Empties Galore for the Face, Body, Hair and Home for August 2023

Purchased & Press Samples (Affiliate Links)

This month I managed to finish up 11 products (9 full size, 1 deluxe sample and 1 perfume sample), and I am pretty pleased by the empties in my recycle bin this month! Here is what I used up this month:

My Kirei by Kai Yuzu Flower Foam Hand Wash ($18.00 for 8.5 oz. from MyKirei and their Amazon Store): This is, without question, the most charming hand soap that I have tried. Each pump of this fetching hand soap produces a floral shaped dense and creamy foam that is soft and creamy to the touch. It thoroughly cleans the hands, without ever stripping, and in fact leaves them moisturized. The lovely Yuzu aroma is uplifting and refreshing, but it doesn't linger for long after rinsing. Everything about this beautiful hand soap is wondrous. Purchase Again? I plan to buy a refill!

Spongellé Burnt Sugar Confection Buffer ($20.00 from Spongellé): Light, sweet and fluffy, this sugary strawberries and cream buffer smells good enough to eat– though I don't recommend it! It also does an exceptional job cleaning and exfoliating the skin! Purchase Again? I would definitely buy this one again, but not until I use up my unopened Spongellé Body Buffers.

Thinksport Epsom Salt Bubble Bath ($7.99-$8.49 for 8 oz. from Thinksport and Amazon): is an effective, and cruelty-free, bubble bath that is formulated to relieve sore muscles. Whether your muscles are sore from a vigorous workout or from a long and exhausting day, this bubble bath offers the perfect peaceful soak that soothes the spirit and relieves sore muscles. Instead of a pungent therapeutic aroma, that can be cloying, this wonderful bubble bath has a lovely citrus floral scent. I was so relaxed after my first use that I slept like a baby! Purchase Again? I just opened another tube!

Banish All Clear Mint Cleanser ($39.00 for 59ml from Banish): which is a gentle lathering cleanser, is formulated for oily, combination, normal and dry skin types. I was initially a bit concerned that this cleanser was going to be too minty for me, and that this could be a problem for my sensitive eyes, but I am pleased to say that was not the case. In fact, the aroma is informed by a mixture of the ingredients, and the result is a lightly herbal scent. The lather is satisfying, but it's neither drying, nor stripping in the least bit. Furthermore, it thoroughly cleans the skin without leaving an oily residue. Each time that I use it, my normal/combination skin is left clean, soft and lightly hydrated. Purchase AgaIn? While I liked it a lot, I have far too many facial cleansers to use before buying another one.

Erno Laszlo Phelityl Day Lotion SPF 15 ($122.00 for 3 oz. from Erno Laszlo and Nordstrom): This is a weightless moisturizer that includes broad-spectrum UV protection. It is very hydrating and leaves skin soft, smooth and supple. Erno Laszlo used to make this same lotion without an SPF, and I actually preferred that version since this version only has an SPF 15, and I use a much higher SPF sunscreen on my face. Purchase Again? No, but I would if it had a higher SPF, or if they brought back the original formula without sunscreen since I add a sunscreen after my lotion.

Erno Laszlo Hydra-Therapy Memory Sleep Mask ($49.00 for 0.50 oz. and $120.00 for 1.35 oz. from Erno Laszlo, Nordstrom and SkinStore): This is a phenomenal sleep mask, and I wish that I had discovered it sooner. This is a wonderfully hydrating overnight mask with a bouncy gel texture that melts into the skin immediately, and it leaves behind no residue whatsoever. I simply massage a small amount into my face, neck and décolleté directly after cleansing my skin, and it is immediately lusciously hydrating. However, when I wake up the next morning, I really note the extent to which my skin is dewy, soft, smooth and hydrated. I also have noticed that it plumps fine lines and makes my skin look and feel rejuvenated. There is a barely-there whisper of an aroma, from the ingredients themselves, but I do not detect a scent once it is applied to my skin. For even more impressive results, I use this mask directly after the Erno Laszlo AHA Resurfacing Sleep Serum (Reviewed HERE), and this combination of products gently exfoliates and hydrates the skin, and the following morning my skin has a pronounced clarity and luminosity. Truly a dynamic duo! Purchase Again? Yes, the next time Erno Laszlo has a sale!

