empties #14

Since it's been summer, I haven't been using many products up. I hardly wear makeup unless it's planned, so my makeup has just been sitting there. Sorry, pretty things.

Dove Advanced Care Deodorant  // I didn't care for this. It didn't work for me.

Theraneem Naturals Skin Lotion in Neem Therape* // cruelty free & vegan // This lotion helped with my eczema and was pretty rich. I'm going to add a full size to my next iHerb order.

Fruit of the Earth Aloe Vera* // cruelty free & vegan // It's aloe vera. I don't know why I even had this bottle, but I'd buy this brand again if I needed it.

Alba Botanica Body in the Buff Firming Scrub in Espresso* // cruelty free & vegan // This scrub was great and the coffee was a great plus. It wasn't oily like some sugar scrubs, and it rinsed out of the tub fairly well. My skin felt a lot softer after using it.

Simple Pleasures Hand Soap in Summer Peach // I didn't think I'd ever finish this. This was a $1 purchase at Joann Fabrics when I thought I was out, but I'll be replacing this with something cruelty free.

Good Things Fresh Start Creamy Cleanser // cruelty free & vegan // I grabbed this on a whim at Marshall's one day because the ingredients looked decent. It was an alright cleanser. I'm beginning to think that cream cleansers aren't my thing, though, but if I found this at a cheap enough price I'd pick it up as a backup.

e.l.f. Volumizing Mascara* // cruelty free & vegan // This is the cheapest mascara e.l.f. offers. I pick them up religiously to use as a base coat for my other mascaras. It's a decent product, doesn't get all over my eyelids and doesn't flake.

Madre Labs Rose Petal Witch Hazel // cruelty free & vegan // I used this as a toner and really liked it. Sadly, it's been discontinued.

e.l.f. Pressed Powder in Buff* (similar) // cruelty free & vegan // I didn't like this and it broke all to pieces, as e.l.f. powders seem to do when I have them. I wouldn't repurchase.

Avalon Organics Bath & Shower Gel* in Grapefruit and Geranium // cruelty free & vegan // This bottle lasted forever and I really liked it. I got a few compliments on the smell, too! They've since changed their packaging and this scent has been discontinued, but I'd try some of their others.

Vegan True Melatonin* // vegan // This is my go to melatonin. Definitely already in my iHerb cart.

Not Pictured:

Gilette Fusion Hydra Gel Shaving Gel // I'm still using up shaving cream from my years of couponing. I won't buy it again, but it's been nice having a supply of shave gel.

Up & Up Biotin plus Keratin // I suppose these worked, but I picked up a different brand.

Dial NutriSkin Lotion // A decent lotion from the coupon stash, I won't pick it up again.

Jergens Ultra Healing Hand Moisturizer // Meh. I still have like six of these that I'm using up. I'll be glad when they're gone.

And there's another month of digging through my trash. Hurrah!

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empties #13 & some decluttering

It's been a while since I've rounded up all of my empties, but here's another go with some mini reviews. I've included some decluttered items that I'm just not going to end up finishing. I never realized just how many non cruelty free and non vegan products I had until I started using them up and replacing them with kinder products.



Suave Invisible Solid Deodorant in Powder // I don't know where these things keep coming from, but I'm still going through them. Haha.

Yes to Tomatoes Acne Control Gel Cleanser // cruelty free & vegan // This worked really well when I first got it, my face cleared up, and then I just used it occasionally as a cleanser. I'd get this again to control redness and blemishes, if I needed it. I believe this has been discontinued, but they have tons of good looking cleansers in the Tomatoes line.

Biore Baking Soda Acne Scrub // This was an alright cleanser sample, but Biore isn't cruelty free.

KenetMD Shampoo & Conditioner // These were hotel bottles from when I met my mom halfway for a girl's night. The conditioner was pretty nice, but the shampoo made my hair a little dry. I can't find any cruelty free status for them, though.

Carmex Pomegranate Lip Balm // I've had this tube for forever and finally finished it. Carmex isn't vegan or cruelty free, unfortunately.

Victoria's Secret Pink Body Mist // This little bottle is sooo old. VS isn't cruelty free, so even though the scent was nice, I won't repurchase.

Secret Body Spray in Citrus Breeze // I got this little bottle in my stocking for Christmas, and I liked it, but it's not cruelty free.

Dial NutriSkin Replenishing Lotion // Finally finished up the last of these that I got free forever ago with coupons. I won't get this again.

Palmer's Cocoa Butter* // cruelty free // I liked this lotion, but sometimes it was just too thick, and I can't verify if it's vegan or not.

Ulta Mattifying Balm* // cruelty free & vegan // When I first bought this I wasn't sure how to use it, but I got the hang of it pretty quickly. I really like this stuff! It could also double as a primer and worked nicely at mattifying. I'm definitely getting this again!

Mary Kay Foundation Primer Sunscreen // This was a decent primer. However, MK isn't cruelty free.

Estee Lauder Foundation Sample in Pure Beige 2C // EL isn't cruelty free and this sample that I got from a friend wasn't a good color match, so I'm glad to be rid of it.



