August '21 Empties
Facial Care Empties
Price: $36 for 6.25oz
The Balancing cleanser is a cream based cleanser that is non-stripping to remove makeup, dirt and assist with balancing the mantle of the skin surface. It can be used on dry or wet skin. I really enjoyed using this cleanser! I liked it for both morning and night routines. For my night routines I reached for this when I really wanted to do a gentle routine and when I knew I would be incorporating potent acids in my routine.
I think this cleanser is great for all skin types. I’m so happy I have a backup. Being that I haven’t tried applying this cleanser directly to dry skin to see how it functions as a first step cleanser, I’m looking forward to trying this when I open my new tube in the future.
Price: $18 for 2.9 oz
The oil to milk cleanser starts off as an oil balm and when introduced to water it emulsifies into a milky cleanser. It’s geared to be the first step in your cleansing routine to breakdown and remove makeup without stripping the skin. The cleanser is formulated with a fermented oat blend and organic oil blend.
This was a cleanser that I typically kept in my shower and I think it removed my makeup well. I do like how soft it made my skin feel after rinsing it off. As with most cleansing balms and oils, a second step cleanser is needed to really remove the left over oil, sebum and sunscreen that is left over. Overall, I think this is a great drug store option for a first step cleanser! A little product goes a long way. Also don’t forget to snip open the tube when you’re at the end to get every last bit of product.
Price: $68 for 1.7oz
The Violent C Mask is Kaolin (clay) based mask that is formulated with vitamin c and mild fruit based AHA’s. The mask itself is a very photogenic purple shade that is creamy. Unlike other clay based masks, I find this one to be somewhat moisturizing and not at all drying to my skin. The directions states that this mask can be used to 2-3 times per week for 15-20 minutes. I typically use this once a week when I want to really pamper my skin and I keep it on up to 30 minutes.
I know this mask is very much on the pricey and luxe side of the beauty spectrum, but it is one that I see moderate results from and I like the way it makes my skin feel. I tend to apply this and all of my other masks with a brush to ensure an even application and not too use too much product at a time. Being that this is a clay mask that is not drying to the skin, I could see this working for all skin types- especially those that have dry skin.
Indie Lee Restorative Eye Cream
Price: $68 for 0.5oz
The Indie Lee Restorative Eye Cream is formulated with great ingredients like Centella to plump the area and Licorice Root to help brighten the under eyes. I really enjoyed the thicker cream texture of this eye cream and how well it worked to moisturize the area of my under eyes. I used this on and off for my morning and night routines. In all honesty I feel like most eye creams don’t do much for me except moisturize. I really didn’t notice any brightening effects while using it, but I do think it worked well to moisturize. I also like that the eye cream is housed in a glass jar with a pump. By the time I got to the end I was able to unscrew the pump and get the last bits of product.
Sunday Riley – Good Genes Lactic Acid Serum Mini Size
The Good Genes is a lactic acid serum that targets hyperpigmentation and the look of fine lines. This serum is one of the first higher end serums that I used to splurge on years ago. After revisiting this mini and finishing it, I know I need a full size back in my routine. In the past I used this serum in the morning instead of using vitamin c. Now I would use this serum in my night routine when I want to use an efficient exfoliating serum that is not too potent.
Previous Review: HERE
Beekman Milk Drops Probiotic Ceramide Serum
Price: $23 for 0.5oz
The Milk Drops combines ceramides and probiotics in goat milk to moisturize and bring balance to the skin. I really enjoyed using this serum for both my morning and night routines- especially for the routines that incorporated really potent ingredients. I really feel like it helped to moisturize my skin but also protect it with the usage of ceramides. I think both the mini and the full size are well worth the price.
Price: $34 for 4.2oz
This toner has been a staple in my skincare routine for the past few years. I love how hydrating it is and the fact that in comes with a spray applicator. If you’re interested in seeing some of my more detailed reviews, check HERE
Body Empties
Bioderma Atoderm Intensive Balm
Price: $25
The Atoderm Balm is described as an ultra-nourishing body balm that is great for dry skin. It’s said to strength the skin, great for skin conditions like eczema and can also be used on the face. I love how thick and rich this body balm. The fact that it’s housed a pump container makes it more sanitary and easier to use. If you suffer from skin conditions that causes your skin to be sensitive or extremely dry, I would recommend giving this one a try.
Skinfix Resurface + AHA/BHA Enzyme Exfoliating Pads for Face and Targeted Body
Price: $50 for 60 pads
These exfoliating pads are aimed to be used on the face and body. These pads are formulated with 2% Salicylic acid, AHAs and niacinamide. Unlike most facial pads, these are about double the size of normal sizes. I used these as a way to treat Keratosis Pilaris on my body. For each application I used 2 -3 pads on targeted areas such as the back of my arms and legs. While using them I never experienced any skin sensitivity or reactions.
My only con about these pads is that I wish they were more saturated with solution. Other than that I feel like these performed well and really helped to smooth my skin and lighten some of the scars that were left behind from my KP. I know $50 can seem pretty pricey, but if you’re using this solely on your face, one pad would be sufficient enough for one face application.
Further Reading – Instagram review post
Price: $34 for 1.8oz
This a pre-wash and root treatment oil that is inspired by ancient Indian practices. According to the directions the oil is to be applied to the scalp and left on for at least 5 minutes to overnight. I tried using it as pre-wash oil and also by applying it and not washing it out, but I really didn’t see much of a difference with how my hair appeared and felt. Being that it’s pretty pricey and I didn’t see a difference in my hair, I do not see myself purchasing this in the future.
Briogeo B.Well 100mg CBD + Arnica Flower Soothing Skin & Scalp Oil
Price: $48
This CBD oil is formulated with Arnica and formulated for the skin and scalp. I only used this on my scalp and I really enjoyed it. I think the combination of the CBD and arnica really helped to sooth my scalp and also keep it moisturized. I typically applied it once a week after washing my hair and didn’t wash it out. If you have course or really curly hair, I think this method of usage would work for you. But if you have really straight and fine hair, this oil may be too heavy for you to use without washing it out.
Essence Volume Booster Lash Primer
Price: $4.99
The Essence Lash primer is said to prime and boost your lashes. It’s infused with acai and mango butter to help nourish. I’ve been using lash primers for years and I have to say this has to be one of the best and least expensive ones that I’ve tried. Like most lash primers, this one is white when you initially apply it and then you apply your regular mascara over it. I’ve tried this primer with various mascaras and I find that it really helps to length and add volume to my lashes. I also noticed that my lashes look a little longer than usual.