October Empties

☑ Benefit That Gal Brightening Face Primer (sample)

I don't usually use primers and I'm not sure this one really did something - at least I didn't notice a brightening effect.

Repurchase: no

What I'm currently using to replace it: Benefit The POREfessional 

☑ Avon ANEW Rejuvenate Mineral Facial Rinse-Off Treatment

I bought this a long time ago and I must admit I rarely used it. It's basically a clay mask to me (despite its fancy name) and it did nothing special. You could buy a super cheap clay mask at the drugstore and it would work just as well.

Repurchase: no

What I'm currently using to replace it: Elemis FreshSkin Face Mask Duo

☑ Magical Moisture Quenching Face Mask

Repurchase: no because as far as I know, you can't purchase this mask separately (it comes in a duo with the Deep Clean Purifying Face Mask , which did nothing for my dry skin)

What I'm currently using to replace it: other face masks

☑ Fruits & Passion Orange Cantaloup Foaming Bath

Smells nice in the bottle but almost nothing once poured in the bath. Very average foam that lasts about 10 minutes. Disappointing for the price.

Repurchase: no

What I'm currently using to replace it: random bath treats

☑ Dove Nutritive Therapy Nourishing Oil Care (30mL)

I think this did left my hair softer but I can't really tell as I always use a leave-in conditioner after washing my hair anyway. It has a nice thick texture though!

Repurchase: no, Unilever tests on animals

What I'm currently using to replace it: Alberto Moisture Soak Conditioner

☑ Organic Aloe & Jojoba Creme Therapy

Repurchase: no as I'm sure I can find aloe vera products that work just as well at a fraction of the price

What I'm currently using to replace it: George's Light Special Moisturizing Lotion

☑ mark. Mist Opportunity Multi-Tasking Refresher with kiwi/grapefruit 

I got this a loooooong time ago when I became an Avon rep as reps have access to amazing discounts and this was included in a special mark. starter kit. I use this every morning as a toner instead of washing my face with soap because it's so dry, but I don't feel it really did something for my face. I'm glad I finally used it up!

Repurchase: no

What I'm currently using to replace it: Equate Exfoliating Cleansing Towelettes (60 towelettes)

☑ Mario Badescu Kiwi Face Scrub (sample)

At first, I fell in love with this scrub because of its amazing smell and because it's so gentle... but after continuous use, I realized it did nothing for my skin... and it started to make the area around my mouth burn! Maybe I have an allergy to something in this scrub?


Repurchase: no

What I'm currently using to replace it: Bioré Daily Recharging Detoxify Daily Scrub 

September Empties

☑ Herbal Essences Body Envy Volumizing Shampoo and Conditioner (sample)

I'm not sure if I have noticed my hair being more volumized after using these products, but one thing I noticed is the smell - it's amazing! I don't really care about which shampoo I use on my hair anyway, as long as it cleans my hair, that's all I ask!

Repurchase: no, P&G tests on animals

What I'm currently using to replace it: L'Oréal Paris Vive Pro Colour-Vive Shampoo and  Alberto Moisture Soak Conditioner

☑ Dove Nutritive Therapy Nourishing Oil Care Daily Treatment Conditioner (sample)

This product has an interesting texture, I've never seen something similar before. When you squeeze the product out, it's very thick and solid and it melts in contact with the hair. It also smells lovely, and I really think it has improved my hair's condition, leaving it soooo soft!

Repurchase: no, Unilever tests on animals

What I'm currently using to replace it: Dove Nutritive Therapy Nourishing Oil Care (30mL)

☑ Fruits & Passion Grapefruit Guava Foaming Bath

Very average foam that lasts about 10 minutes. Disappointing for the price.

Repurchase: no

What I'm currently using to replace it: random bath treats

☑ L'Oréal Féria Shimmer Boost Hydrating Conditioner

This must be one of the best weekly conditioner I have used because the texture is so thick and it feels very moisturizing but sadly, I'm not sure I won't repurchase Féria hair dye in the future as I've been quite disappointed with the results for the price - not to mention that L'Oréal tests on animals.