NatureMade Magnesium Supplements // These may not be vegan and I now have a different actually vegan supplement now.

Dove Deep Moisture Body Wash // I got this little sample and got quite a few uses out of it, but unfortunately, Dove isn't cruelty free.

Up & Up Biotin Supplements // Another supplement that I'm not sure is vegan, but I believe it is? I need to do some more research on these supplements.

Bynature Textured Waves Sea Salt Spray in Coconut // This spray isn't bad! I like it. It has an odd smell, but it works well. I just need to contact the company for CF status.

Aveeno Gentle Scent Lotion in Nourishing Coconut // Another little sample I used up to get it out of here. A decent lotion, but Aveeno tests on animals. :(

Charcoal Sculpting Mask // This mask came in a cup that you added water to, and it made SO MUCH MASK. I spread it on way too thickly and still could've had four more masks out of the cup, but had no way to preserve the rest of the mix. I wouldn't buy this again.

The Beer Soap Co. Blue Ribbon Bar Soap // cruelty free & vegan // Beer soap? Yup! My boss gave me this bar that's made with PBR. It's a pretty nice soap and I might order a couple different things, like the American Hops or the Karma Deodorant.

Palmer's Coconut Oil Facial Moisturizer // cruelty free // I've been looking for a new moisturizer, so when I got this sample I was thinking it might work, but it burned when I put it on. Sad face.



L'Oreal Voluminous Primer in White Primer & Original Mascara in Blackest Black // I did not like either of these products. I got them in an Influenster VoxBox. The formula got better as it dried out a bit, but it was globby and cakey and just bad. Do not recommend.



Glade candles & Dollar General Candle // More things I decluttered that were sitting around the house for forever. I wouldn't get any of these again.

Now on to my decluttering items:



Here's some items that I just didn't like enough to finish. I hate throwing out product, but I know I won't finish these and they're just taking up space in my super small bathroom. I won't be getting any of these again.

Rimmel 60 Seconds Polish in Hot Black to Go // I've had this for years and it made my nails look funny and it's separated, so it goes.

Estee Lauder Mirror // I don't generally use compacts while out and about, so I'm tossing this.

Covergirl Makeup Remover // Hate, hate, hate, double hate, loathe entirely. This was greasy as all get out, required a lot to remove simple mascara, and gave me blurry eye if it got into my eyes.

Julep Polish in Helen 2339 // cruelty free & vegan // This separated and I couldn't get it to mix again.

Milani Color Statement Polish in Cupcake Icing // cruelty free // I liked this polish! It just separated on me.

Revlon Colorstay Eye Shadow Mini Palette in Nude Elements // These shadows didn't transfer color well and the colors were wonky. The darkest color was more of a purple than a neutral color.

Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Polish in Gone Grey // Another that separated.

That was quite the group of products. What have you used up lately?

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empties #12

I haven't used up a ton of stuff lately, so I waited a bit to make another empties post. I've been slowly working on older products, so a lot of these won't be purchased again.



V05 Tea Therapy Conditioner in Healthful Green Tea // I got maybe four uses out of this whole bottle because the formula for this conditioner was so watery. Would not recommend.

Chapstick in Aloha Coconut // This is the second lip balm I've ever finished in my life. It felt like it just sat on my lips, though, and it's not cruelty free.

Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation Sample // EL isn't cruelty free and this shade didn't work on my face, but I got it from a friend so I used it up. Would not repurchase.

B&BW Body Cream in Sweet Pea // It wasn't half bad and it was creamy, but B&BW isn't cruelty free.

Dial NutriSkin Lotion // Meh. It was alright, but not cruelty free.

Eucerin Intensive Repair Hand Creme // This was a bit greasy and not cruelty free. Pass.

Pantene Volume Shampoo // This stripped my hair of oils and didn't provide any volume. I won't be getting a full size.

Neutrogena Conditioner // This was a hotel bottle and a decent conditioner, but Neutrogena isn't cruelty free.

Knock off Beauty Blender // I snagged a cheap little blender at Marshall's and I really wanted to get on this trend, but I prefer brushes. I haven't reached for this in months and I'm tired of it taking up space, so I'm tossing it. For what it was it was a decent blender, it's just not for me!

Montagne Jeunesse Fruit Smooth Mask in Raspberry & Mango* // cruelty free & vegan // I love these masks! I picked up a couple on clearance at And That! and I've been going through them slowly. Highly recommend and I'll be picking up more!

Juice Organics Pompeptide Facial Moisturizer // cruelty free & vegan // My all time favorite moisturizer and guess what? It's been discontinued. I'm so sad. I have one more bottle of this and then I'll have to find a new one.

Toadiliy Mini Basil, Sage & Mint Bath Bomb // cruelty free & vegan // I picked this up in a haul from Toadily Candles, and I liked it! I'd get more.

Not Pictured:
Pure Silk Shave Cream // It's shave cream. I'm still working through my coupon stockpile, but I wouldn't repurchase.

