August Empties

Talk about time flying by! Summer went by too quickly, but after seeing all the new nail polish colors at a nail salon yesterday I know I will enjoy fall. However, this article is not about new stuff, but instead about oldies since August is gone in a blink and it's time to talk about empties for the month. It seems August was mostly about face care and using up most products from that category. I also finished some body and hair products, but only a few makeup items (though new makeup kept coming in this month).  

Let's start talking about empties with Ole Henriksen facial wipes (link). The brand updated its packaging recently, but I still had the old one. Actually, I found these at TJ Maxx when I was looking for some wipes to clean my hands when applying makeup. These worked great, and I even tried them on my face. The wipes have a pleasant scent, they are moist, but not soaking wet and they remove makeup well.

Sephora Total Softies facial cotton pads (link) didn't impress me. I love my Shiseido cotton, and wouldn't trade it for these. Sephora's cotton was soft, but it didn't hold its shape and started separating when taking out of the container. It was thicker than Shiseido and combined with separation it was a bit hard to figure if I'm taking a couple of pads that are stuck together or if I'm taking just one. Like I said, these aren't bad, but not as good as others.

I've gone through another one of Madre Labs witch hazel toner (link). It's a very basic witch hazel toner, but it does what I want it to do and the price is right, so I can't complain. I'm on my next one already.

I finally finished Laneige Moisturizing Foam Cleanser* (link) that I received with a travel kit from the brand. It was a good cleanser, very gentle on the skin, and it didn't foam much. It was creamy and hydrating, so I think it would work well during winter (cold months) or for those who have dry skin. During the summer I wanted a lighter face wash, so I used this up as a brush cleanser.

I wouldn't buy Pacifica Pore Refine face mask (link) in full size. This little sample lasted pretty well, but I didn't notice any changes in my skin. The whole experience was just ok, and when I use products I want my experience to be good or above that. The mask was clear in texture and felt very light on the skin. I didn't see any immediate or long term results with it.

I enjoyed using Tatcha Violet-C Radiance Mask (link), but I'm not rushing to buy it in full size. While the sample lasted long, I think this is a product that needs continuous us to show its benefits. The skin felt soft, hydrated and plump after using it. I also loved the smell and beautiful color. In the summertime I'm looking for more detoxifying, cleaning masks, but I might consider getting this one later in the year when I need more moisturizing properties.

While Tatcha mask can wait, a sample of Fresh Black Tea Instant Perfecting Mask (link) was not enough, so I rushed to buy it in full size. This mask has a very unique texture that is soft, airy, light. It smells great and it feels nice on the skin. A little goes a long way, so hopefully this mask will last a long time as the price is high. The mask makes my skin bright, glow-y, awake and full. The skin is left so soft! Besides, once applied to the skin it gives a cooling effect and that feeling lasts for a while after washing the mask off. I love it as it's very refreshing and unique.

Let's start going through this huge pile from Pacifica Glow Baby face scrub (link). It wasn't a harsh scrub, but it wasn't anything special to make me want more. This scrub was gentle enough, left skin feeling soft and didn't irritate it.

I didn't like Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Hyaluronic Cloud Cream (link) as it felt too silicone-y on my skin. I felt as if my skin can't breath through a layer of this cream even when I applied only a pea size of it to my face and neck. I'm not sure if I can blame this cream, but around the same time I started using it, I noticed my skin got little bumps/pimples which cleared out after I stopped using the cream.

Origins Plantsription anti-aging treatment lotion (link) was ok, but I'm not interested in purchasing full size. I applied it with a cotton pad all over my face after cleansing, but I didn't love it. I feel that its milky texture would have gone better over a serum, not before one, but due to the nature of application I couldn't apply it the other way. Overall, I'm not a fan of Origins products and they're mostly just ok for me without doing anything amazing.

