Products I DO NOT Recommend

Hey all! Way way way back when, I wrote a blog post about products I regret buying, and it got a ton of positive feedback, so I thought I would write up something similar. I only have five products to share, which, in the grand scheme of things, doesn't seem so bad. Nevertheless, here they are:

First up is the Garnier Fructis "Hi-Rise Lift", which is a volumizing spray for your hair. The idea is that you spray it onto your roots, rub it in a little, and the effect is supposed to be as if you backcombed/teased your hair. My issue is with the spray nozzle - it doesn't spray evenly! It comes out in a single stream of product, and you end up getting way too much in one spot on your head and it gets sticky.

Next is the Macadamia Rejuvenating Shampoo. This stuff SUCKS. It's overpriced, and doesn't do a thing. It doesn't clean your hair at all, no matter how much you use. My hair felt really matted and fluffy afterwards, instead of smooth and clean like I was hoping. I don't even like the scent. Overall, terrible product.

The Yes to Tomatoes Clear Skin Clay Facial Mask was a huge disappointment. I'm always drawn to the "Yes To" brand - they have really nice packaging and I like that their products are organized by skin type. I don't know how, but this mask left my skin feeling really oily. Also, it's hard to spread because the clay is so thick.

Soap & Glory "Clean On Me" is a raved about shower gel, but I couldn't find myself liking it. I felt like it left my skin dry and itchy, and the scent isn't great either. I'm not sure it really did a good job cleansing. Thankfully I only had this travel-sized version.

Finally, the Elizabeth Arden Refining Toner Lotion. I like using a toner before putting makeup on, just to prep my skin a little, but this one was not good at all. It left a gross film on my face after I applied it and I almost felt the need to wash my face afterwards. Bleh!

Luckily I got most of these products on-sale, but the fact that they actually retail for more than what I paid is unfortunate. Let me know what you think of these products if you've ever used them!

Christmas & Boxing Day Haul 2013

Hey everyone! Happy belated Christmas to all those who celebrate :) I hope you all had a great holiday.  I thought I'd mix in my Boxing Day purchases with my Christmas gifts considering most of what I got was purchased with gift cards haha.

My friends and I always do a gift exchange over the holidays, and this year I received a little Occitane gift set containing all the products on the left of the photo above. Included were mini versions of their Almond Shower Oil (which I've been wanting to try for so long!), Jasmin & Bergamote body milk, Pivoine Flora shower gel, two different sizes of their hand cream, Lavender bubble bath, Anti-aging "Immortelle" cream, and Extra gentle soap.

I also got the Soap & Glory Sugar Crush scrub and body butter which smells SO GOOD. The scent is sweet lime. Can't wait to start using them.

My dad got me a new hair straightener which I didn't really need but appreciate anyway. My current one is starting to get a little crusty and this one looks really high-tech, so I'm happy with it.

My little brother got me two Bath & Body Works candles, Cinnamon & Clove Buds, and Eucalyptus Mint.

My mom got me the amazing red YSL lipstick that I've been wanting. I know it's redundant, but it must be said: THE PACKAGING is incredible. My dad got me a MAC giftcard so I picked up "Instigator" from their new Punk Couture collection along with Night Moth lip liner. It's insanely dark but I love it.

I also got a new Sephora Formula X nail polish in "Boom". It has baby blue flecks that cluster when you apply the nail polish. It seems really cool so I'll try it out soon and post a review.

On Boxing Day I picked up the Laura Mercier Artist Eyes palette. I knew I needed this palette after seeing it on Makeup and Beauty Blog. She mentions that the eyeshadows are easy to over-blend, but I don't foresee that being a problem. I thought the look she created was phenomenal. I also got two of the Makeup Forever Aqua Eyes eyeshadow sticks which were on offer 2 for $12.

My mom also got me the Diptyque Noisetier candle. It's a very crisp spa-like scent, perfect for when you're taking a bath I think :)

My cousin got me this awesome red beanie that I've been wearing every day since Christmas so far. I haven't worn a hat in so long that I forgot how cozy they are. I also got many gift cards including ones for The Bay, Sephora and Mac.

Not pictures above are this amazing oversize knit sweater from Top Shop that I got for 50% off on Boxing Day, as well as a Boogie Board that my mom thought would be cute to get me.

That's it! I'm really pleased with my gifts and am so thankful for all of them. Happy holidays!