Empties vol. 51
It’s been a few months since I last wrote an empties post so I thought I’d update you on the latest beauty products I finished and my final thoughts on them. There were actually more products than what you see here, but because I was busy with a million other things this winter, it simply slipped my mind that I usually save those empty bottles. Hopefully, next time I will have an even bigger roundup to show you. Without further ado, here are my seven most recent beauty empties!
SKINCARE:
1 // Curology Custom Treatment ($39.99) – I tried Curology for the first time a little over a year ago and haven’t looked back – this customized treatment was a game changer in my routine. I’m turning 38 this year, and I won’t lie, I definitely noticed a lot of aging-related skin changes, especially since the beginning of 2020 lockdowns; I bet all the pandemic-induced stress and lack of sleep greatly contributed to that, too. Not to say that my old OTC faves don’t cut it anymore, but it’s more like I was ready to take the next step and make a commitment to tretinoin. I still use other retinoids and resurfacing treatments, because I love variety in skincare, but if I had to purge everything except the basics, I’d keep just this serum, a basic oil cleanser, and a tub of sunscreen.
Repurchase? Absolutely.
2 // TATCHA The Dewy Serum* ($88) – Tatcha rarely disappoints, and this milky serum was no exception. Take their signature mist and condense it into a runny lotion – that’s what The Dewy Serum feels like on the skin. The formula is just right: not too oily and not too thin, which makes it suitable for most skin types. Besides, we all can benefit from hydrating ingredients in our routines. The serum does contain fragrance so if that bothers you, then you might want to avoid the entire TATCHA range. Otherwise, I could honestly recommend this serum to anyone, as it’s such a lovely product!
Repurchase? I’m considering it.
3 // Elemis Dynamic Resurfacing Day Cream SPF 30* ($128) – This is easily one of my favorite moisturizers with SPF, because the formula is so elegant! It makes my face feel so smooth and silky, and doesn’t smell like sunscreen at all! I like that you get moderate sun protection and skincare benefits in one product, that’s why I used to keep an extra jar in my travel bag at all times. The only reason I don’t anymore, is because traveling is just not a thing right now, but I plan to add it back to my kit when things get better.
Repurchase? You bet! Just not right now, since I have other sunscreens to finish first.
BATH & BODY:
4 // Elemis Cool-Down Body Wash* ($40) – The cooling effect is no joke, this body wash *really* delivers on their promise. It would feel so refreshing on a hot summer day, or if you have sore muscles after an intense workout. At $40 a bottle, the price is a bit steep, but you could probably find something similar at a lower price point. But if you’re a fan of Elemis and wand to give it a try, I think you’re going to like this body wash!
Repurchase? If money was no object, I probably would.
5 // Alaffia Everyday Shea Hand Soap Vanilla Passion ($9) – Correct me if I’m wrong, but I bet these days we’re all washing our hands way more than we did 2 years ago, so a gentle non-stripping hand soap is a must. I discovered Alaffia in the summer of 2020 and have been purchasing various bodycare products from them since – they’re all formulated with traditional African botanicals and the textures are so elegant! I also love that the brand supports social justice issues dear to my heart, plus, everything is reasonably priced.
Repurchase? Already have! I really like their products, brand mission, and price point.
6 // LAVANILA The Healthy Deodorant Vanilla Spring* ($14) – It took me forever to finish this aluminum-free deodorant stick because I recently switched back to antiperspirants. Gotta do what you gotta do when the hormones suddenly decided to throw a party, right? This is not my favorite limited edition scent, and honestly, this deodorant doesn’t work that well for me anymore. But I still used it at night after taking my evening shower, and I feel like it somewhat reduced the irritation from my antiperspirant and made the skin smell nice overnight. I definitely can’t do a full day with this one though, but everyone’s body chemistry is different so I can’t definitively say that it won’t work for you.
Repurchase? No.
7 // Cutex Nourishing Nail Polish Remover ($3.79) – My nails are in rough shape lately so I switched to gentler nail polish removers. This one is pretty inexpensive and removes normal non-glitter nail polish pretty well, all without damaging or drying out my nails. A solid addition to your at-home manicure kit, for sure.
Repurchase? Yes, I have it set on auto-deliver.
Did you finish any beauty products recently? Any standouts or repurchases?
*indicates PR samples
