Empties Post Volume VIII: March 2013

This month I endeavored to use up as many sample packets and lip products as possible. I sought to be pragmatic because I had been down with a nasty cold and wanted to avoid infecting full-sized products. 

Full-Size Products: *Remedy with Phytoplex Hydrating Cleansing Gel (reviewed here). MAC Volcanic Ash Exfoliator (reviewed here), and *FutureDerm Time Release Retinol 0.50 (reviewed here).

I really loved using the Remedy Hydrating Cleansing Gel for shaving because it left my skin indescribably smooth and soft. I really liked the MAC Volcanic Ash Exfoliator, and am pleased that it is finally part of their permanent collection, but I probably won't repurchase it since I have other physical exfoliants that I prefer to this one.  FutureDerm Time Release Retinol 0.50 is a highly effective  and gentle retinol-based product. I liked it so much that I opened up the pump bottle and scraped out every last bit. Once I finish using my other retinols- I will definitely purchase another bottle of this great product.

Lip Products: EOS Sweet Mint Lip Balm (reviewed here), *Reviva Labs Vitamin E Oil Stick (reviewed here), Eve Lom Kiss Mix (reviewed here), Bonne Bell Lip Smacker (Watermelon, Vanilla, and Strawberry reviewed here), *Remedy Phytoplex Lip Balm (reviewed here), and Korres Lip Butter in Jasmine (reviewed here).

I made it my goal to finish up all of my nearly completely used up lip balms, and it was fairly easy to do for two reasons: 1) each of them had very little left, and 2) I had been sick with that awful cold, and for the most part was unwilling to infect newer lip balms. My disastrously chapped lips were cracked and on the verge of bleeding at the height of my cold, therefore requiring constant reapplication. I felt so satisfied when I realized that I had actually finished up an unprecedented 8 lip balms, but to be fair the contents of these 8 lip balms amounted to no more than 2 full-sized products, and they were used over the period of about 3 weeks. I did scrape out the last bits in order to recycle the packaging- so I really did use every last bit.

Samples Galore: I have continued to work my way through my samples, and I really managed to use up quite a few. I relied upon samples for my cleansers, makeup removers, lotions, serums, masks, cotton pads, scrubs, sunscreen, eye creams, and anything else that I could find to use during that time. The Tatcha Classic Rice Enzyme Powder, Koh Gen Do Cleansing Spa Water Cloths, and The Organic Pharmacy serums all rank amongst my favorites- and I have full sizes of each that I covet!

Makeup: MAC Select Moisturecover Concealer. I have had this concealer for so long that if I hadn't finished it I would have tossed it. I liked it a good deal, but was ready to move on to the next thing once I made my way to the bottom of the tube. 

*Denotes Press Samples.

What did you use up, toss out, give away, or return this month?

Perhaps the best anthem for Empties!

Empties Post Volume VII: February 2013

This month my Empties post is fairly lacking in full size products since I am still testing out several new products and brands, and as a result I only managed to finish a few full size products. I did however, manage to finish a few samples that had been in a partially used state for quite a while.

Skincare: I was quite sad when I finally finished the My Transformative Night Cream (reviewed here) because it is such a lovely and effective night cream. It leaves the skin looking and feeling fantastic, and is definitely worthy of replacement. Malin+Goetz is often an under-the-radar line, but their products are lovely and effective. They have a simple approach to skincare, and they don't make any wild unattainable claims. Instead their products deliver on their promises, and they are always a true pleasure to use. Their Vitamin E Face Moisturizer feels wonderful on the skin, and delivers the perfect amount of moisture. Remedy Hydrating Cleansing Foam (reviewed here) is a really creamy foaming cleanser, and while it does a fantastic job cleaning you from head to toe- I found that it makes a phenomenal shaving cream. Tatcha Polished Classic Rice Enzyme Powder- ahh where to begin- this product is just pure magic. It leaves your skin indescribably clean and as soft and supple as baby skin.

Hair and Body: The Nature's Gate Pomegranate Sunflower Conditioner is something that I found on sale at the grocery store- so I thought that I would give it a try, and I'm glad that I did! It was very moisturizing and left my curly hair quenched with nice bouncy curls. While the Alaffia Liquid African Black Soap is a bit too stringent for my face- it is exquisite as a body cleanser, and as a big fan of Alaffia's African Black Soap range of products- you can be sure that I will be repurchasing it (reviewed here). I found a few more sample packets of Ouidad Climate Hair & Humidity Gel in my sample drawer that I wanted to use up before opening my new bottle- I love how well this tames frizz and defines my curls. I had a pile of assorted samples of haircare and body care products from Sephora, Nordstrom, and Barneys that I wanted to use up, but truthfully I no longer remember what was in each of those little jars!