Repurchase: no

What I'm currently using to replace it: weekly deep conditioners from other hair dyes

☑ Mario Badescu Special Cucumber Lotion

The smallest bottle available (8oz) is $15.00 and so not worth it in my opinion - it stinks alcohol so bad and it dries my skin more than refreshing it - not to mention toners are not really necessary, especially if you have dry skin like me. This product didn't feel refreshing, disinfecting or deep cleaning at all, and if I'm not mistaken, alcohol in a body care product is never good, is it?

Repurchase: no

What I'm currently using to replace it: Nivea Visage Gentle Toner

☑ Burt's Bees Radiance Eye Cream with royal jelly

I always find it hard to properly review eye creams as I'm not sure what I'm looking for. I'm 22 and I do have some expression lines around my eyes but nothing really noticeable. I use eye creams as a prevention, thus I don't really look for an anti-ageing product.

I guess I was drawn to this eye cream because it contains royal jelly and it's an OK product but I didn't notice my eyes looking more radiant or awaken despite the little reflecting particles in the cream. The texture is nice and easy to apply but I won't use it in the morning when I'm in a rush before putting on makeup because it takes some time to be absorbed into the skin.

I didn't realize this until now but I've had milia around my eyes for some times and now that I've stopped using this eye cream, it has really improved!

At around $23, it is pricey, but I have yet to find a good eye cream that doesn't cost more than $15. Keep in mind that it's 98.2% natural!

Repurchase: I would, if it didn't give me milia ):

What I'm currently using to replace it: Avon Solutions Plus Ageless Results Eye Cream

☑ Neotoric Diabetic Oxygenated Advanced Healing Cream review

Because this cream is claimed to be "an exceptional intensive treatment for chronic dry, cracked, damaged, slow healing skin", I had high hope it would help with my eczema, but it didn't. Thid product didn't feel very moisturizing at all. On the packaging, it says it's great to use on feet, and that's what I did instead of just throwing it away.

Repurchase: no

What I'm currently using to replace it:  Udderly Smooth Shea Butter Foot Cream

☑ Lady Speed Stick Stainguard Antiperspirant/Deodorant in Powder Fresh

I loooove the smell of this, it smells like baby powder, but it's also very fresh. I don't think I've ever had problems with yellow stains on my clothes so I didn't notice if this antiperspirant/deodorant really prevented them. As for odor and wetness protection , I can't say it works all day. I mean, I won't stink by the end of the day, but let's just say I just don't feel as fresh as I felt in the morning, but I have yet to find a product that works 100%.

Repurchase: I would, if only Colgate-Palmolive Co. were not conducting tests on animals

What I'm currently using to replace it: Secret Scent Expressions Ooh-La-La-Lavender Antiperspirant/Deodorant

☑ Diane Lai Soothe Sport Treatment review

This is my favorite product from the Diane Lai line. I especially like to use it on my affected hand as it's fast absorbed into the skin and non greasy. It does a great job at calming the itch and it helps heal the redness. The texture is perfect - it's rich without being thick as a butter but it's not milky either. The Soothe Spot Treatment has a very subtle lavender scent which is pleasant and relaxing. Even though eczema can't be completely healed to this day, I'm glad to have found a natural product that help keep flare-ups under control. I would love to continue using Diane Lai products, but the price is a little steep for a student budget.

I didn't want to use the Soothe Spot Treatment too often because the bottle is so small for the price ($34 for 30 ml), and  technically, I haven't really used it up - I don't know what happened with the pump but I can't get any more product out! I tried to wash it in case it was blocked or something, but nothing worked, so I decided to scoop out as much product as I could but I wasn't able to completely "save" it. Oh well.

