The One with the November 2017 Empties

To say I am a little late on my November empties post is an understatement but hey, at least it’s finally here, right?! That’s called looking on the bright side. 😉

As usual, I try to separate the products by category and I will include a little mini review of each item! Here we go!

Skincare

SK-II Facial Treatment Essence

I got this in my Soko to Tokyo set and it was definitely one of the items I was most excited about trying. There is so much hype surrounding this essence! This is definitely a product that requires prolonged use to see the anti-aging benefits.

I was disappointed in the lack of hydration I got from this essence. I didn’t find it to add much, if any, moisture to my skin. The thing I did like about this essence was how it increased the absorbency of my following skincare items. I noticed a huge difference in this department and therefore I felt like my skincare was more effective.

So is it worth the hefty price tag? For me, absolutely not. While this little bottle lasted a long time, I could never spend full price (the “mini” on Sephora is $125 CAD…). I would consider buying it off somewhere like Yes Style if I was doing an order anyway since they sometimes have sales on the trial sizes.

Repurchase? Most likely not.

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Astringent Lotion Micro-Exfoliant

I enjoyed this toner! This is great for oily and acne prone skin. It’s also the perfect example of a clarifying toner that is effective without smelling like chemicals and feeling potent on the skin (my experience with the Clinique Acne Solutions Clarifying Lotion). It didn’t dry my skin out and I felt like my pores were tightened and purified.

Repurchase? Yes!

The Body Shop Pomegranate Firming & Refreshing Eye Roll-On

I love this stuff! I love how it comes in a roll-on because it makes it super easy to apply not only on my undereye but on my lids as well. It’s very liquidy but the roll-on doesn’t dispense too much product at once.

True to its name, it feels very refreshing and I also find it to help decrease any puffiness. Most of all, I’ve had tremendous success in keeping fine lines at bay using this in combination with my favourite Pur-lisse eye serum. I could tell it is working when I stopped using both and started developing more lines. Since I went back to this combination, no new lines!

Repurchase? Always!

Ole Henriksen Ultimate Lift Eye Crème

This eye cream wasn’t anything special! I didn’t feel like it helped prevent fine lines as I started developing new ones when I was using just this cream. I did like how thick and moisturizing it was so if you are looking for something incredibly hydrating, this does do the trick in that department! Unfortunately, I need something that also helps prevent lines.

Repurchase? No.

Bella Aura Instant Lifting Eye Contour

This little tube lasted what felt like a lifetime. I wasn’t a big fan of it so I was hoping to get through it quickly but it just wouldn’t end! XD I did like how thin it was because that meant it layered well with other eye products but like the Ole, I just didn’t feel like it did anything to prevent fine lines.

Repurchase? No.

Bioderma Sensibio H2O Make-Up Removing Micelle Solution

This has been featured in my empties a lot so to keep it short, this is my favourite micellar water. It’s gentle, effective and doesn’t leave any residue!

Repurchase? Yes!

North American Hemp Co. Face Off Face Wash

This tube didn’t last very long so I didn’t get a lot of uses out of it. From the few times I was able to use it, I enjoyed this cleanser. It didn’t dry my skin out and I felt like it provided a nice clean.

Repurchase? Probably not just because I have face washes I love more.

Murad Clarifying Cleanser

This has become my go-to cleanser for when I’m breaking out! It has 1.5% Salicylic Acid but it does not dry the skin out at all. Like not even a little bit! Which to me is so shocking because so many acne cleansers dry my skin out or leave it feeling tight.

It’s very effective at clearing up the breakouts I get (minus cystic acne – still looking for the miracle cure) and overall, my skin feels so clean and purified after using this.

Repurchase? Already repurchased the full size!

Sunday Riley Tidal Brightening Enzyme Water Cream

So I found another moisturizer I really like! But unfortunately, I don’t think I’d purchase it again (and not because of the crazy price). I’ll list the pros in a second but the one con that is keeping me from ever buying it is the fact that it leaves my oily skin looking too shiny. I’m so sad about that because it’s soooo good otherwise.

