3 Empties: Fortune Cookie Soap Shampoo, Conditioner, Exfoliating Body Wash and Deep Conditioner

Greetings and Nailutations,

It's another installment of 3 empties, where I review 3 products I have used up and express my opinion on how well they worked, how they smelled, their packaging and if I'd make a repeat purchase.  It's been a LONG time since I've done one and my husband kept asking me if the bin full of empties was "garbage." And after 10 times, I figure I should probably blog about them.  haha  Since I have so many, I'm going to group them together by brand or function.  Today it will be all about Fortune Cookie Soap.

Now let's get to the empties!

3 Empties: Fortune Cookie Soap Foaming Hand Soap, Suave Shampoo and Ole Henriksen Power Bright

Greetings and Nailutations,

It's another installment of 3 empties, where I review 3 products I have used up and express my opinion on how well they worked, how they smelled, their packaging and if I'd make a repeat purchase.

Now let's get to the empties!

3 Empties: Clinique Toner, Fortune Cookie Soap Conditioner, Bubble Shack Lotion

Greetings and Nailutations,

It's another installment of 3 empties, where I review 3 products I have used up and express my opinion on how well they worked, how they smelled, their packaging and if I'd make a repeat purchase.

Now let's get to the empties!

3 Empties: Ole Henriksen Cleansing Clothes, Clear Jelly Stamper Cuticle Protect and Fortune Cookie Soap Perfume Oil

Greetings and Nailutations,

It's another installment of 3 empties, where I review 3 products I have used up and express my opinion on how well they worked, how they smelled, their packaging and if I'd make a repeat purchase.

Now let's get to the empties!

3 Empties: American Classic Yellow Stopper, Fortune Cookie Soap Foaming Hand Wash and Heahther's Hues Cutie-cle Oil

Greetings and Nailutations,

It's another installment of 3 empties, where I review 3 products I have used up and express my opinion on how well they worked, how they smelled, their packaging and if I'd make a repeat purchase.

Now let's get to the empties!

3 Empties: Fortune Cookie Soap OCD Hand Sanitizer, KB Shimmer Mani Shot and AG Hair Cosmetics Fast Food

Greetings and Nailutations,

It's another installment of 3 empties, where I review 3 products I have used up and express my opinion on how well they worked, how they smelled, their packaging and if I'd make a repeat purchase.

Now let's get to the empties!

3 Empties: Dream Polish Top Coat, Neutrogena Hand Cream and Fortune Cookie Soap Leave-In Conditioner

Greetings and Nailutations,

It's another installment of 3 empties, where I review 3 products I have used up and express my opinion on how well they worked, how they smelled, their packaging and if I'd make a repeat purchase.

Now let's get to the empties!

3 Empties: Dream Polish Gem Glow Cuticle Oil, Beauty Protector Protect and Detangle and Fortune Cookie Soap Whipped Cream

Greetings and Nailutations,

It's another installment of 3 empties, where I review 3 products I have used up and express my opinion on how well they worked, how they smelled, their packaging and if I'd make a repeat purchase.

3 Empties: Dream Polish Gem Glam Top Coat, Fortune Cookie Hand Sanitizer and O.P.I. Avo Juice

Greetings and Nailutations,

It's another installment of 3 empties, where I review 3 products I have used up and express my opinion on how well they worked, how they smelled, their packaging and if I'd make a repeat purchase.

Now let's get to the reviews!

3 Empties: Nails Redesigned Cuticle Oil, Fortune Cookie Soap Solid Shampoo and L'occitane Moisturizer

Greetings and Nailutations,

It's another installment of 3 empties, where I review 3 products I have used up and express my opinion on how well they worked, how they smelled, their packaging and if I'd make a repeat purchase.

3 Empties: LUSH Shower Jelly, Fortune Cookie Deodorant and EOS Lip Gloss

Greetings and Nailutations,

It's another installment of 3 empties, where I review 3 products I have used up and express my opinion on how well they worked, how they smelled, their packaging and if I'd make a repeat purchase.

