Sunday, December 29, 2019

December 2019 Empties

Press Sample & Purchased (Affiliate Links)

I can't believe it is almost 2020, and that this is my last Empties post of the decade! I had hoped to use up a few more products this month, but for some reason I didn't. I seem to have been using up less and less, but what I do finish I thoroughly enjoyed using. I am also really trying to use up what I have, and only repurchase when I actually need something, or love it so much that I don't feel as though I want to go without.
Rituals The Ritual of Dao Silence 3 in 1 Hand Scrub: I was utterly obsessed with this effective cleansing hand scrub– it is gentle enough to use every single day, and yet it has the perfect amount of grit to effectively remove dead skin cells to reveal soft, smooth and supple skin. It has a wonderful White Lotus aroma that is a delight to the senses, but it does not linger very long after rinsing. Repurchase? I definitely would, but it appears that this may have been discontinued. They do, however, have another scent, and I will put it on my must-try list!

Rodin Olio Lusso Body Oil ($136.00 for 4 oz. from Sephora, Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue, goop, Neiman Marcus and Revolve): Rodin Olio Lusso Luxury Body Oil is a gloriously rich and moisturizing oil that deeply nourishes and hydrates even the driest of skin. I apply it sparingly right out of the shower, as suggested, while my skin is still warm and it soaks in quickly leaving my skin unbelievably soft and supple. It has the same intoxicating scent as the Olio Lusso Luxury Face Oil, but instead of Jasmine Oil as the first ingredient it lists Jojoba seed oil at the top of the list. During the colder months I like to add extra moisture to my skin- therefore adding a few drops of this to my body lotion (after having applied Olio Lusso alone) gives my skin a velvety smooth texture that is unbelievably soft and supple. Repurchase? I already have!
Dr Teal's Pure Epsom Salt Foaming Bath Soothe & Sleep with Lavender ($4.49-$6.79 for 34 oz. from WalgreensAmazonTargetUlta and Harmon): If you love the smell of Lavender, you need this lovely foaming bath treatment. Not only is the scent utterly divine, but the aromatherapeutic properties leave you relaxed with a pronounced sense of wellbeing. It leaves your skin luxuriously soft and moisturized, your mind calmed, and your body utterly relaxed. It is the perfect before bedtime treat that will facilitate a very restful slumber. This is ultra luxe on a budget! Repurchase? Absolutely!

Jo Malone Wood Sage & Sea Salt Body and Hand Wash ($25.00-$40.00 for 250ml from Nordstrom, Selfridges, Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman, Net-A-Porter and Sephora): I had this sample sitting in my drawer, and on one cold evening I decided to use it as a bubble bath to warm up. I fell in love! The scent is described as, "Alive with the mineral scent of the rugged cliffs mingled with the woody earthiness of sage, this fragrance is lively, spirited, and totally joyful." My skin and bathroom smelled scrumptious after my long soak in the bathtub! Repurchase? I would definitely consider buying a bottle once I make my way through more of my bath and shower gels.
Anti-Oxi+ Skin Refining Cleansing Oil ($37.00 for 150 ml and $77.00 for 450 ml from Shu Uemura): This antioxidant-rich cleansing oil, which is formulated for all types of skin, gently and effectively lifts dirt, makeup and impurities from the skin without ever leaving skin stripped, and without an unwanted oily residue. I simply massage it into my skin and and a small amount of warm water to emulsify the oil, and aroma calms the senses while the skin is being nourished and cleansed. Skin is left undeniably soft, supple and radiant. It can be used by itself, or as the first step in a double cleansing routine. Repurchase? I actually already have another bottle!

