Empties vol. 48
I guess I should call this post “the forgotten empties”, because these empty bottles and nearly-finished products were all found in the process of spring cleaning the bathroom. I almost forgot how much I loved some of these, and it was nice to see them again!
SKINCARE:
1 // Curology Custom Formula ($39.90 for 2-month supply) – Curology is an online dermatology service that offers professional skin consultations and customized prescription skincare. My Curology provider recommended a Tretinoin, Tranexamic acid, and Niacinamide formula to address loss of firmness and mild hyperpigmentation, and I’ve been using this specially blended moisturizer for the past 6 months with great results. Thanks to Curology, I was able to simplify routine and now use a lot fewer products because this one cream tackles multiple concerns at once.
Repurchase? Yes! It’s set on auto-deliver.
2 // MDSun Collagen Lift* ($715) – This gel-like serum has a bouncy jelly consistency and looks like a tub of aloe vera with gold flakes embedded in it. It helped smooth and lightly plump the skin but the effect was temporary, so I didn’t think it was a particularly useful step in my routine. This gel gives sort of an “instant lift” effect that disappears as the product slowly absorbs into the skin, so maybe it’s worth using for special events and situations when you want to look your best. The formula is extremely complex and is enriched with over a dozen different peptides, human stem cells, and botanical antioxidants that make the skin look like it’s glowing from within.
Repurchase? No, I didn’t think was necessary in my routine plus the price does not fit my budget.
3 // Indie Lee COQ-10 Toner ($34) – Got this in one of my Sephora Favorites bags and it turned out to be an OK toner. Not bad, but also nothing to write home about. If you like to use hydrating toners in your routine, this one is pretty good and inoffensive – there’s no fragrance and the formula is more than just water and humectants, so it can offer some light skincare benefits as well.
Repurchase? Maybe, but unlikely. It’s a decent choice as far as toners go, just not something my skin needs right now.
4 // Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Broad Spectrum SPF 45* ($52) – I rave about this sunscreen at every opportunity and I still think it’s one of the best formulas I’ve ever used. It feels like a regular moisturizer, leaves zero white cast, and keeps my skin feeling super comfortable and hydrated all day, which makes it a pleasure to re-apply. It’s pricey for a sunscreen, but the formula is so good that to me it’s worth the splurge. I recommend trying it if your skin is normal to dry because it might be too rich for those with oily and oilier combo skin types.
Repurchase? Yes, but not yet. I have other sunscreens to finish first, because they do expire.
5 // Sulwhasoo Bloomstay Vitalizing Cream* ($155) – Sulwhasoo is definitely my guilty pleasure brand, I adore their skincare and often don’t mind splurging now and again. My all-time favorite is their First Care Serum but I came to love the Bloomstay line as well after trying a few of the products. This moisturizer, for example, has the most heavenly gel-cream consistency and smells faintly like plum blossoms. It makes my skin feel soft and petal fresh, and it’s such a delight to use! It’s formulated for daily use to help replenish moisture and keep the skin looking healthy and radiant. The finish, making it a suitable choice even for those with combination and oily skin types.
Repurchase? I might! I really enjoyed this moisturizer, and I can see myself potentially splurging on another bottle.
6 // Fresh Umbrian Clay Purifying Mask ($58) – I think I got it in a subscription box? I already used and finished a full-sized jar of this mask and it’s pretty nice, but nothing revolutionary. This clay mask helps clean dirt and debris from deep within the pores and has a nice purifying effect, but you can definitely achieve this for a lot less. It’s a good product but unnecessarily expensive for what it is.
Repurchase? No, but I wouldn’t mind getting my hands on more sample-sized jars.
7 // Amorepacific Time Response Intensive Renewal Ampoule* ($550) – This intensive antioxidant cocktail is designed to be used once or twice a year to give the skin a boost of vitamins, brighten, and renew the top layer. It’s a highly concentrated formula that needs to be mixed to activate, and only stays fresh for one week at most. The ingredient list features state of the art anti-aging complex that addresses all of the aging skin’s concerns at once. I used these for 3 weeks [gave one ampoule to a friend to try], and noticed a massive difference in my skin’s texture and brightness. If I had unlimited budget, I’d buy these all the time.
Repurchase? In my dreams! I LOVED the effect of these ampoules but the price is way out of my budget.
BATH & BODY:
8 // Kerastase Elixir Ultime Mask ($62) – I’ve been rationing this mask and used it on special occasions to give my locks an extra boost. This stuff is magical! The mask makes the hair smell amazing, instantly detangles, smooths, and adds some serious shine.
Repurchase? Definitely considering it, but like before, it will be used for special occasions only due to cost.
9 // Onyx Professional Nail Polish Remover ($10) – This 100% acetone nail polish remover was pretty inexpensive and got the job done. It’s definitely not gentle on the nails and makes them look super dry, but it works really quickly, so whenever I’m wearing glittery or particularly stainy polish, it does the trick faster than anything else.
Repurchase? Probably.
10 // Molton Brown Orange & Bergamot Radiant Body Polish* ($50) – I went for a long time without using body scrubs but recently rediscovered the love for them, and this was the first one I finished. It smells like neroli water and even has little orange bits in it so it feels extra luxurious on the skin! Downside is, they end up in the drain if you don’t have one of those drain net thingies in your shower.
Repurchase? Sure, but I want to try other scents first.
What products did you finish recently? Any favorites or duds?
*indicates PR samples
