April 2021 Empties Galore

Purchased and Press Samples (Affiliate Links)

If working from home during the pandemic has taught me one thing about my product use, it is that I prefer to use the things that I really love, and that I use them with abandon. It is an indulgence that helps mitigate all of the stress associated with this difficult time. I have also been making a greater effort to use up the things I really love before they go bad. Here is what I used up in April:

African Botanics Pure Marula Cleansing Oil ($60.00 for 3.4 oz. from African Botanics, Net-A-Porter, Revolve and Credo Beauty): This lightweight oil is an antioxidant and omega-rich oil that was formulated to gently cleanse and purify even the most sensitive skin types while removing makeup, dead skin cells as well as pollution and other impurities. It is so gentle and effective that it neither dehydrates the skin, nor causes irritation. It is suitable for combination, sensitive and dry skin types. Repurchase? I already opened a deluxe travel size! 

Suki Sensitive Cleansing Bar ($10.00 for 4 oz. from the Official Suki Amazon Store and Suki. Set for $37.00 from the Official Suki Amazon Store): This is a fantastic cleansing bar that is formulated for use on the face or the body, and it is vegan and filled with healthy high quality ingredients. Sensitive Cleansing Bar is an extraordinarily gentle French-milled soap that is both moisturizing and pleasant to use. It forms a rich and creamy-dreamy lather, it never strips the skin and it has luscious lemongrass aroma that is positively intoxicating.

You can apply it directly to the skin, or you can use a loofah, wash cloth or sponge to the body. For the face it can be used directly on the skin, or with your favorite cleansing device. It leaves skin clean, silky smooth and moisturized. I also found that it does an amazing job as a shaving cream for my underarms and legs, and the creamy and emollient lather feels amazing against the skin. Purchase Again? Absolutely!

Malin+Goetz Peppermint Body Scrub ($35.00 for 7.5 oz. from Malin+Goetz, Space NK, Nordstrom and Bloomingdale's): This is one of my all-time favorite body scrubs for so many reasons! Among them is the fact that it boasts a foaming gel formula that is gentle and non-stripping, and yet it effectively removes dead skin cells, and reveals silky soft and ultra smooth skin. It also has no greasy residue that requires additional washing, and the peppermint aroma is seriously exhilarating without being overdone. This is a truly amazing body scrub, and I highly recommend it! Purchase Again? Definitely the next time I need another body scrub!

Kate Somerville Exfolikate Intensive Exfoliating Treatment ($85.00-$175.00 from Nordstrom, Sephora and Neiman Marcus): Kate Somerville's Exfolikate is a seriously powerful exfoliating treatment, it is so effective (and potent) that you only need to leave it on your face for 30 seconds and voilà your skin is smooth and bright, and your pores are deeply cleaned. It is like getting a super effective 30 second facial. I like to apply mine in the shower about 2 times a week to keep my skin in tip top shape. If you have very sensitive skin then this is likely to be too strong, if not irritating, for you. For those with sensitive skin try Exfolikate Gentle instead- you will find it far more gentle. I have tried both and prefer the strength of Exfolikate. This definitely tingles and you may find that your face becomes a bit red after use, but that usually subsides after a few minutes. However, if you find it unpleasant or uncomfortable that is a good indication that the formula is too active for your skin. Purchase Again? I will definitely make the splurge before too long!

LANCÔME Paris Bi-Facil Double Action Eye Makeup Remover ($15.00 for 1.7oz, $30.00 for 4.2 oz. and $40.00 for 6.7 oz. from LANCÔME, Nordstrom, Sephora, Ulta, Bloomingdale's and Macy's): This is an ultra-gentle and emollient bi-phase makeup remover that is formulated with the perfect balance between the water and the oils used. It effectively removes every single trace of makeup without tugging– including waterproof varieties– and it doesn't need to be rinsed off. It nourishes the delicate skin around the eyes as well as the lashes, and it is suitable for people with sensitive eyes and skin. It has no detectable aroma, and it can also be used to remove even the most tenacious matte lipsticks, and it does so with ease. This has been my favorites eye makeup remover for years, and I have yet to find one that comes close, by comparison. Purchase Again? I just opened a full-size bottle. I love this so much!

