Thank goodness, June was a big month for me for using up beauty products, especially ones that I’ve had for a while. I look forward to recycling all these bottles and jars!
So here’s the scoop on what I thought about each of the empties and whether I think they’re repurchase-worthy.
SHAMPOO
EO Clarifying Formula Shampoo, Lemon Verbena
I bought this 32 oz. size pump bottle of EO Clarifying Formula Shampoo at Marshalls for $9.99 several years ago. The lemon verbena scent was heaven. The clarifying formula worked very well to really clean my hair. But I don’t use a clarifying formula every time I shampoo, so it literally took me years to finish this up. In fact, I wondered whether it was still safe to use since there are no parabens or preservatives that I could identify in it. It didn’t smell bad or change color, so I assumed it was OK.
I love this shampoo, but I don’t intend to repurchase it right away because I still have a Just Natural Clarifying Shampoo that I received for review several months ago to finish up. However, I wouldn’t hesitate to buy this again, though I wouldn’t buy the 32 oz. size because it’s just too big. That size would be great for a family!
Recommend? Yes
Briogeo Be Gentle Be Kind Green Tea Shampoo
I discovered Briogeo Be Gentle Be Kind Green Tea Shampoo last year while I was searching for a shampoo that was safe for color-treated hair to replace my former favorite, Sebastian Color Ignite Shampoo for Single Tone Color-Treated Hair that was being reformulated. I reviewed it here a while back, and I’ve mentioned it in previous empties posts. After a few years of being unavailable, the Sebastian Color Ignite Shampoo is back, but I’m not. Briogeo has stolen me away!
Briogeo Be Gentle Be Kind Green Tea Shampoo cleans my hair very well without stripping it. I like a shampoo that makes a good lather, and Briogeo does that very well.
Recommend? I strongly recommend this shampoo. I think it’s great!
SKINCARE
I recently reviewed several Lindi Skincare products for sensitive, very dry or stressed skin (review here). As I mentioned in that review and in an empties post a month or so ago, Lindi Eye Hydrator is the perfect eye gel for me because I have dry eye and blepharitis. My red eyelids and surrounding skin are often inflamed, and I have had such a hard time finding something to make my eye area feel better. Lindi Eye Hydrator is the only eye cream or gel that really does that for me. It’s a thick gel that requires just a tiny amount to cover my eyelid and area up to my eyebrows. This product is a staple for me. There’s nothing to replace it. Thankfully, I’ve been able to keep using the 25% discount code with free shipping that Lindi Skin provided for my post. I’m on my third jar!
Recommend? Yes, but for those with very dry skin.
Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream Moisturizer
Before I became a beauty blogger, Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream was my go-to moisturizer. I believe that Olay Regenerist really gives you bang for your buck, especially since it is available at Costco now. I also liked the fact that this heavy duty moisturizer contains niacinamide, an anti-aging ingredient that I think is important. Niacinamide has been shown to increase ceramide and free fatty acid levels in skin, to keep skin from drying out, treat uneven skin tone, fight wrinkles, and help fade acne scars. And Olay Regenerist was one of the first to include this ingredient. I also liked the deep red jar that the product came in.
Because I get sent a ton of skincare products to try out for review, I don’t use Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream nearly as much as I used to. I still have another unopened jar waiting in the wings from a duo that I purchased at Costco ages ago.
The fact that it contains parabens could be a deal-breaker for some women.
Recommend? Yes with reservations… For those with dry, aging skin who are looking for an affordable, effective moisturizer that’s readily available in stores and don’t mind moisturizer in a jar or parabens.
Rimmel Gentle Eye Makeup Remover
I thought I was getting a great deal the last time I stocked up on Rimmel Gentle Eye Makeup Remover at Ulta because the price seemed to be so much lower than I had paid last time. When I got home, I realized that the bottle was about half the size of the ones I had bought previously! My guess is that was an easy way to raise the price without the consumer noticing. 🙁
Nevertheless, I still like Rimmel Eye Makeup Remover because it doesn’t burn my sensitive eyes and skin. I’ve got a couple more of these smaller size bottles (3.4 fl. oz.) stockpiled.
Recommend? Yes but for those who do not use waterproof eye makeup.
Exuviance Purifying Cleansing Gel
When I was sent a full size Exuviance skincare product for review a couple of months ago, they included a deluxe sample size (2 fl. oz.) Exuviance Purifying Cleansing Gel. In my mini-review of the cleansing gel, I reported that I liked it, and I still do. In fact, I’m sad that I’ve used up the sample.
