August Empties Galore

Purchased & Press Samples (Affiliate Links)

August was a good month for using up lots of largely used up products. I was busy working and didn't do much in the way of masking, but I still managed to use up a good many things before they began started to lose efficacy or go bad. I should note that I have been using things that I rally enjoyed a lot, and therefore there aren't any duds in the selection that you see. However, I won't be repurchasing many of the products any time soon simply because I have far too many products to use up in each category before buying more. Here is what I finished up in August:

Derma E Blue Light Shield Spray ($16.95 for 2 oz. from Derma E and Ulta): is intended to help reduce the effects of environmental aggressors– including blue light exposure caused by our digital devices. In addition to helping mitigate the effects of digital pollution, these nourishing products hydrate, soften, smooth and help balance the skin.This spray, with its deep emerald hue, hydrates, refreshes and balances skin. While it has a balancing effect, it also hydrates– therefore, it never dries out the skin as many balancing products do. Additionally, it can be used to set makeup– which is a wonderful added benefit. Purchase Again? I just opened a fresh new bottle.

Derma E CREATE Skin Beneficial Mist ($18.95-$18.99 for 1 oz. from Derma E): is a wonderfully refreshing and stimulating blend of Rosemary, Ginger, Spearmint– an inspiring amalgam of essential oils that are a pleasure to the senses. A touch of Cardamom, which helps promote focus and clarity, comes through in the base notes, and it adds a touch of spice to this beautiful blend. Purchase Again? More than likely, I really loved using this!

Farmaesthetics Sweet Milk & Chamomile Flowers Facial Exfoliate ($28.00 for 4 oz. from Farmaaesthetics): This beautiful exfoliating cleanser begins its life as an ultra fine powder that achieves a creamy, aromatic lather when mixed with water. The light abrasion, coupled with the lactic acid, gently eliminates and dissolves dead skin cells, unclogs congested pores, and reveals soft, supple and luminous skin. Furthermore, it is neither stripping, nor too abrasive, and is gentle enough to be used every day. It also can be left on the skin as a deeper cleansing mask. The wonderful light Chamomile aroma is calming and very pleasant. Purchase Again? While I really enjoyed using this, I have too many products to use in this category.

Omorovicza Cleansing Foam ($82.00 for 150ml from Omorovicza, Nordstrom, Space NK and Saks Fifth Avenue): I do not usually review deluxe samples, or really comment on the if I haven't used the product long enough to really evaluate its claims, efficacy or whether I really like it. However, this decadent cleanser was such a treat to use that I coveted it down to the last drop. In fact, right after I took this picture, I cut the tube open and used every single drop. It is a wonderfully gentle cleanser with a satisfying lather, but it is not in the least bit drying, stripping or irritating to the skin. Described as, "Refreshing cleansing foam for a deep, yet gentle, daily cleanse"– this cleanser is an absolute treat to use. Purchase Again? It is quite pricey, but I would consider purchasing it during a sale.

Blüh Alchemy Multi C Serum ($140.00 for 1 oz. from Boxwalla): This antioxidant-rich creamy gel-based Vitamin C serum is lightweight, fast absorbing and it has a delectable warm dreamy aroma. It is filled with botanical actives and peptides that deliver potent and bioactive Vitamin C to help plump, brighten and firm the skin. It combines, "a stable cellular extraction of wild harvested Kakadu plum (which is one of the highest sources of botanical, bioactive Vitamin C), with a stable Vitamin C ester (Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate) and then enhances the effectiveness of all that Vitamin C goodness with Kangaroo Paw Flower which is rich in Ferulic Acid." Furthermore, it is formulated to strengthen capillaries, increase collagen production, deeply hydrate, and to reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and uneven skin tone. Purchase Again? YES! This is an extraordinary Vitamin C serum!