Noxzema Triple Blade Disposable Razors // No, no, no. Terrible, horrible razors. I bought them on a whim when I wasn't going home and these things were terrible.

Colgate Totale Advanced Pro Shield Mouthwash in Spearmint Surge // Finally, the last of my non-cruelty free mouthwash has been used up. I'm just glad to see it go.



I've really been trying to clear out my candle stock. The candle on the left is a Febreze candle leftover from Thanksgiving, and the one on the right is a candle I picked up specifically to reuse the jar for makeup brushes. I don't think I'd buy either again, but I got some neat glasses out of it.

That's it for another month!

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empties #11

After the TWO empties posts in December, my little empties basket is pretty bare. But here they are!





Clinque Rinse-off Foaming Cleanser // Another nail polish remover-esque cleanser. This one was much more bearable than the previous two, but I wouldn't buy this again.

Aveeno Skin Relief Gentle Scent Body Wash in Nourishing Coconut // This was a mild body wash that was fairly decent, but Aveeno isn't cruelty free, unfortunately, so I won't be getting a full size.

Aquafina Flavorsplash Hydrating Lip Balm in Color Me Kiwi // My first ever finished lip balm! I've had this little tube for forever. It wasn't as hydrating as the name leads you to believe, but it was decent. I'm not even sure if these are made anymore, but I'll stick with my Hurraw balms.

Up & Up Nighttime Sleep Aid // I have a tendency to not be able to fall asleep, so I use over the counter sleep aids sometimes. This is a fairly decent one, but I have more vegan melatonin on the way that I'll probably stick to.

The Body Shop Satsuma Body Polish* // cruelty free // I really liked this little tube of body polish! It was creamy but exfoliating. Unfortunately, I missed a honey ingredient, but I'll definitely be trying others!



Eucrein Skin Calming Daily Moisturizing Creme // This was a cheap coupon purchase forever ago and I'm slowly working my way through tons of lotion. After a few uses this made by skin itch, so it was destined for the empties bin.

The Honest Company Face + Body Lotion // cruelty free & vegan // Meh. This was a run-of-the-mill lotion, nothing spectacular.

The Body Shop Poppy Seed Scrub in Smoked Poppy // cruelty free & vegan // I enjoyed using this scrub and it lasted a long while. I can't seem to find this anywhere, so I think it's been discontinued, unfortunately. I'd definitely buy it again if I saw it!



Soapbox Bar Soap in Lavender // cruelty free & vegan // I'm not usually a bar soap fan, but this stuff is fantastic. I recommend Soapbox to everyone who wants a cruelty free and vegan option that's pretty easily found. I picked this up at Marshall's for only $1.99, so I plan to pick them up every time I see them! This bar is great for evening showers because the lavender is noticeable. It lathers well and doesn't leave my skin dry.

That wraps up another month!

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empties #10

Another month of digging through my trash! Here's what I used up this month. As always, I'm still working through old products that aren't cruelty free or vegan from my couponing days, and I'm human so sometimes I miss an ingredient.



Petalfresh Pomegranate Rejuvenating Facial Wipes // cruelty free and vegan // I like to pick these wipes up at Ross or Marshall's to get the bulk of my makeup off before I cleanse. They weren't excellent for eye makeup, but they did the job. I'd get them again.

Jojoba Farms Jojoba Treatment Conditioner // cruelty free // I really liked this conditioner. It lasted me a while and was really rich, but didn't weigh my hair down. If I saw this again I'd pick it up, pending the verification of a few ingredients.

Dove Men +Care Fortifying Shampoo & Conditioner 2 in 1 // Sigh. This was a freebie with a men's body wash I got for a super low price forever ago with coupons. My father and brother both have super short hair, so they don't use shampoo, so I just used this up so it didn't go to waste. I treated it as just a shampoo, and it was fine. I wouldn't get it again.

Neutrogena Body Lotion & Shampoo // These were hotel bottles. You know that feeling when you use a bar soap that makes your skin feel tight and dry? That's what this shampoo made my hair feel like. The body lotion was your average run-of-the-mill lotion. I wouldn't buy either of these.

Not Pictured:
Dial 7 Day Moisturizing Lotion // I didn't see how it did any better than any other lotion. I wouldn't get this again.

Crest Pro Health Complete Mouthwash in Clean Mint // It's mouthwash. Sometimes it would leave a purple residue in my mouth. Gross. I won't get it again.



L. A. Colors Nail Polish Remover Pads // cruelty free and vegan // I think in my last empties post with these in it I said I wouldn't buy anymore after this tub was used up, but I did anyway. Oops. They're fairly decent and convenient, and only $1! They do leave a bit of a residue, so I use them before I shower.

Gucci Bamboo Eau De Parfum Sample // Meh. I wouldn't buy this in full size.

Estee Lauder Foundation Sample in Beige 2C // I received, from a friend, three Estee Lauder foundation samples since she didn't like them, so I've been slowing using them up. This isn't the ideal color for me, so I use it sparingly and blend it a lot. The coverage is decent, but I wouldn't buy a whole bottle, especially since EL isn't cruelty free.

