Empties Review: NYC BB Creme

NYC Smooth Skin BB Creme 5 in 1 Skin Perfector

This product I bought over the summer for something lightweight to wear on a night out or to a family function. This was one of the least expensive BB cream/tinted moisturizer-type products that I saw at the drugstore, so I thought it couldn't hurt to give it a try. I'm as pale as a ghost, even in the summer, so I got this in 01 Light for $3.49.

The color on this product seemed a little orange on me at first application, even in the summer months when I was working outside and getting a lot of sun. After about a half an hour the color seemed to seep into the skin, which made it more even with the rest of my skin, but also depleted the coverage significantly. The coverage to begin with was minimal, but over time it felt like I hadn't even put anything on.

Having a bunch of this product left at the end of the summer, I decided to take this product overseas with me on my trans-Atlantic move. Unfortunately, though, it didn't travel so well. Whether this was due to the differing pressure on the airplane, the new climate in my destination or just the aging of the product I don't really know. What I do know, is that this product ended up becoming really problematic when I got to my town in France. Whereas it had gone on smoothly before, this product started to ball up and go on splotchy over my moisturizer. I tried applying the product with a sponge, with a brush and with fingers to find a way to work with it, but to no avail. It even got to the point that I could feel the product on my face, which made me really uncomfortable. I ended up throwing this product out before it was done because I simply couldn't deal with the product on my face any longer and didn't see the application improving any time soon.

My verdict: Not buying this again. I'm not totally turned off of BB creams, but I'm turned off of this one.

Empties Review: ck one mascara by Calvin Klein

Yay for Ulta rewards memberships! This was the mascara they were giving member birthdays over the summer. However, I had just opened another mascara when I received this gift, so I saved this mascara for when I was got to Europe. It is sold exclusively at Ulta in five different shades (I had 800 - Show Black) and sells for $18.

The top of this mascara tube is actually really cool. It's got a division on the top that you can twist which changes the shape of the mascara wand from longer to shorter, from spaced out bristles to close together bristles and from straight lines of bristles to a corkscrew like design. This was really good to get different types of eyelash looks with the same wand, and to get more product on the want while it was in the tube!

What I found when I first started using this mascara, though, was that the bristles where sharp and irritated the base of my lash line, even to the point where I could see red irritation when I took the mascara off at night. This was particularly weird to me, because I usually prefer rubber bristle mascara wands and was excited to see them on this wand, but hadn't ever had this experience before. I did end up getting used to the wand on my eyes, or maybe the mascara build up on the wand started to dull the bristles so I was no longer irritated by it.

I did use this completely up, but by the end of its mascara life, this product was falling off of my lashes in the middle of the day. It took even less than three months (my usual mascara life) to totally dry out, which I was also disappointed in.

My verdict: To be honest, this product has a really cool twisting wand, but the irritation on my eyes and the quick drying rate of the tube made this product not worth the cost to me. While its not the most expensive mascara on the market, but there are a lot of drugstore mascaras don't make my eyes red and watery. Given the irritation at the beginning of my use of this product and the flakiness towards the end, it only had a pleasant life of about a month where I was using the product without issues. So personally, I would stay away from this mascara, especially if you have sensitive skin or eyes.

Empties Review: Tresemme Fresh Start Volumizing Dry Shampoo

This was a good travel-sized dry shampoo for my carry-on and for my travels! I initially purchased this at CVS in the States so that I wouldn't look like a grease ball at the end of my international flight, but this ended up lasting me through a whole month of various travels!

This product did have a light citrus scent, which I particularly liked. If you're not too keen on citrus, you don't have to be totally turned off - the scent faded pretty quickly after application. It did make me feel a little pampered while I was getting ready in the morning.

This version of the Tresemme dry shampoo advertises no visible residue, which may be a major attraction to some people. I personally don't mind a little white cast, because I don't like to shower too often and am frequently using dry shampoo for oil absorption rather than styling purposes. To be honest, I didn't even notice the difference between this residue and other dry shampoos that I have used.

