Empties Post Volume XLVIII: October 2016

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As I mentioned in my September Empties post, I am in the midst of decluttering my stash, and the first thing that I did was round up piles and piles of bottles, jars and tubes of well-used products, and then placed them in the line of sigh– in a central location– so that I would be motivated to finish them up. One of the benefits of doing this is that my husband reaches for them as well– especially when they are front and center in the shower. I feel overwhelmed by how many products that I have, and I am determined to use up the things, toss them out, and even repurpose the things that have received a lukewarm reaction. For instance, if I have a shampoo that is too stripping for my hair, and if my husband won't use it, then it can often work well as a body wash, or for shaving. Facial lotions and creams that may be too rich for my face, often work wonders on my neck, décolleté and hands. Therefore, I am trying to be more resourceful because I really dislike waste, and am ideologically opposed to adding more to the landfill because it makes me feel guilty about polluting the environment. Plus, there is something so satisfying about placing a pile of empty containers in the recycle bin each month!

From the Shower: I seem to do a decent job finishing up things that I place in the shower, and I have become pretty disciplined about doing so. The trick is not to have too many choices from each type of product.

Surya Brasil Sapien Women Body Scrub (Reviewed HERE): is a highly effective, all natural, body scrub that efficiently, and thoroughly, sweeps away dead skin cells. The high concentration of Aloe Vera leaves skin soft, supple and unbelievably hydrated. The tropical scent is intoxicatingly beautiful, and it definitely creates a lovely sensory experience. I definitely will get another tube as soon as I finish some of my other body scrubs.

You are Amazing Clean On Up Body Wash in Lavender Fields (Reviewed HERE): This lightly scented lavender body wash achieves a gentle lather, but is neither drying nor stripping. It leaves skin soft and supple, and while it is a wonderful body wash, it is also very nice as a hand soap.

Everyday Shea Hand Soap in Lemon Verbena (Reviewed HERE): Everyday Shea, in case you were unaware, is a part of Alaffia, and I have been gleefully using their products  for many years. 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.

éprouvage Fortifying Shampoo and Conditioner (Reviewed HERE): This hydrating and replenishing shampoo is perfect for hair that is dry and/or color treated because it thoroughly cleans without ever stripping the hair. It is so gentle on my color treated, naturally curly hair that I have already nearly finished this bottle, and that is a real testament to its gentle efficacy.

I am very impressed by the extent to which this conditioner hydrates my hair and scalp, and leaves my hair manageable, frizz-free, and shiny. This is a great choice for dry and/or color treated hair.

alessandro Pedix Feet One Minute Pedicure (Reviewed HERE): I am obsessed by how my feet feel after using this food scrub! It has a delicious natural aroma from all of the essential oils used, and it leaves your feet indescribably soft, smooth and hydrated.  I actually used the excess on my hands, and was utterly thrilled by the results.

Hair La Vie Revive Deep Hydration Hair Masque (Reviewed HERE): is a deep conditioner for the hair and scalp that effectively treats dry and damaged hair. While my hair is not damaged, is has a natural tendency to be dry, and therefore I am reliant upon effect conditioners to keep my hair looking and feeling great.

Hair La Vie's  Revive Deep Hydration Masque is an all-natural moisturizing and strengthening treatment that is infused with 11 vitamins, nutrients and essential oils that deep condition, deep clean and hydrate the hair and scalp.

I simply apply the mask to clean, damp hair and leave it on for about 30 minutes. I then hop in the shower and wash and condition my hair as I normally would and then rinse it with cool water. My hair is left shiny, frizz-free, manageable and very hydrated.

AMBI Even & Clear Exfoliating Wash: While this is intended as a face scrub for breakout-prone skin, I found it to be an excellent foot scrub as well. The Salicylic Acid really helped to remove the dead skin and reveals soft and smooth feet.

According to AMBI,

This gentle exfoliating wash with microbeads helps clear and prevent breakouts.  You will also see improvements in the appearance of dark marks that breakouts can leave behind.

Infinite Aloe Face and Body Scrub: I really like this scrub a lot. It can be used from head to toe, and is gentle enough not to strip or irritate the skin. Skin is left soft, silky-smooth and hydrated.

