June & July '23 Empties
I’m a little late with my June and July empties. These past couple of months I’ve gone through so many products- especially cleansers. Out of all of the products that I emptied this month my favorite has to be the Inkeylist Polyglutamic Acid Dewy Sunscreen SPF. If you would like more information on the sunscreen and the other products that I’ve recently emptied, keep reading.
Face Empties
Cleansers
Cerave Hydrating Cream to Foam Cleanser
Price: $17.99 for 12oz
The Cream to Foam cleanser is marketed for normal to dry skin types. I have a combination of normal to oily skin and I loved this one so much. As with all of the Cerave cleansers, this one is formulated with Hyaluronic acid, Ceramides and Amino Acids to nourish the skin as it cleanses. For me this was like a no fuss cleanser, meaning I could use AM + PM in different types of routines. I found that it did a great job at cleansing my skin, removing makeup and sunscreen all without leaving my skin feeling dry. I really do love that the majority of the Cerave Cleansers have a pump applicator. I find that it makes it so much easier to dispense the right amount of product. I really enjoyed this cleanser and would definitely recommend it!
Ingredients: Aqua / Water, Urea, Cetyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Stearate Se, Cetearyl, Alcohol, Niacinamide, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter / Shea Butter, C12-13 Alkyl Lactate, Peg-100 Stearate, Glycerin, Behentrimonium Methosulfate, Dimethicone, Triacetin, Ceramide Np, Ceramide Ap, Ceramide Eop, Carbomer, Sodium Lactate, Salicylic Acid, Sodium Hydroxide, Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Cholesterol, Phenoxyethanol, Disodium Edta, Capryloyl Salicylic Acid, Hydroxyacetophenone, Citric Acid, Lactic Acid, Phytosphingosine, Xanthan Gum, Ethylhexylglycerin.
The Inkeylist Oat Cleansing Balm
Price: $11.99 for 5oz
This Oat Cleansing Balm has been in and out of my routine for years. I find it to be one of the most cost effective first step cleansers that I’ve tried! Most cleansing balms tend to be in a solid form and packaged in a jar, whereas the Inkey’s Oat cleansing balm is more a fluid like cleansing oil and is housed in tube packaging. This cleanser does a great job at removing makeup and breaking down sunscreen. I’ve also recently learned that it can be used as a rinse off mask. Check out my previous review for more information: This or That Cleansing Balms
Ingredients: Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, Cetearyl Alcohol, PEG-6 Caprylic/Capric Glycerides, Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Oil, Candelilla Cera (Cire de candelilla), Silica, Sorbitan Stearate, Tribehenin, PEG-60 Almond Glycerides, Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Flour, Aqua (Water/Eau), Benzyl Alcohol, Phenoxyethanol, Lecithin, 1,2-Hexanediol, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Tocopherol, Biosaccharide Gum-4, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil.
Price: 18.99 for 2.9oz
The AHA Jelly Cleanser is described as a gentle clarifying cleanser that aims to protect the barrier of the skin as it breaks down makeup and dirt on the skin. I typically used this cleanser on my neck and chest areas during the beginning to mid-summer as these are areas that I tend to breakout, but are also on the sensitive side for me. The jelly cleanser does not foam and I often found myself having to use more product to get to the right consistency. Besides that, I really enjoyed the cleanser. I think it did a great job at cleansing without being too harsh on the my skin.
Ingredients: Water, Glycerin, Betaine, Musa Sapientum (Banana) Extract, Saccharomyces Ferment, Capryl/Capramidopropyl Betaine, Arginine, Xanthan Gum, Polyglyceryl-6 Caprylate, Polyglyceryl-4 Caprate, Polyglyceryl-4 Cocoate, Polyglyceryl-6 Ricinoleate, Hibiscus Sabdariffa Flower Extract, Isoamyl Laurate, Sodium Chloride, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Fruit Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate1, Lactic Acid, Phenylpropanol, Citric Acid, Tartaric Acid, Gluconic Acid.
