March Empties for the Face, Body & Hair

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I managed to finish up 8 products in the month of March, and I can easily and emphatically state that I would happily use all of these products again. Four of them were full size products that I have been using on a daily basis, and four of them were in my travel bag. Since I was out-of-town with some regularity, I managed to finish up four trail size products before I got back home. Here is what I finished up in March:

Full Size Empties:

dearcloud Milky Whip Facial Cleanser ($14.00 for 5oz. from Ulta and Nordstrom Rack): dearcloud milky whip facial cleanser is gentle and effective in its ability to thoroughly clean the skin without stripping it and leaving it dry. It forms a rich, creamy and thoroughly satisfying lather, and it is formulated for all types of skin. I have normal skin with some activity in my t-zone, but not enough to be true combination skin, and it works very well for me. This rinses clean without any sort of residue, and it has the most faint clean scent of matcha. Purchase Again? Without question, I love this cleanser!

Dr. Althea 147 Barrier Cream ($27.00 for 1.69 oz. from Dr. Althea, iHerb, Ulta, Olive Young, Amazon, Soko Glam, YesStyle, and StyleVana): This is wonderfully moisturizing cream that is formulated to strengthen the skin barrier while nourishing the skin. This cream is lightweight, very emollient and it melts into the skin effortlessly. It leaves skin soft, smooth, supple and luminous, and without any sort of greasy residue left behind. It has no detectable aroma and it feels very luxurious as it sinks in, and it can be used in the morning and evening. Purchase Again? Definitely! 

Bloomeffects Tulip Dew Vitamins & Minerals SPF50 ($65.00 for 1.86oz. from Credo Beauty, bluemercury and Amazon): I have used quite a few luxury sunscreens over the years, but this one is particularly special. This SPF 50 mineral sunscreen offers excellent protection against the harmful rays of the sun, but in addition to using Zinc Oxide in its formulation, they employ the use of Tulip Extract, Bisabolol, Shiitake Mushroom extract, Kakadu plum extract, Plum pine fruit extract and Burdekin plum fruit extract. Therefore, this antioxidant-rich sunscreen scavenges free-radicals and nourishes, hydrates and brightens the skin. The serum consistency is such a pleasure to use, and has quickly become my most coveted sunscreen. It has a light tint that evens out skin tone, and gives skin a beautiful radiance. Purchase Again? I have numerous open bottles of sunscreen in use, but this is a splurge that I will make in the future because it is such a great sunscreen (hopefully I can find it on sale!).

Nurive CoreVital Retinol Cream ($21.99 for 1.69 oz. from Nurive and their Amazon Store): This is an effective and affordable cruelty-free retinol-based cream that I first discovered two or three years ago, and that I rediscovered recently. I regularly use retinol creams, and love finding effective and affordable versions, whenever possible. I have been using it nightly for a few months and forgot how much I really liked this one!

This retinol cream gently encourages skin cell turnover while nourishing, hydrating and smoothing the skin. It helps fade sun spots after extended use, and it is formulated with sensitive skin in mind. My skin is acclimated to retinol-based products because I use them regularly, and therefore there was no break-in period for me with this gentle retinol cream. However, It is always a good idea to patch test retinol products before using them on your whole face, and it is always a good idea to have your doctor evaluate your skin before using a product that exfoliates the skin. Suspicious dark spots and moles should be evaluated to make sure that they aren't cancerous or pre-cancerous since it would be a very bad idea to apply exfoliating products to those areas. Furthermore, it is very important to use a high SPF sunscreen on the skin when using products such as retinol since they leave the skin more vulnerable, and therefore one needs to further protect the skin. My skin doesn't peel or become dry with this retinol cream, and instead it looks refreshed and luminous. Purchase Again? Eventually, but I have other retinol creams to use up first.

Travel Size Empties:

LAVANILA The Healthy Deodorant in Vanilla Grapefruit ($13.00 for 2 oz. from LAVANILA, Amazon and Target): This is a wonderful healthy deodorant formula that is effective, smells delicious and offers long-lasting protection. It is described as a, "citrusy blend of pink grapefruit, zesty lime and soft vanilla." It smells delectable and the uplifting aroma lasts all day on me. This is a travel size, but I most often use the full size instead of (even when traveling).

If you are seeking an antiperspirant, then be advised that this does not prevent sweating. This has been my favorite healthy deodorant for many years now, and I will use it as long as LAVANILA makes it. It applies to the skin effortlessly, without tugging, and it never leaves a residue or stain on the clothes. This is a cruelty-free brand and their deodorants are free of aluminum and parabens. Purchase Again? I already opened another one!

L'Occitane Almond Shower Oil ($29.00 for 8.4 oz. from Nordstrom, Sephora, Ulta, Macy's, Target and Amazon): I remember trying it many years ago, and thinking it was fantastic, and I remembered accurately. This lightweight shower oil, which has a delicate almond aroma, transforms into a milky emulsion when water is introduced. It forms a very light foam and the lovely aroma fills the bathroom and delights the senses. It gently cleans the skin and leaves it silky smooth, soft to the touch and moisturized. Furthermore, it rinses clean and leaves behind no greasy residue. Purchase Again? Absolutely, I am obsessed with this shower oil!

milk_shake Leave-In Conditioner in Flower ($28.00 for 11.8 oz and $12.00 for 2.5 oz. from milk_shake, Amazon, Target and Walmart): I use leave-in conditioners every single day– I use them after I wash my hair and even on days when I don't since a good leave-in conditioner keeps my curly hair manageable and hydrated. This lovely leave-in detangles, offers my hair lasting hydration, and fights frizz and leaves my hair soft and shiny. It has a wonderful fragrance that is delectable and intoxicating, but the aroma isn't imposing or distracting. It is formulated for all types of hair. Purchase Again? I just opened a full size bottle!

milk_shake Cold Brunette Conditioner ($28.00 for 8.4 oz. and $10.00 for 1.7 oz. from milk_shake, Amazon, Target and Walmart): This conditioner has a dark blue pigment that, "reduces unwanted warmth while renewing brown hair." It prevents color fading and dulling, and helps prolong color-treatment. It keeps any brassiness at bay. Purchase Again? I only had the travel size, but I really liked it a lot. I may purchase it in the future.

Overall Assessment: I thoroughly enjoyed using these products and will happily use all of them again! What did you use up, toss out, give away or return in March? Any great discoveries or over-hyped duds to report?

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