Empties Are In! - Products I've Used Up

Is it just me or is there a certain satisfaction unlike any other that comes with finishing products? As strange as it may sound, I love collecting my used, empty products, (my "beauty trash", if you will) and going through all of them with my sister at the end of each month. 

There is something kind of fun about taking inventory of what you have used up before you throw it away. My sister and I like to share the things we have used up, and we usually give a brief "review" of the product (basically just saying whether or not we liked it). This also helps me remember which products I loved and want to repurchase. 

I finished up quite a few products this month (yes, I do feel very proud) and I thought I would share them with you!

Soy Candle, "Sugar Blossom"; Soy Candle, "Vintage Linen"; Caress Body Wash, "White Peach & Silky Orange Blossom"; Bath & Body Works (B&BW) Body Lotion, "Amber Blush"; B&BW Hand Sanitizer, "Honolulu Sun";Stila "Stay All Day Liquid Liner"; Aussie "Sprunch" Hairspray; Colgate Total Mouthwash; Colgate Optic White Mouthwash

Of the products in the above picture, I have some definite items that I will be repurchasing, and some that I will definitely not repurchase. Out of the two candles, I really loved the "Vintage Linen" scent. It smells like clean laundry, and always made my room smell so fresh. The Stila "Stay All Day" eyeliner is amazing, and is a great option if you are looking for a good liquid liner to create a perfect wing. The Aussie hairspray has been a favorite of mine for years, as it holds very well (and smells good too!). 

I will not be repurchasing the Colgate Optic White mouthwash. I'm not sure if maybe I just got a dud, but I was really not a fan of this mouthwash. It tasted sour and really burned my mouth every time I used it! Has anyone else experienced something similar with this product?

Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser; Maybelline Great Lash "Lots of Lashes" Mascara; First Aid Beauty "Facial Radiance Pads"; St. Ives "Fresh Skin Apricot Scrub"; Bodycology "Exfoliating Sugar Scrub"; Neutrogena "Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover"; Urban Decay "Eyeshadow Primer Potion"; It's a 10 Miracle Leave-In Product 

Of these products, I will definitely be repurchasing both the Cetaphil face wash and the First Aid Beauty "Facial Radiance Pads". As I have mentioned in a previous post, I have very sensitive skin, and I feel that these products work really well for me. Speaking of products that work well for me, the Neutrogena makeup remover really takes off all of my eye makeup easily without leaving a super greasy feeling behind. The It's A 10 hair product is excellent as well. I had the sample size, and I think I want to go out and purchase the full size! It probably comes as no surprise that I absolutely love the Urban Decay primer potion. This product really helped keep my eye makeup looking great all day, and I definitely need another tube! While I did enjoy both of the body scrubs, my favorite scrubs remain those from the Tree Hut line.  

What products have you used up lately?

Ipsy Glam Bag - October 2014

Is it just me or do you love getting packages in the mail? Every time I come home to a package waiting on my doorstep, I feel like a kid on Christmas!

Over the summer, I decided to sign up for the Ipsy monthly glam bags, and so far I have gotten two. It is so exciting to receive a bag filled with goodies every month-I don't think I will ever get tired of it! 

Since my October Glam Bag just arrived, I thought I would show you what I got! I haven't tried everything yet, (I just got the bag in the mail yesterday) but I will let you know how I like the things that I have tried so far. 

Figs & Rouge Rose Berry hand cream 

Just like the name, this hand cream smells of rose and berry. The scent is a bit strong, but if you like rose, that should be no problem. The consistency is a little strange-kind of watery once you start rubbing it in. However, it does dissolve pretty quickly and leaves your hands feeling soft. A good one to throw in your purse.

épice Purifying Exfoliant

This exfoliant is more on the gentle side, which I really like since my skin is quite sensitive. The exfoliating grains are very small and do not irritate my face, but the product still helps to remove dead skin!

Model Co VolumEyes Mascara

I have not tried this yet, but let me know if you'd like to hear my thoughts about it in a future blog post!

Nicole by O.P.I.,"Feeling Very Cherry"

Such. A. Gorgeous. Color. This color is perfect for fall! Reminds me of Essie "Wicked" polish, which I love.

Starlooks lipgloss in 

A simple, nude lipgloss. A bit sheer on the lips, but feels smooth and gives off a nice shine.

What product are you most interested in from this glam bag? Let me know, and I will do a more in depth review!

Why October is Really the "Most Wonderful Time of the Year"

Is it just me or is October one of the absolute best months of the year?  I mean, come on! Here in New York, at least, there is no denying that there is just something wonderfully special about October. 

Now, I know what you're thinking: "October = the true beginning of pumpkin EVERYTHING and that's why it's the best."  Well, I know I might get some serious hate for saying this *braces herself* but in all honesty, I hate (OK, hate is a bit strong), I really dislike pumpkin things.  Don't get me wrong, I am all for pumpkin picking and hay rides and carving out the big beauty that you picked out at the pumpkin farm.  All I'm saying is that I am so not a fan of pumpkin candles, lattes, muffins, cookies...you name it, there's probably some pumpkin-related version of it. 

So then why do I love October so much? Well for starters, the weather is that perfect mix of not too hot but not quite chilly enough to need a serious coat.  In addition, the actual air feels different in October.  It's more crisp, more clean. 

It may seem obvious, but just look at all of the gorgeous leaves changing color in October! It's unlike anything else, and constantly takes my breath away.  This weekend, my boyfriend and I decided to go on a little bike ride around my neighborhood (side note, October = amazing bike riding weather) and I was so content to soak in the sunshine, the fresh air, and the beautiful scenery.  

For some reason, October makes me feel as though life has a "fresh start" in a way that none of the other seasons do. There is just something about those clear skies, freshly fallen leaves, and cozy new wardrobe that I embrace with open arms as the beginning of fall sets in.

So often, the world tries to rush us through life, marking the changing seasons by the next big holiday. I challenge you this fall to stop and enjoy this amazing time of the year. To welcome the change of season, and use it as an excuse to begin anew. You just might be happily surprised with what you discover about yourself and about the world.

Let me know what you love about October, and what new things you are learning about this most wonderful time of the year!