May Empties

Hello Beauties <3

Here are my mini May empties - not too many but at least I used up a few more products.

Fresh Black Tea Age Delay Instant Infusion Treatment Toner - Retail price $49 for 4 oz

I really enjoyed this toner. As I mentioned in previous blogs, I prefer a thicker toner so this one was perfect. It was not drying at all and in fact it hydrated my skin to the point where moisturizer was not even necessary before applying my makeup. During my nighttime skin routine, I still use a good night cream just because I like more hydration overnight. According to the description on Fresh' s website, this toner provides 24 hours of moisture and offers significant protection from environmental stressors while evening skin tone and refining skin texture. The radiance-boosting formula also softens the skin which allows ingredients to penetrate more deeply, enhancing the efficacy of your complete skincare ritual.

Dr. Jart+ Dermaclear Micro Water - Retail Price $32 for 8.4 oz

A pure and natural all-in-one cleansing water that removes makeup and impurities while toning and brightening skin. Dermaclear Micro Water is made with 85 percent active hydrogen mineral water instead of refined water and is formulated with 90 percent natural ingredients. This unique formula allows it to remove all impurities, makeup, and even mascara without irritation while it provides nutrients and superior moisturizing. Suitable for hypersensitive skins, the Derma Toning Complex leaves a fresh, clean feeling while toning and brightening.

Sephora Collection Triple Action Cleansing Water - Retail price $6 for 1.69 oz, $12 for 6.76, $20 for 13.5 oz

I bought this on a whim, probably as a "filler" on a Sephora order. I felt this was an okay cleansing water, it did remove any left over product left on my face after using a makeup wipe. This no rinse micellar product cleanses the face and eyes effectively in one simple step. Its soap-free formula features cleansing spheres that effectively capture and eliminate impurities and makeup. One of the ingredients, HydroSenn+ is said to be a proven factor in providing long lasting hydration, however I did not feel this was moisturizing at all.

Too Faced Born This Way Foundation in Sand - Retail Price $39 for 1.0 oz

This is still my everyday go to foundation. I apply it with a Sigma F80 brush and sometimes I blend it out with a moistened beautyblender. An oil-free foundation for natural-looking, full coverage and a beautiful, radiant finish. Born This Way masterfully diffuses the line between makeup and skin. For coverage so undetectable, you can’t see the makeup or the imperfections just a natural-looking luminous flawless complexion. The revolutionary formula is infused with a potent combination of coconut water to naturally replenish moisture levels, nature’s resilient alpine rose to brighten the skin’s appearance and promote elasticity and hyaluronic acid for a smoother, more youthful appearance. 

Shiseido Benefiance WrinkleResist24 Pure Retinol Express Smoothing Eye Mask

Retail Price $63 for a box of 12 packs (each pack contains 2 eye masks)

I love these eye masks, they are so concentrated and practically show visible results instantly. If you are looking for an eye treatment that reduces the appearance of fine lines, brightens your skin, minimizes the look of dark circle, plumps and hydrates the skin, then try these eye masks. Your skin will feel softer and look smoother and healthier. Here is the description:

Pure Retinol Micro-Infusion technology penetrates skin instantly to smooth away the look of wrinkles. The mask conforms to skin to seal in essence and refine texture for 24-hour hydration. It also features Benefiance’s powerful WrinkleResist technology to prevent new wrinkle formation and help treat existing wrinkles. This product addresses three types of eye area wrinkles: corner crinkling, under eye wrinkles, and crow’s feet. Pure Retinol Micro-Infusion Technology delivers ultra small particles of retinol in an essence, providing an easily-absorbed formula with a higher concentration of the active ingredient. Wrinkle-Retouching Sheet is thicker, more adherent, and more flexible. It stays in place on the skin while physically stretching wrinkles and smoothing them out. It holds 20 percent more essence than the previous version. Smoothness-holding polymers in the essence stay on the skin surface for hours after mask removal, maintaining skin’s smoothness. 

Mirabella Face Primer - Retail price $29 for 0.45 oz

I received this primer in one of my beauty subscription boxes so I decided to give it a try. To my surprise, it was a decent primer. It is a silicone clear primer that evens out your skin's texture and acts as a pore filler creating a nice canvas for foundation. I probably would not purchase this since there are so many other good primers in that price range.

