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 Current Favorites

Since it's been awhile since I have posted a monthly favorites, I figured I would kick things off with a post dedicated to the products I have been loving recently. As usual, it involves some items that are not beauty related but I like to share these items none the less. This post gets me thinking about how my go to products for day to day use change as the seasons do, so if you're interested in me sharing what changes I've been making, comment below and I can do that soon.

So let's get to it!

1- Aveda Comforting Tea: This was a favorite of mine when I was in Esthiology school. I drank it almost every night I was there. I recently went in to pick up some favorite Aveda products and had completely forgotten that they sold this tea in a loose form. I obviously picked it up and have been loving it recently. I will say that I would recommend getting the tea bags instead of the loose tea because some of the tea particles are so small that they go through my tea strainer. It doesn't bother me enough to stop using it this way, but for some people it might be gross. haha Maybe I just love this tea too much...It is 100% certified organic and caffeine free, so I like to have a cup before bed. The strongest notes are licorice root and peppermint, but it also has basil and sweet fennel in it. I personally hate all forms of licorice so I was shocked that I loved this so much the first time I tried it. Regardless, if you've never experienced it, I recommend picking some up!

2- Carol's Daughter Monoi Repairing Hair Mask:  I received a small sample of this mask as a free gift at Ulta when I purchased my favorite shampoo and conditioner and I absolutely love it. While I don't have much damage in my hair, I first started using it a lot when I was recently in Puerto Rico because I knew my hair would be dryer than normal. It makes my hair so ridiculously smooth and I love it. I don't feel like it weighs my hair down at all. I typically will use it every other wash or if I've used any heat to style my hair.

3- 'Turquoise Summer' by Escada: When I worked at Ulta I would always spray the new perfumes as they came in and I couldn't stop wearing this one when we got it in. I call it the adult version of Pink Sugar because it's light and sweet but doesn't make you feel like a teeny-bopper. I get so many compliments on it when I wear it, so if you like sweet scents, head to Ulta to smell it.

4- Laura Mercier Universal Invisible Loose Setting Powder: I had always heard really nice things about this setting powder but had never tried it before. I hadn't been using a setting powder with my foundation I used to use (the Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-Hr Foundation) because it was clay based and left a powder finish. I was really excited to see it come in my Ipsy bag a few months ago, but sadly it ended up in my powder drawer of my massive makeup storage system (aka forgotten about). Fast foward to switching foundations and now needing a setting powder, I decided to give it a go and I couldn't be happier. I love how it airbrushes the look of my skin while still maintaining the finish of the foundation underneath. I also love how it makes my contour, blush and highlighting blend seamlessly after!

5-NARS All Day Luminous Weightless Foundation: Speaking of new foundation, here it is! My new absolute favorite foundation. When they say all day, luminous, and weightless, they couldn't be more correct! I love how full coverage this foundation is while still feeling like I don't have any makeup on. The consistency is like water, so you definitely have to shake it well before you apply it and you don't need much product which is nice. It was one of those products that I got a sample of at Sephora and prayed that I didn't love it because of the hefty price tag. I was dying to know if as an oily girl I could pull off a luminous glow and it worked! If you'd like to know more about it, please let me know and I can do a more in depth review of it soon.

6- MAC Soft and Gentle Mineralized Skin Finish: You know when you hear nonstop amazing reviews of a product but you're reluctant to hop on the bandwagon because EVERYONE is obsessed with it? Sounds silly to type out but that's how I felt about Soft and Gentle. Everyone and their mom is obsessed with it so I never tried it, but finally gave in. Now I'm obsessed like all the others but seriously...Most beautiful warm highlight to the cheeks and it's what deserves the credit for the beautiful skin compliments I've been receiving lately. (Insert foot in mouth now)

7-Makeup Geek Eyeshadow in Peach Smoothie: This favorite is thanks to an amazing client of mine (Hi Jodi!) who gifted me some beautiful MUG products when I did her brows. Peach Smoothie has become my absolute holy grail eyeshadow. I use it in every single look because it seriously makes everything look better. It's not quite as dark as this picture shows but it is seriously a must have transition color. I personally prefer warmer looks on my eyes, and I love how it adds just the right about of warmth no matter what I put over it. Thanks again Jodi!

8-Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector in Rose Gold: During the most recent 21 days of Beauty Event at Ulta, there was a Becca Cosmetics 4 piece kit that I snagged. It featured mini sizes of 4 of their most popular products and I can't get enough of this little guy. I love to use it on my cheekbones to after my blush and before my highlight to blend everything seamlessly. I can't wait to use it strictly as a highlight in the summer. I love how if you're in a hurry it can easily be used as a highlight and blush since it's warmer and darker than your typical highlight. Can you tell I've been loving highlighters recently?

Well that is a small sample of some items I've been loving recently. What have you been loving? As usual if you have any requests of what you would like to see on Dre Does, please email me or comment below!

Have a beautiful week,

Dre