Beauty and Etc.

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January '24 Empties

During the month of January I had so many repeats of products that I’ve used and loved in the past. But I’m also happy to say I discovered some great gems during the month. It’s really hard to narrow done a favorite from this bunch of empties, but if I only had to pick one, it would be the Kosas concealer. I go into detail within the post to break down why I love it so much.


Facial Skincare Empties

Farmacy Green Clean Cleansing Balm

try on video -

Price: $34 for 3.4oz

The Farmacy Green Clean Cleansing Balm has been a favorite of mine for years and since then I’ve gone through so many jars of it. I love that Green Clean removes all my makeup – including stubborn eye makeup, all whilst being very gentle on the eye area. Green Clean is made with key ingredients such as sunflower & ginger root oils to help melt away makeup, but also helps to replenish the skin at the same time. The incorporation of Turmeric, Moringa and Papaya helps with cleansing away impurities from the skin. I would say with everyday usage this tub lasted me about 3-4 months since a little but of product goes a lot further than you would think.

If you’re interested in trying out green clean or any other Farmacy Beauty products, you can use my promo code BEAUTYETCBLOG20 to save 20% on your orders!

Ingredients: Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, PEG-20 Glyceryl Triisostearate, PEG-10 Isostearate, Polyethylene, Echinacea Purpurea Root Extract, Carica Papaya (Papaya) Fruit Extract, Moringa Pterygosperma Seed Extract, Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil, Zingiber Officinale (Ginger) Root Oil, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Sorbitan Sesquioleate, Citrus Aurantifolia (Lime) Oil, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Fruit Oil, Glycerin, Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract, Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract, Corallina Officinalis Extract, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Oil, Amber Powder, Cananga Odorata Flower Oil, Coccinia Indica Fruit Extract, Solanum Melongena (Eggplant) Fruit Extract, Curcuma Longa (Turmeric) Root Extract, Ocimum Sanctum Leaf Extract, Water, Butylene Glycol, Disodium Phosphate, Citric Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Citral, Limonene, Linalool.

 

Charlotte Tilbury Invisible UV Flawless Primer SPF 50

Price: $55 for 1oz

The CT Invisible UV Flawless Primer SPF is probably the second most expensive sunscreen that I’ve ever tried! This is a hybrid formula that serves as the last step in your skincare routine that provides sunscreen protection along with being the first step in your makeup routine as a primer. The formula contains a broad spectrum of SPF 50, vitamin c and e along with hyaluronic acid. I more so used this as a sunscreen, and I found to be moisturizing for my combo (normal-oily skin). With that being said, I typically used about 2 finger lengths of product per application since the sunscreen is on the thicker side. The sunscreen applied smoothly, and I can say my makeup applied over it very well! I do think this sunscreen primer can be correlated with my makeup lasting longer throughout the day. I really loved using this formula since is served as a moisturizer, sunscreen, and primer for me.

My cons about this are the size and price! The 1 oz size is significantly smaller than most sunscreens and even primers. With sunscreens an adequate amount of product is needed per application (1 teaspoon for the face and neck) to ensure that you’re getting enough coverage. As for the price $55 for a primer or sunscreen is very expensive! I really do enjoy the formula and seeing it working for so many different skin types. If you’re able to get this discounted, I would highly recommend it.

Ingredients: Aqua/Water/Eau, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Butylene Glycol, Diethylhexyl Succinate, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Glycerin, Octocrylene, Dextrin Palmitate, Pentylene Glycol, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Phenoxyethanol, Peg-60 Glyceryl Isostearate, Marrubium Vulgare Extract, Titanium Dioxide (Ci 77891), Polyglyceryl-2 Triisostearate, Talc, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose Stearoxy Ether, Polysorbate 60, Sorbitan Isostearate, Agar, Tocopherol, Xanthan Gum, Iron Oxides (Ci 77492), Isopropyl Titanium Triisostearate, Aluminum Hydroxide, Sodium Hyaluronate, Iron Oxides (Ci 77491), Khaya Senegalensis Bark Extract, Maltodextrin, Citric Acid, Bht, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Camellia Oleifera (Camellia) Seed Oil, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Rosa Canina Fruit Oil, Sodium Hydroxide, Iron Oxides (Ci 77499), Plumeria Alba Flower Extract, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Leaf Extract, Solanum Tuberosum (Potato) Pulp Extract, Ascorbyl Dipalmitate.

