No Spend 'til Christmas

I was organizing my makeup and beauty products a couple of weeks ago and realized that I owned way too many for the space that I have. Not wanting to get rid of most of them, I decided that I was going to try to use them all up. But how could I do that if I was constantly buying new face wash or lipstick to try? My solution was to go on a spending ban. 

Starting November 1st (tomorrow), I will not make any beauty or makeup purchases unless absolutely necessary (example: I run out of ALL of the face wash I own). The plan was for the spending ban to last through November, but with the Sephora VIB sale coming up, I couldn't let those savings pass by! So I decided to extend my spending ban until Christmas. Here are the rules:

1. No purchasing makeup of any kind for myself (except the one listed on my Sephora VIB sale wish list). 
2. No purchasing any hair or body product for myself.
3. Exemption to purchases only if it will be a Christmas gift for somebody else.
4. It is okay to make a purchase for myself if all of that product type is finished (example: all face wash are empty).

I believe that is about it. Let me know if you think I am missing anything. Also feel free to join me so that we can be no spending buddies!

With love,
Esty

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Mary Kay Clear Proof Review

Influenster is a review site which offers a free full size box to their most influential and active members. Every month, they release a box with full size products. In order to qualify for these VoxBoxes, you must be active in the Influenster community and connect your different social media to increase your impact score.  You also need to complete a survey that would pre-qualify for a specific Voxbox. To learn more about Influenster click here. One thing about joining Influenster is that you must be invited through email. If you are interested in joining, leave me a comment below!

Anyways, I was recently selected by Influenster to receive the Clear Proof Voxbox, which enclosed a new product by Mary Kay targeted for acne prone skin. It is a 4 step regimen, that when used correctly, promised clearer skin in seven days! The regimen includes a cleanser, moisturizer, toner, and a treatment gel. Now, I don't have a huge problem with acne, but I do break out every once in a while (especially during that time of the month). Luckily I received this box right around that time when I tend to break out (which was about two weeks ago). I started using it instantly! 

One thing that I noticed off the back was the lack of scent. To me, it just smelled like something that has been enclosed inside of a plastic container. To some it may not be bothersome, but I personally did not like it. The cleanser is a gel-like formula and does a pretty good job at cleaning my face. The toner is something I also really enjoyed using. It was not stripping nor did it have a strong alcohol scent, which is something many toners have. The treatment gel is also like a gel, and is the only product that contains benzoyl peroxide (the others contains salicylic acid). 

The moisturizer is the product that I really did not enjoy using out of the whole system. For one, I did not find that it was moisturizing enough. If you have used an acne system before, then you know that it can be a bit drying, and the moisturizer did not do much for alleviating the dry patches I was starting to develop on my face. Secondly, it had a very thin consistency, which was very annoying when trying to apply the product on my face. I felt as though it did not absorb into my skin fast enough and took a while to dry. 

I started using the Clear Proof system twice a day, since it was recommended on the package to use two to three times a day. Twice a day was really drying, and since the moisturizer wasn't helping much, after four days, I started using it only once a day. I washed my face in the morning using this system and used my regular skin care products at night to remove my makeup. As for the breakouts, I do feel that the Clear Proof system did help clear them up a lot quicker than my normal skin care routine. 

Would I repurchase this? Maybe not, only because I am no longer in the age where I am constantly breaking out. This is definitely targeted for those who have more breakouts, but I definitely recommend it if you are looking for a skin care system that is targeted for acne. It can be a little drying, so I would start with once a day and increase from there. The full system is $45 on the Mary Kay website if bought as a set, but about $56 if bought separately. 

Have you used an acne system? What were your results? 

Esty <3 

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*I was sent this by Influenster for review. I am not being paid, all opinions are my own. 

Empties: 01

Hello lovely people! How was your weekend? Mind was not as planned, and I slacked off a little bit, but it's a new day so now I am back on track! Anyways, today I'd thought I'd share with you some of the products I have gone through during the past couple of weeks. I don't like to accumulate too much because I feel as though it takes up too much space (even though it is inside of my closet in a corner inside of a small Victoria's Secret bag.. go figure). 

• Aussie 3 Minute Miracle in Moist: This has to be about the forth or fifth bottle I have gone through, well counting the original 3 Minute Miracle. They recently changed the formulation (or so I believe since they started adding different targeted hair concern like moist) and I am not really a fan. I prefer the original, and for that reason I will not be repurchasing. But if you are looking for an inexpensive hair mask, give this one a try. It is under $5 at the drugstore. 
• Garnier Fructis Pure Clean Shampoo: I am not someone who sticks to one shampoo and doesn't change. I like to switch my shampoos (hair mask and conditioners are another story). This did the job, it got my hair clean and smelled really good. Will I be repurchasing? I am not sure, maybe, but for now I will be trying the next shampoo that grabs my attention. 
• Philosophy Purity Facial Cleanser: I absolutely love this face wash. It gets rid of all of my makeup and leaves my face feeling clean as can be without feeling dry. This is about my third bottle and am planning to pick up a forth on my next trip to Sephora. 
• Nature Bounty Hair Skin and Nails Gummies: A couple of months ago I got a gel manicure, and if you have gotten a gel manicure, you know how damaging the removal process can be. Ever since removing them, my nails have been very fragile and would chip almost everyday. I picked this up randomly at Target, not expecting any results, and was so surprised by how much my nails grew. Not only did they grow long, but they were strong and did not chip once until I cut them! I have been wanting to try Hairfinity, so I am not sure if I will be picking this up anytime soon, but I will definitely repurchase in the future.
• Garnier Skin Renew B.B. Cream in Medium/Deep: I purchased this a while ago, as you can tell from the packaging as it is their old one. I really liked this product and it is a great drugstore B.B. Cream. However, I am not sure if I will be repurchasing since I am currently in search for my holy grail tinted moisturizer. 
• Julep Quick & Dry Nail Polish Drop: I received this in one of my Julep Maven boxes last year and I fell in love! You apply two to three drops over your top coat and your nail polish is virtually dry in no time! I am definitely going to repurchase this when I get around to making a larger Julep order. 
• Neutrogena Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes: I have repurchased this countless of times. I love this because it doesn't dry out, like some other brands that I have tried, and it removes almost all of my makeup. I use this mostly for the face, since I like to use an eye makeup removers for my eyes. It does like a thin layer over your face, but it does not bother me as I wash my face before bed. 
• Origins Super Sport Remover: (Pictured below since I forgot to include in the above pictures!) I have had this in my makeup bag for the past couple of months without touching it. It is not a miracle gel and does not magically remover blemishes over night. It does help reduce in size with some use, but I am not sure if I will be repurchase just yet. I will keep you all posted on that one!

There you have it. My recent empties.

What have you recently finished with plans on repurchasing? 

Esty <3 

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