My verdict: This was a good product that I would definitely use again! That being said, it's not SO good that I need to go out and buy back ups or favor this brand over others in the drug store. If this was on sale, though, I'd definitely purchase again!

Empties Review: Colgate Optic White

Last sample for the plane ride! I grabbed this one in particular because I thought that it would help me to combat coffee stained teeth, which I had noticed were a particular problem for me the last time I was in France. I don't know if its the fact that I drink coffee more frequently in France, or that the coffee is usually stronger, but something about it makes me feel like my teeth become dingy and brown.

This sample size tube actually lasted me quite a while, basically through the end of October and my autumn vacation. I wasn't using the Colgate Optic White system in its entirety, so I do not think I am able to judge the whether or not the claims made are valid or not, but I can say that this kept my teeth at a constant shade. I did notice an immediate and significant change if I had just drank coffee before brushing my teeth, but other than that, my teeth remained the white that they already were. I was pretty happy that they didn't get any darker!

My verdict: I would be very interested to try this toothpaste in conjunction with the rest of the Colgate Optic White system to see how they all worked together. If this toothpaste could keep my teeth from getting as discolored as they usually do while I am abroad, maybe the whole system would really take my smile up a notch!

Empties Review: Ulta Tinted Lip Balm in Berry

I am DEVASTATED that I have run out of this lip balm. I got it about two years ago when my mom was on a tinted lip balm kick and decided that this particular color didn't suit her, and I have absolutely fell in love with it. I am a big fan of a red lip, but my go to red lip colors don't always offer longevity. So, I'd keep this lip balm in my purse with me for touch ups and it would completely enliven the color of the lipstick again! This was also great for days when I was doing my makeup on the run, because its basically fool proof to put on and takes mere seconds.

My verdict: Great product. I would absolutely purchase this again! I would even make a point to go get it soon if there were Ultas in Europe! I guess I'll have to find something to tide me over in the mean time.

Empties Review: Lumene Time Freeze Firming NIght Cream

Also a sample that I got on sale before my departure, this cream came along for the ride over to France and for the transition period. I was reading somewhere that using anti-aging products can increase the turnover of cells on your face, thus making acne go away faster and healing post-acne marks more effectively, so I was down to try this! What I found was a night-time moisturizer that left me wanting a little more. Perhaps it was the firming agents, but I didn't wake up feeling like this had soaked into my skin. Instead, I just felt like it was sitting on top of my face.

My verdict: Perhaps this cream does live up to its claims, but for what I was looking for, it didn't do the trick. Not thinking of repurchasing anytime soon.

Empties Review: Lumene Bright Now Vitamin C Day Cream SPF 15

I got this in a sample size (0.5 FL.OZ.) right before I left the States so that I would have something to get me through the transition into France. It comes in a nice compact jar and was also really easy to throw into my carry on. This was also the period of my most severe hormonal and stress-induced acne, so I was looking with a moisturizer with some SPF and something a little extra to give my skin a boost.

I did end up liking this moisturizer and thought it was doing great things for my skin at the time. Since then, I have been taking the suggestions of some French dermatologists and pharmacists near me and using heavier/more hydrating moisturizers, which I think has actually helped prevent my acne from getting worse. I don't think that this moisturizer was hydrating enough for my skin to stop overproducing oil, however, I only had the sample size, so I don't know how my skin may have grown accustomed to this product over a longer period of time.

My verdict: Love the SPF, love the idea of brightening (although I didn't notice any brightening while I was using it), but not hydrating enough for my skin. If you aren't looking for deep hydration, I'd say you could give this a go, but not to expect any life-changing differences out of the "brightening" claim; it's a nice, but regular, light moisturizer.

Empties Review: Secret 48HR Odor Protection Completely Clean Antiperspirant/Deodorant

Another deodorant! This one I bought in a mini from my drug store in the States so I would have something to reach for on the plane. And this worked! Definitely a fan of the clean and fresh scent of this, and it did what it said it was going to do. I was able to put this on at the beginning of my flight in New York, and still smell it about 36 hours later when arrived at my final destination and started to unpack. It was also a pretty convenient size to keep in my purse in case I thought I started to smell and wanted a touch up (which I did pretty frequently with the Arm & Hammer deodorant I just reviewed). Or in case I forgot to put deodorant on in the morning. Does anyone else forget to do that when they are in a rush?