Herbivore Orchid Facial Oil ($64.00 for 1.7 oz. from Nordstrom, Credo Beauty, Sephora, Dermstore and Revolve): Formulated for normal skin, this gorgeous lightweight and fast absorbing oil leaves skin soft, silky smooth, hydrated and with a pronounced dewy glow. The antioxidant and Omega-rich formula nourishes and protects the skin, while the delectable Camellia and Jasmine aroma delights the senses. The fractionated Coconut Oil, which is the carrier oil, is used in this effective formulation to ensures that this elixir effortlessly melts into the skin without leaving behind a greasy residue. Purchase Again? Not likely because I have too many open face oils to use first, but I really liked this oil a lot.

Vichy Aqualia Thermal UV Defense Moisturizer ($31.00 for 1.69 oz. from Vichy, Ulta, Amazon, Dermstore and Target): is a lightweight daily moisturizer that keeps skin wonderfully hydrated while offering a broad spectrum SPF 30. This all-in-one SPF moisturizer has a high enough SPF that I do not feel the need to use another sunscreen, but I do have to reapply it every 80 minutes as I would with a regular sunscreen. This is a chemical sunscreen– using Avobenzone 3%, Homosalate 5%,  Octisalate 5% and  Octocrylene 7%– therefore, if you prefer physical sunscreens then you probably won't want to use this French Pharmacy favorite. Purchase Again? Probably the next time that I need a sunscreen for my face.

Vitabrid C¹² Deep Cleansing Shampoo Shot Pre-Shampoo Treatment: This Deep Cleansing Shampoo Shot is formulated to deeply clean the scalp and to effectively exfoliate dead skin cells without stripping or drying the scalp or hair. The gel transforms into a milky emulsion when water is introduced, and it can be used before you use shampoo, or you can mix it with your shampoo. It rinses clean and really refreshes the scalp. Purchase Again? I think that they discontinued it because it is no longer available on their website. This stuff was great!

Inna Organic Cedarwood Shampoo ($52.58 for 8.3 fl. oz. 2 pack from the Inna Organic Amazon Store): This is a wonderful shampoo for dry and damaged hair, and while my hair is not damaged, it is dry and curly, and therefore it requires added moisture. This shampoo has a rich and creamy lather, but it is neither stripping, nor does it leave behind a greasy residue. Instead, it thoroughly cleanses the hair and leaves it soft and hydrated. It has a lovely woodsy aroma that is intoxicating, but if you don't like woodsy aromas, then this wonderful shampoo probably isn't for you. Purchase Again? I have too many shampoos to use before I purchase any more, but I really loved using this one.

Spongellé Hand Defense Hand Wash Infused Buffer ($14.00 each or $56.00 for a 4-pack from Spongellé): This 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. Purchase Again? Yes!

Farmhouse Fresh Pink Moon Body Wash & Bubble Bath ($19.00 for 8.4 oz. plastic BPA-free bottle from Farmhouse Fresh): This sulfate-free, creamy foaming body wash thoroughly cleansing skin without stripping it in the least. In fact, skin is self soft, smooth and silky after use. The antioxidant-rich and nourishing formula hydrates skin, but leaves behind no greasy film or residue, and it is emollient enough that I use it to shave my legs. The aroma is a sugary floral that is utterly delectable. Purchase Again? I have quite a few body washes and bubble baths to use before I consider purchasing more, but I would definitely use this one again!

LAVANILA The Healthy Deodorant ($14.00 for 1.7 oz. from Ulta): Though I have occasionally used mainstream deodorants, I do prefer to avoid the chemicals. LAVANILA makes wonderful healthy deodorants that are effective and smell wonderful (though they also make an unscented variant for sensitive skin). I use their deodorants more than any other, and just love them! Purchase Again? I already opened a new one! As long as they make them, I will buy them!

Overall Assessment: I doubt that I will do this well in September because I am not currently using too many largely used up products, but we'll see by the end of next month! What did you use up, toss out, give away or return in August? Were there any great product discoveries, or real duds, that you want to share?

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