Products I Regret Buying | November 2016

This post contains affiliate and referral links.*

Hi again! We're skipping product favorites this month in favor of a little reality check. After all, I test beauty products so that you don't have to, and sometimes not all of them work.

Life doesn't always drop unicorn magic in my lap. Statistically speaking, a few duds are bound to make their way into my product testing stash.

The way I see it, it's just as important to share those experiences with you, as it is to share the positive ones because:

• I want to keep you from spending your hard-earned money on a product that might not be the best fit for you
• How are you supposed to trust my reviews, if it seems like I love everything I try? 
• This is a place where we can all learn from each other. So if something didn't work for me, maybe some of you have tips that would help improve my experience. 

It's not about bashing a product or a brand. In fact, I love the brands I'm talking about today -- just not these specific products.

It's about sharing information and experiences and helping you make an informed decision that works best for your specific needs.

So with that in mind, here are five products I tried recently that I regret buying. Check out the list below for all the products mentioned and what I consider better alternatives in a similar price point.

Products mentioned + optional items that I think work better (because why would you want to buy a product I said I didn't like? I still included links to those in case you do -- I don't know your life): 

• Stila Custom Contour Duo ($40) | Better option: Anastasia Beverly Hills Foundation Sticks ($25 each contour and highlight shades available
• Tarte Lights, Camera Lashes Liquid Liner ($20) | Better option: Kat Von D Tattoo Liner ($19)
• Too Faced Better than Sex Mascara ($23) | Better option: Urban Decay Perversion Mascara ($22)
• Benefit Porefessional Matte Rescue ($28) | Better: Mehron Touch-up Antishine ($11.50) 
• Soap & Glory Sexy Motherpucker XL  ($14) | Sorry, I don't have a better option for this. Suggestions welcome!

Like what you saw? Subscribe for more!

Join the ULTA Rewards program (free), get a $10 coupon! 

Use ebates for added savings and cash back when you shop! (Get a $10 gift card when you sign up)

Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are "referral links" or “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item or sign up for a service, I will receive an affiliate commission or referral rewards. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Products I've Used Up | Makeup | #Empties

I'm back! Please forgive my unpredictable posting "schedule" -- life's just getting in my way. And it's not even exciting life stuff. It's the mundane stuff that's not even interesting to post about on social media. Nobody wants to watch a Snap about me sitting behind a desk working all day. YAWN. (I nodded off typing that sentence)

So, let's just leave it at this: I've been adulting.

But one exciting thing did happen last week. We got a new couch, finally. Our old one had been through five moves (read beat up). Suffered countless spills. Had a hole that always swallowed the remote. And the cats got sick on it a few too many times (all thoroughly cleaned, but still, I knew the incidents happened). Plus, I was tired of looking at it and ready for a different aesthetic.

I finally got it. My living room is now brighter, cozier and more open and inviting. I'm currently typing from the cuddler corner of the couch (an extra large corner seating area) as giddy as a school kid meeting their favorite boy band member. It's which quickly become my cozy little pillow and throw blanket covered nook.

And that is what qualifies as exciting in my world lately. Yup. That's full fledged adulting. And just in case you think I've reached some adult life low, it's been worse. I've also gotten stupid excited about a new vacuum. Basically, couch excitement is a step up.

Ok. While I was adulting, I decided it was time to clean out some junk. Literally. It was high time I shared a video about all the products I've used up, so I can finally toss out the packaging.

So without further ado. Check out my video below to see all the products I've used up and whether I thought they're good enough to repurchase.

Cinema Secrets Brush Cleaner Quick Dry Formula | Sephora Microsmooth Foundation | It Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC Powder | L'Oreal True Match Lumi Cushion foundation | It Cosmetics CC Veil Fluid Foundation | Sephora Perfection Mist Airbrush Foundation | L'Oreal Telescopic Carbon Black mascara | Tarte Lights, Camera, Lashes mascara | Bobbi Brown Smokey Eye mascara | Starlooks Luxe Longwear Eyeliner Pen | Stila Stay All Day Liquid Eyeliner | Lorac Front of the Line Pro liquid eyeliner pen | Urban Decay 24/7 Liquid Eyeliner | Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz | NYX Micro Brow | Maybelline Define-a-Brow | Maybelline Age Rewind concealer | Make Up For Ever HD Concealer | First Aid Beauty Eye Duty Triple Remedy | Skindinavia Primer Mist | Model in a Bottle Sensitive Skin Setting Spray  

What was the last makeup product you used up? Is it something I need to try? Comment below!