 

Glow Recipe Plum Plump Hyaluronic Cream

Price: $40 for 1.7oz

The Glow Recipe Plum Plump Cream is said to hydrate, plump and balance the skin. The cream has a whipped gel cream texture. Some of the key ingredients in the formula are Plum (antioxidants), Polyglutamic Acid (hydrating peptide) and Hyaluronic Acid (moisture). Once applied to the skin, the cream gives me more of the feel of a watercream. Most creams like this -especially water creams, are known for being hydrating with a decent level of hydration. The Plum Plump Cream feels somewhat light on the skin, absorbs beautifully, but provides a great level of moisture.  Being that my skin is on the normal to oily side, I typically used this cream for my nighttime skincare routines. I do think if you skin type is more on the dry to normal side you would be able to use this during the day for a good level of moisture.

I really like that GR Plum Plump Cream has a refillable pod that can easily be removed once the moisturizer has been removed. The refill pods are priced are priced a little lower since you’re not paying the full cost of buying the entire packaging again. The cream also comes in a mini size for travel. Overall, I really like this cream and it kind of reminds me of the Tatcha Water Cream but its half the price and just a tad bit more moisturizing.

Ingredients: Water/Aqua/Eau, Propanediol, Glycerin, C13-15 Alkane, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, C9-12 Alkane, Prunus Domestica Seed Oil*, Pentylene Glycol, Squalane, Terminalia Ferdinandiana Seed Oil*, Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Davidsonia Jerseyana Fruit Extract*, Terminalia Ferdinandiana Fruit Powder*, Podocarpus Elatus Fruit Extract*, Polyglutamic Acid, Pleiogynium Timoriense Fruit Extract*, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Epilobium Fleischeri (Alpine Willowherb) Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Niacinamide, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Xylitylglucoside, Isononyl Isononanoate, Caprylyl Glycol, Anhydroxylitol, Cetearyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Stearate, Arginine, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Chloride, Xylitol, Stearic Acid, Tremella Fuciformis Polysaccharide, Sodium Lauroyl Glutamate, Eclipta Prostrata Extract, Glucose, Potassium Phosphate, Butylene Glycol, Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract, Hydroxypropylcellulose, Alaria Esculenta Extract, Sodium Phosphate, Potassium Chloride, Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract, Corallina Officinalis Extract, 1,2-Hexanediol, Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil, Coccinia Indica Fruit Extract, Citric Acid, Potassium Sorbate, Solanum Melongena (Eggplant) Fruit Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Flower Extract, Gluconolactone, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Curcuma Longa (Turmeric) Root Extract, Ocimum Basilicum (Basil) Flower/Leaf Extract, Ocimum Sanctum Leaf Extract, Silica, Sodium Hydroxide, Sodium Benzoate, Phenoxyethanol, Fragrance/Parfum

 

Shiseido Facial Cotton Squares

Price: $16 for 165 squares

Another item that is pretty much a staple within my beauty routine is the Shiseido Facial Cotton Squares. I also like the Chanel ones, but the Shisedo cotton squares are a little bit more affordable than those. The cotton squares are very durable and it feels very soft on the skin. These are my go to use with toners and micellar water. I tend to pick up these cotton square discounted at Marshall’s or TjMaxx.


Makeup Empties

 Essence Volume Booster Lash Primer

Price: $4.99

This lash primer will forever be in staple in my makeup routine. I typically repurchases these in 2’s because the price is so good!

Previously Reviewed – Top 10 Beauty Products of 2021


Kosas Beauty Revealer Super Creamy + Brightening Concealer with Caffeine and Hyaluronic Acid

Price: $30

Previously Reviewed – June’22 Empties

The Kosas concealers are some of my favorite. I find the formula to be very hydrating with light coverage. These two bottles that I had open for quite some time, so I would deem these more as expired. Even with frequent usage, the concealer lasted for a very long time! The Kosas Revealer concealer is available in 38 shades with variations of Neutral, Warm and Cool tones.


Body Care Empties

Herbivore Coco Mint body scrub

Price: $24 for 4oz

Previously ReviewedSummer Empties ’22 -

One of my favorite body scrubs for scent and quality! The Coco Mint scent was a holiday seasonal scent and may still be around!

Ingredients: Sucrose, caprylic/capric triglyceride, cocos nucifera (coconut) oil, butyrospermum parkii (shea) butter, cetearyl olivate, sorbitan olivate, limnanthes alba (meadowfoam) seed oil, jojoba esters, moringa oleifera seed oil, melia azadirachta leaf extract, eclipta prostrata extract, fragrance parfum *, linalool, iron oxides (ci 77491)

 

L’Occitane Almond Cleansing and Softening Shower oil

Price: $29 for 8.4oz

The L’Occitane Shower oil gives such luxe vibes. The almond scent is present, but not overwhelming. Once the oil is emulsified with water it quickly transforms into a foamy wash. After using it my skin always feels so soft and so smooth. I really loved it so much, which is why is was one of my TOP Products for 2023-

Ingredients: Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil, Tipa-Laureth Sulfate, Laureth-3, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Parfum/Fragrance, Cocamide Mea, Propylene Glycol, Sorbitan Oleate, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Fruit Oil, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Tocopherol, Aqua/Water, Limonene, Coumarin Linalool.