My verdict: Good standard deodorant. I would purchase it again, probably only if it was on sale though, because I like to try new things and that's how I decide what to use next. Currently can't get it easily in France, so I'll have to try out some European brands!

Empties Review: Arm & Hammer Essentials Fresh Deodorant with Natural Deodorizers

Over the summer I was really trying to use all natural skin care, because I thought I was having hormonal body and face acne because of additives in products. So I saw this Arm & Hammer deodorant on sale for a dollar, so I decided to give it a try.

I really loved the scent of this deodorant! It has baking soda and a bunch of natural oils as deodorizing agents, so it smells exactly as it describes itself: fresh and light and lovely! I'm super attracted to fresh and clean scents, and that's definitely what I want from a deodorant.

As for odor protection, I didn't think that this really worked for me. Especially because I started wearing this one during the summer, I found that I started to smell after only a couple of hours. And noticeably. I don't think that I ever remember thinking that I smelled just during the every day life :/. I wouldn't consider myself a particularly sweaty or smelly person, but I was when I used this!

My verdict: Definitely not repurchasing this. I love the smell, but that's about it. Will definitely continue to explore natural or safer deodorants, but not this one.

Empties Review: NPW Cherry Face & Body Mini Wipes

These wipes I was actually allowed to take as a sample as leftovers from an event that happened at my summer job, which was pretty awesome at the time. They were really convenient to carry around while I was traveling, either during my flight over to France or during my two-week vacation in October. They come in a small 2"x5" package with a pretty pink and yellow star pattern all over, so I think they've got convenience and packaging down.

As for the actual product, I can't say anything particularly amazing about them. They were about half the size of an average makeup wipe, which made taking off a full face of makeup quite difficult; however, they did stay damp for the two months that I had the package open, which I was happy about. Although the product advertises a cherry smell, I didn't really get much of that smell after the initial opening of the package, and my sensitive skin wasn't bothered by whatever fragrance that was added.

My verdict: If someone were to give these to me for free again, I would gladly accept them! If I had to buy a full-sized pack, I'd probably skip it. They were super convenient for traveling and because they were free, but weren't life changing product me.

Empties Review: Greenland Fruit Emotions Body Butter in Mint-Lavender

This item came as a gift from my mom just before I set off for France in September. She knows that I am obsessed with both mint and lavender scents separately and thought that this body butter would be right up my alley. Running from $8 to $10 a pop depending on where you purchase, she told me it'd be the perfect cream to throw in my carry on or purse in a pinch.

I was super pleased with the smell in this body butter! It felt like I had been shipped off to a spa, with really strong fresh lavender notes and sharp mint. The Fruit Emotions line of Greenland brand  cosmetics markets 95% organic ingredients, and I could definitely tell the difference between this lavender scent and some of the synthetic lavender scents I have come across in the past.

In terms of hydration, this body butter was pretty good at keeping my skin hydrated during the late summer/early fall months. I did end up reapplying daily on particularly stubborn dry patches, like on my elbows and ankles, but that is usually the norm for me. I do not think this would be enough to keep me feeling hydrated during a harsh winter in upstate New York, but for the very moist, Seattle-like climate of my town in France it was perfect.

My verdict: Good body butter with an amazing, almost therapeutic scent. If you are particularly fond of stress-relief scents, this may be something you want to try. In France, though, as opposed to the United States, authentic lavender is everywhere and really not that expensive; as a result, I think I might be able to find something along these lines for less money per ounce. I am not currently able to get ahold of this brand of products easily in France, but if I did see this product on sale somewhere I would definitely pick it up again!