B&BW PocketBac in Snow Kissed Berry // This smelled great, but B&BW isn't cruelty free, so I won't be purchasing again.

Estee Lauder Makeup Brush // I'm not sure what kind of brush this is, but I used it for powder. The bristles had started to get manky, so I'm setting it free. I've replaced it with an EcoTools brush, so I won't be getting another.



Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara // cruelty free and vegan // I absolutely love this mascara. The brush is fantastic, the formula is perfect. I just really, really, really hope that Too Faced remains cruelty free after being bought by Estee Lauder.



Covergirl The Super Sizer Fibers Mascara // I received this in an Influenster VoxBox. The brush looks weird, but it works pretty well. The formula starts off REALLY wet, but works a lot better once it dries out a bit. I wouldn't purchase this, though.

That's it for this month! What have you tried lately?

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empties #9

This month I had a lot of empties, so there's going to be two posts! I'm still rolling through my non-CF and vegan items, but the pile is getting smaller and smaller as I replace them with cruelty free and vegan options.





Botanical Choice Nose Pore Strips // These didn't do a whole lot of anything. I wouldn't get them again.

Clinque Liquid Facial Soap Mild // This was a decent cleanser, but it smelled terrible and chemical-y. Not only is Clinique expensive, but not cruelty free. No dice.

Clarisonic Deep Pore Detoxifying Clay Mask // My mom gave me this little sample and while it was a decent mask, Clarisonic isn't cruelty free. It took me a while to use this up, so a full size would probably dry out on me. I wouldn't buy a full size.

Generic Nail Block // A dollar store purchase. It did the job, and I have another in my nail box now.

e.l.f. BB Cream in Fair // cruelty free & vegan // This has a lot of product left in it, but the nozzle broke and I didn't want to take the time to get it all out since this was nearing the end of it's shelf life. Sometimes this can make my face greasy, but once I use up the other bottle of this that I have, I'll probably get another.

Simple Smoothing Facial Scrub // I found another bottle of this stupid stuff in my stash. I don't like it. It's hard to wash off and doesn't have much exfoiliating power. I used it as a hand scrub and I'm glad it's gone. I definitely won't be getting any more.

B&BW Endless Weekend Body Lotion // I found this little bottle when I cleaned out a purse. It was a decent lotion and smelled nice. B&BW isn't cruelty free, so I say so long.

e.l.f. Daily Brush Cleaner // cruelty free & vegan // This wasn't much more effective than my vinegar and warm water DIY brush cleaner. I had to use a lot of this to clean my brushes. I don't think I'll pick it up again.



Sally Hansen Insta Dry Polish in Mint Sprint // I liked this color, but as you can see it spoiled on me.

Clinque Extra Gentle Cleansing Foam // First off, this smelled like nail polish remover. Ew. It foamed well and the consistency was nice, but as above, Clinique isn't cruelty free and I didn't like the smell.

Eucerin Eczema Relief Body Creme // A decent little sample, but nothing special.

Colgate MaxFresh Toothpaste // After grabbing this in a super pinch, I wish I hadn't. Coming from natural toothpastes to this was terrible. Waaaaay too much fake mint taste. I'll stick with my natural pastes.

Alba Botanica Even Advanced Sea Moss Moisturizer // cruelty free & vegan // I loved this! It was light but moisturizing, and I think it evened my complexion a bit. I'll definitely be repurchasing.

A lot of "no's" as I slowly weed out the bad products, but I'm happy to have more items out of my life. ♥

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empties #8

Another round of empties! I've been really striving to use up products since we've been going to look at houses and I don't want to pack all of this stuff!



OKAY Deep Moisturizing Coconut Oil Leave In Conditioner // I didn't see how this really made my hair any softer or more moisturized AND I missed the ingredient honey shoved down in the corner. I won't pick this up again.

Kleancolor Nail Lacquer in 247 Peacock-A-Boo // cruelty free & vegan // This was a party favor at a baby shower I attended. I never got around to using it because blue isn't a go-to color for me. I might pick this brand up again if I saw it somewhere, but I really need to work through my current stash of polishes first.

Covergirl NatureLuxe Gloss Balm in 230 Coral // This was a decent little balm that packed a lot of color behind it, but Covergirl isn't cruelty free and sadly this died a slow, melting death in my car. I won't be replacing it.

Burt's Bees Coconut & Pear Lip Balm // cruelty free // This smelled really good and Burt's Bees has great balms, but they're not vegan. This also died a slow, melting death in my car, so I can't even finish it. I won't be buying another.

Colgate Total in Clean Mint // It's toothpaste. It's not cruelty free. Sorry, Colgate.

