December Empties with Heather Marie!

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Everyone please welcome back Heather Marie, my awesome sister and amazing blog contributor. This month, she is sharing her December Empties.

(Note: This post is not sponsored, and all products were purchased myself. No affiliate codes are present either. As always, my opinions are my own.)

A little about Heather:

 

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“My name is Heather Gooss and I’m a cook, a card crafter, a painter, an amateur pianist, a skilled movie watcher, and a book lover. Professionally, I’m almost done with my degree in applied mathematics and am working part time. I also own a bath bomb business, called ReeRee’s Bath and Body!”

Lancome Eye Bi-Facil Double Action Eye Makeup Remover (Sample Size)

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I found this to work better than drug store make up removers. But I still had to wipe a few times to get all my mascara off. Note that I was using a waterproof mascara. It has a very slick texture and a little went a very long way. Overall, I would purchase this again. But next time I think I’ll try something else, just to explore.

Rating: Meh, It’s Okay…

Lancome Hypnose Drama Instant Full Volume Mascara, Sample Size

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I love this mascara. It applies very smoothly and covers evenly. I felt like it made my lashes look longer and fuller. It is a very intense black. This mascara lasted all day, but was not perfectly waterproof. If I cried, it would smear just a little. Overall, I will definitely purchase this again!

Rating: A Beauty Must-Have!

Lancome Cis Booster XL Vitamin-Infused Mascara Primer, Sample Size

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I felt like I went through my sample size really fast. I felt like it helped my mascara go on smoother and helped my lashes look longer. I would buy this again, but I might also try another brand’s version first.

Rating: Meh, It’s Okay…

Stila Stay All Day Liquid Waterproof Eyeliner

I bought this because I have an oily complexion and this often makes my eyeliner smear. I found that, although this eyeliner is waterproof, it is not oil proof. So it did smear pretty badly throughout the day. However, the marker tip made it easy to apply and the color was great. I feel like this would be a great option for someone without an oily complexion.

Rating: Meh, It’s Okay…

L’Oreal Paris Infallible Pro-Matte 24 Hour Foundation

I love, love, loved this foundation! It applied very nicely, gave great medium coverage and lasted all day! It was great at making sure I didn’t look too oily. It also did not move around too much on my face throughout the day. I am a convert and I won’t buy anything else in the future!

Rating: A Beauty Must-Have!

Laura Mercier Foundation Primer – Radiance

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This primer has a very subtle shimmer to it that makes gives a nice glow. It applied well and a little went a long way. I think it helped keep my foundation in place and helped it apply more smoothly. It worked well for my oily complexion. I would buy this again but I might try something else in between my next purchase.

Rating: Meh, It’s Okay…

 

That’s it for today’s Empties with Heather Marie! Stay tuned until next month!

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Meet an Indie Beauty Company: ReeRee’s Bath Bombs

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1) What inspired you to start a bath bomb business?

I love taking baths and I love using bath bombs. I have bought a ridiculous number of bath bombs and have enjoyed every single one of them. One day, one of my youtube channels gave a tutorial for making homemade bath bombs. I used that recipe, tweaking it along the way, to make bath bombs for Christmas presents and for Easter baskets. My family and friends loved them. I then decided that since I enjoy it so much, I would start to sell them. Now my hobby has grown into a business I love.
2) What is your favorite part of creating bath bombs?
My favorite part is designing the look and smell of each bath bomb. I have several themed bath bombs, including Unicorn and Mermaid Tail. Coming up with the concept and then making it is so much fun!
3) Why do you think self care and pampering is important?
I believe self care is vital for mental and emotional well-being. We constantly have to give of ourselves: to our job, to our family, to our chores, and so on. However, people are like wells. You can give of yourself only so much before you run dry. That is where self care comes in. Self care and pampering refill your well. Bath bombs and shower steamers are a simple and easy way to take time for yourself and refill your well.

Feel Free to Contact Heather for more information on how to purchase!

November Beauty Buys

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I am starting a new beauty review series, called Monthly Beauty Buys. Today’s November Beauty Buys features hair care, body wash and a couple of cosmetics.

(Note: This post is not sponsored, and all products were purchased myself. No affiliate codes are present either. As always, my opinions are my own.)

Garnier Whole Blends Honey Treasures Shampoo & Conditioner

Where: Walmart, $3.47 each

I have been using this duo for a week. So far, I love it! My hair is bouncy and shiny again. My scalp seems more balanced too – I can go a second day without my hair throwing a greasy fit. Since shampoos can be tricky, I will let you know what I think in a future empties post, once I finish it up.

