Tag Archives: january

Jan28

January 2023 Finishes

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January 2023 Finishes

Hello everyone and welcome to the first beauty finishes post of the new year! I used up a lot of new to me products this past month and also got a lot more to try out from TJMaxx thanks to my Christmas gift cards. 😀 My beauty hoard runneth over! We have much to discuss from our empties roundup for January so let’s get to it:

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Would I Use Again?

Why/Why Not?

SpaScriptions Scrub: I started using the SpaScriptions Hyaluronic Acid + Sugar Scrub at the beginning of November and it took me until the end of January to finish it. At five dollars for the bottle, it was a great value and you only needed a small amount for full coverage on the face and neck. I liked this scrub because it was gentle enough to use every day. It was really creamy in texture with only the slightest touch of exfoliant and it smelled as sweet as candy. My skin felt well hydrated and looked radiant after every use and it is a perfect scrub for the cold winter months.

SpaLife Serum: It took me about six weeks to finish the SpaLife Hyaluronic Pearl Serum and I was unimpressed by it. The pink hyaluronic pearls were pretty and that was pretty much all that this serum had going for it. The SpaLife serum was quite runny in texture and I never noticed a difference one way or the other in how my skin looked or felt. While I love a longer lasting product, this serum missed the mark completely and I definitely wouldn’t use it again.

Elf Sleep Mask: I was so excited about the Elf Dope Dreams Sleeping Mask when I got it because sleeping masks are my fave. Using them is literally the easiest way to achieve great skin because all you have to do is go to bed! It took me about three weeks of every other day use to finish the Elf mask and I thought that it was a massive dud. I was expecting ultra soft and hydrated skin every morning when I woke up and that was never the case. In fact, my skin felt better after returning to my normal nightly skin care routine.

Clinique Eye Cream: My aunt gave me a makeup bag full of Clinique skin care samples and I couldn’t wait to test them out because I have never used Clinique products before. The moisturizer and serum that I tried didn’t blow me away but I actually really liked the Smart Clinical Repair Eye Cream. It took me two weeks of twice daily use to complete the tester jar and a little of the product went a long way. After each use, I noticed that the skin around my eyes looked so much better and brighter. This eye cream helped diminish my designer bags and I definitely didn’t look as tired as I felt! If I got this eye cream for a good deal, I would probably buy it. However, I still wouldn’t pay a full price tag for it so it is a “maybe” for me.

SkinLab Moisturizer: I like the SkinLab brand and purchased the Hydra Moisturizer during a past TJs haul. I was expecting a good experience with this moisturizer because I am familiar with the brand and that, unfortunately, wasn’t the case. It took me three weeks of twice daily use to finish the jar because a lot of moisturizer was required to fully cover the face and neck. For value’s sake alone, I wouldn’t buy this moisturizer again. It also did nothing for my skin to improve its appearance or feel so this is a big fat no from me!

Although there were a fair amount of duds in this month of empties, there were several winners too. Whether I would buy the product again or not, it’s always fun to pamper myself and my skin felt surprisingly well taken care of regardless of the chill and snow!

Which products did you use up this month? What are your thoughts on any of the above products if you have used them before? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

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Jan31

Bath & Body Works January Freebie

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Bath & Body Works January Freebie

Hello! I am always excited to receive coupons from Bath & Body Works in the mail because that usually means something for free. Sometimes, they will go all out and give you a free full size product but nine times out of ten, it’s just a travel size lotion or body wash. This is totally fine by me, though, as they make great extra gifts for friends or a little treat for myself! This month, I picked out a body wash in Champagne Toast or, as Johnny calls it, Champagne & Toast. Lol, check it out:

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Since the pandemic, I rarely go out to do actual shopping and have turned to online orders for everything I need. However, I had some returns to make after spending some Christmas gift cards online with TJMaxx so I ventured out after work to get that done. I had a huge haul both in store and online with TJMaxx, which we will begin discussing tomorrow! And, lucky for me, a Bath & Body Works just opened down the street from TJs, so I was able to pop in and get my freebie too.

Although I could have spent a solid hour in B&BW picking out a bunch of bath and body care that I don’t need, I had my eye on the prize to get in and get out. The clock was ticking and I had to get home for a FaceTime date with my blogging bestie. To make things quick, I went with Champagne Toast because it is a scent that I know and love. It is fizzy and sweet without smelling boozy like their Portofino Pink Prosecco. I just might have to keep this travel size body wash for myself!

