Empties Post Volume XXXIX: December 2015

Press Samples, Samples (Affiliate Links)

I definitely wanted to finish up a few of my near-empties before closing out 2015– there is just something inherently satisfying about tossing a bunch of empty containers into the recycle bin before ringing in the new year. I didn't finish up too many full size products, but I did use up lots of samples. 

Mary Kay Satin Hands Pomegranate Satin Smoothie Hand Scrub (Reviewed here): Not only does this scrub keep hands soft, smooth and supple, but it also works wonders on the feet as well! 

Ladyskin Aqua Exfoliator For Body (Reviewed here): This came is a MEMEBOX that I received last year, but I didn't really start using it regularly until a couple of months ago. It was so effective at removing dead skin cells immediately that it nearly boggles the mind. Dead skin pills up and rolls off- revealing soft skin.

Reviva Labs InterCell Hyaluronic Acid Night Gel (Reviewed here): This is another amazing product from Reviva Labs, and if you seek added hydration, then this Hyaluronic Acid Night Gel is an affordable and highly effective solution.

Shannon's Soaps Lavender Mint Balm (Reviewed here): This delightful balm is hardworking, highly effective, and it boasts a phenomenal sensory aromatherapeutic experience. The smell is delicious and calming, and the texture is unbelievably emollient and refined. It is also very concentrated, so only the smallest amount needs to be applied to the lips to produce astonishing results. I also tried the balm on my hands, cuticles, elbows, and heels to see how it performed, and as suspected it did a fantastic job of deeply moisturizing everything that it touched!

SkinCeuticals A.G.E. Eye Complex: This was a hand-me-down from my sister, and I can't figure out why she stopped using it. She was in the midst of a pre-move purge, and this was one of the many things that found its way into my possession. I found it to be a remarkably effective anti-aging eye cream that deeply hydrates the skin, dramatically reduces the appearance of dark circles, and leaves skin luminous.

LIFE NK Daily Fix Body Lotion is a super hydrating body lotion that is, "formulated with a vegetable base, the cream is also enriched with nourishing shea butter and glycerine for optimal hydration and a rich, luxurious consistency. It's the perfect daily treat for skin that is prone to dryness or sensitivity." I definitely liked it enough to buy a full size tube.

Clinique Deep Comfort Hand and Cuticle Cream is a really emollient and super moisturizing and non-greasy. I actually even used it on my feet, and found that it did a superb job softening and moisturizing my skin.

Origins Checks and Balances Frothy Face Wash is a really nice lathering cleanser that worked very well in conjunction with my FOREO LUNA and Clarisonic. It left my skin seriously clean with out stripping it.

Purlisse SPF 30 Pur-Protect Spf 30 Essential Daily Moisturizer is a nice moisturizer with a high enough SPF that I didn't feel the need to add an additional sunscreen. I didn't use it long enough to form a more in-depth opinion, but I can tell you that I want to try it again.

Purlisse Pur-Moist Hydra-Balance Moisturizer is a very nice moisturizer that made my skin feel so soft.

Origins Modern Friction Nature's Gentle Dermabrasion is gentle enough that I could use this on a daily basis for my normal to combination skin. I would definitely love a ill size tube when I finish up some of my exfoliators.

Korres Black Pine Firming, Lifting & Anti-Aging Night Cream is an impressive anti-aging night cream that is fast absorbing and ultra-moisturizing. There wasn't enough product in the tube to form a meaningful opinion, but I definitely want a full size jar at some point.

Juice Beauty Stem Cellular Moisturizer seems like a really nice moisturizer, but the tube didn't permit me to use it long enough to form a meaningful opinion.

ProfilePro Customized Haircare Jasmine Conditioner is an interesting haircare line that allows you to personalize the type of shampoo and conditioner that suits the needs of your hair. I really liked the way that their shampoo and conditioner felt and smelled, but I really have to use a shampoo for a longer period of time than samples permit to determine whether it is a good fit for my dry hair. 

Aesop Reverence Aromatique Hand Wash is an obsession-worthy hand wash that actually contains small exfoliating particles that do an excellent job removing dead skin cells. I need a bottle of this, and will definitely purchase one before too long.

Aesop Geranium Leaf Body Cleanser is a really lovely body wash that thoroughly cleanses the skin leaving it soft, supple and hydrated. The scent is a lovely earthy geranium that fills the shower with its beautiful aroma.

