Empties Post Volume XLIV: May 2016

Press Samples & Purchased (Affiliate Links)

This month, more than anything, it would seem that the bulk of my empties were generated from things I used up in, or near, my shower. While I really enjoyed these products, it was a relief to recycle them since my shower seems to have become the lab of a mad scientist more than a place to wash up. It has become so overrun by products being tested that it's time to streamline the process in order not to be in a trip-zone. Here is what I used up in May:

Hair and Body Products:

1) Curél Itch Defense Body Wash (reviewed here): Itch Defense Body Wash has a creamy and emollient lather that leaves skin silky smooth, soft, calm and moisturized. I initially feared that the inclusion of Sodium Laurel Sulfate would have been a bit drying on my skin, but I was pleasantly surprised that it was not. In fact, it is emollient and moisturizing enough that I find it to be very suitable for shaving my legs and sensitive underarms. This body wash has no discernible scent.

$5.99-$7.99 10 oz. from Walgreens, Target, Drugstore.com and Amazon.

2) emerginC Scientific Organics Citrus Kombucha Body Wash (reviewed here): is a very gentle and lightly lathering body wash that hydrates skin while it thoroughly cleans. Skin is never left taut or uncomfortably squeaky clean, but instead soft, supple and hydrated. It has an intoxicatingly delicious citrus scent that is uplifting and revitalizing. Additionally, the formula so gentle and hydrating that I use it for shaving as well.

$36.00 for 6.7 oz. from emerginC and SkinStore.

3) Everyday Shea Hand Soap in Lemon Verbena (reviewed here): One sniff of this delectably scented Lemon Verbena hand soap was all it took, and I bought 3 bottles. This is a cruelty-free, Certified Fair Trade company that makes high quality products that are filled with nourishing ingredients. Everyday Shea Hand Soap thoroughly cleanses without stripping the skin, and in fact leaves it soft smooth and supple. If you love Lemon Verbena, then you really owe it to yourself to try this lovely hand soap.

$4.99 for 12 oz. Available from Everyday Shea, Whole Foods Market, and other retailers.

4) ALAFFIA Shea & Coconut Enriching Shampoo in Orange Geranium (reviewed here):

This shampoo is Manna from Heaven for curly dry hair, and was specifically formulated to nourish this type of hair that tends to be very dry and in need of extra hydration. It works miraculously well on my curly hair, leaving it soft and nourished, but without any buildup. If you have dry hair, or dry and curly hair, then this is a must-have. 

$8.95- $12.49 for 8 oz. from Alaffia and Amazon.

5) Neutrogena Triple Moisture Deep Recovery Hair Mask (reviewed here): This mask offers dry or over-processed hair intense moisture without leaving it heavy or limp. Whether you have naturally curly hair, colored hair, or hair that you subject to flat irons, blow dryers or curling irons, then this is a great rescue mask to help those traumatized tresses recover.

Neutrogena recommends that  you use it weekly, or as often as needed, and you only need to leave it in for about 5 minutes. I will say, however, that I have left it in for up to an hour, and it leaves my hair silky soft, frizz-free, shiny and remarkably moisturized. It has a light, yet pleasant, scent that seems to fade very quickly.

$5.99-$9.99 for 6 oz. from Neutrogena, Drugstore.com, Amazon, Walgreens and Target.

6) Kai Eau de Perfum Spray (reviewed here): I remain utterly enchanted by the Eau de Parfum! The scent itself is a slightly lighter version of their perfume oil (reviewed here) and it is lovely all by itself, but I often layer them together in order to add depth to the scent, and to increase the longevity of the wear time.

The exotic scent of Kai’s signature perfume oil, delicately blended into an Eau de Parfum spray. The Kai aroma is a fresh and intoxicating blend of gardenias and white exotic flowers.

$76.00 for 1.7 oz. from Nordstrom and Barneys New York.

7) Little Twig Baby Lotion in Calming Lavender (reviewed here): is a delightfully scented mild lavender lotion that is gentle and moisturizing. It leaves my skin silky smooth and soft, and moisturized for hours. While it was created for the delicate skin of babies, it is such a lovely lotion that it will be enjoyed by people of all ages.

$12.50 for 8.5oz bottle from Little Twig, Drugstore.com and Amazon.

Skincare Products:

8) When Travelmate Sheet Mask (reviewed here): WHEN Travelmate is a mask that was conceived to refresh your skin while traveling. It refreshes and deeply hydrates skin in order to protect it against hours of exposure to the elements. It is not a sunscreen, and should not be used instead of a sunscreen, but it does give the skin a tremendous dose of hydration that plumps and nourishes. I was not traveling when I tested this mask, but I noticed the toy skin was ultra-hydrated, luminous and dewy all day long.

This mask is described as a "soft, jelly-like" sheet mask that is generously filled with serum, however there is a lot of serum that falls to the bottom of the pouch that should be used on the neck, décolleté and hands for maximum effect. 

