operation: use what you got

A couple months before I started this blog, I began “Operation: Use What You Got.” The closet in my bathroom is filled with half-empty bottles of shampoo, conditioner, body wash, styling products, and much more. When you’re storage containers can’t fit any more bottles, that’s when you know you might be a hoarder have a problem. So, I started on a mission of using what I have. So genius, I know.

I’ve kept all my empty products so I can share the things I’ve used up during this “operation.” But now, I realize that at this point, I’m basically hoarding trash. It’s kind of weird not throwing away things that should be thrown away, so I had to finally sit down and do this post so I could now throw my empties away.

I have quite a few empty products so I’m dividing this into three parts: hair care, skin care, and makeup. I’m starting with hair care, so stay tuned for parts two and three!

Suave Keratin Infusion Shampoo

I’ve used Nexxus Shampoo for years. I love it. But, I do venture out and switch it up from time to time. Suave came out with their Keratin Infusion line this year, and I just couldn’t resist trying. I used this up fairly quickly, and I have to say that I really liked it. It was moisturizing and didn't leave any residue on my hair. For only $4.50, it’s worth a try!

Dove Dry Shampoo

I can go through dry shampoo rather quickly. But, the problem with dry shampoos is that most are made with that white powder substance, which can give a gray-hair look on us brunette ladies. This one by Dove does not say it’s for brunette shades because it’s supposed to work on all hair types and colors. Well, it would have been nice to see if that claim holds true if I had not run out of this product in just one use. I’m not kidding. I used this ONE time. A few sprays in my hair and the next time I went to use it, there was nothing in there! I don’t know what that was about. Someone at the Dove factory forgot to fill my bottle up all the way. I can’t really say if I like or dislike it, because I only used it once, and I’ve since moved on to the Batiste Dry Shampoo.

John Frieda Frizz-Ease Leave-In Conditioner

I wrote about this leave-in conditioner in my summer hair care post. Leave-in conditioner is key for ladies with long horse hair like myself. I like to soak my ends with this leave- in conditioner after a wash. I love this one and I always re-purchase it (for around $6.00).

 Aveda Smooth Infusion Shampoo

This is my most expensive shampoo, and it’s also my all-time favorite. I love most of the Aveda line of hair care. Each does what it says it’s going to do. And the Smooth Infusion line is no different. The shampoo alone is very moisturizing and reduces frizz. I also love the packaging of this shampoo because it’s lightweight and great for travel. I buy the 8.5oz bottle, which is $21.00. You can buy at Aveda salons or online.

Ojon Damage Reverse Conditioner

Ojon is another expensive hair care brand. So, I was very excited to receive a sample of this conditioner in a past Birchbox. I used it up fairly quickly and I loved it. It contains pure Ojon oil, brazillian buriti oil, and murmur butter; all of which made my ends silky and smooth. I highly recommend trying this conditioner if you have really damaged hair. 

So that’s what I used up in the hair care world over the past month or so. I’ll post parts two and three next week.

What kind of products do you use up frequently? Do you also have half empty bottles of shampoo and conditioners in your cabinets like me?

Let me know so I don’t feel alone! :)