Empties Review: Noxzema Deep Cleansing Cream

I bought this over the summer when I was going through a really rough patch with my hormonal acne. I was looking for something that would be super gentle and moisturizing, but that still would take off all of my makeup and hopefully get whatever gunk there was out of my pores. And, last, I was looking for something without harsh sulfates as a lathering agent, because I thought my sulfur allergy could be making me react negatively to sulfates. (Is that even scientifically possible? I have no idea. It was something that got into my head when I was trying to get rid of a particularly awful breakout.)

When doing research about the product, I found that this has been marketed for generation for different dermatological problems. Originally put into production in 1914, it claimed to help soothe eczema and harsh sunburns. My mom remembers Noxzema being marketed for clear and plump skin when she was a kid in the 60's and 70's. Today, I don't see much overt advertising for the product. It obviously has stood the test of time and continues to sell to a certain part of the population, being still in production.

What I found with this product was actually pretty awesome. The product comes as a creamy solid packaged either in a tub or a bottle with a pump (perfect for keeping down liquids when traveling :D) and only runs between $4 and $6 depending on where you buy it. It did do a good job of getting off my makeup after I had used a makeup removing wipe and left my skin feeling refreshed and clean. The eucalyptus in the product gave it a medicinal type smell that I actually really liked and also left a tingling sensation on my face which I got used to after a few uses.

Over a long period of time, this cleanser remained a simple fix for cleansing before bed and didn't strip my skin of too much moisture. When I looked at the ingredients, it does list Linseed, Eucalyptus and Soybean oils as three of the main ingredients, so this may be the reason why I didn't experience any tightness or dryness from this product.

My verdict: This Noxzema Deep Cleansing Cream is a good drugstore option for a basic oil based cleanser. It was perfect for my sensitive skin and left me with a blank canvas that I could then treat with prescription or more targeted products. It didn't do anything particularly to fix my break-outs, but did offer no further irritation or cause for redness and clogged pores. I would definitely repurchase this in the future, especially in the travel size for overseas trips to put in my carry-on. At the moment I'm trying something else recommended by my dermatologist, but this is definitely something I would go back to.

Empties Reviews: 2015 New Years Resolution

Happy New Year! As part of my 2015 new year's resolutions, I am going to try to blog a lot more frequently than I have been over the last few months. So look out for more posts coming your way very soon!

The first step towards this goal: As part of this new personal initiative, and also part of a little cleaning that I've been meaning to do, I've decided to start putting empty products reviews up on this blog. I've seen loads of bloggers and YouTubers do this in the past, and they seem to go over pretty well. Mainly, I think, its because using up an entire product gives you insight as to how the product works initially, over a long period of time, the staying power, how long it lasts, etc. And you can always add if you plan on repurchasing or not now that the product is totally gone! For the next couple of weeks then, I'll be uploading the "Empties Reviews" of individual products on this blog when I have the time. Most of these are things that I brought over from the States when I first made the trip over the pond and a couple of samples that I've gotten browsing through the French shops!

Make Up Prices: Like, what?

Since my arrival in France at the end of September, I have been using up many of the products that I brought over from the US. By this time, though, I am starting to run out of some of the essentials and looking to make some purchases in France. So off to the store I went to purchase some staples!

What I found, however, when I took a closer look at the make up wasn't so pleasing. Products that I know and love from the United States were severely marked up in France, even product lines that I knew are French! Despite the most obvious reasons for price differences - the 20% TVA included in all sticker prices in France, importation costs for foreign brands, etc. - the prices are still through the roof! Let's take an example: I have been eyeing the L'Oréal Voluminous Million Mascara in Carbon Black for a while now, wanting to try out a new defining and volumizing mascara. I've found it in the States ranging from $9.50 to $11.00 depending on the store, but when I went looking in the French company's home country I could find it for no cheaper than 18€ and even as high as 21,50€! For another: the Bourgeois Healthy Mix Serum foundation that I purchased online through an international retailer for $13.00 I found in the Galleries LaFayette for 19.99€!

Do French women really spend this much money on "drugstore" makeup? Or do they just opt out? When thinking about cosmetics, foundation and especially mascara are some of the things that are used and that you have to buy most frequently throughout the year. And while they do have discount makeup stores such as Saga in various cities, these stores do not stock the most popular brands and only carry products and colors they can get on the cheap.

