Dre Does Empties #3 (Shower Edition)



I have been trying very hard recently to use up the products I've already purchased. It's been really difficult since new launches are always greeting my Instagram feed, but as you've probably guessed it with this empties post, I've been doing a pretty decent job of getting through them. I seemed to run out of everything all at once in my shower thus the reason this post is shower themed!

If you've never read an empties post, they are one of my favorites because my opinion on the product comes only after I have completely used it up. I then share whether or not I would repurchase the product which hopefully helps you decide if it's something you would want to spend your hard earned money on.

Without anymore rambling....let's talk trash (beauty trash)!

Philosophy Cinnamon Buns Shampoo, Shower Gel and Bubble Bath: I'm not going to lie. I was always hesitant to purchase any of these Philosophy 3-in-1's because they seemed over hyped and not worth the $18-25 price tag. I'm never going to use a product like this on my hair, and sadly don't take the time for baths like I used to so I figured they were too much for a shower gel. However, when I was still working at Ulta last winter, they did an amazing sale on these and I picked up this one in Cinnamon Buns and also Christmas cookie (currently in my shower). The thing that surprised me the most is how long they really last. I just finished up Cinnamon Buns about a month ago and used it in every single shower since last year. The product is very concentrated so you don't need much but still get a good creamy lather. I like how both of these scents aren't too intense so I didn't mind smelling sweet cinnamon all year long. I even tried making the recipe on the front of the bottle and the cinnamon buns were tasty!
Verdict: If I could get a good deal on them like last year I would definitely repurchase them seeing as you get so much product for your money! (You can purchase Philiosophy at Ulta, Sephora, and Macys!) Definitely keep your eye out for holiday gift sets like this one from Sephora. You can score mini sized bottles in multiple scents to split up into multiple gifts or to give to one lucky friend!

Enjoy Sulfate-Free Shampoo: The main line carried at the spa/blowout bar I work at is Enjoy, so I was really excited to try out some new products. The first thing I wanted to get was a new shampoo and I am LOVING this one. I love that it is Sulfate-Free so ladies if you haven't tried one before free of sulfates, don't be surprised when you don't get a significant lather. You will always feel like you need to use more than you actually do, but don't overdo it. Your hair will get clean!
Verdict: I would easily repurchase this product, I just want to try out the Volume line next! If you're interested in purchasing Enjoy haircare items please email me at andreafontanabeauty@gmail.com and I would be more than happy to help you find the products for you from our blowout bar!

Lisa's Hair Elixir Clarifying Shampoo and 7-in-1 Conditioner by Carol's Daughter: This duo will always be a holy grail of mine. Before I donated my hair, I was trying to get my hair to the healthiest and longest it could be and I have to give credit to this combo. The shampoo is described as the ultimate detox for your hair and while also sulfate-free, it smells like eucalyptus, sage and lemon oils to give you a really invigorating cleanse. The conditioner does 7 amazing things; it purifies, oxygenates, replenishes, moisturizes, fortifies, softens, and detangles. It also smells amazing because of the combo of rosemary, orange, and spearmint oils. There's no parabens, no petroleum, no mineral oil or artificial colors in either! The combo seriously gives me baby soft hair and really makes it as healthy as can be. I know it sounds like I'm obsessed with these two but there is something that I absolutely cannot stand about Carol's Daughter shampoos and conditioners..THE PACKAGING! I hate the way you twist the top and try to get the product out. You have to squeeze so hard, can't get it all out at the end, and I've had multiple bottles break on me.
Verdict: I feel like I will always keep these on hand for when I need a really good cleanse or if I'm trying to grow my hair out quicker, but if I keep discovering more Enjoy products that I'm loving, which will probably happen, I would skip purchasing these because of the packaging. The shampoo and conditioner are $20 and $22 respectively and you can purchase them at Ulta or on the Carol's Daughter website.

Ulta Once Upon a Time Ginger Cookie Sugar Scrub: I don't feel like I even need to talk much about these because I have shown so many in my empties, but in case you like to know what scents I like or dislike, here is the latest I have finished up from last year's holiday collection. If you like a good grit in your sugar scrub, this is one to try! I like to use them to exfoliate before shaving since I can't use a shave cream on my sensitive legs, but I really love them for exfoliating where I have Keratosis Pilaris as well (only use this on the body though, never the face)!
Verdict: If they bring it back again this year or something similiar make sure to pick this one because the scent is yummy. Make sure to wait until they do some good deals though!

Monoi Repairing Hair Mask by Carol's Daughter: I probably picked up this deluxe sample when purchasing the full size Lisa Hair Elixir's (as Ulta loves to give away free gift with purchases).  I love how Carol's Daughter deluxe sample's always give you a great amount of product so you can try the product multiple times. I liked to save this mask for times when I've used heat on it, since I rarely curl or damage my hair, and I felt like it always brought my hair back to feeling soft and conditioned.
Verdict: At $32 for 7 oz, I'm not sure I would purchase this with my own money but I would definitely ask for it as a gift for the holidays!

I hope you enjoyed this special shower edition Empties post! Have you tried any of these products? What are your thoughts? Leave me a comment below and let me know if this helped you!

Have a beautiful day,

Dre


Dre Does a Last Minute Gift Guide

Christmas is about a week away and if you're like me, there's a good chance you aren't done with your holiday shopping. I've compiled a quick gift guide if you're stuck on those last gifts for anyone who loves beauty items. I especially love getting my friends and family beauty related items because they either don't know anything about them, or they wouldn't spend the money on it themselves!

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1: Aveda Hand Relief Lotion (4.2 oz for $22.50 on Aveda.com): This stuff works miracles on your hands and smells so good!
2: Tree Hut Shea Sugar Body Scrub (18 fl oz for $6.59 on drugstore.com): I'm currently using the mango version in my shower routine and I love it! It's great at sloughing off dead skin cells and I love the smell. It also leaves my skin very moisturized. 
3: The Body Shop Satsuma Collection (5 piece gift set about $40 on amazon.com): Have you ever smelled this scent? If not, stop what you're doing, get in your car and drive to the nearest Body Shop or Ulta. Yes it's that good! 
4: Sally Hansen Gel Polish At Home Manicure Kit (starter kit about $46 on amazon.com): These kits are great for at home gel manicures. There is also a starter kit for polish strips if that is easier for you!
5: OPI Nail Polish in 'Lincoln Park After Dark'($9): My go-to winter nail polish. It is the perfect, very, very dark and chic almost black color. 
6: Revlon ColorBurst Matte Balm ($8.99 at your local drugstore): These are relatively new and I love how easy they are for transforming your look. They also twist up instead of having to be sharpened and have a nice minty scent. 
7: Urban Decay Naked Basics Palette ($27 at Ulta or Sephora):  If you missed yesterday's post about this palette go check it out! It's a must have for everyone, no matter your skill level. 
8: Essie Nail Polish in Sable Collar ($8): This is a really unique color that I'm loving for winter. It's like a taupey brown with red duo chrome and it is absolutely gorgeous! 

Happy last minute shopping! Have a beautiful day,

Dre