Empties is the longest-running series on my blog, and today I’m “celebrating” its 40th series-versary! Just kidding, it’s not a big deal really, haha. 🙂 As usual, I’m showing you my latest empties as well as tosses, and sharing some final thoughts on each of these products.
SKINCARE:
1 // Neostrata Foaming Glycolic Wash* ($40) – This low-pH face wash was perfect as a second step cleanser, but because it’s acidic I wouldn’t recommend it as a makeup remover. I loved how soft it made my skin feel, and would probably repurchase if I needed a foam cleanser again.
Repurchase? Not anytime soon, but it is repurchase-worthy.
2 // Too Cool For School Egg Mellow Cream* ($36) – Soft, stringy moisturizer that smells like custard – what’s not to love? It’s a good occlusive for cold weather and I enjoyed using it, even though it doesn’t really offer any solid anti-aging benefits.
Repurchase? Probably not, but I’d use sample packets when I travel just to seal in the moisture.
3 // Yuripibu Cellum Amaid Essence ($40) – An essence with the consistency of a serum, meaning it doesn’t have quite as many active ingredients as a serum but has a thicker consistency than a typical essence. Yuripibu is a “clean” kbeauty brand that takes pride in their natural formulations, and I actually quite enjoyed using this one. I didn’t feel like it performed any miracles, but on the odd occasion when my skin became reactive after over-exfoliation, it was one of the few things I could tolerate.
Repurchase? No.
4 // Tatcha Gold Camellia Beauty Oil* ($95) – I have combination skin and it’s not easy to find a beauty oil that won’t make it even oilier. This one from Tatcha is beautifully formulated to do just that, plus it’s infused with flecks of real gold to feel extra fancy. I would use this oil during the colder months at night over the rest of my skincare to really seal in the moisture.
Repurchase? No, I found other oils that I like better.
5 // First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream ($32) – This fragrance-free, gentle moisturizer from FAB is a cult product that pretty much works for all skin types unless you have individual sensitivity to its ingredients. I love it, and we always have a jar at home, since it can be used all over your body, face, feet, hands, and I even use it in the eye area. It’s huge, versatile, and reasonably priced.
Repurchase? Yes. It’s a household staple, like a tube of Aquaphor.
6 // Elemis Peptide4 Eye Recovery Cream* ($49) – Fantastic eye cream with the consistency that’s juuust right, making it a versatile choice for all skin types. It’s enriched with Elemis’ famous peptide complex to make the skin look smoother, brighter, and well-rested. It’s one of my favorites!
Repurchase? Not right now, since I have a long shelf of other products I need to finish first, but it’s a darn good eye cream.
7 // Chidoriya Yuzu Seed Cleansing Balm* ($10) – If you like your cleansing balm to be on a richer side, I recommend trying this one, because it can work as both a cleanser and a moisturizer. Chidoriya makes clean and all-natural skincare using traditional Japanese recipes that have been passed down through generations, and I enjoyed everything I tried from them so far.
Repurchase? Not this balm, since it’s probably a bit too rich for my skin right now, but I’d totally buy a few other things from the brand.
8 // Kiehl’s Creamy Eye Treatment ($30) – This isn’t an “empty”, but a toss. Unfortunately, I didn’t even come close to finishing this eye cream before it expired, because a little goes a very long way. I like it but I only ever use it when it’s cold outside, since it’s a bit too rich for my combo skin. Still, it’s my go-to for bitter cold, and I already have a replacement jar sitting in the drawer waiting for the first snow to come.
Repurchase? Already have! I think this eye cream is perfect for winter, even if your skin is oilier.
9 // Exuviance Sheer Daily Protector SPF50+* ($42) – This is my favorite sunscreen from Exuviance, and I went through several bottles of it already. I like that it has a runny, lotion-like consistency so it never feels heavy or sticky on the skin. Plus, it has a universally flattering beige tint to make the skin look healthier.
Repurchase? Still have another bottle to go through, and then we’ll see.
10 // Aesop Reverence Aromatique Hand Balm ($30) – I used to like this hand cream but forgot that I left it in the car, so it sat there all summer and eventually went bad after being exposed to the heat for too long. Now it smells so bad, it legit gives me a headache. Totally my fault on this one.
Repurchase? Probably not, it was kind of expensive for a hand cream and not even my favorite, to be honest.
MAKEUP:
11 // CHANEL Le Volume de CHANEL Mascara ($32) – It’s a phenomenal mascara! Like the rest of my hair, my lashes are fine and lack volume, but this formula makes the base so dark and thick, that it looks like I have falsies on. Beautiful results!
Repurchase? I might get it when Nordstrom does their mascara sale next time.
We’re getting closer to the end of the year and I’m nowhere close to finishing 100 beauty products. So far we’re 36 out of 100, with all of my previous empties combined. Truth is, I haven’t been as diligent about focusing on finishing things lately, and I still have time to work on that before 2019 is over.
What was the last product you finished or hit pan on?
*Indicates PR samples.Â