According to Infinite Aloe,

Enjoy deeply cleansed, smooth, radiant skin from head to toe. This gentle exfoliant has Organic Aloe Vera, rose hips oil, vitamin E, and other fabulous ingredients.

All Natural Ingredients, Ammonia-Free, Contains Minerals, Contains Vitamins, Cruelty-free/No Animal Testing, Formaldehyde-Free, Oil-Free, Organic, Paraben-Free, Perfume-Free, Silicon-Free, Sulfate-Free, Vegan

Lifetherapy Body Wash (Reviewed HERE): This non-stripping hand and body wash leaves skin moisturized, soft, and supple. The fragrance fills the shower and thankfully lingers in the air for a while so that the enjoyment doesn't end when you finish showering. This also works beautifully for shaving legs and underarms!

Sienna Naturals Moisturizing Leave-In Conditioner: The deluxe sample size really didn't give me enough time with the conditioner to form a meaningful opinion, but the Baobab Oil, Coconut Oil and Shea Butter definitely added moisture to my curly hair. I would like to try a full size bottle at some point to see if I really like it.

According to Sienna Naturals,

Get resilient, manageably soft hair with Sienna Naturals Moisturizing Leave-in Conditioner. This light-weight leave-in delivers suppleness to hair without weighing down the natural vibrancy of its body or curls. Key ingredients provide protection to your hair follicles from the inside-out, defending against stress from the environment, heat and everyday styling.

Full Size Face & Body: I managed to use up a lot of largely used up face and body products this month, and I am delighted because I have already rounded up a big pile to use up over the next couple of months!

Mirai Clinical Formula Purifying Body Serum (Reviewed HERE): While this is called a serum, it actually looks and feels more light a lotion– though it is of the more lightweight variety. The antioxidant rich formula nourishes, hydrates and protects the skin, but it does not contain an SPF, therefore you will need to add an additional sunscreen for protection. The formula is quite concentrated– therefore a single bottle will last quite a while unless you use it daily from head to toe. It has a light and pleasant herbal scent that fades as soon as it sinks into the skin.

Mirai Clinical Formula Purifying & Hydrating Face Wash (Reviewed HERE): This gentle cleanser does an exemplary job of cleaning skin without stripping it or leaving it dry. It leaves skin soft and moisturized, and can be used alone or with your favorite cleansing device.

Belli Healthy Glow Facial Hydrator (Reviewed HERE): is a lightweight ultra hydrating moisturizer, filled with botanical humectants, that softens and nourishes the skin. My skin is immediately hydrated and illuminated. While this is suitable for all skin types, those among you with particularly dry skin may want to use this more as a hydrating serum under a richer cream. On my normal to combination skin, however, Healthy Glow Facial Hydrator provides all of the moisture and hydration that I need. It has a very light citrus scent that smells wonderful, but it does fade soon upon application, and therefore should not bother people who prefer unscented facial products.

Manuka Secrets Night Crème (Reviewed HERE): Like the day cream, their antioxidant-rich Night Crème is also very lightweight and fast absorbing. It has a very emollient texture that delivers deep levels of hydration and moisture instantaneously, and it leaves skin nourished, soft, smooth and soothed. Manuka Honey soothes and softens the skin, Hyaluronic Acid binds moisture and plumps fine lines, Shea Butter deeply moisturizes, and CoQ10 supports skin's natural regeneration. It leaves skin soft, supple, hydrated and luminous. It has a light earthy scent that quickly dissipates.

Dermaquest Advanced B5 Serum (Reviewed HERE): Dermaquest Advanced B5 Serum is a deeply hydrating light and refreshing gel-based serum that penetrates the skin quickly, and leaves it visibly hydrated. Fine lines are plumped up, skin is left dewy and luminous, and the effects last throughout the day. I have noticed that this serum beautifully prepares my skin for all of my other treatment products, and it appears to enhance the moisturizing effects of both my day and night creams. It also makes an outstanding base for makeup- so much so that I have even used it in lieu of a primer.

B. Kamins Lactic-10 (Reviewed HERE): This is a very effective lactic acid-based peel. One of the things that I am very intrigued by is the ingenious packaging and applicator. Rather than a pump applicator, the thick round tip is applied directly to the skin and delivers precisely the right amount of product.