  

Trader Joe’s Brazilian Nut Body Wash

Price: $5.99 for 16oz

The Trader Joe’s Brazilian Nut Body Wash, which seems to be a scent dupe for the Sol de Janeiro Cheirosa 62. The body wash is housed in a large bottle with a pump that made it very easy to dispense. The body wash has a creamy consistency that foams up well. It did a great job at cleansing my body along with moisturizing my skin. I really enjoyed the scent of the body wash and $6 was such a great price for some much product. I do think I would repurchase this in the future, but likely in the travel size.

Ingredients: WATER, SODIUM COCOYL ISETHIONATE, COCAMIDOPROPYL BETAINE, ACRYLATES COPOLYMER , COCAMIDE MIPA, GLYCERIN, FRAGRANCE, BERTHOLLETIA EXCELSA (BRAZIL NUT) SEED EXTRACT, SODIUM CHLORIDE, GLYCOL DISTEARATE, SODIUM BENZOATE, PHENOXYETHANOL, BERTHOLLETIA EXCELSA (BRAZIL NUT) SEED OIL, POTASSIUM SORBATE, TETRASODIUM GLUTAMATE DIACETATE, COCOS NUCIFERA (COCONUT) OIL, BUTYROSPERMUM PARKII (SHEA) BUTTER, TOCOPHEROL, ALOE BARBADENSIS LEAF EXTRACT, ALTHAEA OFFICINALIS ROOT EXTRACT,, CENTELLA ASIATICA EXTRACT, CHAMOMILLA RECUTITA (MATRICARIA) FLOWER EXTRACT,CITRUS AURANTIUM DULCIS (ORANGE) PEEL EXTRACT, CITRUS GRANDIS (GRAPEFRUIT) FRUIT EXTRACT, CITRUS AURANTIUM DULCIS (ORANGE) PEEL EXTRACT, CITRUS GRANDIS (GRAPEFRUIT) FRUIT EXTRACT, CITRUS LIMON (LEMON) PEEL EXTRACT, CYMBOPOGON SCHOENANTHUS LEAF/STEM EXTRACT, EQUISETUM ARVENSE EXTRACT, HUMULUS LUPULUS (HOPS) EXTRACT, ROSMARINUS OFFICINALIS (ROSEMARY) LEAF EXTRACT, SALVIA SCLAREA (CLARY) EXTRACT, VACCINIUM MYRTILLUS FRUIT/LEAF EXTRACT, YUCCA SCHIDIGERA LEAF/ROOT/STEM EXTRACT.


 Candles and Etc.

Glow Recipe Watermelon Dew Candle

Price: $24 for 4oz

Notes: Watermelon + Bergamot + Amber

Glow Recipe and Mala the Brand Candle have collaborated to make a Watermelon Dew Candle. The candle scent is inspired by the Glow Recipe Watermelon line. As with Mala the Brand candle this one is housed in a cute little tin vessel. But unlike the typical Mala candles, the Glow Recipe Watermelon candle has a cotton wick. For such a small candle this one really packs a punch! I feel like it lasted a decent amount of time and burned well. These candles are limited edition and exclusive to Glow Recipe. I would highly recommend picking them up sooner than later if you’re thinking of getting one.

 

Otherland Matchpoint Candle

Price: $40 for 8oz (55 hours of burn time)

Notes of Tennis Balls• Cut Grass• Cucumber

The Matchpoint scent is from the Beach Club Collection. I’m not sure how notes of tennis balls are supposed to smell, but I can say Matchpoint smells lovely, and I found the scent to be very uplifting. I do get the freshness from the cucumber and cut grass, but the scent also has a slightly sweet element to it. The Otherland candles are made with a coconut and soy wax formula. I find that they burn evenly and clean. The scent throws on these candles are amazing! It noticed that the cold throw (the scent the candle gives off before/after its burned) was so good too! In my opinion the Otherland candles are of very good quality, and I love how fragrant they are!

