Summer [June & July] Empties '22
This summer I tried to finish up as many open products as I could. Out of all of the empty products that I finished in the past two months the one product that stands out to me the most is the Mielle Pomegranate and Honey Twisting Souffle. It’s been heaven sent for my curly hair. Keeping reading to see why!
Face Empties
Allies of Skin Molecular Hydrating Cleanser (mini)
Price: $40 for 8oz (unable to determine the price for the mini size finished)
I would definitely rank this cleanser in my top 10 if I had to choose! The Allies of Skin Molecular Cleanser is a jelly texture cleanser specifically formulated for combination skin types. It formulated with antioxidants and skin nourishing ingredients to cleanse the skin and protect it at the same time. I loved using it in both my morning and night routines. It cleansed my skin well without stripping it and left it feeling very soft afterwards. I would definitely love another tube in the future!
Kiramoon SILKIE RINSE Face Wash
Price: $28 for 6oz
The Silkie Rinse is a gentle hydrating cleanser formulated with key ingredients like Ceramides, Squalane, Rose Water, Raspberry Extract. It’s pH balanced, doesn’t strip the skin and cleanses so well. I used this cleanser in various routines like my mornings, my night routines when I used retinol and days when I wanted something efficiently nourish my skin. I especially loved it in my morning routines when I needed a hydrating cleanser that wouldn’t dry out my skin. The cleanser is packaged in a very cute pink squeezable bottle. I had no problem bringing this into my shower since I knew if it were to fall it wouldn’t shatter into glass pieces! I can’t recommend this cleanser enough. I also plan to repurpose the empty bottle and use it in my haircare routine.
Youth to the People Adaptogen Mist
Price: $42 for 4 oz
This is an ultra-fine mist that is formulated with Ashwagandha, peptides and Reishi. This combination is said to help calm the skin, hydrate and incorporate antioxidants. I used this mist throughout multiple steps in my skincare routine. I love how well this hydrated my skin and that the mister always sprayed out evenly. This was such a nice addition in my routine.
Josh Rosebrook Hydrating Accelerator Face Mist
Price: $35 for 3.3 oz
The Accelerator face mist is said to plump, protect and heal the skin. It has a very earthy scent to it and is formulated with various herbal properties like Horse Chestnut, Dandelion and Beetroot. For the most part I kept my mist in my bathroom to use directly after washing my face and sometimes I would use it with my clay masks to help them from fully drying during applications. I think it did a good job at providing hydration back into the skin, but I thought it was going to be more hydrating than it was. In comparison to the other mists in my collection and that I’ve tried out, unfortunately this is not the most hydrating. This is a product I like to use while I have it, but not one I would rush to repurchase.
Price: $135 for 1oz
This serum was on my Wishlist to try for quite some time. I saw stem cell in the title and was immediately intrigued. I wasn’t sure what to expect from this serum. It claims to be an active conditioning serum that helps to firm, tone and help with texture on the skin. It lives up to the claim of being very hydrating as it’s made with Bamboo extract and Hyaluronic Acid. I can’t say that I noticed much of a noticeable difference in my skin and it’s likely due to several reasons. I often layered the serum with other serums, I didn’t use it daily and I don’t have a problem with the texture and elasticity of the skin. I would love to try this again with a focus only on this product, but the price point is very much out of my range.
Price: $64 for 3.3 oz
The Fresh Rose Mask has been a favorite of mine for years. I love that the mask contains rose petals too! This is a mask I often reach for when my skin on the dry side or just needs a little extra TLC. After using it my face always feels refreshed, hydrated and toned. It’s one that I always look forward to using and I tend to use it at least once a week.
First Aid Beauty Ginger & Turmeric Vitamin C Jelly Mask
Price: $12.58 for 2.4 oz
The First Aid Beauty Tumeric Mask is one that I reached for so often! In fact this was my second time finishing this mask. Upon opening the mask, the first thing you smell is ginger. I wouldn’t say it’s overwhelming, but the scent is present. The jelly texture feels so good on the skin- especially during the summer months! I typically reached for this when I wanted a hydrating treatment. After each and every use my skin felt revitalized and soft! This is one I would definitely repurchase again, but now that we’re moving into the winter months, I’ll wait until it warms up.