Finally I used up Drunk Elephant Shaba Complex Eye Serum (link). I've purchased it in February, so I still have the old packaging. This serum lasted pretty well. I've been using it once or twice daily, but I made a break of about a month as I got bored of using the same product for so long. Though it is called serum, the texture is of a light cream, so I used it on top of my eye serums/gels that have lighter consistency. I liked it a lot and I would gladly repurchase it in the future.

I have a whole review on C.Lavie The Eye Contour .11 eye cream* (link) on my blog, so I'll try to be quick with my thoughts on it. While I loved its texture and the brand itself, there was something that didn't work with my skin. The cream kept pilling off the skin. In fact, this happened with the whole C.Lavie line, so I gave away face serum and face cream for someone who will enjoy them. I tried using the eye cream in a few different ways, but the result was the same. I was fine for a while using it at night, but after a while I gave up and used it up on my legs. To my surprise that worked great and it didn't roll off my skin.

I used Biossance Squaline+Pepetide Eye Gel (link) twice a day. I purchased it in th end of April and I think I started using it in May, so I'm pretty happy with how long it lasted, but since same amount of Drunk Elephant's eye serum lasted twice as long, I wish I used Biossance longer. This light eye gel felt airy on the skin, but was packed with a lot of moisture. My eyes loved it and I would gladly repurchase it.

I like MyChelle products and tried a lot in the past. I'm trying to rediscover the brand, and one of the products I selected for that was Sun Shield Unscented SPF28 (link). Mine was still in the old packaging with an expiration date in July though I kept using it throughout the summer (scent, texture, consistency had no changes). I haven't finished it up, but I'm getting of the rest as it's expired and I won't be ale to use it anymore. I've been using this sunscreen in the mornings while walking the dogs. Afterwards I wash my face and continue with my morning routine.

Products I regret buying? Laidbare From Dusk Till Dawn Vitamin C serum (link). I'm not into oils for the face, but I gave this one a chance. This serum is a blend of oils and feels really heavy. It doesn't sink in fully into the skin and sits on top of it even when a tiniest amount is used. Many times I'll use products for a different purpose if I can't use them as intended, so I tried to use this serum up as a moisturizer for my legs. I had to finally say enough is enough, because even on my legs it wouldn't sink in and I could feel complete oiliness even after a couple hours after the application.

I had a mini size of Philosophy Take a Deep Breath Gel Cream with SPF30 (link) and I enjoyed using it. It was very light on the skin, but it felt hydrating, a little goes a long way and the smell was nice. I used it when I needed some basic light moisturizer, and this cream delivered that fully.

Currently I'm into different acids, so I tried The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% (link). I used it in the PM after my serum as an acid treatment and moisturizer in one. My skin really loved it and responded well to it as in the mornings my skin looked bright and even. I didn't like that this acid has silicone, but it didn't really bother me while using it. The cream went on the skin easily, it sank into the skin almost in an instant and seemed to mattify it as well. It seemed that it works some magic as the moment I applied it, my skin would loose all the shine from other products as if Azelaic Acid absorbed it. The skin felt comfortable and didn't lack hydration.
  
Another product that I liked is BareMinerals Skinlongevity Vital Power Infusion serum (link). The consistency of this serum is between a lotion and a serum, so it was thick and moisturizing enough to be used as a facial moisturizer on top of another serum. I really enjoyed it.

While Clarins Multi-Active Night Cream (link) wasn't heavy in texture, it felt heavy and silicone-y on the skin. Besides, it was fragranced too much, so I didn't like using it on my face and ended up using as a body cream. So far I haven't used a single Clarins cream that I'd like as they all are scented too strong.

I used up Timeless Coenzyme Q10 face serum* (link). I have a review on Timeless products on my blog in case you are interested. This serum felt like a basic non-watery serum. It was light, provided enough moisture for the skin, it wasn't greasy or sticky.

Another product from Timeless is 100% Pure Hyaluronic Acid serum* (link). I liked it a lot and I could tell that my skin was more hydrated while using it. This serum wasn't sticky, applied and absorbed to the skin easily.    

