I have not been on target with my monthly empties reviews but I have been somewhat keeping track of my empty products; so here are the products that I have recently depleted:
SheaMoisture Moisture Retention Shampoo - This has been my holy grail shampoo for years. I have one bottle remaining and when I am done with it I plan to try other cleansers, just because I am bored with this one and I wonder if there are better cleansers for my hair. I have reviewed this product in a previous Monthly Empties post. I typically purchase SheaMoisture products at Target or Walgreen's.
Curl Junkie Beauticurls Argan and Olive Daily Hair Conditioner - This is one of my favorite instant conditioners. I love to use it in the summer to co-wash and I also use it to help detangle my hair. It makes my hair super soft and moisturized. I have one more bottle remaining and I will probably repurchase when that bottle is complete. This conditioner has been on my holy grail list for years. I usually order this product from aveyou.com but it is also available on curljunkie.com.
Qhemet Biologics Amla and Olive Heavy Cream (AOHC) - I have been using this leave-in hair cream for about four years. I have another jar on deck but I rarely use this product. When I first went natural it was one of the only products that kept my hair moisturized, but it is very heavy so you only need a little, thus one jar has lasted me forever. This product does not mix well with other stylers, and since I have primarily worn twist-outs over the years, it is rare that I have the opportunity to use this product. It also does not work well alone for loose styles, as it does not help my hair with definition (which the product is not intended to do such, so this is not a complaint, just an explanation of usage). I enjoy using this product when I am preparing my hair for a long-term protective style because I know that I can depend on AOHC to keep my hair soft and moisturized. I would recommend this product to anyone who has trouble with moisture retention.
Claudie's Hair Revitalizer Renew Protein Conditioner - This is one of my favorite protein conditioners. It helps to strengthen my hair and restore elasticity, especially when I over-moisturize my hair. I have very fine strands and my hair is prone to reduced elasticity, so I apply this product and sit under my heating cap or dryer for about 30 minutes, and then follow with a deep conditioner. It seems to work instantly as I immediately see results when handling my hair (my hair feels less fragile when wet). I typically use this product once per month, and I recommend Renew Protein to anyone who fears a more aggressive treatment or anyone who is more ingredient conscious as this product is handmade. I purchase this product at claudieshairrevitalizer.com and the owner provides excellent customer service. I plan to repurchase this product soon.
Claudie's Hair Revitalizer Hair Gel - This is my holy grail gel. No other gel has worked as well for me as this one. I usually wear this gel when I wear my hair pulled back in a bun or ponytail, and I can wear it everyday without it building up in my hair or causing my edges to feel stiff. I will repurchase this product soon, as I have been giving my hair a break from ponytails and I have also been trying to use up all of the hair products that I have been hoarding. This product is also available on Claudieshairrevitalizer.com.
Boscia Makeup Breakup Cleansing Oil - I love the way that this product removes makeup. I typically use it before my regular cleanser on days that I wear makeup. I have featured this product in a past monthly favorites post. I am still trying to develop a regular skincare routine that I love so I am trying other makeup removers and have not repurchased this one yet. I purchased this cleansing oil at Sephora and it is also available at Sephora.com.
Fresh Soy Face Cleanser - I love this cleanser. It is very gentle and I can use it morning and night without fear that it will over-dry my skin. I have combination to oily skin and a lot of the cleansers for oily skin are too aggressive and drying for my sensitive skin. Fresh Soy cleanser is recommended for all skin types and safe for eyes. I plan to repurchase this cleanser. Soy Fresh cleanser is available at Sephora.
Shi Naturals Creamy Leave-In - this leave-in conditioner really helped to keep my hair soft and moisturized when I was struggling with chronic thirsty hair during the spring. It is creamy and water-based and easily absorbs into my fine strands. I plan to repurchase this leave-in after I use several more. This product is available on Etsy.
First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Pads - the purpose of these pads are to exfoliate, tone, and brighten. I used them after my cleanser and they helped with oil-control. I noticed that my skin would be far less oily during the day when using this product. Though I suffered no harsh side effects during use, lately I have been fearful of over-drying my skin as this product contains glycolic acid, so I have not repurchased the FAB pads. However, these pads are available at Sephora.
