Weekly Empties (5)

It's becoming a tradition that I start my empties with masks. I don't know how much I believe in sheet masks for lips, but I'm always curious to try them. I've tried hydrogel type of lip masks in the past, but Burt's Bees Moisturizing Lip Mask (link) was the first one that is sheet mask type. It was thin, so it applied on the lips easily and stayed on well. It is filled with oils and feels nice on the lips. It has a pleasant taste/smell. However, the mask is way bigger than my lips, so part of it went above my lips and part went on my chin (I really don't need oils there). I wish it was smaller and maybe came with 2-3 in the package, which would make more sense. The directions tell to keep the mask on for 5 minutes. Well, the lips were left soft and hydrated and while it was a fun experience, I get the same results by massaging a drop of oil or eye cream into my lips.

I saw these Skyn Iceland Hydro Cool Firming Eye Gels (link) online with great reviews and decided to try them. I fell in love instantly. These patches have a sticky side that applies to the skin. It helps them to stay on the skin (hydrogel patches move a bit if I'm doing something around the house or talking), but they are gentle and don't pull the skin when being removed. They feel very comfortable and cooling on the eyes. Once removed, the undereye area feel hydrated, plump and firmer without any uncomfortable tightness. I wish I could use them everyday, but since they're on the pricier side, I use them 2-3 times a week. When I purchased my eye patches, I received a sample of Hydro Cool Firming Face Gels for Forehead (link), but I can't find that one for sale by itself, so I assume it comes in a set with smile line gels. It was big enough to cover my whole forehead. It was just as comfortable and cooling as the eye gels and it gave the same instant plumped, soft and firm result. I'm tempted to get those as well, so maybe I'll pamper myself.

Just like I said in my review of this brand (you can find it HERE), One'n'Only Argan Oil Makeup Removal Cleansing Cloths* (link) don't do a good job at removing makeup. I used them on my vanity to wipe my hands while applying makeup, to clean around makeup containers, etc. 

When I was deciding which bubbling face mask to get, Bliss Triple Oxygen Instant Energizing Foaming Mask (link) was one of the options. I didn't get it, but I received it as part of gwp. It promises to refresh, to revitalize and make skin look more radiant. It was a small sample, but I got 3-4 uses out of it. The mask felt nice on the skin and the foaming was gentle and didn't irritate the skin. After washing it off, my face was left very smooth and soft and as if having some barrier on the skin without really having any residue/film.

I recently reviewed a skincare set from Sanitas (HERE) and I finished one of the products - Antioxidant Moisturizer* (link). I enjoyed using this cream and my skin really saw a difference using Sanitas products. A little goes a long way with this moisturizer. I would apply it over a serum, but later I started mixing the two together in my hand and then apply to the face. This helped to cut down absorption time.

Another great product is Mad Hippie Vitamin C Serum* (link, use code DIT536 to save additional 5% on your order). I mentioned Mad Hippie products in one of my skincare articles (HERE). I took a break from this serum and used some other products and I finally got back to using it in January. I loved it as much as I loved it initially. This serum absorbs quickly, it doesn't irritate the skin, it doesn't leave any stickiness. It makes skin soft, bright and very even toned.

Oz Naturals Vitamin C + Sea Hydration Mask (link) is one of the products I don't like. I only used it once on my face, but I didn't see any difference, so I decided to use it up as a hand mask. I did that only once, because my hands started burning and got so irritated that I had red spots, rashes and bumps all over my hands. It took a few hours just to calm my skin down.

Initially I wrote a good review about One'n'Only Argan Oil Serum* (link), however, after a few uses I passed it on to a family member who finally returned it back and I used it as a body moisturizer. I think this is a pretty nice lightweight serum that absorbs to the skin quickly, doesn't leave any film on the skin and leaves it firmer and hydrated. My biggest issue is the scent. The whole line has this sweet smell that bothers me. I tried my best, but just couldn't overcome it. When I gave this serum to a family member, I was told that it irritates the skin and makes it feel uncomfortable, so I took it back and used as a body cream. It worked well and I finished it up.
   