When I first began using Lactic-10, I definitely noticed a tingling sensation as it got to work on my skin. However, as B. Kamins suggested, this tingling sensation did diminish with use. My skin is left very smooth, it has a pronounced clarity, my fine lines are softened, and I have markedly brighter skin. While this is a very potent peel it did not ever irritate, dehydrate, or dry out my normal/combination skin.

O.R.G. Organic Mineral Peel (Reviewed HERE): O.R.G., a cruelty-free company, has created an enzyme peel that is the envy of all such products. You simply spray the liquid-based product on the area(s) of the face that you wish to treat (avoiding the eyes) and then you gently rub your fingers in a circular motion for approximately one minute (or less). This is when the magic happens- because the dead skin and debris simply begins to ball up and fall away. Once this occurs wash all of the remaining product off of your skin, and then say hello to gorgeous baby-bottom soft skin!

evanhealy Rose Cleansing Milk (Reviewed HERE): vanhealy Rose Cleansing Milk is a delectably earthy rose scented cleanser that does a remarkable job thoroughly cleansing the skin, and does so without leaving behind any greasy film or residue. If you have been put off by cleansers that don't produce a heady foam, and have generally felt the need to double cleanse to remove the vestiges of lotion/cream cleansers-- then you will be pleasantly surprised by evanhealy Rose Cleansing Milk. In fact, skin is left petal soft, balanced and toned while simultaneously perfectly cleansed, and never stripped. While it boasts a gentle formula it is a mighty powerhouse in its ability to effectively draw out impurities and clean out clogged pores. I am currently finishing up my travel size bottle, and this will definitely go on the must-buy list.

LUMENE Finland Bright Now Vitamin C Beauty Drops (Reviewed HERE): This is one of my favorite products from Lumene because I almost immediately noticed a brightening and illuminating of my skin. Each jar contains a 28 day supply of capsules filled with a potent little potion. You simply remove the tip of the capsule and squeeze the contents into your hand, and then massage the serum into your face, neck and décolleté. It is applied like a serum, before your day or night cream, and it sinks in quickly and effortlessly. It brightens, hydrates, softens and smooths skin, and it imparts a natural glowing radiance.

Custom Blended Oil: I often mix my own oils, because I am someone who always likes to tinker with things. I often create my own foundations and lipsticks by mixing them in order to come up with the perfect color and finish, and often do that with skincare as well. Mixing oils is such an obvious forum for this type experimentation, but this type of experimentation is something that I have been doing since I was a teenager!

Mario Badescu Rose Hips Nourishing Oil (Reviewed HERE): This lightweight fast absorbing oil is very hydrating and soothing. When my skin is irritated or needs calming-- this oil makes short work of  eliminating irritation and restoring moisture. This is a wonderful oil that is easy on the skin and wallet.

Deluxe Samples Face & Body: I had numerous nearly empty delete samples in my travel bag that I pulled out to finish up since they were basically used up. This is also nice because I now have a fresh batch of products in my travel bag to enjoy on my next trip.

Savannah Bee Honey Body Lotion (Reviewed HERE): Savannah Bee Honey Body Lotion is lightweight, fast absorbing, and ultra-hydrating. I love the smell!

Dancin' Goat Hula Bliss Hand & Body Lotion (Featured HERE): This is a rich and nourishing lotion that leaves skin indescribably soft, hydrated and supple. The invigorating scents of lavender, eucalyptus and rosemary quickly mellow once they absorb into the skin, but the scent is truly delicious!

Lifetherapy Hydrating Body Lotion (Reviewed HERE): This is a lightweight, fast absorbing, nourishing and ultra-hydrating lotion. It is beautifully emollient and leaves skin unbelievably silky smooth, delectably soft, and deeply moisturized. It sinks in so quickly that you don't have to wait for it to dry down before getting dressed.

Infinite Aloe Face and Body Scrub: As previously noted,  I really like this scrub a lot. It can be used from head to toe, and is gentle enough not to strip or irritate the skin. Skin is left soft, silky-smooth and hydrated.

Radical Skincare Advanced Peptide Antioxidant Serum (Reviewed HERE): It is a very potent antioxidant rich anti-aging serum that not only protects the skin, but also moisturizes and imparts an unmistakable ethereal glow. The richly packed peptides increase collagen production and the antioxidants work overtime protecting the skin against the damaging effects of free radicals. The Trylacel suspension technology maintains maximum potency of the antioxidants, and that makes Radical Skincare products exceedingly effective.