Nude ProGenius Omega Treatment Milk - Retail price $58 for 1.0 oz

This sample lasted 3 uses for me. Some serums have more of a liquidy consistency but this is a cream serum and I actually prefer this type. A skin-quenching serum packed with omega-rich super foods that promotes smooth, luminous, healthy-looking skin. This lightweight, fast absorbing but intense serum delivers instant hydration and nourishment to thirsty skin and can be used both day and night

Results from their website:

Immediately after use:

• 100% said it quickly absorbs into skin*
• 90.3% said skin feels revitalized*
• 90.3% said skin feels instantly hydrated*
• 83.9% said it helps even skin tone*

After 2 weeks of use:

• 100% said skin feels smoother*
• 83.9% said skin feels hydrated throughout the day*
• 83.9% said skin appears rejuvenated after use*
• 80.6% said skin feels more youthful*

*Results observed in a consumer panel survey on 31 subjects.

Trish McEvoy Beauty Booster Serum - Retail Price $128.50 for 1.0 oz

 A highly concentrated serum that contains 30% hyaluronic acid to enable skin to attract and retain maximum moisture. It maximizes skin's moisture capacity while dual-action peptides stimulate natural collagen production and antioxidants to help protect skin from damaging free radicals. This serum is especially for those with dryness or dullness and who want an immediate improvement in the appearance of fine lines with cumulative improvements over time.

Trish McEvoy Beauty Booster Advanced Repair Retinol Eye Cream - Retail Price $125.50 - 0.50 oz

A potent anti-aging treatment containing the highest non-prescription concentration of retinol, which works in synergy with the powerful antioxidant resveratrol and moisture-binding hyaluronic acid. It helps repair damage while reducing the look of fine lines and wrinkles in addition to firming loose skin, smoothing texture and restoring radiance.

Mario Badescu Seaweed Night Cream - Retail Price $22 for 1.0 oz

This lightweight hydrating oil free night cream plumps, firms and nourishes all skin types. Elastin, Collagen, and Hyaluronic Acid combine with the vitamins and minerals found in Bladderwrack Extract to nourish dehydrated skin. The result is smooth, dewy, younger-looking skin overnight.

Mario Badescu Dermonectin Eye Cream - Retail Price $18 for 0.50 oz

This eye cream is formulated with antioxidant oils including Vitamin A and E along with a special blend of Vegetable, Peanut, and Coconut Oils. Super concentrated and richly moisturizing for overnight use. It provides intense moisture for very dry skin while diminishing crows feet and lines.

Stacey <3

September Empties - Yay or Nay

Hello Beauties <3

Another month is behind us and that means more beauty products have been used and it's time to talk about the yays and nays of my September empties.

Previse Nutrify Tonic Level 1-6  Retail price $48 for 3.0 oz

A description from their website:

Our potent antioxidant elixir helps to hydrate your skin. Nutrify is not a serum or toner. Nutrify is oil-free and non-astringent. Step 2.0 in our three-step series, Nutrify follows Purify, our sulfate-free wash. Nutrify helps hydrate skin, fights free radicals and waterborne pollutants or additives like chlorine.

Nutrify Liposomal Tonic 1-6 is our latest bio-healthy innovation to help hydrate skin plus fight free radicals and surface irritants. Our oil-free tonic is unique and unlike oil-base serums. Nutrify sits deep in the dermis to help keep pores clean, hydrate the skin, plus fight free radicals and waterborne pollutants or additives. The bio-heathy tonic was crafted with Professional Makeup Artists for exceptional performance. The dual benefit, mattifying hydrator helps scavenge free radicals PLUS acts as a key, light-weight barrier to makeup that may contain parabens, triclosan and other skin irritating ingredients.

One of our signature ingredients is Bellis perennis, a daisy flower extract. The non-bleaching botanical helps stop brown spots. Our closely guarded recipe contains the highest grade active ingredients which are slowly blended to retain maximum potency. You can expect Nutrify to help fight skin oxidization, promote cellular regeneration, and even skin tone while mattifying for a cleaner appearance for both men and women. As with all Previse products Nutrify is free of parabens, silicones and skin clogging petroleum ingredients.

My thoughts on this product:

I really enjoyed using this product. The description says it's not a serum or a toner but I most definitely used it as a toner during my morning and nighttime skin routine. It left my skin feeling hydrated and ready for the day. My first thought was I would never pay $48 a bottle but since I received it in a subscription box (BoxyCharm March 2015), I gave it a whirl. To my surprise, it actually lasted me 6 months so the bottom line is, it's worth the price in my opinion. 