Repurchase: no, it's way too expensive ):

What I'm currently using to replace it:  Diane Lai Rejuvenate Daily Moisturizing Lotion

Mail of the Week (July 3 - 8)

My prize from Tass' giveaway: After having heard so much rave about the Posie Tint, I'm happy to be able to try it for myself! Here's what Tass included in the package:

• Benefit "That Gal" Brightening Face Primer
• Benefit Mini Benefit Pose Tint
• Benefit Creaseless Cream Eyeshadow

Thank you Tass! (:

Veet products to review: I was kindly given the opportunity to review some new products for Veet - just in time for summer!

• Suprem' Essence Hair Removal Cream With velvet rose fragrance & essential oils
• Hair Removal Cream Dry Skin Shea Butter and Lily Fragrance
• EasyGril Ready-to-Use Wax Strips With Vitamin E & Almond -  Sensitive Formula

peta2's zombie survival pack: peta2 has a very cool campaign going on at the moment called Flesh is for Zombies. Yes, according to them, if you eat meat, you are a zombie! I think it's cute and funny, and a great way to raise awareness (:

Biotherm Aquasource sample: Biotherm Canada was offering free samples on their Facebook page some times ago, but now the offer has ended.

Dove Nutritive Therapy Nourishing Oil Care sample: Dove was offering a sample of  their new Dove with weightless Nutri-Oils on their Facebook page some times ago. Be sure to follow me on Twitter and "like" my Facebook page to be in the know for more great promotions like this one!

♥ Dirty Dancer - Enrique Iglesias ft. Usher & Lil Wayne

Mail of the Week (April 4 - 8)

17 Vintage Love Metallic Nudes palette from B's giveaway: I'm so happy to have won this as there's no Boots here, and the shades are sooo gorgeous and pigmented! I'll be sure to write a full post about this palette, including swatches (if I finally bring myself to touch it, it's so pretty!) Thanks B! =D

Sigma Travel Kit Naughty in Black: I recently became a Sigma affiliate so of course I have applied for their incentive package. According to their table, I thought I would receive Miss Taylor Kabuki but for some reasons I got the travel kit, which is awesome! Here's what it includes:

• Pencil - E30 - Precise application of color on the crease, outer corner, and upper and lower lash line. Also ideal to smudge out pencil liner. Natural bristles. 
• Tapered Blending - E40 - Rounded and tapered top. Specially designed to apply and blend color on the crease. Natural bristles.  
• Eye Shading - E55 - Soft and dense with a rounded finish. Can be used to apply pressed or loose eye shadows and pigments. Ideal to build intense color on the eyelid. Natural bristles. 
• Large Powder - F30 - Very dense with a rounded top. Ideal to apply powder products on face and body. Natural bristles.  
• Large Angled Contour - F40 - The angled shape makes this brush ideal to apply blush or contour shades. Natural bristles. 
• Foundation - F60 - Can be used to apply liquid or cream foundation. It is also recommended to apply moisturizers and conceal large areas. Synthetic bristles. 
• Concealer - F70 - The rounded, tampered, flat shape makes this brush ideal to conceal the under eye area. It is also recommended for a precise application in small areas. Synthetic bristles.
• Duo Fibre- F50 - Specially designed to generate an ‘airbrushed’ finish when used to apply liquid foundation. It can also be used to apply blush, highlight shades and loose pigments. Blend of synthetic and natural bristles.

Biotherm products:  Wow, I seriously wasn't expecting that! I know L'Oréal has my mailing address, but I wasn't waiting for such a big package! Here's what they sent me:

• Sun Protection Ultra-Fluid Body Milk SPF 30
• Sun Protection Ultra-Fluid Body Milk SPF 15
• Sun Care Eye Contour Multi-Protection SPF 30
• Sun After Oligo-Thermal Milk 
• Sun After Oligo-Thermal Sparkle Cream
• Celluli Laser S.Code Advanced Smoothing and Firming Care (stomach-waist)

I don't think I will need to buy sunscreen this summer, that's the least I can say!

Dove Damage Therapy Intensive Repair Daily Treatment Conditioner sample: I totally forgot I have signed up for this sample on Dove's Facebook page, but it sure looks great! It's claimed to be "The most intense conditioner Dove has to offer", and it's exactly what my dry hair needs. All of the samples have been claimed though.