Elemis Superfood AHA Glow Cleansing Butter
Price: $42 for 3.04oz
This is described as a gentle daily cleanser that removes makeup and daily pollutants from the skin. The cleanser is formulated with Fermented Pumpkin Enzymes and Acerola Cherry, which are both naturally rich in AHA’s to help brighten and gently exfoliate the skin. I really wasn’t too fond using the cleansing butter to remove makeup. There was something about the consistency and it took a really long time to remove my everyday eye makeup (mascara). However, I really enjoyed using this during my morning routines. For these routines I would apply it like a mask, let it sit on my skin for 10-15 minutes and then rinse it off like a regular cleanser. Using the cleanser this way made my skin feel clean and refreshed!
Ingredients: Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Glycerin, Aqua/Water/Eau, Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate, Polysorbate 80, Cetearyl Olivate, Sorbitan Olivate, Hydroxyacetophenone, Phenoxyethanol, Acrylates/Beheneth-25 Methacrylate Copolymer, Mangifera Indica (Mango) Seed Butter, Salvia Hispanica Seed Oil, Lactobacillus/Acerola Cherry Ferment, Lactobacillus/Pumpkin Fruit Ferment Filtrate, Saccharomyces/Rice Ferment Filtrate, Camellia Sinensis Seed Oil, Candida Bombicola/Glucose/Methyl Rapeseedate Ferment, Sodium Hydroxide, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Beta-Carotene, Capsanthin/Capsorubin, Butylene Glycol, Tocopherol, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, 1,2-Hexanediol, Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Ascorbic Acid.
Farmacy Cleansing Balm – blueberry
Price: $24 for 1.7oz
The Farmacy cleansing balms are some of my favorite! The cleansing balm is a first step cleanser that starts as a balm and quickly transform into an oil. The balm does a great job to breakdown stubborn makeup, sunscreen and dirt from the skin. From time to time they’re available in different scents- which is usually a limited edition. The blueberry scent was one that I really enjoyed and I liked how light the scent was.
Previously reviewed on Instagram
Misc. Face Empties
Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Hyaluronic Cloud Mask
Price: $55 for 5.1oz
The PTR Water Drench Hyaluronic Masks is one of my favorites! Essentially, it’s a gel mask that is formulated with a 20% Hyaluronic Acid Complex and nourishing ingredients like glycerin, aloe and Vitamin E. Upon application, the mask has a cooling effect to the skin. Being that it’s a hydrating mask without any active ingredients, I reached for this mask a couple of times a week. I would typically leave the mask on for 15-30 minutes and after it was removed my skin always felt really soft and hydrated! I’m so happy I have a back up of this one because I love using it!
Ingredients: Water/Aqua/Eau, Glycerin, Polysorbate 20, Carbomer, Propylene Glycol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Saccharide Isomerate, Sodium PCA, Sodium Hydroxide, Caffeine, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Citric Acid, Tocopheryl Acetate, Menthol, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Extract, Sodium Citrate, Menthoxypropanediol, Sodium Phytate, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Ethylhexylglycerin, FD&C Blue No. 1/CI 42090, Phenoxyethanol.
Herbivore Nova Vitamin C Serum
Price: $65 for 1 oz
I recently finished this vitamin c serum and put together in depth review that can be found in my Vitamin C Guide! I really enjoyed using this serum, but the price tag is a little high for a vitamin c serum that is formulated with vitamin c derivatives Vitamin C Guide Here
Peter Thomas Roth 24K Gold Pure Luxury Lift & Firm Hydra-Gel Eye Patches
Price: $75 for 60 patches
The PTR 24k Gold Eye patches are described as a luxurious gel eye patches that are used with colloidal gold, which is a suspension consisting of sub-micron gold nano particles that are suspended in a solvent.
The goal is to help combat fine lines, dryness and puffiness. I really enjoyed using these eye gels and I do think they work well with depuffing the eyes along with providing hydration. I think they’re great for a quick temporary fix. As much as I loved using these, there’s no way I can justify such a high price tag for the quantity of product. If you’re able to find these heavily discounted, then I would say give them a try. But I don’t think they’re worth $75.
