Monday, February 29, 2016

Empties Post Volume XLI: February 2016

Press Sample/GWP/Purchased (Affiliate Links)

As you might recall, back in December I discovered that I would actually reach for largely used-up products if I placed them in on my bathroom counter and had to see them each day. It worked so well, in fact, that I did it in January and February, and will continue doing so. As a result of this new system, I managed to use up a nice pile of full size products in February. Here is what I used:

For the Face:

1) Koh Gen Do Pure Cotton Pads ($12.00 for a pack of 60 from Barneys New York, Nordstrom, B-Glowing and Sephora): Best invention since sliced bread, seriously! These are, hands down, the best cotton pads that I have ever used. They are soft and thick, and ultra effective.

Made from cotton that has not been chemically treated, bleached, or pigmented, these medical-grade cotton pads easily come apart in layers when wet, allowing more surface use when removing makeup or saturating it with a toner or skin lotion for a mini facial. The extra thickness and durability add a soft cushion for those with sensitive skin.

The cotton used for this product was raised without the use of chemical fertilizer or pesticides to ensure pure, safe, superb quality.

2) Burt's Bees Sensitive Facial Cleansing Towelettes ($5.99 from Drugstore.com, Walgreens, Ulta and Target): I am a huge proponent of cleansing towelettes, and I absolutely love the ones from Burt's Bees. These are super gentle on the skin and are perfect to remove makeup on those nights when you are too tired for your whole skincare routine. They are also my go-to during swatchfests since they are so gentle, and they remove every stitch of makeup without irritating my skin.

3) The Organic Pharmacy Antioxidant Face Firming Serum ($160.00 from Barneys New York and Selfridges. Reviewed HERE): I love this antioxidant-rich anti-aging oil so much that I have already purchased another one. First, it must be said that this beautiful oil has the intoxicating scent of Sweet Orange- therefore upon application you are assured of a magnificent and visceral sensory experience. This brilliant concoction boasts a high concentration of the powerful Alpha Lipoic Acid, a known powerful antioxidant, that helps to prevent cell damage by scavenging free-radicals. The high concentration of Rose Hip Oil is rich in transretinoic acid and essential fatty acids, and is clinically proven to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, and also helps to reduce scarring over time. Sweet Orange helps prevent capillary fragility, and Carrots are rich in Beta Carotene (part of the Vitamin A family), and are rich antioxidants that protects the skin against free-radicals. Lemon (Citrus Limonum) lifts, tones and exfoliates the skin, and does so in an immediately visible way. This is also to say nothing of the fact that my skin is left soft, supple, and deeply moisturized and hydrated.

This combination of ingredients, along with those that I didn't enumerate, create a powerful cocktail that has visibly changed the texture and clarity of my skin. There is a notable lifting effect in that my expression lines are radically softened, and my skin has an unprecedented radiance and clarity. I would describe this oil as one that stimulates circulation because my skin has the type of radiance that is not superficial, but one instead that causes my skin to have a rosy radiance as though lit from within. 

4) Reviva Labs Hyaluronic Acid Serum ($18.69-$21.99 from Ulta, Beauty Encounter and GNC. Reviewed HERE): Used alone the Hyaluronic Acid Serum is a fantastic moisture booster that can be used in conjunction with your daily moisturizer. It restores comfort and moisture to the skin while simultaneously plumping fine lines. The difference is quite remarkable.

5) Asbury Apothecary Gentle Exfoliating Facial Cream ($40.00 for 4 oz. Reviewed HERE): I am always on the lookout for great exfoliators to share with you, and now have another to add the list of worthy contenders. Asbury Apothecary Gentle Exfoliating Facial Cream is an exceedingly effective exfoliator that removes dead skin cells, unclogs congested pores, and leaves skin velvety soft, smooth and hydrated. It boasts a dense concentration of tiny exfoliating particles, and it is so effective that it requires only the very lightest hand to achieve outstanding results.

6) Bare Love Face Luxury Skin Fuel Night-Time Recovery Treatment ($58.00 from Birchbox. Reviewed HERE): It looks and feels like a gel, but behaves like an oil as it effortlessly melts into the skin. It has the intoxicating and delectable scent of Vanilla Planifolia that is both comforting and pleasant. As with all face oils, I massage this one into freshly cleaned skin that it still warm and damp. This not only assures that it penetrates deeper into the skin, but also is far more economical because this method requires far less product. While one pump is recommended, I find that I need far less for my face, neck and décolleté. 

