Taro Gentle Cleansing Oil and Foam
When it comes to skincare routines, one step that should never be skipped is cleansing. A proper cleansing routine is crucial in order to keep your skin clean and free from impurities that can lead to breakouts. That’s why I highly recommend the Taro Gentle Cleansing Oil and Foam.
This product is a dream duo for clean skin. The cleansing oil is a luxurious product that effectively removes makeup, dirt, and other impurities without drying out the skin. It’s important to properly cleanse with products like cleansing balms and oils, as otherwise, it can feel like you still have oil on your skin.
To use the Taro Gentle Cleansing Oil, start by massaging it onto dry skin. This allows the product to effectively dissolve any makeup or dirt on the skin. Then, wet your hands and massage the oil one more time. This will emulsify the product, turning it into a milky texture. Finally, rinse it off and say goodbye to any trace of impurities on your skin.
For the second step of your cleansing routine, the Taro Gentle Cleansing Foam is the perfect choice. Simply massage it onto your skin and wash it off. This foam cleanser is gentle yet effective, leaving your skin feeling refreshed and clean.
Skincare Empties
As someone who has been collecting empties for quite some time now, it’s safe to say that I have gone through my fair share of skincare products. Let’s take a look at some of the standout products that have made it into my mid-year beauty empties for 2023.
Hydrating Moisturizer: XYZ Moisture Surge Cream
One skincare essential that I cannot live without is a good moisturizer. The XYZ Moisture Surge Cream is a game-changer in the world of hydration. Its lightweight formula delivers intense moisture to the skin, keeping it plump and hydrated throughout the day. I love how it instantly sinks into the skin and leaves behind a smooth and supple texture.
Brightening Serum: ABC Radiance Elixir
For those looking to achieve a radiant and glowing complexion, the ABC Radiance Elixir is a must-have. Packed with powerful antioxidants and brightening ingredients, this serum works wonders in reducing the appearance of dark spots and uneven skin tone. It also enhances the overall radiance of the skin, giving you that coveted lit-from-within glow.
Revitalizing Eye Cream: DEF Age-Defying Eye Cream
The delicate skin around the eyes requires special attention, and the DEF Age-Defying Eye Cream knows exactly how to provide it. This revitalizing eye cream helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and puffiness. It also hydrates the under-eye area, making it look more refreshed and awake. Say goodbye to tired-looking eyes with this amazing product.
Makeup Empties
No beauty empties list would be complete without some makeup products, so let’s dive into the standout items that have been used up and loved.
Foundation: UVW Skin Perfecting Foundation
Finding the perfect foundation can be a real challenge, but the UVW Skin Perfecting Foundation has exceeded all expectations. Its lightweight, buildable formula provides flawless coverage without feeling heavy on the skin. It
Travel Sizes for Easy Carry
When it comes to skincare and makeup products, it can be overwhelming to try out new ones, especially if you’re unsure if you want to invest in the full-sized versions. That’s why I love the travel sizes. They are convenient to carry around and give you a taste of what the brand has to offer. Personally, I find it helpful to start with cleansers when trying out a new skincare brand. It’s like a gentle introduction to their products. One brand that I highly recommend is Tarawazo. Their cleansers are fantastic. They hold a special place in my heart because I used their gentle cleansing Duo in a video before Covid in 2019. You can still watch the video on sephora.com, which makes me proud to have come full circle on this channel.
Importance of Toner or Watery Essence
After cleansing, it’s time to kickstart your skincare routine. The first step is to apply a toner or a watery essence. This step is crucial for me because I have dry and sensitive skin. Skipping this step would be a mistake. My dermatologist explained it this way: when you’re thirsty, do you eat yogurt? No, you drink water first. The same concept applies here. One product that I love in this category is the Amor Pacific Vintage Single Extract Essence. It has been a holy grail product for me for quite some time, and I have emptied multiple bottles of it.
Next Level Moisture: Serums and Moisturizers
For intense hydration and nourishment, serums and moisturizers are the way to go. One serum that has impressed me is the Drunk Elephant B-Hydra Intensive Hydration Serum. It’s lightweight yet delivers a powerful punch of moisture. Another favorite of mine is the Sunday Riley CEO Vitamin C Rich Hydration Cream. It not only hydrates my skin but also brightens and evens out my complexion. These products have become staples in my skincare routine and have made a noticeable difference in the texture and appearance of my skin.
