April '25 Empties
Another month has come and gone, which means it’s time to round up the products I used to the very last drop in April. Since I wasn’t able to connect with last month’s giveaway winner, I’m doubling up this time—two prizes, two winners!
Here’s how I’m breaking down my empties today:
Holy Grail: Trader Joe’s Brazilian Nut Body Scrub
The Underwhelmed: Vegamour GRO Hair Serum
The Luxe Treat: Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm
Surprise Hero: Byroe Mango Yogurt Mist
Face Care Empties
CleaNSERS
Caudalie Gentle Almond Cleansing Milk
Price: 30 for 6.7oz
The Caudalie almond cleansing milk has an almost lotion like consistency, which is very comparable to a milk. It has a clean almond like scent, which I really enjoyed. It’s recommended for the cleansing milk to be applied to dry skin with your hands or cotton pad and then rinsed off. I solely used it during my morning skincare routines to cleanse my skin.
I do think this is a great gentle cleanser – especially those that have dry or sensitive skin. I know many cleansers can feel stripping on the skin. I’m happy to say this one cleansed my skin without making it feel stripped or dry. I really can’t speak on how it performs in terms of removing makeup or heavy eye makeup as I generally used as a morning cleanser. In terms of packaging, I really like the cleanser is housed in a plastic container with a pump as it made it ideal to keep and use in my shower.
Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm
Price: $69 for 3.5oz
Previously Reviewed: Nov & Dec ‘23 Empties
The Elemis Pro-Cleansing Balm is one of my favorite luxe beauty products. I know it’s super expensive, but I really do enjoy it. There’s basically a version for all skin types and skincare lovers. I’ll always have love this original version, but I also love the rose scented version as well. The cleansing balm does a great job to remove my makeup and my sunscreen. I love that it washes away clean and doesn’t leave a film behind like other cleansing balms that I’ve tried in the past. As well as it cleanses is as well as it conditions my skin in the process. I always love the way my skin feels after each and every application of using this cleansing balm!
Cerave Hydrating Foaming Oil Cleanser
Price: $17.99 for 8oz
I just knew I was going to love this cleansing oil as soon as I saw it! I saw that this cleanser launched several years ago in the Europe region and I was trying to get my hands on it for the longest.
The oil itself is very light weight and when emulsified with water in turns into a lovely gentle foam consistency. The cleanser did a great job to breakdown my makeup and sunscreen. Being that this cleanser is suggested for dry skin types, I knew it would be a great at keeping the skin hydrated whilst cleansing. If you’re looking for a drugstore cleansing oil to try out, I would highly recommend giving this one a try.
Price: $4 (valued at $2 for each mask)
The I Dew Care Let’s Get Sheet Faced Mask set includes 14 days worth of sheet masks. Each mask is made of eucalyptus fibers and are biodegradable. I usually don’t have the highest hopes for sheet masks due to the fact that I rarely see a difference when using them. I do like that these sheet masks had a good amount of serum within each mask. I do wish the masks fit a little better, but this is pretty common for sheet masks. Overall, I think the masks does a pretty good job at hydrating my skin.
Time Warp: helps to firm the appearance of the skin
Unwind: Helps to calms stressed out skin
Peach and Lily Sheet Glass Skin Ginseng Collagen Mask
Price: $8 per mask
The Glass Skin Sheet Masks from Peach & Lily are said to have an entire 40 grams (1.41oz) of serum in each sheet mask! Each mask also contains ginseng extract, 9 peptides, and vegan collagen. Unlike other sheet masks that I’ve in the past; these can be used for longer periods of time. They can actually be used for as little as 30 minutes or as long overnight. With this first mask I kept it on for about 2 hours. The results were hydrated plump skin. I really like how these fit my face, which made it a little more comfortable to wear for a prolonged period of time. I do think these are worth the price especially if you plan on using them for at least an hour. I honestly don’t see myself sleeping in a mask like this because I feel like it would make a mess with my pillow.
Inkeylist Polyglutamic Acid Dewy Sunscreen SPF 30
Price: $15 for 1.7oz
Previously Reviewed – Top 10 Products of 2023
I usually steer clear from many things that claims to be dewy during the summer months as my skin tends to get very oily, but the Inkeylist Polyglutamic Acid Dewy Sunscreen is one of my favorites! I believe this my 2nd or 3rd tube that I’ve finished. The sunscreen feels like a lotion and has a satin finish. I wouldn’t consider this dewy nor would I consider it be matte. This is sunscreen I particularly loved for my makeup days because I really like how settled on my skin and I think it makes for a great base to apply makeup over top. While using it I didn’t experience any issues with it pilling or making my eyes water. I can’t recommend this one enough.
Caudalie Resveratrol-Lift Depuffing Eye Cream with Peptides
Price: $65 for .5oz
The Caudalie Resveratrol Eye Cream is said to visibly firm and depuff the under eyes. The formula is housed in a squeeze tube with metal applicator. I really love eye creams like this since I don’t need to dip my fingers into the product. I especially love that this one has a metal applicator tip as it I felt that it helped to instantly cool my eyes and helped with depuffing.
