January '25 Empties
As January has come to a close, it's time to reflect on the beauty empties I’ve accumulated over the month. This collection of used products showcases some favorites, as well as those that may not have met my expectations. From skincare essentials to haircare staples, each item tells a story of our beauty journey over the past weeks. Join me as I delve into the products I’ve finished and share my thoughts on their effectiveness and overall performance.
Face Care Empties
Fresh Beauty Soy Face Cleanser
Price: $39 for 5oz
Previously Reviewed – Sept 22 Empties
The Fresh Soy Cleanser is such a classic in the beauty community. I remember this being one of those products I first tried early in my skincare journey. The cleanser is a gentle, but effective cleanser. I really like that it has almost a clean cucumber scent to it.
The Soy cleanser does a great job to cleanse the skin, remove makeup, and always left my skin feeling clean and hydrated. I know many cleansers can often leave the skin feeling stripped, but I’m happy to say that this does not! I think the Soy cleanser is a good everyday morning/evening, or even both, type of cleanser. I like that the formula is pretty simple, and I do think it works for different skin types. This is more so a cleanser I would recommend to someone starting out in skincare that’s looking for something easy to use.
Josie Maran Facial Cleansing Oil Daily Moisturizing Cleanser
Price: $38 for 6oz
The Argan Melt-Away Cleansing Oil helps to remove makeup, spf, and dirt all whilst hydrates and nourishes the skin. The cleansing oil is formulated with a blend of Sunflower Seed, Grapeseed, and Grapefruit Seed Oil Blend and of course Argan oil.
The consistency is a bit thicker than other cleansing oils that I’ve tried in the past, but not out of the norm. One thing I found interesting about this cleansing oil is that when it’s rubbed into the skin it almost has a warming effect to the skin. I think the cleansing oil does a good job to remove light makeup looks, but if you’re someone who’s a heavy makeup wearer and use waterproof eye makeup, this may not be the best for you. I typically stored this cleanser in my shower, and I used it more so for my morning cleanse and after workouts. I do think the cleanser washed away well without leaving a residual feeling behind. I really like how soft and clean my skin felt after each use of it.
Josie Maran recently updated the look of their packaging, so this is the same product as The Josie Maran Argan Melt-Away Makeup Removing Cleansing Oil.
Kinship Insta Swipe Lemon Honey AHA Exfoliating Pads
Price: $26 for 45 pads
The Kinship Toner Pads are exfoliating pads that are aimed to resurface and smooth the skin. The formulation includes glycolic acid, manuka honey, probiotics, and lemon. The pad size is an average size and the quality is durable. Being that the these are exfoliating pads, and I really don’t need any additional exfoliating products in my skincare routine for my face, I decided to use these on my body. Some of the key areas that I used them on was my neck, chest, the back of my arms where I have keratosis pilaris present, and on my feet. These did such a great job at exfoliating these areas of my body without being too harsh on my skin. I saw great results in the areas of the back of my arms to help improve KP and exfoliating my feet. For the price point and how well they performed, I would definitely purchase them in the future.
Sunday Riley CEO Afterglow Brightening Vitamin C Moisturizer
Price: $65 for 1.7oz
The CEO Afterglow is a vitamin C based moisturizer that is said to moisturize and revitalize the skin. The vitamin C element incorporated into the moisturizer is THD Ascorbate, also known as Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, which is said to be 50x more powerful than standard L-ascorbic acid and to be more stable. The consistency of the cream feels more like a heavier water cream and feels more like a nice middle ground of not feeling too light or too heavy on the skin. I found the cream to be decently moisturizing, so much that I only used this moisturizer for nighttime skincare routines.
The cream has an orange tint to it, which I feel really enforces the notion of vitamin c. As I mentioned, I only used the cream during my night routines. During these routines I often have several layers of different products and serums on my face prior to applying the CEO Vitamin C moisturizer and never experienced any pilling with my products. The only physical attribute about the cream that I feel may be bothersome to some users is the scent. It smells almost like neroli citrus blend. I actually didn’t mind the scent, but I know many people are moving away from scented products and this one is pretty strong. It’s hard to say if this cream played a major role in brightening my skin being that I only used it a several times a week and I do use a separate vitamin C serum daily. But I can say that this cream always made my skin look and feel moisturized.