Although I really like the gentle Paula’s Choice Skin Recovery cream cleanser that I’m using now, I turned to the Exuviance Purifying Cleansing Gel when my skin was really dirty, i.e. after jogging or gardening. It’s a gentle but very thorough cleanser. It makes just the right amount of lather. It smells great, like tutti-frutti, similar to Bliss Cleanser but without the exfoliating beads that concern me in the Bliss Cleanser.
I have a lot of cleansers that I need to use up, but eventually I will buy a full size Exuviance Purifying Cleansing Gel. I think it would be perfect for all skin types.
Recommend? Yes!
Gillette Satin Care Olay Shave Gel
I mentioned the Gillette Satin Care Shave Gel in my empties post a couple of months ago. This was the last bottle of shave gel from an 8 pack with a 20% bonus amount in each bottle that I bought at Costco some time ago. I liked this shave gel a lot, very creamy and hydrating. I strongly recommend it if you have dry skin.
I’m sad that Costco didn’t have it in stock the past few times I was there. In fact, they didn’t have any women’s shave gel in stock. Boo hoo. It really is a good deal to buy it there in bulk. Hope they’ll get it back soon. I want to repurchase!!
Recommend? Yes
Beecology Original Honey Hand & Body Cream Fragrance-Free
I received a bunch of Beecology skincare products during the winter for review, and I liked them all. The Beecology Original Honey Hand & Body Cream really worked well for my dry skin this winter. It is very thick, shea butter-based cream that is very hydrating but takes a bit of work to sink in (like all shea butter-based creams).
I have a ton of body butters and lotions to use up so I don’t intend to buy more right now, but I wouldn’t hesitate to buy it in the future.
Recommend? Yes for those with very dry skin.
H2O Plus Targeted Care Hand and Nail Cream
Oh was I sad to see this deluxe sample of H2O Plus Hand and Nail Cream come to an end! I recently reviewed this hand cream here. I love this stuff because it really works for my dry hands but it’s not the least bit greasy. I’ll definitely buy more of this once I finish up some other hand creams that I already have.
Recommend? Enthusiastically yes!
MAKEUP
Bare Minerals Marvelous Moxie Lipstick, shade “Get Ready”
I got a deluxe sample of Bare Minerals Marvelous Moxie Lipstick in a pretty deep rose pink/mauve shade, Get Ready, in an ipsy bag last year. This sample really hooked me. I loved its hydrating, creamy formula so much that I bought a full size in the sample shade as well as in another shade, and I wrote a full review here. I carried the sample in my purse makeup bag, and it’s finally used up.
Recommend? Yes, for sure!
PERFUME
Oriental Lace Eau de Parfum by Oscar De La Renta
My first Scentbird fragrance (review here) chosen for me based on my survey results and the fragrances that I wear was Oriental Lace by Oscar De La Renta. Although I wore Oscar many years ago when it first came out, I hadn’t kept up with the De La Renta fragrances and I had never heard of Oriental Lace. This scent really grew on me. I love oriental scents, but this one is more feminine, lighter, slightly powdery, and a bit sweeter than the ones I often wear. Now I love it, and I’m so sad that I finished up the 15 ml sample that Scentbird sent. Right now, I can’t afford to buy a bottle, but I may try to see if I can get another sample from Scentbird through my 3 month subscription.
Recommend? Great for those who like oriental fragrances
Serge Lutens Chergui Eau de Parum Sample
When I purchased a bottle of my favorite Musc Ravageur by Frederick Malle at Barney’s several months ago, the fabulous salesman gave me a whole bunch of luxury perfume samples. Serge Lutens’ Chergui was one of them. At first sniff, I thought it was too masculine and I never wore it.
About a month ago, I was spending time on Fragrantica.com, a fabulous site for fragrance enthusiasts or anyone searching for a new scent to try. Fragrantica.com recommended Chergui for those who like Musc Ravageur, and I remembered the little 1 ml sample that I had put away in my lingerie drawer. I sprayed some on, and the dry-down really got me. I plan to do a full review on this scent soon.
After I finished up this sample a couple of weeks ago, I took advantage of a discount coupon on one of the fragrance sites, and I bought a full bottle of Chergui. Love it!
Recommend? For those who tend toward luxury fragrances, gender neutral scents and something out of the ordinary
So that’s my empties list for June. How ’bout you? Did you use up any beauty products?
Dang! You sure did empty a lot of stuff! Feels so good when that happens. The only Serge Lutens’ I own is Chergui. I got a deal on the biggest sized bottle a few years ago. It will take me forever to empty. Good thing I like it since it was a blind buy.