Nude Advanced Renewal Eye Complex - Retail price $58 for 0.50 oz

I am a huge eye cream addict especially ones that say age defying or anti aging. I was able to get 5 uses out of this sample. A little goes a long way, dab gently with your ring finger under your eyes up towards the outer part of your brow. I applied it during both my day and night time skin routines. The concentrated treatment nourishes and smooths under your eyes with omegas 3, 6 and 9, wrinkle smoothing protein peptides and moisturizing hyaluronic acids. It leaves your skin looking younger and feeling revitalized and instantly tight.

Results from their website:

• 100% said the eye area was moisturized and hydrated*
• 88% said this product helped smooth wrinkles around the eye area*
• 97% said the eye area was soothed*
• 88% said the eye area felt nourished and firm*
• 88% said the eye area appeared more luminous*
• 79% said this product was more effective than other anti-aging eye products they have used*

*Results observed in a consumer panel survey after 4 weeks

Nude ProGenius Omega Treatment Milk - Retail price $58 for 1.0 oz

This sample lasted 3 uses for me. Some serums have more of a liquidy consistency but this is a cream serum and I actually prefer this type. A skin-quenching serum packed with omega-rich super foods that promotes smooth, luminous, healthy-looking skin. This lightweight, fast absorbing but intense serum delivers instant hydration and nourishment to thirsty skin and can be used both day and night

Results from their website:

Immediately after use:

• 100% said it quickly absorbs into skin*
• 90.3% said skin feels revitalized*
• 90.3% said skin feels instantly hydrated*
• 83.9% said it helps even skin tone*

After 2 weeks of use:

• 100% said skin feels smoother*
• 83.9% said skin feels hydrated throughout the day*
• 83.9% said skin appears rejuvenated after use*
• 80.6% said skin feels more youthful*

*Results observed in a consumer panel survey on 31 subjects.

Nude Cellular Renewal Moisturizer - Retail price $88 for 1.7 oz

I was able to get 5 uses out of this possibly old sample, I think it may be a discontinued or revamped moisturizer. I could not find it on their website but was able to find their Advanced Renewal Moisturizer. I found this anti aging moisturizer to be hydrating and lightweight but had a not so nice smell to it.

Kirkland Signature Daily Facial Towelettes - Retail price $11.99 for 150 count

Included in this box are 4 - 30 count flip top recloseable lid packs and 2 - 15 count resealable travel packs. I absolutely love these makeup wipes from Costco. I use them every night to remove my makeup although I still pour a little makeup remover on them just to help remove my waterproof mascara with ease. I do not like tugging on my eyes and lashes if I don't have to.

Pamper yourself with an effective and complete skin care solution that offers a deep clean and will not irritate your skin. This mild formula has cucumber, chamomile flower extract and aloe and will remove all traces of makeup, dirt and oil leaving your skin glowing and refreshed, No need to rinse your face afterwards.

GlamGlow SuperMud Clearing Treatment - Retail price $69 for 1.2 oz

I love facial masks but this mask is not one that I would purchase in the future. Not because I didn't like it or that it had a negative effect on my skin but because its main purpose targets, prevents and heals problem skin which benefit my normal skin. This treatment mask helps fight all the common skin concerns including breakouts, discoloration, black and white heads, razor bumps, and in-grown hair. What I did like about it and benefited from was that it draws out dirt and cleans out clogged pores leaving skin soft, smooth, bright and healthy looking. 

MUFE Ultra HD Foundation - Retail price $43 for 1.0 oz

This was a sample from Sephora in Y345 Natural Beige but it was a little too light for my face during the summer months so I had to add some bronzer.  This is my HG foundation at the moment.

Too Faced Born This Way Foundation - Retail price $39 for 1.0 oz

I received samples if this foundation in Sand and Golden. I actually liked the way this foundation looked on me and lasted throughout the day. Although I'm loving the MUFE Ultra HD foundation, this is a very close second for me. As far as the color goes, Golden was a better color match for my skin tone.

Overall, my September empties were a Yay except for the Nude Skin Care moisturizer. I'm not sold on it.

Let's see what I will use in the month of October...........until then....


Stacey <3