SAI-SEI Mineral Deep Moisture Body Cream (SAI-SEI has been discontinued at Space NK, but they are offering deep discounts!): I really wish this hadn't been discontinued because This was an absolutely amazing body cream that really is deeply moisturizing. 

L'Occitane Amande Shower Oil is a shower oil lovers dream. It thoroughly cleanses the skin, it smells delectable, and it leaves skin very soft, supple and hydrated.

RADICAL Skincare Multi-Brightening Serum was conceived to even skin tone, make skin more radiant, and to "to prevent and repair all pigmentation disorders." Furthermore, it leaves skin with a stunning pronounced luminosity. 

TATCHA RADIANT Deep Brightening Serum (featured here): This is a truly extraordinary brightening serum that leaves skin noticeably luminous and deeply moisturized. It utilizes, "time-tested Asian botanicals + HADASEI-3 Bioactive Complex for radiant looking skin." I have a few more sample bottles to use, but will definitely get a full size bottle when I'm done with them.

SAI-SEI Mineral Refresh Bath & Shower Gel  (SAI-SEI has been discontinued at Space NK, but they are offering deep discounts!): Once again, I am super sad that it is no longer being stocked at Space NK because I really would have loved a full size bottle.

Goldfaden MD Fleuressence Cell Oil: As previously noted, for me, it isn't often that a single sample size results in the strong desire to make the purchase. Generally speaking, I  need more time to determine if it will be a good fit for my skin, but I knew I wanted this gorgeous anti-aging beauty oil almost immediately. While I haven't yet made the purchase, I can tell you that it has a beautiful lightweight and fast absorbing consistency, and that it leaves skin very hydrated and luminous. There is definitely a full size bottle in my future.

The proprietary blend of 100% pure active botanicals, fruit extracts and natural oils delivers powerful vitamins and nutrients deep into the skin to boost moisture levels and skin cell revitalization. Rich in powerful Omega fatty acids and Vitamins A, C and E, the botanical actives work to diminish the appearance of fine lines, discoloration, inflammation and reduce pore size.

Added powerful oils—Kalahari Oil, Mongongo Oil and Baobab Oil—protect and shield the skin against environmental stresses, support the rejuvenation and renewing of skin cells, improve skin elasticity and promote accelerated skin-cell turnover. Skin is left glowing, hydrated and plump.

Tom Ford Café Rose Eau de Parfum is such a gorgeous scent that I just purchased a bottle and will review it before too long. 

Café rose descends into a hidden labyrinth, where rose’s fine breeding gives way to darker pleasures. Three precious rose essences dance with exotic spices and dark coffee. Incense resin, amber, and woods surround them with creamy depth. 

Notes: Turkish Rose Oil, Bulgarian Rose Absolute, Coffee Essence, Incense Resin, Sandalwood, Patchouli Oil. 

As is always the case with sample packets, I never really find that they provide enough product to form a meaningful opinion, but I definitely found products in this pile that re worth mentioning.

RéVive definitely makes fantastic luxury skincare, and their Glycolic Renewal Peel is a highly effective 2-step system. First you use their exfoliating pads, and after about a minute you apply the activation gel that you leave on for about 2 minutes. Once you rinse your face, you notice

Sisley Skincare makes exceptionally high quality skincare products, and the few that I own are among my most coveted skincare splurges. Small packets don't provide enough product to comment on individually, but Sisley skincare is definitely worth the splurge.

Marc Anthony Haircare Oil of Morocco Argan Oils Deep Hydrating Conditioning Treatment is a super affordable deep conditioner that left my dry hair super nourished, soft, frizz-free and manageable. I will definitely purchase a tube when I need more conditioner.

Kate Somerville Eczema Therapy Cream and Kate Somerville Age Arrest Anti-Wrinkle Cream are really emollient and super hydrating creams that made my skin feel deeply moisturized and silky soft. I would love to try a full size jar of one of her moisturizers,

Every Beauty Makeup Remover Pads with Argan Oil Extract (This came in my February 2014 BB5 box reviewed here): These makeup remover pads were absolutely fantastic. You simply add a little water to activate the pads and then it removes every trace of makeup, and it leaves the skin remarkably soft and smooth! I need to purchase a full size pack for my travel bag!

Zelens is a line that I have been wanting to pay a bit more attention to. It is a luxury brand with a wide variety of products that really appeal to me– not the least of which is their face oil. I have piles of Zelens samples, and I definitely want to try a few of their full size products.

What did you use up, toss out, give away or return in December? Any real surprises? Anything that you will repurchase? Any grew finds you want to recommend?

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