Empties: September Empties Plus Some

Say what!? I'm caught up with my empties! Can I get a what! What! I really thought I'd never catch up, but I did! And now my empties bucket is.....empty! Yay! So these empties are from July, August, and September.

AG High & Dry: I really like this finishing spray. It gives great volume without a ton of shine. It even can create a bit of curl in my very non curly hair. I bought a few of these as AG was redoing their packaging so I got them for cheap! :)

Kenra Shine Spray: Hahahahahahaha! I love that I put a matte hair product with a shine spray! I've reviewed this product in previous empties and still love it. But, I really don't like the price, kind of expensive. I am on the look out for a similar item.

Sexy Hair Get Layered: Ok, this is one of my favorite new finds (though I did show a small one last empties post). I love this hairspray because you can so totally layer this product.....a lot! And it stays soft and holds all day! I'm working on my next bottle already. :)

Kenra Volume Spray: Meh. I had to finish this, but I don't like this spray anymore. A few empties ago I loved it. But now, I realize it dulls your hair a lot! And you get helmet head. That 25 on the bottle? Hair holds up to 25 miles per hour wind. Yep, and it looks it.

Sexy Hair Spray Clay: I've had this for a really long time and forced myself to finish this. It's a texturizing spray, and yes it adds texture. Cruddy stiff texture. Yuck. No more to this one.

Caviar Anti-Aging Working Hair Spray: Got this in a little kit to try it out. This spray was good, was it the holy grail? No, I don't think so. It is a bit pricey so I won't be repurchasing because the one I do like (Sexy Hair Layered) goes on sale where this doesn't.

Redken Guts 10: I've used this in the past and wasn't to impressed. However, my hair stylist used it on my last haircut and I saw how she used it and I fell in love! Before I was using way too much. So I blow dry my hair and when it is almost completely dry I spray a few little spurts to the crown on my hair and then finish drying it. It adds just the right amount of volume! Working on another bottle!

Paul Mitchell Freeze and Shine Super Spray: Tried this because I was told it had fab hold and shine. Hmmmm, nope. No hold for me. And it dribbled each time I sprayed! That's a reason I don't really like this type of bottle.

Mario Badescu Aloe Vera Toner: Ok, I love this toner! It is super gentle and calming. I used it to clean off my face after doing my hair to get all the hairspray junk off. This toner lasted for such a long time. I haven't repurchased yet, but I am going to be repurchasing!

Dermadoctor Litmus Test  Replenishing Toner: This is the first item I ever bought from Dermadoctor. I bought this because I researched this brand for work and loved what I read about this toner. It has glycolic and lactic acid which is super fabulous (lactic acid is much better for my skin as it is a bit more gentle) and helps to exfoliate your skin and helps with skin renewal. This toner is fabulous for hormonal acne (this right here is why I wanted to try it!)! You know, those pesky chin "friends" we get? Yep, it help to calm them and to hinder their appearance somewhat. Yes! This lasted me about six months! Which is good because it was a bit pricey for a toner ($37).

Algenist Advanced Anti-Aging Repairing Oil: I've only tired a few oils for the face and I liked this one. Granted, I don't like the fact that the dropper top broke (it's rubber, what the heck?) My skin really loved this oil and soaked it up instantly, adding hydration and nutrients to my sad skin. I also used this with my Anastasia Creme Concealer kit to have be a bit more creamier when I was applying it.
Urban Decay Naked Skin Foundation: I don't think I need to even review this one. This is my go to foundation, always will be! Fabulous coverage, buildable, and non-irritating.
Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion in Eden: So, I have a confession. This product is not empty. Nope, not even close. But I need to throw it away, it is stinky! I've had it for far too long. I'm not a huge fan of the Eden version of their primer; I like the original one better. So I didn't use it that often and went to use it the other day and opened it and it stunk! Like, I've had this open for probably two years! Eeeks! >_<

Benefit Roller Lash: I love this mascara! (I hate Benefit They're Real). This mascara really does curl your lashes! It's a nice inky black, your lashes stay soft, and best thing......way easy to remove than They're Real! I lurve this a lot. But I haven't bought another because I am trying to be good and use up what I have.....it's really hard!
Sephora Express Cleansing Wipes: I bought these to get my Sephora order over $50 for free shipping. I never used this to remove my full makeup so I can't tell you how they worked for that. But I did use them for fall out and eyeshadow cleanup while doing my makeup and for these, they are fabulous!
Vichy Idealia Life Serum: I'm on a Vichy kick right now. They are a fabulous brand for sensitive skin and reasonablly priced. I had this sample size of their serum and decided to try it. This serum is lightweight and adds hydration. So it has a really cool color, white with a bit of a pink flash to it, it is that pink flash that helps to brighten the skin; it has micro glitter. I mean really small and not a ton either. So no Ke$sha glitter here. I purchased the full size and am still loving it.