Herbivore Brighten Pineapple + Gemstone Mask ($48.00 for 2.3 oz. from SephoraNordstromRevolveDermstore and Space NK UK): I received this deluxe sample as a bundled gift with purchase and I love it! This mask contains Pineapple and Papaya Enzymes in conjunction with Rice Powder and Brazilian Tourmaline to exfoliate dead skin cells. The Enzymes gently dissolve and exfoliate skin cells while the micronized Rice Powder and Tourmaline dislodge and sweep away the exfoliated skin. Because it is such an effective exfoliator, Herbivore suggests that this mask should only be used at night, and followed by a an SPF to protect the skin each day– which I strictly adhere to.

The consistency is a gel-like cream that is light and very easy to apply, and it is quite pleasant to use. I simply apply a thin layer and leave it on for about 15 minutes, or until it has thoroughly dried, and then I rinse it off with warm water. If you have very sensitive skin, you will not want to leave it on nearly as long. It is filled with potent actives, and it does tingle a bit, but on my skin it is neither painful, nor unpleasant. I would definitely recommend getting a sample if you have particularly sensitive skin, and spot test it for a very short duration to see if it is too active for your skin. Once I remove the mask, I note the my skin is slightly flushed, but only for a few minutes. Skin is left thoroughly cleansed, exfoliated, hydrated, soft, silky smooth and luminous. Repurchase? Definitely!

111SKIN Celestial Black Diamond Eye Mask ($115.00 for 8 packets from Bloomingdale's, Space NK, Net-A-Porter, Harvey Nichols, Dermstore, Neiman Marcus, Revolve and Cult Beauty): I received this eye mask set in a gift bag, and these black eye masks effectively reduce puffiness, reduce the appearance of dark circles, soften fine lines, and refresh the skin. Repurchase? I currently have a huge selection of eye masks, but I would definitely consider buying these once I use up what I have.
Rodin by Recine Olio Lusso Luxury Hair Oil ($70.00 for 1 oz. from Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue, B.Glowing, Revolve and goop): This aromatic potion was formulated for RODIN olio lusso by renowned hairdresser Bob Recine. It combines six of the original emollient-packed RODIN olio lusso essential oils (apricot kernel, calendula, sunflower seed, sweet almond, neroli, jojoba) with rosemary and juniper. I have naturally curly hair and what this means in real terms is that it can have a tendency to be unruly, it has a predisposition to being on the dry side, and it often needs taming (otherwise I suffer the wrath of fly-aways and frizz).

After shampooing and conditioning I apply 3 drops of this oil to my hair (after warming it in my hands), and then I worked through my hair roots to tips. Generally I need something like a leave in conditioner or an emollient styling product to even have a chance at getting a comb or brush through my hair without tremendous difficulty. I was astounded by the fact that I was able to get a brush through my hair with this oil alone, but what was equally shocking was the fact that such a small amount of product left my hair glossy, gorgeous, and without any fuzz or frizz. This oil has the scent of the Rosmarinus and and Juniperus comes through giving it a pronounced green scent, but that does fade rather quickly. Repurchase? It's on my list, but I need to use up a few of my hair oils first.

Philip B pH Restorative Detangling Toning Mist ($12.00-$27.00 for 2oz.-4.23 oz. from NordstromDermstoreNet-A-PorterSkin Care RX and Beauty Expert): This lightweight detangling mist offers frizz-free manageability, nourishes the hair and leaves it with a gorgeous glossy shine. It has a pleasant light herbal aroma that I find very pleasant and calming. Repurchase? Definitely!
COCOFLOSS ($9.00 each. Available at SephoraCredo Beauty, Shen Beauty and goop): Cocofloss is a very effective dental floss that deeply cleans teeth and is gentle and soothing on the gums. It actually makes flossing something that I look forward to, and it is available in 4 coconut infused flavors: Delicious Mint, Pure Strawberries, Fresh Coconut and Cara Cara Orange. Repurchase? I already have, this stuff is great!

Overall Assessment: I had hoped to finish up a few more products in December, but I am happy that I was able to recycle these containers before the end of the year!

Any particularly great or awful products to report? Do tell!

Press Sample and Purchased. All views expressed are categorically my own (Affiliate Links).
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