Dec/Jan Empties!

I have been SO bad with blogging lately and although I love it and wish I could keep up with it, it does take time. I have so many good blog ideas, but no time to get to them. I really want to be able to take the time to fully think it out and put my all into a post, so I've been holding off. My hours at work have changed so I am now working Tuesday-Friday longer hours with a half day Saturday. I think I may like the hours change. I'll still have a nice weekend and Monday to get myself together! Hopefully in the future I will be able to dedicate some more time to blogging and get it right!

Small update...Dainon and I are in a season of uncertainty as far as where we will be living and working in a few months with him starting his residency. He will match in March and we will find out then where we will end up! This season is full of trust and prayer!

Anyway, back to empties... I got so overwhelmed with all of my empty products I had that I got rid of a full bag of empties because they just kept piling up. I thought I would never get to them! So, today's post will be about products I finished up through December and January. I have a lot of tried and true products that I've talked about over and over and I've also got some random things. 

Starting with skincare products...

1. ZO Skin Health Exfoliating Polish- This stuff is absolutely amazing. It smells so light, citrusy, and delicious. This is a manual exfoliant that I use about 2-3x per week. This is the travel size, so there is a larger full size. I've gone through tons of these travel ones because it's perfect to travel with and/or keep on my shelf without taking up too much space. The exfoliating beads are non abrasive or harsh. They are magnesium crystals and they are very gentle for being a manual scrub. I love this so much and can't sing it's praises enough. This product has won many awards in the industry and rightly so. I already have another full size and a backup travel size as well! This one is well worth it!

2. ZO Skin Health Oil Control Pads- These are also amazing. To be honest with you most of the ZO products are. It's a line that I fully trust and use in my own routine every single day (as you can see). I do have oily skin, as most of you know, and these have helped to keep that at bay. It says to use these morning and night, but I typicaly use them at night after cleansing to make sure that there is no residue left on the skin. Especially if I've worn makeup this helps to ensure that there is no residual.  It also has 2% salicylic acid in it so it helps to keep the pores clean and my skin clear. Love these and already have a backup!

3. ZO Skin Health Daily Power Defense- I won't stay here too long, because I've talked about this product over and over again. I will never stop singing the praises of this product either. It's so light and sinks in so easily, but does SO much for the skin. This product is a skin strengthener, it's anti-aging, packed with antioxidants, and honestly I think there is magic in here. I love it and already have another!

4. EltaMD UV Clear- I love this SPF and it's one I use almost daily underneath makeup. This sinks in easily, doesn't feel greasy, and this specific one is non tinted. It was made for acne prone, sensitized skin, and rosacea. I will say that I cannot use this product if I know I will be sweating. For whatever reason this product mixed with sweat and heat (I guess) makes me break out into an immediate itchy rash! It is the craziest thing. I was so confused the first time this happened but noticed that it was only when using this and then working out that it happened. If you know you will be working out immediately after application, I would avoid this one. With that being said I do still love this for everyday use and have ZERO issues with it if I'm not about to head to the gym. If I am, I stick to the EltaMD UV Physical, which has no chemical sunscreen ingredients, purely physical (zinc & titanium  dioxide). I do have another and will continue to use it under my makeup.

5. PCA Skin Clearskin Moisturizer- This is another I won't stay on too long, because I have gone through tons and tons of them. This is my favorite moisturizer especially for the summer time. It sinks in easily and keeps my skin clear. This has been a ride or die product since I found products that started working for me. I will never stop repurchasing this! It has antioxidants, a small amount of vitamin A to help with exfoliation and keeping the skin clear, and niacinamide. 

In the winter time I typically add in a hydrating serum underneath and an oil on top for extra hydration. 

Other miscellaneous beauty things...

1. Trader Joe's Women's multi vitamins- I like these and have repurchased these many times. I like the ingredients in here and they are easy to keep down (unlike some). These are a good price and have worked well for me so I have repurchased.

2. Vitacost Probiotics- I love vitacost and order from them often. They make pretty great vitamins as well as sell many other brands. I like their probiotics and have had no issues with them. I like to take a probiotic daily to help keep my immune system up and I started taking probiotics to help clear my skin. These have been great and they do BOGO deals often!

3. Olay Cleansing Infusion- This body wash was actually really nice. It was moisturizing and the scent was so good, but not overwhelming. I did not repurchase this one, I bought a different scent. The one I have now is still Olay and although it smells nice, it's not near as moisturizing as this one was. I would repurchase this one next time and pass on the one I have now (can't remember exactly what that one is called- will update once I've used it up!).

4. Loreal Lash Paradise Mascara- I've literally gone through zillions of these and have 2 back ups in my drawer. Hands down the best mascara for the price. I think it's better than many high end ones and if I could have only one mascara for the rest of my life, it would be this one!

How has everyone been??? What products have you gone through lately? Did you love them or not?

xoxo