Ingredients: Water/Aqua/Eau, Glycerin, Carrageenan, Butylene Glycol, Ceratonia Siliqua (Carob) Gum, Colloidal Gold, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Caffeine, Niacinamide, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder, Tocopheryl Acetate, Allantoin, Jania Rubens Extract, Adenosine, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil, Calcium Lactate, Xanthan Gum, Disodium EDTA, Peg-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Mica, Tin Oxide, Chlorphenesin, Phenoxyethanol, Gold (Ci 77480), Iron Oxides (Ci 77491), Titanium Dioxide (Ci 77891).
Price: $23 for 0.34 oz (mini size)
I’ve gone through so many jars of the Water Cream and I can easily still say this is still my favorite moisturizer!
If you’re interested in a full review it was previously mentioned in Oct’22 Empties post
The Inkey List Polyglutamic Acid Dewy Sunscreen SPF 30
Price- $14.99 for 1.7oz
I loved using this sunscreen so much. I have normal to combination skin and I didn’t find this to be heavy or leave behind a greasy feeling on my face. This was my go to use on days I stayed home, workout days and makeup days since it also serves as a primer. I also didn’t experience any sensitivity with it burning my eyes. This is well worth the price and I already have a back of it ready to go!
Hair Care Empties
Ouai Hydrating Scalp Serum for Healthy, Fuller Looking Hair
Price: $52 for 2oz
Described as a skincare-inspired serum that helps to balance and hydrate the scalp along with reducing shedding. The serum is more on the viscous side without being tacky or sticky. It feels like a thicker face serum. The serum is housed in a glass package and has dropper that it makes convenient to apply directly to the scalp. When using it a little bit of product goes a long way and easily spreads over the scalp. I really can’t say if it did much for regrowth, but it definitely helped with soothing my scalp. I feel like this is a product I would need to use for several months at a time to really see a difference. At this time I do not have any plans to repurchase as I’m focusing on hair supplements that are ingested and not applied topically.
Ingredients: Aqua / Water / Eau, Polysorbate 20, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Polyquaternium-7, Rhodiola Rosea Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Acetyl Tetrapeptide-3, Tocopherol, Rosa Centifolia Flower Extract, Dextran, Trifolium Pratense (Clover) Flower Extract, Acanthopanax Senticosus (Eleuthero) Root Extract, Rhaponticum Carthamoides Root Extract, Inonotus Obliquus (Mushroom) Extract, Selaginella Lepidophylla Extract, Ethylhexylglycerin, Disodium Edta, Sodium Hydroxide, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Citric Acid, Sodium Benzoate, Phenoxyethanol, Fragrance / Parfum, Eugenol, Limonene, Linalool.
Briogeo Scalp Revival Charcoal + Coconut Oil Micro-Exfoliating Scrub Shampoo
Price: $42 for 8oz
I’ve been using this shampoo for the past several years and I love it! It’s a sulfate free scalp scrub and shampoo all in one. It helps to detoxify and removed buildup from the scalp and hair. I typically used it once every 2 weeks or so when I wanted a deep cleanse. I feel like it did a great job at cleansing both my scalp and hair without leaving either feeling dry. I will most definitely be purchasing! Previously reviewed -September ’21 Empties
Mielle Organics Pomegranate & Honey Curl Refreshing Spray
Price: $12 for 8oz
At this point almost everything that I’ve tried from Mielle has been amazing! I picked up the Curl Refresher Spray on a whim when I was placing an order on the site. I wasn’t sure what to expect. The refresher spray is described as a curl refresher and this is how I used it. It worked so well to hydrate and revive my curls. I only needed to use a little but of product a time and this bottle lasted me 6 months!
The fact that this always left my hair feeling noticeably moisturized and revived my curls so well, I will most definitely be purchasing asap! I know this is going to be perfect for my hair during the winter months when my hair is craving humidity and hydration!
