May went by too fast! It’s time for empties again!
I finished up quite a few things this month. So let’s go through the mini-reviews and see what’s worth repurchasing for me.
Skincare
- StriVectin Tightening Neck Cream: This is the second full size jar of StriVectin Neck Cream that I’ve finished up since last August, I believe. I adore this stuff. It definitely works for me. Repurchase: Absolutely! This pricey neck cream is worth it to me. I bought a new jar during a 20% off sale that Macy’s had not too long ago. A friend is going to send me a couple of jars that she has and I’m thrilled! I can’t be without this. $95 for 1.7 oz/50 ml.
- Human+Kind Hand+Elbow+Foot Cream: Renu from Cosmetopiadigest.com wrote about this multitasking skin cream on her blog not too long ago, and her review really impressed me. While I was standing in line at Sephora during the VIB sale, I noticed the travel size tube amongst the impulse items that sing to me while I’m waiting. Of course, I had to buy it. Smart move! I love this cream. It has a light fresh scent, is medium weight, thickish but not greasy, and it works! I love it! Repurchase: I was all set to buy some more, but I just received a package of 3 hand creams to try for review and so far I love them too. So I’ll repurchase Human+Kind some day. $5 for 1.7 fl.oz./50 ml.
- Pond’s Original Fresh Wet Cleansing Towelettes travel size: I bought this travel size while we were in Sedona on vacation when I ran out of Neutrogena towelettes that I had brought along. I really like the Pond’s towelettes better than Neutrogena. They are much softer and I love the woven fabric. Plus for me, they remove my makeup more easily and more completely. I need some more. Repurchase: Yes. I need some. I buy the travel size because a large size always dries out since I don’t use towelettes every day.
- Lancôme Renergie Lift Multi-Action Eye Cream: I was given this deluxe size eye cream. It was OK, but not great. I don’t really like eye cream in a pot as much as I do in a tube. Especially in a small pot, it’s hard to get out, it’s messy. But what I really didn’t like so much about this was the scent. I disliked the rather strong floral scent. Repurchase: No.
- Mila Moursi Firming Cream deluxe size: I liked this firming cream. It felt good on my skin, and it either was unscented or very lightly scented. The deluxe sample wasn’t enough for me to tell if it firmed my skin, but I liked the aesthetics. I got this sample in one of my Barney’s beauty bags. Repurchase: Would love to but it’s out of my price range. $170
- Origins Drink Up Intensive Overnight Mask sample packet: I received this sample in my most recent Sephora Play Box. It came with another mask as well as a “fixing” spray that is supposed to help the mask work better. I loved the mask. I LOVE the hard to describe, herbalish but sweet scent. I managed to get three night’s worth out of the packet. Repurchase: Right now, I have 3 other full size sleeping masks so I can’t justify buying this. But in the future, I would love to get some more of this sleeping mask! $25
- Racinne Ultimate Youth Power Serum: I received this sample packet along with two products I received for review from Racinne, a Korean brand. The two full size products, a neck cream and an eye cream, were both terrific. So was the Ultimate Youth Power Serum. A lightly scented medium weight serum sank into my skin and made it feel so hydrated and comfortable. Loved this stuff. Repurchase: I need to look into it. I’m not sure where to buy Racinne. They don’t sell it at HMart. I’d probably have to buy it online. Oops, it’s not that hard to find! Found it in a second on ShopStyle. $58-68
- SK-II Facial Treatment Mask: I received this single use sheet mask via Influenster. It was a huuuuuuge mask with lots of serum. I used the mask and although it was too big for my face, but I enjoyed it anyway. It made my skin feel very hydrated. There was so much serum left over that I got 3 nights use out of it. Repurchase: No. $17 each sheet mask
Makeup
- Benefit They’re Real Mascara deluxe size: This mascara is one of my favorites. I must have gotten this deluxe sample with a purchase of something. I prefer the short plastic teeth type wand that this product has. No clumping, great lengthening. Repurchase: I have a full size waiting in the wings, and it’s a mascara I’ve purchased repeatedly. $10 travel size/$24 full size
Nails
- CVS Advanced Nail Polish Remover: This is an acetone-based polish remover with oils to strengthen and nourish nails. It has the sponge interior to help with polish removal. I like this type of remover a lot especially to remove glitter polishes. I find the sponge interior easier to use than Zoya Remover when I’m wearing glitter or a textured polish. Repurchase: I will. I picked up a nail polish remover when I was at Ocean State Job Lot but when I opened it I discovered it had the plastic interior with teeth instead of the sponge. I prefer this one. about $4
Oral Care
- Luster Premium White Moisturizing Cleanser: I finished up Step 1 of this teeth whitening duo. I really tried not to use too much each time I used it along with the Teeth Whitening Gel so that I’d finish them both at the same time, but I goofed. Still got a little whitener left! Repurchase: I will repurchase this duo after a few weeks off. It worked for me!