Makeup and Fragrance: The Houglass Mineral Veil Primer sample was perfect for traveling, and lasted a good long time. It is definitely one of my very favorite primers, and is well worth purchasing. Somehow I managed to lose the Kai Perfume Oil vial (reviewed here) right before I shot the picture, but as you know I hopelessly love this scent, and will continually replace my full size bottle. It took me quite a while to get through this Chap Stick Lip Moisturizer because I have so many lip balms currently in rotation, but I really liked this one. I also really liked the Burberry Sheer Foundation, and I imagine that I will eventually purchase a full size bottle once I have used up some of my stash.

Dispatched to the recycle bin: All of these lip products were so old that they were no longer worth keeping- let alone using.  I cleaned out what was left, and bid them farewell.

What did you use, toss, give away, or return this month? Do tell!

Remedy with Phytoplex Hydrating Cleansing Gel- Review

Remedy with Phytoplex Hydrating Gel is a low sudsing body wash that can be used from head to toe.

According to Remedy, "Remedy with Phytoplex Hydrating Cleansing Gel is a low sudsing shampoo and body wash designed for the most sensitive skin, designed without aloe, parabens, phalates or petroleum."

-For use in the shower as a rinse‐off or as a no‐rinse with a wash basin (for babies and adults).

-Cleanses, nourishes and revives your skin, leaving you deliciously clean and smooth all over.

-Contrary to common cleansers that use soap or petroleum derived ingredients (such as sodium lauryl sulfate), Remedy with Phytoplex cleansers utilize natural ingredients derived from coconuts and phospholipids to maintain skin's natural pH balance. It also contains emollients and a touch of dimethicone to help boost skin moisture.

-For use on normal, irritated, or denuded skin. Ideal for everyone from babies to seniors

-Tested to be tear‐free, hypoallergenic (non‐sensitizing, non‐irritating), pediatrician tested, dermatologist‐tested

Like many of the products made by Remedy, their Hydrating Cleansing Gel has a delectable scent from the Vanilla Planifolia Fruit Extract- in fact once the scent warms up in the shower it becomes even more delicious! I have used this cleanser on my face and body, and both were left clean and soft (using the rinse off method in the shower). I have not tried it as a shampoo, but definitely plan on doing so. However, I have used it in lieu of a shaving cream or shaving soap, and was delighted to discover that it does a remarkable job in that capacity. My underarms and legs were left smooth and hydrated, and I was able to facilitate a very close shave. It suds up just enough, and has the perfect amount of slip to do an extraordinary job.

Ingredients: Water, Coco-Glucoside, Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate, PEG-50 Distearate, Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea Leaf) Extract, Eugenia Caryophyllus (Clove) Flower Extract, Phospholipids, Aphanizomenon Flos-Aquae (Algae) Extract, Yeast Extract, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, 7-Dehydrocholesterol, Zea Mays (Corn) Oil, Dimethicone PEG-7 Phosphate, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Glycerin, Citric Acid, Isopropyl Myristate, Ethylene Brassylate, Vanilla Planifolia Fruit Extract, Methyldihydrojasmonate, Disodium EDTA, Imidazolidinyl Urea, Potassium Sorbate.

Overall assessment: Another wonderful product from Remedy, and an extraordinary value.

4 oz. $2.24 from Remedy.
PR sample sent for my consideration. All views expressed are categorically my own.

Remedy with Phytoplex- Hydraguard, Nourishing Skin Cream & Phytoplex Lip Balm to Ease the Effects of Dry Winter Skin- Review

Remedy Advanced Skin Care is, "formulated with antioxidants, vitamins, and amino acids to nourish the skin." Remedy skincare products offer gentle solution for most skin issues, and their products are "pH balanced, non- cytotoxic, non-sensitizing, non-irritating and non-allergenic."

1) Hydraguard Barrier Skin Cream (2 oz. $4.09 and 4 oz. $6.99)- "Remedy with Phytoplex Hydraguard Skin Cream is a breathable yet highly water-resistant film that is blended with natural oils such as safflower oil. The Silicone-rich formulation creates a breathable, water-resistant film over skin as it moisturizes and nourishes." This is a very rich cream with a great deal of slip because of the high concentration of silicone. It feels fantastic on the skin and has an amazing scent from the Vanilla Planifolia Fruit Extract. It immediately leaves skin feeling smooth and supple. I have been using it on my feet at night, and when I wake up my feet are unbelievably soft. My husband has been using it on his dry hands every night, and in a very short time his rough and dry chapped hands have become smooth and soft. As an avid surfer, the combination of the cold water and air have wreaked havoc on his hands, but now- thanks to this cream- you would never know it. 

