Product Empties with Reviews

This is another type of post I want to do more of. Basically, Product Empties feature products used up recently with reviews. So, I will do the same here. Click on any bold print writing for links and the images to enlarge.

Dove Dry Shampoo

 

Dove claims: Better style comes through better care. That's why Dove_® has reinvented its styling collection to nourish and protect hair for a long-lasting, beautiful style. Our weightless formula absorbs oil to transform hair from lifeless to bouncy so you enjoy style that looks and feels refreshed with a freshly-washed scent, even when you skip your regular wash. 

What I think: I wanted a dry shampoo that I could use in between washes, but this is good only if your hair has a lot of (natural) oil after 3-5 days, not every other day or it will dry out your hair. It smells nice at first, but can be strong if you use a lot like me (since I have long, thick, hair). This Dove Dry Shampoo does leave a white/ gray color on my dark hair, but after you massage it in, there is no color. This product is affordable so it it's not a big deal if it doesn't work out, but overall, I wasn't pleased with this.

Tom's of Maine Original Care Unscented Deodorant

 

Tom claims: Tom’s of Maine's Original deodorant stick provides clinically proven 24-hour odor protection. This aluminum-free deodorant stick uses the botanical ingredient hops to inhibit the growth of odor-causing bacteria to keep you feeling confidently fresh throughout your day!

What I think: I bought this because I wanted to start using a natural deo. Since it is "natural" it was a little more expensive than other deos. but if it worked well, I wouldn't mind. Tom's "unscented" deo. smells like ginger. I like the smell of ginger, but not on my body, so this wasn't good. Also, after I put this on, my armpits felt wet, which is uncomfortable. I like that it is gel however, and I don't think it is due to this that it feels wet because I have used gel deos. in the past and there wasn't any issue (except they weren't natural). This was my first Tom deo. but I bought a different one to give it another chance.

Bath and Body Works Warm Vanilla Sugar body cream

 

BBW claims: Fortified with our exclusive Triple Moisture Complex of conditioning milk proteins, hydrating rice bran oil and protective acai berry extract, this velvety rich cream provides deep, 24-hour moisture to soften even the driest skin. Our emollient, yet non-greasy, formula deeply conditions, leaving skin moisturized, fragrant and more beautiful than ever before.

What I think: I received a set of body wash, body cream and body mist in this scent from a coworker. I wouldn't have picked it out for myself, but it isn't bad. The body wash isn't my fav. since I got use to St. Ives Oatmeal and Shea Butter Body Wash. I haven't used the body mist because I use perfumes, but the body cream is worth mentioning. My fav. way to use BBW lotions is on my feet at night. After I lather my feet in the thick cream, I wear woolly socks and sleep in them. My feet stay moisturized and even smell good! I've done this with other BBW creams as well ;)

Black Opal Even True Tonecorrect Fade Crème

BO claims: Discover the solution to renewing skin’s natural radiance. Scientifically advanced formula featuring Skin Tone True Complex™ delivery system, a proprietary blend of Hydroquinone, brightening peptides, natural citrus extracts and skin-conditioning natural ingredients, effectively corrects hyperpigmentation, fades dark spots, and diminishes marks from past acne scars restoring skin’s even tone and natural radiance in as little as 14 days.

What I think: I got this after I read on http://www.paulaschoice.com/ that this is one of the best skin lighteners. I have spots on my face from acne so I thought this might help. I used it for about 2 months, but didn't notice a good or bad difference in my skin. I plan to repurchase this to give it another try.

Purell Advanced Hand Sanitizer with Refreshing Aloe

 

Purell claims: Kills more than 99.99% of most common germs that may make you sick. Leaves hands feeling soft and smooth with Moisturizers and Vitamin E. Triple action moisturizers. Economy size. Perfect for high traffic areas.

 

What I think: This might be a weird thing to add, but personally, sanitizer is an essential to have in the house and handbag for obvious reasons. I like this scent with aloe over the original, but it still works the same. I do buy other brand of sanitizer sometimes, but you can't go wrong with Purell once in a while. I hate the feeling of sanitizer on my hand even after a few minutes, so I learned to wave my arms back and forth to dry them within a minute or two for sticky free hands. Might look weird to others, but it works :P

 

I also finished some other products that I have mentioned on this blog already like Gud from Burt's Bees Natural Hand Cream, Clean and Clear Persa Gel 10, Burt's Bees Lemon Butter Cuticle Cream, and Cetaphil Daily Facial Moisturizer with Broad Spectrum SPF 15. Click the names for my reviews of these products.

Until next time :)

Once Upon a Time (OUaT) and OUaT in Wonderland (on ABC)!

I'm finally doing this. My reaction post on the winter finale of OUaT and its partner in Wonderland! To read my last post on OUaT, please click here. I never shared my initial thoughts on OUaTiW, so I'll start with that.