Laura, you have the most amazing beauty collection! I’d love to see it all. So few people know about Chergui. I’m glad that you know and like it too. I’m also glad to hear that the big bottle is lasting without going bad. I need to do a post on it because it’s such an interesting scent. Good luck tomorrow xoxo<3
My mom actually called me this morning to ask me to pick up an Olay moisturizer for her. Lots of good empties here.
Aleya Bamdad recently posted…Mirabella Beauty Go Glossy Review
What a coincidence! When friends around my age who aren’t real beauty enthusiasts ask for a recommendation for a moisturizer that’s available in stores, Olay and especially Regenerist is my answer.
I take my hat off to you, Allison! You did an amazing job finishing up products this month!
Lola’s Secret Beauty Blog recently posted…Top 10 Beauty Picks for a Luminous Golden Glow
Oops, I meant in June!
Lola’s Secret Beauty Blog recently posted…Top 10 Beauty Picks for a Luminous Golden Glow
Haha, Helen. Yes, I did a great job in June. I was soooooo happy to finally recycle that huge bottle of EO Clarifying Shampoo especially. I wish I could get better about throwing up things that aren’t finished.
I’m almost out of that Rimmel eye makeup remover, too! I love it SO much. It also removes my liquid lipsticks time-to-time. 😀
Shipra recently posted…ADOVIA Dead Sea Salt Body Scrub Review
I definitely use it to remove lipstick too. It’s gentle and effective. Love it!
wow!! That’s a lot of empties haha
Destany recently posted…Can you like and dislike a lipstick at the same time?
So happy to recycle all those empties and make room for more!
I’ll definitely check out the H20 hand cream. I’m always on the search for an amazing hand cream 🙂 I’m currently using Curel Hand and Cuticle Therapy and it’s .. you know, ok, but not great.
Monica.
MonicaP recently posted…Red, white and blue maxi dress
I really like the H2O Plus hand and nail cream because it’s so lightweight, non-greasy but it actually feels hydrating. I haven’t used the Curel hand cream but I do like their body lotion as a no-nonsense lotion coz it works!
OMG! You have a ton of empties. I wish I could commit to using a product enough to have empties. I have a serious case of shiny ball syndrome. lol
Tiki recently posted…July Length Check & Hair Update | Texlaxed Hair
I guess I’m just so cheap, Tiki, that I can’t stand to throw anything away that’s not finished. Probably not such a good trait. But it gives me real satisfaction to recycle all these empty containers and make room for more stuff!
I finished a bunch of shower whips
Phyrra recently posted…Urban Decay Naked Smoky Kindness Look
LOL
I would like to try the Exuviance Purifying Cleansing Gel. I have tried their makeup before which I liked!
Eugenia recently posted…Urban Decay Naked Smoky Palette Swatches
I didn’t even realize that Exuviance made makeup! I’ve used tons of their skincare, and I thought that’s all they did. Anyway, it’s a terrific cleansing gel. Everything about it is wonderful.
You didn’t have any bombs in your empties. Woot! You go, Girl.
Kimberly recently posted…I’m Checking In On My New Year’s Resolutions
That’s right, Kimberly. I often buy stuff I like, so it’s usually products I receive in an ipsy bag or occasionally a press sample that I don’t love. This was a particularly good month of empties 🙂
Dang girl you have alot of empties. I totally need to get better at using more products until complete. I have product ADD for sure. And I love that these were all awesome products. Great empties!
jamie@makeuplifelove recently posted…Perfectly (Un)Done Boho Waves with TRESemmé
I guess I’m frugal, Jamie. I just hate throwing things out that aren’t used up, lol! But yes, this was a good month of empties. Lotsa stuff I liked.
I just finished my Rimmel Gentle Eye Makeup Remover last month and am dying to go buy another one. I love it so much because of how great it works on stubborn mascara.
valerie bustamante recently posted…June 2015 Birchbox Unboxing+First Impressions
I’m glad that you like the Rimmel eye makeup remover, too, Valerie! Do you wear water-resistant mascara or regular? I sometimes have to rub a bit to get off my non-waterproof mascaras that have built-in fibers, so I’m curious.
I saw the EO hair products today at TJ Maxx and contemplated purchasing it. Based off of your suggestion, I may return to pick up something. H20 products are amazing. I love their scrubs.
Kim recently posted…SKIN INC My Daily Dose Serum Review
The EO products are terrific, and the price certainly was right at Marshalls when I bought it. I just won’t buy the huge size next time, lol! I’m eager to buy more of the H2O Plus hand cream, but I’ve gotta use up my L’Occitane hand creams first!