3 Empties: Dream Polish Gem Glam Top Coat, Fortune Cookie Soap Whipped Cream and Sunny's Body Products Hand Lotion

Greetings and Nailutations,

It's another installment of 3 empties, where I review 3 products I have used up and express my opinion on how well they worked, how they smelled, their packaging and if I'd make a repeat purchase.

The first product is my go to top coat from Dream Polish, Gem Glam Top Coat in the scent of Clovers and Dirt.  This was a limited edition spring scent and it has become one of my top scents.  Right now I would rank them as Melon Baller/Summer Melon (tied for 1st), then Clovers and Dirt and then Pink Sugar.  Gem Glam Top Coat is also 5-free, so it doesn't contain 5 of the harsh chemicals that can be found in polish.

Smell Test:  smells like earth, or grass on a spring morning.  So refreshing and clean (even though the word dirt is in the name!)
Feel Test fast drying
Packaging Test:  easy application, due to the wide brush
Buy Again:  Of course!  I have a drawer dedicated to Gem Glam Top Coat scents!

The next product I used up was from Fortune Cookie Soap.  I purchased a Whipped Cream, which is their whipped body lotion in the scent of Krispy Cream.  I have become obsessed with Fortune Cookie Soap's Whipped Creams and they are one of my favorite products in their shop.

Smell Test: super sweet, like a glazed donut.  My husband LOVED the scent, but it was a bit too sweet for me.
Feel or Look Test:  Smooth, light and buttery feeling.  Makes my skin feel so moisturized.
Packaging: Nice pot, with screw on lid and see-through jar.
Buy Again:  YES!  I love the Whipped Creams, but will try for less sweet scents.

The last product was a product that was in Sunny's Body Products Exclusive Spring Box.  It is Sunny's On The Go Hand Lotion in the scent of Breezes and Sunshine.  I was looking forward to the Spring Box because all the scents were described as clean - and I love clean scents.  

Smell Test:  soft, clean floral scent.  I'm sniffing my hands after rubbing the last of it on my hands and I smell lilies and fabric softener sheets in the fresh outdoor scent.

Feel or Look Test: I loved this lotion!  It absorbed very quickly, which is important since I kept this at my desk at work and I don't like greasy finger prints on my keyboard.  

Packaging: it came in a 1 oz plastic bottle, which had a flip lid.  I liked the shape and look of this container.   

Buy Again: Yes she carries over 400 scents!  I would order this scent again, but it was exclusive to the Spring Box.

Have you tried any of these products?  What are your thoughts?

Happy Polishing,
Kristi aka @BeginNails

3 Empties: Krafty Gurll Designs Gloss It Top Coat, Fortune Cookie Soap Body Wash and Sunny's Triple Thick Body Cream

Greetings and Nailutations,

It's another installment of 3 empties, where I review 3 products I have used up and express my opinion on how well they worked, how well they smelled, their packaging and if I'd make a repeat purchase.

The first product is a fast drying top coat from Krafty Gurl Designs called Gloss It!  Gloss It! creates a fantastic shine, doesn't smear nail art and is UV resistant.  I originally received this as a press sample with a review of one of her duos.

Smell Test:  smells like polish.
Feel Test fast drying
Packaging Test:  easy application.
Buy Again:  I loved the shine on Gloss It.  It didn't dry as fast as a few other indie brands I am currently using, but the fact it does't smear nail art is always a reason to come back to Gloss It!

The next product I used up was from Fortune Cookie Soap.  What is it? You ask...well the label disintegrated in the shower...I know our water is hard, but I'm pretty sure the label should be a little more water proof.  Right?  This was the Body Wash in the scent of 'Tis The Season To Be Mary.  Yes....I know I am still using up the massive amounts of products from the Winter line, but when things are 50% off, you can't blame me for going a little nuts.  It has a flowery fruit smell.

