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

Purchased & Press Samples (Affiliate Links)

It is hard to believe that it is already the end of December, and that the new year is upon us. Here is my last empties post for 2023, and I managed to toss all of the empty containers into my recycle bin before 2024. I finished up 10 full size products, one deluxe sample and one full size candle– not a bad way to close out the year.

René Furterer Triphasic Shampoo ($15.00-$76.00 for 1.6 oz to 20.2 oz. from René Furterer, Dermstore, LovelySkin and SkinStore): This non-stripping shampoo gently cleans the hair and scalp, and it is formulated to treat the hair follicles to encourage hair growth. Hair is left manageable and looks more full and healthy. I purchased this during the pandemic because I noticed that the stress of living in lockdown was causing me to shed more hair than usual. Once the pandemic became less of an existential threat, I no longer really needed this shampoo. Purchase Again?  If ever I need it again, I will most certainly buy another bottle!

René Furterer KARITÉ HYDRA Hydrating Shine Mask ($15.00-$54.00 for 1 oz.- 6.9 oz. from René Furterer, LovelySkin, Dermstore and Amazon): If ever there was a hair mask that nourished, moisturized and left hair soft, manageable, shiny and frizz-free, it is this one. It offers dry hair much-needed moisture without ever weighing it down, and it rinses clean. Formulated for dry, dehydrated hair, the Shea oil replenishes moisture, helps restore the protective barrier and supplies the hair with essential fatty acids and vitamins. It has the most delectable light, nutty aroma that is an absolute pleasure to the senses. Purchase Again? I already opened a big jar!

Davines OI All in One Milk ($40.00 for 135 ml / 4.56 fl.oz. from Davines, Nordstrom, Amazon and Cult Beauty): is a wonderful multipurpose leave-in treatment that tames frizz and flyaways, and it softens, detangles, hydrates, and protects hair from the heat. Additionally, it gives hair a gorgeous shine. It includes Roucou Oil, which is rich in Beta-Carotene and antioxidants, that protects and strengthens hair against environmental damage. This luxurious treatment has a lovely warm and creamy aroma that lingers in the hair, but it isn't in the least bit distracting or overpowering. Purchase Again? Without question, this stuff is magical!

Spongellé Tunisian Moon Body Wash Infused Buffer ($18.00 each from Spongellé): Spongellé Riviera Collection Body Buffers are brilliant body wash-infused sponges effectively and gently clean and exfoliate the skin, and they also leave the it deliciously baby soft, smooth, supple and moisturized. They really excel in their ability to clean and exfoliate the skin while delighting the senses with their delightful aromas. Fragrance Notes: Top: Italian Mandarin, Crisp Green Apple, Golden Neroli. Middle: Creamy Coconut, Orange Blossom, Jasmine. Base: Dark Vanilla, Cedar, Cashmere Woods. Purchase Again? This scent was limited edition, and is now gone, but there are so many from which to choose, and they are all quite fantastic! I have several of their body buffers, and can't imagine not using them on a daily basis!

Trader Joe's Red Currant Foaming Hand Soap ($2.99 from Trader Joe's): If you shop at Trader Joe's, then I urge you to buy a bottle or two of the new seasonal foaming hand soap. I bought a bottle when I was grocery shopping, and it is the perfect embodiment of the holiday season. It has a wonderful red currant aroma, but it is not overpowering, and it boasts a luxurious creamy foaming lather that moisturizes the skin. Furthermore, it is cruelty-free and very affordable at $2.99 for an 8oz. bottle. Purchase Again? YES! It is on my grocery list, and I just hope that they haven't sold out by the time I get there!

African Botanics Buchu Botanical Enzyme Polish ($85.00 for 3.4 oz. from Boxwalla,  African Botanics, Credo Beauty and Cult Beauty): Buchu Botanical Enzyme Polish is a very deep-cleansing facial exfoliator that effectively and efficiently sweeps away impurities and cleans out clogged pores. It is formulated with a combination of Marula Oil, Baobab Oils and Buchu Plant extracts that are punctuated by Micro-Algae and ultra-fine granules of ancient volcanic minerals. The fine granules, which densely populate this exfoliator, efficiently and effectively unclog pores, and remove dead skin cells, excess oils and impurities. Papaya and Pineapple enzymes help to dissolve dead skin cells, aid in cleaning out the pores, and make them appear reduced in size. Skin is left brightened, deeply cleansed and utterly glowing. In fact, the first time that I used it I noticed that it left my skin feeling as soft and silky smooth as ultra-fine velvet. Only the smallest amount is needed to achieve the desired results for the face, neck and décolleté, and the exfoliating particles are so efficient that you do not need to apply any pressure as you massage it into the skin. Buchu Botanical Enzyme Polish Skin neither strips the skin, nor does it deplete vital moisture or hydration. Dull, congested skin gives way to youthful, radiant skin that feels amazing to the touch. Purchase Again? I think that I might have another tube hiding somewhere!