Ingredients: Water (Aqua, Eau), Glycerin (Vegetable), Methyl Gluceth-20, Acetamide Mea, Phenoxyethanol, Honey, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Polysorbate-20, Benzyl Alcohol, Linum Usitatissimum (Linseed) Seed Extract, Salvia Hispanica Seed Extract, Euterpe Oleracea (Acai) Fruit Extract, Punica Granatum (Pomegranate) Extract, Fragrance (Parfum), Silk Amino Acids, Panthenol, Limonene, Linalool, Citric Acid
Price: $60 for 8.5 oz
I’ve gone through so many bottles of the No.3 and it’s a staple in my routine. It worked wonders for my hair years ago when it was breaking off. Being that my hair is in a better and more stable condition, I only use this 1-2x per month! This is a product that’s a holy grail for me at this point and I will continue to repurchase!
If you’re interested in a depth review along with the other products I’ve tried from the brand, Reviewing my olaplex collection
Adwoa Beauty Baomint Deep Conditioning Treatment
Price: $39 for 16oz
The hair mask is aimed to moisturized dry hair and scalp. It’s formulated with Shea Butter, Prickly Pear and Pumpkin Seed Oil to help provide softness, manageability, detangling, and moisturize dry scalps. The treatment is recommended for those with dry and textured hair, which is me. It has a thick consistency and upon application to the scalp it gives off a cooling effect. I typically used this treatment 1x week or 1x every 2 weeks.
The Baomint Deep Conditioner always made my hair feel super soft afterwards and made my detangling process a lot easier. I also noticed that it really helped with keeping my hair feel moisturized for a longer period of time. This was one of my favorite treatments to use during the winter months due my hair being on the drier side during these months. The Baomint hair treatment lasted several months for me – even with me having a heavy hand when it comes to application. This is definitely a treatment I would consider repurchasing in the future.
Ingredients: Water (Aqua), Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter), Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Behentrimonium Methosulfate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Cetyl Alcohol, Glycerin, Glyceryl Stearate, Adansonia Digitata (Baobab) Oil, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, Opuntia Ficus Indica (Prickly Pear) Seed Oil, Cetyl Esters, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Centrimonium Chloride, Biotin, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Cucurbita Pepo (Pumpkin) Seed Oil, Phthalates Free Fragrance, Caprylyl Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Gaultheria Procumbens (Wintergreen) Oil, Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Oil, Mentha Viridis (Spearmint) Leaf Oil, Quaternium-80, Lavandula (Lavender) Spica Oil, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Oil, Menthol, Urtica Dioica (Nettle) Extract.
Bodycare Empties
Ouai St. Barts Cleansing Scalp & Body Sugar Scrub
Price: $40 for 8.8oz
At this point I’ve gone through several of these scrub, but in the Melrose Place scent. It’s hard to say which scent I like more. The St. Bart scent is more of a coconut tropical like scent. The scent blend has notes of dragon fruit, orange blossom, tuberose, and Baltic amber. The scrub itself is a sugar based in coconut oil. It works well to exfoliate the skin and almost leaves behind a trace of the coconut oil. I find that this preps my skin to shave after or to just leave it feeling super moisturized. I prefer to use this scrub on my body instead of hair and I also love how it makes my skin feel afterwards. If you’re wondering if I plan on repurchasing, I already did in the Melrose Scent a few months ago when it was on sale at Ulta! Previous Review in my January’ 23 Empties
Strivectin KP Care Bump Exfoliating Body Scrub
Price: $30 for 5oz
KP also known as a Keratosis Pilaris has been always been an issue for me. But since I’ve been able to try out more products and be more consistent with my body care routine, I’ve been able to see such a change. Unlike other KP Scrubs that I’ve tried in the past, the Strivectin is a physical and chemical exfoliant (lactic acid). The scrub is actually applied to dry skin prior to getting into the shower. A little product goes a long way. Immediately after using the scrub my skin always feel noticeably smoother. Over time it really helped with the appearance of the KP and helped to almost alleviate it certain areas.
This tube lasted me around 4 months. I really like that I was able to use the scrub several times a week without dealing with any skin irritation. My only con is the applying of the product prior to getting into the shower. I do think this method provided a better level of physical and chemical exfoliation since water is not incorporated into the process and diluting the formula. I would definitely repurchase this in the future.