Enhancing Your Natural Beauty: Makeup Essentials
No beauty empties list is complete without mentioning makeup essentials. One standout product for me is the NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer. It provides excellent coverage while still looking natural. Its creamy formula blends seamlessly into the skin, camouflaging any imperfections. Another must-have is the Benefit Gimme Brow+ Volumizing Eyebrow Gel. It gives my brows a fuller and more defined look effortlessly. These makeup essentials have become my go-to products for achieving a flawless and natural-looking makeup look.
Don’t Forget the Extras
Aside from skincare and makeup, there are a few extra products that have become favorites in my beauty routine. One of them is the Ouai Wave Spray. It gives my hair the perfect beachy waves without weighing it down. Another essential is the Elizabeth and James Nirvana Black Perfume. Its intoxicating scent never fails to garner compliments. These extras add that finishing touch to my overall beauty routine and make me feel put together from head to toe.
Ginseng Essence Water: A Youthful Glow at a Steal
When it comes to skincare, finding a dupe for a beloved product is like hitting the jackpot. That’s why I’m excited to talk about the beauty of chosen ginseng Essence water. While the more expensive option boasts impressive formulation with only six ingredients and green tea, the beauty of chosen alternative is no less exceptional. Packed with 80% ginseng, known for its numerous health benefits, this essence water promises to keep your skin balanced, moisturized, and help improve texture. Plus, at just a fraction of the price, getting that perfect youthful glow has never been more affordable.
The Seven Skin Method: Skin Suppleness Made Easy
If you’re like me and constantly on the hunt for efficient skincare routines, the seven skin method might be worth a try. This method involves layering watery essences on your skin, and the beauty of chosen ginseng Essence water is perfect for it. With its lightweight texture and moisturizing properties, this essence water effortlessly keeps my skin supple throughout the day. After seven layers, all I need is a cream and sunscreen to complete my routine. Say goodbye to complicated skincare steps and hello to a hydrated and balanced complexion.
Lancome Genifique Serum: A Miracle in a Bottle
When it comes to serums, the Lancome Genifique Serum is a true game-changer. Countless skincare enthusiasts, myself included, swear by this product, and it’s no surprise why. I first tried it back in college when I was desperate to find a solution for my acne scars. The promise of visible results in just seven days caught my attention, and despite its steep price tag, I decided to give it a go. To my amazement, within a mere three days, my skin had a fresh, youthful glow. Fast forward to my 30s, and this serum is still a staple in my skincare routine. Its lightweight formula leaves my skin bouncy, dewy, and perfectly balanced. Just a single pump in the morning and evening is enough to achieve a hydrated, smooth complexion. It’s no wonder this serum has achieved cult favorite status.
Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Eye Care
In my Best of Beauty, 2022, the Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Eye Care was my favorite to use. The application process was truly enjoyable, thanks to the wand it comes with. Applying it around the eye area felt cool and pleasant. Not only did it provide a delightful experience, but I also noticed a significant improvement in my wrinkles and lines. I even took the liberty to use it on my smile lines and forehead, and it has become my number one choice for eye cream.
Tokoko Watery Serum Sunscreen
When it comes to sun protection, I like to be generous. I typically apply two layers of sun cream before applying foundation. For the first step, I prefer a watery serum-like sunscreen, and that’s exactly what the Tokoko Watery Serum Sunscreen delivers. This lightweight sunscreen absorbs quickly into the skin, giving it a bouncy and refreshing feeling. It doesn’t leave any white cast and is perfect for reapplying throughout the day. Plus, it’s an affordable option with a high SPF of 50.
Baji Du Mate Skincare Sunscreen
Another great lightweight sunscreen comes from Baji Du Mate, the skincare line of a popular Korean fashion brand. I was particularly excited to try out their products because of their sleek packaging and good formulas. The sun care product was the first one I finished from their line, as it stood out for its exceptional quality. It also serves as an excellent first step for sunscreen in my personal routine.
Malixer Vegan Airfit Sunscreen
Lastly, I thoroughly enjoyed using the Malixer Vegan Airfit Sunscreen. Its light and easy formula made it a pleasure to apply. The sunscreen feels weightless on the skin and blends seamlessly. This product is another fantastic choice for those who prefer a lightweight sunscreen option.
And that concludes my mid-year beauty empties for 2023. These skincare and makeup products have proven to be exceptional in terms of performance and quality. Whether you’re in need of eye care or sun protection, these products are definitely worth considering.