It has been a while since I have used a shower gel because I am diligently working through the bar soaps I got on vacation. Once those are out of the way, I know which shower gel in my stock pile I’ll be using next! 😀

What is your favorite Bath & Body Works scent? Which store offers the best coupons? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jan1

Happy New Year!!

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Happy New Year!!

Howdy everyone and Happy New Year! We are officially in 2022, which means a whole new year of opportunity and, of course, fun on lifewithlilred. 😀 I am so excited to be rolling out another three hundred and sixty-five days of daily blogging and have my fingers crossed that 2022 won’t be as much of a dumpster fire as the past two years. Here’s to hoping, anyways!

In this new year, my wish is for everyone to find comfort in better days ahead. We are living through a pandemic and it is scary on a good day. I wish for safety and good health for all and that we can revel in the happy moments of 2022.

While I also wish that the passing of time would slow down (I’ll be twenty-eight this year!), I am so thankful that I get to spend time with each and every one of you every day. May 2022 bring us good fortune, great successes, and a slightly less anxiety provoking time!

Happy 2022! ❤

What are your New Year’s resolutions (I, as always, have none!)? What are you wishing for in the new year? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jan29

January 2021 Finishes

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January 2021 Finishes

Hello!! We almost have the first month of 2021 down in the books so that means it is time to discuss my finishes for January! This was a good month for empties, if I do say so myself, because I was able to finish up a few products that I’ve been using for forever as well as revisit some old favorites compliments of Christmas. Take a look at my finishes and let’s get to it:

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Would I Use Again?

Why/Why Not?

B&BW Body Wash: I have never used a Bath & Body Wash shower gel that I didn’t enjoy and the French Lavender & Honey is no exception. I am normally not a lavender girl in any sense of the word, however, this scent is so much more than floral. There is a delicious kiss of nectarine and rich honey mixed in making for a fragrance fresh from the most lush fields of flowers. The French Lavender & Honey is sweet without being overpowering and the nectarine gives it a fruity pop – I just love it and would gladly use it again! It took me over one month to finish the bottle.

Tree Hut Scrub: I have been working on finishing my Lemon Blueberry Tart Shea Sugar Scrub by Tree Hut for literally the past year and was so happy to finally finish it! Not because I didn’t like the product but because I have another Tree Hut scrub that I would like to use eventually, lol. This scrub rocked and I would use it every time I shaved for the closest, smoothest results. Not only did the sweet tart scent smell good enough to eat but it left my skin so soft and hydrated after shaving that I didn’t even have to use lotion after. A little went such a long way too, which is why I had been using it for so long!

TBS Moisturizer: This travel sized Vitamin E moisturizer came in one of my Christmas prezzies from my brother and I was so happy to use one of my Body Shop favorites again. The Vitamin E moisturizer is so rich and creamy and it always leaves my skin looking and feeling peaches and cream soft after each use. It also really is the perfect travel size as I got exactly one week of twice daily applications from the tiny jar.

And, finally, in case you were wondering why there is no lid on my SkinLab Lift & Firm eye gel, it’s because I dropped it while I was putting it back on and it bounced right into the toilet. I was so mad, lol, it was just one of those mornings, I guess! -_-

Which products did you use up this month? Do you have a favorite scent from Bath & Body Works or The Body Shop? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jan25

What Have I Been Up To?

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What Have I Been Up To?

Hi!! Is it just me, or is January kind of a blah month? It’s grey, damp, and cold – what’s more, all of the excitement from the holiday season has come and passed leaving not much to look forward to. As January draws to a close, it’s also a cruel reminder that in a month and a half it will be one whole year since the COVID-19 pandemic began. I don’t know about you, but that is definitely an anniversary that I won’t be celebrating!

Other than working, I really haven’t been up to much since Christmas. It’s just been the usual of Duolingo, reading, Mario Galaxy, Netflix, and enjoying Johnny’s company. Boring? Yes. But safe? Absolutely! It has been a long time since we have seen any of our friends but we just don’t want to take any risks – especially with the vaccine right around the corner.