If you are sensitive or allergic to silicone you should avoid this product because it contains a high percentage of silicone.

Features:
24% silicone blend helps resist moisture loss.
It forms a water-resistant film over skin which protects vulnerable skin while it moisturizes.
Reduces the appearance of red, cracked and scaly skin while soothing dry, itchy skin.
Rich in oleosomes: naturally encapsulated safflower oils that release over time.
Gentle enough for use on the most fragile skin, suitable for neonates, diabetics, geriatrics.
Nourishes the skin with the proprietary Phytoplex blend of botanicals.

Ingredients:

2) Nourishing Skin Cream (2 oz. $2.49 and 4 oz. $4.19)- "Remedy with Phytoplex Nourishing Skin Cream is enhanced with Phytoplex and other botanicals, making it ideal for those with dry skin, the delicate skin of babies, people even people undergoing radiation or chemotherapy...." While I do not have dry skin, I am finding that my skin is currently pretty dry because the weather has been quite cold here- especially at night. I have been using Nourishing Skin Cream on my hands, arms and legs and have noticed a vast improvement in my skin in a very short period of time.  This cream has a rich and fairly thick consistency, but it absorbs quickly and moisturizes thoroughly. It also has the intoxicating scent of Vanilla Planifolia Fruit Extract- which I find to be very pleasant to the senses.

Features:
Ideal for everyone from babies to seniors
Tear‐free
Hypoallergenic (non‐sensitizing, non‐irritating)
Pediatrician-tested
Dermatologist‐tested

Ingredients: Water, Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed Oil, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Glycerin, Stearic Acid, Cetearyl Alcohol, Propanediol, Dimethicone, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Extract, Chondrus Crispus (Carrageenan) Extract, Aphanizomenon Flos-Aquae (Algae) Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Eugenia Caryophyllus (Clove) Flower Extract, Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Oleosomes, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil Unsaponifiables, Borago Officinalis Seed Oil, Zea Mays (Corn) Oil, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Yeast Extract, Phospholipids, 7-Dehydrocholesterol, Arginine, Beta-Glucan, Sodium Hyaluronate, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Hydrogenated Palm Glycerides, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Hexylene Glycol, Butylene Glycol, Isopropyl Myristate, Ethylene Brassylate, Vanilla Planifolia Fruit Extract, Methyldihydrojasmonate, Disodium EDTA, Phenoxyethanol.

Left to right: Hydraguard and Nourishing Skin Cream

3) Phytoplex Lip Balm (0.15 oz. $2.99)- "Remedy Lip Balm with Phytoplex is a natural, petrolatum‐free lip moisturizer that soothes and protects. Composed of all‐natural oils and safe in oxygen‐rich environments, it contains encapsulated flavor crystals which release citrus flavor for hours." First of all, the citrus flavor and the cooling Menthyl Lactate make your lips feel very refreshed. This lip balm is filled with all sorts of great antioxidants such as Resveratrol, and as such it does wonders for dry chapped lips! I just recently had the opportunity to really see how well the Phytoplex Lip Balm could tackle severely chapped lips since my lips were in very rough shape. I decided to give myself an at-home facial peel late at night when I was quite tired (read: I should have had the sense to go to bed instead of giving myself a facial), and I was rather careless in my application. Unbeknownst to me at the time of application I had inadvertently gotten a bit on my lips, and while it did not hurt at the time, I was mortified when I woke up to find my lips peeling, cracked and frightening to look at. I immediately began using Phytoplex Lip Balm and nothing else because I wanted to know exactly how equipped it was to deal with such an extreme example of chapped lips. After two days of using only this product, my lips were better than before "the incident." My lips were left soft, smooth, and extremely well hydrated. The texture is light and refreshing, and would even be perfect to wear under this seasons matte lipsticks! After my experience with this lip balm I will always sure to have a few tubes on had!

