February Empties

I came to the realization that I am never going to be able to complete a no-buy Project 10 Pan. I like shopping too much and keep buying. I do want to try and use stuff up though, so I am no longer doing a Project 10 Pan, but I am going to keep doing a monthly empties blog post. I think that if I stay dedicated to doing these posts it will help encourage me to use up more products, so I have more to talk about.

Below are the products I complete used up in February.

CoverGirl Clean Makeup Pressed Powder

Repurchase: Yes

My Thoughts: I really liked this powder. It claimed to be oil free and to control oil and it did just that. The formulation was really smooth and it never made me look cakey, which I find most powders do. I have had this powder for so long and it has taken me months to finally use it up, but I am glad that I did. I would repurchase this powder, but I think I am going to try some other drugstore powders before making this my Holy Grail powder.

Replacement Product: NYC Translucent Loose Setting Powder

John Frieda Brilliant Brunette Moisturizing Shampoo

Repurchase: Maybe

My Thoughts: I got this shampoo in a set at Christmas for a steal. It was only $4.50 for 2 bottles of shampoo and 1 bottle of conditioner. I liked the concept that to helps boost your natural brunette color. After using this whole bottle of shampoo I can say that I don't really see a difference in my hair. It doesn't look enhanced or any more luscious. I also found that this shampoo made my hair seem more greasy than normal.

Replacement Product: Sunsilk Hydra TLC Shampoo

Bath & Body Works Warm Vanilla Sugar PocketBac

Repurchase: Yes

My Thoughts: Warm Vanilla Sugar is my favourite scent from Bath & Body Works, so this product was super easy to use up. There really isn't much to say about this product, it's an antibacterial hand gel which I like to use at work when I am going from the shop into the office to make sure my hands are clean.

Replacement Product: Bath & Body Works Coconut Lime Verbena PocketBac

Alberto Miracle Mist

Repurchase: No

My Thoughts: I like this product as a heat defence spray but I don't like how it makes my hair feel throughout the day. It feels like I have a film on my hair and it makes my hair look greasy. With all of the other heat protectants on the market I am sure I can find something better.

Replacement Product: Nothing at the moment.

Bath & Body Works Antibacterial Wipes

Repurchase: No

My Thoughts: I bought these anti-bac wipes forever ago and never used them as I had originally planned. On the go I find it easier to use a PocketBac instead of these. In order to use these up I started using them before I apply my makeup to cleanse my hands.

Replacement Product: Bath & Body Works Antibacterial Wipes

Fusion Beauty Lash Fusion XL Mascara

Repurchase: Yes

My Thoughts: This is my favourite mascara ever! I got it super cheap at Winners, but it is the only higher end mascara I have used. It made my already long eyelashes look even more full and luscious. If you make the picture of the wand bigger it will seem like there is still alot of product left, but it has gotten to the point where the formula is waxey. It just makes a mess of my lashes and it is really hard to work with. I find that this mascara is one that you have to use up as soon as possible because it dries out so quickly.

Replacement Product: Clinique High Impact Mascara Sample

Disclaimer: All of these products were bought with my own money. All thoughts are honest and my own. I am not being compensated by any of the companies mentioned.



August Luxe Box

It's August Luxe Box time!!! After last months kinda disappointing Luxe Box I wasn't going to renew when my subscription was up this month. This box changed my mind!!! I love every single product in it!

If you still don't know what Luxe Box or Loose Button is then see my June and July blog posts to find out more. Or visit their website and/or Facebook Page.

Loose Button Website

Loose Button Facebook

Product Card and Personalized Letter.

This month's products.

Product Breakdown

Pur Minerals 4-in-1 Pressed Mineral Makeup – 0.15oz.

Sample Value - $16.61

Full-Size Retail Value - $31 for .28oz.

On the Card – Skip the mess and go pressed with Pur Minerals' award-winning foundation, powder, concealer, and SPF 15. Supercharged with Shea butter and vitamin E, this nourishing pressed mineral formula is your way to flawless-looking skin in 60 seconds or less.