Radical Skincare Multi-Brightening Serum: I absolutely love Radical Skincare, and their serums are among my favorites. I do, however, need more than a deluxe sample to see any hyperpigmentation reversed. I will say that this serum definitely has a brightening effect on my complexion, though!

According to Radical,

Radical Skincare Multi-Brightening Serum combats the 3 causes of hyperpigmentation without irritating your skin. Featuring rare plant extracts and vitamin C, this brightener firms and tightens the skin while fading age spots, sun spots and scars caused by acne. Mediterranean brown algae extract prevents the production of melanin, preventing future discoloration, leaving you with a long-term luminous complexion.

Dewberry Lotion (Reviewed HERE): Dewberry Lotion is a gluten free hand, face and body lotion that contains Rose Oil, Beta Glucan and Hyaluronic Acid to offer skin fantastic hydration.  Dewberry Lotion is very moisturizing and soothing lotion that leaves skin soft, supple and moisturized.  It has a light fragrance that faintly smells of roses, but it is very mild and pleasant. While Dewberry Lotion was created for sensitive skin it is beneficial for all skin types.

Fresh Crème Ancient: This is a lovely, and extremely rich, anti-aging cream that is actually too rich for my normal/combination skin, but I love it on my décolleté and hands!

According to Fresh,

This supremely effective formula is the ultimate age-delaying solution. It is proven to reduce the depth and length of wrinkles, increase skin elasticity and firmness, and provide instant and long-lasting hydration. It is enriched with meadowfoam seed oil, a unique, nourishing fatty acid that plumps and firms the complexion and improves overall elasticity. A dose of vitamin E provides antioxidant protection against free-radical damage, and beeswax and chamomile wax eradicate dry spots, soften the skin, and create a light moisture-preserving veil.

Tata Harper Regenerating Cleanser: This exfoliating cleanser is absolutely phenomenal! It thoroughly cleans and exfoliates skin without stripping it in the least bit. While the deluxe sample didn't provide enough product for me to see longer term results, it provided me with enough to know that I want to get a full-size bottle!

According to Tata Harper,

This highly-effective four-in-one cleanser improves skin's radiance while purifying, minimizing the look of enlarged pores, and deeply hydrating. It soothes the skin while clarifying with fresh enzymes, clays, and essential oils. Microspherical beads polish the skin and reduce the appearance of blackheads—without stripping the skin of essential moisture. Grapefruit's fresh, vibrant scent helps boost energy and confidence, and the luxurious formula leaves skin balanced, hydrated, and glowing.

CLÉ DE PEAU Intensive Eye Contour Cream: I really, really like this eye cream a lot. I have gone through a few samples, and think that I have a few more somewhere. It really softens fine lines and leaves skin hydrated and lifted.

According to CLÉ DE PEAU,

The ultimate experience in age defiance for eyes, this luxurious multi-benefit eye cream dramatically transforms visible sagging, loss of firmness, dark circles, dullness and wrinkles while delivering powerful moisture for phenomenal youthful resilience. Developed with a specially designed beauty massage tool coated in pure platinum that helps increase surface circulation during massage and improve overall tone for more well-defined eye area contours. This alcohol-free formula has a rich, ultra creamy texture that melts into skin.

Masks: I am an avid mask user, and I really love sheet masks a lot. I also have so many of them that I have started a pile so that I can actually use them with some regularity– because all too often when things are out-of-sight, they really are out-of-mind.

Sally's Box Delight Ceramide Hydrogel Mask & Sally's Box Delight Panthenol Hydrogel Mask (Reviewed HERE): I love sheet masks, but honestly I could tell no difference between these. Both left my skin very soft, supple and hydrated, but that is about all that I really noticed.

Pure Smile Choosy Lip Gel Mask (Reviewed HERE): This hydrating lip mask contains Vitamin E, Collagen and Hyaluronic Acid, and the combination plumps fine lines and deeply moisturizes lips.

WEI Dragon Blood Eye Lifting Pad (Featured HERE): Given that I only had enough eye pads for a single use, I can't really say too much other than the delicate skin below my eyes was nicely hydrated. I would really have to use this product many more times to be able to formulate a more meaningful opinion.