Wow, I’m impressed by how much you used up in a month. I received the same lipstick and have just a bit left. I really liked the formula and color too. The Rimmel eye make-up remover sounds like a good product at a great price but, it’s so humid here in Florida that, I use waterproof (resistant) mascara. Thanks for the informative reviews. 🙂
You’re welcome, Natalie! I definitely went crazy for the Bare Minerals Marvelous Moxie lipsticks. I just love the formula and the shades! I bought a replacement for the sample during an Ulta 20% off sale, and I got a different shade with my ipsy points. I’m glad that you liked it, too. Yeah, the Rimmel eye makeup remover is gentle and a good one, but I don’t think it’s up to the task of removing waterproof mascara. Which eye makeup remover do you use, Natalie?
Right now I’m using a deluxe sized sample of Lancôme’s Bi-Facial I received for free with my
Sephora birthday order. I love it! (and Yay for Free – lol) Usually I use Neutrogena’s Eye Make-up Remover. It’s actually quite similar and works great for me.
Oh, how nice, Natalie! I’ve heard such good things about the Lancome eye makeup remover. I use Neutrogena remover from time to time but I always forget to shake it and tho’ it’s oil-free it leaves some residue that gets in my eyes. Nevertheless, Neutro does a great job taking off even hard to remove eye makeup.
Girl you are killing it with these empties posts. I just did my empties video and I have 6 products and they are hair and toothpaste hehehe which my husband helps me use up 🙂
Heather recently posted…Wet n Wild Nude Lip Must Haves
Toothpaste, lol 😉 Does that count? Hahaha, why not. Yes, I like empties posts, and I love to use things up so I can recycle them. I hate throwing out stuff that’s not empty!
Of course it counts, especially if it’s whitening. I try out so many different ones, it helps me remember which ones I like too hehe
Heather recently posted…Wet n Wild Nude Lip Must Haves
🙂 I’ve done that too, gone back to find something that I liked but couldn’t remember. Handy
I love seeing empties posts (I’m nosey though and like to see what people actually finish!) I’ve started doing empties posts on instagram since I never end up getting them on my blog.
Bailey recently posted…Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara
I get good tips and ideas from looking at other women’s empties so I figure why not! And it’s fun to do mini-reviews for a change 🙂
You finished lots of goodies! It takes me forever to finish a shampoo (because I only wash my hair every 2-3 days), let alone a clarifying formula. I have a lemon scented one in my shower now from an all natural line found at Whole Foods and the scent is heavenly but I feel like I’ll never finish it! lol
Julie recently posted…Maybelline The Blushed Nudes Palette
Julie, I only wash mine every 4 days, so it took me – I hate to admit it – a few years to finish the EO Clarifying Shampoo! I’ll never buy a big size like that again. The scent was fabulous, and it’s a really good shampoo but I’ll buy it in the regular size in the future 😉
I also have really sensitive eyes that are prone to burning with a lot of makeup removers– I should try that rimmel one!
Miranda Mendoza recently posted…REVIEW: Revlon PhotoReady Insta-Fix Makeup
It’s one of the few that I can use with my sensitive eyes. If you try it, let me know if it works out
You used up a lot of great products! I loved reading your recaps.
Justina recently posted…Bumble & Bumble Quenching Masque Hydrator for the (terribly) Thirsty
thanks, Justina 🙂
Totally impressed with your empties. I love that Lindi eye hydrator and I don’t have dry eyes, it works to soften the skin under my eyes. I should take advantage of your code since I’ve been wanting a backup. I’m getting to like the Rimmel Eye Makeup Remover more as time goes on. It’s not good if I use a gel liner or a heavy mascara but for liquid liner and a regular mascara it works fine.
MarciaF recently posted…A trio of interesting drugstore mascaras (Covergirl, Maybelline, Rimmel)
Definitely use the code to buy another Lindi Eye Hydrator, Marcia! You’re right about the Rimmel eye makeup remover. Sometimes when I wear a mascara that has fiber in the formula, it requires a little more work so I assume it wouldn’t be as good on waterproof mascara or some gel liners. Many MU removers burn my eyes and I don’t love the formula of Neutrogena.
I’m interested in trying out the Bare Minerals lipstick, maybe it’s worth swatching the next time I go to Sephora!