Conclusion: Definitely stocking up on some essentials while I am home for the holidays!

Make Up in a School Setting: Faut-on ou Faux Pas?

So we've seen a little slice of what some French people like to keep on hand for their everyday beauty needs in my recent bathroom spy posts, but can we see any of these products in use out in the everyday world? Are there certain situations where makeup is more appropriate? Less appropriate?

I guess I'll start by talking about what I have seen in my work place - two different middle schools. From what I experienced as a student in the US, I expected teachers in France to be dressed more or less business casual, with maybe the rare exception to the rule in the gym teacher or the long-time prof. What I found, however, was much more casual. Teachers, basically, can wear whatever they want within the limits of reason. Jeans are an everyday kind of thing for teachers in my French middle schools, which I never saw any of my teachers wearing as a kid unless there was a fundraiser going on for Casual Friday.

Mirroring the more casual trend in dress, my female French colleagues don't seem to wear a lot of make-up to school on a daily basis. Whether or not the majority wear a tinted moisturizer or BB cream to even out imperfections I don't know, but I do note that the overall look is generally bare faced. (Most of the French people I've met have FABULOUS skin, so they can rock this look pretty well.) I will come across the occasional beauty regular, but their choice of colors and application always steers towards a more natural look rather than a bold one. I love a red lip or a dramatic cat eye at all times of the day, so my makeup choices really stand out and have actually been a topic of conversation with some of my students.

What do you guys think? Do you expect something different from what is rumored to be the most fashionable country in the world? Have you seen similar things in your experience in French schools? Let me know in the comments below!

Demographic No. 3: Seaside Family of Femmes

The last place that we stayed was a big beauty surprise! Because this family had two girls between the ages of 25 living in the house, they had a myriad of products stocked in the bathroom that the girls were more than happy to talk about. Hope you enjoy the peak into their routine as much as I did!

• Avène Eau Micellaire
• Nuxe Gelée Exfoliante - Rose Pétales
• Le Petit Marseillaise Lait Douche
• Carrefour Orange Hand Soap
• Signal Whitening Toothpaste
• DeMakeup Makeup Wipes
• SUN Ultimate Bronze Minute, Satin Self-Tanning Spray
• Klorane Leave-In Cream with Mango Butter
• Revlon Professional UNIQ One
• Cils Démask - Démaquillant yeux
• Ducray Diaseptyl Spray for Fatigued Skin
• Hema Hand - Crème Mains Superhydratante
• Mixa Soin Mains Réparatrice Intensive Peaux Sèches
• L'Oréal Professional Absolute Repair Lipidium, Instant Resurfacing Shampoo
• Clarins Intense Bronze Self-Tanning Tint
• Clarins Liquid Bronze Self-Tanner
• SOBIOetic Huile Universelle Plaisirs d'Argan
• Clarins Radiance Plus Golden Glow Body Lotion
• La Roche Posay Physiane Emulsion Protective
• La Roche Posay Anthelios 20SPF Spray
• La Roche Posay Anthelios 50SPF Face
• Bébé Cadum Lait de Toilette Hydratante
• Biafine Emulsion pour les Cuticles
• Makeup Forever HD Primer
• Sephora Iridescent Cream Shadow
• Maria Galland Hydrating Makeup Remover
• Syoss Kératine Perfection, Shampooing Perfecteur
• Mixa Douche - Soin Antidéssèchement
• Sanex Zero% Gel Douche
• Garnier Beauté Gommage Beauté Absolue
• Hydralin Apaisa Protection Quotidien Soin d'Hygène Intime
• Steripan Crème Très Exfoliante Hema Nail Polish Remover
• Nuxellence Jeunesse 

Demographic No. 2: Young Twenty-Something Heterosexual Couple

My second Couchsurfing experience came with some awesome roommates in tow! Our Couchsurfing host had signed on four surfers, me and my friend Tatiana and a young couple moving from Paris and needing a place to stay while looking for something permanent to rent. Salina and Kenzo* were a really nice alternative pair, fond of hitchhiking (which apparently is still done in France?!) and taking life as it comes. Their toiletries weren't particularly abundant, probably because of the move, but they served as a great sample of young, normal French people on a budget. Find what they used down below!