According to WEI,

Specially formulated with the red sap of “Dragon’s Blood” along with Kelp that firms and hydrates, Dragon Blood Eye Lifting Pads help diminish the appearance of sagging skin, and provide a more firm-and-supple-looking appearance to the delicate eye area.

Global Beauty Care Retinol Spa Treatment Mask (Featured HERE): Once again, I only had a single mask to test, and therefore I can't comment on how my skin responded over a more sustained trial period. I did notice that my skin was hydrated and luminous, though.

According to Global Beauty,

Global Beauty Care Retinol Spa Treatment Mask is an effective facial skincare therapy, designed to improve the health and appearance of your skin. Our moisture rich formula contains Retinol to help minimize expression lines and wrinkles, boost cell renewal and delay the effects of skin aging. Just one treatment will help repair, revitalize and restore your skin to a healthy and young looking complexion!

Frownies Eye Gels (Reviewed HERE): If you love eye treatment masks, then the Frownies Eye Gels are a real treat. The gels are infused with a short list of natural ingredients, and they can be used multiple times until they eventually dissolve. They smooth and soften the delicate skin under the eyes, diminish the appearance of fine lines and reduce he appearance of dark circles. Furthermore, these antioxidant-rich gels deeply hydrate the skin leaving it luminous and refreshed. In order to reactivate the gels after they have been used, you simply spray them with the Frownies Rose Water Hydrator and place them in a ziplock bag and refrigerate them– and continue to do this until they finally disintegrate. I kid you not, the gel medium used feels so incredible and cooling against the skin that it gives one a tremendous sense of wellbeing. I love to use them after I have had a particularly long commute home from work because they just melt away the stress. A+

Assorted Sample Packets: As I have said many, many times– sample packets seldom provide enough product that really allows one to form a real opinion about the efficacy of the products.

That said, L'Occitane Divine Youth Oil (Reviewed HERE): is such a beautiful face oil, and since I have a full sized bottle I can tell you that it is worth its weight in gold. It is a lightweight and fast absorbing luxury oil that literally melts into the skin without leaving behind any oily residue. It leaves skin silky soft, deeply moisturized, and unmistakably luminous. Furthermore, this anti-aging luxury oil plumps fine lines, smooths the overall appearance of the skin, and gives skin celestial glow. The otherworldly velvety texture coupled with the delectable warm and comforting scent makes using Divine Youth Oil an extraordinary tactile and aromatic experience.

I warm a few drops in my hands and massage Divine Youth Oil into warm, freshly cleansed skin. This allows it to penetrate the skin deeper and faster, and it also enables you to use less product. I have been using it during the day and the night– largely because this oil makes me deliriously happy, and I just can't seem to get enough of it. I also add a drop of it to my foundation or tinted moisture in order to provide my skin with extra hydration and greater luminosity.

First Aid Beauty Face Cleanser (Discussed HERE): I tried a few samples of this cleanser, and it was love at first try! It is a fragrance-free, super gentle and non-stripping, yet highly effective, cleanser that works well alone or in conjunction with a cleaning device.

Fragrance and Makeup: I am slowly weeding my way through a colossal pile of makeup and perfume, and trying to finish up mostly used products, and tossing out things that are too old to use.

Of the fragrance samples shown, the real winner for me is TOM FORD Café Rose, and I love this scent so much that I purchased a 3.4 oz. bottle that makes me deliriously happy. It is a warm and exotic rose that is so fetching that I truly relish using it!

The Josie Maran lipstick, which was discontinued long ago, was worn down to a stub, and then tossed out. The Prescriptives lipstick was very, very old, the wrong color, and on the verge  of turning– so I tossed it.

I think that my new system is really forcing me to evaluate what I have in my stash, and I am making a tremendous effort to use things up before purchasing more products. One of the by-products of beauty blogging is certainly amassing a huge collection of beauty products, but it can become pretty cumbersome to store so many things, and if things aren't getting used there is no reason to continue to hold on to them. However, it is really the many, many opened containers of things that I do like, but that get forgotten about when new products are being tested that I am also trying to get a handle on.

What did you use up, toss out, give away or return in October? Any hits or misses that you want to share?

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