 

Suave Essentials Milk & Honey Splash Body Wash

Where: Walmart, $1.88

I forgot how much I love Suave body wash! The price is great, and they smell fantastic. (As you can see, I am on a bit of a honey kick lately. ☺️) The one thing I will say is that the formula is very thin. I recommend using a washcloth or a loofah to make this body wash last longer.

 

L.A. Colors Contour Stick in Light

Where: Dollar Tree, $1

This was a surprise find! I chucked this little beauty in my shopping basket, not expecting much from it. I was surprised to find that it worked perfect as an under-eye concealer. In fact, it works better than my L’Oréal True Match Concealer (shade: n1)! I plan to go back and stock up on a few more.

 

Wet ‘N Wild Photofocus Foundation in Shell Ivory

Where: Walmart, $4.68

I bought this foundation mainly because I was being cheap. But, I was pleasantly surprised! It stays all day, and has good coverage. I also love that it isn’t too cakey, drying — or shiny.

I might try the fair-warm shade next time, instead of the fair-neutral. Although my skin is neutral toned, this formula leans a little too cool for my complexion.

That said, I think I found a new favorite!

 

L’Oréal Infallible Liquid Lipstick in Candy Man

Where: Walnart, $7.94

First off, this lipstick smells like chocolate pudding and brownies, which is ah-mazing!

Secondly, this is my all-time favorite formula for liquid lipstick. It stays on all day, and only slightly fades through meals. It isn’t drying, and looks fantastic.

You can read my in-depth review on the L’Oréal Infallible Liquid Lipstick.

 

That’s it for my November Beauty Buys post. Let me know if you have any products you would like me to try!

November Empties with Dana Maye!

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Here is my latest empty post! This month’s beauty products center around hair and skincare.

(Note: This post is not sponsored, and all products were purchased myself. No affiliate codes are present either. As always, my opinions are my own.)


Empty #1: Maui Moisture Curl Quench + Coconut Oil Shampoo & Conditioner

Where: Walmart, $5.97 each

I decided to try out a sulfate-free, silicone-free, paraben-free, plant-derived shampoo. This one is all of that and more. Instead of the primary ingredient being water, it is aloe vera juice, and so on.

For the first week, my hair seemed to love it. But after that, my hair began to lose its shine. My hair also became brittle, and began to break quite a bit, which was disappointing.

I haven’t tried any of the other shampoo and conditioner duos in this line, and I don’t intend to. I am trying a different shampoo & conditioner from the Garnier Fructis Whole Blends line. You can read about it in my November Buys post.

Rating: Bottom of the Waste Basket!

Empty # 2: L’Oréal Infallible Pro-Matte Foundation in 103 Natural Buff

Where: Walmart, $8.97

I loved this foundation. It lasted all day on me, which was exactly what I was looking for. I loved the even, flawless coverage, and that it was light enough for my freckles to still peek through. Without primer, I found it a tiny bit drying. With primer, it gave me the perfect demi-matte skin that I prefer.

Tip: I bought this foundation two shades too dark, so I used bronzer on my neck until I was able to finish it up.

I am a big fan of L’Oreal products, so I’m not surprised this one was a big hit for me. I will definitely buy  this foundation again, just not now. This month, as I am trying to save money, I bought the Wet ‘N Wild Photo Focus foundation. You can read more about it in my November Buys post.

Rating: A Beauty Must-Have!

Empties #3: Wet ‘N Wild Photofocus Matte Finish Setting Spray

Where: Walmart, $4.68

I love setting sprays. They are so helpful in keeping makeup looking fresh all day long. This one in particular helped keep my eye shadow (especially glitter eye shadow) looking flawless all day. The mist isn’t as fine as I wanted, but that only affected the experience of using the spray, not its performance. It kept my eye shadow, blush and contour on, which is what matters.

I do have to say that when looking at price-per-ounce, the L’Oreal Infallible Setting Spray is the same price. So, next time I buy a setting spray, I will try the L’Oreal version. That said, this is a great setting spray -and is the perfect size for travel!

Verdict: A (Cheap) Beauty Musthave!

Empty #4: OleHenriksen Truth Facial Water

Where: T.J. Maxx, $12

This spray smelled refreshing and lovely, but made no difference on my skin what so ever. Since, this is a Sephora-level skincare brand, I was hoping that it would at least help my skin look a little more refreshed and quenched. Sadly, it only made my face look wet.  This mist was very harsh too, which made using it a little jarring. It did smell good, and didn’t burn my skin, which is a plus…

I will definitely try a difference facial water spray next time.

