Empties vol. 50
Can’t believe it’s my 50th empties post already! Back in the day I used to do them monthly, but currently it’s more convenient to just gather enough products to fill a small basket and feature everything at once when it’s full. Today I’m sharing the latest goodies that I finished, and I certainly have mixed feelings about some of them.
SKINCARE:
1 // Emma Hardie Morings Cleansing Balm* ($60) – This is a wonderful cleansing balm, one of the best on my recent memory. The formula rivals my other faves from Elemis and Colleen Rothschild and helps thoroughly cleanse the skin while leaving it feeling soft and hydrated. It makes a great addition to the routine if you use retinoids, or other actives that cause skin peeling.
Repurchase? I’ll consider it.
2 // Dr. Jart Ceramidin Cream ($48) – I bought this on a whim at Sephora when I started on my tretinoin journey and it was my go-to moisturizer until the very last squeeze. Gorgeous formula, rich in ceramides and skin-identical fatty acids, that keeps the skin moisturized but never looking and feeling oily, plus it kept the dryness at bay. A real treasure that deserves all of those 5-star reviews!
Repurchase? Yes! It will be part of my bday or xmas haul this year.
3 // PIXI Beauty +C Vit Under Eye Brightener* ($16) – This tinted eye cream with Vitamin C turned out to be a fun little treat. It works like an eye cream but has a bit of a peach tint to it that helps diminish the look of dark circles. It was my go-to on no-makeup days.
Repurchase? No, I think I’ll just stick to my concealers. It was nice though!
4 // Bioderma Sensibio Eye Contour Gel ($19.99) – I bought this eye cream a long time ago and just now finished it. Somehow, it wasn’t expired after being left in the drawer for a couple of years. As with everything from the Sensibio line, it’s a nice basic, fragrance-free option for someone who just wants the essentials in their routine. With all my actives covered my Curology, this is precisely what I needed at the time.
Repurchase? No need for it currently, but I will consider it in the future.
BATH & BODY:
5 // Amika Bust Your Brass Cool Blonde Conditioner ($24) – Bust Your Brass collection is perfect for natural and bleached blondes that like to keep their locks on the cool side. I have found cheaper alternatives on Amazon, but they never made my hair feel as soft as these products from Amika.
Repurchase? Yes! This is my go-to line for highlighted hair and I restock my stash a couple times per year.
6 // Alterna My Hair My Canvas New Beginning Exfoliating Cleanser* ($30) – I was told this is a clarifying shampoo for fine hair, so I only used it once a week. It definitely left the scalp and roots feeling fresh and airy, but I wasn’t a huge fan of the scrubby particles that kept getting stuck in my hair. Also, the pump broke after 3 uses, but maybe that one’s on me.
Repurchase? I don’t think so. I’d prefer it without the scrubby particles.
7 // LUSH Snow Fairy Shower Gel (??) – I stock up on Snow Fairy during LUSH annual Boxing Day sale, but last year I only managed to get a few tiny bottles because I was an hour late. 🙁
Repurchase? If it’s available again then yes, I will.
8 // Kneipp Since 1891 Aromatherapy Bubble Bath Lavender ($15) – Kneipp has been my go-to brand for bath products since I lived in Europe, so it’s nice to see them well-represented in the US drugstores as well. I especially like this Lavender bubble bath concentrate because it smells amazing and turns the water deep blue. So relaxing!
Repurchase? Yes.
9 // Diptyque Philosykos Hand & Body Gel* ($45) – As everything from Diptyque, this one is more indulgent than practical, so I feel almost guilty raving about it. Everything about it is such a beauty, though: the elegant scent, the absolutely stunning packaging, and the hydrating formula that cleanses the skin without stripping it of moisture, leaving my hands soft and nicely scented. I feel like it would be a waste to use this one as a body wash because it’s kind of a small bottle, but if it’s within your budget – by all means, do it! I only used mine as a hand soap to make it last longer.
Repurchase? Hypothetically, yes, but realistically, it’s just not in my budget to spend this much on hand soap.
10 // Molton Brown Delicious Rhubarb & Rose Hand Cream* ($15) – If you read any of my Molton Brown reviews, you know I’m obsessed with their body wash, which is consistently at the top of my splurge list. However, the brand’s hand creams are nothing special, aside from the fragrance – that’s just my opinion. I really like the convenient size that can fit in most purses and of course the amazing scents, but the formula could be more nourishing.
Repurchase? No, but I will use up the ones that I receive in PR because I love the scents.
11 // Baylis & Harding Oud, Cedar & Amber Hand Wash* ($5.99) – Speaking of hand wash that is worth every penny, if you haven’t yet tried Baylis & Harding hand or body washes, this is a must! The price is amazing for what you get and all of their products look and feel so luxurious! This particular fragrance is my favorite of the bunch so I ended up finishing it first. Grab these at Target – you won’t regret it!
Repurchase? Yes!
What products did you finish recently? Any favorites or duds?
*indicates PR samples
