Back at it again to go through my trash! (IYKYK 😉 ). Here we are with more Beauty Empties, where we poke around my trash to see the good – and not-so-good – that I’ve used up (or given up on altogether) lately. (See past beauty empties here!) There are *a bunch* today, so let’s hit it…
LOVE BEAUTY & PLANET COCONUT WATER & VITAMIN C BODY WASH
Great sulfate-free formula from the drugstore, and smells like a dream. It’s got pretty incredible ratings on Target’s website (like, solid 5-stars) and a pretty incredible option for a “cleaner” body wash. It’s a 92% naturally derived formula with no parabens, silicone, sulfates, phthalates, or dyes – bless up. This is a brand I’ve repurchased many times and will continue to do so!
Another clean formula from a really neat European brand; I first learned about them a few years ago when they were opening a storefront in my mall. I went to check it out and was SO IMPRESSED by their story and how carefully they craft all of their products. This bubble bath is really dreamy if you’re a big bath girl – it’s got pure lavender esesntial oils, eucalyptus oil, and camphor without any paraffin, silicone or mineral oils.
I’ll forever stan Living Proof; this hairspray has heat protection built-in, too, so it’s great for styling as you go. Doesn’t leave your hair feeling crunchy, but does have good hold. Another SOLID 5-star-rated product, well deserved!
A FABULOUS lightweight body lotion. As seen in this roundup of best body butters + moisturizers!
PHILOSOPHY PURITY FACIAL CLEANSER
Wouldn’t re-purchase, simply because it’s not sulfate-free. And especially for the price tag…it should be.
KERASTASE REFLECTION CHROMATIQUE MASK
Another I likely won’t be re-purchasing – Kerastase isn’t necessarily the “cleanest” haircare brand out there, and the mask is pricier for the size, I think, especially compared to my favorite (which is more product for less money AND 20% off with code ERICA20).
GARNIER FRUCTIS SLEEK & SHINE FLAT IRON PERFECTOR STRAIGHTENING MIST
This did decently well on straight styling, but it’s not well-rated in the Yuka app, so for that reason I wouldn’t necessarily re-purchase.
MOROCCANOIL HYDRATING SHAMPOO & CONDITIONER
I’ve always been a Moroccanoil fan, BUT I do have others I like just as much at similar/better price points. So would I re-use/re-purchase the duo? Yes. But I’ll probably get through some of my others on stock first!
Was fine until the spritzer stopped working – WOMP.
TULA BEAUTY SLEEP OVERNIGHT TREATMENT
Probably my favorite Tula product of all time, if I had to pick one. It’s their most potent treatment with probiotics, AHA’s, and vitamin C to help fight signs of aging, smoother wrinkles, and improve overall tone + texture…all while you sleep. It’s a total powerhouse product that I really see a difference from.
Over 700+ five-star reviews! (+ code COMINGUPROSES will work to get you 15% off your whole order – yay!)
TULA BRIGHTENING TREATMENT DROPS VITAMIN C SERUM
So, I liked Tula’s Vitamin C serum. No real “complaints.” BUT – since finishing this one, I’ve been using this one – and I’d say it’s just as not at a *significantly* lower price point. Granted, I’m no scientist or skincare expert, and Vitamin C especially feels like a rabbit hole of research. They each have slightly different ingredients and therefore slightly different end expected results, but at the base level, they both claim to help protect against free radical damage, boost brightness, and help your overall tone and brighteness.
The biggest thing for me at this point, I’d say, is this. DIME’s Hyper Glow serum is a “clean” formula and comes down to $24 with my code (THRIVE20). Tula’s Vitamin C comes to $47.60 with code COMINGUPROSES. So while I like both, I’d probably reach to re-purchase DIME’s first on that (until/unless I hear otherwise based on formulas that one is a clear winner over the other – skin scientists, HMU).
TULA SO POLISHED EXFOLIATING SUGAR SCRUB
Always a fan of Tula’s sugar scrubs since they just nicely melt into your skin without overscrubbing your face raw. Always one I have on hand!
EOS SHEA BETTER HEAL + REPAIR VANILLA CASHMERE BODY CREAM
This body butter is RICH, nourishing, and smells like a DREAM. It’s only $8, so pick up on your next Target run! Also in the best body butters roundup!
I…hated this stuff. Couldn’t finish it. It felt like it did nothing at all, like slathering slightly thicker water on my face. Not a fan. Do not recommend.
OGX ARGAN OIL OF MOROCCO WEIGHTLESS HEALING DRY OIL
This stuff is a favorite of mine. The key is it’s a lightweight DRY oil, so even if you tend to get greasier quicker, a light spritz won’t leave you feeling oily. It just nicely hydrates the body of your hair (and also smells great).
SECRET ACTIVE FRESH INVISIBLE SPRAY
I was using a quick spray of this before workouts; wouldn’t re-purchase simply because it’s aerosol AND not “clean,” so it’s really not the best from a health perspective.
A pretty good drugstore dupe to my favorite CC Cream from IT Cosmetics. It’s definitely full coverage – worthy trying out if you’re a fan of the IT Cosmetics one!
ESSENCE LASH PRINCESS SCULPTED VOLUME MASCARA
Good, but I prefer this one from Essence instead. In terms of mascaras under $10, Essence it where it’s at!
OLAY REGENERIST RETINOL 24 MAX NIGHT MOISUTRIZER
A fragrance-free moisturizer with a retinoid complex to help fight wrinkles, too; it’s formulated to be more hydrating and less irritating than your typical retinol formula. It’s good, don’t get me wrong, but I’d still prioritize a retinol or retinol alternative for stronger anti-aging benefits.
Was super impressed with this bestselling drugstore primer! Gives a nice radiant base for makeup without leaving you looking greasy or too shiny. It’s got hyaluronic acid and vegan collagen inside for hydration and is formulated to be velvety upon application for a poreless look and good grip.
Especially for only $10, it’s totally worthy.
ILIA SUPER SERUM SKIN TINT with SPF 40
A total rockstar product – it’s gone viral multiple times and won so many awards at this point, we ALL need it in our makeup bags. 😉 It’s a CLEAN tinted serum with light, dewy coverage, mineral SPF, and active skincare ingredients. Total superpower product great for those “no-makeup” days while still providing awesome skincare and necessary SPF protection. It’s silicone-free, fragrance-free, chemical sunscreen-free, oil-free, non-comedogenic, and safe for sensitive skin. A truly fabulous formula!
PHYSICIANS FORMULA COCONUT MILK EYE MAKEUP REMOVER
I think it worked decently, but I couldn’t even continue using it because the bottle was horrible for getting product out. So, didn’t finish and wouldn’t re-purchase.
This stuff is technically called a multi-purpose “multibalm” – it really does work that way. It uses an ultra-pure grade Aussie lanolin that’s a safer, more effective and 100% natural alternative to petroleum-based balms. The balm actually feels like it absorbs instead of just sitting on your skin like a typical Vasoline might, and it’s not greasy or sticky. It holds 400% of its weight in moisture and is even safe for newborns or as a nipple cream for nursing moms!
My FAVORITE red lipstick. Lasts all day/night. Makes your teeth look whiter!
ONOMIE BRIGHT CONCEALING ELIXIR
Formulated to actually treat undereye darkness over time beyond just correcting them in real time. Also hydrates, reduces puffiness and increases circulation with a Night Sleeper Extract, caffeine and ginseng.
A good drugstore alternative to Tarte’s tinted hydrator that I lovelovelove so much.