Empties #25

purchased pr sample affiliate links

It’s been a couple of months since I last posted an update on my empties. I’ve been trying so many different products lately that I barely had a chance to finish any of my old ones, but my bin slowly filled up and I’m ready to share my final thoughts on these. I actually have two separate piles: one for Western products, and another for Korean. Fun fact: my kbeauty bin filled up the quickest, because most of these were already half-empty and I simply wanted to quickly finish them and be done with it. Anyhow, I will save my kbeauty empties for another post, today I’m only showing you the Western ones.

SKINCARE:

1 // Estee Lauder The Estee Edit Pink Peony Overnight Water Pack* ($50 for 1.7 oz, 50ml) – I got this sample in a Glossybox, and finally finished the jar after using it on and off once every few weeks. On my very first use I thought it was great, but after a while I realized that there’s really nothing special about this sleeping pack. There will be a Korean sleeping pack empty in the next empties post, which left pretty much the same impression. It basically feels like aloe vera gel with a few extra additives. Does it keep the skin hydrated? Yes. But that’s about all it does, so I personally think it’s a terrible value for the price.

Repurchase? No.

2 // Neostrata Exuviance Super Retinol Concentrate* ($79 for 1 fl oz, 30ml) – As you can probably see in the photo above, I really made sure to squeeze every last drop out of this tube, because it’s seriously one of the most effective and least irritating OTC anti-aging treatments I’ve tried. Retinoids work much better in the long run if they are used preventively, or at least that’s what I tell people if someone asks why I use anti-aging products even though I don’t have any wrinkles yet. It’s true though! 😉

Repurchase? Yes, although it’s not in my budget right now.

3 // Paula’s Choice Resist Omega+ Complex Serum* ($36 for 1 fl oz, 30ml) – Amazing serum, simply amazing! Paula’s Choice did it again and delivered a solid, highly effective product that can benefit many different skin types, in particular those of us with dehydrated combination skin. It has milky, lotiony texture that provides instant comfort, and also helps bind certain finicky actives so they don’t flake off [this last perk is my own discovery]. This serum is supplementary to any routine, regardless of how old you are or what other products you use.

Repurchase? Yes, and I also recommend it to my friends & fam, young and old.

4 // Caudalie Vinoperfect Radiance Serum ($79 for 1 oz, 30ml) – I enjoyed using this serum, because it has a runny, easily spreadable consistency, so a little goes a long way. I believe this travel-sized sample tube lasted me about a month in total? I always associate Caudalie with indulgent SPA experience, so I keep these products around more for relaxation rather than for everyday use.

Repurchase? Maybe another travel kit, but not full-sized.

5 // Sisley Sisleya L’Integral Anti-Age* ($525 for 1.6 fl oz, 50ml) – This fancy facial balm is as luxurious as the price point it comes with. It saved my skin last winter when it kept getting blasted by cold Michigan winds and snow. I wish I could think of a dupe, but until a few months ago I had no idea that my skin responds so well to balms, so I have nothing to compare with. I’ll make it my goal to explore other balms and let you know if I find anything that comes close.

Repurchase? If it was more reasonably priced, I would. It’s seriously an amazing balm.

BATH & BODY:

6 // Molton Brown Dewy Lily of the Valley & Star Anise Body Wash* ($30 for 10 fl oz, 300ml) – Molton Brown body washes are among my favorites, because they always have the most beautiful fragrances that linger on the skin for hours without the need for additional perfume. Lily of the Valley & Star Anise is easily in my personal top 5 among all Molton Brown scents.

Repurchase? Yes, as a special treat to myself.

7 // LUSH The Olive Branch Shower Gel ($32.99 for 250g) – Formula-wise, Olive Branch is my favorite of LUSH body washes, because it’s just so nourishing. The fragrance isn’t too strong either, so this is a good one to try if you’re scent-sensitive and also have dry, sensitive skin.

Repurchase? Yes. Make sure to buy from UK site, it’s cheaper.

8 // LALICIOUS Brown Sugar Vanilla Shower Oil & Bubble Bath* ($28 for 10 oz, 295ml) – Smells divine out of the bottle, but the scent doesn’t linger on the skin, so I thought it was kind of a waste of a good fragrance. Also, it’s mildly drying, so I was only using it during warm months when my skin was extra oily.

Repurchase? No.

9 // Oribe Superfine Hair Spray ($22 for 2.2 oz, 75ml) – This is hands down the holiest of grails for styling fine, flat, limp hair. “Superfine” is a great way to describe it, because it’s more of a mist, or vapor that coats every hair strand, giving it weightless volume and style without the crunch typically associated with hairsprays. It’s expensive, but IMO if you’re going to splurge on one fancy hair product – you’ve got to try this one.

Repurchase? Yes, already did.

That’s it for this pile of empties! Looking at it I feel so proud that I finally managed to finish all of body washes that were hogging the space in my bathroom caddy all these months. As always, let me know if you have any questions, and I’ll be happy to answer. And don’t forget, next time I’ll show you my kbeauty empties! [lots of fails in that one, btw]

Which beauty products have you finished recently? Have you tried anything from my empties pile? Let me know in the comments below!

* Indicates PR samples.