My November Empties
Here are all the winners and losers this month’s empty beauty product.
November has just flown by. I’ve been trying to do what the Tiktok cool girls tell me and “romanticize” the month. Slow down and get cozy is what they said and so that’s what I did. I’ve spent most of this month cocooning, reading, watching movies and going to bed early. No complaints here. I love the month of December so I’m ready to enter the holiday spirit feeling rested and refreshed. I’ve also been maintaining my goal of using what I have and not buying until I’ve run out. This proved to be challenging as you’ll see since most of these empties were total flops. But no wasting here! I’ve used them up and will continue to use the rest of what I have before buying.
Hair Empties
Briogeo: Don't Despair, Repair! Strengthening Treatment Hair Oil
My one requirement for a hair oil is that it won’t make my hair a stringy, oily mess and I’m thrilled to report this did not! This tiny little bottled lasted forever. The scent was a light floral though by the end the flower in the bottle blocked the product from coming out. I can’t say that this noticeably strengthened my hair but it was a nice, light hair oil.
Would I repurchase? Maybe if it were on sale.
Bondi Boost: Anti Frizz Hair Mask
This mask was fine. I didn’t see huge differences in my frizz though I think that’s an impossible claim for a hair mask. I do like Bondi Boost and it’s my most used brand along with Briogeo but this mask didn’t wow me. I’ll stick to my tried and true hair masks and either way, my research tells me that this has been discontinued.
Would I repurchase? No.
Makeup Empties
Pleased to report that I finished this even though I didn’t love it. There are a couple of positives but the marketing and claims are super misleading. Plumping? Absolutely not. Moisturizing? Not a chance. Hot pink lip tint? YES. This colour stained my lips for hours after wearing it. I unfortunately just didn’t love the Barbie pink shade as it didn’t feel the most flattering on my skin tone. I liked the big applicator but all-in-all, a rare lip product miss for Buxom.
Would I repurchase? No.
Makeup by Mario: SoftSculpt Transforming Skin Enhancer in Light
This has a cult following and I see people all over Tiktok obsessed with this blurring bronzer. This may have been user error but I just couldn’t seem to get it to look natural on me. It always ended up looking a little too heavy and I found it highlighted the texture around my cheeks. Sometimes a product just doesn’t work for you, and this was that for me!
Would I repurchase? No.
Skincare Empties
I love Medicube so much so it pains me to say this was a miss. This cream was such a unique consistency. It really does look and feel like jelly. Unfortunately, it ended up feeling super sticky on my skin. I only wore it at night as I couldn’t imagine putting makeup on top of it. It also had a very heavy fragrance which I tend to avoid in my skincare. I will say that the reviews are insanely positive so who knows? Not for me.
Would I repurchase? No.
Beauty By Joseon: Glow Serum with Propolis & Niacinamide
We’re breaking the flop streak! I loved this. It was scent-free and actually made my skin glow when applying in the morning. It didn’t disrupt the other steps in my skincare and integrated seamlessly into my routine. I loved applying it right before makeup because I really felt like it made a difference in how plump my skin looked. Bonus that it’s reasonably priced too.
Would I repurchase? Yes.
Bodycare Empties
If you know me, you know I love glitter. This had the classic Vacation scent of coconut banana sunscreen mixed with a stunning shimmer. Though do be warned, this is not subtle whatsoever. It is a chunky glitter. I loved that I was adding a playful touch to my skincare that also protected my skin. So fun for summer and I ended up using the rest throughout fall since it expired before next summer. Glitter every day, honey.
Would I repurchase? YES.
Sol de Janeiro: Delicia Drench Shower Oil and Body Butter
These two are an amazing combo. Both incredibly hydrating with an amazing smell. I have never used a shower gel before that I feel actually hydrates my skin but this makes such a difference. I also love the body butter. It’s super thick but absorbs quickly and gets rid of dry elbows or feet overnight. The scent is sweet but not cloying since it as some floral notes. Excellent body care that is worth the price.
Would I repurchase? Yes.
Blume: Hug Me Probiotic Deodorant
This is a fantastic all deodorant and the first natural one I’ve tried that actually works. It doesn’t leave a slick feeling on the skin and managed to keep me stink free even through my spin classes. The one downside is that it’s unscented and I do love a fragrance. This wouldn’t stop me from repurchasing considering how effective it is.
Would I repurchase? Yes.
This is my other absolute favourite natural deodorant. It edges out Blume slightly only because they offer scented options. Again, this does not make me all slick and wet under my arms and keeps me smelling fresh all day. It’s all natural and I’m on my 3rd one so I can confidently say I love Nala.
Would I repurchase? Yes!
This was such a lovely perfume and perfect for summer. It’s a fresh gourmand which I didn’t even realize could exist. With notes of bergamot, vanilla and amber, Taunt was still sweet but wasn’t super heavy in those humid months.
Would I repurchase? Yes.
xoxo
by fran