7) TATCHA Radiant Deep Brightening Serum ($ from TATCHA and Barneys New York. Reviewed HERE): This lovely serum hydrates and brightens the skin, and gives it an overall evenness in tone. I absolutely love this serum.

A hydrating, brightening serum powered by time-tested Asian botanicals to bring color clarity and radiance to the skin. Contains licorice root, jujuba, scutellaria and silk extracts as well as squalane and HADASEI-3 Bioactive Complex, a proprietary blend of rice bran, green tea and red algae extract.

Formulated without mineral oil, synthetic color, synthetic fragrances, sulfate detergents, parabens, PEGs, PPGs, urea, DEA, TEA or phthalates. Ideal for combination skin.

8) Radical Skincare Eye Revive Cream ($125.00 from Barneys New York, Saks Fifth Avenue, Space NK, Skin StoreBloomingdale's and Harrods. Reviewed HERE): As I have said time and again- I am very discriminating when it comes to what I want and need in an eye cream. I want a deeply nourishing and hydrating eye cream that decreases the appearance of dark circles, that reduced puffiness on the days that I don't sleep enough, and that keeps fine lines at bay. To complicate my list of needs further, I prefer an eye cream lighter in texture that can stand up against the richest eye creams with respect to performance. I also don't want it to have petrolatum and mineral oil together at the top the the list of ingredients because that combination is the perfect storm for giving me milia.

Radical Skincare Eye Revive Cream leaves my delicate eye area nourished, moisturized, free of dark circles, free of puffiness, the skin is taut, the fine lines are radically reduced, and there is an unprecedented clarity. Furthermore, no milia whatsoever!

9) Korres Greek Yoghurt Foaming Cream Cleanser ($26.00 from Sephora and Skin Store): I only had the one sample packet to try, but I managed to get several uses out of it and really liked it a lot. Enough, in fact, that I am contemplating buying a tube! I tried it will my FOREO LUNA and it worked wonderfully. It has a lovely creamy lather that isn't in the least bit drying!
For the Hair and Body:

10) Bodycology Moroccan Sunset Moisturizing Body Wash (Reviewed HERE): This is a non-stripping moisturizing cleanser that leaves the skin soft and thoroughly cleansed. It has a warm fruity floral scent that makes the whole bathroom smell great.

The sensual fragrance of sweet passionfruit and blooming hibiscus flowers leave you feeling exotic and inspired. Our ultra moisturizing body wash is formulated with Shea Butter & Vitamin E to keep skin feeling hydrated and irresistably smooth.

11) Maple Holistics Argan Special Formula Shampoo (Reviewed HERE): This is a very gentle moisturizing shampoo that thoroughly cleanses hair without stripping it, and without leaving a heavy greasy film behind. The blend of six oils used (Argan, Peach Kernel, Jojoba, Avocado, Camellia Seed and Almond) nourish, condition and moisturize the scalp and hair– leaving it manageable and tangle free. It has a subtle, light and warm scent that is a fusion of the six oils in conjunction with the honey and vanilla, but it isn't in the least overpowering. This nourishing formula is a good choice for all types of hair, and if is gentle enough for people with dry hair. My naturally curly hair is softer and is less prone to frizziness since I began using this shampoo and conditioner.

12) Maple Holistics Argan Conditioner (Reviewed HERE): This is an ultra-nourishing, yet lightweight, conditioner that leaves my hair soft, shiny, frizz-free, moisturized and manageable. It is one of those rare conditioners that permits me to comb my curly hair without the aid of additional products, and that is no small feat. It has a light and pleasant nondescript scent that does not linger, and therefore will not bother those sensitive to scents.

13 & 14) Fake Bake Mistifier Moisturizer Body Spray ($7.99 from Overstock.com. Reviewed HERE): Fake Bake Oil-Free Mistifier Moisturizer Body Spray is a very refreshing spray moisturizer, and while it is, in part, intended to be used to preserve tanning treatments (be it spray tans or real tans)-- I find that it does a stupendous job hydrating my skin during the warm weather. It is non-greasy and fast absorbing, but it is also fun to use. When you initially spray Mistifier it foams a bit and when the bubbles evaporate on the skin they have a refreshing cooling effect. I found that I had two half used cans in rotation, and managed to use up both this month.