Crystal Essence Mineral Deodorant Roll-On in Chamomile & Green Tea (Bundle of three for $15.00 from Amazon and $6.79 for 2.25 oz. from The Crystal and Walgreens, Walmart): I have used  most of their scents, but there is something so pleasant about this one. It has a wonderful and light herbal/floral aroma that in't in the least bit imposing, and it offers me all-day protection. Purchase Again? I will definitely be purchasing one of the three-packs from Amazon since it offers a great savings.

Derek Lam 10 Crosby Silent Street ($85.00 for 1.7 oz. from Macy's and Amazon): This is the type of fragrance that wraps itself around your senses in the most subtle way. It sits close to the skin, invites frequent deep breaths to take it in, and it is light and elegant enough to actually wear to work. While it is decidedly in the floral family, it has an undercurrent of White Musk that makes it the perfect clean floral for those among you who don't often reach for florals. While this is a remarkably feminine and fetching scent, it isn't a girly floral. The White Musk effectively tempers the light floral sensibility, and it has a very calm and peaceful demeanor. It is a light scent, which might lead you to believe that its sillage would be entirely elusive, and while it is not among the airborne fragrances that sit aloft in the air for a long period of time, after you leave the room, this scent remains intimate in its desire to remain close to the skin without imposing itself on everyone else in the neighboring zip codes. It is, in a word, lovely. Purchase Again? I have far too many perfumes to use before purchasing more, but I will consider buying it again if and when I need a new fragrance.

Abel Black Anise Eau de Parfum ($180.00 for 50 ml. from Abel): Abel describes this fragrance as, "A vibrant, smoky amber with dynamic star anise top notes, a rich blackcurrant and cacao heart, and a distinctive tobacco base. Black Anise is a dark and sultry scent that is sure to surprise. Long-lasting, powerful and deeply memorable." Purchase Again? This is an indescribably beautiful fragrance, and I would love a full size bottle. The sample size didn't provide enough perfume to review it, but when I am in "need" of a bottle of perfume, I will definitely revisit Abel.

Philip B. Maui Wowie Volumizing & Thickening Beach Mist ($30.00 for 5.07 oz. from Nordstrom and Bloomingdale's): Philip B. Maui Wowie Volumizing & Thickening Beach Mist is an ultra-light, non-sticky spray that gives hair tousled beachy waves with a gorgeous glossy shine. It moisturizes my hair, while enhancing my curls and adds textured volume. It also has a delightful beachy aroma that I really love. Purchase Again? Oh, definitely, this is my favorite volumizing and thickening hair mist!

Spongellé Florica Floret Mystic Rose Diffuser: ($60.00 from Spongellé): This is by far the most stunning diffuser that I have ever seen in my entire life. I am not exaggerating in the least bit, and opening up the ultra-luxe box to find this work of art was utterly breathtaking, and in fact I let out a gasp when I first saw it in person. Suffice it to say, pictures simply do not do it any justice.

The wonderful time-released fragrance lasts for about 8 weeks and each 8 oz. bottle is good for 2 uses (16 weeks) since Spongellé suggests using about 4 oz. Refill bottles can be purchased separately.

The rich and bold color of the leaves are stunning to look at, and the aroma released is a beautiful amalgam of Rose (top note), Water Lily (middle note) and Sweet Musk (base note), and the result is a complex floral that is neither too sweet, nor too musky. In my estimation, it is the embodiment of the perfect home fragrance. I keep mine in my home office, and it makes it a real pleasure to sit and work at my desk. Purchase Again? I need to order a refill!

Overall Assessment: I am pleased that I continue finishing up so many open products before they go bad. I have no duds to report this month, what about you? Any hero products to share?

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

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