanilla, creamy coconut, and lemon zest"

Strawberry Sparkler: 1 body lotion, 1 shower gel, and 1 shimmer mist.

Scent description: "A flirty cocktail of wild strawberries, sparkling mandarin, and pink jasmine"

I also pick up a few random items. A Pumpkin Gingerbread room mist,  a London Tulips body lotion, and  a Vanilla Wish shimmer mist.

Scent descriptions:

Pumpkin Gingerbread: "Just baked gingerbread, golden vanilla and fresh creamy pumpkin makes a scrumptious Christmas treat"

London Tulips: "Unforgettable romance of English garden tulips, sparkling raspberry tea, and wild freesia, kissed with dewy Windsor apples and white sandalwood"

Vanilla Wish: "Key notes - dazzling vanilla, apple fizz, asian pear, white freesia, and sheer sandlewood"

I am working on using up my past purchased products, so I did not get any candles or wallflowers. Hopefully I have enough spring type scents to last me until the June semi-annual. 

Top 5 Beauty Products Under $5

For anyone looking for some awesome drugstore staples to try out that barely cost $20 total, this is my recommendations. These were all products I found and fell in love with during 2014.

1. Rimmel Stay Matte Pressed Powder: Walmart for $3.97. My absolute favorite pressed powder. I use the shade Nude Beige but I have heard the Transparent shade is just as great. 

2. Wet & Wild "Reserve Your Cabana" Bronzer: Walmart for $3.93. This is the perfect highlighter and under eye setting powder. The is so much product, I will never run out. 

3. Jordana Fabuliner Liquid Eyeliner:Jordana for $2.99 but it can also be found for the same price at Walgreens. I love this liner because it applies great to top of eye shadows and lasts all day. It is a felt tip applicator but it applies awesome over shadow. 

4. Wet & Wild 8 Pan Eye Shadow in "Comfort Zone": Rite Aid for $4.99. My favorite drug store palette. 

5. Jordana Best Lash Extreme Mascara: Jordana for $2.99, but can also be found for the same price at Walgreens. This is a great first coat mascara that gives awesome separation. It has a natural bristle brush. 

New Year, Better Me

Happy New Year everyone! My name is Lindsey and I am a licensed cosmologist. I do hair, as well as nails, makeup, waxing, and facials. I love makeup and beauty, and I decided I am going to spend the next year documenting my journey into the beauty industry. This will not only be the site where I share my on-going portfolio, but also where I share about makeup, body care, shopping, and my other favorite pastimes.  I am very excited to begin my journey and cannot wait to start sharing with all of you. :)