Once Upon a Time in Wonderland

Honestly, I wasn't excited about Once Upon a Time in Wonderland. After seeing the trailer of what this spinoff to OUaT would be about, I got the impression that it was too lovey dovey, basically not for me. I am not a fan of hard core romance in any form of entertainment, so I hesitated to watch OUaTiW when it first came out. But, I watched the first episode on a whim after the first few episodes came out. It wasn't as great as the original OUaT, but not bad either. Yes, this show is focused on love, which just goes to show how much of American culture is obsessed with love. Why did I continue to watch it? Besides that this "series will have crossover episodes with Once Upon a Time that will also involve a connection with the characters that are trapped in Storybrooke, Maine" (Wiki), OUaTiW got interesting. I like the idea of mixing and matching characters from different stories all together (see my fairytale mash up ;), so characters from Alice in Wonderland mixed with Aladdin was a new idea.

As for some characters, the Knave looks like someone from HP4 and the Red Queen plays her role well (ie. a snobby, spoiled Queen). My favorite episode out of the 8 so far, was the 7th where Jafar's past is explored. I had a feeling from the beginning that the old man in the cage with Cyrus was the father of Jafar and this episode proved me right. The Sultan really wasn't a great father. I kind of sympathize with Jafar for his past and blame the Sultan for the way Jafar turned out, hence the name of this episode "Bad Blood." Of course, Jafar's growing evil desires didn't help, but the bad influence from his father was the catalyst it seems. The family problems/ relationships makes this show similar to OUaT, which I found interesting.

Winter Finales!!!

On the note of OUaTiW, it is about time the Red Queen/ Anastasia came back to her senses. Of course, she did make big mistakes that she regrets, so she has to deal with the consequences like any other person. I loved how it ended with Will/ Knave taking Cyrus's place in the bottle. Not that I don't like the Knave after all his help to Alice, it just got interesting and I can't wait to find out his experience as a genie. I am curious to see how the Red Queen's reacts now that Will is gone.

As for the original OUaT, the last episode "11: Going Home" was sad. After watching what Regina went through to get Henry (episode 9; my fave episode overall from the first 11), the fact that she had to leave him to save everyone was unfortunate. But, I guess that is the price she had to pay for all the bad things she did out of revenge. From the "villains", I grew to like Regina the most. She did try to change for Henry, even if it was too late. I loved this show from the start, so I really can not wait till March for OUaT to continue!

Collective Haul ft. Black Friday 2013!!!

Pre- Black Friday Haul

I bought Michael Todd True Organics Clear Bi-Light Acne Treatment on a whim when it first came out with 50% off!

 

Bed, Bath, and Beyond  

I usually go to BBB to stock up on some items (and find some new goodies!) that are cheaper at BBB than drugstores (RA, Walgreens, CVS). So...

 

I repurchased my 2 favorite St. Ives products; body wash and body lotion.  

 

I wanted to try the Suave Dry Shampoo and

bought another box of Polident Denture Cleaners (future post iA).

 

 

I repurchased a mini Purell hand sanitizer for my bag and

BB cuticle cream.

 

I needed a new toothbrush and

empty spray bottle for a DIY face mist (future post iA).

 

I wanted to try Out the Door top coat and I'm still on the hunt for

my perfect concealer, so maybe Loreal True Match Crayon Concealer in W 6-7-8?

 

Walgreens

 

I love the color and print of these scarves AND 2 for $10 is such a steal!

 

I bought oats and honey for a DIY face scrub/ mask (future post iA).

 

Black Friday 2013!!!

 

 JCPenny

 

I finally found a navy blue colored scarf and since I've been

obsessed with the olive green color, I had to get the scarf too... 



I wanted a pop of color, so I got blue gloves and another basic black. These are so fuzzy and keeps my hands warm!

I wanted another Made for Life velor hoodie in a different color, so I got one in Windsor Purple. 

 

Macy's and Sephora

 

I went to Macy's and Sephora to redeem a gift card and voucher.

 

I chose this silver sun burst pin to prevent my headscarves from flapping in the wind at the side.

 

 I finally found Flora by Gucci @ Sephora, so I redeemed this with my voucher. I also asked for a sample of J'adore by Dior.

 

Flora is going to be my winter scent since I think it is warm on me. I love light floral scents in general, so this is perfect!

 

 Bed, Bath, and Beyond

This couldn't be a Black Friday haul without going to BBB for 20% off everything before 12 noon! Again, I restocked on some necessities so I won't feature those again, but here are some of the other things I got.

 

I LOVE this wristlet by Allegro! I carried this alone and will put it in my handbag for uni. You might be able to tell that I have a thing for sequins...

 

Random

 

I got Nivea (hand) cream to try, another Cococare Almond Oil, and an orange Sinful Colors nail polish.  

 

 

That's All Folks!