Empties July 2020

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I actually surprised myself this month by finishing up more largely used up products than I had ever anticipated. As you have seen over the last few months, we have been going through lots of soap each month because we live in the epicenter of the pandemic in California. Therefore, we are doing a lot of hand-washing and shower-taking these days. In fact, we are being so vigilant that we shower and wash our hair every single time that we return home after being out in the world (in any capacity). There is something about living in the epicenter of the pandemic, in LA, that causes a profound paradigm shift.

I have neither been on an intentional no, nor low buy mission, but I have definitely been focussing on using up a lot of open products before they go bad. If there is any sort of silver-lining to essentially being back under the shelter-in-place mandate, it is that we are living far more sustainably. With that in mind, here are the things that I finished up down to the last drop this month. Please remember that they were already in use from the month or months before, and that few of these items were opened and finished in July.

Body Products from the Shower (Pictured above):

Nubian Heritage Peppermint Aloe Bar Soap ($4.99 for 5 oz. from Nubian Heritage, Swanson Health, Walmart and The Vitamin Shoppe): This lovely bar soap gently exfoliates dead skin cells while hydrating, softening and conditioning the skin. It boasts a creamy light lather that neither strips the skin, nor does it leave behind a greasy residue. It has the uplifting aroma from the peppermint that is tempered by the aloe. I keep this bar at my bathroom sink, and love how soft it makes my hands. Purchase Again? Definitely, but not until I make a dent in my soap drawer.

Salt by Hendrix Luxe Oil + Salt Scrub Jasmine + Rose (This version no longer appears on their website, but there are many others from which to choose from Salt by Hendrix): This is an incredibly luxurious oil and salt body scrub that leaves skin soft, smooth, supple and incredibly hydrated. The aroma, which is informed by the Jasmine and Rose, is delectable and beautiful. Purchase Again? I have a couple more of their body scrubs and LOVE them. I would buy this one again, but it no longer appears to be available.

Tree to Tub Soapberry for Body Relaxing Lavender Body Wash ($17.88 for 8.5 oz. from the Tree to Tub Amazon Store): This wonderful body wash has a lovely light lavender aroma, a non-drying creamy lather and it is pH-balanced. It leaves skin soft, hydrated and soothed. If leaves behind no oily residue and washes clean. Purchase Again? I will definitely consider it when I need to purchase more body wash.

Uncle Bud's Body Wash with Hemp Seed Oil ($14.99 for 8 oz. from Amazon): I absolutely fell in love with this body wash the first time that I tried it. It contains Aloe Vera and Hemp Seed Oil that moisturize the skin, and it has a creamy-dreamy lather (especially when used with a body mit or sponge) that is non-drying. Not only does it thoroughly clean and hydrate the skin, but I find it emollient enough that I can shave my legs with it. It has the delectable scent of coconut that makes the whole shower smell delicious. Purchase Again? YES!

Mustela Stelatopia Cleansing Cream ($13.00 for 6,76oz. from Mustela, Escentual and Amazon): This cleansing cream has a very light lather, rather than a rich lather, and it is incredibly soothing, calming and hydrating for even the most sensitive skin. It has no detectable fragrance and it washes clean without leaving behind any residue or greasiness. While it is perfect for babies with eczema-prone skin, I find that it has the perfect consistency and texture for shaving my legs. Purchase Again? Most definitely– this stuff is divine!

Dove White Beauty Bar ($2.99-$12.99 for 2-14 bar packs from Target and Walgreens): This gentle, creamy cleansing bar contains ¼ moisturizing cream that leaves skin soft smooth and very clean. We used these in the shower, and loved them! Purchase Again? I already have another 2-pack!

Hand Soaps:

Dove Gentle Exfoliating Beauty Bar ($2.99-$12.99 for 2-14 bar packs from Target, Walgreens and Bed, Bath & Beyond): I am a huge fan of exfoliating cleansing bars 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. I used these to wash my hands in July, and the exfoliating action did an excellent job of thoroughly cleaning my hands. Purchase Again? Definitely!