Tree Hut Shea Sugar Scrub Brazilian Nut: Oh. My. Goodness! I love this product so so much! It is so heavenly. It smooths out your skin so gently but satisfying (so it does have a bit of good grit). Oh but the smell, yummy! It seems like chocolate frosting! Mmmmmm! I use this before shaving and on my dry rough knees, elbows, and heels.
DrJart+ Ceramidin Cream: So, this little tube is my second sample tube of this product. I first tried it through my Birchbox and really liked how it made my skin feel. I had always wanted to buy a full size but it's a tad pricey so I kept putting it off. I was able to find another tube (this one) and got a sample from an order and I hoarded these. I used them so sparingly, more as a spot treatment and not all over my face. But Sephora had a special with getting extra points if you bought something, so I bought my full size bottle of this. I'm not using it yet, attempting to use up the rest of my skincare junk. But I love the feeling when I apply this product. I imagine it deep into my skin and becoming the mortar to hold the cells together and help to create a barrier to keep my skin hydrated and youthful. And that is exactly what ceramides do, I just actually visualize it as I am applying! :)

So, that is all my empties for now. I hope to keep current with these so it doesn't become overwhelming. (or take up as much room! I was feeling like a hoarder with a pile of empty packages stored away)

I hope you enjoyed this post. Let me know what products you have recently finished!

The Digit-al Dozen Does Re-Creation Week: The Terrific Twos - Cotton by Glowstars

Today is the final day of The Digit-al Dozen Does Re-Creation Week, and for my final day I chose to do a mani that was created during our second anniversary hence the use of cotton (traditional two year anniversary gift). Who's mani is it?

Why Vic from Glowstars! I had a really good chuckle when she created this mani that I knew I had to re-create it at some point. What better day than today! For me, Vic has always been and always will be the Queen of Bling. I really did think of just putting some honking huge jewels on my nails to represent Vic, but I knew I had to do an actually mani (wouldn't surprise me if she did have a mani with honking huge jewels, actually pretty sure she does!). Not only does Vic create a lot with bling but she also thinks a little outside the box and that's why her and I get along so well (among other things). One thing she is teased about in our group is having her DD manis completed way far in advance. If only, right?!

So I only used two items for this mani (shocker I know!): BarryM Plumpy Top Coat (still not sure about this top coat, it's......interesting) and a shredded cotton round. I also decided to do this cotton mani because I had mentioned to the DD ladies that I live where they grow a lot of cotton, a lot! It seems like it's always growing, that or corn. But being in Arizona you get growing seasons pretty much all year round. (thanks nature for the allergies with that!)

I hope you've had fun seeing all the manis that everyone has re-created. I know that we as a group have had a blast! Thank you to our wonderful readers and followers! Without you we'd be left to ourselves and well........you know, we're weird! >_< We love that you enjoy The Digit-al Dozen, crazy it's already been three years! 

Like I said in my post on Monday, we've had quite a few ladies who are no longer in our group and we hope all is well with them and love and miss them all! We've embraced many new ladies over the years and love how each of them bring a new twist or take on the themes. I wish I could have re-created more manis from all the ladies (Pffft! I'm not Lindsey! Yes, yes, she did re-create a mani from all the current DD ladies. See, crazy!) Hahahahaha! Perhaps I'll try and do that, dedicate a day for DD re-creations. Hmmm, I like that idea! I think there are a few other ladies who are planning on doing just that.

It was really nice to do a full DD week. It's been awhile, but I am hoping things are looking up. Though, I've said that before! :) I am still debating on introducing a few other things on my blog, we shall see. Have a fabulous and safe weekend!

An InLinkz Link-up

The Digit-al Dozen Does Re-Creations Week: Grey and Yellow Floral by Pointless Cafe

Day 4 of The Digit-al Dozen Does Re-Creations Week and today I have some actual free-hand nail art! For the win! I feel in love with the original version of this mani because of the colors and the simple yet complex overall idea. Who's mani is it?

