Empties May 2017

My special Empties can doesn’t look as full this month as it has in past months. Every month I am amazed at how many beauty products I go through in a single month. That is one of the reasons I love doing this post each month. It looks like skincare was what I used most of in May. I also used a lot of samples because I have so many from my many subscription boxes.

HAIRCARE

L’Oreal Feria Shimmer Boost Hydrating Conditioner – I color my hair at home and this conditioner comes with the color. I use this once a week to keep my color from fading.

Jane Carter Solution Revitalizing Leave-In Conditioner – for de-tangling and protecting hair from heat styling and the sun. This came in some subscription box or other. I liked this and used it most mornings. It smelled really fresh and helped detangle my hair.

L’Oreal Color Vibrancy Nourishing Shampoo and Conditioner – these sample packets came in either a Target or Walmart beauty box. I have purchased L’Oreal shampoos and conditioners before and I like them. These were good.

L’Oreal Root Rescue – this is a regular repurchase for me. It allows me to go longer between full color.

Briogeo Blossom & Bloom Ginseng + Biotin Volumizer – This came in some subscription box or other. I don’t blow dry my hair but I sprayed this on my wet hair anyway. It smells amazing! So fresh and clean. I think it did add some volume even without blow drying.

BATH AND BODY

Secret Invisible Solid Antiperspirant Deodorant in Clean Lavender – this is my go-to deodorant in the fall and spring. I need something stronger in the summer and something that won’t dry out my underarms in the winter.  

Bath and Body Works Cotton Blossom Creamy Body Wash – Each time you shower treat your skin to a dose of moisture. Our luxuriously Cotton Blossoms Body Wash gently cleanses and soothes even the driest skin, and leaves you gently scented with purely fresh fragrance. This comes from my hoarded bath and body stash and I was pleased to finish this. 1 down, many more to go.

Body Luxuries Peach Scented Milk Body Lotion – I got a trio of those lotions somewhere a while back and they are part of my ridiculous stash of bath and body products! It was a good lotion with a fresh peach scent. I love all things peach. This makes 2 bath and body products for this month so I hit my goal.

SKINCARE

Soap & Glory Face Soap & Clarity Facial Wash – is a three-in-one daily detox facial wash (with vitamin C), to help smooth, purify and clarify the skin. With complexion-friendly, non-drying, easy-rinse ingredients including natural superfruit, yuzu, and skin polishing beads, this high-tech foaming wash is a multitasking miracle. Fragranced with refreshing cool chamomile and mint with natural sage, eucalyptus and lemongrass oils, this luxurious facial wash leaves skin fresh and bright. This came in my Target Beauty Box February 2017. I liked this a lot and may purchase the full size once I finish all the sample sized exfoliators I have. You can read my full thoughts in Soap & Glory Face Soap and Clarity Review.

e.l.f. Hydrating Gel Cleanser – This gentle, hydrating formula melts on contact transforming from a gel to creamy oil that helps dissolve makeup and cleanse the skin. Formulated with Purified Water and infused with nourishing Argan Oil, Rose Extracts, and Rose Seed Oils to help moisturize the skin. It’s also rich in antioxidant Vitamin C. This worked well for me but there are better products that cost less. You can read my full thoughts in e.l.f. Hydrating Gel Melting Cleanser.

My Secret Diary Squalene Restorative Mask – this is a sheet mask that I used as part of #MaskaDayinMay. It was an ok sheet mask.

Timeless 20% C+E+Ferulic Acid Serum – Contains Vitamin C, an antioxidant that evens skin tone and helps build collagen. Also contains vitamin E and Ferulic Acid, used to extend the life and effectiveness of vitamin C. We use a 20% concentration of L-ascorbic acid for maximum benefit. Our product is guaranteed fresh and effective for 3 months. I started this serum about the time I started using Tretinoin back in April 2016. It was my go-to Vitamin C serum until I finished this bottle. I am now trying something cheaper so watch for a future review!

Laneige Water Bank Moisture Cream – this was a sample size that came in either a Target or Walmart beauty box. I really like it. Laneige Water Bank Moisture Cream is a full review of it.