Laneige Cream Skin Refiner Mist
Price: $36 for 2.5oz
Described as ultra fine mist hydrates and helps strengthen skin's moisture barrier. I can easily say that it lived up to the full description of that and more! A few spritz from the mist went a long way, which is why I had it in my routine for such a long time. The refiner mist was a great multifunctional product, and I used it in my routine in the following ways: as a toner, an essence, a regular face mist, and as a light moisturizer. This has to be the most moisturizing face mist I have ever used! I typically used it in my night routines as a toner prior to using Tretinoin. In this manner it helped to moisturize my skin and provide barrier support prior to use tretinoin. I also really loved using the mist during the warmer months as a lightweight moisturizer. It’s really unfortunate that they decided to discontinue since it was such a well-loved product in my routine. Laneige still has their regular cream skin toner in their collection, which now has a spray applicator, but from what I’ve heard since they updated the packaging, the formula of the cream skin toner has now been changed to a formula that has a lighter consistency and is not as hydrating as the previous formula version.
Origins Mega-Mushroom Soothing Hydra-Mist with Reishi and Snow Mushroom
Price: $32 for 3.4oz
The Origins Mega Mushroom Hydra-Mist is a hydrating face mist that is formulated with Snow Mushroom, Reishi Mushroom, and Hyaluronic Acid. When combined these ingredients creates a “moisture magnet” that helps hydrate, plump, and boost the resilience of the skin. I like using face mists in my routine at different steps of my skincare routine. I typically used the Mega-Mushroom Mist immediately after washing my face in the morning and evening to help lock in moisture as my skin is on the dehydrated side and I tend to have an issue with moisture loss. I think the mist lives up to the claims of hydrating and soothing the skin and helped to plump my skin with each application. The mist is described as having a micro-fine mist, but I must disagree with this statement. This mister on this spray works okay, but the stream is not fine. So, if you were to apply this over top of your makeup, you would likely end up with a splotchy finish. I do think the mist is pricey for the ingredients, but I do think it worked well.
Fresh Sugar Face Polish Exfoliator
Price: $27 for 1.05oz
The Sugar Face Polish is a two in one face scrub that is formulated with brown sugar and wild strawberries to help gently exfoliate and brighten the skin.
For a while I’ve strayed away from physical exfoliators, but over time I realized this is something that is needed in my routine. With using Tretinoin and my skin experiencing a quicker cell turnover and just overall dry patches, I’ve found that a physical exfoliator helps to buff away dry skin that’s on the top layer of my skin. I had strayed away from physical exfoliators since many that I’ve tried in the past have been too abrasive along with incorporating chemical exfoliants. I’m happy to say this Fresh Face Polish is more on the gentle side. It gently helps to physically exfoliate my skin, and the strawberry scent smells so good. The mask is suggested to be massaged gently on damp skin and left on for 5-10 minutes. I used it 1x a week – sometimes once every 2 weeks. I found the mask really easy to use and remove. Once removed my skin feels really soft. For what it is, I do think the price point is a little high. I would purchase this in the future if it were on sale.
Ren Evercalm Ultra Comforting Rescue Mask
Price: $49 for 1.7oz
The Evercalm Rescue Mask is designed to instantly calm and soothe the skin. The mask is formulated with ingredients that help to protect the barrier of the skin by restoring the moisture of the skin. Unlike most conventional masks, this is not a mask you apply to the skin and wash off. The Evercalm has a thick consistency that’s almost like a paste/heavy cream. It’s recommended that the mask be applied to the skin, left on for 10 to 15 minutes, and then removed with a damp cloth. I typically applied this mask in my evening routines. Sometimes I used it before using Tretinoin and sometimes I used it own it’s own. I would apply a generous layer to my skin and let it sit on my skin from anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour. My goal was to let my skin soak up as much of the mask as possible. Once that step was completed, I would just wipe away any excess. I really enjoyed using this mask and I do think it’s a great option for those that have sensitive skin or barrier issues with their skin.