Formula wise, I can say I noticed any long term effects from using this eye cream. I do think it works well for short term effects for depuffing and hydrating. I usually don’t see a noticeable difference with most eye creams, so this is an area in skincare that I wouldn’t suggest splurging on.
Byroe Mango Yogurt Balancing Mist
Price: $42 for 2oz
The Mango Yogurt Mist is said to be a hydrating - moisture balancing formula. The mist is formulated with upcycled mango and coconut to help replenish moisture lost. The mister is on the finer side, which lead to a very nice application. I really loved using this mist directly after washing my face, since my skin is dehydrated. I found this mist to be so hydrating that I rarely used a toner after applying it. The formula of this mist made for an excellent skincare base. I feel like this a product that is pretty versatile and work for different skin types.
Makeup Empties
Sephora Collection Lashcraft Lash Primer
(It looks like this product has been discontinued at this time)
The Sephora Lash Primer was one of my favorite Sephora Collection products. I’ve used it on and off for several years, but it was a gem that I was always enjoyed using. I remember the retail price being really good and even better when I purchased it during the Sephora Sales when Sephora Collection products were 30% off! The lash primer did a great job to condition my lashes and provided a good base for my mascara to adhere to. I really hope that Sephora plans to bring it back!
Urban Decay All Nighter Makeup Setting Spray
Price: $36 for 4oz
The Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray is one of the OG setting mists and for very good reason! The setting mist is said to be waterproof with a natural finish that keeps makeup fresh and transfer-resistant for up to 16 hours. I think it really lived up to its claims. I’ve used the setting mist in both cold and hot conditions and I do think it helped to prolong the wear. I also love that the finish on me didn’t feel overly matte. I used this setting spray so often and I felt that it lasted a decent amount of time!
Fenty Beauty Fenty Treatz Hydrating + Strengthening Lip Oil
Price: $24
The Fenty Beauty Lip oil is an ultra-hydrating lip oil that goes on mostly clear with a slight color tint. The formula incorporates fruit oils and cherry extracts to help strength the lips and help maintain the barrier of the lips. I had the Cherry flavor, which gives off a very light pinkish shade. I know it’s marketed as a lip oil, but I think it feels more like a comfortable lip gloss. The formula of this lip oil is a nice middle ground of not being too heavy or light on the lips. I really like the level of shine it gives my lips. The lip oil is now available in a few different shades and a few months ago I purchased it in the black cherry scent.
Body Care Empties
Laroche Posay Lipikar Gentle Foaming Moisturizing Wash
Price: $19.99 for 13.52oz
I know this is listed as body and face wash, but I mostly used it on my body. The cleanser is described as a hydrating cleanser that provides up to 24 hours of moisture. This was one of my favorite body washes to use! I really love the level of lather and I think it does a great job to cleanse whilst keeping my skin moisturized. I especially loved using this during the cooler months when my skin was on the dryer side and in need of extra care.
Trader Joe’s Brazilian Nut Body Scrub
Price: $5.99 for 8oz
Previously Reviewed: September ‘22 Empties
I love this body scrub from Trader Joe’s so much! Over the years I’ve gone through quite a few jars and I will continue to repurchase! I think the scrub does a great job to physically exfoliate and I really love the scent! Being that this is a summer seasonal item, I would highly recommend picking it up this summer and stocking up!
Saltair Serum Deodorant in Seascape
Price: $12 for 1.7oz
Previously Reviewed: Top 10 Beauty Products of 2024
I’ve been using the Saltair deodorant for quite some time- actually the majority of 2024! At the point of trying various of natural deodorants over the years, this is one of the best and most affordable formulas that I’ve tried. This is one the natural deodorants that works so well for me, even in the most hot and tropical conditions. I really can’t recommend this one enough!!
Beekman 1802 Milk Shake Moisture Mist for Body
Price: $29 for 2oz
Scent: Honey & Orange Blossom
I feel like this product was a long time in the coming. I was always a fan of the Beekman MilkShake face toner. I used to use it on my face and often on my body during the summer months. I attended an in person event with the Beekman staff last summer and mentioned to them this is how I used the product and they told me to look out for something special launching soon.
The Beekman moisture milk for the body is very similar to the milkshake facial toner in the sense that it’s has a bi-phase formula that is activated when shaken. The mister on the body version is very fine as well, but also has a good projection making it easier to apply to the body. I really like how lightweight it felt on my body, but at the same time it’s still very moisturizing. I find the mini size to be perfect for travelling, but using it daily I went through this first bottle in a couple of weeks. I really need this in the full size!