$7.00 each and $35.00 for a set of 5. Serum net weight: 23 g (0.8 fl oz) per mask. Available from Sephora, Ulta, Anthropologie. Birchbox and Selfridges.

9) When Glamour Base Face Mask (reviewed here): When Glamour Base is a really wonderful mask that was created in order to essentially function like a mega face primer and mask in one. It plumps and smooths skin to perfection– creating the perfect base for makeup. Skin is left soft, supple, hydrated and luminous– not to mention that your makeup stays put all day and looks sensational.

$7.00 eacb and $35.00 for a set of 5. Serum net weight: 23 g (0.8 fl oz) per mask. Available from Sephora, Ulta, Anthropologie. Birchbox and Selfridges.

10) Small sample of toner: The label fell off and I can't remember what brand of toner was in this little bottle. Clearly it wasn't terribly memorable!

11) Mario Badescu Seaweed Cleansing Lotion (reviewed here): Mario Badescu Seaweed Cleansing Lotion is a remarkably gentle and soothing non-drying alcohol-free toner, and while it is formulated with the needs of dry and sensitive skin in mind, I will say that it works wonders on my combination skin as well. It feels refreshing on the skin, and leaves it thoroughly clean, soft, balanced, and I have even noted that my skin feels hydrated after use. Additionally, it feels so refreshing on the skin that I find myself reaching for it twice a day for that reason alone! It has a fresh clean scent that quickly fades upon application- therefore the scent does not linger.

8 oz. $15.00 from Mario Badescu and Nordstrom. Also available in 16 oz. and 32 oz.

12) NUANCE Dual Phase Makeup Remover (reviewed here): This makeup remover is formulated to soften and condition the skin while lifting away impurities, and it even tackles waterproof makeup. My eyes have become pretty sensitive so if an eye makeup remover causes even the slightest burning or stinging I won't use it, period. I was really surprised by how easily and effortlessly Nuance Dual Phase Makeup Remover removed all of my makeup, and did so without any pulling or tugging. I just wish that it had fewer chemicals in it, and I see no reason why it needs to contain Red 40 (CI 16035), Blue 1 (CI 42090). It makes no sense to me why this type of product needs any color added-- I would have by far preferred a clear formula! 

What did you use up, give away, toss out or return in May? Were there any noteworthy raves? Any total misses?

Copyright © 2016 www.lolassecretbeautyblog.com All Rights Reserved (Affiliate Links).

Deal Alert: Nuance Perfect Lips Lip Quad in Cool 215 Half Off at CVS

Purchased by Me (Unaffiliated Links)

I just came home from a short trip to CVS to pick up a Nuance Dual Phase Cucumber and Rosewater Makeup Remover (Currently on sale, and my favorite dual phase makeup remover! Reviewed here), and happened upon a 1/2 off sale on many of the Nuance makeup items. 

I picked up the Perfect Lips Lip Quad in Cool 215-- because at $5.00 I really couldn't go wrong. They also have a warm variant as well. Do I think it is worth at $5.00? Yes, I definitely do.

All four glosses are high shine, but two are cream shades (Merlot and Pink Berry) and two are sheer shimmer shades (Sheer Ice and Rose Shimmer). The texture isn't tacky or sticky, but also isn't terribly long lasting either.

Nuance claims,

Vitamin E conditions and nourishes. Macadamia See, Jojoba Seed, Grapeseed Oils moisturize, strengthen and protect lips.

I neither find the formula particularly moisturizing, nor do I find that it dries my lips. It's comfortable to wear, and the colors and shine are quite pretty. While I like the formula, the same cannot be said for the whimsical packaging. Yes, I agree that the pod, which resembles a closed tulip, is quite cute-- but it is woefully impractical and quite flimsy. Furthermore, the brush that is included, in my opinion, is rather useless. Notwithstanding these minor complaints, I am quite pleased with my purchase.

Left to Right: Merlot, Pink Berry, Rose Shimmer and Sheer Ice 

Merlot is a plummy wine

Pink Berry is a neutral watermelon pink

Rose Shimmer is a very sheer pale pink shimmer

Sheer Ice is a very sheer glimmering white

Paraben Free & Cruelty Free

Overall assessment: A great deal at $5.00! If you are near a CVS, then it's definitely worth taking a look at the Nuance display since there are many goodies that are currently half off. Additionally, most of the remaining Nuance products are on sale (Buy One, Get One Half Off).

$5.00 for 0.25 oz. on sale at CVS.

Copyright © 2014 www.lolassecretbeautyblog.com All Rights Reserved.

Empties Post Volume VI: January 2013

This month my Empties post is rather unremarkable compared to those from the last few months.  I was testing new full sized products thereby using brand new bottles and jars that weren't going to be emptied so quickly.

Skincare Products & Fragrances: I finally got through the last bit of my Erno Laszlo Light Controlling Lotion (reviewed here), Kai Perfume Oil samples (reviewed here), and Nuance Cucumber & Rosewater Dual Phase Makeup Remover (reviewed here). The Laszlo toner is a really good one for combination and oily skin types provided that you can tolerate alcohol in a toner. I usually dilute it with water, and like the way it makes my skin look and feel. I really liked the Nuance eye makeup remover because it is very gently and removes even tough waterproof formulas, and it's nice that it is a well priced drugstore brand. Needless to say, I remain resolute in my love of all things Kai-- so I will not wax poetic about their perfume oil since you already know how much I love it!