Smell Test: fruity and refreshing
Feel or Look Test: Foams and bubbles up easily with the use of a loofah - love the actual product.
Packaging: I was a litte disappointed that the Body Wash label dissolves in the shower.  It should withstand any water damage...it's body wash.  Aside from the label, the bottle was easy to use.
Buy Again:  I will most likely pass on future Body Wash products from Fortune Cookie Soap, unless the label changes.  But there are plenty of other products I love from them (soap, whipped creams).

The last product was a product that was in Sunny's Body Products Exclusive Spring Box.  I was looking forward to the Spring Box because all the scents were described as clean - and I love clean scents.

Smell Test:  soft, clean floral scent, with almost a smell of candy.

Feel or Look Test: made my hands soft and moisturized.

Packaging: it came in a 1 oz plastic bottle.  The only thing I struggled with was trying to get all the product out when it was almost gone.  I had to open the lid to dip a finger in.  Must use all the lotion!  

Buy Again: Yes, but I will explore other scents as well since she carries over 400!

Have you tried any of these products?  What are your thoughts?

Happy Polishing,
Kristi aka @BeginNails

301 Blog posts - Let's Celebrate!

Greetings and Nailutations!

I just hit 301 blog posts.  Let's celebrate!  My new non-nail obsession is Fortune Cookie Soap products and I just happen to have an extra summer box!

To enter, fill out the rafflecopter below!

3 Empties: Dream Polish Gem Glam Top Coat, Fortune Cookie Soap Whipped Cream and L'occitane Shower Oil

Greetings and Nailutations,

It's another installment of 3 empties, where I review 3 products I have used up and express my opinion on how well they worked, how well they smelled, their packaging and if I'd make a repeat purchase.

The first product I used up was Gem Glam Top Coat from Dream Polish in the scent of Jelly Bean.  What I like about Dream Polish is that Vanessa (owner of Dream Polish) changes the scents up by season.  This was a spring scent and it smelled like jelly beans.  Fun fact: this is one of Vanessa's favorite scents!

Smell Test:  sweet, like sugary jelly beans...too sweet for me though.
Feel Test fast drying
Packaging Test:  fantastic wide brush for quick and easy application.
Buy Again:  Yes, I am stocked up on a ton of scents!

The next product I used up was from Fortune Cookie Soap.  It was the Whipped Cream in the scent of 'Tis The Season To Be Mary.  Yes....I know I am still using up the massive amounts of products from the Winter line, but when things are 50% off, you can't blame me for going a little nuts.  I am officially obsessed with the whipped creams and want to try every scent!

Smell Test: fruity and refreshing
Feel or Look Test: LOVE the texture of the Fortune Cookie Soap's whipped creams.
Packaging: tub with twist off lid, works great for keeping in my bathroom
Buy Again:  Yes, currently using another whipped cream in a different scent.

The last product was a travel size L'occitane Shower Oil.  It contains almond oil so there is a lovely sweet scent that isn't too overpowering of almond.  In the bottle it looks like oil and has the consistency of oil, but as it is mixed with water on a loofa it gets bubbly.  

Smell Test: delicious almond scent that isn't over powering

Feel or Look Test: skin felt moisturized post rinse and dry

Packaging: easy to use and shower safe container.  The larger size comes with a pump.

Buy Again: yes!  

Have you tried any of these products?  What are your thoughts?

Happy Polishing,
Kristi aka @BeginNails

3 Empties: Fortune Cookie Soap Company Whipped Soap, Bath Bomb and Solid Bubble Bath

Greetings and Nailutations,

It's another installment of 3 empties, where I review 3 products I have used up and express my opinion on how well they worked, how well they smelled, their packaging and if I'd make a repeat purchase.

This time all 3 products will be from Fortune Cookie Soap Company...and I apologize for no photos, I thought I took some, but evidently I deleted them off my phone.  All scents were from the National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation Collection.

The first is a Solid Bubble Bath in the scent of Moose Mug.  It was sweet smelling and created a decent amount of bubbled.  It did dissolve quite quickly under running water and the sweet aroma was soothing.

Smell Test:  sweet, like egg nog
Feel Test Bubbles...nothing better than feeling bubbles!
Packaging Test:  Came as a soap bar in a wax paper bag.
Buy Again:  Yes, I am excited to try some other scents.

