This month's empties round-up is unusual in that the majority of empties haven't been featured on the blog before, and this will be the first time I'm reviewing them. Many were basic grooming and skincare essentials I pulled out of my sample stash or purchased to fill gaps in my routine. As I was using them, I was looking to form a strong opinion one way or another, but for the most part, these previously unfeatured products didn't seem compelling enough to warrant their own product reviews. Here's a look back at what I used up during August and, well, the summer.
Hair Food Manuka Honey & Apricot Moisture Conditioner ($9.99 at London Drugs)
Quick notes: I received this Hair Food conditioner and the equivalent shampoo as PR samples for review. They're great on paper: huge affordable bottles with pump dispensers, naturals-heavy formulas free of major controversial ingredients like parabens, sulfates, and dyes. However, the shampoo and conditioner combined left my hair feeling coarse, dry, and frizzy every time without fail. What's more, the pump in the conditioner bottle stopped working while the bottle was still 1/4 full. I had a heck of a time trying to clean out the remaining conditioner through the narrow bottle opening and at one point tried to cut the bottle open—hence the scratch marks on the front.
Would I repurchase? No.
BV Spa Grapefruit Salt Scrub ($11.99 on sale for $8.99 at Shoppers Drug Mart, previously featured here)
Quick notes: A forever fave. Is it even worth featuring this in my empties round-ups anymore? I go through about one tube every 2 months and stock up when it goes on sale.
Would I repurchase? Already have!
Scentuals Grapefruit Turmeric Hand Repair Cream ($8.73, previously featured here)
Quick notes: Generously sized, affordable tube of natural hand cream from a local company. Thick but quick-absorbing. Smells amazing.
Would I repurchase? Yes.
Rocky Mountain Soap Company Aloe There Soap ($5.95)
Quick notes: In LOVE with this soap! I received it as a PR sample ages ago and never used it because I was deep in my body wash phase. With rising concerns about excessive plastic packaging though, classic bar soaps are worth revisiting. This one creates a rich soothing lather powered by aloe and peppermint that cleanses without leaving skin feeling stripped, tight, or dry.
Would I repurchase? Yes.
Rocky Mountain Soap Company The Daily Oat Lotion in Lavender ($20)
Quick notes: Soothing, rich, quick-absorbing, and creamy with the most divine natural lavender fragrance. The pump bottle gets extra points for being easy to clean.
Would I repurchase? Yes.
Biore Daily Makeup Removing Towelettes ($4.99 on sale for $2.49 at London Drugs)
Quick notes: PR sample, one of multiple packs I received and kept because, well, makeup-removing wipes are always handy to have. These sting when used on the face. I'm saving subsequent packs for cleaning makeup swatches off the back of my hand or wiping sunscreen off my body.
Would I repurchase? No.
Saeve Multi-Defense Detoxifying Cream SPF 30 (previously featured here and here)
Quick notes: I am genuinely sad I've used up this Parisian SPF moisturizer.
Would I repurchase? Yes, if I could.
Caudalie Premier Cru Anti-Aging Cream ($179 for full size)
Quick notes: I used this sample as a face moisturizer after my post-barre shower. Although it's supposed to be the gold standard of Caudalie's natural skincare range, I found it too thick for my skin and there weren't noticeable anti-aging benefits. Hard pass, especially considering the high price tag.
Would I repurchase? No.
Dermalogica Special Cleansing Gel ($55-87 for full size)
Quick notes: Supposed to be a gentle and calming sudsy cleanser. A little goes a long way. Contains sulfates though.
Would I repurchase? No.
Riversol Lightweight Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 30 ($39, previously featured here)
Quick notes: I've gone back and forth on the texture of this mineral sunscreen. It's good, but I'm still not convinced it's my Holy Grail.
Would I repurchase? Probably not.
Quick notes: Dewy medium-sheer coverage and SPF 50+. Handy for travel.
Would I repurchase? Maybe.
Dior Fix It Colour Backstage Pros 300 'Yellow' (previously featured here)
Quick notes: Colour-correcting concealer sticks have become one of my daily essentials, along with mascara and brow makeup. Alas, this one is no longer available.
Would I repurchase? Can't.
Nude By Nature Flawless Concealer in 003 'Shell Beige' ($24 at Shoppers Drug Mart, previously featured here)
Quick notes: Natural formula. Better coverage and more matte finish than Nude By Nature's Perfecting Concealer. The solid twist-up stick form factor is a lot better for travel than the liquid Perfecting Concealer too, which has a tendency to leak and explode.
Would I repurchase? Yes.
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