The Merry Hempsters Vegan Hemp Balm in Spearmint // cruelty free & vegan //I was very sad when this became a casualty of the summer heat in my car. (Do you see a trend? I left a whole cup of lip care in my cup holder.) This was a great lip balm I ordered from iHerb (use the code TNZ430 and get $5 off!). I'll be adding this to my next order.

e.l.f. Flawless Finish Foundation in Porcelain // cruelty free & vegan // This is a cheap foundation that I routinely pick up. I'll be replacing this once I go through a couple other bottles in my stash.

tarte Deep Dive Cleansing Gel // cruelty free & vegan // Full review here. I'd definitely buy this in a full size.

Beautique Long Wear Automatic Eye Liner in French Roast // I had this eyeliner for a while and I loved it. It was a cheap Sally Beauty pick up that I snagged at a discount with my Beauty Club card. I used it until the little pieces kept falling out and I finally got around to sticking it in my empties bin. Sadly, they're not vegan in the slightest, so I won't be getting any more.



Stila HUGE Extreme Lash Mascara // I received this in a palette for Christmas. This was a great mascara. I dare say I'd even compare it to Better Than Sex, volumizing wise. However, I will not be purchasing a full size because Stila tests on animals, so I can't recommend it. Sorry, Stila, Too Faced still gets my mascara money.



Classic Flannel Candle // I picked this candle up at Walmart last fall. It was a nice scent, but I don't shop at Walmart anymore, so I won't be getting it again.

That wraps up this month's empties! Have you found any new favorites? Link your empties in the comments!

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empties #7

Wow! Seven whole months of keeping up with my empties. I might've finally stuck with a series here on lb. Haha! I've really been thinning out my products, so I haven't been going through as many, coupled with the fact that I haven't been wearing as much makeup during the hot end of summer days. But here's what I've finished up!

Auromere Ayurvedic Herbal Toothpaste in Licorice // cruelty free & vegan // I'm gonna be honest here - I didn't know this was licorice flavored when I picked it up. However, I liked this toothpaste. I'd been wanting to get away from the fake, minty, flouride-filled toothpastes, so I snagged this at TJMaxx on a visit to my mom's. The licorice flavor wasn't bad and I'll definitely purchase this brand again. (If you use my link, use the code TNZ430 and get $5 off!)

L'Oreal Total Repair 5 Conditioner // I'm still using up these little travel sizes I got for free with coupons forever ago. This is a good conditioner, but L'Oreal isn't cruelty free, so I won't be repurchasing.

Poor Farm Soap Co. Lip Balm // I got this a few years ago at a local festival. It was a decent balm, but it died a summery death melting in the car, then when it solidified again it was grainy, so I'm tossing it. It's not vegan and I can't verify if it's cruelty free or if I'll even see the booth again, so I doubt I'll repurchase.

Tarte Drink of H20 Hydrating Boost Moisturizer // cruelty free & vegan // Here's my full review post of this here. I'd repurchase this.

L.A. Colors Nail Polish Remover Pads in Peach // cruelty free & vegan // I've had these things for YEARS and they stayed moist that whole time and still worked! I have another container of them somewhere in Strawberry, but after that container is used up I probably won't buy these again. They worked well, but left a residue on my hands and feet, so I felt I had to wash after using it.

Juice Organics Brightening Conditioner // cruelty free & vegan // I've never seen a conditioner be both thick and light, but this one was both. It was really creamy and thick, but didn't weigh my hair down. My hair felt healthier and more vibrant after using it. I'd definitely repurchase this one!

Palmer's Eventone Dark Spot Correcting Cleanser // cruelty free // Sadly, I missed a milk ingredient in this bottle after I'd opened it. For shame. It didn't work anyway, so I'm not missing out on a miracle product. My skin felt so soft and silky after using it, but I won't be repurchasing.

Not pictured:

Suave Creamy Cocoa Butter & Shea Body Wash // This was a buy one, get one free coupon deal that I finally used up. Suave body washes lather so well but sadly, they're not cruelty free. I have another bottle of this waiting to be used, but I won't be repurchasing.

Clean & Clear Morning Burst Hydrating Facial Cleanser // This was a hand me down from a friend who didn't want it anymore. It was a decent cleanser, but not a life changer, nor is it cruelty free.

Edge Sensitive Skin Shave Gel // Another freebie from my coupon stockpile. It's shave gel. It works. I won't be buying again after I use up my stash.

Colgate Total Mouthwash in Wintermint Rush // It's mouthwash from my coupon stockpile. I'm not a huge mouthwash fan, but picked it up because it was free a while back. I'd like to try Tom's once I get through the other bottles in my stockpile.



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empties #6

Nail Polish Remover // This was a spur of the moment purchase at Five Below quite a while ago. I don't think I'd buy it again.

Suave Invisible Solid Deodorant // This was my purse deodorant, so it took a while to use up. This did a really good job for me, but sadly it's not cruelty free.

Bath & Body Works Rainforest Leaves Shampoo // I found this in a bin after having it for years. It was a hotel snag. It worked pretty well, but B&BW isn't cruelty free.

Deep Steep Coconut Oil Sugar Scrub in Pineapple Coconut // cruelty free & vegan // I LOVE Deep Steep! This scrub was great and my skin felt moisturized afterward. If you use my link to order, use the code TNZ430 for $5 off!