Rebel Green Pink Lilac Fresh & Clean Hand Soap ($6.95 for 16.9 oz. from Rebel Green and Amazon): This soap is gentle and yet it thoroughly cleans the skin, but it does so without stripping, drying or irritating even the most dry and chapped hands. It leaves hands remarkably soft, smooth and hydrated. They also make their hand soaps in Unscented, Peppermint & Lemon, Frankincense & Pine and Lavender & Grapefruit. Rebel Green hand soaps are cruelty-free, and they feature non-synthetic fragrances. The pink lilac scent, which I love, is absolutely amazing. Purchase Again? Unquestionably. This hand soap is amazing!

Haircare:

Tree to Tub Soapberry for Hair Relaxing Lavender Shampoo (On sale for $17.88 for 8.5 oz. from Tree to Tub Amazon Store): This pH-balancing shampoo, that can also be used on the body, has a lovely mild lavender aroma that is a delight to the senses. It forms a non-stripping, creamy lather that is free of harsh chemicals. Hair is left hydrated, manageable and shiny. Purchase Again? Perhaps, but I have too many shampoos to use before I purchase another.

Cuvée Shampoo ($35.00 for 10 oz. from Cuvée Beauty): This gentle shampoo, which is free of sulfates, parabens and phthalates, is also safe for color-treated hair, is ultra-luxurious, hydrating and revitalizing. Furthermore, the nutrient-rich formula, which is thoroughly non-stripping, leaves hair soft, shiny and silky-smooth. It has a light and pleasant aroma that enhances the sensory experience of using this lovely shampoo. Purchase Again? I have a lot of shampoo, but would definitely consider purchasing it in the future because I really like it a lot!

Cuvée Conditioner ($38.00 for 10 oz. from Cuvée Beauty): This conditioner offers hair deep hydration that is weightless, washes clean and leaves behind no residue. It is made with high quality skincare-grade ingredients that nourish and moisturize the hair and protect it from heat damage. Furthermore, it softens the hair, makes it more manageable, adds a little volume, and it is safe on chemically treated hair. Like the companion shampoo, it has a light and pleasant aroma. Purchase Again? This is an amazing conditioner, and I would definitely buy it again, but not until I finish up more of the conditioners in my stuffed cabinet! 

Ouai Treatment Masque ($32.00 for 3.4 oz. from Sephora, Ulta and Nordstrom): Normally a 1 oz. sample tube would not be enough product to formulate much of an opinion, but wow– this masque is fantastic! It deeply hydrates and conditions and leaves my hair incredibly soft, smooth and manageable! Purchase Again? YES!!!!

Deodorants:

LAVANILA The Healthy Deodorant ($14.00 for 1.7 oz. from Amazon and Ulta): LAVANILA makes wonderful healthy deodorants that are effective and smell wonderful (though they also make an unscented variant for sensitive skin). Their Vanilla Grapefruit scent is probably still my favorite because it smells utterly scrumptious, but I have almost of their scents and use them all of the time. They offer long-lasting protection, and do it without all of the unhealthy chemicals. Just to be very clear, all three of these deodorants were nearly empty, and two of them were in my travel bags that are no longer getting any use because of the pandemic. Therefore, I used up what little was left before they dried out. Purchase Again? I already have a replacement!

Peels:

M-61 Power Glow Peel ($30.00 for 10 treatments, $66.00 for 30 treatments and $116.00 for 60 treatments from Bluemercury, Macy's and Amazon): During use I notice the slightest bit of tingling as the Glycolic and Salicylic Acids begin their work exfoliating my dead skin cells, but it is neither uncomfortable, nor painful. I began using it once a week, and was able to use it three times a week the second week, and by the third week I was able to use them every day. I would definitely recommend starting out slowly. I also have to say that whenever you exfoliate your skin that it is imperative to be vigilant about sunscreen use, and reapplication, because taking away dead skin cells leaves your skin more vulnerable to the sun and environment. The lack of an SPF leaves your skin more vulnerable to skin cancer, but also to hyperpigmentation. M-61 Power Glow Peel leaves my skin soft, smooth with a renewed fresh texture and clarity. I do not have enlarged pores, and therefore can't say whether enlarged pores appear smaller, but I do note that my skin appears more taut after use, and that fine lines appear softer because they are unencumbered by excessive dead skin cells. Purchase Again? Yes, but not until I use up my box of Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Peel Extra Strength first!

Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Peel Extra Strength ($150.00 for a box of 60 treatments and $88.00 for 30 treatments from Sephora, Space NK, Nordstrom and Selfridges): I was so happy with th results of the M-61 Power Glow Peel that once I finished the entire box I decided to do more peels in the month of July. Therefore, I returned to my box of Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Peel Extra Strength. This two part peel is a fantastic maintenance program between professional peels, but also is highly effective if you never seek out professional peels. I am very impressed by the efficacy of this product, but the Alpha Beta Peel Extra Strength will not be suitable for sensitive skin. They also offer the Alpha Beta Original Formula which is a far more gentle variant. It is perfect for keeping my skin in great shape, and is an excellent product to use between professional peels and facials. I used 7 of these this month! Purchase Again? I still haven't finished my big box of 60, but I will definitely purchase it again! This was worth every penny!

Skincare: 

AMOREPACIFIC Treatment Cleansing Oil Makeup Remover ($50.00 for 6.8 oz. from AMOREPACIFIC, Sephora and Nordstrom): This is a very nice lightweight cleansing oil that emulsifies when you mix it with water. It washes clean, removes every trace of makeup and it leaves skin so soft. Purchase Again? While this was only a sample size, I liked this so much that I plan to buy a bottle as soon as I finish up my current cleansing oils.

Bodyography Coconut Milk Serum ($33.00 for 1 oz. from Bodyography): This serum, which looks and feels like a lightweight moisturizer, sinks into the skin immediately and leaves it hydrated and luminous. It softens the appearance of fine lines and nourishes the skin beautifully. On warm days, I can use this in lieu of a moisturizer, but it layers perfectly with my favorite moisturizers as well. It has no detectable aroma, and therefore should pose no problem for people with a sensitivity to fragrant skincare products. Purchase Again? Not any time soon, because I am swimming in serums, but I would definitely buy it in the future!

Arbonne RE9 Night Repair Crème ($88.00 for 1 oz. from Arbonne): This is a very thick and rich nighttime cream that deeply hydrates the skin while you sleep. It is very concentrated, therefore I warm a tiny amount in my hands before massaging it into warm, freshly cleansed skin. The following morning I note that my skin is soft, smooth, hydrated and luminous. It has no detectable scent, and it feels so wonderful on the skin. Purchase Again? As much as I really liked this, and I liked it a lot, I have so many open jars of cream that it will be a very long time before I need to buy another.

BIOTHERM Aquasource Gel ($44.00 for 1.69 oz. from Bioterm USA): This ultra-luxe gel-based moisturizer is one of the most hydrating products that I have tried in recent memory. Its lightweight texture lends itself to melting into the skin immediately and drenching and quenching even the most dehydrated skin. Biotherm's claim that it gives skin a visible glow and "intense regenerating hydration in one application" is absolutely consistent with my experience. This has a fresh green aroma that is uplifting and pleasant, but it does not linger. Purchase Again? At some point, yes. I have lots of light creams for the summer, and am not in need of another, but I will say that this one is phenomenal!

Face Cleansers:

Sponge Skincare Gel Katharistiko Cleanser (As I noted last year, their website is no longer online): This is my last bottle of this extraordinary cleanser, and I am very sad that I can no longer buy it! Sponge Skincare products were made in Greece by a family who had been making natural skincare products for more than thirty years. Among the key ingredients used by Sponge is olive oil, Vitamins D & E,  and organic and wild crafted herbs. This wonderfully aromatic, and hydrating cleanser, cleans without stripping and leaves skin soft, hydrated and nourished. Luckily I had backup bottle that I will thoroughly enjoy, but I miss the days when I could buy their products at Barneys New York (not to mention the fact that I still miss BNY tremendously). Purchase Again? I would in a heartbeat. I really hope that they didn't go out of business because their skincare products were absolutely extraordinary.

