July Empties!

So I know July just started, but I have been collecting 10 products for my next empties post and today I reached the 10th product. It just happens to be the beginning of July. Two of the products I hit pan on, but I wanted to include them before I used them all up. And one of the products is a sample size that I didn't use up because I didn't like it. I wanted to include it, so I would remember not to repurchase it.

1. Secret Invisible Solid pH Balanced in Clean Lavender Scent: I love this scent! The solid deodorant is my favorite kind. The clear kind doesn't work for me. I don't know why. I like getting different scents, rather than the same boring ones. I found two together on sale at Walmart, so I did repurchase this.

2. Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Makeup SPF 10 in Shell: I loved this foundation. This is the old formula. It kept my skin from looking shiny. It's good for oily skin. It has full coverage. I tried to repurchase this, but they changed the formula! It isn't as matte as it used to be. I'm not happy with the new formula. I got a sample from the counter. Also, the color names are all different, so I had to be rematched. The lady didn't do a good job and gave me a foundation that was too dark for me. That's disappointing because now I have to find a new foundation.

3. Aveeno Smart Essentials Daily Nourishing Moisturizer SPF 30: This stuff lasts a long time. I love this! I have several backups in case I run out. It has UVA/UVB protection. It is oil-free, hypoallergenic, and noncomedogenic. It has an antioxidant called southernwood extract. So, it seems like it's really good for the skin, and I've been using it for a long time. My skin looks and feels good. I also like the way it smells.

4. Victoria Secret Body Wash in Such A Flirt: This is a sweet smelling body wash. There wasn't very much in the container though. It is only 8.4 oz. It costs $10. I feel like you can get better deals at the drugstore, and body washes that are better quantity and quality. I don't think I'm going to repurchase this. I already have body washes I need to use before I buy a new one. The packaging is really pretty. That is the thing that sold me. I think Victoria Secret products are so pretty. It didn't last very long though.

5. Maybelline Dream Matte Powder in Light: I hit pan. I love this stuff. It gives a matte finish like it says. I like that it is compact rather than loose powder. I would repurchase this when I am out.

6. Rimmel Stay Matte Pressed Powder in Transparent: I hit pan on this too. I also love this powder. It gives a matte finish like the name says. I go back and forth between these two powders. I'm not sure which one I like better. I would repurchase this.

7. Maybelline The Rocket Volum' Express Mascara Waterproof in Very Black: I loved this mascara! It gave my lashes volume. I would repurchase this. I recommend it. I didn't repurchase it because I like to try out new mascaras. I have heard people say the regular kind is better than the waterproof kind. I haven't tried the regular kind. I prefer to use waterproof mascaras because they hold the curl better and they don't smudge.

8. Freeman Facial Clay Mask Avocado & Oatmeal: On the front it says it deep cleans & purifies pores. On the back it says, "Rich clays dive deep to purge dirt and oils from pores. Nutrient-rich Vitamin E, Avocado and Oatmeal moisturize for lasting skin softness. Skin looks and feels squeaky clean and is soft to the touch. Perfect for normal to combination skin." I agree with everything it says. I would buy the regular container. This was just a sample. I got a bunch of Freeman samples for my mom (and me) on Mother's Day. So you can expect to see them in future empties posts.

9. Freeman Facial Clay Mask Mint & Lemon: On the front it says it is deep pore cleansing. This is for people with oily skin. I have combination skin, and it has been oily lately. This left my skin feeling really dry. The sides of my nose stung! I only used this once. It was too intense for my skin. I'm not going to buy this again.

10. Bvlgari Omnia Crystalline Perfume: I got this little perfume sample I think from a Birchbox. The scent is just ok to me. It is a little too "spicy" (if that makes any sense). I wouldn't purchase it. Sephora says the notes are "bamboo, nashi, lotus flower, and balsa wood." They say the style is "airy, radiant, and feminine." It doesn't smell airy to me. It is more of a heavy smell. I wouldn't describe it as being radiant or feminine either. It smells sort of woodsy to me. It's not a horrible smell. I just prefer other perfumes.

Summer Perfume

I have done a summer perfume post before: http://beautydiversion.blogspot.com/search/label/summer%20perfume. It was September of last year. I still have those perfumes, but throughout the year I've added to my collection. Some are little samples I've gotten, some are body sprays, and some are lotions. I wanted to show you my "new" summer fragrances. I found out last year there were different fragrance notes that go with each season. That is why some people say they want their perfume to go with the season. I thought that was interesting, so I researched and I came up with the notes that supposedly go with Summer. I added Rio Berry because it was with the Spring/Summer collection of Bath and Body Works, and Peaches and Cream because peaches are ripe in the Summer. Also, Love Spell has peach as one of it's notes. Based on the notes is how I figured out which of my fragrances are "summer scents."