Juice Organics Pompeptide Facial Moisturizer // cruelty free & vegan // I love this moisturizer. This is my third tube and I have one waiting to be used. Unfortunately, I can't seem to find it anywhere and I think it's been discontinued, which is so sad. I'll definitely keep searching, though.

Forever Red Shower Gel // When Bath & Body Works first released the Forever Red line in 2012ish, I fell in love with the smell (at that time I had a smidgen left). I bought this and used it for special occasions. I finally finished it. Phew. Sadly, though, as above, B&BW isn't cruelty free.

Oxy Face Wash // Boooo. I didn't like this facewash and couldn't bring myself to finish it. It bleached my towels even after a thorough rinse, and I just couldn't stand to use it anymore. Definitely won't be buying again.

Simple Smoothing Facial Scrub // Simple fooled me a while back and I thought they were cruelty free. Nope. This scrub was weird, too. Not a lot of exfoliating to be had, and it was hard to wash off. I ended up using it as a hand scrub. I will not be repurchasing.



Lancome La Vie est Belle sample// I'd totally buy it again if Lancome was cruelty free. :(

e.l.f. Poreless Face Primer // cruelty free & vegan // For the price, it's a decent primer. I like the way it applies. I'd buy this again. If you use my link, use the code TNZ430 for $5 off!

What have you tried lately?

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empties #5

Clarisonic Refreshing Gel Cleanser // I got a Clarisonic Mia for Christmas that I love. This is the cleanser that came with it. My skin felt clean after using it, but it was pretty drying and not cruelty free, so I won't be getting it again.

ban Shower Fresh deodorant // This worked pretty well when I first got it a while back with a coupon. Towards the end of the tube it stopped working as well. I don't know if it was my skin that adapted or the product, but either way ban isn't cruelty free, so I won't be repurchasing.

L'Oreal Total Repair 5 Restoring Conditioner // This was another freebie from couponing. This conditioner works great, but L'Oreal isn't cruelty free, sadly.

Pacifica Glow Baby Youthful Face Scrub // cruelty free and vegan // I got this in a little trial four pack of Pacifica's facial products (Thanks, Mumma!). I've mentioned before that I like pretty strong facial scrubs - I like to feel them working. This scrub does just that. I'd definitely purchase this again.

Vegan True Melatonin 3mg // cruelty free and vegan // Vegan True's melatonin worked pretty well. I didn't wake up groggy but it helped me sleep. This is on my iHerb to order list. (And if you use the code TNZ430 you'll get $5 off your order and I'll get $5!)

Julep Glycolic Hand Scrub // cruelty free // I really liked this little sample of hand scrub. One use and I really could tell a difference! And there's still time to get the Summer Brights 6-Piece Beauty Gift!



These next products are all products I won't be repurchasing, as they aren't cruelty free, sadly.

Herbal Essences Tousle Me Softly Shampoo // Another couponing purchase from forever ago. I don't know what exactly this shampoo was supposed to do, but it didn't do it.

Almay Oil Free Eye Makeup Removed Pads // I got these free with coupons and this is the last of the batch. They worked well on eye makeup, but left a weird residue that I always felt I needed to wash off.

Rodan + Fields Micro-Dermabrasion Paste // cruelty free // I like tough exfoliators. This felt like I was rubbing glass on my face.

White Barn Eucalyptus Mint mini candle // This smelled nice and for such a small candle it burned for a long time. I got this as a stocking stuffer and really liked it.

Tresemme Platinum Strength Conditioner // Another cheap coupon find. I enjoyed this conditioner, but Tresemme isn't cruelty free.

What products have you used lately?

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empties #4

I can't believe I've hung onto my little "empties" series this long, but it's fun! Here are the empties for July.



Simple Pleasures Body Scrub // I hated this scrub. I swear my creamy body wash has more exfoliating power than this stuff did. This was a Target One Spot quick grab ages ago. I'm glad to see it go.

Omorovicza Thermal Cleansing Balm // Pretty sure I got this as a sample in an order from Sephora. It smelled funny, and I didn't see how it was a great cleanser. Plus the full size version of a whopping 1.7 ounces is $110. No, thanks.

e.l.f. Baked Eyeshadow in Bark // cruelty free and vegan // See how this is still basically full? It just wouldn't work. No color payoff, no matter what I tried. Wet, dry, nada. I'm tossing it. Unless someone has tips on how to use this?

Ladyburg Mango Lip Scrub // vegan // This lip scrub is locally made and it smelled and tasted delicious. It worked pretty well! I kept it in the shower so that cut it's life a bit, but I was able to finish all but a smidge. I'm not sure if their ingredients are cruelty free, but I'm going to find out because I'd love to have another jar of this.