John Frieda Brilliant Brunette 7-Day Trial: I got these by "liking" John Frieda Brilliant Brunette Canada on Facebook. The samples are all gone but you can still enter their contest to win a trip to NYC.

Splenda No Calorie Sweetener Flavours for Coffee samples: I was lucky enough to be able to get some from Living Well.ca, as all of their promotions end up pretty fast. I'm normally not a fan of Splenda but I have tried the French Vanilla flavor and it's yummy!

Maybelline Fit Me samples and coupons: Maybelline New York Canada were giving away samples of their new Fit Me foundation on their Facebook page a while ago so that you can find your shade. If I'm right, I think I'm 115. Not sure I will purchase this foundation though.

May issue of FASHION: I seriously have no idea what's going on as my subscription expired in February... Here's the proof:

May issue of Glamour

♥

I really want to thank everyone who was kind enough to take the time to share with me their honest opinion on my Mail of the Week posts. I really appreciate your feedback, it's important to me. I will continue doing these posts, and I'm currently working on a way to let you know in advance when I sign up for a free sample so that you will be able to sign up for it too before the promotion ends. I've started using Twitter for that, and I'm thinking maybe my Facebook fan page could be useful too, what do you think? Feel free to let me know if you have any suggestion.

On another note, any of you going to Marcelle Spring Warehouse Sale this week-end?

Annabelle makeup: $1.50 / unit

Marcelle make-up: $2.50 / unit

Skin care: various prices

Friday, April 8: 4 pm to 8 pm

Saturday, April 9: 9 am to 4 pm

Sunday, April 10: 9 am to 4 pm

No invitation necessary. Open to the general public.

9200, ch. Côte-de-Liesse, Lachine, QC, H8T 1A1

Don't forget to enter my hairfreé Hair Brushes Giveaway! It ends Tuesday April 12!

It's my birthday! + October empties

It's my birthday today! I'm now 22... time goes by so fast! 

Picture is from weheartit

 ♥

 ☑ SPAresource Coconut Hand Cream (sample size 4mL)

This smells yummy, and it's really thick for a hand cream! I'm never disappointed by SPAresource products!

Repurchase? yes!

What I'm currently using to replace it: Earth Therapeutics Gardener's Hand Repair Protective Conditioner

 ☑ Pantene Color Preserve Volume Hair Solutions Shampoo (50 mL)

This didn't really preserve my color more than any other shampoo and it didn't leave my hair especially shiny )=

Repurchase? no

What I'm currently using to replace it: John Frieda Frizz-Ease Smooth Start Shampoo

  ☑ Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula (sample size)

I was thrilled to finally get a chance to try this product and OMG, it totally lives up to its claims, even if I had enough product for only two uses! It's really thick, it smells yummy and it's really hydrating (I really noticed a difference on my elbow even after only 2 uses!).

Repurchase? yes!

What I'm currently using to replace it: Bella Spa by Ivy Castle Luxury Body Butter Coca Butter

☑ Burt's Bees Vitamin E Bath & Bodu Oil (sample size 29 mL)

I love the smell, very refreshing, but I'm not a fan of oil as it's just so... greasy LOL.

Repurchase? no

What I'm currently using to replace it: -

☑ Avon SuperExtend Mascara

This is lenghtening, but it's not the best mascara I've ever used. Plus, it clumps after a few coats and it dries up quite quickly )=

Repurchase? no

What I'm currently using to replace it: Maybelline The Falsies Volum' Express Mascara

☑ John Frieda Root Awakening Nourishing Moisture Shampoo, Conditioner and Shooting Lotion (sample size 8.3 mL)

Those products smell really minty which I like, especially when I take my shower in the morning as the smell wakes me up a little. The combination of products also left my hair soooo shiny and soft.

Repurchase? yes

What I'm currently using to replace it: John Frieda Frizz-Ease Smooth Start Shampoo, Conditioner and Hair Serum

☑Sally Hansen Maximum Strength Regular Polish Remover

Well there's not much to say about a nail polish remover! Sally Hansen is a well-known nail care brand and I guess this product does the job.

