It’s that time again: counting up my beauty empties. Because I have such a huge stash of everything, instead of “repurchase”, I will switch to whether I recommend the product or not and mention if I would repurchase it in the future. Here’s what I used up in April 2021.
I Bought This, PR Samples, Affiliate Links
Skincare
Margari by MN Liquid Youth: I have been using Margari as an essence. It is a lightweight liquid that comes in a spray bottle. Since the spray is not as fine as I would like, I would spray it into my hand and pat it onto my face. That technique worked well. The large bottle lasted me for 5 months, so at $60 the bottle, it was a good value. It contains hyaluronic acid, fatty acids, marine extracts, resveratrol and PCA to hydrate, enhance skin tone, get rid of impurities, and minimize fine lines and wrinkles. This multi-benefit complex combines potent antioxidants like Vitamin C, E, biotin, and is boosted with peptides to help stimulate collagen production. Recommend? Right now, I need to use the essences that I have, but I wouldn’t hesitate to buy this again in the future. I liked it a lot!
FACTORFIVE Serum, mini: I used up the fab liqui-gel travel size serum from FACTORFIVE. It contains human stem cells ethically derived from fat cells gleaned from liposuction. It’s a terrific serum that makes my skin look smoother and more plumped. Recommend? Fortunately, I was gifted a full size bottle of this elixir by FACTORFIVE which I truly appreciate since it is an expensive product. If you can afford it, I definitely recommend this luxury, science-based serum.
Derma E Vitamin C Brightening Cleanser: I truly loved this citrus-scented clear gel cleanser! When it mixed with water, it created a rich lather. It didn’t strip my skin while it gave me a dose of vitamin C. Recommend? I intend to buy it in the future during one of Derma E’s frequent sales after I make a dent in my huge cleanser stash. This cleanser is really terrific, and I strongly recommend it!
Patchology Rosé Sheet Mask: Since there are 3 more masks in the box, I probably should have waited till I finished the entire box before writing about this sheet mask. Although I won’t count it in this month’s tally, I wanted to write about it again (I reviewed it last week) while it’s still available. I usually dislike sheet masks, but I loved this one! The slits along the sides and bottom of the fiber mask allow it to fit much better than the typical sheet mask. And it doesn’t slide off my face if I am not lying down. Plus it left my skin plumped and smooth. Recommend? I am not finished yet, as I mentioned, but this is another skincare product I strongly recommend!
Derma E Anti-Wrinkle Cleanser. sample: Why oh why didn’t I take notes when I used this little packet of Derma E Anti-Wrinkle Cleanser. I think it had enough for two uses, but I honestly don’t remember much about the characteristics of the exfoliating and brightening cleanser. The only thing I remember is that it was a gel like the Vitamin C Brightening Cleanser, and I liked it. It contains vitamin A, glycolic acid, and papaya extract. Recommend? Even though I don’t remember the specifics, I would recommend this cleanser from Derma E if you’re in the market for an exfoliating cleanser. Because this was a small packet, I won’t count it toward my total empties.
Bath & Body
CBD Living Bar Soaps: I received two full size natural and organic bar soaps each with 100 mg of CBD: Amber Bergamot (orange bar) and Coconut Lime (yellow bar). I liked both of the scents, but the Amber Bergamot was my favorite because of its yummy and stronger citrus scent. The soaps lathered up well, worked as a shave lotion, didn’t strip my skin, and were generally wonderful. Recommend? Yes, I definitely recommend both of these soaps, and it also comes in Lavender and Eucalyptus. I will buy the Amber Bergamot in the future because I preferred and scent. To be honest, I am not sure how much CBD actually gets absorbed by the skin rather than washed away, but it’s a lovely natural soap.
RITUALS Ritual of Sakura Foaming Shower Gel: RITUALS Ritual of Sakura Foaming Shower Gel has long been a staple in my bath and body regimen. I love the light cherry blossom scent. The rich foam that happens when the liqui-gel hits water is perfect for cleansing and shaving. It leaves my skin nicely moisturized. Recommend? Yes, I strongly recommend this lovely shower gel from RITUALS! In fact, I just bought another one online at Macy’s with 30% off with code FRIEND and 15% off with Rakuten.
The Body Shop Strawberry Shower Gel, travel size: I got this travel size bottle of strawberry shower gel in The Body Shop’s advent calendar two years ago. I brought it to Jeff’s to use there, so that’s why it took me so long to use it up. It has a delightful strawberry scent and it lathers to create a ton of suds. Very nice. Recommend? If you’re a fan of strawberry, you will love this shower gel. You can buy the Jumbo Size for $10 at Ulta!