Bodycare Empties
Kopari Exfoliating Crush Scrub
Price: $39 for 8oz
The Kopari Exfoliating Scrub really took me by surprise! The scrub is formulated with brown sugar and coconut oil. It helps to remove dead skin which results in softer and smoother skin. The scrub is a nice middle ground in terms of being abrasive. Some scrubs that I’ve tried are too gentle and do not have enough grit to them, but this one was not the case. As with all Kopari products, the scrub has a lovely coconut scent to it. One of the things that I really enjoy about it, which may seem a little weird, is that the scrub almost leaves behind a level of oil/ slip to the skin. It definitely goes away once you’re completely showered. But this slip it gives to the skin makes it perfect to shave after using it. I would typically exfoliate with this scrub, then shave immediately after. Once those are completed, I finish the rest of my shower routine. Afterward I’m left with exfoliated and moisturized skin. The price on the higher side, but I’m happy to say this scrub lasted for about 2-3 months with usage 1-2x a week.
Herbivore Coco Rose Scrub (Mini)
Price: $38 for 8oz
I purchased this minis kit a while back just for the Coco Rose Exfoliating Body Scrub. The scrub is formulated with coconut oil, Moroccan rose and sugar to provide a light level of exfoliation. Being that this is more of a gentle scrub, I enjoyed using it before shaving and days when my body needed a little more TLC. Being that the scrub is infused with coconut oil, it puts moisture back into the skin as it scrubs away. If you have sensitive skin or just looking for a light level of body exfoliation to add to your routine, this is one you should check out.
La Roche Posay ANTHELIOS COOLING WATER SUNSCREEN LOTION SPF 60
Price: $24.99 for 3oz
This was my go to body sunscreen during the summer months. It has a very light fluid consistency, which makes it easy to use on both the face and body. I typically applied this as I would apply my regular body lotion during the summer. Using this alone and not with any other moisturizers was almost a game changer. This sunscreen gives adequate spf coverage and moisturized my skin well! Being that this is a chemical based sunscreen, I never had to worry about a cast on my skin. If you plan on going on vacation or being in a sunny climate and would like more than the standard spf 30 coverage, I would highly recommend giving this one a shot!
Sol de Janiero Bum Bum Cream (mini)
Price: $22 for the 2.5oz size
I know everyone goes crazy over the Sol de Janiero cream in the Bum Bum Brazilian scent. But in comparison to their other creams this is my least favorite. The scent smells tropical and nice, but I don’t find the bum bum cream to be moisturizing enough. If you’re looking for a super moisturizing cream I would say try their Bom Dia Bright Body Cream with Vitamin C or the Beija Flor™ Elasti-Cream with Collagen and Squalane. They both smell amazing and leave the body feeling super moisturized!
Haircare Empties
Briogeo Curl Charisma™ Rice Amino + Avocado Hydrating & Defining Hair Mask
Price: $39 for 8oz
This a protein free hair mask that is targeted for curly, damaged and dry hair. I would typically apply this is in the shower and leave it on for 10 minutes and afterwards my hair would always feel so soft. I really think it helped with the detangling process after. What I really love is that my hair always felt better after using it and it that it doesn’t contain protein. Many hair masks are formulated with protein, which is not good if your hair has enough protein or is protein sensitive. It was nice to have this as an option when my hair needed TLC and not protein. I would definitely add this back to my routine in the future.
The Inkey List Caffeine Stimulating Scalp Treatment
Price: $14.99 for 5oz
This is an overnight scalp treatment that is supposed to aid with hair growth to promote thicker hair. The treatment is supposed to be applied to the scalp nightly and not washed out. I wasn't fond of the orginial applicator. I see this has now has been changed to have a nozzle that makes it easier to apply directly to the scalp. I found the treatment to be on the heavier side- even for my course curly hair. I think if I were to apply this daily and keep my hair washing routine of 1-2x per week, I would likely have some build up. This was one of the reasons I used it so sparingly. I do have another treatment in my stash and I would like to revisit using it daily to see if I would experience some type of benefits. The treatment itself feels like a heavy serum and it’s hard to say how it would effect other hair types.