Oh! How could I forget? Johnny and I have began looking for a house to rent once our lease is up at the apartment. It is still a couple of months away but, oh my gosh, am I excited. This pandemic has taught us that our little apartment just isn’t big enough and I can’t wait until we have a space that we can actually move around in. I am also constantly thinking about having a game room so we can entertain our friends when it’s safe to do so.

A bigger space also comes with the potential to get a pet, which is also going to be an amazing stepping stone in mine and Johnny’s relationship. We both grew up with dogs and wherever we end up moving will certainly feel more like a home with a four legged friend in it. And, also bunnies! I have had my heart set on getting two Netherland Dwarf rabbits and promised myself that it would happen once I am not in an apartment so my Bunny Mom dreams are that much closer to coming true. 🙂

Despite the boredom blahs, there is much to be thankful for like the safety of myself and my loved ones. Boring is good right now because it keeps us out of harm’s way and Johnny and I will gladly continue our lock down lifestyle with the promise of big milestones happening very soon!

What have you been up to recently? What is the next thing that you are looking forward to? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jan24

New Year’s Resolution Check In

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New Year’s Resolution Check In

Hello! We are already getting close to wrapping up the first month of 2021 and if you made New Year’s Resolutions, then now might be a good time to reflect on these past few weeks and see how you have been faring. Consider the following and make adjustments accordingly so you can achieve all of your goals this year:

How often are you working on your goal?

If you have been dedicated to working towards your goal several times a week, you might want to buff up the time you’re spending by an extra five to ten minutes. However, if you’re struggling to work on your goal during your set scheduled times – don’t fret! There is no need to be hard on yourself. Rather, make a schedule that you know you can accomplish and then add more time to it gradually. Remember, a resolution is supposed to last you until the next New Year so it’s important to not let yourself get discouraged or burned out.

Is your resolution something you want to do?

It’s all well and good to say resolutions that sound well and good like losing weight or taking a class for your own enrichment. But, if you’re not one hundred percent dedicated to what you’re saying, then what’s the point? If there is something that you’d like to accomplish but it doesn’t fit in with a traditional New Year’s resolution, then it’s time to change things up while it’s still early in 2021.

Think carefully about all of the goals you have in the back of your mind, big or small. You are sure to feel an “Aha!” sensation about something and that means you are on the right track. And, don’t let anyone else’s goals intimidate you because resolutions are about bettering yourself. Start small and work your way up to big moves.

Are you feeling different?

Achieving goals feels awesome and if you’ve been steadily working on your resolutions, then you might already be feeling the benefits of small gains. Feeling discouraged is a totally different story, though, and that’s the polar opposite of what making New Year’s resolutions is all about. It’s impossible to start something new and be an instant expert because good things take time. If you’re feeling a little glum, take a break for a day or two and come back to your goals with a clearer head so you don’t completely turn yourself off to the process. Everyone needs time to relax and, if that’s the case for you, then it is one hundred and fifty million percent okay.

January has been flying by and that can make New Year’s Resolutions feel even more intimidating. I hope everyone is making huge wins in their goals and I, for one, am very proud of all of your successes big or small. Keep your chin up no matter where you’re at in achieving your resolutions and you are sure to accomplish everything you set your mind to! ❤

What is one of your New Year’s resolutions? How are you faring so far? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jan30

January 2020 Finishes

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January 2020 Finishes

Hello everyone and welcome to the first Finishes post of 2020! Can you believe that we’re already one month into the new year? Crazy! January has been a very busy month for me and I, for one, am looking forward to things slowing down after the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. Thanks to many TJMaxx gift cards for Christmas, I completely restocked my skin care hoard. But, thanks to many agonizingly long days in January, I did not get to pamper myself as much as I would like – resulting in a minimal amount of empties. Check it out:

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Would I Use Again?

Why/Why Not?

B&BW Shower Gel: I absolutely LOVE the shower gel from Bath & Body Works. They always smell delicious, they lather well, and a little of it goes a long way. It took me over one month to finish one bottle and you can’t beat that. The Fresh Sparkling Snow scent was so crisp and invigorating that it felt like you were breathing in a gust of winter air every time you popped the lid. This scent is a perfect example of a holiday fragrance that isn’t overpowering and I wish I had more of it!