15) Noodle & Boo Healthy Hand Wash ($12.00 from Beauty Encounter. Reviewed HERE): This is a very gentle soap-free hand wash that thoroughly cleans, but is so gentle that it never strips the skin. Hands are left luxuriously soft, supple and hydrated, and the delicate soft scent is subtle and barely-there.

Make good hygiene fun and help keep little ones germ-free and healthy. Soap-free formula is fortified with vitamins A, C and E, which nourish skin between washings.

16) Trader Joe's Lavender & Chamomile Hand Soap: This remains one of my very favorite hand soaps, and I can't recommend it highly enough! I buy them 4 at a time, and love that this soap leaves hands soft and supple instead of dry and chapped.

17) Molton Brown Suma Ginseng Body Wash ($30.00 from Molton BrownBarneys New YorkBeauty Expert, Beauty.com, Harrods, Skin Store, Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue and Lord & Taylor): This is a really lovely masculine woodsy scented body wash that is delightful to use.

18) evenhealy Sweet Blossom Hydrating Body Oil (Reviewed HERE): This is a deeply nourishing, immediately hydrating, and long-lasting moisturizer. My skin is left luxuriously soft and supple as well as silky smooth to the touch. Dry skin is quickly softened, soothed and hydrated– while the senses are treated to the gorgeous fresh scent. Furthermore, Sweet Blossom Hydrating Body Oil can be used as a massage oil and a scalp treatment oil. I love using it as a hand moisturizer underneath a heavy cream, and my chapped over-washed winter hands no longer look or feel dry or parched.

19) CapriClear 100% Coconut Oil Spray ($16.99-$19.99 from Walgreens and Drugstore.com. Reviewed HERE): This is a safe and effective spray oil that leaves my dry winter skin moisturized, soft and supple. I spray it on damp skin immediately following a shower and it makes my skin feel fantastic. On days when it is particularly cold I prefer to layer it under a rich cream or body butter, but generally it offers more than enough moisture. This is a really lovely moisturizer, however if you have a sensitivity or allergy to coconut in any form then this product should be strictly avoided.

What did you use up, give away, toss out, or return in February? Any winners or losers to report?
Copyright © 2016 www.lolassecretbeautyblog.com All Rights Reserved.


36 comments:

  1. Empties!! These are among my favorite posts. They show me what other bloggers like :) ...well, and don't like haha

    ReplyDelete
  2. You had an exceptionally successful month using up empties, Helen! I still have a lot of Maple Organics Conditioner to use up. And I need to buy some Burt's Bees facial wipes. I like them too. This month was a slower month for empties for me, but I've gotta write 'em up.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I did, and it is because gathering up a bunch of nearly empty products and placing them on the counter is a constant reminder to finish them up. I am doing that from now on! I have a bottle of the Maple Organics Shampoo left, but no conditioner. I may have to purchase the conditioner because I liked it so much. The Burt's Bees Facial wipes are definitely among my favorites. I have a new package that I need to open, and will definitely replenish once I use that one up as well! I can't wait to see what you finished up in February!

      Delete
  3. How does the Organic Pharmacy oil compare with the ones from Sisley, Tatcha and Colbert MD? I have been using the one by Vintner's Daughter and I can't tell you how great my skin feels! I know you are one of the few who wouldn't choke at the price, so maybe give it a try!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It is most definitely comparable in quality, and is definitely an oil that you need to try at some point. Read my full review, who you get a chance. As you can imagine I have piles of luxury face oils, but this one is so special that I purchased a new bottle as soon as this bottle was getting close to empty!

      I actually have been testing the Vintner's Daughter Oil for about a month, and am getting read to review it. I absolutely LOVE it as well! You are quite right, I don't tend to flinch at the cost with luxury oils, and have purchased a great many that are quite expensive!

      Delete
    2. I think I may have mentioned the Vintner's Daughter to you once in the past. What made you try it? Doesn't it make your skin glorious?

      Delete
    3. The company sent it to me for review a while ago. It really does make my skin feel glorious! I absolutely love it!