Like what you saw? Subscribe for more videos!

Join the ULTA Rewards program, earn a $10 coupon.

Use ebates to earn cash back when you shop. 

Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links” or "referral links." This means if you click on the link and purchase the item or join a program, I will receive an affiliate commission or referral rewards. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Tarte Cosmetics Haul

Ever since I fell in love with my Tarte Amazonian Clay blushes, I've been eager to try out more Tarte products. Well, Tarte decided to make that possible by providing me a gift card in my Ipsy swag bag. I sat around trying to decide what to get, and finally picked out a few items, which you'll see in my video below. Take notes, these would all make some pretty fantastic holiday gifts (for you or someone on your "Nice" list). 

Holidaze Deluxe Amazonian Clay Blush Set ($35) | Tartelette Amazonian Clay Matte Palette ($45) | Amazonian Clay Butter Lipstick in Plummy Rose ($17) 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I purchased the items featured in this post with a gift card provided to me by Tarte Cosmetics. Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Collective Beauty Haul | ULTA, Target + Nordstrom

We. Went. Shopping!

Brace yourselves guys. I did some shopping before going to NYC Generation Beauty. And of course, while I was in NYC, I did a little extra shopping.

Basically what I'm saying is that there are more haul videos to follow.

But for now, check this one out. You all know you like watching what other people buy. I know I do.

Don't forget to subscribe to my Youtube channel!

Unboxing: Ipsy Glam Bag August 2015

Alright guys, I'm keeping my promise from last month. I filmed my Ipsy unbagging for August on time! I'm so proud of myself. I actually filmed within days of it arriving in the mail.

Help me stick to it next month with a little bit of comment encouragement. Tell me what you think of the products I received. If you're an Ipsy member, tell me what you thought of the items you received this month. Heck, just leave a comment about anything related to this month's Ipsy glam bag.

If I know you like these types of posts, I'll keep them up!

OK, before we get into video watching -- a little info about Ipsy:

• I pay for my Ipsy subscription out of pocket. That means this video is not sponsored and the items received were not press samples. 
• You too can join Ipsy and get your own little monthly beauty surprise. For $10 (+ tax)/month you get five (5) personalized beauty samples. They typically include at least one full-size product and the samples received are deluxe size (typically travel size actually). What does that mean? You get more than $10 worth of product and the samples are big enough to get several uses out of each product (so you know whether or not it works for you). 

Enjoyed this video? Check out some of my previous Ipsy bags.

Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are “referral links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive a referral reward (e.g., earn points that can be applied for discounts or add ons to future purchases). Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

More Beauty Stocking Stuffer Suggestions

The holiday hustle and bustle isn't quite done yet, but you only have a few days left to polish off that shopping list. Buying beauty gifts can be so daunting, but there are quite a few cute little gifts you can add to someone's stocking. Here are just a few ideas to take the load off whatever's left of your shopping duties. These are sure to elicit a few "Ooohs" and "Ahs" and earn you a place on the awesome gift giver list.

Urban Decay Revolution lipstick ($22 each) / MAKE UP FOR EVER Extravagant Glamour Set  ($38) / L'Occitane Shea Butter Hand & Lips Set ($20) / The Body Shop Shower Moisture Gift Set ($7) / Tarte Limited Edition Lash Set ($19) / Stila Portrait of a Perfect Eye Palette ($16) / Holiday BeautyBlender ($20) / Philosophy Purity Made Simple™ Ornament ($10) / Stila Portrait of a Perfect Cheek Palette ($16) / Atelier Cologne perfume miniature duo ($18) + Nordstrom Atomizer ($5)

Urban Decay Revolution Lipstick: Soft, buttery, long-wearing all packaged neatly in a gunmetal chrome tube. It's hard to go wrong with this lipstick line. The hardest part is choosing a color, mostly because they have so many great ones to choose from. Only you know the person you're shopping for, but some nice neutral work-for-everyone shades include Naked (nude with a little pink) and Fiend (rose). If your giftee is bold check out Anarchy, F-bomb, or Jilted. It will be hard to pick just one (read: not buy them all). You may even need one (or 5) for your stocking. 