SkinLab Serum: At twenty-five years old, I figure that it is high time to start a skin care regimen that emphasizes lifting and firming. So, the Lift & Firm Treatment Serum by SkinLab was an obvious choice! I use this serum along with the moisturizer and eye cream from the same line and I have definitely noticed a difference in the tightness of my skin during the past month.

My only qualm with this product is the fact that it runs thicker than the serums that I am used to using. Normally, it takes me over a month to finish one bottle of serum and this SkinLab one was finished in about three weeks. I am not thrilled about that because I like getting the most bang for my buck. However, I have two more bottles to get through and am going to try and ration them better this time around.

SkinLab Eye Cream: The Hydrate & Replenish Eye Cream by SkinLab rocks! I love hydra gel formulas and this cream was perfect for the sensitive skin around your eyes. Despite being in a tiny jar, it took me at least three months to finish it up. It sat so well under makeup and it really did leave the exposed skin around my peepers feeling completely nourished. I would use this eye cream again in a heartbeat.

Although I didn’t have many empties in January, all of them were ones that I was pleased with and would recommend. Now, here’s to a less busy February so I can work in a bit more pampering!

Which products did you finish up this month? What is your skin care regimen like? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jan15

January 2020 Funky Time Jams

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January 2020 Funky Time Jams

Howdy! The Roaring 20s are officially among us and, despite a little flu bug I caught, the new year has started out strong. New tattoos, a raise at work, and some exciting happenings coming up on lifewithlilred have me excited to see what 2020 holds for me next. If you’re anything like me, though, you need a soundtrack depending on your mood and January has been full of happy, poppy tunes for me to play as I go about my day. Take a listen:

^^^ And, as always, I have no rights to these songs or videos.

At the end of 2019, I couldn’t turn on the radio without hearing “Roxanne” by Arizona Zervas and I am still not over it, obviously! I listen to it at least once a day because it is so damn catchy and it’s the perfect song to sing along to because of the repetitive lyrics. I drive a lot for my job and nothing breaks up the monotony of being stuck in traffic or driving the same route than a good old fashioned session of karaoke in the Little Red Love Machine!

Roxanne has been my go to to bump in the car or in my apartment but I have also been on the biggest Cobra Starship kick that I’ve had since high school. Don’t ask me why, but for some unknown reason I had the urge to listen to them while I was getting ready for work and that desire has yet to go away. Am I mad about it? Slightly, lol. But, there’s no denying that they had some definite bangers during their run as the scene kid heroes. 😀

What are your favorite songs to play when you’re in a good mood? What is your favorite song to sing along to? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Feb6

Additional January 2019 Finishes

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Additional January 2019 Finishes

Howdy! Last month brought me lots of empties, because I was finally able to get back to all of my beauty routines post surgery. It was so nice to feel pampered again and I enjoyed using up the products that were sitting there unused for the entire month of December. All of my posts are prewritten and I managed to finish an additonal handful of empties during the last haul of January, which we will be discussing today. Take a look:

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Would I Use Again?

  • Suave Cocoa Butter & Shea body wash: MAYBE
  • Garnier Micellar Water: YES
  • Bath & Body Works lotions: YES
  • Fresh Soy Face Cleanser: NO!!
  • Glow Recipe Avocado Melt Sleeping Mask: NO!!

Why/Why Not?

Suave Body Wash: Like the other Suave body wash that we chatted about in my January Finishes post, this one is still a maybe for me. I will say that I liked the Cocoa Butter & Shea scent much better than the Almond one. I’m a sucker for anything cocoa butter! But, this body wash didn’t lather very well and I felt like it was drying my skin out. Maybe it would be better to use during the warmer months but, during the middle of winter, it was just not enough to keep my skin hydrated. It took me exactly one month to finish one bottle.

Garnier Micellar Water: We all know I’d use this product again. Thank you, next!

B&BW Lotions: I used up Pretty As A Peach and Orchard Leaves & Blue Sky travel sized lotions from Bath & Body Works after a long soak in the tub and it was nice! I am partial to Pretty As A Peach but, the Orchard Leaves & Blue Sky smelled really good. Its scent was exactly like breathing in crisp autumn air and it was refreshing after the sweeter peach aroma. I got about one and a half full body uses out of one travel sized bottle.