Cosrx Advanced Snail Hydrogel Eye Patch
Price: $28 for 60 patches
The Cosrx hydrogel eye patches are formulated with snail mucin, which is known to be a thick, gel like substance that helps to protect and repair the skin. Unlike other eye patches that I’ve tried, there’s actually 2 different size eye patches within the container, the different sizes are great for those that like to use eye patches under the eye and various areas of the face. The patches have a honeycomb texture, which I think helps to keep the patches in place. When I initially open any eye patches, I usually drain off some of the liquid. I know this sounds crazy, but I think the extra liquid makes the eye patches harder to stay in place. As for the results, I found this eye patches to be one of the most hydrating patches that I’ve used, and they do a great job at depuffing my undereyes. Being that I really loved these eye patches, I’ve already repurchased another jar. I really can’t recommend these enough!
Body Care Empties
Price: $24 for 4oz
The Herbivore Hot Coco is a limited-edition version of the Coco Rose Scrub. The Hot Coco version smells just like the name, hot chocolate. I love the level of physical exfoliation the scrub provides, and I think it does a great job in terms of gently exfoliation. I know many scrubs can leave the skin feel stripped, but this one includes coconut oil. When washed away it leaves behind a slight trace of the coconut oil, which helps to lock in moisture. I know these scrubs fall more on the pricey side, but I tend to see them go on sale at Sephora, Herbivore’s website, and a few other retailers!
Previous Review: Coco Rose Scrub – Summer ’22 Empties
Scented By Missi Cocoa Butter Cashmere Body Oil
Price: $27 for 6oz
I discovered Scented by Missi at Small Business Event, “Sip Shop Eat”, a few years ago. I had originally purchased this body oil in a small travel size and after finishing it I quickly purchased the full size. The scent blend of cocoa butter, olive wood, and coconut combines for such sweet cocoa butter scent. The scent gives me such a comforting feeling. As for the oil, I found that it moisturized my skin well and I really love the lingering scent that it left behind. When I originally purchased this bottle, it was only available in a plastic bottle with a pour out applicator. I really didn’t like the applicator and eventually transferred the product into bottle with a pump applicator. Since then, I see the packaging has been updated to a glass bottle with a pump. This makes me happy to see as I feel like this will make it easier to dispense the oil. I will most definitely by repurchasing another bottle in the upcoming months.
Previous Post: November & December ’22 Empties
Price: $112 for 3.38oz
Possibly the most expensive body oil that I ever used and thankfully this was gifted to me, because I couldn't fathom spending that much on a body care product, especially of this size. The body oil is said to deeply hydrate, soothe the skin, and helps reduce the appearance of cellulite and stretch marks. I do agree with the first two claims of the description, but I can’t say I noticed a different with cellulite and stretch marks, which are two things that I have and haven’t found much in terms of a topical treatment that can help diminish them. As for the overall performance of the oil I really loved and how well it moisturized my skin! Even though the body oil is on the smaller side, it lasted for several months with using it several times a week. This is a body oil that I loved for the summer – fall months.
Topicals High Roller Ingrown Hair Tonic with AHA and BHA
Price: $26 for 1.7oz
Previously Reviewed – November & December ’22 Empties
The Topical Roller has been in my routine for a few years now and since then I can’t remember how many of the rollers that I’ve gone through. I really love how easy the roller was to use, and I do think it did a pretty good job at keeping ingrowns away along with helping to fade previous dark spots that were left behind my previous ingrowns. At this time, I’m holding off on repurchasing it since I have a few other options in my collection that I would like to try out first.
Hair Care Empties
The Doux Mousse Def Texture Foam
Price: $16.49 for 7oz
Previously reviewed: February’ 23 Empties -
The Doux Texture Foam has been one of my favorite curly hair products! I’ve gone through quite a few bottles in the past year or so, and I’ve already repurchased another bottle since finishing this one. The foam does a great job to define my curls along with adding some hold. I know many people use this own its own, but I prefer to use layered over my regular curl creams/gels. Being that the foam has a really light consistency, I could see this working for different types of curls and hair densities.
