December 2021 Empties to Close Out 2021!

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This is my final empties post of 2021, and I am pretty pleased that I finished up as many of my open products as I did. I have made a concerted effort to live as sustainably as possible, and one of the things that I really try to do is avoid wasting things that I have. Admittedly, sometimes it is difficult to achieve this goal because testing so many products means that there are a lot of open jars, bottles and tubes at a given time, and therefore it is inevitable that some go bad before I get back to them. However, I do really try.

Derma E Vitamin C Daily Brightening Cleanser ($15.50 for 6 oz. from Derma E, Amazon, LovelySkin, CVS and iHerb): is a non-stripping lathering cleanser that brightens dull skin and leaves it glowing. Derma E's Vitamin C Collection features many of my favorite products from this wonderful cruelty-free brand, and if you have discoloration from sun damage these products will help to fade the hyperpigmentation. The citrus aroma makes using this cleanser a particularly refreshing and pleasant experience, and it is one of my most reached-for products in the shower. Purchase Again? I just opened a new bottle! This is my favorite cleanser form this wonderful brand!

La Maison du Chocolate Ultim8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil ($43.00 for 5.07 oz and $91.00 for 15.22 oz. from Shu Uemura USA and $49.00 for 5.07 oz. and $99.00 for 15.22 oz. from Shu Uemura Canada): This ultra-luxe rich and emollient cleansing oil has a luscious lightweight consistency that leaves skin soft, smooth, supple and luxuriously hydrated. While it can be used by all skin types, I suspect that it will be coveted by people with normal to dry skin. When water is introduced, this cleansing oil also transforms into a rich and creamy milky emulsion that gently removes every trace of dirt and makeup without ever stripping the skin, and it leaves skin velvety soft and smooth without leaving behind a greasy residue. It has a warm and creamy aroma that I find intoxicatingly delicious, but it doesn't smell like chocolate as the collection name might lead you to believe. Purchase Again? I have another bottle! 

MyChelle Refining Sugar Cleanser ($19.00 for 2.3 oz from MyChelle): is a thick, dense and ultra-creamy exfoliating cleanser that leaves skin ultra clean, soft, smooth and hydrated. It is gentle, forms a creamy and satisfying lather, punctuated by small exfoliating particles, and it never strips the skin. Since it is dense and very thick, it takes a little bit of pressure to squeeze it out of the tube, but it is very concentrated– therefore you need only a tiny amount to clean your face, neck and décolleté. It has the most delectable warm and creamy vanilla aroma that makes using this lovely cleanser specially satisfying. Additionally, the Hyaluronic Acid keeps skin hydrated and soft. MyChelle products are cruelty-free and this exfoliating cleanser is made without GMOs, Gluten, Parabens, Petroleum, Phthalates, Silicones, Sulfates, Ureas, artificial fragrances or artificial colors, and it’s vegan. Purchase Again? Yes, eventually. This is currently my favorite exfoliating cleanser!

Farmaesthetics Vassar Rose Perfecting Polish: This is a wonderful exfoliating powder that simply needs to be mixed with an equal part of your favorite cleanser in order to transform into a customizable exfoliating cleanser. It is a very gentle alternative to traditional microdermabrasion, and only requires the lightest touch to deliver optimal results. I have tried it with several different cleansers and in each case it has left my skin baby soft, silky smooth and perfectly cleansed without stripping or irritating my face. Purchase Again? I really liked this a lot, but it looks as though they no longer make this particular exfoliating cleanser.

Sol De Janeiro Brazilian 4 Play Moisturizing Shower Cream-Gel ($25.00 for 13 oz. from Sephora): is a rich and creamy lathering shower gel that gently cleans the skin without stripping it, and it smells utterly delicious. The creamy coconut aroma is punctuated by slight notes of jasmine, heliotrope and vanilla, but it is neither overpowering, nor too sweet, but instead warm and rich. The coconut oil leaves skin soft, smooth and hydrated, and it boasts suitable emollience for shaving. In fact, I prefer using this to shaving cream for my legs and under arms. Purchase Again? Without question, this smells and feels amazing!

Spongellé's new Spiritual Detox Collection ($28.00 each from Spongellé): body wash infused buffers with ashwagandha root extract, and each one includes its own chakra stone for meditation and cleansing. Helping to wash away negativity, each crystal creates a new found sense of energy– based upon the 7 chakras. This collection is such a meditative way to enhance your bath and shower experience, and they also make fantastic gifts! Blue is Neroli Nights (Throat Chakra). Purchase Again? I just opened another treasure from them!

Baylis & Harding Sea Kelp & Peppermint Natural Hand Wash ($5.99 each for 16.9 oz. from Target): is an altogether uplifting and refreshing blend of peppermint that is softened by sea kelp. This is an affordable and sustainable luxury hand 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 opened another bottle in a different scent!

Patchology Best in Snow Hand & Foot Moisturizing Kit ($18.00 from Patchology, Nordstrom, Macy's, Saks Fifth Avenue and LovelySkin): is the perfect stocking stuffer for this holiday season. If your hands and feet are dry as we move into the winter, like mine, then this wonderfully effective set is just what you need! You only have to wear them for about 10 minutes, and la voilà– soft and moisturized feet and hands. Purchase Again? I definitely will once I have used a few more of my footcare products.

Rahua Color Full Shampoo ($38.00 for 9.3 oz. from Rahua, Cult Beauty, Free People and The Detox Market): Anyone who color-treats their hair knows how damaging it is, and how important it is to find products that not only mitigate the effects of the chemical treatments, but that also nourish and hydrate– while extending the life of the hair color. This remarkable shampoo thoroughly cleans the hair without drying or stripping it, and in fact it nourishes and hydrates both the hair and scalp. It effectively extends the life of color-treatment, and it has the most luscious fruity herbal aroma that is incredibly pleasant, soothing and delectable. Purchase Again? YES!

Rahua Color Full Conditioner ($40.00 for 9.3 oz. from Rahua, Cult Beauty, Follain and The Detox Market): This is a spectacular conditioner for dry color treated hair, and in fact it boasts levels of hydration suitable for dry and curly hair (like mine). This conditioner extends and preserves hair color, it deeply hydrates the hair and scalp, and it fights frizz and leaves hair manageable. Furthermore, it leaves hair very soft with a gorgeous glossy shine. Purchase Again? Yes, this is a delightful conditioner!

Overall Assessment: I wonder if I will use up this many full size products next month? I feel as though I won't, but we will have to see. What did you use up, toss out, give away or return in December? Any duds or winners to share?

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