The good things about this moisturizer is how lightweight it is! I love the texture. It doesn’t clog my pores which is essential for me but it still provides a good dose of hydration! Best of all, this moisturizer is truly brightening. I get really red skin on my nose and cheeks. It’s not irritation – it’s just the way my skin is. But this moisturizer not only brightens my skin so that it looks beautifully radiant but it also completely eliminates the redness!

If it weren’t for the fact that it leaves my skin looking greasy, this would be my new favourite moisturizer. 😦

Repurchase? No.

Murad Hydro-Dynamic Ultimate Moisture

I wasn’t a big fan of this. It didn’t play nicely with other products such as face oils and primers. I did find it hydrating but I can’t stand moisturizers that pill!

Repurchase? No!

Caudalie Vine[Activ] 3-in-1 Moisturizer

The first couple of uses I thought I was loving this! It was nice and light and my skin felt moisturized. But like the Murad, I realized it didn’t play nicely under makeup and with face oils. So unfortunately, I went from loving this to disliking it. 😦

Repurchase? No.

The Body Shop Tea Tree Skin Clearing Lotion

This is an excellent moisturizer for when your skin is broken out. Not only does it help soothe any painful spots, but it helps heal them as well. Because it is a tea tree moisturizer, it’s not overly hydrating and it does have that strong tea tree smell. But I use this to fight breakouts when I really need to do some damage control. It is also pretty mattifying which I like.

Repurchase? Already have!

Makeup

L’Oréal Infallible Pro Spray & Set Makeup Extender Setting Spray

This may have the longest name in the world but it’s an extremely effective setting spray! I have this in my empties all the time. It makes my makeup last and helps keep my oil at bay as well!

Repurchase? Always.

Urban Decay All Nighter Long-Lasting Makeup Setting Spray

I like this setting spray a lot but I have to say – the L’Oréal is a complete dupe! There is no difference. None whatsoever. This came in a set but I would never purchase the full size outright for $40 when I can spend $14 on the exact same thing.

Repurchase? No.

Bath & Body

Cake Beauty Delectable Ultra Nourishing Hand Cream

First of all, I don’t get why they don’t put their brand name (Cake) somewhere visible on their Delectable line. Makes no sense. But anyway, this is one of my favourite hand creams! I get super dry hands and cracked ones in the winter time. This moisturizer saves my hands!

This scent is “Sweet Mint & Cream” which has a light mint scent. It’s very nice and festive! I’m obsessed with pretty much all the scents, though. Right now I am using the “Clementine” scent and OMG – it smells amazing. The best thing about these hand creams are how they are not greasy whatsoever!

Repurchase? Yes! Already bought the holiday 6-pack!

Olay Ultra Moisture Body Wash

I really love this body wash! I never expect to like cream body washes because I am so accustomed to using gels but I love how well this works. It lathers up very nicely and leaves my skin feeling really soft! I also like the shea butter scent it has!

Repurchase? Yes!

Hair Care

Beauty Protector Protect & Oil Argan Oil

This is a really nice hair oil! It left my hair really soft and silky! As with all hair oils, I apply from about my ears down. I never put it in my roots or too high up otherwise my hair will begin to look greasy faster.

Repurchase? I don’t know how easy this is to get for Canadians so probably not.

Moroccanoil Moroccanoil Treatment

This is another hair oil that I really enjoy. This product is hyped up a lot and while it does the same thing as most other oils – gives soft, shiny and silky hair – it does one extra thing for me that puts it above other hair oils. It helps tame my frizz and helps my waves/curls look more pleasing. It’s hard to explain but it really works for me.

Repurchase? I have a few more minis to get through but eventually, yes.

Novex Brazilian Keratin Extra Deep Hair Care Cream

This is a good deep conditioner but I wouldn’t call it great. I’ve used much better that leaves my hair softer than this one.

Repurchase? No.

Batiste Instant Hair Refresh Dry Shampoo

Another item that is always in my empties so I’ll simply say it’s the best dry shampoo out there (for me)!

Repurchase? All the time.

OGX Quenching Coconut Curls Shampoo & Conditioner

I was inspired to try this because I tried the Coconut Water version and wanted to love it because of the scent but didn’t. I saw this Coconut Curls version and wondered if it would work for my hair. My hair is a hybrid of curly, wavy and kinky. It turns out that this version is wonderful! I absolutely love both the shampoo and conditioner.