By now you probably know my love for Biobelle face masks. I've tried a lot of them, but my favorite is still Purifying Black Lace Hydrogel #Glam Mask (link). It moisturizes and plumps the skin leaving it very soft and bright. I use it about once a week and leave it on the skin for about an hour (the mask starts drying by that time). It feels wonderful on the skin and does a great job.

Biobelle #Decadence Sheet Mask* (link) is great when the skin feels thirsty. This mask gives plenty of hydration. I'm not a fan of its scent scent, but it doesn't bother me. My only issue with this sheet mask is rinsing the face is needed after using it. I much more prefer sheet masks that don't require rinsing as I like to apply them on my face after I apply serum.

Beautigenix Lifting Mask* (link) makes my skin feel plump, shaped, but not tight or feeling uncomfortable. It also hydrates the skin and leaves it very soft. I feel like I say that about most of my sheet masks, but that's something that I expect sheet masks to do. I want my skin to benefit from all the goodness that is in the mask's liquid, and when I need detoxifying/cleaning I choose different types of masks. Getting back to Beautigenix masks, I enjoyed using it, but I wished for something more (added effect or more spa-like scent).

When I saw Glamglow Bubblesheet Mask (link) I knew I have to try it out, so no wonder I tried it out within a couple hours of its arrival. This bubbling mask is supposed to deep cleanse the skin, but I didn't feel any effect like that. I loved the material of the mask as it was a sturdy cloth that felt strong and luxurious. The mask has to go on a damp face and will start bubbling withing 60 seconds with full effect at 3 minutes. It did bubble, but it wasn't that quick, so I kept for 10+ minutes just to get more out of it. I put it on a damp face, so I'm wondering if I had to have even more water on the skin. While the mask was on my face, I felt no tingling, no irritation, just really nothing. After removing the mask you're supposed to smooth the residue over the skin and then wash it off. I did just that. The remaining product feels like a creamy face wash. My skin felt hydrated and soft afterwards, the mask didn't dry it, but I didn't see any deep cleansing effect. I enjoyed my experience and I'd love to use it again, but I don't think I would repurchase the mask myself as it's too expensive for the effect it gives.

Leaders Too Much Fun In The Sun Sheet Mask (link) was exactly what I needed after a long day in the sun. It hydrates the skin, soothes and calms it, and that's all I asked from it. My skin drank up the serum from this mask very quickly.
      

August was no exception when it comes to sheet masks, and the ones from Leaders 7 Wonders line (link) are still my favorites. I enjoy using them all, but if I had to pick only one Mediterranean Olive Brightening Mask (link) would be it! They all plump the skin, make it hydrated and soft, but the Olive one gives extra glow to the skin. I've purchased 3 boxes with 10 masks in each, so for now I'm trying to use what I have, but I will definitely be repurchasing the brightening mask in the future.

I've used up Dr. Brite Whitening Toothpaste* (link) and Cleansing Mouth Rinse* (link). I have a review on this brand on my blog, but I'll still mention what I like/dislike about these products. This toothpaste tastes very mild and doesn't leave minty aftertaste. While not everyone likes it, I really enjoyed it as I prefer such toothpastes for my morning teeth brushing before breakfast. I hate eating and drinking coffee with the minty toothpaste aftertaste in my mouth, so this toothpaste served it's purpose. The mouthwash was ok, but I didn't like it as much. I rarely used it as I wanted more minty and less sweet taste in it.

I also finished Cocofloss dental floss in Fresh Coconuts* (link). I was so excited to see that Sephora started carrying the brand. This floss is fun to use and comes in a very sleek and convenient container. The flavor is mild and wasn't strong at all. I'm on my second floss now and waiting for another one to arrive in the mail. I just wish they came out with more flavors though.  

I feel that Alba Botanica Acnedote face & body scrub (link) makes into my empties each month. I really can't live without this scrub, and keep repurchasing it over and over again. I've never really tried it for my face, but I love it on my legs.