These are the notes of Summer:
1. Rose
2. Orange Blossoms
3. Raspberry
4. Peach
5. Honeysuckle
6. Island Flowers
7. Sea Salt

Also, last year I learned the different places to place perfume. One of the places was to spray it in the hair. Well, I just learned this year that you actually shouldn't do that. It's not good for your hair, unless it is a product made for the hair. So I have been not doing the hair trick anymore.

These are the best places to put your fragrance:
1. Behind knees
2. Wrists (don't rub them together)
3. Chest
4. Behind ears
5. Insides of elbows
6. Spritz in the air and walk through
7. Between breasts
8. Neck

1. Bath and Body Works Sweet Pea (was a Christmas present)
2. Viva La Juicy La Fleur
3. Bvlgari Omnia Crystalline
4. MCMC Phoenix
5. Coach Poppy (red)
6. Joie Folle de Joie eau de parfum
7. Juicy Couture Couture
8. Sage + Fasten Common Sense
9. Bath and Body Works Country Chic (was a Christmas present)
10. Bath and Body Works Body Spray in Bali Mango
11. Bath and Body Works Body Spray in Twilight
12. Bath and Body Works Body Spray in Rio Rumberry
13. Philosophy Lotion in Peaches and Cream
14. Victoria Secret Body Lotion in Love Spell

What is your favorite perfume/body spray/lotion to wear in the Summer?

May Empties!

I finished up some more products to show you. One of them I just hit pan on, but I wanted to show you what it looked like before I used it all up.

1. Walgreens Cotton Swabs: These were just ordinary q-tips. I use them to wipe off eye makeup under my eye or to fix my eye liner mistakes. I dip them in the Maybelline Expert Eyes Moisturizing Eye Makeup Remover because it gets off waterproof eye makeup. I would purchase these again. I'm not picky when it comes to q-tips. I will get the cheapest I can find.

2. MAC Studio Careblend Pressed Powder in Medium Deep: I use this whenever a look calls for contouring. I didn't know what to use for my skin color because I'm so light and I wanted a contour to look natural on me. I decided to go to a MAC counter to have a makeup artist match me. I think this is the right color for me. I would repurchase this when I run out. Even though it isn't drugstore, I like knowing that it is the right match for me. It has lasted a long time too. I just use a little bit of it. It is a matte powder that is a few shades darker than my skin color, so it technically isn't a bronzer, but you can use it like it is.

3. Freeman Facial Enzyme Mask in Pineapple: This is supposed to restore radiant skin. I used this once a week. There is a lot of product in the sample. I stored it in a zip lock bag and it stayed fresh. It smells so good! You leave it on your face for 10 minutes and when you rinse it off your face feels smoother. I didn't notice it looking more radiant. I would purchase the full size. I don't think I've ever seen the full size version of this at the store. If I do see it, I would get it. I recommend it.

4. Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash: This was recommended to me by my dermatologist. It has salicylic acid in it which helps get rid of acne. She said for me to use a benzoid peroxide wash in the morning and a salicylic acid wash at night. It is good to have both I guess to get rid of acne. Your skin won't get used to one. This method works for me because I rarely get pimples. I repurchase this in bulk!

5. Juicy Couture in Couture La La Perfume: This smells so good! I'm sorry it is all used up. I love the Juicy Couture perfumes. I haven't smelled one that I didn't like. It smells like a combination of fruit and flowers. Sephora says the notes are sparkling mandarin, water hyacinth, green apple, red currant, lily of the valley, blushing peony, violet leaves, orange flower, smooth woods, and liquid musk. This is a nice perfume for any time of the year. I got this sample from my February Birchbox. Even though I like this perfume, I don't think I would purchase it because I already have a big size bottle of Viva La Juicy.

6. MAKE Dual-Phase Eye Makeup Remover: It was good, but I like Neutrogena better. And it is more affordable and easier to get. I got this sample from a Birchbox.