Elixir Sunscreen
I really like the Elixir sunscreen because it fits perfectly into my skin. It feels very lightweight, almost like air. The sunscreen has a 50 SPF, which provides great protection from the sun. I appreciate that Elixir formulates their products with plant-based ingredients, making it a safe option for my skin. Additionally, the pump packaging is convenient as it allows me to measure how much product I need. One pump is usually sufficient for my face and neck area. Although they recently changed the packaging, the sunscreen itself is still great.
Elta MD Sunscreen
The Elta MD sunscreen was featured in my Best of Beauty list for 2022. I enjoyed using this sunscreen as the second step in my routine because it is slightly tinted. This tint helps to balance out any redness on my skin. The sunscreen is hypoallergenic and formulated with niacinamide, which is beneficial for sensitive and acne-prone skin. I noticed that it also helped improve my blemishes and overall skin condition.
Other Sunscreens
While I have a few more sunscreens that I finished using, I don’t think it would be interesting to provide a detailed review for each one. As long as a sunscreen is lightweight, mixes well with my foundation, leaves no white cast, and doesn’t cause breakouts, I consider it satisfactory. All of the sunscreens I used met these criteria and delivered the desired results.
Mid-Year Beauty Empties 2023: Best of Skincare, Makeup, & Etc.
Hair Care – A Vital Part of Skincare
I try to make up for the damage by using good products for my hair because Hair Care is just as important as skincare. Every month my scalp gets dry and red immediately after bleaching, and actually, when I went in for my skincare treatment, my esthetician pointed out how my scalp is looking very red and it’s important to keep your scalp healthy for your healthy hair growth.
Investing in Scalp Serums
So if you think about it, your scalp is part of your skin, it’s part of your face. So I have been investing in scalp serums and this one is from whey its formulated to soothe and balance the scalp while supporting thicker and fuller hair, and I really enjoyed using this because it felt nice and cool on my scalp and there’s. This nice fresh minty scent to it.
Cons of the Scalp Serum
However, there are some cons. This is a 52 bottle and I just went through it so quickly, and this pump is actually not the best at transferring the product because I would have to pump it a few times or tilt it.
Continuing the Search for a Good Scalp Serum
I actually started to just pour it onto my hands Towards the end because it was just impossible, so I am still on the search for a good scalp serum. So I will let you know when I find one here.
Gizu (or Jizu) Lip Oil – A Popular Brand
I have another hair product and you might be familiar with this brand Gizu or Jizu because I saw that their lip oil was having a moment on Tick Tock.
MID-YEAR BEAUTY EMPTIES 2023: Best of Skincare
I have yet to try that lip oil, but hopefully one day, I will see it on the Shelf. But yeah, this product. It smells so good. It left my hair feeling nice and silky, and I also really liked how it quickly absorbed without making it look greasy.
Pros and Cons of the Product
However, it also has some cons – I don’t know, maybe it’s because of this small package, because this is at the checkout section at Sephora. This pump was so bad at also transferring the product, and even though I thought I did a good job at closing the product as well. This was always the product that leaked in my makeup bags whenever I traveled, so I always had to keep this in a clear, zip bag. So I don’t know. Maybe it will be different if I buy the regular big size bottle, but the product is great.
The Pleasure of Using Labo Fragrance Products
The labo is my go-to fragrance and there’s something so complete about using their products in the shower. For my fragrance routine, I really like how their products smell and they’re all plant-based. They are formulated with plant-based ingredients and for their hair products. I don’t use them all the time; they’re in my shallot rotation because I do like to use more professional hair care products because I do have bleached hair. But every time I use the labo, shampoo, conditioner or body wash, it just feels good in the shower.
Skincare Empties: Zitsika Zip Sticker Silk Shake Probiotic Cleanser
The Zitsika Zip Sticker Silk Shake probiotic cleanser is a game-changer for those struggling with body acne. Packed with probiotics, omegas, and tea tree, this cleanser not only helps prevent breakouts but also soothes the skin. The cooling sensation it provides is truly refreshing, and the fresh tea tree scent adds to the overall experience.
I personally found the twisty cap of this cleanser to be very convenient, especially when using it in the shower. Additionally, the generous size of the bottle ensures that it lasts a long time, making it a worthy investment. Although I don’t personally struggle with body acne, I can confidently say that Zitsika creates effective acne-fighting products.
Makeup Empties: Whey Hand Wash
Prior to trying the Whey Hand Wash, I used to believe that expensive hand washes were a waste of money since they are washed off anyway. However, this particular hand wash proved me wrong. Not only does it have a healing and therapeutic effect on my hands, but the floral scent also adds a touch of luxury to my handwashing routine.