Mad Hippie Cream Cleanser ($15.99 for 4 oz. from Mad Hippie, Ulta, Amazon and Free People): This is a lovely non-foaming cream cleanser that leaves skin thoroughly cleansed, hydrated, softened and silky smooth. It neither strips the skin, nor does it leave behind a greasy film. Given that I have normal to combination skin, I was initially concerned that it might be better suited to dry skin, but I was thrilled to discover that it worked perfectly for my skin. There is no discernible fragrance or scent to this cleanser. Purchase Again? I definitely would if I weren't swimming in so many open bottles and tubes of facial cleansers.

Cotton & Eye Masks:

Koh Gen Do 100% Pure Cotton ($19.00 for 60 pads from Koh Gen Do, Dermstore, Beautylish, b-glowing Amazon Store and b-glowing): Whether you use a toner, micellar or spa waters or makeup removers, you probably have sought high quality cotton pads or cotton balls to use these products. My preference has always been 100% cotton, and while I have tried a great many over the years, Koh Gen Do ranks as my very favorite. Their cotton pads are very thick, 100% Certified Organic cotton, and they are not chemically treated, bleached or subjected to fertilizers or pesticides. Furthermore, the Koh Gen Do 100% Pure Cotton Pads do not fall apart during use, they are soft against the skin, and they are an ultra- luxe pleasure to use. Purchase Again? OMG YES! This is, without question, THE BEST COTTON PADS EVER!

MegRhythm Gentle Steam Eye Mask ($10.99-$17.77 for 7 masks from Yes Style Global and Amazon): If you are looking for serious stress relief, MegRhythm Steam Eye Masks, which stay at a comfortable temperature for 10 minutes, bathe "eyes and the delicate eye area in warm steam." This steam bath for the eyes helps release the tensions of the day. This is the perfect before bedtime treat! You will note that there is a stray eye mask in the photo with the Koh Gen Do Cotton pads above because I found it at the bottom of my recycle bag after taking pictures. I went through an entire box in July. Purchase Again? I have 4 masks left, and I will definitely repurchase more!

TATCHA Luminous Deep Hydration Revitalizing Eye Mask ($12.00 for one set and $95.00 for 10 masks from Tatcha): These nourishing and hydrating eye masks are absolutely amazing! They deeply hydrate, soften the appearance of fine lines, sooth tired and puffy eyes, and leave the delicate skin luminous. Purchase Again? Definitely! These are great.

Estée Lauder Stress Relief Eye Mask (These appear to have been discontinued and replaced by these masks instead. Available from Estée Lauder): These were absolutely amazing eye masks. They were described as revitalizing 10-minute masks that were perfect for, "long days, long nights, in-flight or whenever you need to 'de-stress.'" They included ingredients such as aloe vera and cucumber and they deeply hydrated the delicate skin under the eyes, softened the appearance of fine lines, and left skin soft, smooth and supple. Purchase Again? I definitely would if that were an option!

Wipes:

Mustela Cleansing Wipes with Olive Oil ($6.00 for 50 wipes from Mustela and Amazon): These full-size alcohol-free cleansing wipes are fragrance-free, gentle against the skin and they thoroughly clean without stripping. The olive oil infused cloths feel so soft against the skin, and whether you are using them on yourself or your baby (or both) you can be assured that they won't irritate the skin. Purchase Again? I have lots of wipes to use before I need to repurchase, but I will definitely buy these again!

Hanhoo Argan Oil Makeup Removing Wipes with Vitamin C ($4.00- $5.00 for 15 wipes. from Hanhoo and Walmart): While I have used a lot of different makeup removing wipes, I have to say that these are far more luxe in feel. The wipes are made from a very plush and ultra soft material that feels more like a fabric than a disposable material, and it feels oh so good against the skin! They are very gentle against the skin especially the delicate area around the eyes, and each wipe is moist enough that there is no need to tug at the skin to remove every trace of makeup. Skin is left clean, soft and lightly hydrated, and never dry or taut. The wipes have a very light aroma that may be from the Argan Oil, but it isn't in the least bit irritating or overpowering. Purchase Again? I will definitely consider repurchasing the once I need more wipes.