Julep Invisible Dry Shampoo // cruelty free & vegan // I didn't finish this one, either. This has been the first and only dry shampoo I've tried that I got in my first Julep beauty box. I don't think I blame this product completely, I just don't think my hair takes to dry shampoo well. I wouldn't repurchase, but if you're a dry shampoo user, I'd give it a shot.

e.l.f. 3-in-1 Mascara in Very Black // cruelty free & vegan // I reviewed this before on a previous empties post (see the brush there, too). It's growing on me. It's an inexpensive ($3) mascara that I use as a base coat/primer for my more expensive mascara. I've decided to keep purchasing this one.

Sephora Full Action Mascara // This was a gift from a friend. I really liked the brush and formula of this mascara, but sadly, Sephora's in house line isn't cruelty free. Come on, Sephora, get on it!

L'Oreal Paris Total Repair 5 Restoring Conditioner // Another couponing snag from probably two years ago that I've just gotten around to using up. This conditioner works pretty well, but L'Oreal sucks and still tests on animals.

As you can tell, I'm still going through a lot of product that I won't buy again. Sometimes I'm hesitant to include those items, but I figure someone might learn something they didn't know and avoid that brand. :)

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empties #3

These posts are a great source of joy for me and I can't explain why. More empties this month. :)



Simple Soothing Facial Toner // I've had this toner for forever and I've been using it every day! Sadly, Simple tests on animals so I will not be repurchasing.

Matrix Total Results Repair Shampoo // This was a hotel bottle that I took with me when we went on a trip. It was pretty good shampoo but Matrix isn't cruelty free.

Estee Lauder Pleasures Sample // I don't remember requesting this sample, but somehow I got it. It smelled alright, but I'm not a big perfume gal so that combined with Estee Lauder not being cruelty free, I won't be getting this again.

up & up Apricot Facial Scrub // When I exfoliate my face I like to have a product that I can feel working - this did that. Unfortunately, like I've said before, up & up isn't cruelty free.

L'Oreal Smooth Intense Ultimate Straight Shampoo, Pre-Conditioner, and Conditioner Samples // They worked. But 1) not cruelty free, and 2) I have enough to do in the shower, I don't need to "pre-condition", too.

Too Faced Shadow Insurance Eyelid Primer // cruelty free // I received this in a Sephora order, and there was quite a bit of product in this little sample. I got a use out of it, and initially the product is very wet. It takes a smidge longer to dry than the primer I use now. However, it gets nice and tacky and provides a nice setting for eyeshadow. I'd try out the full size if Too Faced removed the animal products.



The Honest Company Face & Body Lotion // cruelty free & vegan // I liked this lotion at first. Then about ten minutes after I applied it to my hands, they felt dry. If I was given a tube of this I'd use it, but I don't think I'd spend money on it.

Dr. Bronner's Pure Castille Soap in Peppermint // cruelty free & vegan // I grabbed a sample size of this at Target one day and I enjoyed it. I used it as a body wash (though it has tons of uses) and I definitely want to try out a full size.

That wraps up another empties post. Yee! What have you used up lately?

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empties #2

The second round of empties! There weren't quite as many this month, but I manage to finish up a few things I've been trying to get out of my way.



Maybelline  Great Lash Mascara in Blackest Black // I think almost everyone has had a tube of this at some point. It does the job, but isn't cruelty free so I won't be repurchasing.

up & up Wet Cleansing Towelettes // This is the last of the clearance stash of these guys. Like I said before, I won't be repurchasing these because they're not cruelty free.

Mary Kay Time Wise Matte-Wear Liquid Foundation in Beige 3 // When I was in a wedding two years ago, we had a Mary Kay lady do our makeup. She did a phenomenal job, so a few months later I picked up the foundation at a MK party I was invited to. This is that foundation. Now, though, it's too dark for me and it's time has come. Mary Kay sells in China so they're not cruelty free, so unfortunately I won't be repurchasing.

Herbal Essences Body Wash in Body Burst // This was a sample I got in the mail ages ago and I've just finished it. While it was a decent body wash, Herbal Essences isn't cruelty free, so I won't be getting a full size!

Rimmel Stay Matte Liquid Mousse Foundation in Ivory // I LOVE the way this foundation blends when you first put it on. However, I've had it a while and it's started to cake as the day goes by so I think it's past it's prime. Another brand that isn't cruelty free, so I'll have to stick with my e.l.f. foundation.

Funky Fingers polish in Confetti // It's gotten gloopy. I wasn't a fan of how hard it was to apply. I won't be repurchasing.

Edge Extra Moisturizing Shave Gel // It's shave gel. It did it's job. I didn't see how it was "extra moisturizing", but it was okay. I'm eager to switch to a natural shaving cream once I go through my coupon stockpile, so I won't be getting this again.

Andalou Naturals Leave-In Conditioner // cruelty free & vegan // I absolutely love this conditioner. It smoothes frizz and leaves your hair feeling better overall. It has argan oil and the first ingredient isn't water like most conditioners. This is the second bottle I've been through and I am definitely going to purchase this again.

Send me your recs and links to what you've finished this month! ♥

empties - #1

Since my obsession with beauty products was sparked about a year ago, I've gone crazy with buying things. Now I've got quite the stockpile and I'm trying to use them up! I've fallen in love with empties posts, so I thought as I used my own products up I'd document them.

