It’s been forever since I’ve done an empties post, but I am so proud of myself for finishing up so many products. With so many new releases, it’s easy to switch from one product to the next without ever finishing the product I was initially testing. This month, I finished so many products (some really good ones, at that). A couple of these were mentioned in previous posts but I feel like your true thoughts are after you have finished a product to really see how you feel about repurchasing. If you’ve been eyeing any of these products but wanted to get some feedback – well here it is.
Marc Jacobs Youthquake Hydra-Full Retexurizing Gel Crème – If you’ve been reading the blog, you will know that my most recent favorite daytime moisturizer has been this one from Marc Jacobs. I love how light this feels and how radiant my skin is throughout the day. Under my makeup it still gives you healthy glow and does not seem to interfere with the wear time of my makeup (that is when I do wear makeup). Because I love this so much I decided that I needed to make sure that I had backups of this. While it’s currently priced at $59, I have a little treat for you if you go to the Marc Jacobs Beauty website you will be able to get a full sized moisturizer along with a full size gloss, travel size primer and deluxe mini highlighter for $38.40. That is an amazing deal. Click here to shop.
Eighteen B B-Silk™ Protein Firm + Replenish Serum – An amazing serum that literally changed the texture of my skin. When this was a part of my daily skincare routine (I primarily used this at night) I would wake up to skin that appeared smoother and lifted. I use a lot of serums but when it comes to firming serums this one ranks supreme for me. While the price is a little steep at $105, it’s worth every penny and if you shop on their site now and it’s your first order you will get 20% off your first order. I have yet to try other products from their line but this one is definitely the hero. Click here to shop .
Summer Fridays CC Me Vitamin C Serum – You know there was going to be at the very least one product from Summer Fridays because who would I be if I didn’t finish at least one of their products. I have raved about this serum so many times. I use this as part of my daytime skincare routine and you will see results within 6 to 8 weeks. Your skin will even out, it will gently fade dark spots and your skin will appear smoother. If you were only going to get one of my recommendations, I have to say that this one is the one to get. Of course I have backups of this so yeah, this is probably going to be in my next Good to the Last Drop post. You can shop this on Sephora or on the Summer Fridays website.
First Aid Beauty Hello FAB Coconut Water Cream – I liked this, but I didn’t love it. It definitely hydrated but it wasn’t out of this world. It absorbs quickly which is good but I think it’s a moisturizer that you have to use with a hyaluronic acid serum in order for your skin to feel hydrated all day. Good, just not great – so no, I’m probably not going to repurchase this one. But if still want to try this out, you can shop it on Sephora’s website.
Too Faced Pineapple Glow Moisturizing and Brightening Face Mask – You guys already know how I feel about this mask. It’s my go-to makeup prep for those days when I’m doing a full beat and want my skin to radiate. I first saw this on Andrea Renee’s Youtube channel when the product first launched. I was intrigued, however, I didn’t want to pay $42 for a mask that I know I would only use once or maybe twice a month (please note this should not be used daily). While browsing Marshall’s one day, I saw this and it was on sale for $14.99. I picked it up, used it that same weekend and immediately went back to Marshall’s to pick up two more. What it does is gently resurface the skin with glycolic and lactic acids. Follow the directions and use after your cleanse and before applying your serums and moisturizers. Once all of your products absorb, believe me, you will notice that your foundation looks smoother and your face will have a natural glow to it. Since we don’t know when we will be able to go in-store to shop you can order it online from on Too Faced, but if I were you, I’d probably wait to see if I can get it at a discounted price from Marshalls.
Glow Recipe Pineapple-C Bright Serum – Of all the products that Glow Recipe has launched this product is my second favorite. It would have been my first if the Watermelon Glow Toner did not launch last month (see my thoughts on that product here). As far as Vitamin C serums go, this is running a very, very, very close second to my beloved Summer Fridays CC Me serum, but I feel that the two can and will live in my bathroom cabinet without either having to fight for attention. This is a serum that not only helps to smooth and brighten the skin but it leaves your skin with a slightly dewy cast so that on those days when you do not want to wear makeup, you can feel confident about your skin’s appearance. I have already re-purchased this product as part of a set and I really enjoy it. I would highly recommend and the price point for this product seems very fair. One thing to note is that this does have a very strong pineapple scent since it’s made with 23 percent pure pineapple juice. It’s available at Sephora for $49.
Vichy Mineral 89 Eyes – If you’re looking for an eye serum that you can pair with your favorite eye cream this is a good one that won’t break the bank. I bought this because I really love the Vichy Mineral 89 line. The face serum is a staple in both my morning and evening skincare regimen and this is an added bonus. I usually layer this under my eye cream and it give an extra boost of hydration. It’s affordable at $24 and it lasts a long time. I already have a backup so this too will probably be a part of my next empties post. This is available at Ulta with 20% off so if you’re interested, now is the time to pull the trigger.
Olay Premium Body Wash with Vitamin B3 and Hyaluronic Acid – I seldom add body products to my list of empties but when they are this good and also affordable, I have to include them. Again I was influenced to buy this because of Andrea Renee. When it comes to affordable skincare/body care Olay is a leader in that category. I’m a big fan of their serums, cleansers and moisturizers and since I am not able to get my go-to moisturizers from my company store, I decided to give these products a try. This is a lightly scented, creamy body wash that I feel nourishes the skin and never leaves my skin feeling dry. I used to use this alone and then proceed with my body cream and it would leave my skin feeling soft all day. I thought I was good to go until I started incorporating a new type of product from Olay into my skin cleansing regimen and it literally took my skin to a whole new level. Enter Olay Premium Body Conditioner with Vitamin E. The name of this product describes perfectly. Basically, the concept of shampoo and conditioner was brought into the body care world and now I can’t imagine not using both of these products every time I take a shower. After using your body wash, take a generous amount and apply all over your skin. I usually leave it on for a minute or so and then rinse. It literally adds an extra layer of moisture to the skin and leaves the skin feeling extra smooth. I’ve heard some people say that they do not need to follow up with a moisturizer, but I like to. It’s lightly fragranced so it won’t irritate your skin. Both products are under $10 and can be found at Target.
All in all, this was a good batch of empties. What have you finished lately? Have you tried any of these products? If you have, I’d love to hear your thoughts.