L'Occitane Shea Butter Hand & Lips Set: Soft hands and lips will make a great gift this holiday season, especially since so many people are experiencing ridiculously cold weather. I'm partial to the L'Occitane line because it feels so luxurious (and sounds fancy because it's French). My favorite is the rose scented line, but this set comes in a variety of scents, so choose whichever you think is best. 

Tarte lash set:  Everyone wants enviable lashes, right? How fun to reach into your stocking and pull out this little gilded set. All it needs is a little pouch so you can carry them with you anywhere. 

Beauty Blender: Does this gift need any explanation? The Beauty Blender has enjoyed quite a bit of fame for a reason. I doubt any beauty lover (even if they already have one) will turn this away. A flawless makeup finish is always appreciated. 

Purity ornament: Listen up. This will make my holiday gift list every year for as long as Philosophy will put it out on the market. I love this face wash. It cleanses and tones and is gentle on your skin. I didn't believe the hype until I used it myself. My skin was noticeably softer, even before I started pairing it with my Clarisonic. The travel-size version is a great way to introduce your friends to this gem and it lasts a long time. 

Stila cheek and eye palettes: I love that Stila released these little sets this holiday season. You'll get to choose different ones for eyes, and while I love all the colors they offer, I keep gravitating toward that cheek set. Both or either will make a great gift because the quality is outstanding. Bonus: Adorable packaging. 

Make Up For Ever Extravagant Glamour set:  This is a phenomenal deal. Three full sized products at a reasonable price (valued at $63). If you have a bold glamour puss on your list, this will have her jaw on the floor. A full-sized bright red lipstick, smokey lash mascara, and waterproof black liner? Yes. Please. If I had a mic, I'd drop it. 

Atelier Cologne perfume mini duo set: I got this for myself recently. The full-size equivalent of each of these mini's is more than $100. I had to see why. They smell amazing and linger on your skin for a whiiiile. This set comes with the vanilla and blood orange perfumes. Yes, the mini's are tiny, but they have the same amount of product as most roller ball perfumes. Pair this with an atomizer ($5 at Nordstrom) and they'll make perfect purse or travel companions. 

Holiday Giveaway Madness!

Giveaway Rules:

1. You must be subscribed to my channel

2. Participants must be at least 18 years old or have parental permission to participate. 

3. One winner will receive both items.

4. Leave a comment (only 1) telling me about your favorite holiday gift ever. For an additional entry (one per person) - Follow me on twitter (http://www.twitter.com/girlythingsby_e ) and tweet the following: I entered @girlythingsby_e Holiday Giveaway Madness http://youtu.be/1ZafYXSPPHk to win Tarte & Smashbox products. (If you enter via Twitter, please include your Twitter handle in your comment so I can make sure to match up your two entries!!)

5. This contest is only open in the U.S. 

6. Contest ends 12/12/2012 at 12 pm EST. 

7. Winner will be notified by me via YouTube email and must respond within 48 hours with contact information or another winner will be selected.

Prize cannot be redeemed for cash. The makers and manufacturers of the items being given away are in no way affiliated with this contest. While I take every precaution to ensure packages are delivered to contest winners, I do not take any responsibility for items lost or stolen during the shipping process once I have confirmed shipment from my end.