 

Erno Laszlo Multi-Task Eye Serum Mask ($38.00 for 6 masks from Erno Laszlo, Nordstrom, SkinStore, LOOKFANTASTIC, Violet Grey and Saks Fifth Avenue): I received mine as a gift with purchase, and I am so glad that I did because I wouldn't have likely tried them otherwise. Described as a multitasking eye mask infused in a serum of Vitamin B3, Algae Extract and Amino Acids, this mask promises to soften the appearance of dark circles, reduce under eye puffiness and soften the appearance of fine lines. In addition to those wonderful attributes, I also found that this eye mask refreshed my skin and left it soft, smooth, hydrated and radiant. I am very pleased with the results, and am thrilled that this wonderful gel mask made its way into my over-Zoomed life! Purchase Again? Oh yes, these are incredible!

VENeffect Anti-Aging Lip Treatment ($85.00 for 0.34 oz./10ml. from VENeffect and Space NK): When your lip balm obsession has reached a fever pitch, and you seek a powerhouse antioxidant rich anti-aging lip product that is less a balm and more of a cream-based treatment, then it is time to enter the fold of VENeffect Anti-Aging Lip Treatment. The consistency of this elegant treatment feels more like a lightweight eye cream than a balm, but it works faster and more effectively than a balm. It sinks into the lips and the surrounding skin quickly leaving behind a thin veil of moisture. It imparts immediate hydration while it gently plumps and smooths the skin. Additionally, if you have vertical lines around your lips, into which lipsticks bleed, it is worthy to note that VENeffect Anti-Aging Lip Treatment  is formulated to soften, reduce and plump them. Furthermore, this potent little pot serves as a wonderful lipstick base that enhances the longevity of of wear-time and prevents lipstick from bleeding. Purchase Again? This is my second little pot, and there is another one in my future at some point.

LEPAAR Velvet Sole Lip Balm ($15.00 for 0.17 oz. from Boxwalla and Credo Beauty): This lightweight, highly emollient, nourishing and hydrating lip and face balm is perfectly suited to the cold weather, and it is an absolute chapped lip savior. You really only need a tiny bit of this concentrated balm for great results. It boasts exfoliating properties because it is infused with ground pink Himalayan salt and papaya seed oil, but it isn't in the least bit gritty, drying or irritating. Calendula extract and olive oil help heal dry chapped skin– leaving them soft, supple and moisturized. This also makes a wonderful lipstick base– particularly when used in conjunction with drying matte formulas, but it must be used very sparingly so as not to change the finish of the lip product. Purchase Again? Yes!

Godai Soaps $8.95 for Single Godai Soaps (4 oz.): I am a huge fan of Godai Soaps, and will definitely purchase more once I use up some of my bar soaps.

GODAI SOAP FIRE 火 (REJUVENATING BAR SOAP): "Fire is known as the transformative element, and Godai’s 火 Fire Bar Soap & Shampoo provide rejuvenation with a mixture of rosemary oil, lemon oil, and avocado oil to energize tired and dull skin for more brightness and vitality." This soap has such a magical aroma the rosemary adds some depth while the lemon and a bright and cheerful zest, and it is at once uplifting and fresh. Ingredients: click here. Purchase Again? Yes!

GODAI SOAP EARTH 地 (CLEANSING BAR SOAP. UNSCENTED): "Earth acts as the base element upon which all rests, and Godai’s 地 Earth Bar Soap & Shampoo represent this element by combining ingredients such as French clay and organic sugar, gently yet deeply cleansing to provide a foundation for healthy, glowing skin." If aromatic infusions aren't for you, then this unscented soap will appeal to you. Ingredients: click here. Purchase Again? Definitely!