Ren T-Zone Control Cleansing Gel - I received this gel in gratis from work. It is a gentle, antibacterial facial cleansing gel for combination to oily skin. This cleanser did not produce any negative side effects but there are other cleansers that I favor, thus I do not plan to repurchase this cleasing gel. This product is available at Sephora.
Ren Active 7 Radiant Eye Gel - I also received this product in gratis at work. I like that it brightens and makes the eye area appear less puffy. I recommend this gel to clients who are primarily concerned about under-eye bags and dry under-eye areas. I would repurchase this gel, but at this time I am testing out other eye creams. This product is available at Sephora.
Tarte Maracuja C-brighter eye treatment - I purchased this product in a set with maracuja oil. I did not use it consistently enough to see a difference. I plan to try it again before making a definite conclusion because I did find it to be moisturizing to my under-eye area. I purchased this product at Sephora.
NARS Sheer Matte Foundation in Macao - this was my holy grail foundation for years! It matches my complexion very well during the summer and it does not oxidize during wear, plus I love the natural finish that it provides. The product is a sheer to medium coverage, and as I have become more of a full-coverage girl I do not plan to repurchase in the near future. I still love the product and I still use it on clients. I purchased this product at Sephora.
Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer - I love this primer! It was really there for me this summer when our store was undergoing renovations and the air conditioner wasn't working properly in this humid, Houston heat. I would start to sweat at work and my makeup stayed put because this primer repels water, thus making your makeup sweat-proof and humidity-proof. I have an additional small jar of this product remaining and at this time I plan to purchase a full-size bottle in the future. The Hourglass brand is exclusive to Sephora.
Algenist Genius Anti-Aging cream - this is one of my favorite moisturizers that truly hydrates without leaving behind a sticky film or extra oils. I have raved about this product in a previous monthly favorites post and months later I still love it. I finished a small jar of this product but I plan to repurchase in the future. Algenist is available at Sephora.
Almay Waterproof Eye Makeup Remover Pads - I typically use the Almay oil-free pads and purchased these unintentionally. The waterproof pads work really well to remove lip stains, but sense my eyes are sensitive I prefer the oil-free variety for eye makeup removal. I usually buy these pads at Target but they can be found at any drugstore where Almay is sold.
IntensivEye Makeup Remover Wipes - I randomly found these pads in Marshall's one day and decided to give them a try. At the discounted rate, they are about $3 more in price point in comparison to the Almay pads, and they do not do anything special. I prefer the Almay brand over these pads and I do not plan to repurchase.
MAC Pro longwear concealer NW40 - this concealer is a staple for me in my personal makeup stash. It is often described as the best concealer in the industry - as it is full coverage, long-wearing and crease-proof. I have tried other concealers that receive equally rave reviews and found that they do not measure up to my beloved pro longwear. I repurchased this product the day that I realized that the bottle was coming to an end. This product is available on the Mac Cosmetics website as well as Mac counters.
MAC Brush cleanser - I have featured this brush cleaner in a previous empties post. I have already repurchased this cleanser as it is one of my favorites. There is a new brush cleanser that I have had the opportunity to try at work, that I also plan to purchase to compare to MAC's cleanser. MAC's brush cleanser is available on the MAC website and at MAC counters.
Josie Maran bear naked wipes - I love these wipes because they do not irritate my skin! I have expressed in an earlier post about how my skin reacts with severe dryness to most facial wipes. These wipes are great for removing makeup before I wash my face, as well as removing oils on days when I don't wear makeup or on days when I don't leave home. I have already repurchased this product from Sephora.
Croc Clips - I had a box of croc clips that lasted me for a few years. The final clip broke during the month of March and I repurchased two new boxes. I prefer the safari print edition. These clips hold large sections of my thick natural hair and they do not snag my hair at all. I purchased these clips at Sally's Beauty Supply. Sephora also makes similar clips that I plan to try.
Pura Body Naturals Murumuru milk - I featured a full review of this product in a past monthly favorites post. This leave-in conditioner helped combat my chronic dryness this past winter. I recently finished a bottle of this leave-in and I have additional bottles of this product on deck, thus I do not have a need to repurchase at this time.
I have used up quite a bit over the last couple of months and I have purchased less than I have used. I used up far more than I was able to post but I edited this list in hopes of not boring you to tears! Thank you for reading my blog and feel free to leave questions and feedback below. If you have tried any of these products I would love to hear your thoughts!
