Latest Skincare & Makeup Empties
Another month, another group of empties to share with you guys! I didn’t expect to finish much because I recently started incorporating a prescription retinoid into my routine, but my skin is surprisingly resilient and my skincare lineup barely needed any tweaks. If anything, I found myself using even more products – especially those designed to boost hydration and nourishing oils in the evening. So here’s what I ended up finishing since the last empties post!
SKINCARE:
1 // TATCHA Luminous Dewy Skin Mist ($48) – One of my favorite products from Tatcha I discovered a long time ago and rediscovered again this summer. It’s very hydrating and feels like a moisturizing lotion in spray form rather than your typical watery mist, and I love it for that reason. It’s perfect when my skin starts feeling dry in the middle of the day, and also as a toner when I come out of the shower when the skin is still slightly damp.
Repurchase? I was going to but then Tatcha kindly gifted me a new one!
2 // by Wishtrend 5% Mandelic Acid Skin Prep Water ($22) – I repurchased this toner several times during the last few years since both my husband and me like to use it on active breakouts. Mandelic acid has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties and works in a similar fashion as more commonly used Salicylic acid and Benzoyl peroxide. Mandelic acid is usually recommended for people with sensitive skin because it’s more gentle than the other two!
Repurchase? Already have!
3 // Peter Thomas Roth Potent C Power Serum* ($98) – You may have seen this serum in my favorites posts in the past. I finished two bottles of it and the only reason I didn’t get another is because I have other CEF products to use that perform similarly. That said, this is a fantastic brightening serum with ingredients that target post-acne marks and enhance the effectiveness of sunscreen. Originally, this combination of Vitamins C, E and Ferulic acid was discovered by Skinceuticals who pioneered many formulas and now a lot of brands use their research to develop similar products.
Repurchase? I won’t, but I do recommend it!
4 // Amorepacific Youth Revolution Radiance Concentrator* ($250) – This anti-aging serum is designed to boost skin radiance and resilience and in my experience, it delivers on its promise. After I started using Amorepacific and Sulwhasoo products, my skin definitely feels bouncier and recovers much faster than before from pretty much anything I throw at it: peels gone wrong, hormonal acne, sensitivities, frown lines, etc. I also kinda like the texture, it’s a little sticky but in a good way? It’s a bit too much in the summer but now that we’re heading into colder months it will complement my routine nicely.
Repurchase? No, but I was gifted two of them and intend to finish both. I enjoy using it because it has a nice texture, but my HG Sulwhasoo First Care serum delivers similar results and costs less.
BATH & BODY:
5 // Drybar Blonde Ale Brightening Shampoo ($28) – I first bought this shampoo after getting balayage and just now finished the last bits, because I kept switching them back and forth. It’s definitely one of my favorites, although I’m currently having a moment with Amika Bust Your Brass line and don’t want to use anything else.
Repurchase? Maybe. It’s on par with Amika, so I’d totally get it if my Amika shampoo was unavailable and I desperately needed a refill.
6 // Juara Candlenut Hydrating Shower Gel* ($33) – I’ve been a fan of Juara for maybe 8 years now or so, and the product that got me hooked was their candlenut lotion. This shower gel is really moisturizing and leaves the skin soft and velvety. However, I recently found out that they are half-MLM. The brand offers a traditional affiliate program and also a tiered MLM-type membership where you are required to purchase a starter kit and reach a set amount of sales each year. That was kind of a bummer, but at least people are given a choice between joining as a consultant or joining as a commission-based affiliate.
Repurchase? Probably not because there are other fancy body washes I’d rather spend money on, like Molton Brown.
7 // Kneipp Relaxing Lavender Shower Foam* ($12) – Kneipp makes some of my favorite bath products and I love that they’re affordable! This foaming body wash feels just as luxurious and indulgent as similar body washes from Rituals, at half the cost.
Repurchase? Yep, it’s definitely on my list of body washes I would repurchase if I spot a good sale. I pretty much always get my body washes on sale.
8 // Fresh Sugar Lychee Bath & Shower Gel* ($23) – Fantastic body wash that smells like heaven! That sweet fruity fragrance always puts a smile on my face no matter how bad the day was, plus it’s also moisturizing and doesn’t strip the skin of moisture.
Repurchase? Sure, why not! It’s also a great option for fancy body wash, and if I see a good sale I’ll pick it up because I go through body wash pretty quickly.
MAKEUP:
9 // DHC Double Protection Mascara* ($18.50 – This is a lovely mascara for someone who likes their lashes to look more natural. The wand shape works kind of like a wide-tooth comb and deposits the pigment without building up a lot of product. This mascara makes my lashes look long and defined without weighing down the base, and it also holds the curl really well.
Repurchase? I like it as an alternative to my no-makeup HG Perricone MD No Makeup Mascara, plus it’s more affordable. I’ll definitely consider purchasing in the future.
What products did you finish recently? Any favorites or duds?
*indicates PR samples