FTC disclaimer: This is not a sponsored video

Video editing software: iMovie

Music by Dan-O at danosongs.com

Holiday Gift Guide: Stocking Stuffers (under $20)

1. Sephora by OPI Perfect Pair nail polish duos ($10) - These are so adorable and would make a fun surprise in someone's stocking. The duos come in three different complimentary color combinations that would look great if you decided to do nail art or accent nails. My personal favorite is Pink & Choose -- a hot pink and sheer cool light pink. 
2. Tarte Clean Slate Deluxe Primer Trio ($9) - Give the gift of flawless makeup. This trio is a great way to test out these primers or give someone who loves them a portable version. These deluxe travel sizes are great for on the go and provide enough product to give you a solid feel for the product's performance. Available at Sephora and ULTA. 
3. Burt's Bees Tips n' Toes Kit ($12.99) - Most gals love a mani-pedi. Keep your their hands and feet looking great between nail salon visits with this gift set by Burt's Bees. Best of all, it's a pampering kit that you can feel good about because Burt's Bees is a natural brand, which means no sulfates, parabens, phthalates, or petrochemicals. The kit includes: replenishing lip balm with pomegranate oil, lemon butter cuticle cream, hand salve, coconut foot cream, almond milk beeswax hand cream, and thoroughly theraputic honey and grapeseed oil hand cream. Available at drugstores. 
4. AHAVA Hand & Foot Cream Ornament or Body Care Ornament ($10) - I love when they put travel-sized items in ornaments during the holidays. I think its so cute. I'm tempted to decorate my Christmas tree with beauty products, have a party, and then have my friends try to find their specific ornament. That's why I chose these cute ornaments by AHAVA: one has a hand and a foot cream, the other a body lotion and shower gel. They're great little gifts anyone could use. I like to keep a travel-sized lotion in my purse all the time for when my hands are dry. As you can imagine, I'm partial to the hand and foot cream ornament myself. Available at Nordstrom. 
5. Purity Made Simple One-Step Facial Cleanser Ornament ($10) - Well, if I'm going to talk about  my love for beauty products wrapped like ornaments, I'd be remiss if I didn't mention Philosophy's Purity Made Simple face wash. Every year they have the travel-sized version available in this little packaging. Every year, I love it. Why not give the gift of good skin? Don't let the size fool you. You can easily get quite a few washes from this bottle. I had one in my shower for a month before I went through it. This cleanser is great for all skin types. It cleanses and tones and makes your skin feel super soft. Available at Nordstrom and ULTA. 
6. Lush Lip Scrubs ($9.95) - These little sugar  lip scrubs are great and they taste pretty darn good too (don't worry it's ok to lick them they're natural). This is great for the lipstick lover on your list because she needs to make sure her lips are always in prime condition. Lipstick looks awful on flaky lips! All she's gotta do is lick her lips, rub a little lip scrub on and lick if off if she pleases. I'm partial to the Mint Julips flavor, it tastes a bit like mint chocolate chip ice cream, and it's refreshing. Plus, if I use it after lunch, it's a little like an after-dinner mint. Sweet lips is another good one too. 
7. Fresh Hesperides Grapefruit Rollerball Ornament ($19) - Here I go again with the ornament gifts. But honestly, they are just too cute! I recently discovered this scent last week on a trip to Sephora and I love it. It's fresh and crisp with a hint of warmth (thanks to the musk note). If you happen to have someone on your list who loves LaVanila Vanilla Grapefruit, they'll probably also love this scent by Fresh. Notes: mandarin (if we haven't figure this out I'm a sucker for orange/citrus scents), Italian lemon, grapefruit, bergamot, lotus flower, transparent jasmine, rhubarb, musk, and peach. By the way, if this particular pick doesn't suit your fancy, any roller ball perfume (of your giftee's preference) could substitute. They make great gifts. I love keeping a small perfume in my purse for when the occasion calls. You can find a wide selection at any beauty or department store. Fresh Hesperides Grapefruit is available at Sephora. 
8. eos Smooth Lip Balm Sphere Holiday Gift Set ($9) - I love eos lip balms. I've written about them here. The shape makes them quite cute, attracts people's attention, and is usually easy to find in your purse (although not so great for a little clutch). They're also 95% organic, and glide on smoothly thanks to moisturizing shea butter and jojoba oil. Plus, no parabens, sulfates, phthalates, or petrochemicals. These three flavors aren't available outside of this gift set and include: blueberry, watermelon, and vanilla. It's a fun little stocking stuffer you can easily find at drugstores. I've personally spotted them at Target and Walgreens. 

Are any of these products on your wish list? Are there any products out there you think should make the list?