September was a good month for empties for me. I finished up a lot of stuff! As usual, lots of skincare products. Let’s see what’s worth repurchasing.
I think I’ll break them down by categories.
Body Care
- Skintimate Skin Therapy Moisturizing Shave Gel for Dry Skin: I used to love this shave gel, and I still like it. But surprisingly, it’s not as moisturizing as the Schick version. But I bought a multi-pack at Costco, so you’ll be seeing this again, lol.
- Olay Fresh Outlast White Strawberry & Mint Body Wash: I got this in a Target Beauty Box during the summer. It’s a creamy, somewhat moisturizing body wash with a nice scent that’s more strawberry-scented than mint. It didn’t seem particularly cleansing, but it did lightly moisturize my dry skin. Nice, but nothing special. No repurchase here.
- Soap Stories bar soap: My friend Kim F. in Atlanta and I often exchange artisan-made soaps when we visit each other, and she gave me this pretty yellow soap with colored glycerin cubes throughout when I saw her at the end of August. I gave her another bar soap from my favorite, Nature Island Botanicals. Did I like the Soap Stories soap? The verdict is that I liked the look of the soap more than it’s performance. It didn’t have a strong scent, and I didn’t clean all that well. But it wasn’t drying so that was a plus. I won’t purchase it, but I definitely enjoyed trying it out.
- Perlier Body Honey Miel Shower Cream: I think I got this deluxe travel size shower gel in a set of assorted shower products via iFabbo quite a while ago. Because this product was a clear gel not an opaque cream, I consider it a shower gel. It had a nice scent that did smell like honey. It provided a good lather, cleaned well, and wasn’t drying to my skin. I haven’t bought anything from Perlier in a very long time, and I received this sample over a year ago so I’m not up on the latest from Perlier. However, from the Perlier products I’ve tried in the past, they all have either parabens or sodium laureth sulfate in them. I wish they’d reformulate since there are so many other body products out there that don’t have those ingredients. I’m not planning to purchase it.
- MyChelle Replenishing Solar Defense SPF 30 Mineral-Based, Titanium-Dioxide free Sunscreen: This is a zinc oxide only, natural, physical sunscreen. I’m not sure what the benefit is of leaving out the titanium-dioxide: perhaps some folks have trouble using that ingredient and without it, it is a lighter weight sunscreen. I liked this sunscreen a lot. It was definitely a lightweight cream. Summer is over now, but next year I intend to repurchase this sunscreen from MyChelle. It was one of my favorites from this past summer.
Face Products
- Rimmel Just Let It Go Gentle Eye Makeup Remover: I have been singing the praises of this eye makeup remover for a couple of years now. I still like it because it doesn’t irritate my very sensitive eyes. But over the past several months, it doesn’t do as good a job as I remember it doing in removing my eyeliner and mascara. It takes more tugging to get my mascara and liner off. I have changed my makeup so maybe my current (not waterproof) mascara and eyeliner are harder to remove, but Rimmel isn’t cutting it. I am using another bottle of Rimmel eye makeup remover that I had in my stash, but after I use it up, I’ll be trying something else. 😥 If you use easy to remove eye makeup, the Rimmel is fine but for a lot of the fiber-based mascaras, not so much.
- Reviva Labs Glycolic Acid Facial Toner: I was sad to see the end of this bottle of Reviva toner. It was terrific: gentle, a great last step in my cleansing routine and it contains glycolic acid. It’s terrific if you have sensitive skin but want to get some glycolic acid. And I strongly recommend trying this toner if you are getting started with glycolic acid! For me, however, the percent glycolic acid isn’t strong enough: I believe it’s only one or two percentage glycolic acid, and I am looking for 5%. $12 on revivalabs.com
- Murad Environmental Shield Essential-C Cleanser: I adore this vitamin C cleanser from Murad. It’s a lightly exfoliating gel that contains some vitamin C and smells like citrus. It lathers and my skin feels clean but not tight after using it. It was the perfect warm weather cleanser for me! I strongly recommend it! I have already repurchased a full size during the Murad friends and family sale. During the winter, I will probably revert to my cream cleansers, but this cleansing gel from Murad is wonderful.