Aunt Jackie's Coconut Creme Recipes Curl Boss Coconut Curling Gelee
Price: $11.00
Picked this up on a whim during on of my Marshall’s trip and I really ending up liking it! The Curl Boss is a thick curling gel (gelee) that is aimed for those that like to wear their hair in wash and go styles that have tight curl patterns. The coconut scent smells so good and thankfully the scent wasn’t overwhelming. The gel itself is more on the thicker side, which I think help to coat my hair strands better. With that being said I feel like the gel was able to somewhat weight my hair down, but I mean this in the best way possible! I’ve tried other gels in the past that often felt too light on my hair, which often left my hair looking very frizzy. As for the Curl Boss curling gelee, it did such a great job at making my curls look elongated along with helping to define my curls better. Being that the gel doesn’t contain alcohol/harsh ingredients, I never experienced any flaking or my feeling overly dry. I’ve also tried the curling gelee for sleek hair styles and it worked well for those styles as well. Based on the performance and the price point, I can’t recommend this product enough! Since finishing this jar, I’ve already picked up another!
The Doux Big Poppa Defining Gel
Price: $13.79 for 16oz
Being that I loved the Doux Texture Foam, I decided to give their hair gel a try. The defining gel is humidity-resistant, which helps to fight frizz. The formula provides a nice level of shine to my hair and works well to define my curls. Being that the gel is more on the lighter side, my curls always felt soft with a nice touchable hold. I really love that this gel doesn’t flake or leave a white residue on my hair like other gels that I’ve tried in the past. I really appreciate how well this gel layers with their foam. I’ve already repurchased the gel because I love the results that I get from it!
Briogeo Don’t Despair Rice Water Protein Treatment
Price: $44 for 5oz
The Briogeo Rice Water Treatment is designed to be used as once a week hair treatment for those that have severely damaged hair and is scientifically proven to strengthen the hair after one use. Rice water is known for promoting hair growth, strength, and shine. I often make my own rice water treatment, but it tends to be a lengthy process since it takes a few days for the rice water to ferment. Also, when using the treatment, I always have to follow up with a hydrating treatment since rice water treatments can be very drying on the hair.
With that said, the Briogeo treatment is a two in one of what I usually do on my own but wrapped into one product. One side of the Briogeo treatment has the rice water treatment and the other side has the moisture treatment. With each pump, both sides are dispensed together. Compared to the rice water treatment that I’ve made at home, I found the Briogeo treatment to be easier on my hair in terms of harshness. Overall, I do like how easy it is to use and how well it’s been formulated. However, I don’t think it should be used weekly, unless you’re instructed to by a hair professional. I would typically use this treatment every 2-3 weeks since my hair is color treated.
Previously Reviewed: January ’23 Empties
Fragrance & Candle Empties
Fenty Eau de Parfum Travel Spray
Price: $39
The Fenty fragrance is one of those scents that I feel like people either love it or they hate it. I’m very much amongst the population of those that love it! I initially purchased this travel size and since then I’ve already purchased the full size. Being that I’m a big rose lover, I had a feeling that I would really enjoy this one. Unlike other rose scents in my collection, there’s something about this rose blend, likely due to the incorporation of the Patchouli and Musk, that stands out to me. This is the type of scent I’ve worn year-round and for all seasons. I do think for most this would likely be more of an occasion or night scent. Being that I’m into more intense scents, I look at this as more of an everyday type of scent. I also love how long wearing the scent is!
Scent Breakdown: top notes are Blueberry and Tangerine; middle notes are Bulgarian Rose, Geranium and Magnolia; base notes are Patchouli and Musk.
Trader Joe’s Cedar Balsam Candle
Price: $3.99 for 5.7oz
Such a perfect candle for the winter holiday season. If you’re someone like me who doesn’t buy a real Christmas tree for their home, but still likes the distinctive fresh pine scent, then this would be one to check out. For a small size candle, it actually provided 20 hours of burn time. I think this small size was perfect for the foyer area in my home. The scent throw was perfect for a smaller area size. As with many of the Trader Joe items, this is a seasonal item, and only available during the winter holiday season. I’m pretty sure I’ll be purchasing one another this year.
Price: $15 for 15.1oz
This was such a perfect holiday scent. Holiday Spruce is aimed to smell like fresh balsam, but I feel like it smells a bit sweeter with a hint of spice. I really love Juniper Berries and I was happy to see that it was incorporated within the scent. For a 2 wick candle, this candle burned for such a long time! The scent also had a really nice throw and was able to fill a moderate sized room really well. Notes: Mandarin + Juniper Berry