beauty ins and outs - april 2019 empties and purchases
April went by in a flash! I can’t believe it’s nearly May already! Although my official low-buy is over, I’ve actually been enjoying tracking what I’m using up and what I’m purchasing.
So far this year I have used a up a total worth of $492 and spent $177.84 on new or replacement products. Let’s see what I used up and what I bought in April. Let’s start with the empties.
Dr. Jart+ Premium BB Cream in Light-Medium ($45*): I won’t go on and on about this one. It simply the best BB cream on the market in my opinion and I’ve talked about it at least 5 times already on the blog! If you haven’t tried it yet, what are you waiting for?
Related Post: Sephora VIB Sale Recommendations
NEST White Sandalwood Rollerball ($26): This scent is now discontinued unfortunately but I loved it. Indigo* is a sweeter, less woody version. If you haven’t checked out NEST fragrances yet, I highly recommend them. NEST creates beautiful, complex, and totally unique scents.
Shea Moisture Curl and Shine Shampoo ($12*): If you don’t have something nice to say, don’t say anything at all, right? I love many Shea Moisture products but I don’t love this one. I’m glad to see it gone. It made my hair greasy and tangled. It may be great for someone with really dry curls but for my slightly oily scalp and loose, natural waves it simply didn’t work.
Disney Resorts H2O+ Beauty Shampoo and Conditioner Set: I took these from our October stay at the Disney World Port Orleans Resort. Until I started working on this post, I had no idea that H2O+ Beauty existed but you can purchase these products from their website. I’m curious about the company because this was the best hotel shampoo and conditioner I’ve ever used! The Sea Marine line seems to be exclusive to Disney but can be purchased through the Disney Store!
Bumble and bumble Thickening Dryspun Finish Spray ($34*): Add piece-y texture to your finished style with this texturizing spray. Spray near the roots to add some volume or all over to lock style into place. This stuff is awesome for adding a bit of edge to my curls without being sticky or greasy. No helmet head here.
Bumble and bumble Cityswept Finish Spray ($34*): This hairspray is your typical medium hold spray. Unlike the Thickening Spray, I don’t think this one is anything special. It works no better than the $8 options at the drug store. Skip this one.
Schmidt’s Bergamot and Lime Body Wash ($10*): I am excited to announce that Target recently reduced their price on this stuff to $7 which I think it a bit more reasonable. It smells awesome. Lasted about 3 months of daily use. It lathers nicely, doesn’t dry out my skin, and it’s cruelty-free. Perfect!
Related Post: January Beauty Ins and Outs
BLAQ Hydalauronic Acid Eye Masks ($29*): I can’t seem to get through an empties post without talking about something I got in a FabFitFun* box. They truly send great stuff. I thoroughly enjoyed using these. They definitely moisturize your eye area. Pop them in the freezer for 20 minutes prior to use for an even better de-puffing result.
Old Spice Pure Sport Deodorant ($2*): I purchase this when I was in a real pickle and needed a aluminum-free deodorant on the fly. Like any aluminum-free deodorant, it won’t stop you from sweating but it does will make you smell better. I do like the gel formula and the scent isn’t too masculine for my liking. I would purchase this again but I think there are other, cleaner products out there.
St. Ives Acne Control Apricot Scrub ($6*): I’ve been using this product for years. When it comes to scrubs available in the drug store, this is about as classic as it gets. It’s a good facial exfoliator for a great price.
Tarte Pack Your Bags Eye Masks ($22*): This is yet another product that I have purchased over and over again. I truly notice a difference in my under eye circles after using these masks. I love to apply them before a night out or a big event so that I look well-rested.
The total value of the products I finished this month: $220
Now on to what I purchased!
Nature’s Gate Shampoo and Conditioner for Oily Hair ($6 each): I’m not going to lie. I purchased this set solely because it smells like watermelon Jolly Ranchers. Turns out, they’re actually pretty decent products. They’re also affordable and cruelty-free!
Biggs & Featherbelle Handmade Soap ($5*): My grocery store’s personal care section got a major overhaul including a new display of handmade soaps. I was super curious about the brand. So, I picked up a bar of the Granola Bar oatmeal soap. I have since finished it and I’m excited to try some more from the brand.
Jason Calming Lavender Body Wash ($8*): I’m super excited to try out this lavender scented wash. I will report back soon!
Eylure Accents No. 0003 False Lashes ($4): I don’t wear false lashes very often but these are my go-to pair. The thin band and winged out shape is super flattering. Plus, I find them way easier to apply than full bands. The only downfall, I don’t like the glue that’s include. I use my Duo Lash Glue* instead!
In April, I spent $29 on beauty, skin, and body care items! Not bad!
The total value of the items I’ve used up so far in 2019: $712
The total value of the items I’ve purchased so far in 2019: $207 (is this a sign from the universe…my fellow Mainer’s know!)
Net value: + $505
I’m wicked pleased with my progress and my renewed appreciation for the products I already own. I’m excited to see how much more I can use up this year!
What have you finished up lately? Tell me all about it in the comments below!
FTC: Some of the links in this post, denoted with a *, are affiliate links. If you shop using my links, I may earn a small commission, at no cost to you. Thank you for supporting Laurel and Iron!
