November 2021 Empties Galore!

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November turned out to be a good month in the land of empties, as it turns out! I somehow didn't think that I would finish up this month, but I did before some of my older products were about to turn! Here is what I finished this month:

Arcona Wine Oil ($58.00 for 1 oz. from Ulta, Dermstore, SkinStore and Nordstrom): is an antioxidant-rich, powerhouse of an anti-aging beauty oil, if ever there was one. This beautiful resveratrol-based formula harnesses the power and potency extracted from grapes, and delivers its anti-aging benefits deep into the skin for long-lasting and intensive hydration. It boasts a lightweight and fast absorbing consistency that immediately hydrates, moisturizes and nourishes the skin. This light golden elixir has an ultra-luxe velvety texture that leaves skin soft, smooth, supple and decidedly luminous. Furthermore, its anti-inflammatory properties calm irritated skin, while its anti-aging properties plump fine lines and improve the overall texture of the skin. The utterly delectable warm aroma, which is punctuated by cloves, is luscious and intoxicatingly delicious. The aroma alone reminds me of Autumn, and it is one of my most reached for beauty oils this time of year. If you are seeking a special beauty oil to add into your routine, then I highly recommend this wonderfully conceived and executed facial oil. Purchase Again? Maybe at some point, but I have a lot of face oils to use before I can justify buying another!

Goldfaden MD Doctor's Scrub ($38.00 for 1.7 oz. and $75.00 for 3.5 oz. from   Bloomingdale's, Skincare RX, Space NK, Skinstore, Credo Beauty, Cult Beauty): is a very effective exfoliant formulated for all skin including: normal, combination, blemish-prone, dry, mature and sensitive types. The base is densely populated with tiny exfoliating particles that aren't jagged, and therefore they aren't harmful to the skin. However, it should be noted that there is considerable grit to its consistency, and therefore one should use a very light hand, rather than brute force when exfoliating with this scrub (or any scrub for that matter). That it does an exquisite job exfoliating dead skin cells is evident after a single use, and it leaves skin soft, smooth, supple and radiant. Furthermore, unlike many facial scrubs, this one is formulated with Hyaluronic Acid, which helps retain moisture and that helps to plump fine lines. It has no added fragrance, and only the most faint aroma can be detected from the ingredients themselves, but it is unlikely to register for even the most sensitive noses. It should be noted that it is highly concentrated, and therefore the 3.5 oz. jar should last a long time. Purchase Again? As soon as I use up my current face scrubs!

The Body Shop Drops of Youth Liquid Peel ($25.00 for 3.38 oz. from The Body Shop): The Body Shop Drops of Youth Liquid Peel is definitely worthy of your attention! While housed in a beautiful bright green pump bottle, the gel is itself clear rather than tinted in any way. You simply dispense about 2 pumps of this gentle exfoliating gel and massage it into the skin, avoiding the eye area, until the gel begins to pill up as it dislodges and removes dead skin cells. You only need to massage it into your face for a mere 20 seconds, and then rinse your face thoroughly.

Once you pat your skin dry, you will immediately note that it is silky smooth, soft as soft can be, and that all dry patches and dead skin cells give way to the most luminous and vibrant skin. I neither experienced tingling, nor burning in the least bit, but you should patch test it before applying it to your entire face to test for sensitivities. I am very impressed by the results! Purchase Again? DEFINITELY!

Kerstin Florian Correcting Multi-Vitamin Day Creme SPF 30 ($64.00 for 2 oz. from  Kerstin Florian and SkinStore): One of my very favorite sunscreens, with its ultra-luxe and divine texture, and its nourishing skincare ingredients is unquestionably Kerstin Florian Multi-Vitamin Day Creme SPF 30. This day cream is richly emollient, seriously moisturizing, and fast absorbing. It applies evenly, it melts into the skin immediately, and it neither leaves behind a greasy film, nor does it leave an undesirable white cast. Furthermore, the antioxidant-rich formula protects the skin while its active botanicals, and other nourishing ingredients, leave skin soft, smooth, supple and luminous. It is the height of luxury given its glorious velvety texture, its impressive efficacy and its enviable ability to play well with makeup. In fact, I have found that it serves as a wonderfully effective primer for all of the foundations that I have paired it with. It has a delectable light and clean aroma, but it fades soon upon application. Purchase Again? YES! This is one of the very best sunscreens that I have ever used!

Tatcha Silken Pore Perfecting Sunscreen SPF 35 ($65.00 for 2 oz.from TATCHA and Sephora): This sunscreen boasts a lightweight and nourishing formula that doubles as a primer to extend the wear of your makeup while protecting your skin. It is a thick cream housed in a beautiful blue squeeze tube. A light squeeze dispenses the perfect amount of sunscreen without any waste. The sunscreen itself defies expectations in that its thick texture suggests that it might require a great deal of effort to work into the skin, and that there will invariably be a white residue that will prove to be incompatible with makeup. Yet, TATCHA was able to create the most luxurious silky-smooth sunscreen that melts into the skin as soon as it meets the warmth of the body, and it transforms from an opaque cream into one that is completely invisible. Additionally, there is no greasy residue left to contend with– that so often alters the consistency of your makeup. It neither feels, nor smells like a sunscreen, but instead behaves more like an ultra-luxe nourishing hydrating cream. Purchase Again? Unquestionably, this is a really amazing sunscreen!

Cetaphil Gentle Makeup Remover ($7.66-$10.99 for 6 fl oz. from Target, Bed, Bath & Beyond, Amazon, Walmart and other mass retailers): This is a wonderful ultra-gentle oil-free bi-phase liquid eye makeup remover that even removes waterproof formulas! Cetaphil Gentle Makeup Remover, which uses silicone instead of oil as its main ingredient, allows you to remove every trace of makeup without a leaving behind a greasy residue. Formulated with Aloe Vera, Ginseng, and Green Tea, this makeup remover is soothing and gentle enough for sensitive eyes like mine. Purchase Again? YES!!!