Ingredients: Aqua/Water/Eau, Alumina, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Silica, Glycerin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Cetearyl Alcohol, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Stearyl Alcohol, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Propanediol, Betaine, Cellulose, Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate, Lactobacillus/Punica Granatum Fruit Ferment Extract, Lactic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Extract, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Helianthus Annuus Cera Seed (Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Wax), Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Myristyl Nicotinate, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Hull Powder, Cetearyl Glucoside, Dehydroxanthan Gum, Tocopherol, Glucose, Ethylhexylglycerin, Parfum/Fragrance, Citric Acid, Sodium Benzoate, Sodium Hydroxide, Potassium Sorbate, Benzyl Salicylate, Geraniol, Linalool [ILN 17765].
Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow AHA Pink Dream Body Cream
Price: $26 for 6.76oz
I reviewed the GR watermelon body cream last year, but since then they’ve now changed the packaging to a squeeze tube. This is such an improvement and now it’s easier to fully empty the tube without taking it apart. After trying it again, I still like it and I still feel the same way about not seeing a difference in my skin terms of the AHA’s that are included in the formula. Nonetheless, I still like it for overall moisturizing. I also think the pricing is right for the formula and the amount of product that’s given. April ’22 Empties -
Indie Lee Coconut Citrus Scrub
Price: $40 for 8oz
The Indie Lee Coconut Citrus scrub is a sugar based scrub in a coconut and jojoba oil mix. It gently exfoliates the skin and once rinsed away it leaves the skin moisturized. The scent mixture of the coconut and lemon together smells so good! I typically used the scrub once every week or so. I really enjoyed using this scrub and would love to repurchase it in the future.
Ingredients: saccharum officinarum (sugarcane), coco nucifera (coconut) oil, simmondsia chinensis (jojoba) oil, melissa officinalis (lemon balm), cymbopogon citratus (lemongrass), vanilla planifolia (vanilla)
Candle Empties
Birthdate Co. Personalized Birthday Candle
Price: $49.99 (use code 10Toni to save an additional 10% on your orders)
I purchased my birthdate candle about 2 years ago and burned it moderately. Mostly around the time of my birthday and when I felt different astrological shifts. I always thought this would be a great birthday gift for people who are into horoscopes and people who like to celebrate their birthdays in a symbolic way.
Each candle is personalized to reflect the date of the recipient’s birthday. Each date is personalized with information such facts about the sign, facts about people born on that particular day and a personalized reading and breakdown of their astrological sign.They also sell a birthdate book that interprets the astrological birth chart, birthday jewelry (ring & pendant), a tarot candle and a survive mercury retrograde candle.
Bath and Bodyworks Marshmallow Fireside Candle
Price: $26.95 for 3 wick
This is one of my favorite fall scents from Bath and Body Works. The scent blend of toasted marshmallow, smoldering woods, fire roasted vanilla and crystalized amber is perfect for the fall and winter seasons. The scent itself has a great throw and is very long lasting. Being that this a seasonal candle, the best time to pick them is now (late august - latter end of the year).
Nest Lime Zest & Matcha Candle
Price: $80 for 8oz 1 wick
Key Notes: Lime Zest, Green Tea, Clary Sage
Nest candles are some of my favorite! They burn well and are pretty long lasting with moderate usage. The Lime Zest and Matcha scent blend paired together so well. The scent blend is very much on the fresh side with a hint of citrus. This is a perfect candle to burn if you’re looking for a refreshing and uplifting scent.
Trader Joe’s Salted Caramel + Pistachio Scented Candle
Price: $3.99 for 5.7oz
The TJ’s Salted Carmel Pistachio is a major dupe of the classic Sol de Janeiro Cheriosa ’62. The vessel for the candle is a pink tin with a lid, which is great for storing the candle. The candle itself is on the smaller side and because of this I find the scent throw to be very light. I typically burned this for a few hours at a time and the scent was just barely there. This candle is probably best for burning in a smaller area or perhaps burning this alongside another candle. Nonetheless, I still like the scent. I have two backups that I’m looking forward to burning in the upcoming months.