GODAI SOAP WIND 風 (NOURISHING BAR SOAP): "Wind represents the breath of life, and Godai’s 風 Wind Bar Soap & Shampoo emulates this element by using a combination of nourishing and brightening ingredients such as rice bran oil, turmeric, and barley grass powder by removing impurities from your skin and hair while moisturizing." This nourishing bar has a delectable lightly spicy green aroma– the turmeric spices up the barley grass, which in turn tempers the spice with its fresh green sensibility. Ingredients: click here. Purchase Again? I most certainly will.

Nubian Heritage Olive Oil & Green Tea Body Wash: This all-purpose cleanser is non-stripping, gentle and hydrating, and is suitable for all types of skin. It forms a creamy rich lather that releases the delightful scent of olive oil and green tea, and together they provide a wonderfully refreshing shower or bath experience. Purchase Again? I would, but I think that this product has been discontinued!

REN Moroccan Rose Otto Bath Oil ($48.00 for 4.08 oz. from REN, Sephora and Net-A-Porter): This beautifully fragranced bath oil hydrates and nourishes the skin while enveloping and enrapturing the senses. It leaves the skin soft, supple, luminous and exceedingly hydrated. This is one of the very best bath oils that I have ever used, and it offers the perfect way to unwind after a stressful day. Purchase Again? Another bottle is definitely in my future at some point.

Kneipp Almond Blossom Body Wash ($14.00 for 6.76 oz. from Kneipp, Kneipp's Official Amazon Store): As I was digging around in my cabinet I discovered that I had to open tubes of this miraculous body wash that somehow got forgotten. Between the two tubes I had enough left for almost two weeks worth of joyous showers! Almond Blossom is one of my favorite Kneipp fragrances, and I covet anything from their range of products that features this delectable fragrance. It is a subtle and warm floral that is a treat to the senses. Furthermore, this hydrating body wash thoroughly cleans the skin without stripping or drying it. The creamy, emollient lather is perfect for shaving your legs as well. Purchase Again? YES!

By Terry Baume de Rose Hand Cream ($50.00 for 75 grams or 2.62 oz. from By Terry, Space NK, Dermstore, Bluemercury, Amazon, Saks Fifth Avenue and Bloomingdale's): If you love high quality delectable rose scented body products, then be prepared to fall madly in love! This is an ultra-luxe, very moisturizing hand cream with the most refined and elegant rose aroma. It has done wonders for my over-washed and over-sanitized hands and cuticles, and it leaves my skin soft, smooth, supple and a little bit luminous. While it is thick and emollient, it is fast absorbing and leaves behind no greasy residue, whatsoever. However, the delectable veil of fragrance is so hypnotic and delightful that I simply can't stop using this treasure! Purchase Again? I love this hand cream madly, but I will have to wait to splurge. I have several tubes of hand cream to use first.

Shu Uemura Blow Dry Beautifier Thermo BB Serum ($39.00 for 5 oz. from Shu Uemura The Art of Hair): This BB Serum is formulated to moisturize the hair without leaving it feeling heavy or weighed down, while smoothing and softening the hair to make it more manageable. It also protects the hair from blow drying and works wonders on fine to medium coarse hair. Purchase Again? If I do not have another bottle, I will definitely buy another.

COCOFLOSS ($9.00 each. Available at Sephora, Credo 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, and I will definitely purchase more after I finish what I have.

Overall Assessment: As you can clearly see, I am definitely making a concerted effort to use up lots of mostly used products before they go bad. It not only makes me feel good not being wasteful, but it perfectly aligns with my interest in living more sustainably. What have you used up, tossed out, given away or returned in April. Any great finds, or total misses to report?

Purchased and Press Samples (Affiliate Links). All views expressed are categorically my own. Copyright © 2021 www.lolassecretbeautyblog.com All Rights Reserved.