My Thoughts - I was so excited to get this product. It is my perfect colour. I used it as a setting powder for my foundation and it gave me a perfect air brushed finish. I tried using it on its own without foundation underneath and I didn't really like the coverage it gave me.

Lip Plumping Treatment – City Lips by City Cosmetics – 0.5ml

Sample Value - $3.50

Full-Size Retail Value - $35 for 5ml

On the Card – The award-winning formula in City Lips includes Oligopeptide technology to increase collagen production in your lips, resulting in greater lip volume and a decrease in wrinkles and lines in and around the lips. Get extraordinary results and a luxury lip gloss all in one!

My Thoughts - I have to say that this product was the disappointment of this month's box. Although there isn't a smell, the taste you get on your lips reminds me of crayons and burnt plastic. The texture is horrible, it is extremely sticky and just downright gross. I put it on my bare lips and did not get any plumping at all. It really did and does nothing for me.

Proclaim Cocoa Butter Hand & Body Lotion - 3oz

Sample Value - $0.75

Full-Size Retail Value - $8 for 32 oz.  

On the Card – Proclaim Hand & Body lotion moisturizes dry, irritated skin while protecting from sun, wind, and water. It restores lost moisture and soothes dry, tight skin. Leaves skin feeling smooth and soft without feeling greasy.

My Thoughts -  I fell in love with the Proclaim hair treatment I got last month so I was very excited to see another Proclaim product this month. This hand lotion smells incredible... like vanilla and hot chocolate. The formula is very light but hydrating. It says it is a non-greasy lotion, however, unless you really give it time to sink into your skin it can be a little greasy. 

Calvin Klein Forbidden Euphoria Fragrance - 3ml

Sample Value - $4.68

Full-Size Retail Value - $78 for 50ml or $102 for 100ml

On the Card – Mysteriously sophisticated. Innocently seductive. Coveted, yet forbidden, this fragrance is the younger interpretation of the iconic euphoria fragrance. It evokes a modern, fresh sexiness with a mysterious twist.

My Thoughts - I really like that this sample it a roller ball instead of the spritzer that I got last month. I have been loving all the perfume samples lately. It has been giving me a chance to try out some new fragrances without shelling out 50 or 60 dollars to do it. The smell of this perfume is strong but in a good way. It is very citrusy, and fresh with a slight undertone of musk. I find it a little strong when you first put it on, but once it has time to mix with your bodies natural chemistry it smells a little nicer. I may have to wear this a few times to decide if I really like it.

Sheyna Handmade Earrings – 1 pair

Value - $18

On the Card – Sheyna has been featured on Oprah's blog, and you can read more about their unique story at www.sheyna.com.

My Thoughts – These are the cutest earrings ever! I love that they are dainty but noticeable. I really like how Loose Button included these instead of the chocolate. Wish I could have earrings every month instead of the chocolate. After checking out Sheyna's website I would be super excited to custom design earrings with them.

What I paid for this month's Luxe Box - $11.30 CDN

Value of this month's Luxe Box - $49.20 (roughly)

Disclaimer – All the products mentioned in this blog were purchased with my on money. All opinions and thoughts are honest and my own. Neither Luxe Box or any other company mentioned are compensating me for this review and blog.



My First MAC Haul

Makeup wise I am not usually a big spender. I am a firm believer that if you have a few high quality basics, and patience you can make cheap, or drugstore makeup work for you. Most of my collection is ELF, drugstore brands, or anything "name brand" drastically on sale. I had never even heard of MAC until I started watching beauty videos on YouTube a few years ago. And it was only recently that I have made my first purchase.

Although tempted by all of the beautiful, highly pigmented eye shadows, I kept my purchase limited to everyday basic products, as I have tons of eye shadows to use up first. However, since using just the products you will see below, I can already say I am a MAC fan. I love MAC because my makeup is looking 100% better, however, my bank account so far is not loving MAC. But I guess, you have to pay for quality.

Blot Powder Pressed in Medium Dark.