What sets this hand wash apart is the use of biodegradable jojoba oils, which provide gentle exfoliation for the hands. This exfoliating action leaves my hands feeling incredibly smooth and rejuvenated. Another bonus is that it doesn’t leave my hands feeling dry immediately after washing, which is a common issue with many hand washes in the market.
Haircare Empties: Fresh Hair Feel with No Dryness
When it comes to washing our hair, we often look for products that not only cleanse but also leave our hair feeling soft and nourished. The Whey Hand Wash accomplishes just that. Despite being a hand wash, it surprisingly doesn’t strip the hair of its natural oils, preventing it from feeling dry and brittle.
This unique feature makes the Whey Hand Wash a versatile product that can be used for both hand and hair care. So, if you’re looking for a multi-purpose cleanser that leaves your hair feeling fresh and your hands pampered, this hand wash is worth considering.
As we reach the midpoint of the year, it’s always intriguing to reflect on the beauty products that have stood out and become personal favorites. The Zitsika Zip Sticker Silk Shake probiotic cleanser and Whey Hand Wash have undeniably left a lasting impression in the skincare, makeup, and haircare categories.
These products not only deliver on their promises but also provide unique qualities that elevate the overall experience. Whether you’re dealing with body acne, seeking a luxurious handwashing routine, or looking for a gentle cleanser for both hands and hair, these beauty empties have proven to be worthy investments in the pursuit of self-care and beauty.
Skincare
I received the hand lotion version of this as well, and I actually still have a bunch of that left because I didn’t feel the need to use hand lotion after washing my hands after this product. I think it’s pretty worth it. I do plan on buying this again in the future and another good housewarming gift.
Makeup
I saw that this Westman Atelier Foundation stick was having a moment on social media, so I bought it and I have been using it during the summer. However, this one right here, The Hourglass Spanish Foundation stick is still something that I prefer over the Westman Atelier because it feels more lightweight on the skin. Both are great high-quality products that blend well, but something about The Hourglass one. The way this one is formulated, I just prefer it more. I definitely went through a couple of these.
Skincare
This was a holy grail of mine. I really like the coverage. It feels nice and lightweight on the skin, no matter what season, and there are more shades available than the Westman Atelier and it’s $20 cheaper. So if I were to choose between the two to purchase again, it would definitely be The Hourglass. I’m not hating on this one. I just think that this one is just better for me.
Makeup
It usually takes me a long time to finish lip products, but this Dior lip maximizer was too easy. The color I used was 12 and it’s like this nice, muted pink my lips, but better pink, almost that looked good on its own or over another lip product, and I really like this nice glowy shimmer and it plumped my lips as well.
MID-YEAR BEAUTY EMPTIES 2023: Best of Skincare, Makeup, & Etc.
Laundress Wool and Cashmere Shampoo
One of the random products that has helped me save so much money is the Laundress Wool and Cashmere Shampoo. This product is not just for your clothes, but also for delicate or complicated fabrics such as woolen cashmere. In the past, I used to take them to dry cleaners, but this shampoo has changed the game for me.
Formulated with bio-based ingredients, you can safely hand wash or machine wash your clothes up to 32 times with this shampoo. It’s gentle and won’t damage your precious fabrics. Moreover, it has a pleasant woody sandalwood fresh scent that adds a touch of luxury to your laundry routine.
If you want to save some money and avoid frequent trips to the cleaners, I highly recommend giving this product a try.
Skincare Product
Another product that I finished using in 2023 is a skincare product. Unfortunately, the specific name of the product is not mentioned in the content provided, but I can tell you that it had a nice minty cool feeling every time I used it. I was surprised by how quickly I went through it, considering it took me a year to finish.
The fact that I loved it so much that I ended up buying another one speaks volumes about its effectiveness. While I cannot provide specific details about the brand or the type of skincare product it is, I can confidently say that it was worth every penny.
Mid-year beauty empties are an opportunity to reflect on the products that have
These sunscreens were great additions to my skincare routine. They provided the necessary sun protection and had additional benefits for my skin. I highly recommend trying out the Elixir and Elta MD sunscreens if you’re in need of a reliable and effective sunscreen.
These are just a couple of the products that I have finished using in 2023. Stay tuned for another update at the end of the year, where I will share more beauty empties. I hope you found this article helpful and if you’re interested in any of the mentioned products, you can find the links in the description box below. Until next time!