Empties

Today, we are going to be going through my trash. Well, we're going to be going through my pre-trash -these haven't actually touched the garbage can yet. Yes, that's right, it is my first 'empties' (or 'products I've used up') post. So, let's dive into the trash pile...

(1) Gillette Satin Care Passionista Fruit Shave Gel - This may not be the most common item seen in an 'empties' post, I know they typically focus on make up and hair products, but this shave gel could not be tossed in the garbage without being mentioned. I purchased this shave gel for the first time back in December and after the first use, I raced back to the drugstore to purchase two more because I knew this shave gel was a 'must have' for my winter trip in January. Since I often purchase Gillette Satin Care products, I didn't necessarily notice a difference in my legs, though this shave gel did leave them soft and smooth, but I was captivated by the smell. Not only does this shave gel smell amazing but the scent tends to linger in the bathroom for a while after use. If you ever have the chance to purchase this, do it!

(2) Olay Foaming Face Wash - As much as I enjoyed this face wash for combination/oily skin by Olay, I found it to be 'too gentle' at times. As mentioned above, in January, I escaped the cold winter weather for the high temperatures and sunshine and with that, I found my face needed something with a little more strength. However, upon returning home, I found myself using this face wash on a daily basis.

(3) Bath & Body Works White Citrus Body Lotion - This is another product that came with me on my trip in January, not only because I love Bath and Body Works but because I find this scent to be in a way subtle, gender neutral (because sometimes my fiancee needs to moisturize) but also it is cooling and refreshing, especially after spending the day in the sun. If you are wondering if I will re-purchase, there's no need, I already have another one!

(4) Garnier Fructic Instant Color Sealer Color Shield - Have you ever had a product that seemed to never, ever end? That was my experience with this. In fact, I don't remember when I bought it. I think I may have purchased it the week I met my fiancee and that was nearly five years ago. I am always skeptical when a product says that it will 'lock in my color' but there is nothing to suggest that it didn't. Rather than relying on it to act as a color shield, I used it primarily as a leave in conditioner. If I saw it on the shelf, I would likely repurchase it. Who knows, five years from now this may re-appear in another empties post!

(5) Maybelline New York Mineral Powder (Natural Ivory) - Yet again, this is a product that lasted a long time. Back in November I noticed that this was getting low and I made a point to pick up another while out shopping with a friend and despite frequent use, I only just finished it yesterday!

(6) EOS Summer Fruit Lip Balm - Who else absolutely loves EOS lip balm? It is no surprise that an EOS lip balm made this 'empties' post. Actually, given that I use EOS lip balm on a daily basis, I am surprised that I only had one empty sphere.

(7) Cover Girl Professional All-In-One Mascara (Very Black) - This mascara by Cover Girl tends to be my 'go-to' or 'everyday' mascara and purchasing another is high on my priority list. As dramatic as 'Very Black' may sound, I actually love this mascara because it provides a very natural look, and I have never (ever) had problems with this mascara clumping.

What products have you used up lately?

XOXO
LAUREN

5 Favorite Moisturizers

As much as I love living in Canada, I have a tendency to get sick of our cold winters before they even start and my skin does, too. And although signs of spring are slowly starting to appear, I am still going through moisturizers left, right and center. Today, I thought I would share my current favorite moisturizers. 

(1) Bath & Body Works Coconut Lime Verbena Body Lotion - I may love living in Canada, but I also love to travel and during the cold Canadian winters there is nothing I crave more than tropical paradise. Since I cannot travel all winter, this is my go-to body lotion to bring a little bit of tropical paradise to even the coldest winter day. Bath and Body Works is one of my guilty pleasures and I cannot pass by the store without going in, and usually indulging in a mini-shopping spree and products like this are the reason why. Made with Vitamin E, Jojoba and Shea butter, this body lotion not only hydrates my skin, leaving it soft, smooth and satisfied, but it also smells absolutely amazing. Now, are you ready for some bad news? Bath and Body Works products are constantly changing and the last time I was in the store, I was only able to find Coconut Lime Verbena in a hand soap and wall flower. But don't worry, I did smell the 'replacement', Coconut Lime Breeze, and it is just as wonderful.

(2) LaSenza Body Kiss Indulgent Swirl Cream - Kiss Me, Cupcake - This was actually an impulse buy quite some time ago that got lost in the sea that is my moisturizer collection. Recently, while doing some much needed organizing, I re-discovered this and I am happy to say, I have no regrets about this impulsive purchase. I love the hint of shimmer that this lotion provides upon application, and I was impressed at how long this subtle shimmer lasted. Of course, it also smells amazing - in fact, if you have a sweet tooth, you may think it smells good enough to eat!

(3) Olay Quench Plus Touch of Sun Body Lotion & Gradual Sunless Tanner - Although I love Olay, I did not have high expectations for a $6 gradual sunless tanner, and that is probably for the best. If you are looking for a noticeable bronze, this may not be the product for you as it provides more of a shimmer or a subtle glow. However, I recommend this lotion if you are looking for a product to quench your skin's thirst this winter.

(4) Bath & Body Works White Citrus Body Lotion - Like I said earlier, I love Bath and Body Works, so it should come as no surprise that another moisturizer from Bath and Body Works has made this list. Similar to Coconut Lime Verbena, this White Citrus moisturizer contains Vitamin E, Jojoba and Shea butter and will leave your skin feeling soft and hydrated.

(5) Shea Cashmere Hand Cream from True Blue Spa - If you have experienced a winter in Canada you know that hand cream is essential. The funny thing about this is that I know next to nothing about it, it was a gift (note: this is not a sponsored post, this hand cream was a gift from a family member) and I fell in love with it instantly. From the smell to how soft it leaves my hands, I love everything about this hand cream.

What moisturizers are currently at the top of your list?

XOXO

LAUREN