Empties Vol. 16 – Hair & Beauty

It’s that time again! Actually it’s been time for an updated empties post for a really long time. My stash of products is huge, and at this point I think it might be considered hoarding 😆  Like always this is going to be a mixture of PR and stuff I bought myself.  I’ll also be splitting it up between here and Insta stories, so be sure to follow me over !

PRESS SAMPLE PURCHASED BY ME/AFFILIATE LINKS

HAIRCARE EMPTIES

//KÉRASTASE BLOND ABSOLU ILLUMINATING SHAMPOO (8.5 OZ – $35)

I received the entire Blond Absolu line in PR last Spring and loved it! It’s a bit pricey, but so is constantly rushing to the salon for highlights. Since I’ve been short on me time, I relied on this line to keep my blonde balayage fresh. This shampoo lathered well, didn’t overly wash (no squeaky clean feel), and smelled incredible. I will definitely be buying another!

Repurchase? Yesss!

//L’OREAL ELVIVE TOTAL REPAIR 5 DEEP CONDITIONER (8.5 OZ- $8.99)

I love me a good hair mask, and this one is SO affordable! Priced under $10, this amazing smelling mask has a super thick texture that coats hair leaving it incredibly soft and full of slip (no tangles). In the past I used $30+ hair treatments, but this baby is just as nice. I received it in PR, and I admit I probably wouldn’t have tried it on my own, but now I can’t wait to repurchase!

Repurchase? Yep!

//BED HEAD AFTER PARTY SMOOTHING CREAM (3.4 OZ – $23)

When it comes to hair products I’m very loyal, and this smoothing cream from Bed Head is all the proof. It’s literally been in my haircare routine since I was in high school, and I’m 35. It smells great, smoothes without adding weight, and is perfect for taming fly-aways. Admittedly I wish they’d change up the funky packaging, but that’s part of the fun of Bed Head. Their products are bright, bold, loud, and they work great (they smell amazing too).

Repurchase? Always! 

//KÉRASTASE ELIXER ULTIME HAIR SERUM (3.4 OZ – $50)

This baby is really expensive, and again I received it in PR, but wow I really loved this. I didn’t want to because of the price, but it was a great hair oil. It’s not heavy, and doesn’t leave hair greasy like so many cheaper alternatives. It still manages to hydrate and add tons of shine, as well as softness. The bottle is glass and ultra luxe, and it has a soft scent that fades away quickly. If you don’t have a tight budget, I highly suggest trying this.

Repurchase? Because of the cost, no.

// IT’S A 10 MIRACLE LEAVE-IN LITE (4 OZ – $18.99)

The It’s a 10 line was my favorite for years, but then I started to notice breakage and apparently this is a common complaint among users. I can’t be sure my breakage (which is all the way near my ears) is because of this product, but for now I decided to take a break from it. The product is really nice though. It has a great scent, instantly detangles, and smells incredible. I’ve used the OG, Lite, and Keratin versions and have loved them all.

Repurchase? Not until I figure out why my hair is breaking 😥

SKINCARE EMPTIES

//FIRST AID BEAUTY PURE SKIN FACE CLEANSER (5 OZ – $21)

I discovered this when I was pregnant with my daughter 7 years ago, and pretty much used it non-stop ever since. In fact, I think it’s been featured in more empties posts than any other product. However, for this pregnancy I did some updated research and according to 15 Minute Beauty the Licorice Root in this is NOT safe for pregnancy. Cue the tears. I was so sad when I learned I couldn’t use it for my third pregnancy (I used it during my first two, but apparently the Licorice Root is a new addition to the formula). I do plan to go back to this once I’m done nursing, because I really do miss it! It foams into a silky frothy lather, and gently cleanses without over drying.

Repurchase? When I’m not pregnant/nursing!

//NEUTROGENA OIL FREE MAKEUP REMOVER (3.8 OZ – $5.89)

This remover was purchased on a whim last year when I ran out of my ultra pricey Erno Laszlo makeup remover. Honestly, I was expecting to hate it, but it turns out it’s amazing! I have been using this since, and have gone through about 4 bottles. The Erno Laszlo remover is $50, so this baby really saves my wallet. It effectively removes all makeup without adding any greasy feeling to the lids, and it doesn’t make my eyes super blurry or irritated. I am so happy I discovered it, and so is my bank account 😆

Repurchase? A million times YES!

//FRESH ROSE FACE MASK (3.3 OZ – $62)

If you love roses you will love love love this mask! I did an entire blog post all about my favorite Fresh products, and this was one of my top picks. I do receive it in PR, so it helps with the price tag, but I would seriously splurge on this with my own money. It has a gooey gel like texture, and looks like jello on the face, but it smells amazing and leaves skin so hydrated. It’s a really great treat for the skin, and can be used daily. I love it!

Repurchase? Absolutely! 

//DERMA-E NOURISHING ROSE CLEANSING OIL (2 OZ – $14.99)

Another PR product that I loved. I receive a bunch from Derma-E, some of it great, and some of it mehh. This was really nice though. It gently removes makeup (even waterproof), and it didn’t irritate my eyes. I’m a big fan of oils when it comes to makeup removers, but not all are created equal. This was a pleasant surprise, and I’d definitely buy it again.

Repurchase? Yes

//PETER THOMAS ROTH PEPTIDE 21 WRINKLE RESIST SERUM (1 OZ – $125)

I know what you’re thinking – the price tag is NUTS. I totally agree, and for that reason I was reluctant to even mention this. But, I received this serum from Influenster, and it really impressed me. It’s lightweight, hydrating, and reacted with my red sensitive skin really well. It’s not often that I find something that’s powerful, but also gentle on my rosacea. I can’t imagine buying this with my own money, because I have food to put on the table lol, but in another world with a bigger bank account this baby would be in my daily routine.

Repurchase? No, too costly. 

//FRESH BLACK TEA AGE DELAY EYE CONCENTRATE (0.5 OZ – $68)

When it comes to eye creams, I am super picky. I have very sensitive eyes, plus I have dry eye, so it’s imperative that my products don’t cause further irritation. I discovered this product from PR, and was instantly hooked. It’s got a rich texture, and really helps my under eye area feel more hydrated. It never creeps into eyes, and never causes stinging or burning. I switched to something more natural during my pregnancy, but I can’t wait to go back to this!

Repurchase? Yes!

//BELIF CREAMY MOISTURE DEEP MOIST (4.22 OZ – $38)

This was my go-to daytime moisturizer for about a year, but then suddenly it was discontinued (or at least Sephora stopped carrying it). I was so sad as it has the best texture. It’s lightweight, but still hydrating, and pairs great with SPF. It wears wonderfully under makeup, and is a no-frills cream that just works. It’s fragrance free, and my skin loved it. Thankfully, the Milky Hydra Balancing Moisturizer seems to be the exact same thing, so I’m using that now.

Repurchase? I would if I could!

//BEAUTY BLENDER CLEANSER SOLID (1 OZ – $16)

I threw this in with my skincare products, just to quickly mention it. I’ve gone through a dozen of these, and absolutely love the way it cleans my brushes. All you do is wet your brush, and swirl it onto the solid soap. It quickly lathers, and leaves my white bristle brushes looking new again. I also really love the solid aspect, because I feel like it lasts so much longer than liquid formulas.

Repurchase? Just did last week!

SHOP MY EMPTIES!

Since I photographed all these I’ve managed to go through another huge stash of products, so stay tuned for another empties post! Also, head over to to see me talk about all the body care products I used up! If you’ve got empties, let me know what they are!

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