I do want to say that I'm still using a lot of products from when I couponed, so many of these in the beginning may not be cruelty free or vegan. I wasn't buying exclusively cruelty free and vegan then, but I don't want to waste items I spent money on. They'll be noted that I won't purchase them again! As always, I'm human and may have missed an ingredient or misread a label, so always do your own research to determine if something is cruelty free or vegan. ♥



e.l.f. Makeup Remover Cleansing Cloths // cruelty free & vegan // I use makeup remover wipes to get the bulk of the product off my face before I use my Clarisonic. These wipes were very wet - I know that sounds stupid - and I always felt like I needed to wash my hands afterward. Sometimes the wipe would be so saturated that the liquid would squeeze out into my eye. It didn't burn, but was irritating that it happened. They removed eye makeup pretty well and even with the great price point of $3, I won't be getting these again.

Up & Up Wet Cleansing Towelettes // I picked these up on clearance, as the sticker says. These are paraben free, but the Up & Up brand isn't cruelty free. I won't be purchasing these again.

Fantasy Makers by Wet N Wild Lipstick in Deep Purple // cruelty free // I was Beetlejuice for Halloween and I had picked this lipstick up at Target in the hopes that it was a darker purple. It didn't cover well and didn't work for what I wanted. I've no use for it, so I'm tossing it.

Living Proof No Frizz Conditioner // cruelty free & vegan //A friend gave me a few sample sizes of Living Proof items a while back and I'm just going through them. This conditioner worked really well to keep frizz down. I would purchase this again.

Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Nail Polish in Slick Slate // cruelty free // This is one of my absolute favorite nail polish colors, but it got gloopy and it's time for it to go. According to their website, Sally Hansen doesn't test on animals, which may be a new development as I thought they did. Upon further research, I would purchase this again.

Crest 3D White Toothpaste in Radiant Mint // Little travel toothpaste I picked up when I taking a trip out to my mom's. I didn't notice any difference in the color of my teeth. I've since switched to natural toothpaste, so I won't be repurchasing.

Sally Hansen Hard as Nails in Hard to Get // cruelty free // This was a cheap coupon purchase forever ago. I don't think I ever even used it, but it's gotten gloopy.

Palmer's Deep Conditioning Protein Pack // cruelty free // I really thought I'd hit the jackpot with this one, then I realized I'd missed not only a milk ingredient, but a silk ingredient as well. Sigh. I noticed it IN THE SHOWER with the product ON MY HAIR, so I couldn't return it. It worked, but I won't repurchase.

Not Your Mother's Beach Babe Texturizing Sea Salt Spray // cruelty free & vegan // The first time I used this spray it worked phenomenally - then I couldn't replicate that again and I felt like it didn't work. That was most likely my fault since I suck at styling hair, but I'd give this another shot after I finish up the sea salt spray I'm currently using.

Rimmel 60 Seconds Nail Polish in Out of the Blue & Captain Khaki // More nail polish that I got cheap with a coupon. More colors I don't think I ever used. They've gotten gloopy. I won't be repurchasing.

Clear Glittery Lip Gloss // I've no clue how long I've had this or where it came from. I think it was a stocking stuffer. I'm not huge into glosses and I've had this so long that it has to go.



e.l.f. Tone Adjusting Face Primer - Neutralizing Green // cruelty free & vegan // I didn't really see how it adjusted the redness on my face and you get a surprisingly tiny amount for $6. That's what I get for not paying attention to the ounces. The packaging is a bit deceiving - the reservoir for the product is only about half the size of the bottle. It did a decent job of keeping my makeup in place as I have oily skin. I'd repurchase this as a backup or to keep in a travel bag.



Covergirl Professional Loose Powder in Translucent Fair // I don't even know where I got this. I think it was a hand-me-down from a friend or my mom, but who knows? It's a loose powder with a pouf and BOY does it get EVERYWHERE. It wasn't a great color match and I think I lost more as it floated around my bathroom than I put on my face. I've no interest in ever owning another loose powder.



e.l.f. 3-in-1 Mascara // cruelty free & vegan // This was a decent mascara. It didn't deliver massive volume, but it worked pretty well. My issue was with the brush. The word 'mace' popped in my head every time I went to use it. I liked layering it under other mascaras for a bit of boost and I might repurchase this in a pinch.



e.l.f. Lengthening & Defining Mascara // cruelty free & vegan // For $1, it's not bad, but you get what you pay for. It really just made my eyelashes look like I had a smidge of mascara on. It worked great as a base coat. However, it got clumpy really quickly. You can see in the photo above how much product was left and how gunky the brush got. I don't think I'd pick this back up unless I was really needing mascara.

I hope to use up a lot of my stash in the next coming months. I've got so many new products just hanging out that I really want to use, but I've made myself continue to use up opened things before starting on those. Sometimes it's agony that I have to keep using something, but it's so satisfying when they're gone!

What have you used up lately?