Empties Post Volume LVIII: October and November 2017

 Press Sample/Purchased (Affiliate Links)

I was so busy at work during the month of October that I couldn't find the time to do my monthly empties post, therefore I combined it with my November feature. As is usually the case, it is the products in my shower that get used the most, but it is also the mostly-used products that I leave out in plain sight to ensure that I actually finish them up before moving on to the next like-product.

Malin + Goetz Grapefruit Face Cleanser: When I use this cleanser, I find that my skin and pores are cleaned thoroughly without being stripped of their natural oils. My skin neither feels squeaky clean, nor does it feel tight and uncomfortable after use. I neither find the smell of the grapefruit to be overwhelming, nor do I find it too harsh. My skin simply felt deliciously fresh and clean. I have decidedly normal/combination skin with an active T-zone, and while I think this is well suited for combination and oilier skin types I have serious questions as to whether people with drier  or sensitive skin types will find this product too astringent. I suspect that the exfoliating effects of the grapefruit extract may be too active for those with dry and/or sensitive skin (at least for use on a daily basis). Would I use this again? Yes, definitely. It is a wonderful cleanser for my normal/combination skin.

KORRES Greek Yoghurt Foaming Cream Cleanser: This is a luscious soap-free cleanser that starts as a cream, but transforms into a superbly luxurious foam.  It is very concentrated, therefore only a tiny bit is needed for exceptional results. Skin is neither stripped, nor left taut and uncomfortable, but instead it is rendered soft, supple and hydrated. It has a delicious warm, floral aroma that is delightful. It works well alone, or with your favorite cleansing device. Would I use this again? Absolutely!

Mario Badescu Enzyme Cleansing Gel: This is a very gentle non-foaming gel cleanser that removes every trace of makeup. It has a light clean scent that reminds me of the smell of lots of aloe vera based products that I have used, but that is not among the listed ingredients. This hardworking cleanser lifts dead skin, oil, dirt, and makeup, but does so without stripping the skin.  After use my skin is left unbelievably clean, silky and soft. If you believe that your skin will only get truly clean from using a foaming or lathering cleanser- then be prepared for a paradigm shift! Would I use this again? Absolutely, I already have another bottle!

Arbonne RE9 Intensive Renewal Serum is a lightweight and fast-absorbing anti-aging serum that is formulated to hydrate, firm, lift, and soften the appearance of fine lines. It leaves my skin soft, supple, hydrated and fine lines are noticeably softened and plumped. It has the light orange aroma that, while delectable, fades as soon as it is absorbed. Would I use it again? I definitely would, but I am currently swimming in serums and am in too hurry to purchase more at this time.

emerginC Scientific Organics Peptide Booster Serum: This antioxidant-rich, active peptide-filled serum is truly obsession-worthy. It fights free radical damage, softens and plumps fine lines, brightens, firms and deeply moisturizes the skin.  Furthermore, skin is left soft, silky-smooth and luminous. I was actually sad when I finished the bottle, and that doesn't often happen because I have so many products in rotation! Would I use it again? YES! Once I need another serum, this one will be replaced!

Seabuck Wonders Himalayan Sea Buckthorn Facial Cream: What a truly glorious moisturizer this is! It is very moisturizing and nourishing, and yet very fast absorbing. It leaves skin soft, supple, hydrated and rejuvenated. Furthermore, it is has a delectable orange oil aroma that is uplifting, and yet it isn't in the least bit overpowering. This is an exceedingly affordable eco-skincare product that is definitely worthy of your consideration. Would I use it again? Yes, and I just opened another bottle, in fact!

Derma-E Essentials Microdermabrasion Scrub: This exfoliator suspends tiny, and densely populated, exfoliating particles in a creamy base that has enough grit to sweep away dead skin cells effortlessly. The formula is gentle, effective, and non-stripping. Skin is left soft, silky smooth, supple and refreshed. It is a very concentrated formula– therefore this 2 oz. jar should last a very long time unless you are using it on your face and body. It can also be used on your hands, elbows, heels knees– or anywhere you need to exfoliate rough skin. It has a very light aroma with a slight hint of citrus, but it isn't in the least bit cloying or long-lasting. Would I use it again? Yes, and I just opened another jar!

African Botanics Pure Marula Oil: This is a velvety smooth, fast absorbing lightweight oil that sinks into the skin quickly and effortlessly, and it leaves behind no greasy residue. It has a light, warm, sweet scent that is utterly intoxicating.