 

Eriness Sunshine Candle

Price: $58 for 14oz

I was gifted the Eriness Sunshine candle last year. I discovered in a goodie bag from a brand event not related to Eriness. Prior to this I was not familiar with the brand. From my gathering the brand focuses on jewelry and other accessories. Unfortunately the candle is no longer on the site, so it’s hard to exactly pinpoint the scent notes of the candle. I can say the candle smells so good. The scent is sweet and a little fruity and gives off an uplifting vibes, which I can see why the name Sunshine to be so fitting. I tried burning it in several areas of my home and I found that area near my front door to be a perfect spot. In other areas I felt like I almost struggled to actually smell the fragrance of the candle. In this area, the fragrance stood out and lingered so well. Every time I would walk past the front door or whenever I would enter my home, I would get a nice whiff of the scent. This is a candle I would love to have in my collection again, but I can’t seem to find anything about it on the website.

Eco Styler Black Castor Oil Gel

Price: $5.00

The Eco Styler Gel in the Black Castor Oil has been a long time favorite of mine. I’ve tried pretty much all of all of the different variations, but the black castor oil is really top tier. It provides a nice soft hold that actually helps to control frizz and keep my curls in place. I never had any issues with flaking or my hair feeling stiff or hard when using it. I typically use this gel for slick back buns and sometimes to curly styles for an extra bit of hold. Being that I use this more on the sparingly side, I go through a jar maybe like 2-3 times a year. At this point it’s a staple for me and as soon as I finish one, I purchase another. If you want to know more about it along with some of my other haircare favorites, check out out my previous post.

Further ReadingRide or Die Hair Care Favorites -

 

Gummy Professional Styling Hair Wax

Price: $8.00

The Gummy Hair Wax really lives up to its claim of having an ultra-hold! This is possibly the best edge control/styling wax that I ever used! The hair wax has smells so good and works so well for very textured hair like mine. I’ve used it for slick back buns and for slicking down baby hair. With a hold of this caliber, I was afraid that it would flake or leave a noticeable looking residue, but I’m happy to say that it doesn’t. I have the pink/reddish color version and it actually smells quite good! After further researching the styling wax, I’m happy to see that it contains panthenol, which is known for strengthen the hair, along with the formula being more on the moisturizing side. Right before I finished this jar, I made sure to purchase a backup, because I didn’t want to be without it.

 

Got2b Ultra Glued Invincible Styling Gel

Price: $2.99 for 1.25oz

The Got2b styling gel was once a favorite of mine. I really loved how well it held my hair in place for slick styles, but utilmately I really disliked how much it flakes and how much of a white residue it would leave on my hair. I was able to find products that worked better for my hair without being so drying and leaving such a heavy white residue on my hair.

Vegamour GRO Biotin Gummies for Thinning Hair

Price: $36 for 30 gummies

The Vegamour GRO gummies may just be one of the tastiest gummies that I’ve tried thus far! These gummies taste like strawberry and aim to provide stronger hair and nails and support the skin. They’re formulated with some of the common active ingredients that are usually in most hair vitamins like – biotin, vitamin b5,6, 12 and vitamins a, c and e. This bottle is only a 1-month supply and according to their recommended advice, results can be noticed in as little as 3 months, which lets me know that a 1-month supply is not enough time to see a difference from.  During my 1 month of usage, I noticed that I had less hair shedding during this time. I would be interested in in revisiting these hair gummies if I was able to complete a minimum of 3 months of continue usage.

Ingredients: Vitamin A (Acetate), Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid), Vitamin D-3 (Cholecalciferol), Vitamin E (D-Alpha Tocopherol) Acetate, Vitamin B-6 (Pyridoxine Hcl), Vitamin B-9 (Folic Acid), Vitamin B-12 (Cyanocobalamin), Vitamin B-7 (Biotin), Choline (Choline Bitartrate), Vitamin B-5 (As D-Calcium Pantothenate), Zinc (Zinc Citrate), Iodine (Potassium Iodide), Inositol, Tapioca Syrup, Cane Sugar, Distilled Water, Dextrose, Citric Acid (Anhydrous), Natural Flavors And Colors, Mct Oil.

 

HUM Nutrition Private Party

Price: $26 for 30 capsules

The Private Party supplement supports vaginal and urinary tract health. The supplement consists of cranberry fruit extract, probiotics and 10 bn organism. I’m aware of how cranberry helps to support the urinary tract, but the other probiotics I’m not familiar with. The directions only called for 1 capsule daily, so it was fairly easy to take and implement into my routine. I can say I was on antibiotics while using it for a period of time and didn’t have any issues. I really done have any complaints about it and would seriously consider repurchasing it in the future.


 Monthly Empties Total: $422.97


Monthly Blog Giveaway

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RULES TO ENTER:

+ The Giveaway is open from now until Monday 02/12/2024 and is open to those that reside in the USA and Canada

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This Month’s Giveaway Prize is everything featured in the giveaway picture + and of course I’ll be throwing in some extras !!