The next product I used up from Fortune Cookie Soap Company was Whipped Soap in the scent of Fried Pussycat.   This was also part of the winter box, so the scents are inspired by National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation.  The scent was soft and warm, like cookies.  Who knew fried pussycat could smell so good?!

Smell Test: warm and perfect for fall/winter
Feel or Look Test: texture was a bit soft, I prefer foam soap or hard soap, so this was new
Packaging: came in a small sample size twist off little tub, it was difficult to use the product without it getting stuck under my finger nails.
Buy Again:  because I prefer foam and hard solid soap, I will pass on trying this type of product again, but I did love the scent

The last product was a bath bomb in the scent of Bend Over & I'll Show You.  This scent smelled good, but the major drawback I saw was that it didn't dissolve completely and it was dark green so green particulates were left ALL over the bath when it was drained.  It also left particulates on my body as well as glitter....and typically after a bath, I shouldn't need to feel like I need to shower to clean myself off.   

Smell Test: clean fresh scent

Feel or Look Test: left the tub and I both looking green...and glittery!

Packaging: came in a wax paper bag

Buy Again: no thank you...No more bath bombs that require clean up after use...I'd rather come away with 

Can you tell I am becoming obsessed with Fortune Cookie Soap Company?

Happy Polishing,
Kristi aka @BeginNails

3 Empties: Smokey Mountain Lacquers Cuticle Oil, Fortune Cookie Soap Company Whipped Cream and Sunny's Body Products Sugar Scrub

Greetings and Nailutations,

It's another installment of 3 empties, where I review 3 products I have used up and express my opinion on how well they worked, how well they smelled, their packaging and if I'd make a repeat purchase.

*Press Sample*
The first product I used up is a cuticle oil I received from Smokey Mountain Lacquers.  Kim's (owner of SML) cuticle oil contains all the essential oils needed to moisturize your cuticles, skin around your cuticles and nails.  I received a polish bottle full (0.5 oz) of unscented cuticle oil.  When I first received it, I reviewed my first impression and I loved it aside from the packaging (I'm clumsy, so I prefer spill proof packaging).  Kim was quick to start carrying it in handy spill-proof applicators and also sells it in several scents as well!  I ended up placing the cuticle oil in a travel applicator and kept it at my desk for handy use!

Smell Test: Unscented - which was a nice change, so I could enjoy the scent of my hand lotions without the "scent fighting" between lotion and cuticle oil.
Feel Test: absorbed quickly and left my nails and skin soft and looking healthy!
Packaging Test: originally the polish bottle was too large and the brush applicator was stiff, now she has a roll on applicator that makes it perfect for keeping in your purse, backpack or pocket!
Buy Again: YES!  But I want to try some of her scents!  Especially vanilla!!  YUM!

The next product I used up was sample size of Whipped Cream  from the Winter Box from Fortune Cookie Soap Company.  I received in my box the scent of Jello Surprise (this box was inspired by National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation).  The lotion was like whipped lotion, nice and thick and moisturizing.  It went on great and was used up so quickly that I had to buy a larger 8oz container!

Smell Test:  Fruity sweet scent, loved it!
Feel or Look Test: great texture, like whipped lotion
Packaging: Since it was a sample size, I can't complain too much...but I would have loved larger container!  haha
Buy Again: YES!  I loved the texture so much, I ordered a full size in a different scent to try it out!

The last product I used up was a sugar scrub from Sunny's Body Products.  Her products come in at least 400 scents.  The one I used was in the scent of Sparkling Snowflakes.  It had a clean, minty scent which I LOVED!  It made my hands feel refreshed!  I also LOVE that her sugar scrub is made with fine sugar.  Most sugar scrubs seem to be too harsh to use daily, but Sunny's sugar scrub can be used daily without damaging my hands.

Smell Test: YUM!  clean, crips, fresh with a hint of mint

Feel or Look Test: Left my hands soft and moisturized

Packaging: Comes in 2oz container with a small plastic spoon to get the perfect amount.