Body Products: Gourmet Body Pastries Lemon Pound Cake Whipped Shea Butter Cream (reviewed here), Eco-Armour Shave with Benefits Luxurious Botanical Shaving Foam in Bergamot & Pink Grapefruit (reviewed here), Trader Joe's Honey Mango Shave Cream, Trader Joe's Refresh Citrus Body Wash, and Sephora/Philosophy Vanilla Birthday Cake Shower and Bath Gel.

The Gourmet Body Pastries Lemon Pound Cake Whipped Shea Butter smelled so delicious that I was nearly tempted to taste it. The whipped formula makes it so light and fluffy that once it meets the warmth of your hand it melts and begins sinking into the skin. It's just scrumptiously good. Eco-Armour Shave with Benefits Luxurious Botanical Shaving Foam is really one of the best shaving products that I have ever used. Their products moisturize the skin leaving it hydrated and supple-- I really love their products (and so does my husband). Trader Joe's is always a good economical choice, and I really love so many of their products. Their Honey Mango Shave Cream and their Citrus Body Wash can almost always be found in my shower. I finally made my way through the Sephora/Philosophy Vanilla Birthday Cake Shower and Bath Gel,  and it was so yummy, creamy and moisturizing that I might have to buy a full sized bottle! It makes for one soothing and relaxing bubble bath at the end of a stressful day at work!

Hair Products: Alba Botanica Natural Hawaiian Shampoo, which was discussed here in my August Favorites post, is a really lovely moisturizing shampoo. I can't believe that I finally finished it! I used the conditioner at a far more rapid rate than the shampoo because of my long curly hair, and after finishing both I can say that I would definitely consider repurchasing them again. The Simply Smooth xtend Keratin Replenishing Magic Potion was a nice leave-in product that really helped eradicate frizz- which is always a must for naturally curly hair. I worked my way through my last sample of the Ouidad Climate Control Heat and Humidity Gel, and liked it so much that I am just about to crack open my full-sized bottle! 

What did you finish, toss, or return this month? Any absolute repurchases?

Nuance Cucumber & Rosewater Dual Phase Makeup Remover Review

The other day when I was strolling the aisles at CVS trying to find one last Revlon Colorburst Lip Butter, I decided to look for a drugstore brand eye makeup remover that was very gentle, could tackle waterproof makeup, and wasn't tested on animals-- those three things clearly limited the scope of choices available- so after some looking I decided to try Salma Hayek's Nuance Dual Phase Makeup Remover.

Key Ingredients: Cucumber, rosewater, chamomile & lavender extracts nurture and soothe the delicate eye area. Mimosa, blue agave, camapu & prickly pear extracts soothe, hydrate and firm skin. Glycerin, a lightweight moisturizer, softens and hydrates skin and lips.

This makeup remover is formulated to softens and condition the skin while lifting away impurities, and it even tackles waterproof makeup. My eyes have become pretty sensitive so if an eye makeup remover causes even the slightest burning or stinging I won't use it, period. I decided to wear a few of my hardest to remove waterproof formulas- MAKE UP FOR EVER Aqua Creams & Aqua Eyes to really put this product to the test. These formulas have tremendous staying power, and not all makeup removers are capable of removing these products without lots of tugging and pulling. I was really surprised by how easily and effortlessly Nuance Dual Phase Makeup Remover removed all of my makeup, and did so without any pulling or tugging. I waited and waited for my eyes to start burning or stinging, but they didn't! SCORE!! I just wish that it had fewer chemicals in it, and I see no reason why it needs to contain Red 40 (CI 16035), Blue 1 (CI 42090). It makes no sense to me why this type of product needs any color added-- I would have by far preferred a clear formula!

Ingredients: Water (Aqua), Cyclopentasiloxane, Cyclohexasiloxane, Isohexadecane, Butylene Glycol, Albizia Julibrissin Bark Extract, Opuntia Ficus Indica Stem Extract, Physalis Angulata Extract, Agave Tequilana Leaf Extract, Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Flower Extract, Rosa Damascena Flower Water, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract, Glycerin, Benzophenone Centrimonium Chloride, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Dehydroacetate, Disodium EDTA, Phenoxyethanol, Red 40 (CI 16035), Blue 1 (CI 42090).

Ophthalmologist tested. Dermatologist tested. Not tested on animals. Fragrance free. Hypoallergenic. Gluten free.

Overall assessment: I really like this makeup remover.  It doesn't burn my sensitive eyes, it leaves my skin soft and supple, and it even removes waterproof formulas with ease. However, I would prefer fewer chemicals in it, and definitely see no reason to add color to this product. It is a really good and economical alternative to expensive department store makeup removers.

4.3 oz. $7.99 at CVS