Fresh Cleanser: I received this soy cleanser by Fresh during a huge freebie haul from Sephora and it was disappointing at best. The only positive, was that it smelled like cucumbers and I really liked that! However, the cleanser made my skin feel very tight and it did nothing to remove my makeup. In fact, I don’t think it did anything. It did not lather at all and I would definitely not recommend it.

Glow Recipe Mask: The Avocado Melt Sleeping Mask by Glow Recipe was a freebie during my last Sephora haul. You can read the full review in the Face Mask Festivities post but, just know that this product is not worth the forty five dollar price tag for a full jar in no way shape or form. I have used daily moisturizers that were more nourishing than this sleep mask and I had to use a lot of product to feel like it was doing anything. Not impressed and I would not recommend it.

Although this batch of empties was not the best, I’m still happy to have used them up! There is nothing better than finishing a product and moving on to the next thing that you have been dying to try. 😀

Have you used any of the products above? What did you think about them? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jan30

January 2019 Finishes

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January 2019 Finishes

Hiiii everyone and welcome to our first finishes post of 2019! We are one month into the new year and, since basically anything beats the month that I had in December, I’d say that I’m feeling pretty good! Because I wasn’t well enough to comply with my beloved beauty routines last month, it felt good to fall back into the swing of all of my self care and this brought me lots of empties to chat with you about today. Take a look and let’s discuss:

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Would I Use Again?

  • Suave Almond Verbena body wash: Maybe
  • Bath & Body Works Mango Mandarin body spray: Yes
  • Lubriderm Daily Moisture lotion: Yes
  • Unknown brand Radiance Crystal Cleansing Foam: YES!
  • Garnier Micellar Water: Yes
  • AlpineSilk moisturizer: Yes
  • Clinique Moisture Surge moisturizer: YES!

Why/Why Not?

Suave Body Wash: This Almond Verbena body wash by Suave was just okay. It smelled fine, it lathered fine but could be better, and I finished the bottle in one month. I wouldn’t go out of my way to use it again but, if it was cheap and available, I would probably get it.

B&BW Body Spray: I loooove the Mango Mandarin body spray from B&BW and I stock up on it every year during their summer sale. It’s the perfect fragrance for a warm day, but it is also nice to use during the colder months to add some sunshiney pep to your step. Any citrus scent always goes down well with me, especially when it takes me over five months to finish one bottle!

Lubriderm Lotion: I am constantly getting new tattoos and Lubriderm has become a staple in my bath and body care hoard. It feels oh so good on fresh ink and it helps move along the healing process. My tattoo artist recommends applying it to new tattoos once in the morning, afternoon, and night and it takes me about four months to finish one bottle.

Crystal Cleansing Foam: I, sadly, have no idea what brand made the Radiance Crystal Cleansing Foam and I really wish I did, because I LOVED IT. Foam cleansers are my favorite to use, simply because it feels really good and my skin always feels so fresh after using it. This face wash removed my makeup and left my skin feeling so soft and looking really bright. I started using this product in mid October and I finished it at the end of January, so it was an amazing value, to boot!

Garnier Micellar Water: Another product that has become a staple in my beauty routine is the Garnier Micellar Water. I like to use it as a toner and a makeup remover and it always does its job well. And, as per ushe, it took me one month to finish one bottle.

AlpineSilk Moisturizer: I purchased this moisturizer from TJMaxx a while back ago and finished it up in mid January. I liked this product because a little went a long way and you didn’t need to cake it on for your skin to feel hydrated. It took me about a month and a half to finish this moisturizer up and I would definitely use it again if I found it the next time I was at TJ’s.

Clinique Moisturizer: This is my second sample of the Moisture Surge moisturizer by Clinique and I love it just as much the second time around. I can’t even describe the texture of it – it’s a lot lighter than a gel moisturizer, though, so it spreads so easily across your skin and, my god, does it hydrate. After one use, my skin felt so good and supple and it just glowed. I would LOVE to get a full sized jar of this product and am hoping to find it at TJMaxx some day. Fingers crossed!

January was a great month for empties and I loved being able to pamper myself the way I like with all of my favorite products. I missed using all of my bath and body and skin care goodies in December, so it felt so good to indulge in all of the items that have become must haves in my beauty routine. 🙂

Have you used any of the products discussed above? What were your thoughts on them? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah