Empties vol. 47
Hey guys, it’s been a hot minute since my last empties post but here we are with a fresh pile! I actually had more to share but one of the body products had a little bit left in it and somehow spilled all over the bottom half of the bag where I kept my empties and I didn’t want to wash everything. In the end, I decided to toss the soiled products and the bag itself, but we still have plenty to discuss today. Without further ado, here’s half of what I finished in January!
SKINCARE:
1 // Artistry Studio™ Zen + Energy Every Day I’m Bubblin’ Cleanser + Skin Invigorator* ($15) – Let’s get one thing out of the way first, Artistry Studio is an Amway brand (the MLM) and I do not condone “network marketing” as a business model. However, because the products are also available for purchase outside independent distributors, I don’t mind reviewing them and sharing my honest thoughts. I tried several products from the company and these masks were some of my faves. Each individually wrapped pouch contains a moisturizing sheet mask that doubles as a deep cleansing clay mask with added bubbles! I really enjoyed how clean and soft it made my skin feel.
Repurchase? Maybe! But I would do it directly from the website and not through a distributor.
2 // Artistry Studio™ Zen + Energy Spot On! Blemish Dots 0.5% Salicylic Acid ($24) – This is another Amway product that I really liked. These patches actually worked wonders to minimize the appearance of breakouts because they’re infused with low-concentration Salicylic acid, which is known for its antibacterial properties. And the material of the patch adhered to the skin better than some other patches I used in the past – it stayed on even after I washed my face. Impressive!
Repurchase? Maybe! Same as above, if I do, it will be directly from the website.
3 // Nacific Phyto Niacin Whitening Essence ($17) – I finally finished my second bottle of this serum! It’s one of the gentler 5% Niacinamide serums out there and one that agreed with every product I paired with it. This is significant because products with Niacinamide are notorious for pilling, and this happened with more than half of the ones I tried over the years. It worked as advertised, providing visible brightening effect and minimizing the appearance of post-acne marks and other mild skin discolorations.
Repurchase? Probably not, because I don’t use single-active products much these days. But it was good, and it was effective, so if you wanted to try this one it certainly won’t disappoint.
4 // MANYO Factory Galactomyces Special Essence ($22) – Don’t ask me how old this bottle is, I have no idea! I finished the last few droppers on my legs and they didn’t fall off, haha! But before I forgot about it in the depths of my skincare storage, I remember absolutely loving this essence/serum and the way it made my skin feel. It made appearances in several monthly favorites posts and in my content about sensitive skin. Like the Nacific essence abgove, it also contains 5% Niacinamide that is proven to be effective for dark spots and fine lines.
Repurchase? No, but it was good while it lasted!
5 // DERMAdoctor Photodynamic Therapy Energizing Eye Renewal Cream* ($65) – This was an interesting eye cream, I never quite knew what to make of it, and even now that it’s empty, I still have mixed feelings. It’s formulated to deeply hydrate the skin and also give it a radiant, more youthful appearance, which it definitely did. But it also can look a little “highlightery” because it relies on light-reflecting particles to for an optical brightening effect. Also, it did make my skin sting a bit in the beginning, and I’m not a fan of that sensation.
Repurchase? No. I think it worked as intended, but I didn’t like the slight stinging sensation, even if it was just temporary.
6 // Elemis Daily Defense Shielf SPF 30* ($60) – Beautiful sunscreen with a very elegant formula and finish. I loved it and squeezed every last bit out of that tube. It felt more like a lotiony moisturizer than a sunscreen and was overall such a pleasure to use. My skin felt so smooth and hydrated, but I knew it’s also getting broad-spectrum protection – a win-win situation! It’s a splurge but I am seriously considering getting more on sale!
Repurchase? Yes! I love it so much!
BATH & BODY:
7 // Boka Ela Mint Toothpaste ($12) – So I know it’s totally random to include toothpaste on my empties list because who cares, right? But this toothpaste makes a lot of promises and I just wanted to share my thoughts after a year of using this brand. So what’s the shtick? Boka says their toothpaste is infused with nano-hydroxyapatite (n-Ha), a compound responsible for strengthening your teeth enamel. Allegedly, this is what astronauts use in space to reduce enamel loss. I’ve always had bad enamel so my dentist actually recommended I look into this ingredient. He gave me the names of a couple of brands from Japan but their toothpaste was a lot more expensive per oz than this one from Boka. It’s been a year since I started and I kid you not, this stuff worked like magic. I no longer have sensitive teeth and they are no longer transparent in spots, this toothpaste delivered on its promise and I just couldn’t be happier. 10/10 would recommend!
Repurchase? Yes! I have a recurring subscription.
8 // L’Occitane Bonne Mere a la Peche Body Wash ($25) – I bought a trio of these what feels like a million years ago, pretty sure this particular body was is not even sold in the US anymore and you can only find them at select L’occitane stores in Europe. Not like body wash goes bad, right? I mean, it’s just soap. It smelled fine and looked fine too so I figured it was safe to use. I’ve always liked L’Occitane body care products better than their skincare, and this body wash didn’t disappoint. It smelled like fresh ripe peaches – not artificial in the slightest – and left my skin feeling clean and soft without drying it out. Gorgeous product!
Repurchase? No, because it was discontinued.
9 // Rituals The Ritual of Karma Foaming Shower Gel* ($12.50) – Rituals makes some of the best shower foams out there and they are so fun to use, too! The foam is lush and thick, it almost feels like you’re washing in a cloud. They also lightly scent the skin so I recommend choosing the fragrance you like because you’ll be smelling it on yourself for hours. All in all, I think these are gorgeous and well worth the splurge!
Repurchase? Yes, already have 2 backups in other scents!
What products did you finish recently? Any favorites or duds?
*indicates PR samples