This antioxidant rich formula is not only a highly effective anti-aging serum, but also a great vitamin and amino acid rich formula that promotes healing and calming of the skin. It is a luxurious moisturizer that immediately plumps, hydrates and balances the skin. Skin is rendered velvety soft, supple, smooth, lifted and hydrated. Furthermore, skin is left with the highly sought after radiance that beauty oil enthusiasts seek out with such vigor!

Among its unique properties, African Botanics Pure Marula Oil is, "ideal as an anti-aging moisturizer or as a serum booster on all skin types all year round. Super fine in texture it stimulates healthy collagen production leaving supple, dewy and deeply nourished skin. Would I use it again? I will use this forever, and I have another full size and travel size in rotation.

Aroma M Camillia Cleansing Oil: If you are among the many who have become obsessed with cleansing oils, then you owe it to yourself to add aroma M Beauty Camellia Cleansing Oil to the top of your list. This luxurious handcrafted gem is the creation of world renown perfumer Maria McElroy, and therefore the delectable scent, alone, is enough to win you over. However, this ultra luxurious cleansing oil does an enviable job in its ability to deeply penetrate the skin to draw out more than just surface dirt and makeup, and it's suitable for all skin types. Would I use it again? No question.

Motives Facial Wipes: These were definitely effective wipes, but I have so many wipes to use that it will be quite a long time before I need to purchase more. Would I use it again? Probably, but I am in no rush.

Aroma Foundry Lavender Essential Oil: This is one of the most lovely lavender essential oils that I have ever tried. In fact, its silky smooth aroma retains all of the finest qualities associated with high quality lavender, while having none of the pungency that some of the lower quality oils feature. I feel as though I am standing in a lavender field each time I smell this lovely oil. Would I use it again? Absolutely!

Assorted Savvy Travelers Wipes:

In the Klear ($10.00 for 10 wipes from Savvy Travelers, Savvy Travelers Amazon Store and Nordstrom): In the Klear wipes are lint-free, and therefore perfect for cleaning the lens on your phone, camera, screens and glasses.

Speak Eazy ($2.50-$10.00 from Savvy Travelers): These are breath freshening wipes that can also clean food from your teeth– what a clever idea!

Klean Upz ($10.00 for 10 wipes from Savvy Travelers and Nordstrom): These are very convenient hand wipes that keep your hands clean and moisturized. I always carry a couple packets in my purse! Would I use it again? I still have quite a few of each of their wipes, but I would definitely buy more for traveling.

Farmhouse Fresh Rosemary-Mint Gourmet Mineral Bath Soak: Who among us couldn't use a good soak during the stressful holiday season?! This invigorating soak, with its Rosemary and Mint oils, awakens and soothes the skin and senses, and it lets all of your tensions melt away. This is a perfect hostess gift! Would I use it again? YES! I need to purchase more!

Kneipp Pure Bliss Red Poppy & Hemp Bath Salts: These beautiful bath salts relax the mind and body allowing stress to melt away– creating a pronounced sense of well-being. The natural oils hydrate the skin, and the lovely earthy aroma smells heavenly. Would I use it again? Yes, absolutely.

Kai Body Wash: I love all things Kai, and this body wash is among my very favorite body washes of all time. The beautiful white floral aroma is intoxicatingly beautiful and ultra feminine, and this cleanser thoroughly cleans without stripping the skin. Would I use it again? Yes, yes, yes!

Dove Gentle Exfoliating Beauty Bar: I am a huge fan of exfoliating soaps that are gentle, effective and do not strip the skin. This bar effectively exfoliates dead skin cells, but leaves the skin soft, smooth and never in the least bit stripped. Would I use it again? Yes, I am already using another bar!

CeraVe Hydrating Cleanse Bar: If you love rich and creamy bar soaps that are hydrating, gentle and non-stripping, then this one is a real treat to use. This fragrance-free bar achieves an emollient lather that feels wonderful against the skin, and rinses clean without any sort of residue. Would I use it again? Yes.

Farmhouse Fresh Big Bare Whipped Shea Butter Body Polish: I am absolutely obsessed with high quality body exfoliators, and I am particularly captivated by this one! It has a delicious fruity floral scent that is punctuated by a touch of spicy licorice, and it is an absolute treat to the senses as it blossoms when exposed to warm water and skin. It effectively and gently removes dead skin cells to reveal soft, supple and hydrated skin. The sugar crystals dissolve while the Shea Butter melts into the skin providing superior moisture. Unlike many body scrubs that are suspended in oils or butters, this remarkable scrub washes clean leaving behind no greasy residue. Would I use it again? Yes, absolutely!