• L'Oréal Absolute Douceur Lait Démaquillant Confort Suprème
• L'Oréal Absolute Douceur Tonique Caresse Confort Suprème
• Garnier Skin Naturals Crème Bienfaisante
• Rexona Women Maximum Protection Clean Scent
• Narta Homme Nord Extrème
• Denivit Anti-Taches Dentifrice
• Le Petit Marseillais Shampooing Douceur et Réparatrice aux Amandes Douces
• Monoprix Lait Douche Amande/Karité
• Le Petit Marseillais Après-Shampooing aux Extraits d'Argile Blanche et de Lait de Jasmin
• Crème Laitante Hydratante Parfum Douceur de Lait
• Aquafresh Toothpaste

Demographic No. 1: Twenty-Something Bachelor

Did anyone ever tell you that boys are kind of dirty, that they don't really care about hygiene, and that these two facts are reflected in their bathrooms? While the stereotype doesn't hold water across the board, I do have to report that the French male population isn't immune to its application. Guy* wholeheartedly welcomed me and a friend into his home via couchsurfing, questionably stocked bathroom and all. He did stock the absolute essentials: toothpaste, a toothbrush, shower gel/hand soap/shampoo and of course some French cologne. Other than that, though, he did not have much to offer my beauty discovery - although my stay with him felt totally safe and friendly! For more info about brands and specifics, read on to the inventory of what this bachelor kept in his pad.

• Sensodyne Toothpaste for Sensitive Teeth
• Le Petit Marseillais Lait Douche, Douche Extra Doux
• Chanel Pour Homme Eau de Toilette

*Name has been changed.

La Toussaint Vacation: A Trial in Beauty Espionnage

So, whenever I'm staying at somebody's house, I always find it really interesting to see what they've got in their bathroom. I'm not the only one right? I'm just curious! And I mean, I definitely wouldn't go completely through their stuff, but if you leave something out or within reasonable reach, you bet I'm gonna investigate. Which is exactly what I did during my recent vacation through in France, and I thought I'd report back just to let you know what I found in REAL FRENCH BATHROOMS. I stayed in three different towns with three different hosts, each of which showed a (kind of?) example of a different demographic of person and what they might use. Keep following for in depth reviews of what I saw!

**Disclaimer** I will not be revealing any information about the persons involved in this vacation or hosting experience, so as to protect their privacy. All names, if mentioned, have been changed.

La Rue de Minimes - Pedestrian Beauty Boulevard

In looking around the French town I am currently living in, its easy to see that beauty plays a big part in the everyday lives of its inhabitants. Despite the fact that many of the women I see choose to wear a natural day-to-day look, cosmetic and skincare advertisements and shops dominate a large section of the city center - specifically, the pedestrian zone on la rue des Minimes.

This street is one of the few walking zones close to la Place de la République, and shop after shop on this walkway features beauty and skincare products galore. Let's be clear: this street is only about a quarter of a mile long, probably not even. And in total, there are eleven shops advertising almost exclusively beauty-related products, with the exception of les Galeries Lafayette, a department with a large selection of beauty, skincare and fragrance, but also many other items.

So let's take a walk from the main square out to the next street. This is really only about two blocks and you pass all of these stores.

1. Marrionnaud Parfumerie
2. Kiko
3. Parashop Diffusion
4. La Grande Pharmacie des Minimes
5. Yves Rocher
6. Les Galleries Lafayette
7. Sephora
8. Sandro Esprit Spa
9. Nocibé
10. Douglas Parfumerie
11. Saga

What does this exactly have to say about my town? To be honest, I don't really know yet, as I have only been here for a short while and it takes time to get to know new people in a foreign country. Whether these stores have taken such prominent spots as a response to popular demand or whether these shops have influenced the tastes of the public, I can't really tell. Most likely, its a little bit of both. Just an interesting reflection from a beauty perspective on what I am experiencing in this new town!