- Ulta Facial Sponge: I am so annoyed at Ulta for discontinuing my favorite facial sponge. I bought a ton of these babies because they were so soft, malleable, inexpensive, and I could replace them frequently. Now, they’re gone and there is no replacement that I’ve been able to find so far. I’ve reverted to using natural sea sponges, but they are very expensive and it pains me to have to throw them away. I wish Ulta would bring back this great facial sponge!
Odds and Ends
- essence Kiss Care Love Lip Balm, cherry flavor: I love essence’s knock-off of Maybelline’s Baby Lips. It’s cheaper (less than $2, I think) and just as good. This stuff really stays on, has a pleasant cherry taste/scent, and it works. I bought another one in a different flavor that I’m using now, but I think I like the cherry better. It does contains parabens, however.
- Nordea Soaperie Hippie Chick perfume oil: I reviewed Nordea Soaperie when I first started my blog. I met Nordea at a craft fair in Boston a few years ago. I initially bought myself a small rollerball of Hippie Chick perfume oil when I bought one for my friend’s daughter’s birthday. She was turning 12 at the time, and now she has just started college. Madison liked Hippie Chick and so did I. I’ve been using it since. The tiny rollerball bottle is great to throw into my purse makeup bag. It is a sweet, gourmand, oriental-ish scent that I think has patchouli in it – thus, Hippie Chick. I love it. I need to buy some more! $12 on nordea-soaperie.com
- CVS Regular Nail Polish Remover tub with sponge inside: Time to replace my CVS nail polish remover tub with the sponge inside that makes it easier to remove glitter polish. This version does contain some acetone, but it’s not 100% acetone. The rubbing against the sponge with some acetone in the liquid does make it easier to get off glitter. I will buy another.
So these are my September empties. Check out the empties from the other great beauty bloggers below while you’re at it. Did you use up anything last month?
What’s your Reaction?
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I love that Rimmel eye makeup remover! It’s so gentle, definitely a staple in my routine!
Kelly B. recently posted…What’s New at the Drugstore: October 2015
I’ve loved it for several years, Kelly, but I find lately that it’s not doing such a great job removing my non-waterproof mascara. Lately I’m wearing Benefit They’re Real, but same problem with IT mascara, CoverGirl Super Sizer. So I will try a new brand when I run out of my last bottle and see if I can find something equally gentle but that cleans better. 🙁
You did an impressive job using things up in September, Allison! I always find it so gratifying to finish things up each month!
Lola’s Secret Beauty Blog recently posted…Christie Brinkley Authentic Skincare Close Up Instant Wrinkle Reducer & Treatment #brinkleyCLOSEUP | Review
I agree, Helen. October is going to be a slower month for my empties I think.
Great empties, I need to post mine soon as my little MAC bag is now nearly full lol 🙂
Dorota recently posted…New in: Tanya Burr Peachy Glow Cheek Palette review
It’s a good feeling to use things up and recycle them and make room for more, lol! Looking forward to reading yours once it’s up!
If you like the essence lip balms – you should try the Jordana ones! I keep one of them on me at all times! Love them so much 🙂 They are from previous collections, and I’ve found them in various places like KMart and places that have a walll stock of Jordana. The Sweet n Smooth line.
Destany recently posted…Wet n Wild Venice Beach lip glosses
Unfortunately, Jordana is very difficult to find near where I live but I’ll keep an eye out for them!
I don’t use any of your empties!!
Eugenia recently posted…Weekend Reads
Some of them are worth considering!
The Reviva Lab toner is amazing. I’ve moved on to another brand now and it’s not the same.
Aleya Bamdad recently posted…My Skin Vs. The Elements
I’m on the lookout for another toner with 5% glycolic acid now. I’d like to use a slightly higher concentration. Have you tried the Pixi Glycolic Toner with 5%?
That Murad is a great brand. I love it.
Tee recently posted…Show A Little Thanks
I won the Essential-C kit from Murad, and I love all of the products in the kit! The C peel is fabulous too!
It makes me crazy when things I like get new formulas or get discontinued. Such a bummer.
Mandy Chameleon Stampede recently posted…Too Faced Melted Candy
Yes, that is a drag! I’m not sure why the Rimmel makeup remover isn’t working as well for me. Not sure if it’s formulated or the mascaras just got harder to remove because so many of them have fibers in them now
I love empties! I also used up a Skintimate Shave gel – it’s ok does the job. Now I’m on to the Kiss My Face Moisture Shave in Lavender and it’s very nice, but doesn’t spread as well as a shaving gel.