Dove Shower Foam Shea Butter and Warm Vanilla Foaming Body Wash: This creamy and delectably aromatic cleanser thoroughly cleans without stripping and it leaves skin soft and moisturized. I love this so much that I even use it to shave my legs and underarms. Would I use it again? Yes, it is on my shopping list.

Molton Brown Eucalyptus Body Wash: I am such a huge fan of Molton Brown Body Washes, lotions and creams that it is no surprised that I loved this sample for travel. It is such a treat to the senses, and skin is never stripped. Would I use it again? Yes, absolutely!

Vermont Soap Castile Liquid Soap with Aloe & Olive Oil in Lemongrass Zen: Castile soap is such a wonderful multi-purpose cleanser that can be used to clean your house, your dishes, your laundry, your vehicles and yourself! Lemongrass Zen is utterly delectable and leaves everything smelling fresh and clean. Would I use it again? Yes, without question!

Savon Passion Flower & Coconut Soap: I do not think that this glorious soap is made any longer, but I coveted it down to the very last use. It was moisturizing and smelled delectable. Would I use it again? Yes, and I would but every bar that I could find if it were still available somewhere!

Glow for a Cause Body Butter in Wish: This is a rich, thick and ultra-creamy body butter that is very moisturizing. It is quite concentrated, and therefore a little goes a long way. I apply it to warm damp skin right after the shower, and it leaves my skin soft, supple and very moisturized. While the notes are light florals, white tea, Bergamot and light musks, I read it as a delectable musky coconut. I am smitten with this one in particular because it sits close to the skin and has a beautiful subtle scent as it dries down. Would I use it again? Yes, I would.

Kiss My Face Cucumber & Green Tea Active Life Deodorant: I have repurchased this deodorant so many times, and need to pick up another next time I go to Whole Foods. I love this stuff! Would I use it again? Yes, and I do repeatedly.

Arbonne RE9 Advanced Hydrating Body Lotion is an exceedingly moisturizing and ultra emollient antioxidant and vitamin-rich moisturizer that works wonders on dry skin and hands. Filled with ingredients like Sweet Almond Oil, Safflower Seed Oil, Jojoba Seed Oil, Sesame Seed Oil, Avocado Oil, Olive Oil, Orange Peel Oil, Wheat Germ Oil and Aloe Barbadensis Leaf– this lotion delivers deep and long-lasting hydration. While this is a rich lotion, it does sink in quickly, and the high concentration of oils leave the skin glowing, but not in the least bit greasy. It has the delectable scent of the Orange Peel Oil, but I find that it dissipates soon upon application. It's a very effective all-over body lotion that is nourishing and hydrating enough to tackle dry hands and feet. Would I use it again? Yes, in a heartbeat.

PediSpa Intensive Moisturizing Foot Mask ($9.99 for two pairs from Target): is an ultra-hydrating foot mask that noticeably softens and moisturizes parched feet, and aids in the repair of cracked and calloused skin. Used in conjunction with the PediSpa Exfoliating Foot Mask, this mighty duo makes feet pedicure and sandal-ready in no-time. Would I use it again? I still have a mask left, and will likely purchase another box when I run out.

Topganic Brazilian Nut Oil with Keratin Protein Intensive Repair Conditioner: This conditioner protects, nourishes and hydrates the hair and scalp, and leaves hair manageable and frizz-free. Like its companion shampoo, it is a perfect choice for color treated hair, and hair subjected to flat irons, blow dryers and curling irons, but it is also a great choice for people with dry hair. If your hair is feeling dry because of the cold weather, then this is a great conditioner to add into your haircare routine. Would I use it again? I really liked this a lot, and would definitely use it again, but I have a cabinet filled with conditioners that I need to use first.

LUSETA BEAUTY Argan Oil Hair Masque: I always welcome trying new hair masks, and this one promises to revitalize damaged and color treated hair. I found it hydrating and quite nice. It has a light and pleasant fragrance that is neither overpowering, nor is it cloying. Would I use it again? I liked it, but I have so many deep conditioners and masks to use that it will be quite some time before I think about buying any.

What did you use up, toss out, give away or return lately? Any hits or misses to report?

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