- Sensodyne ProNamel Multi-Action Toothpaste: I have sensitive teeth and I am also concerned about enamel loss so I always buy either ProNamel or one of the other Sensodyne toothpastes that seems to do the same thing. Repurchase: I think I bought a similar Sensodyne toothpaste.
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Hmm, maybe I should give Benefit They’re Real a try again. I bought a full size and it was absolutely crappy and then I received a deluxe sample size and it was brilliant! My lashes are so iffy, it’s almost impossible to know what works and what doesn’t.
Shireen L. Platt recently posted…Currently Reading…
Mascara is such an individualized thing, Shireen. I like mascaras that come with wands with plastic bristles because they don’t clump on me. They’re Real is more of a lengthening than volumizing (altho it does do some) mascara IMHO, and I know you said in the past that you need more volume as well as length. It may just not be for you. But that is interesting that you saw a difference between the full size and travel size. I have a full size waiting in the wings. I’ll have to pay attention when I use it.
I’ve tried a few samples from that Lancome line, and yes the scent is SO strong…I didn’t like it!
Tess Galen recently posted…Peachy Pink Make Up for Spring and Summer
I usually don’t mind fragrances but the scents that Lancome uses are just too strong for me too, Tess. Because of that, I usually avoid the brand 🙁
I sat up when I saw the Human+Kind in your photograph. Thanks muchly for the shoutout! They have lovely, cruelty-free, harm-free products. I adore their cleansing cloths. Sadly the Sephoras in Dubai and India do not stock Human+Kind. All the more excuses for another Europe trip some day LOL.
Renu recently posted…Six Caudalie Must-Haves For Your Daily Routine
Thank you for introducing me to Human+Kind, Renu! I loved the hand cream, and I know I’ll buy it again in the future! Next Sephora trip, I’ll check out what else they carry from the brand. And I do hope you get another European trip again soon!
I enjoyed reading about your May empties including all the skincare items that you used and I love using Sensodyne toothpaste for my teeth!!
Ursula
http://www.blueridgebeautyblogger.com
Glad you’re a Sensodyne fan too, Ursula! It’s great stuff!
Well done finishing all of those products! I still can’t gather my May empties haha 🙂
Anastasia recently posted…Asian Sleeping Masks for Every Budget
I know, sometimes empties posts are not the most exciting, but I love reading the mini-reviews!
I still need to try the SKII masks and after hearing your thoughts on the Human+Kind cream I’ll have to try that too! I have a huge box of empties waiting for me at home to make a post on still haha. You’re always on top of your empties! Great post as always, Allison! I always find something new to check out when I read them 🙂
Megan T. recently posted…What’s In My Bag: DC Travel Edition
The Human+Kind cream really was wonderful. The travel size that lasted me about 6 weeks cost $5. I thought it was well worth it, Megan. The SK-II mask was a wonderful indulgence. The sheet mask itself was HUGE, and it came with enough gel-like serum for me to use on its own for 3 more nights after I used the mask.
I LOVE those Ponds Facial Cleaning Towels .. although I do wish they came in a container with a lid instead of a sticky cover.
The SK-II mask sounds wonderful, a bit pricey, but perhaps worth a try 🙂
Monica.
MoncaP recently posted…Palm Springs Museum of Art – Baroque to Bling Exhibit
The SK-II mask is gigantic. It must be made for people with huge faces, lol! And it definitely came with $17 worth of gel-like serum on it. I used the mask one night, and had enough serum left in the packet for 3 more nights. It’s a very nice splurge, but I wish the sheet mask itself was a little smaller. That’s why I don’t buy the full size Pond’s towelettes. I love them, but I don’t use them every night and like you said the sticky enclosure just doesn’t work for more than a day or two.