So many shampoos dry out my hair but this one does not at all. In fact, it adds moisture! The conditioner actually feels moisturizing enough as well, which again, I have trouble finding hydrating enough conditioners.

The best part about this duo is how it tames my frizz and makes my curls look sooo much better. It’s very surprising how much better my hair air dries when using this duo!

Repurchase? I have a lot of backup shampoos and conditioners to get through but eventually, yes.

Miscellaneous

Joe Fresh 100% Cotton Cotton Pads

These are always in my empties. They are excellent. They don’t come apart at all.

Repurchase? Always.

MaskerAide Spotted! Anti-Blemish Clear Spot Patches

These are amazing to use on acne spots. I loved having these in my collection along with the Nexcare spot patches (which are similar to the CosRx). While the Nexcare ones are perfect for sucking the pus out of pimples, these MaskerAide ones are perfect for pimples that have yet to come to a head. They contain Tea Tree oil and Salicylic Acid to help heal them faster and I also like that keeping them covered helps keep them clean.

I’m disappointed that I have yet to see this brand in a Rexall or Pharma Plus. MaskerAide announced that they would be available in these stores but not in any around my town!

Repurchase? Yes, but I was hoping to avoid having to order online again.

Cottonelle FreshCare Flushable Cleansing Cloths

First of all, I’m sure most of you know this, but it is not recommended to flush wipes like these even when it says flushable on the package. It can really ruin the pipes and sewers and all that so please don’t flush!

These were in my FabFitFun, I believe, so that’s why I am including them in my empties. I love getting samples of these wipes. I feel much cleaner after using these and I plan on buying a full size pack!

Repurchase? Yes!

Simple Cleansing Facial Wipes

These are nice and clean the skin just fine. I prefer the Micellar Water wipes from this brand though. I find them more saturated and to remove makeup easier. These ones have less product on them so I feel like you have to press harder to remove your makeup.

Repurchase? No, I’d rather buy the Micellar ones.

Passport to Beauty Gold Radiance Luxury Facial Mask

I have a lot of thoughts on this mask. First of all, the night I chose to do this, I really shouldn’t have (but my son chose it for me and I couldn’t say no!). I should have done it on a night that I could have just laid down on the couch while doing absolutely nothing but relax. Why? Because when you’re sitting up, this mask is extremely slippy. It was falling off my face the entire time which was super annoying. You really need to lay down with this mask.

Also, this mask would not stick to my chin at all. I ended up sticking a piece of paper towel to that area and surprisingly that worked to keep the mask stuck to my chin. The mask itself tears really easily and the lip space is just incredibly tiny. It feels very cooling on the skin and definitely is a relaxing treatment.

I kept the mask on for 40 minutes (honestly, the paper towel trick helped a lot) and when I removed it, my skin looked super radiant. This is the perfect mask to use during the day if you have time because of how nice it makes the skin look. There is no greasiness whatsoever and not sticky once all the serum is patted into the skin. When you look closely, there are small flecks of glitter all over your face. This is not noticeable unless you look very close up and probably contributes to the radiant look of the skin.

Repurchase? These are expensive so no.

Candles

I finished up this gorgeous fox candle that I found at Winners. It was an amazing Pumpkin Spice scent and if I saw candles from this brand (Ava & Emma) again, I would definitely pick one up.

I also finished these two mini Bath & Body Works candles. One the label is gone but I think it was Coconut Water or Coconut Leaves. It was coconut for sure. It smelled amazing in the jar but I didn’t find the scent to carry very far when lit. The second mini is Pumpkin Caramel Latte which not only smelled great but had good throw. I’d definitely purchase it again if I saw it in stores.

Conclusion

That’s it for my November empties! I’m sure there are things I forgot to include because I had my empties all over the apartment. Usually I stick them all in a box but my life has been so chaotic lately and it definitely shows in everything I’ve been doing! XD

Let me know if you’ve tried any of these products and what your thoughts were! Thanks for reading and yay, Christmas is almost here! My little guy is super excited! 😀

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