I also have two other body scrubs from Alba Botanica: sugar scrub (link) and salt scrub (link). I loved the sugar one so much that I'm about to repurchase it. The sugar granules are so fine that they make a wonderful gentle scrub with a uniform texture. The skin is left hydrated, it has a light film, but nothing oily/greasy. I still use a body moisturizer afterwards. Th salt scrub wasn't bad, but it was different and it was too harsh on my skin. The salt particles were big and sharp on my skin, so I only used it on my feet. I enjoyed it for that, but I don't see a need for a separate scrub just for my feet. Besides I wasn't too crazy about the texture where oil is separated from salt and needed mixing together before use.

I included Nubian Heritage Carrot & Pomegranate Soap (link) even though I'm still using it. I wanted to mention it, because I love it so much and I though I might not have the box saved by the time I use it up. This soap has exfoliating beads that are gentle yet effective on the skin. It also smells heavenly! I love using it in my shower and I love that it doesn't dry my skin.

I constantly purchase Whole Foods 365 Hand Cream Trios (link to different scent) as they are long lasting, smell great and perform wonderfully. I've purchased this cream in a set sometime in winter and since a little goes a long way it lasted me pretty well.

Medicine Mama's Sweet Bee Magic All In One Healing Skin Cream (link) is a natural alternative to petroleum jelly. I've used this one on the skin, but later I've been using it as a hand balm. While it leaves my skin very soft, it's a bit too greasy for using before bedtime. I blame my habit of grabbing more product and not waiting for it to sink in before going to bed, but I'm just not patient with such products.

 

I'm not a dry shampoo/texturizing spray person, so I finally decided to get rid of all that I have: Moroccanoil Dry Texture Spray (link), Goldwell Kerasilk Color Gentle Dry Shampoo* (link) and Eva NYC Freshen Up Dry Shampoo* (link). Not that they don't do what they promise, but I just can't stand the way they feel in my hair. My hair may look great, I might not even touch it, but I feel like my hair is super dry and not nice to the touch when I use products like this. I prefer to just wash my hair.

I can't live without Giovanni Vitapro Fusion Leave-In Hair Treatment (link) and I keep repurchasing it for years. I spray it on my towel dried through the whole hair length and apply JMO detangler to the ends. That's all I need to do to have beautiful, shiny hair that's easy to brush.

MooGoo Natural Protein Shot Leave-In Conditioner* (link). This product was good when used as intended and a tiniest amount was needed, but I enjoyed using it as a hair mask even more. I would apply this conditioner to my hair at night, braid it and leave until the morning. My hair would be extra soft and hydrated once I washed it.

It seems that Rare Elements Pure Shampoo (link) lasted forever. I've purchased it in April and I've just finished it now. Actually, I shared this shampoo with my man, because it was so concentrated and very little was needed for one use. This shampoo hydrates hair without weighting it down.
       

I've been buying new makeup this month, so I didn't have many products that I've used up. However, I've finished yet another Laura Mercier Mineral Pressed Powder (link). It's been my favorite mineral powder for a couple years now as it gives a natural and flawless look. I'm already on a new one, so you'll keep seeing it in my empties and favorites.

It's my second or third Dior Maximizer 3D Lash Primer (link). It doesn't give and obvious change, but when wearing it I can tell that something is so much better about my lashes.

I wouldn't repurchase any of the 3 mascaras: YSL Vinyl Couture (link), Tarte Gifted (link), YSL The Shock (link). While I usually prefer big, bold, volumized lashes, out of these three I enjoyed Tarte the most even though it gave the most natural look. It was also in brown color, which I never buy myself, but this mascara worked perfectly for those days when I didn't want to wear any mascara or just wanted something minimal.  

I'm not including samples in my empties anymore, but I wanted to mention Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz Pencil (link), because I was pleasantly surprised by it. The sample was tiny and I was worried that it won't b enough for both eyes. Not only that it was enough for that, but it also lasted me for about a week. The result was beautiful and natural looking, and I loved it so much that I already have it in my wishlist.




* marks PR samples received complimentary