Nice job finishing up a good number of full sized products, Allison! Empties posts are so cathartic!
Lola’s Secret Beauty Blog recently posted…KYE FOR SHU UEMURA COLLECTION SPRING 2016 REVIEW
true true. It’s so great to put them in the recycling bin!!
I love Strivectin. I also just killed a tube of Sensodyne a bit ago!
StriVectin rocks and Sensodyne has saved my teeth 🙂
Good girl!
Cindy (Prime Beauty) recently posted…Peach and Gold Nail Art!
Thank you thank you 😉
I’ll have to try out the Human+Kind Hand+Elbow+Foot Cream. I didn’t have a lot of empties in May. I finally used up my full-sized Too Faced Shadow Insurance. It’s Holy Grail, and I’ll definitely repurchase. Almay Intesnse i-Color Mascara in Sapphire and Black Plum (not completely used up; dried up). I love these, they are really dark, so work like black while still playing up my eye color. I have backups. Pur-lisse Blue Lotus and Seaweed sheet mask (love!). Jack Black lip balm (great stuff). Deluxe sample of Jack Black Epic Moisture Extra Rich Body Hydrator (really like it; thick but not greasy). Sample of Dr. Brandt Pores No More. It did nothing to diminish my pores, and they’re not even that big. It worked well just as a primer, but the mattefying effect didn’t last very long. I would not buy. Sample of Kate Spade Walk on Air (Lovely light and sweet white floral that didn’t bother my hubby’s allergies.) A 10-oz bottle of Quantum Riveting Red Color Replenishing Shampoo. I got a huge bottle of the same to refill it with.
Very impressive empties list, Rachel! I’ve gotta take a look at the Almay Intense i-Color Mascara in Black Plum and also see what other shades they have. you have piqued my interest!! I like Jack Black lip balm too. Got a tube waiting in the wings. I’ve gotten Dr. Brandt Pores No More samples too, and I think they’ve sitting in my giveaway pile. Gotta do a random stuff giveaway soon 🙂
Quite the selection of empties! I love the StriVectin neck cream, I’m going to cry when mine is all gone.
Erika recently posted…A Smoother Eye Area Can Be Yours with VII 02M Oxygen Eye Mask
My neck couldn’t live without it. Thank goodness Macy’s had a sale. Still pricey but I’ve gotta have it!
I absolutely love Sensodyne ProNamel Multi-Action Toothpaste!
Leelo recently posted…NOTD & tutorial: Super Simple Two Colour Manicure
Sensodyne doesn’t disappoint!
I looooove the Origins Drink Up Intensive Overnight mask! It’s so light yet moisturizing and I adore the mango smell. I really want to get the full size before the winter. (Maybe next Sephora VIB sale :P)
Jodi recently posted…Dry Shampoo Showdown: Batiste, COLAB, LUSH
I wondered what that yummy scent was in the Origins Overnight Mask. Thanks for telling me it’s mango! Maybe I’ll get it during the sale too 🙂
You’ve reminded me that I wanted to try the Human Kind cream too. It sounds so great!
Bailey recently posted…Keep Your Colour Fresh with Arbonne Pure Vibrance Hair Care
I’m a fan. Definitely try it!
So many fun empties! I want to try lots of these things, like the SK-II serum.
Nidia – Lit From Within recently posted…Twisty Rods for Beachy Hair
The SK-II product in my empties is a sheet mask, but it’s one that I think you would enjoy, Nidia. The sheet mask itself is cloth, and it’s quite large and it is completely soaked/covered with a gel-like serum. There was so much of it on the mask, but still so much left in the packet that I was able to use it for an additional 3 nights! So I guess I could amortize the $17 cost over 4 nights, lol. It was fun and definitely the mask itself was very hydrating. I think though that I prefer the SK-II Facial Treatment Essence. I just wish it didn’t cost a fortune!
I loved that sk-II mask. You did well emptying your stash
kim recently posted…The A-MAY-ZING May GLOSSYBOX
Wasn’t the mask huge though?