Buy Again: YES!  I have at least 4 in my hand care basket!  No other scrub has met the quality of Sunny's.

Have you tried any of these products?  Did you have similar or different experiences than I did?

Happy Polishing,
Kristi aka @BeginNails

3 Empties: KB Shimmer Cuticle Oil Pen, Fortune Cookie Soap Company Shower Steamer and Dream Polish Cuticle Balm

Greetings and Nailutations,

It's another installment of 3 empties, where I review 3 products I have used up and express my opinion on how well they worked, how well they smelled, their packaging and if I'd make a repeat purchase.

The first product I used up is the KB Shimmer Cuticle Oil Pen in the scent of Lemongrass.  KB Shimmer is a large well known indie brand that also makes polish, soap, lotion and scrubs.  I love her polishes, so I thought I would try out some other products.  The cuticle oil applied easily with the pen applicator.  I kept this cuticle oil on my desk at work.

Image courtesy of: www.KBshimmer.com

Smell Test:  When I first started using it, it had no scent.  I didn't get the scent of lemongrass until there was about 1/4 left in the container.  It was a soft lemongrass scent, not overpowering.
Feel Test: my nails and cuticles remained healthy, applying after washing my hands
Packaging Test: Easy to use and convenient to carry around applicator pen (this is my favorite packaging for cuticle oil)
Buy Again: I would buy again, but I would select another scent to try out.

The next product I used up were the three Shower Steamers from Fortune Cookie Soap Company in the scent of Serenity.  Shower Steamers are a small block of a bath fizz that you set in your shower and allow the scent to rise as it is hit with hot water.  The sent was soft, relaxing and reminiscent of lavender.  The only draw back is if you use a strong scented product during your shower, it over powers the scent of Serenity (I learned that after the first use since I was using a coconut smelling shampoo.)

Image courtesy of www.fortunecookiesoap.com

Smell Test: Soft, sweet, floral, relaxing
Feel or Look Test: slow to dissolve, so it lasts the entire 15-20 minutes of showering
Packaging: Comes with 3 in a wax bag and labeled.  Individual steamers are wrapped in foil.
Buy Again: Yes!

The third empty I used up is the Gem Glow Cuticle Balm stick in the scent of Peach from Dream Polish.  I had previously used one in Pink Sugar and loved it for skin repair and nightly use in a cotton glove.  This one was used for the same thing!  

Smell Test: Juicy fresh peach.  LOVE this scent for the cuticle balm.

Feel or Look Test: This formula seemed a little softer than my previous one, which was nice.  I used it at night when wearing cotton gloves and also as a quick moisturizer on my hands.

Packaging: Easy to use with twist roll up and cap.

Buy Again: YES!  I have several others in my cuticle care bin in other scents!

Have you tried any of these products?  Did you have similar or different experiences than I did?

Happy Polishing,
Kristi aka @BeginNails

3 Empties: CoCo Base Coat, Gem Glam Top Coat Lavender and TBD

Greetings and Nailutations,

It's another installment of 3 empties, where I review 3 products I have used up and express my opinion on how well they worked, how well they smelled, their packaging and if I'd make a repeat purchase.

First product I used up is CoCo Nail Lacquer's Milky Base Coat.  I first used this base coat upon initially receiving it as a press sample.  I like that it's fast drying and has a white tint, because this helps hide visible nail line with lighter more sheer polishes.  I loved wearing it alone as well.

Smell Test: Smells like polish!
Feel Test:  Loved how this looked on my nails alone and under polish.  Worked great.
Packaging Test:  I like the clear labeling so that I can see how much of the product I have left.
Buy Again:  Yes!  But I'm not sure it's offered anymore.  Sorry for the teasing


I also emptied my Gem Glam Top Coat from Dream Polish in the scent of Lavender.  As previously mentioned, Gem Glam for me is shiny, fast drying and always goes on smooth.  This is my go to top coat.

