Empties Galore for May 2021

Purchased and Press Sample (Affiliate Links)

May came and went so fast that I can hardly grasp the speed with which it flew by. I have continued to use up opened products before they go bad, and I have tried to reduce the overall number of products that I use at any given time. I am trying to be more mindful, less wasteful and more sustainable in my practices. I have also found that one of the small pleasures is using things that I really enjoy, and therefore the in the last few months you have probably noticed the large number of luxury products in my empties posts. 

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 definitely will once I finish up a few more of my open bottles of cleansing oil!

Erno Laszlo Sea Mud Deep Cleansing Bar ($40.00 for 3.4 oz. from Erno Laszlo, Nordstrom, Sephora, Violet Grey, Saks Fifth Avenue, Revolve, Amazon, b-glowing and Look Fantastic): Sea Mud Deep Cleansing Bar does an exceptional job cleaning and exfoliating my skin, and it does so without drying, stripping or irritating. Skin is left soft, clear and luminous, and while it is now said to be formulated for all skin types, it used to be for normal, combination and oily skin types. I would say that dryer skin types would only use it periodically for its deep cleaning and exfoliating abilities, but not as a daily soap. I do like to use it with a cleansing oil, but sometimes I use it alone. My one grievance is that the bar used to be a hefty 6 oz., which was far more satisfying to use, and now it is nearly half the size. Repurchase? I already have!

REN Moroccan Rose Otto Body Wash ($30.00 for 6.8 oz. from REN, Sephora, Space NK and Bloomingdale's): This is a soothing and delicately fragrances body wash that not only smells utterly delicious, but it also hydrates, soothes and thoroughly cleanses the skin. It is perfect in the shower or bath, and it is emollient enough to use for shaving your legs! Repurchase? I am just about to open another bottle! I LOVE this so much!

Mustela Gentle Cleansing Gel ($16.99 for 16.9 oz. from Mustela, Target, CVS and Amazon): is an ultra-gentle cleansing gel that forms a very satisfying lather. It thoroughly and gently cleans without stripping or drying the skin. It leaves skin soft and hydrated, and can be used as a shampoo and body cleanser. It has a very pleasant, warm and creamy aroma, but it isn't powerful or long-lasting. It is currently my favorite body cleanser, and it emollient enough that I can use it for shaving my legs and underarms. Repurchase? I have a fresh bottle waiting to be opened!

Fruits of the Islands Toasted Coconut Glycerin Loofah Bar: Several years ago, a very good friend of mine bought me several glycerin loofah bars while on vacation in Hawaii. These appear to have come from a candy company, and they do not appear to sell these anymore, but there are many other companies who produce glycerin soap infused loofahs. They offer such a wonderful way to clean and exfoliate at the same time, and they are great for hand washing as well as bathing. Repurchase? I have one left, and will definitely consider purchasing more in the future.

Spongellé Hand Defense Hand Wash Infused Buffer ($14.00 each or $56.00 for a 4-pack from Spongellé): Spongellé Hand Defense is a wonderful new addition to the Spongellé line, and this launch offers a perfect way to thoroughly wash hands during the COVID-19 pandemic. In fact, you won't mind how often that you need to wash your hands given that these soap infused sponges thoroughly clean and exfoliate, plus they get into every hard to reach spot. Additionally, they don't strip the skin, but instead they leave it hydrated, soft and smooth. The four available scents are delicious, and the creamy lather is incredibly satisfying to the touch. Spongellé suggests that each sponge offers 40+ washes, but I always find that I get more washes out of all of their products than they suggest. Repurchase? I have three more to use before I will need to purchase more.

Biosilk Antibacterial Hand Soap ($6.99 for 12 oz. from Chi): This non-stripping antibacterial soap, with aloe, lavender and silk, smells heavenly and leaves hands soft and hydrated. The light lavender aroma is very pleasant, but it isn't in the least bit overpowering. Repurchase? Definitely! It made washing hands very pleasant! 

Molton Brown Rhubarb & Rose Replenishing Hand Cream ($15.00 for 1.4 oz. from Molton Brown and Nordstrom): I am completely obsessed with this hand cream because it is fast absorbing, unbelievably nourishing and hydrating, and because it smells heavenly. It leaves my hands unbelievably soft and supple, and the delectable scent lingers, but is never cloying. It is a beautifully articulated fruity floral that offers the perfect balance between the zesty citrus, Rhubarb and the Rose extract. In my book, this is hand cream perfection. Repurchase? I just opened another tube!

Rahua Hydration Shampoo ($34.00 for 9.5 oz. from Rahua, Dermstore and The Detox Market): Many shampoos claim to be moisturizing, but seldom do they deliver on such promises without leaving behind an unpleasant greasy residue that weighs hair down. Rahua, on the other hand, has in this wondrous shampoo created a delectable cleanser that has a rich and creamy lather that hydrates, rather than strips dry hair, and it never weighs it down. The first thing that you will undoubtedly note, aside from the incredible lather, is the delicious passion fruit and mango aroma– seriously, it smells so good that I often just open it up to have a sniff! The ultra-nourishing shampoo not only hydrates unruly tresses, but it also effectively fights frizz and leaves hair with a lovely shine. If you have straight hair, this is a bit easier to achieve, but if you have naturally curly hair it is a far greater challenge. If you have dry hair, frizzy hair or over-processed hair, then this is a really great shampoo choice for you. Repurchase? Eventually, but I am currently swimming in shampoo!

Rahua Hydration Conditioner ($36.00 for 9.3 oz. from Rahua, Dermstore, The Detox Market): This deeply moisturizing conditioner is perfection for dry, frizzy, damaged hair. It delivers intense hydration without leaving behind a greasy residue, or weighing down hair, and it soothes the cuticle while fighting frizz. I love to apply it and then comb it though from roots to tips, and leave it in for the duration of my shower before rinsing it out. The delectable passion fruit and mango scent is such a treat to the senses, and it lingers in the hair for a little while– though I wish it would linger all day. The first time that I used it I was astonished by the extent to which this lovely conditioner tamed my frizz, deeply nourished and hydrated my hair, and left it with a glossy shine. It also makes my hair very manageable, and leaves my curls with the most lovely soft and glossy ringlets. Repurchase? Just as soon as I need another conditioner, but that is going to be quite some time!

Yves Saint Laurent Gloss Volupté 20 Nude Carat: I have always loved lip glosses, but I really prefer them to be lightweight, non-sticky and beautifully shiny. This gorgeous gloss was an exquisite golden peachy nude with golden shimmer, and I loved every second that I used it. It appears that YSL has discontinued these glosses, and while I am sad I have two other shades that I will enjoy wearing. Repurchase? I might have once I had used the others, but now we will never know!

Overall Assessment: I am not sure that I will be able to finish up nearly this many products next month, but I will certainly try to use up products before opening, or buying more. What did you use up, toss out, give away or return in May? Any great discoveries or real duds to report?

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