Empties Post Volume LVI: June and July 2017

 Press Sample & Purchased (Affiliate Links)

Somehow the months of June and July went by in a flash, and I was so busy that I didn't have the time to do my monthly Empties post, but instead combined the two. I did manage to finish up a fair number of nearly empty products, and my success is not attributed to my will to finish them so much as it is a function of reaching for them because I leave them out in plain sight. This foolproof method is the only way that I am able to finish anything up given the insane size of my stash of products!

Surya Brasil Sapien Women Shave Gel (Reviewed HERE): This remains one of my all-time favorite shaving gels because it is ultra hydrating, it has a delectable tropical scent, and it gives me the closest shave imaginable. It is gentle and nourishing, and such an amazing addition to my shower product line-up. In fact, this is such a great shave gel that my husband still uses it for shaving every single day. Good enough to get again? Definitely.

Farmhouse Fresh Sweet Cream Fine Body Scrub (Reviewed HERE): This is a wonderful body scrub that features ultra-fine grain salt that feels wonderful against the skin as they remove dead skin cells. The salt granules are suspended in a wonderful base of nourishing and hydrating antioxidant-rich rice bran oil, and the end result is silky-smooth, hydrated skin that is unmistakably luminous. The aroma is an intoxicatingly delicious velvety cream that smells good enough to eat, but I certainly wouldn't recommend it! Good enough to get again? Definitely.

ClarityRX Get Clean Crushed Bamboo Exfoliator (Reviewed HERE): This facial scrub, which features gentle exfoliants suspended in a nourishing and comforting cream base, effectively removes dead skin cells without irritating or damaging the skin. Additionally, Bromelain and Papain enzymes aid the exfoliating particles by helping to dissolve some of the dead skin cells, and this combination of the two types of exfoliants make skin soft, smooth, supple and luminous. Good enough to get again? Without question!

AromaFloria Muscle Soak Body Scrub and AromaFloria Muscle Soak Body Wash (Reviewed HERE): These beautifully aromatic bath products were such a joy to use, and the deluxe travel sizes were thoroughly enjoyed during my travels. Good enough to get again? Yes, but I currently have so many scrubs and body washes that it will be quite a while before I need to buy any.

Dove Sensitive Skin Beauty Bar (Review forthcoming): I love Dove bar soaps and have used them for years and years. The sensitive bar is so gentle on the skin, and it never strips or irritates the skin. Good enough to get again? Oh yeah, and I have several bars that I will open soon!

Jason Normalizing Tea Tree Treatment Shampoo: This is a really great shampoo if you have issues with dry scalp. I don't as a general rule, but sometimes when I am testing too many hair products my scalp does dry out. Another culprit, for me, is using softened water when I travel. For some reason my skin does not like soft water, and tends to get irritated and dry, and this shampoo definitely helps. Good enough to get again? Definitely.

Fresh Monster Toxin-Free 2-1 Shampoo & Conditioner (Reviewed HERE): These toxin-free 2-1 Shampoo & Conditioners come in fun scents that are neither too fragrant, nor do they smell like chemicals. They are fun to use, and so gentle on the hair. Good enough to get again? Yes, but I have so many shampoos and conditioners right now that it will be a very long time before I need to make another purchase.

Topganic Intensive Hair Mask with Brazilian Nut Oil: This is a very rich and hydrating hair mask that does wonders for my dry and curly hair. It really smoothes and tames the frizz, too. Good enough to get again? Yes, but I think that the company may have discontinued this mask, They do, however, have another variety that is quite good as well.

SACHAJUAN Hair Repair: I have several samples of this hair repair mask, and it is absolutely AMAZING! It is an intensive hair treatment with, "ocean silk technology for damaged and stressed hair." It leaves my hair soft, silky, manageable and frizz-free. Good enough to get again? It is so amazing that I definitely plan to purchase a full-size bottle.

Caudalie Divine Oil: Given my penchant for oils, I naturally had to try this one, and it really is aptly named because everything about this oil is divine! From the smell to the texture, to the way that it effortlessly penetrates the skin, and finally to the way it makes your skin über soft and unbelievably moisturized. I have only tried it on my body and hair, but from the moment that I first tried it I was madly in love. I used it sparingly in my hair and it left my curls bouncy, glossy and beautifully moisturized. I noticed that my body felt silky smooth and softer than you can imagine. What’s more, the scent is so intoxicating that I find myself sniffing my arm all of the time just to get another whiff! Good enough to get again? This was my second or third bottle already, therefore the answer is a resounding yes!

