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!