I've used Baby Foot Original Exfoliant Foot Peel (link) only a couple of days ago, so I don't see any peeling yet, but I have high hopes. I've tried some of this kin of products in the past and some of them worked. Recently I tried one from Nails Inc and one from Boscia and they both did nothing. There was literally not a slightest effect. My skin didn't peel, my feet didn't look better. 

I've mentioned in the previous posts that my hands and body get extra dry in cold months. While I apply hand cream constantly, I also like to pamper my skin with Sephora Hand Mask (link). I enjoy using these and don't see much difference in hydration among the different scents. These hand masks give extra boost of hydration to my skin, they make my hands very soft and refreshed. I wish the result was longer lasting. Since it's not, I use them once a week or whenever my skin needs that boost of moisture.

I remember when Yuni came out with Shower Sheets (link) and I was curious to try them, but I never did. I was pleasantly surprised to find one on my Dermstore's BeautyFix subscription box last month. I initially planned to try it out during a weekend trip, but I ended up not using it. So one evening I used it at home not knowing what to expect. These sheets are really large and feel very refreshing. They have a minty cooling feel. They are damp, but not too wet. They didn't dry out the skin and they made me feel really fresh and clean. They don't replace shower, of course, but they are way more refreshing than regular wipes. I can imagine using them on a hot summer day while running errands and wanting to cool down and freshen up. 

I don't like strong minty mouth washes, so The Natural Dentist Rinse in Peppermint Twist (link) is my go to mouthwash for at least 6 years. It tastes great and gives enough freshness without being too minty. It also does a good job. The only issue I have with these thorough the years is that the product always leaks and the bottom of the bottle and the countertop need wiping once in a while. It's not that the bottle has holes. When pouring mouthwash into a cap and afterwards putting the cap back, whatever liquid is left in the cap runs down the side of the bottle and pools underneath. It's not a lot, but it's a little inconvenience. However, the product is great and that little issue doesn't stop me from using it.

I've mentioned Leonor Greyl Hair Treatment Oil (link) in one of my articles. HERE is the link to full review. I got this product after hearing great reviews, but I wasn't that impressed and I'm happy I finally finished it. It's a pricey oil, but the bottle seems a bit cheap. It comes in a simple thin cardboard box, which looks more like a packaging for tester, not a regular product. The bottle itself is heavy glass and is nice, but the cap is feels cheap as it is simple white plastic. Again, it seems like a tester. The cap is not tight enough. I noticed after a few uses that the cap doesn't screw on tightly and tends to unscrew easily. This oil is coconut based, so it gets thick in cooler temperature and needs to be warmed up in hot water to make it liquid again. I would apply this oil to my ends and a little towards half length of the hair, but never to my roots. I'm not a fan of floral scents, so I never enjoyed it while using this product. The oil would make hair more shiny, hydrated and easy to brush. It wouldn't make hair weighed down. However, I don't see any magic for the price and effect and I think pure coconut oil or a homemade mixture of oils could do the same.     

Lastly, I have LiLy Lolo Pressed Bronzer in Miami Beach (link). I like Lily Lolo makeup a lot and I've used a lot of face products. I had this product for a little over a year and since I don't use it anymore, I decided to throw it away. I got a good use of it and I don't have a lot left. I use bronzers to contour my face and apply on my cheeks. This bronzer was very pigmented, but the shade was a bit too warm for my light skin even though it is recommended for light skin tones. It was ok in the summer when I had some tan on my skin, but my winter skin can't take it. I look too unnatural, too warm toned and I don't like the look. I have plenty of bronzers and contouring products in my makeup bag right now, but I would definitely get another face product from Lily Lolo in the future.   




* marks PR samples received complimentary