Kneipp Body Wash Enjoy Life May Chang & Lemon ($14.00 for 6.76 oz. from Kneipp): Kneipp makes among my very favorite body washes because they are soap-free, non-stripping and they are infused with essential oils. They leave skin gently, and yet thoroughly, cleansed and have the added benefit of leaving skin hydrated without a greasy residue. The lemon aroma is uplifting and invigorating– not to mention scrumptious. Purchase Again? Oh, most definitely!

Kneipp Body Wash Relaxing Lavender (14.00 for 6.7 oz. from Kneipp): With natural lavender oil, the soap-free and pH balanced formula cleanses gently and leaves skin soft, supple and hydrated. The lavender scent calms the mind, and it fills the shower with its lovely aroma. Purchase Again? Absolutely!

Baylis & Harding Natural Hand Wash Lemongrass & Ginger ($5.99 each for 16.9 oz. from Target): is a delicious blend of Lemongrass that is tempered by the spiciness of ginger, and it has a beautiful complexity to it. This is an affordable and sustainable luxury wash that is a joy to use and it smells utterly delectable. Furthermore, it leaves your hands soft and moisturized, rather than dry and stripped. Purchase Again? I already have more! 

Potager Soap Co. Sugared Balsam Soap ($7.98 for 4.5 oz. from Potager Soap Co.): This luscious richly moisturizing soap, with a satisfying lather, has a warm and creamy aroma that is underscored by the Balsam and peppermint, and it is at once soothing and uplifting. Purchase Again? I have several more of their beautiful soaps that I can't wait to use!

Goldfaden MD Hands to Heart Anti-Aging Brightening Hand Treatment ($38.00 for 3 oz. from Bloomingdale's, Space NK, Credo Beauty, Dermstore, Amazon, SkinStore and Skincare RX): This hand treatment works very well in its ability to hydrate and heal dry, rough and cracked hands, and it leaves them very soft, velvety smooth, supple and moisturized. The texture is lightweight, and yet very emollient, and it immediately sinks into the skin without leaving behind a greasy residue. Furthermore, it is formulated as an anti-aging hand cream that is supposed to fade dark spots, but I do not have dark spots on my hands to test these claims. However, I will say that my hands appear luminous and brightened. I should note that it has a light citrus aroma, that is incredibly pleasant, but it does fade rather quickly. Purchase Again? Absolutely, this is one of the very best hand creams that I have ever used.

Molton Brown Rhubarb & Rose Replenishing Hand Cream ($15.00 for 1.4 oz. from Molton Brown, Saks Fifth Avenue and SkinStore): This is a truly obsession-worthy hand cream, and it is so good that I have gone through many tubes of it over the years. I remain obsessed with, and loyal to, this hand cream because it is fast absorbing, unbelievably nourishing and hydrating, and it smells heavenly. It leaves my hands unbelievably soft and supple, and the delectable scent lingers, but it is never cloying. It is a beautifully articulated fruity floral that offers the perfect balance between the zesty citrus, Rhubarb and the Rose extract. This hand cream is unmitigated perfection in my view. Purchase Again? Eventually!

African Botanics Marula Stretchmark Botanical Body Oil ($100.00 for 3.58 fl. oz. from African Botanics, Violet Grey): While the perfect choice to treat and prevent stretchmarks or scars– it is likewise the ultimate collagen-boosting, antioxidant, vitamin, mineral and essential fatty-acid-rich moisturizer that leaves skin deeply nourished, hydrated, soft, supple, firm and lifted. It effectively prevents, and treats stretchmarks and scars, but generally firms, lifts and improves the texture of the skin. 

Among the key ingredients that account for its efficacy is the potent blend of cold-pressed oils, regenerating Grapefruit and Neroli that tone and regenerate, fast-absorbing vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that nourish, firm and reduce the appearance of scars and stretchmarks. Furthermore, the highest quality Marula, Baobab and Avocado oils strengthen and nourish the skin while Rosa Mosqueta Oil reduces that appearance of stretch marks, and aids in their prevention in the first place. This healing body oil is the perfect anti-aging choice for premature skin damage from overexposure to the sun, and it is a perfect choice to treat post-surgical scars. Furthermore, if you experience crepey skin or body acne, this delectable oil will improve the texture of the skin with remarkable efficacy. Purchase Again? I have more of their body oils to use!

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? There is definitely another bottle in my future!

Mario Badescu Lecithin Nourishing Shampoo ($8.00 for 8 oz. from Amazon and Mario Badescu): This is a shampoo that is perfect for people with dry and frizz-prone hair, therefore it is a great fit for my dry and curly hair. It has a satisfying lather, but it is non-stripping and non-drying, and it leaves hair soft and moist without an undesired oily residue. It has a very light and pleasant aroma, but it does not linger. Purchase Again? I have far too many bottles of shampoo to use before I buy any more, but I love this stuff.

Spongellé Botanics Candle in Rose ($38.00 for 8 oz. from Spongellé): I love aromatic rose fragrances, and this one is particularly special. The Turkish Rose comes through in all of its glory, but the bottom notes add a creamy woodsy aroma and the top citrus note adds a touch of zing. It is one of my all-time favorite permutations of the perfected rose. Purchase Again? Yes, this candle is utterly magnificent!

Fragrance Notes: Top: Citrus. Middle: Turkish Rose, Jasmine, Armoise. Bottom: Patchouli, Guaiac Wood.

Overall Assessment: I doubt that I will manage to use up quite so many almost-empties in December, but we will see! What did you use up, give away, toss out or return in November? Any real winners or duds to report?

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