7. Bvlgari Jasmin Noir Eau de Parfum: I got a sample from a Birchbox. This scent has notes of green sap, gardenia petals, samba jasmine absolute, satiny almond, precious wood, licorice, and tonk a bean absolute. Sephora says the style is seductive, sophisticated, and refined. I agree with that. I like the smell, but it is a little too spicy for me, if that makes any sense. I like lighter, fruitier, sweeter scents. I'm still figuring out what kinds of perfumes I like. I have so many samples it has helped me figure out my tastes. I wouldn't purchase this.

8. COACH Poppy Flower: This is in the purple packaging. The notes are sweet freesia, violet leaves, wet ivy, juicy grapefruit, mandarin, lychee, cassis, jasmine petals, water lily, rose, amber, and apricot skin. Sephora says the style is chic, vibrant, and whimsical. It definitely is vibrant. Even though I just said I like the fruit and floral scents, this perfume is just ok to me. I wouldn't purchase it. It's not a bad smell. I'm not sure what it is that I don't like. I still wore it, so I like it just ok.

9. Tresemme Frizz Shield Finishing Spray: It worked good as a hair spray, but it didn't help with my frizziness. But my hair has a mind of it's own, and it can be very stubborn against hair products. I didn't repurchase this.

10. Up & Up Women's Shave Gel in Strawberry Tangerine: It says this is compared to Skintimate Strawberry Tangerine Twist. It is extra moisturizing with Vitamin E and olive butter. I loved this! This smells so good, it made me want to run out of the shower and make myself a fruit smoothie! I had heard about this in someone else's favorites, so I went to Target to get it. I would recommend this and I would repurchase this. The only problem is it is at Target. It is more convenient for me to go to Rite AId or Walgreens. Target is further away and the Target where I live is always really busy, so I would rather not go to it. The parking lot is horrible. I feel like I'm going to get in an accident whenever I go there. I think this shaving gel is as good as Skintimate. It was even better because it smelled so amazing.

I hope you enjoyed reading about my empties! Feel free to leave a comment!

Favorite Spring Perfumes

The fragrances of Spring have notes of Lily of the Valley, Peonies and Violets. I have a few sample perfumes that I consider to be Spring perfumes.

1. UR for Women by Usher: White Freesia, Peach Nectar, Jasmine, Osmanthus, Pink Peonies, Creamy Musk, Honeysuckle, Praline, Soft Woods

2. White Diamonds by Elizabeth Taylor: Narcisse, Gardenia, Lilies, refreshingly crisp green notes

3. Mariah Carey's Luscious Pink: Sicilian Bergamot, accords of ocean breeze, Italian sparkling coctail Bellini, petals of Tiara from Tahiti, lily of the valley, pink peony, accords of bright blond wood, sandalwood, white musk

4. Jennifer Aniston: Jasmine, scent of the ocean, Citrus Grove Accord, Rose Water, Violet, Amazon Lily, Musk, Amber, Sandalwood

5. LIV GRN C2C Fragrance Collection in Earth: Jasmine, Green Leaves, Lavender, Lily of the Valley, Ocean, Musk, Sandalwood

6. Bvlgari Omnia Crystalline: Bamboo, Nashi, Lotus Flower, Balsa Wood

7. Bvlgari Mon Jasmin Noir: Green Sap, Gardenia Petals, Sambac Jasmine Absolute, Satiny Almond, Precious Wood, Licorice, Tonka Bean Absolute

8. Coach Poppy Flower (purple): Citrus, Lychee, Cassis, Water Lily, Jasmine

9. Bath and Body Works Sweet Pea: Sweet Pea, Watery Pear, Logan Berry, Rhubarb, Cyclamen, Freesia, Raspberry, Musk

10. Bath and Body Works Country Chic Fragrance Mist: Sparkling Lemon, Grapefruit Zest, Juicy Pear, Crushed Leaves, Marigold, Fresh Raspberry, Jasmine Petals, Day Lily, Gardenia, Orange Blossom, Peach Nectar, Vanilla Orchid, hint of Praline & Patchouli, Cedar Wood, Amber Wood, Skin Musk

11. Juicy Couture Couture La La: Mandarin, Green Apple, Red Currant, Lily of the Valley, Orange Blossom, Violet Leaves, Musk Accords

I got some of these perfumes from a gift set from Rite Aid and a gift set from Sephora. The Bath and Bodyworks I got as a Christmas present. The little vials I received in beauty boxes. What are your favorite perfumes/scents for Spring?

Winter Fragrances

These are my favorite fragrances for the Winter. I while back I researched which fragrant notes go with each season. For the Winter I found that pomegranate, vanilla bean, lemon, orange, cinnamon, cardamom, coconut, and gingerbread went with the season. These are the different perfumes, lotions, body washes, and body sprays I have for this season. It is fun for me to change my perfumes for each day and each season.