Temple Spa Peace Be Still Calming Body Balm, travel size: I received this travel size body lotion among the amenities at a hotel I stayed at several years ago. Because I adored the scent, I used it sparingly. Temple Spa is a British brand, and it didn’t seem to be for sale in the U.S. I just checked again, and it is available on the Temple Spa website with free delivery in the UK, but it would cost at least 15 pounds to ship it to the United States. Not gonna happen for me. If Jeff and I go to the UK in 2022, I will try to buy a couple of full size tubes then. Recommend? If you like powdery, calming scented body lotion and live in the UK, go for it!
Makeup
Sephora Collection Cream Liquid Lip Shine, 01 travel size: I got this Sephora Cream Liquid Lip Shine in a gorgeous shade of red (01) a few years ago in a Sephora Play bag. I put it in my purse makeup bag, and I usually used it when I went out. That’s why it has lasted so long. I adored both the color and the creamy, long-lasting formula. Since then, I have bought several more in different shades. Recommend? It seems like Sephora Collection is revamping their product line. A month ago, I recommended purchasing the shades that they’re discontinuing online for $5 each. Many shades are still available online for $5. Do not wait. Check them out ASAP! During the VIB sale, I bought one of the new shades in store for $10. I think they changed the name slightly. Go for the $5 sale items!
City Lips , shade Holly: I finally used up this old tube of City Lips in the gorgeous red shade, Holly. Since I bought it, City Lips has updated the look of the tube and changed the shade names. Recommend? Absolutely, positively! You know I adore City Lips. I recent bought a similar red shade of City Lips, Red Velvet, to replace Holly. Love it!
Tosses
Nature’s Cartel Lipstick, shade 90s Nostalgia: I got Nature’s Cartel natural translucent lipstick in my Ipsy Plus Bag a couple of years ago. It’s a perfectly nice lipstick/balm from a good brand, but the shade is brown, called 90s Nostalgia. I hate it. I never wore brown lipstick in the 90s, and I’m not going to wear it now. I am finally tossing it since I never wear it. Recommend? It’s a nice lipstick, but get a different color, lol. Nature’s Cartel has a million gorgeous reds. Wish I had received one of those.
IT Cosmetics Superhero Mascara: When it first came out, IT Cosmetics Superhero Mascara made a big splash. I bought a TSV with two full size tubes. Although it is both a volumizing and lengthening mascara, the formula and the wand don’t suit me as well as other mascaras. This tube is old, and I should have tossed it ages ago. Recommend? If you like a bristle brush, it is worth buying.
Dead Sea Products Mineral Care SPA Rich Hand Cream: I bought this hand cream a few years ago at either Marshalls or TJMaxx when I needed hand cream. I like Dead Sea mineral skincare and body care products even though I wasn’t familiar with this brand. I am tossing what’s left of it because it is so old and I have so many tubes and bottles of hand cream. Recommend? Yes, Dead Sea Products is an excellent brand. They have since revitalized their product line as well as updated and repackaged it. The product is now Hand Care Cream, and a large 125 ml tube is now priced at $24.99, yikes!
Project Pan Update
I finished up 10 products in April (I don’t count the tosses). I ended March with 32 empties, so this brings me to 42 so far in 2021. My goal is 120, so I have 78 to go. What did you use up in April?
Impressive collection of empties, Allison! I completely agree with you about Rituals Foaming Shower Gels, as you know. I still have a sizable stash of them, and will definitely repurchase once I finish them up!
Lola Seicento recently posted…FOREO LUNA Mini 2 & Mini 3: Which One is Right for You?
I think you turned me on to Rituals Sakura Foaming Shower Gel years ago xoxo
I love RITUALS Ritual of Sakura Foaming Shower Gel! I’m using it myself these days!
Yay, I’m so glad you’re a fan too! I just picked up my replacement can at Macy’s.
I worked on destashing and got rid of some foundation, 2 brushes, and some blush. I finished two small size mascaras and a moisturizer. I enjoy seeing what you’ve used up.
MarciaF recently posted…Merle Norman Spring Makeup Collection!
That’s a lot, Marcia! I have pretty much switched to the travel size mascaras too because I have a better chance of using them up before they need to be discarded. Using up a moisturizer is a definite accomplishment!