Empties: July 2019

This month's post contains a whopping 18 products since I skipped last month. As I keep doing these empties round-ups, a few truths are becoming self-evident. One, I use up a lot more skin, body and hair care than makeup, which is understandable since these days I'm all about little or no makeup. Two, the products I'm using are shifting towards natural picks. And three, not all packaging is designed to be good to the last drop. There were a lot of pump dispensers I had to flip upside-down and plastic squeeze tubes I had to cut open, just so I could get every last drop out and clean the container properly for recycling. So, on that note, let's get started!

Crabtree & Evelyn Gardeners Body Wash (previously featured here)

Quick notes: The lather never built up to what I would expect from a body wash. Pump did not pick up the last bit of product.

Would I repurchase? Considering Crabtree & Evelyn has filed for bankruptcy, no.

Scentuals Vanilla Tangerine Moisturizing Hand & Body Lotion ($11.35, previously featured here)

Quick notes: Gorgeous formula and rich moisturizing texture. Smells like a creamsicle. Love that Scentuals is a Canadian company and this generous-sized natural lotion is affordable to boot.

Would I repurchase? Already have! Found it in lavender at my local Winners.

Noughty Intensive Care Leave-In Conditioner ($11.99 at London Drugs, previously featured here)

Quick notes: Affordable natural leave-in conditioner that never failed to leave the ends of my hair feeling soft and healthy. Of the 3 Noughty products I was sent for review, this was my fave.

Would I repurchase? Yes.

Crabtree & Evelyn Citron & Coriander Energizing Hand Therapy

Quick notes: The biggest bummer about Crabtree & Evelyn's bankruptcy is that their hand creams are no more. I loved the scents and the quick-absorbing, non-greasy texture. This one was no exception.

Would I repurchase? Can't.

Le Labo Rose 31 Soap ($46)

Quick notes: I saved this body bar of rose-scented soap from the Fairmont Chateau Whistler last fall, opting to use the mini hand bar at the sink and in the shower during my one-night stay. Worth it, as the rich lather and soft rose fragrance have made my daily showers feel infinitely more luxe.

Would I repurchase? Maybe. I have other bar soaps I have yet to use (including ones from Italy) and this one does come with a hefty price tag.

Derma E Vitamin C Concentrated Serum ($34 at London Drugs, previously featured here)

Quick notes: Love! I even flipped the bottle upside-down to get the last of it out.

Would I repurchase? Yes.

Pixi Rose Tonic ($20 at Shoppers Drug Mart, previously featured here)

Quick notes: Soothing blended rosewater toner that lets skin "reset" on the days when Glow Tonic feels a little overpowering.

Would I repurchase? Yes.

Biore Baking Soda Cleansing Micellar Water ($9.99 at London Drugs, previously featured here)

Quick notes: As a micellar water, it does the job. That being said, I'm not a fan of the artificial colours, fragrance or parabens in the formula.

Would I repurchase? No.

Bioderma Sensibio Mild Cleansing Foaming Gel ($19.90 at London Drugs, previously featured here)

Quick notes: Hypoallergenic, unscented, gel-to-foam cleanser. Gentle on skin. My husband's a fan of this one too.

Would I repurchase? Yes.

Veriphy Power Trip Facial Serum ($105 at Shoppers Drug Mart, previously featured here)

Quick notes: This one took me ages to use up because it's an exfoliating serum. I have other exfoliating products like toners and peels, so I prefer gentle nourishing serums. Pump dispenser gave out while the bottle was still 1/4 full.

Would I repurchase? No.

Veriphy Self Absorbed Facial Moisturizer ($85 at Shoppers Drug Mart, previously featured here)

Quick notes: This is a good basic moisturizer. I love the fact that the formula is natural and how the company is Canadian and founded by women in STEM. All that being said, I personally didn't notice any "wow" benefits with prolonged use. Same problem with the pump dispenser as the serum.

Would I repurchase? Probably not.

Veriphy 20/20 Eye Cream ($82 at Shoppers Drug Mart, previously featured here)

Quick notes: Ditto everything that I said about the moisturizer.

Would I repurchase? Probably not.

Fresh Sugar Face Polish ($33)

Quick notes: Smells great, like brown sugar. Not powerful enough as an exfoliant. Not cleansing enough as a cleanser. Not effective enough as a mask. Despite being a cult fave, this product left me seriously confused as to where it fits into my skincare regimen and therefore took me ages to use up.

Would I repurchase? No.

Avene TriXera Nutri Fluid Lotion ($30 on sale for $15 at London Drugs)

Quick notes: Formulated as a basic face and body moisturizer suitable for sensitive skin. I kept this sample size in my barre kit as a basic face moisturizer after showering. It was okay, but best used sparingly; otherwise it can take on a sticky texture.

Would I repurchase? Probably not.

Caudalie Premier Cru The Eye Cream ($119 for full size)

Quick notes: I kept this sample size in my barre kit for use after showering. I know this is supposed to be the Cadillac of Caudalie eye creams, but honestly I didn't notice a huge difference between this one and the more affordable Caudalie eye cream I reviewed 4 months ago. What's more, I feel like the latter did a better job de-puffing.

Would I repurchase? No.

Burt's Bees Coconut & Pear Lip Balm ($4.99 at London Drugs, previously featured here)

Quick notes: Nice coconut scent if you're into that sort of thing, but texture-wise it felt a little thin when applied.

Would I repurchase? No.

Dior Natural Brow Styler Pencil ($39, previously featured here)

Quick notes: I loooove this brow pencil in dark brown. It fills in sparse spots while still looking fairly natural.

Would I repurchase? Already have!

Essence Say No to Redness Colour Correcting Concealer

Quick notes: Essence discontinued this and now makes a green colour correcting cream that comes in a tube instead, which makes me sad. The sticks are so convenient for travel because they're spill-proof and they don't count towards your precious liquids quota when you fly. This colour-correcting stick did its job and diminished redness, although sometimes it did have a tendency to pill and collect in creases.

Would I repurchase? Can't.