Monica.
MonicaP recently posted…Blissmo Box No. 2 – Snack Attack!
I’m using Whish Shave Cream and Hair Inhibitor now. Haven’t used it long enough to know if it’s slowing down hair growth. I wondered about the KMF cream.
I’m almost finished my Murad vitamin C cleanser as well and I’m so sad haha… excited to move onto something new though!
Chelsea recently posted…YSL Rouge Pur Couture Lipsticks | Review & Swatches
I liked it so much, I bought a full-size Murad C Cleanser! But now I’m testing out three other cleansers that are very nice, but I can’t wait to get back to my Murad C 😉
Well done for finishing so much! I have been plodding on through skincare and makeup remover as well lol. I got the Murad Vitamin C cleanser as a sample but haven’t got started on it yet. It sounds fabulous!
Renu recently posted…Glam Guru Israel Beauty Box for Holiday 2015
I really love the Murad C Cleanser so much that I bought a full-size tube, and of course, now I am testing 3 other cleansers from another brand. Oh well, it’ll be there when I’m finished 🙂
I did use up quite a few shampoo/conditioner samples and facial cleansers this month because I spent a week house sitting for some friends. The polish removers with the sponge inside are good for removing glitter polishes. I know acetone is bad but I still use it because, without it, it’s just too difficult to remove polish. Thanks for the mini reviews!
You’re welcome, Natalie, and thanks for taking the time to comment. Yes, in spite of the fact that I love Zoya polish remover, I can’t go without the remover with the sponge for the reason you mentioned – it makes getting glitter polish off so much easier. Hope you had fun house sitting, and hope it was in a nice place!
Wow, great job with all the empties! I hear ya when your fave products are discontinued…such a pain!
Elaine recently posted…Get Your Pink On: Beauty for Breast Cancer Awareness
I’m focused on finishing up products. I hate throwing away stuff unused 😉
You are using products up like a pro 🙂 I need to buy another polish remover with the sponge those are my favorites for these dark colors and glitter!
Heather recently posted…Smashbox BB Water & CC Spot Concealer Review
Me too, Heather. I can’t live without it even though I love the Zoya polish remover.
I live for that CVS nail polish remover! Murad products are great I’m going to have to check out that cleanser.
Kara recently posted…#PlayBeautifully w ELF Cosmetics | Subscription Box Service + GRWM Video!!!
The cleanser just blew me away when I tried it in the sample size. I had to buy a full-size. It’s a keeper!
I want to try that essence lip balm!
Phyrra recently posted…Black Up Cosmetics is Cruelty Free
The Cherry essence lip balm is so hydrating. I like it better than the other flavor I got. Gotta get more cherry!
I won’t rebuy the Rimmel eye makeup remover since it didn’t do a good job on my mascara. I did use up a few things and was patting myself on the back. Mary Kay Eye Makeup Remover, a shower scrub (the brand escapes me), several mascaras are in the pile. I also tossed some sample sizes that I know I’ll never use.
MarciaF recently posted…Inspired by Fashion – Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure
I’m glad I’m not the only one having a tough time getting the mascara off with Rimmel (though last night I used Neutrogena, and it didn’t do any better!). How did you like the Mary Kay Eye Makeup Remover? Sounds like you’re doing well too at using this up!
Allison, I have gone through dozens of bottles of the MK. It is my favorite one. The only other one in my arsenal is the Reviva Labs Gel one which is great for travel especially since it won’t spill. You should try that if you haven’t already.
MarciaF recently posted…Inspired by Fashion – Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure
Thanks for both recommendations, Marcia. I have some Almay eye makeup remover waiting in the wings, but I have no idea if it’s any good. I like your suggestions especially since you’ve had the same issues that I have with Rimmel. I’ll give ’em a go. Not sure which one will be first 🙂
The Murad Essential C line is great as is the Reviva Labs Glycolic line!
Cindy (Prime Beauty) recently posted…Top Ten Nail Polishes for Fall!
I agree! But I am looking for a glycolic acid toner with a higher percentage, e.g. 5%. Any recommendations?
I keep wanting to do this and I keep throwing my empties out! I love seeing what people use and love enough to finish it up!