Sheila from Pointless Cafe! She is so super creative and artistic in her manis and life. Oh and I totally want her amazing closet! :)

I used China Glaze Concrete Catwalk and acrylic paint for the yellow and black with Poshe Top Coat. Her dots are more nicely random (I can't do random dots, they always end up in rows, and then I fix them and then they are all crowded - nail polish problems). But I do absolutely love my first flower on my middle finger! I love the painterly quality to it! I channeled my inner Sheila for that! My second flower I made it to look like those thin nail art flowers that you can buy to glue on to manis. I wanted a bit of texture so I kept adding paint before it dried fully. I don't know, it was fun that's all! :)

I really love these colors together, really brightens the day! I love having Sheila in the group, she's a real hoot! She's all about the coffee! I love seeing her painting skills come to life on her canvases (nails and real canvases).

Thank you Sheila for your contribution to our DD family!

Don't forget to check out the other amazing ladies!

An InLinkz Link-up

The Digit-al Dozen Does Re-Creations Week: Black & White Day - Adipose Nail Art by Adventures in Acetone

Day 3 of The Digit-al Dozen Does Re-Creations Week and today I bring you some fat. Such cute little fatties! These are Adipose (little aliens made from fat) from Doctor Who! And who's absolutely fantastic mani do I re-create?

Jacki from Adventures in Acetone (just in case you didn't read the title!) Of course hers is free-hand with a tutorial. Mine, well, mine are a stamp because I had a feeling I would screw up their cute little faces........oh wait I still did! Hahahahahahaha!

Pretty basic on the polishes: BarryM Espresso (a matte polish) and Konad White. I used My Online Shop MJXII for the adipose. And I used my Clear Jelly Stamper for the first time. It was a bit finicky but finally I was able to work with it and love it! So nice to be able to see through the handle to where you are stamping!

I really love how each of my adipose have different personalities because of the stamping. We have (top to bottom): normal happy adipose, mean nasty adipose, girly feminine adipose (see her lashes, or she could be from the band KISS), and finally silly goofy adipose.

I love that Jacki adds Doctor Who references to her manis (like many of us DDs). And I have always loved her tutorials. She makes everything look so easy and effortless!

Thank you Jacki for your contribution to our DD family!

Don't forget to check out the other amazing ladies!

An InLinkz Link-up

The Digit-al Dozen Does Re-Creations Week: Dotting Week - My Dots by A Girl and Her Polish

Day 2 of The Digit-al Dozen Does Re-Creations (a celebration for our 3 year anniversary!). Today is probably a given on the mani I am re-creating (besides the obvious title, derp).

Katee from A Girl and Her Polish as been an inspiration since I first laid eyes on her famous dotticure. I "met" her through that dotticure as people were trying to steal it and put their names on it. A few of us commented on her blog post and told her what was happening. It was the start of a beautiful friendship. :) Katee references this dotticure in the DD post Dotting Week - My Dots that I chose to re-create.

I used all BarryM polishes (but of course I would, this is a Katee mani!). I used BarryM Lychee as my base with Sky Blue, Blueberry, and Chai for the dots. I topped it off with Poshe Top Coat.

I tried to totally re-create the design, but I realized I needed to use smaller dots. But I still love it a ton! And I will always love (insert music here) Katee's dots! (and her amazing layered stamping abilities).

Thank you Katee for your contribution to our DD family! (and for my obsession with BarryM Gelly and Matte polishes!)

Don't forget to check out the other amazing ladies of the DD!

An InLinkz Link-up

The Digit-al Dozen Does Re-Creations Week: The Emperor's New Clothes by The Dalai Lama's Nails

Welcome to a full week of The Digit-al Dozen! Yes you heard me right! All five days have already been completed and are set to post! Yay me! Don't know what I did different but I do know that when I created these manis for this week my anxiety levels actually dropped a bit (well, except for a bit of stamping issues). And I think this is one of my better DD weeks ever, granted they aren't my own designs, but I feel I did all the ladies I chose justice. I hope you enjoy!

First, a note about this week:

This week we are re-creating each other's manis from different Digit-al Dozen themes. We are doing this in honor of The Digit-al Dozen turning 3! (Crazy huh!) Although we've had some changes in faces and nails, we are still passionate about what we do and what we stand for. We love nail art and the nail art community! We love the family that we have found in each other and the friendships that will last a lifetime.

These past three years the ladies of The Digit-al Dozen have been my all. They have supported me when I had no one else to turn to. They have lifted me from my darkest of darks. They have shown me how to see the greatness that is within me. They have laughed and cried with me. All these ladies are technically strangers to me, as in I have never met any of them (ok, I have met Ashley from Ashley is Polish Addicted), but I do not consider them strangers at all. They have played such an important part in my life and I am a better person because of all the ladies (past, present, and future) of The Digit-al Dozen! I love you all! XOXO Mwuah!