Neutrogena Reusable Gentle Foaming Facial Cleanser Starter Kit ($14.99 for 7.5 fl oz. from Neutrogena, Amazon, Target and Walmart): is a brilliant addition to their skincare collection, and a wonderful eco-friendly cleanser. The kit includes a reusable metal bottle and a concentrated powder cleanser refill. You simply fill up the bottle with drinking quality water and then add the powder packet and give it a good shake. The end result is a fragrance-free, 7 ingredient foaming cleanser that is gentle and creamy to the touch. It thoroughly cleans the skin without ever stripping it, and leaves it silky smooth. This is a wonderful cleanser that is an excellent choice for even the most sensitive skin types. Purchase Again? I have far too many cleansers to use before I buy another one, but I will likely pick up one of the refill packets at some point because I really like this cleanser.

Ao Skincare Reverse Longitude PM Serum-Shot ($95.00 for 1 oz. from Ao Skincare): is an antioxidant-rich nighttime serum that reduces the appearance of fine lines, helps to fade hyperpigmentation, it does an excellent job exfoliating dead skin cells, and it stimulates collagen production. Unlike retinol, which can be a more harsh form of Vitamin A, that many people can't tolerate, Retinal is a more gentle version of Vitamin A, and therefore it can be more easily tolerated by people with sensitive skin. This serum is lightweight, fast-absorbing and fragrance-free. My skin can be a bit sensitive, and I often experience dry and peeling skin after using retinol-based products, but this serum neither leaves my skin dry, nor peeling and irritated. It is very effective, gentle and a perfect pick for my skin. My skin is left soft and smooth, and my fine lines are softened. Furthermore, my skin has a pronounced clarity and my small area of hyperpigmentation (sun damage) is starting to lighten. Purchase Again? While I really loved using this a lot, and would definitely use it again, I have numerous retinol and retinal based products to use before I buy another one. This one is definitely first rate!

The A Method C Glow Moisturizer ($75.00 for 1 oz. from The A Method): is a gorgeous lightweight and fast absorbing Vitamin C-based moisturizer that is antioxidant-rich and very nourishing. It offers skin effective and sustainable hydration while fighting free-radical damage. Skin is left decidedly soft, smooth and luminous. It does not contain a sunscreen, and therefore you will need to apply your sunscreen after you have let this lovely moisturizer sink into your skin. This moisturizer has the most heavenly citrus aroma, but it is neither too assertive, nor is it long-lasting. Purchase Again? I just opened a new bottle.

Fleur & Bee H2 Oh Yeah Hydrating Moisturizer ($65.00 for 1.5 oz. from Fleur & Bee and Amazon): is an ultra-emollient moisturizer that acts as a very effective humectant. It is perfect for dry and dehydrated skin, and it offers serious hydration that lasts all day. The Hyaluronic Acid, which is a humectant, not only attracts and retains hydration, but it also plumps fine lines. This soothing cream is rich, emollient and it leaves skin unbelievably soft, smooth, hydrated and nourished. The consistency is buttery to the touch, and it melts into the skin in the most scrumptious way. Furthermore, it has a barely-there aroma, and it is vegan and cruelty-free. Fleur & Bee is not only a wonderful company that practices sustainability, by the use of recycled materials for its packaging and the use of wind-energy to make its skincare products, but they do all of this and keep their prices affordable! Purchase Again? I am currently swimming in open jars of moisturizers, but I would definitely use this again when I need another cream.

GOOD FAITH Smoothing Eye Cream + Caffeine ($26.00 for 0.50 oz from GOOD FAITH and Amazon): is a wonderful discovery that I made recently, and I couldn't wait to share it with you! This cruelty-free, and antioxidant-rich, eye cream is lightweight, fast absorbing and it offers the delicate eye area serious moisture without being greasy. The caffeine de-puffs the under eye area, and this formula noticeably brightens and softens the skin. Furthermore, the Hyaluronic Acid plumps fine lines and retains serious hydration. This formula is fragrance-free and doesn't irritate my sensitive eyes in the least bit. This is a really nice, and affordable, eye cream that is definitely worthy of your consideration. Purchase Again? Definitely!

Spongellé Botanica Candle in Petitgrain ($25.00 for 8 oz. from Spongellé): This is an incredible citrus delight to behold. The bottom notes, consisting of musk and sea salt, temper some of the crisp edges associated with citrus-based scents, and the end result is among the most alluring citrus fragrance profiles. Fragrance Notes: Top: Lemon, Sparkling Water, Grapefruit. Middle: Mandarin, Navel Orange, Cassis Bottom: Musk, Sea Salt. Purchase Again? This candle is no longer available, but they have many other enchanting scents. I currently have several of their candles, and I really love them all!

Overall Assessment: I am thrilled that I was able to finish up all of these products before 2024, and hope that I can do as well next month. What did you use up, toss out, give away or return in December? Any amazing finds or terrible duds to report?

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

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