Hair Care Empties
Price: $32 for 8oz
Previously Reviewed – November & December ’22 Empties
My thoughts for the Ouai curl cream remains the same. I still think it’s a really good curl cream that can work for many different curl types and hair density types. As the years progressed, I’ve switched up how I used it in my haircare routine. I initially tried it on natural curly hair, which I think was nice, but I also felt that I needed to add a gel overtop. I then decided to use it the curl cream in my hair after it’s been blown straight to create a stretched braid-out look. The cream is not too heavy and if I don’t use too much my hair doesn't revery back so easily.
Price: $30 for 8.4oz
This was a shampoo I was initially on the fence about. Over the months of using “The Shampoo” it really grew on me as I was able to find way to incorporate it into my routine. The shampoo has a fragrance-free formula that’s formulated with hyaluronic acid and niacinamide that’s said to hydrate the scalp and deeply cleanse the scalp. I would consider this a very standard shampoo. I typically liked to use this as my second shampoo in my hair care routine as I usually use a deep cleansing shampoo first and then I follow-up with a more standard “middle ground” shampoo formula wise. The shampoo itself has a good level of suds and foamed up nicely. Overall, I think it did a good job to cleanse my scalp and hair, but I think using it too often could definitely be a little too drying for my hair. I think the shampoo is a bit expensive for what it is. Being that I didn’t see clear visible results with usage, I would likely not repurchase.
Gummy Professional Ultra Hold Hair Wax
Price: $9.99 for 5.07oz
Previously Reviewed - Nov & Dec '24 Empties -
I’ve gone through numerous jars of this hair wax and for very good reason! I think the Gummy Professional Hair wax does a great job for slicking down my edges and creating sleek buns. I highly recommend giving this one a try if you have coarse curly hair.
L'Oréal Elvive Hyaluron Plump 2% - Leave-in Replumpling Serum
Price: $8.99 for 4.4oz
The L'Oréal Leave-in Replumpling Serum is said to provide a boost of moisture to the hair and it really lived up to its name! I used it in my routine as more a refresher spray for my curls. I think it did a great job using it in this manner. As for using it as a general straight out of the shower leave-in, I don’t think this wouldn’t suffice for my curly days, but would likely be nice if I was blow drying my hair straight. The formula was hydrating but also light weight.
L’oreal Absolut Repair Molecular Professional Mask
Price: $50 or 8 oz | Deluxe Sample Size 2.5oz Value $12.50
The repair molecular mask is a concentrated mask that’s formulated with 5 amino bonders. It’s supposed to penetrate beyond the surface to target hair damage at the deepest molecular level. I think the mask did a pretty good job at making my hair feel stronger and softer. I really liked that the mask only needed to be left on the hair for a couple of minutes. This made it so much easier to use it in my routine. So random, but I really enjoyed the scent of this one. It smelled almost woodsy and gives off a slight santal vibe. Being that the mask is it a bit pricey, I wouldn’t run out to buy it. But If I happen to see it on sale, I would definitely purchase it!
Price: $64 for 1oz | Total: $128
Previously Reviewed: March & April ‘24 Empties
Recently I’ve been trying to incorporate hair serums into my everyday routine. In the past I’ve tried the Vegamour hair serum, but didn’t really see much of a difference. Being that I had a few a couple of bottles laying around, I thought I would revisit them. My thoughts on the serum still pretty much remain the same. I think the serum does a great job to keep my scalp moisturized and it did help with some shedding. I’m starting to see more shorter hairs appear in different areas, so I’m guessing these are new hairs growing and not breakage. With using the serum and using what I believed to be an adequate amount, I ended up going through two bottles. For the price and frequency, I would hope to see a more noticeable change.
Empties Total Value: $599.45
April Giveaway Prizes
Prize #1
Prize #1
Versed Weekend Glow Daily Brightening Solution
Versed Mood Lighting Glow Drops
Skinfix Barrier + Gel Cream
Naturium Vitamin Bright Illuminating Eye Cream (light/medium)
Naturium Niacinamide Serum 12%
Youth to the People Superfood Skin Drip Serum
Obagi Retinol 1.0
Supergoop Mineral Sheer Stick
Supergoop Glow Stick
Maybelline Superstar Teddy Tiny
Prize #2
Prize #2
Alpha H Balancing Cleanser.
Origins Ginzing Sunscreen - SPF 30
Cocokind Ceramide Barrier Serum
Skinfix Triple Lipid Barrier Peptide Cream
Kinship Dreamwave - Retinol Serum
Keys Soulcare Truly Becoming Multi-Benefit Peptide Serum
HOW TO ENTER:
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Leave a Comment Under this post telling me about a product that you recently finished.
Head Over to my Instagram and follow me @beautyetcblog I try to pick winners for my giveaways from the group of people that organically engage with my blog posts and Instagram posts.
Rules:
The Giveaway is open from now until Friday 5/23/2025
The Giveaway is open to residents of the US
The winner will be announced via my IG stories
The Giveaway is not affiliated with Instagram or any of the brands featured…