Features:

Moisturizer that soothes and protects

Contains no petrochemicals that occlude skin

Composed of all-natural oils such as sunflower, soybean and jojoba oil

Shea butter and beeswax deliver essential Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids

Encapsulated flavor crystals continue releasing citrus flavor for hours

Cooling menthyl lactate soothes and refreshes lips

Safe to use in oxygen-rich environments

Ingredients: Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil, Beeswax, Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla) Wax, Flavor, Cannabis Sativa (Hemp) Seed Oil, , Mangifera Indica (Mango) Seed Butter, Limnanthes Alba (Meadowfoam) Seed Oil, Zea Mays (Corn) Starch, Hydrolyzed Corn Starch, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Rosmarinus Officinalis, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Tocopherol, Methyl Diisopropyl Propionamide, Ethyl Menthane Carboxamide, Menthyl Lactate, Lauryl Laurate, Glyceryl Oleate, Butyrospermum Parkii, Chamomilla Rectita (Matricaria), Isomerized Safflower Acid, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5, Resveratrol, Punica Granatum Oil, Dimethyl Sulfone, Ceramide, Glyceryl Stearate, Glycerin, Sucralose, Sorbitan Monooleate, Aqua, Butylene Glycol, Aphanizomenon Flos-Aquae Extract, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Camellia Sinensis Extract, Soy Amino Acids, Yeast Extract, Eugenia Caryophyllus (Clove) Flower Extract, Phospholipids, Cholecalciferol.

Overall assessment: This is an amazing under-the-radar line that you need to become aware of. The products that I have tried are very effective, pleasant to use, and extremely affordable. I look forward to trying more of their products!

Available from Remedy Advanced Skin Care.
PR samples sent for consideration. All views expressed are categorically my own.

Remedy with Phytoplex Hydrating Foaming Cleanser Review

Remedy® with Phytoplex™Hydrating Cleansing Foam, "is a low sudsing shampoo and body wash designed for the most sensitive skin...." It does not  contain aloe, parabens, phalates or petroleum.

Uses:
1) For use in the shower as a rinse‐off or as a no‐rinse with a wash basin (for babies and adults).

2) Cleanses, nourishes and revives your skin, leaving you deliciously clean and smooth all over.

3) Contrary to common cleansers that use soap or petroleum derived ingredients (such as sodium lauryl sulfate), Remedy with Phytoplex cleansers utilize natural ingredients derived from coconuts and phospholipids to maintain skin's natural pH balance. It also contains emollients and a touch of dimethicone to help boost skin moisture.

4) For use on normal, irritated, or denuded skin. Ideal for everyone from babies to seniors.

5) Tested to be tear‐free, hypoallergenic (non‐sensitizing, non‐irritating), pediatrician tested, dermatologist‐tested.

Click to enlarge

• Remedy® Phytoplex Hydrating Cleansing Foam is pH balanced to protect skin's acid mantle.
• No-rinse foaming cleanser allows for gentle cleaning and ease of application
• Use on intact, irritated or denuded skin
• Clings where applied minimizing clean up and mess
• Product is easily removed with a wipe or washcloth
• Enhanced with Phytoplex and other botanicals

I have used this cleanser on my face and body, and am truly struck by how gentle and pleasant it is to use. My skin is left moisturized- never stripped, taut. or uncomfortable in any way. It has a pleasant vanilla scent that is calming to the senses. It is so gentle to the skin that I find it tremendously effective when used after a peel or other more aggressive scrubs and treatments. It dispenses from the pump as a light and creamy foam that feels divine against the skin. 

This is an ideal cleanser for people with very sensitive skin, but also for those who want to use a gentle and non-irritating product that won't strip the skin or disrupt the acid mantle, or the pH balance. I like to use it on my skin when I am testing out lots of products-- it offers a welcome break from too many actives and allows my skin to adjust to a more normal state of equilibrium after trying too many new products or lines. While they suggest that it can simply be wiped off, I prefer removal with water.

Ingredients: Water, Coco-Glucoside, Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate, Aphanizomenon Flos-Aquae (Algae) Extract, Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea Leaf) Extract, Eugenia Caryophyllus (Clove) Flower Extract, Yeast Extract, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, 7-Dehydrocholesterol, Zea Mays (Corn) Oil, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Calophyllum Tacamahaca Seed Oil, Phospholipids, Tocopheryl Acetate, Glycerin, Dimethicone PEG-7 Phosphate, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Citric Acid, Sodium Hydroxide, Isopropyl Myristate, Ethylene Brassylate, Vanilla Planifolia Fruit Extract, Methyldihydrojasmonate, Disodium EDTA, Imidazolidinyl Urea, Potassium Sorbate

Overall assessment: This is a lovely all purpose cleanser that is gentle, effective, and pleasant to use. This should do wonders even for people with very sensitive skin- provided that you do not have sensitivities or allergies to any of the ingredients. It is also very affordable- which is always nice!

4 oz. $4.99 From Remedy Advanced Skin Care
PR sample, but all views expressed are categorically my own.