Clarisonic Classic (50% Off all products from Clarisonic and Ulta): When I learned that Clarisonic was going out of business on September 30, 2020 I was very sad. I loved and used my Clarisonic for years, and when I heard the sad news I pulled mine out of the drawer and sought to charge it. What was next to come was nothing sort of heartbreak upon heartbreak. My 8 year old Clarisonic would not take a charge, and it appears to have died along with its wonderful company. Purchase Again? I have lots of other cleansing devices, and therefore I can't justify the purchase, but the 50% discount is tempting for anyone in the market for a first rate cleansing device.

Travel Sizes (these are from my travel bag that I just emptied out since I won't be traveling for a while!):

Unwash Bio-Cleansing Conditioner ($29.00 for 13.5oz. from Unwash and Amazon): This is a really nourishing sulfate-free cleansing conditioner that is really gentle on the hair and suitable for all textures and types of hair. It is non-stripping and hydrating, and my curls love it! Purchase Again? I have a couple more of their deluxe samples to test, but I would definitely consider purchasing more once I need more shampoos and conditioners.

Unwash Anti-Residue Cleanse ($24.00 for 10 oz. from Ulta and Amazon): This Anti-Residue shampoo gently removed product build-up without stripping the hair and scalp, and it leaves hair clean, pH-balanced and looking healthy! Purchase Again? Eventually, but I have a couple of clarifying shampoos that I ned to finish up first.

OUAI Wave Spray ($22.00 for 5 oz. from Violet Grey, Ulta and Sephora): If you love texturized beachy waves, then this wonderful Wave Spray offers a weightless mist that gives hair just enough hold, and the perfect amount of body. It works so well on my naturally curly hair, and I am so happy to have discovered it! Purchase Again? Thankfully, I have 3-4 samples left!

TATCHA Indigo Hand Cream ($38.00 for 2 oz. from Tatcha and Violet Grey): is a revelation for dry hands, and unlike anything else that I have tried. It is ultra-lightweight yet very rich and moisturizing, but it sinks in quickly leaving behind no greasy film. Hands are left soft, supple and left deeply moisturized. The anti-inflammatory rich formula makes short work of soothing redness and irritation, and returning skin to a balanced and hydrated state. Purchase Again? YES YES YES!

CHI ESSENTIALS Professional Hair Color ($32.00 from Avon): This hair color kit, which is made by Farouk Systems for Avon, was as easy to use as the drugstore brands, and it delivered great results. Initially, I was going to wait about a month to color my hair, but the sun has lightened my hair so much that I decided not to wait. I have natural dark brown hair, with red undertones, and each summer the sun significantly lightens my hair. Therefore, toward the end of summer I like to color my hair so that it is back to its natural dark brown shade. This set restored my hair to its natural color within less than 45 minutes, and unlike many at home sets this one requires that you shampoo and condition your hair after use. It is ammonia-free and gluten-free, but for all of the product details, see my initial post HERE.  Purchase Again? Yes, this is a great at-home hair coloring kit.

Essential Oils:

Aroma Foundry Bergamot Essential Oil ($10.00 from Aroma Foundry): This delectable, mood-enhancing, citrus is one of my all-time favorite essential oils to use in my diffuser. It makes the house smell glorious, it elevates the mood of everyone in the house, and its refreshing aroma is very refreshing. Purchase Again? Definitely.

Gurunanda Lavender Essential Oil $5.94-$7.99 each and Sets for $29.99+ from Gurunanda and Amazon): Gurunanda has a wide assortment of essentials oils and essential oil blends, and I use them all of the time. They pair beautifully will their oil diffusers, and their oil blends address a variety of concerns from sleeplessness to congestion, and there are even formulation for relaxation, tranquility and harmony. Their Lavender Essential Oil is one of my favorites! Purchase Again? I already opened a fresh bottle!