Mai recently posted…SWATCHES & REVIEW: Saucebox Cosmetics Batalash Palette
It’s definitely worth swatching! Bare Mineral Marvelous Moxie is one of my favorite lipsticks, easy to apply, very comfortable to wear, lasts long enough 🙂
Gosh you got through a lot of products here which reminds me that I really need to do an empties post/video too! I use the same shave gel 🙂 xxx
WhatLauraLoves recently posted…Come Beauty Shopping with in Biza Duty Free!
So, I’ll need to visit the UK to find the shave gel since it’s not at my store, yay!
You are officially June’s Empties Queen! That’s a lot, I must say!
Kath TheFabZilla recently posted…A Lovely Day at Laniwai Spa
Thank you! I’ll take it!
Those are some nice empties! I liked that Exuviance cleansing gel, too.
I was sad to finish up the Exuviance sample!
I like a lot of these brands. Especially EO!
Laura@mynewestaddiction.com recently posted…Covergirl | The Super Sizer & Intensify Me Review
EO is a wonderful brand! I need to try some more of their products
I have been saving my few empties to maybe try a post like this. I keep wanting to try new things and then I never finish anything! I’m impressed you finished a lipstick! I can’t remember the last time I did that.
Nidia – Lit From Within recently posted…Golden Eyes #goldcollageneyemask
Truth be told, Nidia, the lipstick was a deluxe sample, one of those mini-tubes, but it lasted a long time!
That’s a lot of empties for June. I really want to try the Rimmel eye makeup remover. Thanks for sharing your empties!
sharon recently posted…Nail Polish by Joe Fresh
The Rimmel remover is sooooo gentle. I’m obsessed!
My under eye area is always so dehydrated, I need to check out that eye cream. Love Olay products, great faves!
Kara recently posted…Bdellium Tools 785 Tapered Blending Brush | Review + Comparison to MAC 224
I have been wanting to try Briogeo products. For some reason every time I’m browsing the beauty aisles I look at that Olay moisturizer, maybe one day I will actually purchase it.
Mercedes recently posted…Oil Pulling
The Briogeo Be Gentle Be Kind Shampoo has been great for my hair, and I like their hair mask too. They’re worth a try!
That is a huge and interesting list of empties, Allison!
Well, I finish few each month, but haven’t thought of writing a post about empties, yet.
Good to know that these bottles are going for a recycling facility 🙂
Dima Al Mahsiri recently posted…LashIQ Natural Eyelash Enhancing Serum Review
Empties posts are a good thing to do to give people mini-reviews to read and links to purchase the products, Dima. Definitely worth doing!
Great job using up products! It’s feel so great, right?
Tess Galen recently posted…Butter London Bloody Brilliant Lip Crayons
Absolutely! I was especially happy to recycle the empty EO Clarifying Shampoo bottle that had been taking up so much room on the tub for so long 🙂
girl you SLAYED the empties this month!
Brooke @ Blushing Noir recently posted…Keune Care Line Review // Hair Care
I have to agree with you on that one. I used up a lot of stuff that had been taking up room in my bathroom for ages! yay
WOW WEEE!!!! You have a lot of empties. Empty product bottle are like trophies for me, because I can never seem to get to the bottom of any one product. I see you used up one of my favorites. SCENTBIRD!!!!! I love love love scent bird, But I think you know that already Tee heeeee.. Great job on staying focused and using those products and thank you for recycling!!!!!
Tee recently posted…Black Opium
I do like Scentbird tho’ I wish they had more unusual scents since I like the non-mainstream ones, oftentimes. I am dying to read your review of Black Opium!!
I love your review of items of either to buy or not buy again…I love Rimmel Eye remover because it doesn’t sting or irritate my eyes!
Ursula aka Blueridge Beauty
Me too, Ursula. It’s just so gentle!
Great post full of amazing recommendations – thanks for adding this post to a #abeautyloverslinkup xxx
jules recently posted…The Naked Smoky Palette by Urban Decay
Thank you, Jules, for having the linkup and taking the time to comment. I must read and comment on a bunch of them too!
WHOA so many favorites, Allison!!! I’m glad to hear you love Olay Regenerist…I’ve seen those products in my mom’s medicine cabinet for years, so I might have to steal hers for a second and give it a go!
Coming Up Roses
Erica @ Coming Up Roses recently posted…“Get comfortable being uncomfortable.”
I don’t get to use Regenerist that often these days, but it turned me on to niacinamide, a fabulous skincare ingredient. You get a lot of bang for your buck with Olay 🙂
You always use up so many things. I aspire to do that.
Laura MyNewestAddiction recently posted…Top 10 Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Beauty Buys
Hahaha. My guess is you have even more stuff than I have so it’s even more difficult 😉