April Empties & Expired Products

Press Sample & Purchased (Affiliate Links)

I used more skincare products than I expected in the month of April. While I am pleased that I finished many skin and body care products, I am also disappointed that 5 lipsticks became rancid before I was able to finish them. They are a few years old, and I haven't really worn lipstick since the pandemic began, but it is still disappointing. However, it isn't altogether surprising that some lipsticks have been unused and expired in the last two years.

Mustela Limited Edition Soothing Cleansing Gel ($12.99 for 10.14 oz from Amazon): This super creamy lathering cleansing gel is fragrance-free, soothing against even the most sensitive skin and it thoroughly cleans without any stripping or drying. In fact, it leaves skin lightly moisturized and comfortable. Purchase Again? I just opened a new bottle!

Spongellé Bulgarian Rose Body Buffer ($18.00 from Spongellé) is a brilliant body wash-infused sponge that effectively and gently cleans and exfoliates the skin, and it also leaves it deliciously baby soft, smooth, supple and moisturized. It really excels in its ability to clean and exfoliate the skin while delighting the senses with its delightful Bulgarian Rose aroma. 

You simply dampen the Spongellé Body Wash Infused Buffers with water to activate the very satisfying lather. Each sponge is filled with enough body wash for a minimum of 14+ washes, but I always get more washes from each of their buffers. Once you have used up all of the body wash, the sponge itself is left quite intact, and therefore all you need to do is use it in conjunction with your favorite liquid or bar soaps. The hanging ribbon allows the buffer to dry out easily, but I recommend hanging it outside of the moist environment of the shower to avoid bacterial growth. Purchase Again? I have quite a few of their body buffers to use up first, but I will definitely get the Bulgarian Rose again since I really love it!

5YINA Guiying Décolletage Treatment ($65.00 for 1.6 oz. from 5YINA and Beauty Heroes): is a neck, décolleté and breast treatment balm that is ultra-emollient and richly moisturizing. Simply massage this velvety smooth balm into the neck, décolleté and breasts– though I only tend to use it on my décolleté- and it melts into the skin immediately without leaving behind a greasy residue. It is highly concentrated, and therefore only a tiny amount is needed, and its herbal aroma, from the Chinese medicinal plants used, is calming and woodsy. It is formulated to help facilitate lymphatic drainage and to improve circulation, but it also deeply moisturizes and nourishes the skin leaving it soft, smooth and luminous. Furthermore, after sustained use it improves the appearance of the texture of the skin and leaves it with improved clarity. Purchase Again? At some point, perhaps, but I have too many open jars to finish first.

Go-To Face Hero Facial Oil ($34.00 for 1 oz. from Go-To): Formulated for all types of skin, this face oil is lightweight, fast absorbing and lusciously moisturizing. It has a rich and velvety texture that melts into the skin– leaving it silky smooth, luminous and lightly plumped. Not only does it brighten dull skin, but after sustained use it lightens dark spots. The antioxidant-rich formula helps to protect skin against free-radical damage, and the anti-inflammatory ingredients help to calm and soothe irritable skin. For this reason, I find it particularly effective when my skin is a bit sensitive, or when I use a peel or exfoliant (which I have done a lot of since March). It has a delectable warm aroma that is informed by the beautiful variety of oils used, but also from the Orange Blossom & Rose Gardenia natural fragrances. Purchase Again? I just opened my third bottle!

H is for Love Rapha Harmonizing Oil Cleanser ($58.00 for 1.69 oz. from H is for Love): This lovely cleansing oil is an ultra gentle and healing infusion of anti-inflammatory ingredients such as Calendula and Chamomile that soothe and calm irritated, sensitive and inflamed skin. This non-emulsifying formula effectively cleans the skin without ever stripping it, and in fact it offers the skin vital moisture without leaving behind a greasy residue. Simply massage a small amount into damp skin and then remove it with a warm, soft wash cloth. The biggest surprise is the extent to which this beautiful oil softens skin. The warm aroma of Chamomile is intoxicating, but without being in the least bit overpowering or cloying. Purchase Again? Once I finish up more cleansing oils!

Vasanti Brighten Up! Enzymatic Face Rejuvenator ($34.00 for 4.23 oz. from Vasanti, Amazon and Birchbox): is gentle, effective, non-stripping, and it has enough fine grit that it feels like an at-home microdermabrasion treatment. There is an abundance of fine, and uniform, exfoliating particles that do not leave my skin feeling irritated. Instead, my skin is left incredibly soft, silky-smooth and luminous. The results are immediate, and after a single use you will see a real difference.

You simply apply a pea-sized amount to damp skin and very gently use a circular motion to buff away dead skin cells. I also like to leave it on for a few minutes, either before or after manual exfoliation since it allows the enzymes to further break down the dead skin cells. My balanced to combination skin is left soft, smooth, supple and with a pronounced clarity. It is not, however, left dry, flaky or irritated. I should note that it has no discernible aroma, and therefore it should not bother people who avoid skincare products that are fragranced. Purchase Again? I will definitely think about when I use my other exfoliators!

Tossed out: I absolutely hate it when products go bad before I can finish them, but I was clearing through old makeup and I discovered that three Tom Ford Lip Color Lipsticks ($58.00 each from Nordstrom) and 2 Surratt Lipslicks ($34.00 each from Nordstrom) were rancid and the texture changed. Purchase Again? No. I have way too many lipsticks to use before buying any more.

Overall Assessment: I am pleased with what I was able to finish, but I wish that 5 lipsticks hadn't expired before I finished them. What did you use up, toss out, return or give away in April? Do tell!

Purchased and Press Sample (Affiliate Links). All views expressed are categorically my own. Copyright © 2022 www.lolassecretbeautyblog.com All Rights Reserved.