1. These are my body washes for Winter. I have Philosophy Pineapple Coconut, Lime Coconut, and Orange Coconut. They came in a set called "Going Coconuts!" I have Philosophy Candy Cane and Cinnamon Buns. They can also be used as bubble baths or shampoos.

2. I got these from the drugstore and Walmart. Bodycology Vanilla Cupcake Fragrance Mist, Body Fantasies Vanilla Longest Lasting Fragrance Body Spray, and Bodycology Brown Sugar Fragrance Mist. I think you can get the smaller bottles in bigger sizes, but I had never tried them before so I got them in small bottles. I think they also come in lotions. I really love the way these smell.

3. Philosophy Gingerbread Girl Body Lotion. This is a luxuriant lotion. It smells so nice. There is a cute saying on the front, "Sparkle, spice and everything nice, that's what gingerbread girls are made of. Sugar, icing traces and sweet smiling faces, that's what gingerbread girls are made of. Dressed for the snow with a rosy glow, that's what gingerbread girls are made of. Sparkling eyes and a delicious surprise, that's what gingerbread girls are made of."

4. Viva La Juicy by Juicy Couture is another perfume for the season. Then I have my samples from perfume boxes I've gotten in the mail. Juicy Couture the original, Atelier Cologne Vanille Insensee Cologne Absolue, Bvlgari Omnia Crystalline, MCMC Phoenix, and Harvey Prince Eau Flirt. They all have their own unique fragrance.

5. White Diamonds by Elizabeth Taylor, Curious by Britney Spears, Euphoria by Calvin Klein, Warm Cotten by Clean, Golden Delicious by DKNY, Lady Million by Paco Rabanne, and Angel by Thierry Mugler. I got these from Sephora and Rite Aid.

What are you wearing this Winter? Leave a comment!

May Birchbox

My Birchbox arrived today! The theme of it appears to be Gossip Girl. I've never watched the TV show, but I think it's popular with teenagers and/or preteens. Sometimes I've heard people talk about the fashion/beauty of the actresses on the show.

1. The cover had the Gossip Girl logo wrapped around it.

2. When I opened it up I found the card on the top that explains what this box is about and what is inside it. I didn't read it because I like to be surprised. This is what the card says if you are interested: "Hi there, Of all out guilty pleasures, our weekly 'Gossip Girl' date ranks pretty high. As proud New Yorkers, we love seeing our favorite spots on screen - plus we're addicted to the plot intrigues and killer fashion and beauty looks. Just in time for the season finale Monday, May 14, at 8/7c on The CW, we've teamed up with 'Gossip Girl' to bring you samples inspired by the series and Manhattan's chicest events. This collection has exactly what an uptown girl needs for summer. It's time to break out the bright prints and chic sandals and head to - where else? - the Hamptons. Beach parties call for a fresh, natural look: think foundation-free skin and glossy lips. And don't forget - a good guest always follows up with a thank you note. Go online for a behind-the-scenes peek at the prettiest looks on 'Gossip Girl', an exclusive interview with executive producer Stephanie Savage, and much more."

3. I opened up the yellow tissue paper and this is what it looked like.

4. Miracle Skin Transformer Body SPF 20 in Glow: Don't settle for anything but flawless skin - all over your body. This tinted treatment erases blemishes and scars on arms, legs, and decollete. It looks like it has a tint to it.

5. Kiehl's Abyssine Cream: A longtime bestseller, this anti-aging moisturizer uses microscopic Abyssine molecules to soften wrinkles and protect skin from free radical damage. I don't know what Abyssine molecules are, but I guess it sounds good.

6. Notecards: Text messages are no match for handwritten notes on fun, modern stationery. I didn't know this was stationary. I thought this went with the sweepstakes card. You have a chance to win $500 Birchbox shopping spree. You have to tune in and watch the finale episode of Gossip Girl and answer the questions on the back of the card.

7. BVLGARI Omnia Crystalline Eau de Toilette Spray: Inspired by luminescent crystals (so glam), this elegant scent combines notes of lotus flowers, bamboo, and Nashi pear. It smells really nice to me.

8. fresh Sugar Rose Tinted Lip Treatment SPF 15: This cult favorite has a subtle rosy hue, plus natural sugar extracts to exfoliate and smooth lips. I'm really glad to get this! I've heard of this before. It feels good on the lips.