This May 2020 empties review is significantly shorter this time around, because I set aside many products that I am working on panning to test out a line of skincare items for a future blog post. Not to worry, I will be back at it with the ‘panning’ in June! For May, it is all about skincare and haircare empties. I have a total of 15 empties to review. Time to get started.
Skincare
I am starting off my May 2020 empties review with skincare products.
- Dr. Andrew Weil for Origins Mega Mushroom Relief & Resilience Soothing Treatment Lotion: This is my second bottle, but my thoughts are the same. For my entire life I have dealt with redness on and around my nose, as well as some on my chin, and from breakouts. I find that this treatment lotion does calm the skin and reduce some of my redness, but it does not eliminate all redness. I have to wonder if you have mild redness then you may like this product more than me. The water-like texture is hard to work with when you pour it right into your hands like I do. I tend to have product running everywhere. I will not repurchase.
- wet n wild Pacman Bonus Fruit Lip Scrub: This lip scrub is limited edition so it cannot be repurchased, but the formula is the same as the other lip scrubs in wet n wild’s permanent line. I have reviewed these over and over again, so you know that these effectively exfoliate the lips. This was my last wet n wild lip scrub to use up, so now I am back to my favorite one by elf.
- Belif Moisturizing Eye Bomb: I have never used a Belif product that does not work! This eye cream is best described as an under eye moisturizer, and it is effective. If you suffer from dry under eyes, I do recommend this product. I do not see any anti-aging benefits. As for now, I have no plans to repurchase.
- Sassy + Chic Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes: This Dollar Tree find catches my eye because it makes a bold claim on the front of the package, that you can compare these to Neutrogena’s Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes. At the time of purchase I did have Neurogena’s version on hand, so I am doing a comparison. First of all, the ingredients are completely different. I find Neutrogena’s to be wetter and overall more effective at removing makeup without pushing it around. But, for Dollar Tree, these Sassy + Chic wipes are probably the best I have tried. I will not repurchase.
- Spasations Manuka Honey & Tea Tree Oil Deep Cleansing Sheet Masks: I do not see any results from these masks. They do feel slightly tingly, which suggests that they do something. They fit the face well and are really easy to adjust. My face feels cool and refreshed after using these masks. I have no plans to repurchase.
- Tatcha The Dewy Skin Cream: This is a one-time use sample and I used it under my makeup as a moisturizer. This stuff makes your skin glowy on contact, but you do not see any glitter or shimmer. I need to try a bigger sample before I would commit to the full-size.
- Clean & Clear Blackhead Eraser Scrubby Gel Strips (2): These strips are great for those who hate the discomfort of peeling off traditional pore strips from your nose. You are to apply these to slightly damp skin, but make sure your fingers are dry because they will make the strip start break down. The strip is really thin, and I cannot say that it feels like paper, but something hard to describe. I scrub the strips off in the shower and they dissolve immediately with no residue left behind, and the job is literally effortless. But, I cannot prove they are doing anything for my nose, I just have to hope my pores are being cleaned out. I have another box to empty, but with no specific plans to repurchase.
- Freeman Purifying Grapefruit 2-pack Sheet Masks: These masks are a Dollar Tree find. I do not see any results. But, they do fit on the face very well, with a bit of extra down at the chin that is easily adjusted. I have no plans to repurchase.
Related Post: April 2020 Empties
Makeup
I have one makeup item in my May 2020 empties review.
- Urban Decay All Nighter Honey: This is the All Nighter setting spray that you know and love, just in a limited edition honey scent. By now you should know that this spray is another holy grail favorite of mine because it does set your makeup beautifully and makes it last longer. I do not mind the honey scent at all because it is not overbearing and goes away once dry. I am fully stocked on All Nighter at all times!
Haircare
I am ending my May 2020 empties with some haircare trash.
- Ouai Wave Spray: This spray appears in my holy grail beauty post because it is that good. The point of this spray is to provide natural, beachy waves, similar to a sea salt spray or by scrunching with mousse. Wave Spray provides awesome beachy waves without making my hair a dry, sticky, tangled mess. It is the only beach spray that I have used does not wreak havoc with my locks. To make it work it’s best I first dampen my hair with a water spray bottle, then I generously spray my hair with Wave Spray, and liberally spray on more water. Wave Spray seems to work better with plenty of water, but your hair does not need to be fresh from the shower wet. I scrunch my hair with my hands and then let it air dry and I do not mess with it at all.
- Amika Bushwick Beach No-Salt Wave Spray: That is right, I am putting Amika’s version of wave spray right up against Ouai’s! Believe it or not, they are pretty much dupes! They vary in price by $1, but the fluid ounces are the same. The main difference is that Ouai’s is heavily perfumed. So, if that bothers you, then stick with Amika’s. I plan on sticking with Ouai’s because that is my first love. Rather than write a review for this, just refer to the above on Ouai. I really want to find a non-high-end dupe for these sprays.
- Garnier Fructis Texture Tease Dry Touch Finishing Spray: I am constantly on the lookout for a drugstore dupe for my favorite texture spray by Drybar. This one is definitely not a dupe. I find that it makes my curls and waves tangly and can make my hair feel dry. Drybar’s version does a better job of keeping curls and waves more intact in-between washes. I will not repurchase.
- Yes to Grapefruit Vitamin C Brightening Instant No-Rinse Shampoo Cap: Please run far away from these shampoo caps! I tested this product on dirty hair. It is basically a plastic shower cap that you put all of your hair inside, then you give it a good massage and let it sit for five minutes. This stuff makes your hair wet, so it is not a product to use if you are in a hurry. It is not a fresh out of the shower wet, but more like an air drying wet. Once my hair finally dried, it looked exactly the same as it had before I used the cap- a greasy mess. These do not work at all.
- Hask Monoi Coconut Oil Nourishing Deep Conditioner: Time and time again I review these deep conditioning packets, and they definitely work. I cannot say I get any specific results from any of them, but they always leave my hair feeling deeply conditioned. I whipped this one out because my hair has been feeling dry lately, which is unheard of for me! Of course, it makes my hair very soft. I have no specific plans to repurchase, but I am sure I will get more Hask in a gift set down the road.
Related Post: Holy Grail Products
Conclusion
In summary of my May 2020 empties review, most of these products are pretty average, but my favorite wave spray is included. At least I do have some products that I can recommend to you for your specific concerns, and now you know to stay far, far away from those shampoo caps! I anticipate that June will be more fruitful for empties as I switch back to many products that I am trying to use up. There is no better feeling than getting your money’s worth! Until next time, continue to let your true beauty shine.
How successful were you in using up products in May?