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 Skincare PSA!

It's that time of year where I beg you to please make sure you step up your SPF game! Spring is here full force and with summer around the corner it's important for us to protect ourselves from the sun. While I appreciate its warmth immensely, it can be extremely damaging to us. 

WEAR SPF. First and foremost, make sure you are putting on your SPF daily. Whether it is in your foundation or an extra step in your beauty routine, it is so crucial. My absolute favorite is Benefit Cosmetics' Dream Screen because it is clear, has an SPF of 45, and dries to a smooth, matte finish that is perfect for us oily women. 

Make sure it's broad spectrum. It is important to use a broad spectrum SPF so that you are protected from both UVA (the aging) and UVB (the burning) rays. 

Don't get confused. Just because an SPF has a larger number doesn't mean it is better at protecting you. It simply means you can go longer without reapplying it than the smaller SPFs.

Wear a hat. When else do you get the excuse to go shopping and find a fashion statement that can also protect your face?

Known your skin. Make sure you are always checking your skin for any changes or new appearances of moles. Changes in texture, color, size, etc. should always alert you to go see a dermatologist.

Visit a doctor. Make sure you are under the care of a dermatologist who can help you keep tract of any moles that could be concerning, especially if you burn really easily or have a history of skin cancer in your family. When in doubt, get it checked out!

Your skin is your body's largest organ and its first line of defense so TAKE CARE OF IT! You only get one life to protect yourself from skin cancer and premature aging, so do a good job! 

Now enjoy your spring/summer while covered in SPF!

Have a beautiful day,

Dre

Dre Does Quick Skin Care Tips for the Eyes

I can't believe how long it's been since I've done a quick tips post! So here I am with some of my go to tips regarding a very important skin care topic; your eye are. The eyes are one of the first areas to show signs of aging so it's never too early to start thinking about incorporating some steps into your skin care routine, no matter your age!

1. Eye Cream First! Always apply your eye cream before you apply your moisturizer for the rest of your face. I see a lot of women apply it last or not really thinking about what step it should be. If you're applying a product for a specific problem (say to de-puff and moisturize under the eyes) you want that product to penetrate first in your target area before you put something more general (like an all over face moisturizer). The skin around your eyes is the thinnest and first to get dehydrated so applying the products in the correct order is crucial!

2. Under-Eye Concealer: I am no stranger to dark circles under my eyes so when it comes to doing my makeup I don't ever skip the undereye concealer. Regardless of what concealer you are using, always make sure you are tapping the product into your skin with your ring finger instead of swiping it. This will allow you to really warm up the product with the heat from your finger tips, while being really gentle. It will also help it blend into the area instead of smearing over it. You'll get a much more natural application that will cover the dark areas more effectively. 

3. Cold Spoons: If you have a problem with puffiness in the mornings because you're either tired or have allergies, try leaving two spoons in the freezer overnight. In the morning, pop them out and place them right over your eyes to cool and help taking down any swelling. The curves fit perfectly into your eye sockets! This is a great tip for the summertime to stay cool too. 

Remember, preventative skin care is always a good idea! Do you have any tips and tricks relating to the eyes that you'd like to share? Leave me a comment below and let me know!

Have a beautiful day,

Dre