      Delete
  4. Wow! You used up so many products. And these are all AMAZING!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. My new method of keeping near empties on the counter has been the single best way that I have devised to actually finish them up. Out of sight, out of mind!

      Delete
  5. Replies
    1. Thanks, Kristin! It felt really great to recycle so many full size containers!

      Delete
  6. You did amazing. Doesn't it hurt to finish up the really expensive items? I just want them to renew themselves in the bottles!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Marcia! It definitely does! It's amazing how easy it is to toss out the empty containers of the really affordable stuff, but how there is always a bit of whimpering when those luxury products get finished up!

      Delete
  7. I love seeing your empties post. I have one coming up but you won by hundred miles :-)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, twinsy. I can't wait to see what you used up in February! I swear to you, keeping a pile of nearly empty products on a counter top where you see it all of the time works like a charm! :-)

      Delete
  8. Hmm well at least that Reviva Labs serum did something for you. It didn't really help me with my dehydrated skin unfortunately.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Wow, really?! The Hyaluronic Acid didn't work for you? I really have great such with it.

      Delete
  9. What a great lineup of empties. You make everything sound fantastic. :D

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Erika! I really liked everything here. I am pretty bad about finishing things that I don't like because I basically don't want to use them!

      Delete
    2. You have so many products...why would you even use the stuff you don't like? Bless someone else and it might just be perfect for them......

      Delete
    3. Honestly, I don't really bother with the stuff that I don't like. I do, however, review some things that are great quality that might be a better for for other people.

      Delete
  10. Really interested in the Organic Pharmacy range. Hope to get some at the Barney's Love Yourself event. Can't believe it's only a week away and not a lot of info yet. Are you going to make a post about it?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The Organic Pharmacy is absolutely amazing, and this facial oil is so great that I bought a replacement bottle before I finished this one. Yes, I am currently working on my BIG Mega BNY LOVE YOURSELF post, as usual. I need to get a little more information, and still need to get information on a few more Step-Up gifts. I will post it very soon!

      Delete
    2. We are all waiting for whatever information you have already!!!

      Delete
    3. It is coming soon. I have a few more things to add, and will continually update!

      Delete
  11. Thank you! Can't wait for your post. Also eyeing the Organic Pharmacy Carrot Butter! The texture looks amazing.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. My pleasure, A! YES, I have, and love their Carrot Butter. I still need to review it, but it is absolutely amazing!

      Delete
  12. I just finished my second bottle of that Reviva Labs Hyaluronic Acid. I did enjoy it the first time to repurchased it. You have a lot of empties girl :D

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Isn't it a great product?! I definitely am finding my new method of placing close to empty products on my counter to be a great method!

      Delete
  13. Such a great section of empties! I definitely need the coconut oil spray in my life.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Bailey! You should definitely give that coconut oil a try! I am already using another bottle!

      Delete
  14. Those cotton pads sound like a dream! I hate the ones I get from the drugstore. That Korres foaming cleanser sounds wonderful too!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. They are absolutely AMAZING! Yeah, a lot of the ones from the drugstore fall apart so quickly. I was very impressed by the Korres cleanser, and I seldom comment based upon a single packet, but this one really impressed me!

      Delete
  15. I'm trying to use up items before purchasing any more. I have so many samples of perfume. So far it's working.

    In February, I used up:

    -Victoria's Secret Sugared Lilacs shower gel from the Sugared Florals collection
    - Blooddrop rose and green tea mini face wash
    - Epically Epic Green Flash lip balm

    The lip balm was good as usual. I liked the face wash too but don't think I'll be repurchasing as the Canadian dollar is so low and shipping is super expensive. This has also deterred me from purchasing beauty products online apart from Sephora.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That's very wise! I am trying to do the same, as well!

      You did a good job on generating empties!

      You do so well in using up lip balms each month! I don't blame you at all, I would do the same given the combination of the Canadian dollar sign so low, and shipping being so high. Plus, there is a good chance that you will find other cleaners that you like as much without having to pay shipping at all! Have a lovely weekend!

      Delete

I love reading all of your comments and interacting with you- so please do not hesitate to share your thoughts, and to ask questions. Remember that what you have to say is of interest to all of us! Always feel free to email me directly as well. SPAM and advertising links will not be published.

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...