Verdict: Bottom of the Waste Basket

 

Empty #5: Drunk Elephant B-Hydra Intensive Hydration Gel

Where: Sephora, free luxury sample (Full Size: $58)

I absolutely loved this hydration gel. It was the perfect moisturizer! I loved applying it underneath makeup, because it didn’t cause my foundation and primer to slide, or look too cakey or oily. Over the time of using it, my combination skin looked more balanced.

Due to the price, it will probably be a while before I buy it, but I do definitely think it is worth the cost. Perhaps as a birthday splurge.

Verdict: A (Luxury) Beauty Musthave! 

 

Empty #6: Phoera Liquid Eyeshadow in 101 Cream

Where: Wish.com, $3

This metallic liquid eye shadow is meant to be a knock-off of the Stila Magnificent Metals Glitter & Glow liquid eye shadow. I have tried both, and this one is nowhere near the Stila version. That said, it is still very pretty. If applied with an eye shadow primer, it lasts a long time, and the glitter is beautiful, if a little chunky. I was worried that being so cheap, it would sting my sensitive eyes, but it was actually very gentle.

I am trying out another wish.com liquid eye shadow, which you can learn more about in my November Buys post.

Verdict: A (Cheap) Beauty Musthave!

 

That’s it for now!

Dana Maye

Beauty Hack: An Easy Way to Remove Makeup

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Removing mascara is one of my pet peeves and most annoying parts of the day. I have tried makeup wipes, cotton balls, cotton pads, Q-tips, and microfiber clothes. I also have tried micellar water, cold cream and practically every liquid makeup remover on the market. I still would have to deal with a fine line of mascara smudge into my lower eyelids, giving me a not-so-chic raccoon look. Makeup is supposed to help me feel more beautiful, not less! On top of that, I constantly dumped the makeup remover into my eyes, causing them to burn and sting.

I finally discovered a great beauty hack when I ran out of cotton balls. I decided to try my Beauty Blender, which worked amazing. It has both the ability to release makeup remover, while absorbing pesky makeup. I love the rounded bottom for overall removal of makeup from the eyelid and face. I love the tip for removing mascara from the eyelashes, and eyeliner/mascara from around the lower lash line.

It works better than anything else I have tried! I prefer to use it with Clinique’s Take the Day Off cleansing balm. For liquid makeup remover, I prefer the Klorane Floral Water Makeup Remover.

Why not give this beauty hack a try? 🙂

My New Favorite Bath Bombs: ReeRee’s Bath and Body

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(Listed Above: Lime bath bomb, Sweet Orange shower melt, Unicorn bath bomb, Lavender shower melt, Mermaid Tail shower melt, and Grapefruit shower melt)

Bath bombs are one of my favorite ways to relax and unwind. I love the way they add swirls of color and glitter to the bath, the serene spa-inspired scents and how soft my skin feels afterward.

I am excited to share my new favorite bath bomb brand -ReeRee’s Bath and Body! This indie beauty brand was engineered by my amazing sister, Heather Gooss. I have always admired her creative abilities and the way she infuses perfection and passion into her work.

So far I have tried the Mermaid Tail bath bomb. It smells so good -like the smell of ocean waves and cotton towels. I love the epsom salt in the bath bombs, and the gentle sea foam green the water changes to.

I can’t wait to try everything else! I am especially excited about the lime bath bomb. ❤

If you want to try a splash of awesomeness, you can purchase these as well as other bath bombs and shower melts at ReeRee’s Bath and Body Etsy shop. You can also follow Heather on Instagram, @reereegooss.

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Wild Field Soaps

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I just got back from a fantastic road trip! I went ruby mining and gold panning, and spent time with my family in Virginia. During my travels, I came across a farmer’s market in Franklin, North Carolina with a lovely soap shop!

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The name of the shop is Wild Field Soaps, and the owner is very sweet. She was easy to talk to and clearly has a strong passion for soap making. I love her emphasis on high quality, environment friendly ingredients. I bought a bar of the Mermaid Mojito soap, and can’t get enough of it! It smells beautiful and is so gentle on my skin. ❤

I also got samples of her Down to Earth, Dirty Mimosa and Lavender Bergamot soaps, which I can’t wait to try.

Wild Field Soaps can be found at the Franklin NC Farmer’s Market

Hours: Saturday 8 am-12 pm.
Address: 200 Block E Palmer Street in Franklin, NC 28734

You can check out the Wild Field Soaps facebook page to learn more!