IGK Good Behavior Spirulina Protein Anti-Frizz Smoothing Spray
Price: $32 for 5.6 oz
The IGK Anti-Frizz Smoothing Spray is a heat protectant that helps to smooth the hair, help with frizz and of course protect the hair when heat styling. The spray is almost supposed to mimic the results you would get from a keratin treatment and since I’ve never had one, it’s hard to say if works this well. I typically used this spray when I used hot tools like heated styling brushes and flat ironing my hair. If I was looking to do a silky straight style, I would blow dry with this. The spray itself sprayed out evenly and really helped to smooth my hair. I already repurchased this one since I really do like it.
Mielle Pomegranate and Honey Twisting Souffle
Price: $12.99 for 12oz
If you have kinky curly- coily hair and you’re looking for a curl cream, this may be the one for you. I was on a hunt for a good curl cream for years and this one has been my absolute favorite. This twisting cream is Formulated for thick, curly Type 4 hair (tighter curl patterns). The texture is on the thicker side for a curl cream. It almost weights down my hair, but I mean this in the best way possible. I only use this on wet or damp hair. This method ensures that the cream will be fully absorbed into my hair correctly and not just sitting on my hair. I apply a small amount to medium size sections of my hair to do a twist out. Once my hair is completely dry, I remove my twist outs and I’m left with the best definition I ever had from a curl cream. The best part about is that the hold is soft to the touch, moisturized, no flaking and my hair doesn’t feel crunchy! I get about 5-7 days of beautifully defined coils! Since finishing this one, I’ve already repurchased 2 other jars.
Misc. Empties
Otherland Freshwater Pearl Candle [Beach Club Collection]
Price: $36 for 8oz
The Freshwater Pearl Candle has notes of Sea Crystal, Salt Water and Crushed Shells. The Otherland candles offer 50 hours of burn time, made with coconut and soy wax and are hand poured. I tried several of their candles and the first thing I’ve noticed is that they generally have a good cold throw (being able to smell the scent in the air without the candle being burned). I typically leave my candles burning for a few hours at a time and this scent quickly fills my space and they also burn evenly. I think these candles are worth the price based on the size and quality. The Freshwater Pearl scent is a very clean oceanic scent with a touch of sweetness. I enjoyed burning this during the spring and summer, but being that it’s such a fresh scent it would be great year round.
Price: $16 for 1oz
I go back and forth between the Beauty Blender Solid and the Sephora Collection Solid Brush and Sponge Cleaner with Pad. I typically purchase the sephora brand since it’s usually less expensive when Sephora has their Sephora Collection products on sale for 30% off. After using both, I can honestly say I think they’re the same! They both work well to deep clean brushes and they both come with a cleaner pad in the package. I prefer solid cleanser soaps like these to clean my brushes because they’re not harsh on the bristles and they last longer than a traditional liquid soap.
Price: $4.99
The Essence lash primer has been in my makeup routine for about a year now. In the past I’ve tried other brands and formulas and this one is my favorite! I typically buy them in 2’s since I only know of Target and Ulta selling them. I feel like the primer helps to protect my lashes and nourishes them for my mascara applications. If you would like to read more about it, check out this previous post here.
Sophia & Mabelle Beach Please Lip Slick - Tinted Lip Oil
Price: $20
I received this lip oil from my Ipsy Glam bag and it really took me by surprise. I’m pretty picky about my lip products and even the products I love usually takes some time for me to finish them. I loved the consistency and the level of shine it provided. I also love how my lips felt after using it. This a product I would think about repurchasing in the future.
Item Beauty Lip Quip Clean Moisturizing Lip Gloss
Price: $14 for full size (unable to determine price for mini size finished)
I had Color: Come Thru, which is a sheer rose color. The consistency of this gloss/lip oil is perfection! The shade was very subtle on me. The shine level on the Lip Quip was nice! What I really like is after the gloss wore away it left me lips feeling and looking soft. Even though I only had a mini size it lasted a several months and this is a product I would definitely repurchase in the future.
Total Empties Total: $616.54