Repurchase? yes

What I'm currently using to replace it: Sally Hansen Maximum Strength Strenghtening Polish Remover

☑ Freeman Moisture Rich Apricot & Wild Cherry Deep Impact Lathering Facial Scrub

Wow, I have this since forever! It smells great and does the job quite well, but I hink it has been discontinued.

Repurchase? yes

What I'm currently using to replace it: Bioré Daily Recharging Detoxify Daily Scrub (7 g)

 ☑ Dove Ultimate Go Fresh Burst Nectarine & White Ginger scent Anti-perspirant stick

I didn't feel especially "protected" with this anti-perspirant. I only bopught it because it was on sale and because it smelled great hehe!

Repurchase? no

What I'm currently using to replace it: Lady Speed Stick Stainguard Antiperspirant/Deodorant

July's most used + July empties

• Earth Therapeutics Gardener's Hand Repair Protective Conditioner
• Vaseline
• Lancôme Rénergie Microlift Eye R.A.R.E Superior Lifting Eye Cream
• Noxzema The Original Deep Cleansing Cream with Eucalyptus Oil
• SPAresource Amber Sunset Body Lotion with aloe vera
• mark. That's Deep Purifying Cleanser with sugar maple/black willow bark
• Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Water-Light Daily Face Sunscreen SPF 45
• Annabelle Galaxy Eyeshadow Palette in Shooting Star
• Gillette for Women Satin Care Shave Gel
• Gillette Venus Embrace
• Burt's Bees Peppermint Foot Lotion
• Cellnique Vital Cellular Repair Emulsion
• Cellnique Amino Collagen C Intense Set
• Cellnique Advanced Bio Renewal Serum
• Glamour Gal Shower Gel with the essence of roses, violets, lavender & musk (not shown - used up)
• L'Oréal EverPure Moisture Shampoo (not shown - used up)
• L'Oréal EverPure Moisture Conditioner (not shown - used up)

Here are the products I've used up in July:

☑ Alberto VO5 Hot Oil Hair Treatment

I had higher hopes about this product... I guess plain old olive oil could do the job even better.

Repurchase? no

What I'm currently using to replace it: Alberto VO5 Deep Nourishing Moisture Intensive Mask 3 Minute Mask

 ☑ L'Oréal EverPure Moisture Conditioner (15 mL)

It did NOT prevent my hair color from fading.

Repurchase? no

What I'm currently using to replace it: Pantene Color Preserve Volume Hair Solutions Conditioner

 ☑ L'Oréal EverPure Moisture Shampoo (15 mL)

It did NOT prevent my hair color from fading.

Repurchase? no

What I'm currently using to replace it: Pantene Color Preserve Volume Hair Solutions Shampoo

☑ Baby Wipes Thick and Fluffy (75 wipes)

These come from the dollar store, so I didn't really expected them to be "thick and fluffy"... and they weren't. But I guess they do the job anyway, and I like the baby powder scent.

Repurchase? yes

What I'm currently using to replace it: -

☑ Bioré Steam Activated Cleanser (7 mL)

I'm a little disappointed as I haven't experienced anything special with this cleanser.

Repurchase? no

What I'm currently using to replace it: mark. That's Deep Purifying Cleanser with sugar maple/black willow bark

 ☑ Dove Ultimate Go Fresh Energizing Grapefruit & Lemongrass scent

It smells great and it does the job quite well.

Repurchase? yes

What I'm currently using to replace it: Secret Clinical Strength Light and Fresh scent (sample size 14g)

 ☑ Glamour Gal Shower Gel with the essence of roses, violets, lavender & musk

I have no idea where this shower gel comes from (it was a gift from my mother) but I would definitely not repurchase it. It is quite a normal shower gel, not to mention that I'm in love with my Caress Whipped Soufflé Body Wash =D

Repurchase? no

What I'm currently using to replace it: Caress Whipped Soufflé Body Wash