MAC Cosmetics.com Says - A unique pressed powder designed primarily to provide shine control without adding any noticeable colour or texture. Sets foundation, finishes faces. For use in professional situations and for frequent touch-ups. Blot Powder contains Mica and Silica to adsorb excess oils and reduce shine on the skin's surface. Can be applied with the puff that comes in the compact or with a powder brush like #129 Powder/Blush Brush. Perfect for touching up Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation throughout the day

This powder is already a holy grail product for me. I have oily skin and this has helped me stay matte. No matter how many times you need to apply it, it never makes you look powdery. I was a bit surprised when the makeup artist told me I was the colour Medium Dark, but so far I haven't had any issues.

Fix+

MAC Cosmetics.com Says - An aqua-spritz of vitamin and minerals, infused with a calm-the-skin blend of green tea, chamomile, cucumber, topped off with the fresh, natural, energizing scent of Sugi. Adds radiance, finishes makeup. Spray it on. Skin drinks it up!

When I first bought this product, I thought it was just glorified water in a spray bottle. But now, it has become a staple product. I use it every morning before I put on my tinted moisturizer. I spritz my face a few times to prime my skin and get it ready for my foundation. I also love using this with my loose mineral pigments, to enhance the colors and increase their staying power.

Select Cover-Up in NW20

MAC Cosmetics.com Says - Liquid camouflage for the skin. Texture-free, virtually invisible. Comes in a tube. Blends in. Brightens and lightens dark areas, erases spots, evens-out skin tones. Makes skin flaw-free. Use pre-foundation, or on its own. Don't reveal it, conceal it!

Pro Longwear Concealer in NW20

MAC Cosmetics.com Says - A lightweight fluid concealer that provides medium to full coverage with a comfortable, natural matte finish. Colour-true formula lasts up to 15 hours. Helps conceal and correct the look of under-eye circles, and discolorations. Comes in a clear glass vial with a matte black pump.

This was the main reason I went to MAC. I have never been able to find a concealer that works for both under-eye circles and blemishes. These concealers go above and beyond for me! On days where I do not need as much coverage I use the Select Cover-Up. And on days where I want more coverage, but don't want to keeping building up the concealer, I use the Pro Longwear. Both are amazing for under-eye circles, and any other blemish.

Painterly Paint Pot

MAC Cosmetics.com Says - A highly pigmented eye colour that goes on creamy but dries to an intense, vibrant finish. Long-wearing, colourfast. Creates seamless coverage without weight or caking. Blends smoothly over the lids. Cream-based, can be mixed with M·A·C shadows and liners.

This was another "key" beauty product I was in desperate need of. For the longest time I have been using Hard Candy, Body Shop, and ELF eyeshadow primers, alternately. And none have been doing what a primer is supposed to do. I bought this product because the MAC Artist said it does not crease and helps make eye shadows more vibrant. I have only used it once, but so far...so good.

Frost Lipstick in Angel

MAC Cosmetics.com Says - Colour plus texture for the lips. Stands out on the runway. Simmers on the street! What made M·A·C famous. Angel is a soft pink frost.

My perfect pink nude colour. It is perfect for a date, school, and work. An any occasion perfect pink. I was wary about this color because it is a frost finish. But after using it, I don't think that it belongs in the frost category. This will definitely be a repeat purchase for me.

Black Track Fluidline - Sample

MAC Cosmetics.com Says - Ultra-smooth, Fluidline’s gel formula provides the precision of a liquid liner with a silkier, softer finish. Goes on “foolproof” with a brush in an easy dip-and-stroke action. Long-wearing. Smudge-proof. Lines up in a rich array of colours and finishes. Brush sold separately.

I cannot use liquid liner to save my life, and pencil liners just do not stay. I was himming and hawwing

Overall, MAC is definitely impressing me. I want to invest in a blush and some eye shadows next, however, I may have to wait for my next trip to the US of A, as MAC is cheaper there.

Disclaimer: I bought all of the products with my own money. The product information can be credited to maccosmetics.com.