Welcome to The Digit-al Dozen does Re-Creations Week! This week we are re-creating manis by other DD ladies. Today I have chosen this mani because I had wanted to do something similar to this during our Fairy Tales Week, but wasn't exactly sure on how to go about it.

But Hannah over at The Dalai Lama's Nails (click to see the original amazing version!) created such a fabulously perfect mani for The Emperor's New Clothes that I had to re-create it! So simple and yet it totally captures the story, in a PG sort of way. :)

I used OPI Unfor-Greta-Bly Blue, BarryM Foil Effects Gold, and OPI Dutch 'Ya Just Love OPI all topped with Poshe Top Coat. 

I really loved how elegant this turned out. Sometimes it's nice to have a nice clean traditional-ish french tip mani.

Thank you Hannah for your contribution to our DD family!

Don't forget to check out the other amazing ladies of The Digit-al Dozen!

An InLinkz Link-up

Empties: Trying to clear my empties box part 2!

Here we go again with the empties. I am still playing catch up and haven't even gotten to the August ones yet! >_< Most of these products were not used consistently, so my usage time is a rough estimate of if you were to use it daily. Make sense? Oh and sorry for the bad quality photos, my camera is being lame.

Here we have a bunch of Kenra Products.

Shine Spray ($17 for 5.5oz): Love love love the smell of this! Does it add shine? Yes and no. But it does make hairspray less effective if you spray it after. Repurchase? Well, I did and I am almost out (way behind in empties) but will not repurchase again. Lasted about two months.

Thickening Spray ($22 for 6.7oz): Yes! I love this, it really does help to add a bit of volume to my hair and smells good! Repurchase? Already did! This size lasted about 3 months!

Spray Volume 25 Hairspray ($17 for 10oz): So many customers at work buy this and tell me how much they love this hairspray. The 25 represents that miles per hour of wind your hair can withstand. Oh it does, but it's helmet head and makes hair look dull. Repurchase? No I won't, but need to finish up second bottle. Lasted about a month.

Perfect Medium Spray 13 ($17 for 10oz $7 for 1.5oz): Where 25 was too much, 13 is not enough. Hair falls flat within minutes. Repurchase? Nope. Thankfully this was a gift with purchase. Lasted about 1/2 month.

Prestige Skin Care and Makeup Products

Mario Badescu Rose Hips Nourishing Oil ($22 for 1oz): I love this product. Calming, soothing, healing, hydrating all with no oily feeling! Great for dehydrated/sensitive skin! Repurchase? Yes, once I have finished my other oils. Lasted about 6 months! Only need a little bit!

Dermalogica Antioxidant Hydramist ($11 for 1oz): A great spray that delivers much needed antioxidants to the face to help combat environmental stressors. Soothing and refreshing! Repurchase? Possibly, have another that I am working on that came in a kit like this one. Last about 3 months.

Dermalogica Renewal Lip Complex ($26 for 0.06oz): A fabulous moisturizer for lips that really helps to heal and soften lips. Repurchase? This was a sample but I have already purchased a full size! 

Dermalogica UltraCalming Cleanser ($36 for 8.4oz): This was one of my first Dermalogica purchases back in April of 2014. I finished this in like May of 2015! Yep, took me a year to use it up, now granted wasn't used everyday (especially near the end) but still! It's a fabulous cleanser that is great to help calm and sooth sensitive skin. Repurchase? Already did! Last over a year!

Vichy Aqualia Thermal ($34 for 2.5oz): Was looking for something to take the place of my $60 jar of Philosophy. This is not a bad alternative. Reasonable price, not irritation, and not shine! Repurchase? Probably, need to finish up other products First!.

It Cosmetics Hello Lashes Mascara ($24 for 0.33oz): I got this from our It Cosmetics Training Class! It's a great mascara and does what a mascara should! Repurchase? Probably after I use my bajillion mascaras! Lasted around 4 months.

Looking for my Holy Grail of hairsprays!

AG High and Dry, Matte Volume and Finishing Spray ($24 for 5oz): This went clearance at work because they changed their packaging. I decided to buy the small one first to give it a try. And I loved it! You can really spray away and you don't get helmet head, only volume. The hold though, it could be stronger. Repurchase? I so totally did, repurchase many times over (clearance and buy 2 get 1 free!). This last a little less than a month.

Pureology Color Stylist ($26 for 11oz $9 for 2.1oz): This was a free sample to try out. I really love this spray, a lot. Has the hold and the shine! But I need to spray a ton on to get to the right hold and it is a ridiculous price! Repurchase? If I had the money! :) Lasted less than a month.