Clinique Smart Custom-Repair Serum – Our smart serum understands the particular needs of your skin, providing custom repair for the damage you see and the damage you don’t. For all ages, all ethnicities. Targets multiple concerns, including: Diminishing lines and wrinkles, Firming and lifting skin, Reducing dark spots and evening skin tone, Improving radiance and texture.  Although this is just a sample size, I have purchased the full size in the past. This was actually the first serum I ever used.  I like it and it makes my skin feel very soft and smooth. I like it enough that it was one of my 5 Faves in September.  What I do not like is the cost. A 4-week supply costs $60 and that is more that I can, or would, spend on a single skincare product in a month.

Fresh Faced Konjac Sponges –  Perfect for pampering all skin types, this 2-piece natural cleansing sponge set includes one lavender and one green tea infused sponge made from 100% Konjac Root fibers. Asian Konjac Root has been used for centuries to gently exfoliate and detoxify skin while naturally balancing skin’s PH levels. When wet the sponges soften for gentle cleansing to deliver smooth, soft, brighter looking skin. I discovered Konjac sponges when I started using tretinoin (Retin A). They help to get the dead skin off. Learn more about tretinoin here, here, here and here. This is the lavender infused sponge. To be honest I have never seen any difference in the different colors.

SOO AE Nature Vitamin Collagen Mask – Formulated with a special blend of vitamins, provide an instant boost to the skin brightening its overall tone while supplying it with plethora of nutrients. Another decent sheet mask that was a bit more sticky than I like.

SOO AE Snail Brightening + Moisture Mask – Specially formulated with Snail Secretion Filtrate, which promotes and supports the overall health and function of the skin by providing moisture while calming and alleviating skin irritations. It also includes Niacinamide helping to brighten skin’s overall complexion by correcting hyperpigmentation and evening out the skin’s tone. Formulated with EGF, Hydrolyzed Collagen, and Sodium Hyaluronate, deliver nourishment and restore skin by improving its vitality and increasing its energy-boosting functions. I really liked this mask. My skin looked noticeably better after I used it.

Nivea Sun Protect Super Water Gel SPF 50/PA+++ – This is an Asian sunscreen from Japan. They make superior sunscreens that provide much better all around sun protection than those made in the U.S. This is one of my favorite sunscreens as you can see in My Take on Sunscreen: Nivea Sun Protect Super Water Gel SPF 50/PA+++ . i have a few new sunscreens to try but I will repurchase this.

MAKEUP

Figs & Rouge Mattifying Emulsion MT + Sheer – Multi-action Mattifying Emulsion & shine control formulation. Matts & minimises shine to create a sheer complexion. With a unique double action to help diminish large pores & correct the appearance of blemishes. This came in either an Ipsy bag or Birchbox. It was an ok primer but it didn’t work well with my current a.m. skincare. It pilled badly.

e.l.f. Makeup Remover Pen – Mascara smears? Uneven eyeliner? Quickly remove or correct small makeup smudges, smears and mistakes without having to take off the rest of your makeup! The gentle and non-greasy formula erases even long wearing and waterproof makeup for flawless touch ups, perfect for throwing in your purse or gym bag when you’re on-the-go! Infused with Vitamin E, Cucumber and Chamomile to moisturize and condition skin. This is a true Holy Grail product for me. I use it every day and could not put on makeup without it. I stocked up in my last e.l.f. Haul and included it in 5 Faves in February. Try it. You won’t regret it.

Wet n’ Wild Photo Focus Setting Spray – This came in a set I picked up in an After Christmas Drugstore/Walmart Bargains haul. I like to use a setting spray because I think it sets powders and makes them meld into the skin. I prefer my e.l.f. setting spray though.

I am happy that I finished at least 2 bath and body products. It may take a few months to get 2 in a single month again. I have picked all the low-hanging fruit of shower gels and lotions that were already partially used. Now I have a linen closet with mostly full bottle and tubes. Someday they will all be used.

Have you used any of my empties? What did you think of them? What did you use up in May?

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