Artnaturals Signature Zen Essential Oil ($5.99 from Artnatuals and Amazon): This blend, which is made up of lavender, rosemary and sweet orange oils, is formulated to "decrease stress, nervous tension, headaches, anxiety, and anger." It is grounding, calming, relaxing and it smells delicious! Purchase Again? I definitely would consider repurchasing it, but I have a lot of essential oils right now– so I will reevaluate once I begin to run low.

Deluxe Fragrance Samples:

Arizona by Proenza Schouler ($75.00 for 30ml. from Proenza Schouler): I can't remember where I got this sample, and while I liked the way it smelled, it did not do well with my personal body chemistry. Here are the notes: Orris / White Cactus Flower / Jasmine / Orange Flower / Solar Accord / Musk / Cashmeran. Purchase Again? Unfortunately, no.

Candy by Prada ($76.00 for 1 oz. from Sephora, Nordstrom and Ulta): This is a sweet feminine scent, and I thought that it would smell to much like actual candy on me, but I was pleasantly surprised that it was quite pleasant. Notes: Top: caramel. Middle: musks. Base: vanilla, benzoin. Purchase Again? I am not sure, and I have a lot of fragrances to use up, but I really did like this scent.

Oud Palao by Diptyque ($180.00 for 2.5 oz. from Saks Fifth Avenue and Bluemercury): Some Ouds don't work well with my body chemistry, but I really do like this one. Here is what Diptyque says, "East meets West in this exotic eau de parfum interlacing and intermingling oud wood, vanilla and rose.Oud wood is one of the rarest and oldest essences in perfumery. It is the central focus of Oud Palao eau de parfum, which owes its name to the Palao variety of oud wood from Laos." Purchase Again? Probably not, but I do like this.

Deluxe Perfumed Body Cream Samples:

Jo Malone English Pear & Freesia Body Crème ($84.00 for 5.9 oz. from Sephora and Nordstrom): This rich fruity floral body cream is rich, ultra thick and moisturizing, and I absolutely love the scent. It lingers for quite a while, and then becomes faint and lovely after a several hours. Key Notes: King William Pear, Freesia, Patchouli. Purchase Again? I would definitely consider it.

Tom Ford Neroli Portofino Body Moisturizer ($ for oz. from Nordstrom, Bluemercury, Macy's and Sephora): I own the full size bottle of the Tom Ford Neroli Portofino Eau de Parfum and am absolutely in love with it. It is on of my favorite fragrances to wear during the warm months of the year, and I loved layering it with this matching moisturizer.  Key Notes: Tunisian Neroli, Italian Bergamot, Sicilian Lemon, Winter Yellow Mandarin, Orange Flower, Lavender. It is described as, "Vibrant. Sparkling. Transportive...this scent perfectly captures the cool breezes, sparkling clear water, and lush foliage of the Italian Riviera." Purchase Again? ABSOLUTELY! I love this moisturizer, and I will savor it!

Wellness:

Boiron ColdCalm ($8.99 for 60 tablets from Amazon, Walmart, Target and iHerb): ColdCalm is a Homeopathic medicine that you take at the first sign of cold symptoms. If offers cold relief for the following: sneezing, runny nose, nasal congestion and minor sore throat. It does not cause drowsiness. Purchase Again? Most definitely!

COCOFLOSS ($9.00 each. Available at Sephora, Credo Beauty, Shen Beauty and goop): Cocofloss is a very effective dental floss that deeply cleans teeth and is gentle and soothing on the gums. It actually makes flossing something that I look forward to, and it is available in 4 coconut infused flavors: Delicious Mint, Pure Strawberries, Fresh Coconut and Cara Cara Orange. Purchase Again? I just opened another one, this stuff is great!

Overall Assessment: I can't promise that I will do nearly this well in August because I have a lot of full bottles, tubes and jars open, but I am on a mission to use things up before they go bad– so we will have to wait to see what August brings! What did you use up, toss out, give away or return in July? Any real winners or losers to report? Do tell!

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