Joico Power Spray ($16.99 for 9oz $5.99 for 1.5oz): Another one talked up a lot by customers That being said, it has great hold and a shine but not quiet enough for me Repurchase? No, I don't think so. There are other products I like better. Lasted less than a month.

Redken Quick Tease 15 ($18 for 5.3oz $8.50 for 1.3oz): This is more for added texture than hold. It's almost like a wax. Repurchase? No, because I have other products I like better. Lasted a month.

Misc. Hair Products:

TIGI Catwalk Haute Iron Spray ($22 for 6oz): My first real heat protection spray. I liked this a lot. Repurchase? Possibly down the road, need to finish of other products I have first.

Redken Pillow Proof Blow Dry Express Primer Spray ($22 for 5.7oz ): At first I hated this. The smell and it did nothing. But I started to use up my stash and found out I really do like this, a lot. It's a great thermal protector and primer! Repurchase? Yes, at a later date. Lasted me 2 months for this size!

Living Proof Restore Mask Treatment ($42 for 8oz): Meh. It's a deep conditioning mask for your hair that smells funny. It made me hair soft, but a little too soft. Repurchase? Nope smells weird and expensive! Glad I got this as a sample! Lasted a few months because I didn't like using it.

Wella Velvet Amplifier Styling Primer ($8.50 for 1.9oz): Lo-ve this stuff! Use it daily! What exactly does it do? I dunno, but my hair behaves better when I do use it. :) Repurchase? Already did! Lasted for about 6 months because you only need a little!

Misc. Products

Bosley Dry Shampoo ($18.95 for 3.4oz): This product is always in my empties so that pretty much sums up what I think about it. Love it! Lasts a long time.

Macadamia Flawless Cleansing Conditioner (similar product is $26 for 10oz): I've always been drawn to this brand's packaging. Tried this product when it went clearance and fell in love! It's a cleansing conditioner, think Wen but better (no adverse affects!). Just the right about of conditioner that it doesn't weigh my hair down and washes out all the product that I use. Repurchase? Absolutely! Lasts about two months.

Philosophy Purity ($10-$36 depending on size): Pretty sure this has been on my empties as well. Can't go wrong with Purity. Cleans your face, takes off makeup, and cleans your makeup brushes! Repurchase? Yep! Lasts, depends on size, but anywhere from a month to 6.

Dermalogica MultiVitamin Power Firm ($58 for .5oz): This is an amazingly soft/velvet like treatment for fine lines and wrinkles around eyes and mouth. Smells amazing too! Just a glorious experience! Repurchase? I bought another kit that had this size, will be purchasing normal size in future. Lasts about 2-3 months for this size if not longer! Larger size would last probably a year.

More Misc hair products

Sexy Hair Play Dirty Dry Wax Spray ($18.95 for 4.8oz): I know this has been on my list before. I think it is one of the best wax sprays I've tried. Not too sticky but it is pricey for the size. Repurchase? Probably! Lasts about 2 months.

Redken Cerafill Maximize Dense FX Hair Diameter Thickening Treatment ($45 for 4.2): Loved this product so much! Got it as a free sample, used it for a bit and didn't notice a real difference. Started using it again later and fell in love. It really did make my hair thicker! Repurchase? Going through other cheaper products, but I most likely will when I done with those! But it is expensive!

Pantene Stylers Texturing Sculpting Wax ($4.99 for 1.7oz): I wanted to try something different and see if it would give me texture. Surprisingly this product gives a lot of texture, just be careful not to put too much in! >_< Repurchase? Perhaps, after I finish all the other products! Last about 3-4 months.

Kenra Dry Texture Spray ($22 for 5.3oz): At first I hated it. Too gunky too much product. Tried again, and actually liked it. I guess there's a learning curve to it. Repurchase? Down the road after finishing other products (sound like a broken record!). Lasts about 1 -2 months.

Yet more misc. hair products!

Chi Infra Texture ($15.50 for 10oz): I know this has been on my list before and is a great way to add some texture to fine hair. Lasts forever too! Repurchase? Probably

AG High and Dry, Matte Volume and Finishing Spray ($24 for 5oz): See, told you I had already repurchased! This took two months to finish and I still have more bottles!

TIGI Bed Head Headrush ($20.99 for 5.3oz): A lovely shine spray that doesn't weigh down, but that does sometimes leave little droplets on your hair. Repurchase? Still thinking. Lasted about 4 months.