Product Empties - October 2018
For this month (and possibly going further with future posts), I think It may just be easier to break down my monthly empty posts into 2 posts. For the month of October thus far I’ve finished some cult classics and would like to share my reviews and future recommendations.
Skincare
Drunk Elephant B-Hydra Intensive Hydration Serum
Price: $52.00
Recommended Directions: -Apply B-Hydra to your face, neck, chest, hands, or any place on your body that needs increased hydration.
-Mix with any serum, cream, or oil to lock it in.
I’ll admit it, when I first received out the B-hydra serum I wasn’t exactly sure how to use it, so I didn’t really use it. It came with a holiday kit that I purchased at the end of the year in 2017. After doing research I noticed that many people mixed the B-Hydra serum in with other serums or would mix it in with their moisturizers. I have combination skin (Normal-Oily) and I never really felt the need for extra hydration. The serum is a gel consistency that is of a clear-ish color that is much odorless. The consistency of the serum is light-weight, but provides great hydration.
Ultimately, I used the B-Hydra as a stand alone moisturizer during the summer months. This was also my favorite moisturizer to apply prior to working out. The serum alone provided me with a deal of great moisture. After applying the serum my face felt moisturized, but never looked greasy or oily.
Will I repurchase it? I will repurchase it, but not in the full size as I don’t use it often enough. I already have a mini that was included in a gift set which was gifted to me from the company.
If you have normal or dry skin, I would highly recommend it! If you have oily or combo skin I would still recommend it, however I would suggest purchasing the serum in a smaller size as you will need to use less product.
Sunday Riley Good Genes All-In-One Lactic Acid Treatment
Price: $105
The Good Genes Lactic Acid Treatment is aimed to target dark spots and fine lines/wrinkles. As per the directions, massage in two to three pumps into the skin. As stated in the name, The Good Genes is formulated with Lactic Acid which is a milder AHA (alpha hydroxy acid).
Immediately after applying Good Genes my face became radiant and smoother. The formula is really moisturizing. Although, I don’t have any fine lines, I would imagine if I did this would help to plump and fill those lines. For me 1-2 pump was more than enough for my normal to combo skin. I’ve used it under various moisturizers and under make-up. The results were always consistent and to my liking.
When I initially started using the Good Genes, I would apply it in the morning directly after cleansing my face, but before my moisturizer. As time progressed my skincare routine became more intricate, therefore not allowing me to wear it during the day. I try to be super careful about mixing products with different acids together. The wrong combination can lead to skin irritation or other issues. I found using the Good Genes at night suited my schedule better. I didn’t use it every night, but I used it several times a week at night. Sometimes I used it alone. The days that I feel like my skin needed an extra boost I use it alongside the Luna Oil.
I don’t know how to explain it, but I honestly think from using it, especially in conjunction with the Luna Oil, is had given me a nice glow and a more youthful appearance. Hence why I believe the name of the serum is called Good Genes. With daily usage of the Good Genes I can see a difference in my skin when I’m wearing it and also when I’m not! I will continue to purchase the Good Genes as I love the results.
P.S. the scent of both the Good Genes and Luna Oil can be a little off putting. The scent doesn’t linger very long and I think I’ve become accustomed to it.
Recommendation: I originally started out the Power Couple Kit a few years back. Honestly this introductory kit is a great value and a way to try out both of the products.
Power Couple Duo Kit $85.00
Price: $23.00
I’ve been using the Tartiest mascara on and off for years. It’s one of my top three mascaras. The mascara wand has a silicone wand with multi-length bristles. I tend to like mascaras with a silicone/plastic wand as I feel that they usually comb out the lashes better. These type of wands help to grab every lash (even little ones).
The color of the mascara is of a nice jet black. One of the best things about the Tarteist mascara is that it will not flake on you! I’ve tried so many different mascaras and this has always been one of my pet peeves. The formula does not get clumpy and lasts a very long time before drying out in the tube. In my opinion, the wand along with the formula helps to provide great voluminous and long lashes that almost present a false eyelash look. I’ll continue to purchase this mascara.
If you’re hesitant to take the plunge on such a pricey mascara, check out Sephora’s website. They often sell lash set kits that contain multiple mini mascaras along with an in-store certificate to redeem one full size mascara from the kit. These kits allow you to test multiple mascaras along with receiving a full size mascara.
Recommendation: Sephora Lash Stash
Price: $24.00
The Benefit Precisely, My Brow pencil has a very fine tip; which helps to provide precise like hair strokes. The Brow pencil comes in different shades that range in both warm, cool, and neutral tones. The formula is stated to last 12 hours and I agree that it does when it’s set correctly with a powder or gel.
I often go back and forth between the Anastasia Dip Pomade and some type of brow pencil. I received this brow pencil in one of my Influenster boxes. As I previously used this brow pencil last year, I was very familiar with using the pencil and how long it generally would last.
I honestly think this is a really good brow pencil. The formula lasts a decent amount of time on the brows and there’s plenty of shades that can easily match to multiple hair colors. HOWEVER, (yes, caps are needed), the pencil roughly last about a month. A month is a very short time for the price. I cannot see myself paying almost $25 dollars each month on a brow pencil. Therefore, I will not repurchase it.
If I were able to find or receive the Precisely My Brow Pencil within a set or on sale, then yes I would repurchase it. But I do not believe that this brow pencil is worth the price tag with so many drug store brow pencils on the market that perform the same and that will also give more product in the package.
Kopari Coconut Lip Glossy
Price: $12.00
The Kopari Lip Love gloss is a petroleum free gloss, which means that it will actually moisturize your lips without drying them out. It’s formulated with Squalane (olive based), Shea Butter and coconut- all are which known to be great for providing hydration. The gloss is not sticky or too thick of a consistency. The Lip Love comes in 3 different colors- clear (original), pinkini and hibiskiss.
For me the Kopari Lip love in clear is a great throw on gloss that can also be worn under or over lipsticks. Even with using it almost everyday, the gloss lasted me about 11 months. The formula sinks into the lips. Even after the shine has worn off, the hydration is still present.
I will continue to purchase this gloss. I think the price matches the formula and the gloss lasted a decent amount of time.
I’ve tried so many times to get off of the Ecostyle Gel train. I’m pretty sure I’ve tried every single formula available of the gel. Over the years I went back and forth between the Argan Oil and Olive Oil formulas. Lately, there’s been quite a bit of negative reviews about the Ecostyle gel. I purchased and tried multiple gels in hopes that I would be able to find a similar formula. Sadly, I haven’t been able to find anything that was similar. Many of the gels that I’ve tried flaked or did not provide enough of a hold.
Through my many hours of watching YouTube videos I came across reviews on the Ecostyle gel of the Blackcastor & Flaxseed Oil. I’ve always known both of the two main ingredients to be great for your hair. This formula is unique as it provides hold, shine, its doesn’t leave my hair rock hard and most importantly it doesn’t flake. Based on these important factors I really enjoyed using it. Due to the negative back lash of the brand, I still try to limit my usage of the gel. I like to use it on my edges and for slick styles.
I’ve already repurchased it and will continue to keep it my collection until I can find something that can perform the same or better.