Smell Test:  Lavender scent is floral and soft, almost 'soapy' smelling.  It was pleasant, but I prefer Summer Melon, Pink Sugar and Peach over it.
Feel or Look Test: Shiny, applies easily
Packaging:  Best part of the packaging is the nice wide brush
Buy Again: Yes yes, but would probably pass on this scent!  Bought the new spring scents to test them out!

The last product for this post is a bath bomb from Fortune Cookie Soap Company.  To be honest, Fortune Cookie Soap Company is my new OBSESSION!  I bought the winter box last year and I loved some of the products so much, I ordered more products in the scents I liked.  This bath bomb is in a scent I loved.  The bath bomb was a blue star and called I Pledge Allegiance, Amen! (product scents for the winter box were inspired by the National Lapoon's Christmas Vacation movie).  What I loved best....the blue did NOT cause staining in the tub!  WOO HOO!  Less cleaning after a relaxing bath is ALWAYS good.  

*Photo courtesy of http://wanelo.com/p/19482696/i-pledge-allegiance-amen-bath-bomb

Smell Test: clean crisp, I like this scent in the bath bomb and the shower steamers best.

Feel or Look Test: Dissolved easily and didn't stain the tub!

Packaging: Came in a labeled wax bag.

Buy Again: YES, but this scent isn't carried anymore since it was just for the winter box.  But, the winter box is what made me fall in love with Fortune Cookie Soap Company.

Have you tried any of these products?  Did you have similar or different experiences than I did?

Happy Polishing,
Kristi aka @BeginNails

3 Empties: O.P.I. Nail Envy, Fortune Cookie Soap and TBD

Greetings and Nailutations,

It's another installment of 3 empties, where I review 3 products I have used up and express my opinion on how well they worked, how well they smelled, their packaging and if I'd make a repeat purchase.

The first product is a bath bomb from Fortune Cookie Soap Company.  I had a crazy day and wanted to unwind with a soothing bath and I used Lady Lavender.  It is HUGE!  It has lavender buds and made the entire master bathroom smell amazing.

*Photo courtesy Fortune Cookie Soap Company

Smell Test: smelled amazing, calming, soothing and left me stress free!
Feel Test: moisturizing and left my skin soft!
Packaging Test: i like that they are packaged in an easy to open bag with a sticker that identifies the name of the product.
Buy Again:  yes!  it's huge, smells great and is soothing!

The next product is a soap from Fortune Cookie Soap Company.  I got a Fortune Cookie Soap in the scent of Tis The Season To Be Mary, which was part of the Old Fashioned Family Christmas.  I was excited to try this soap out since this is the product to which they are named!  All products from this collection are inspired and named for National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation.

Smell Test:  The scent was amazing.  There were cherry notes and floral notes.  I loved this scent so much, I had to order a few more products in this scent.
Feel or Look Test:  Nice lather, feels great.
Packaging: adorable packaging and design that is in the form of a fortune cookie, only draw back is that it does fall apart quickly ~40-50 washes and it's difficult to use up all the small pieces.  Fortune Cookie Soap Company encourages the purchase of a soap saver bag to put the pieces in to use up.
Buy Again:  YES!  Aside from the falling apart, the scent, packaging and product itself were all wonderful!

The last product I used up is O.P.I. Nail Envy in the original formula, which an be purchased online, in most nail supply stores and beauty stores.  I have very weak bending (and in the winter peeling) nails.  I was recommended Nail Envy by a fellow blogger (and local friend) Amy (of www.amylovesnewwave.com).  I did notice a change in my nails when using this product, they seemed stronger and healthier overall.  I did start rotating in other base coats as well and my nails seemed to respond well.  

*Photo courtesy O.P.I. Products

Smell Test: smells like polish

Feel or Look Test: I not only used it as a base coat, but also wore it alone, dries quickly

Packaging: Nice wide brush for easy application and wide handle.

Buy Again: YES, but I think I may want to try some of their other formulas (Dry & Brittle, Soft & Thin, Sensitive & Peeling)

Have you tried any of these products?  Did you have similar or different experiences than I did?

Happy Polishing,
Kristi aka @BeginNails