Amlactin Ultra Hydrating Body Cream (Reviewed HERE): This cream is very thick and rich, and it really is ultra hydrating. Unlike some alpha-hydroxy based moisturizers, Amlactin has the distinction of not drying out the skin. I have found that Ultra Hydrating Body Cream leaves my skin indescribably soft and supple, and it eliminates any dry patches that I may have. While this does not contain fragrance it does have a light slightly medicinal scent– one that is rather nondescript and fades quickly. Good enough to get again? Eventually, but I have far too many creams and lotions to use up before buying more.

Mario Badescu Hyaluronic Day Cream (Reviewed HERE): If you have deydrated skin, or normal to dry skin, then Mario Badescu Hyaluronic Day Cream is a perfect choice. It is ultra-moisturizing and hydrating without feeling heavy on the skin. The Hyaluronic Acid attracts and retains hydration, while the peanut and vegetable oils add moisture to the skin. This cream is fast-absorbing, and leaves skin soft, supple and hydrated. Good enough to get again? I would definitely use it again, but it will be quite a while before I need to buy another face cream.

Mario Badescu Peptide Renewal Cream (Reviewed HERE): This lightweight and fast absorbing cream, that is filled with Peptides and Hyaluronic Acid, leaves skin remarkably hydrated, smooth and lifted. In addition to nourishing the skin, it also makes skin radiant and luminous. Good enough to get again? Yes, but it will be quite a while before I need to buy another face cream.

Rodin + Fields REDEFINE Overnight Restorative Cream (Reviewed HERE): is a highly moisturizing night cream that has a thin consistency, but it is a very nourishing and hydrating nighttime treatment cream. It is very concentrated therefore only a tiny amount is needed, and it sinks in effortlessly leaving my skin soft, hydrated, supple and balanced. Good enough to get again? It is, but I have other night creams that I prefer.

LIERAC Paris Hydra-Chrono Intense Hydrating Balm (Reviewed HERE): This is such a lovely hydrator with such a delectable thick gel texture. It is very nourishing, hydrating and calming. It can be used day or night as a wash-off mask, or as a moisturizer. It leaves skin soft, supple, hydrated, plumped and luminous! Good enough to get again? Yes, but it appears to have been discontinued.

Savvy Wipes (Reviewed HERE): In the Klear wipes are lint-free, and therefore perfect for cleaning the lens on your phone, camera, screens and glasses. No Sweat wipes are antiperspirant/deodorant wipes. Both are perfect travel companions, and I always have them in my travel bag and purse. Good enough to get again? Yes, definitely!

Omorovicza Moor Mud Cream Cleanser (Reviewed HERE): is a gentle, non-foaming, cream cleanser that leaves skin thoroughly cleansed, without any stripping, and renders it remarkably soft and refreshed. Furthermore, it leaves behind no greasy residue that necessitates a second cleansing for its removal. Ideal for sensitive and dry skin, it is likewise a treat for normal to oily skin types as well.  My skin, which is normal to combination, experiences a pronounced clarity as a result of its clarifying and detoxifying formula, and it lifts impurities and gently clears congested pores without drying the skin, or leaving it taut and uncomfortable. Skin is left soft, smooth, supple and luminous.

It should not be overlooked that this cleanser is incredibly refreshing to the skin courtesy of the cooling blend of essential oils (Camphor, Peppermint and Eucalyptus), and one should most assuredly avoid contact with the eyes. That said, it should be stated that the cooling effect is mild rather than overdone and I do not find it in the least bit irritating to my sometimes finicky skin. However, if you have known sensitivities or allergies to any of these essential oils, then you should avoid this cleanser altogether.  Good enough to get again? Yes, absolutely!

Odacité Ba+S : Eye Contour Serum Concentrate: This fantastic eye oil is described as, "a highly nutritive serum is specially formulated for the delicate, thin skin of the eye contour. Rich in vitamins A, E and F along with plant sterols, baobab oil targets all signs of aging around the fragile eye area, helping to increase elasticity and reduce wrinkles. It helps relieve puffiness and dark circles, and has a delectable aroma. Good enough to get again? Yes, I was so impressed by my sample that I plan to buy a full size bottle.

Assorted Fragrance Samples: Of the samples used, the only one that I love enough to own is TOM FORD Neroli Portofino, and I do, in fact, own a bottle (that I covet). Good enough to get again? I can't imagine not having a bottle of Neroli Portofino!

What did you use up, toss out, give away or return in June and July? Any winners or duds to report?
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