Lisa Heath recently posted…Zoya Matte Velvet Comparisons
I’m the opposite, Lisa. It absolutely kills me to throw out something that’s only partially used.
I’m a hoarder so rarely throw it out, but I won’t finish a product that doesn’t work for me.
Lisa Heath recently posted…Zoya Matte Velvet Comparisons
Actually, me too, Lisa. I won’t finish a product that doesn’t work for me. In fact, I just received a moisturizer that irritates my eyes so I can’t use it, but it kills me to throw it away. I am looking for a good home for it now coz I don’t want to keep it around and I can’t throw out a $30 jar of moisturizer basically unused 🙂
I would probably love that Reviva toner – I need a lower % of glycolic acid and I love Reviva Labs’ stuff.
Nidia – Lit From Within recently posted…Makeup and Nails in Browns and Greens
I think you really would enjoy the Reviva Labs Glycolic Acid Toner. It’s either 1 or 2% glycolic acid and the perfect way to add GA to a skincare regimen
Kudos for finishing, you know it can be struggle 🙂
Kath TheFabZilla recently posted…LUXURY BEAUTY | 10 Fall Lipsticks Worth The Splurge
LOL! I get such satisfaction from finishing and recycling things, I actually enjoy it
Between BF and me, we had 2 cans of skintimate empty this month!
Miranda Mendoza recently posted…Review: Hard Candy Super Mod Eye Shadow Spheres
Good job!
Nice pile of empties! I didn’t manage to finish anything this month 🙁
Oh well, next month!
I see a lot of my faves in here too! I need to pick up that gentle eye makeup remover from Rimmel. Everything has been irritating them lately!
Amber recently posted…Osmosis Water Color Eyeshadow
Rimmel is the gentlest eye makeup remover I’ve found, but lately it hasn’t been doing the greatest job getting my mascara all the way off. Maybe it’s because many mascaras have built-in fibers now. But I will start “auditioning” new eye makeup removers soon. I’m sad because I loved Rimmel
I love seeing empties. 🙂 I go through skin care and body care empties like crazy and I really should consider sharing them – but I’m the type of person that gets gratification from throwing things away – lmao, so I throw them out as soon as I think they are empty. This would make a great post for just reviewing some of the faves though.
Honeygirlk recently posted…YSL Rouge Pur Couture – Rose Stiletto and Fuchsia
I don’t mind keeping the empties for a few weeks to do it. In addition to giving me a chance to do mini-reviews on some things that I might not review, it definitely brings in a little bit of income from clicks via Shopstyle and Skimlinks 😉
I love those sponge tub nail polish removers. Lazy girls DREAM!
Brooke @ Blushing Noir recently posted…Urban Decay 24/7 Waterline Eye Pencil Swatches + Review // Holiday 2015
I need to buy a replacement for that tub of polish remover. I can’t use any glitter polish till I do!
I’ve wanted to try the Olay Strawberry Mint body wash for months (just for the scent really) but it doesn’t sound so great. Congrats on so many empties!
Bailey recently posted…Get Your Glow with Sleek Makeup
It’s not bad, Bailey. The scent is nice but more like a chemical than a natural fragrance. I didn’t mean to put you off of it, but chances are you’ve tried nicer body washes 😉
Gosh you go through so many products this month! I always find it to be like a mini victory when I use up a product and get to throw the packaging away…. after writing about it in an empties post first of course! xxx
whatlauraloves recently posted…Top Looks for the Autumn Season
October may be a slower month for me, lol. But my bathroom, bedroom and office are so jammed with beauty products, I’ve gotta go through them! Unfortunately, I hate throwing things away that aren’t used up 😉 Yes, I agree – it does seem like a “mini-victory”! Well said
That Rimmel Remover didn’t work for me either! Such a shame!
StephanieLouise recently posted…My Fall Concealer Wardrobe
It’s odd that it worked fine for me for almost 2 years, but they must have changed the formula when they downsized it to the smaller bottles ‘coz it just doesn’t get off my mascara any more
I love your Empties post!! I esp love Rimmel eye makeup remover as well and love that Olay Whitestrawberry Body Wash!! I am working on my empties for October (coming soon)!
Ursula
I wish Rimmel eye makeup remover was working better now. It doesn’t work as well as it used to to remove my mascara, boo hoo