Get ready for an impressive November 2020 empties review! I have a total of 32 items, which is outstanding, as I like to have as many empties as there are days in the month if I can. There is plenty of skincare here, especially masks, as I have been promising all year. The end of the year is coming fast, and Christmas will slam me with brand new items to use up, so I need to work as hard as I can. Like I always do, I have full reviews of each product, and I will let you know if I will buy again.
Skincare
I am starting this November 2020 empties review with a load of skincare products.
- Sunday Riley C.E.O. Vitamin C and Turmeric Face Oil: This is my second sample, and my opinion has changed. I do want to add vitamin c to my routine, and I would totally repurchase this oil for that reason. This oil definitely makes the skin glow in a natural way, and you can smell the turmeric.
- Noxzema Classic Clean Original: I already know that Noxzema is my favorite face cleanser, and I am only buying this mini bottle because I love it so much. Besides being a basic face wash, this product does a great job of deep cleaning to target oil and pores, which benefits my acne. It also removes makeup well. I will always repurchase.
- elf Hydrating Booster Drops: You can add these drops into moisturizer, foundation, or whatever you want, or just apply them directly to your face. I have tried them all different ways, and they do not harm your makeup. These drops basically work like moisturizer, but they do not control my oil. I think they do ok, but I have no reason to buy again.
- Olay Micro Sculpting Super Essence Water: I cannot prove that this essence water does help with the absorption of moisturizer, but it does leave the skin feeling smoothed out and prepped. I get a gentle glow immediately following the use of this essence water, and I find that it does hydrate the skin without any residue. Ultimately, I treat this as a toner water, and I do apply it directly with my hands. For the most part, it works, and I think it is a suitable toner water. This product can be layered under my makeup and it does not harm anything. If I want a toner in my permanent routine after I use all of them up, I will consider repurchasing this.
- Olay Daily Facials Shea Butter: I am no stranger to these cloths. After using a sample cloth as a makeup remover, I know these burn the crap out of my eyes, and I did vow to never buy them again, but here we are. I prefer to use these to generally clean the skin, after my makeup has been removed. The claims are definitely far fetched, as there is no way that these wipes can truly give you the benefits of a mask or toner. It does bother me that these are recommended for makeup removal. I would have to use them on the face only, and then use a separate remover on my eyes. There should be no reason to use multiple products. This is my final tub, and I will not be repurchasing.
- Olay Serums Pressed Serum Sticks Cooling: This serum stick glides right over the skin without tugging, and they absorb into the skin quickly as you press the product into the skin. I can layer it under my makeup and it does not harm anything. However, I do not see any benefits from the Cooling stick, nor is it ‘cooling’ anything to cause me to repurchase.
- wet n wild Pump Partner Up Toner Stick in Tone Zone: There is so little product in this stick that I used it up entirely in 8 days by using it in the morning and at night! I do not see any effects or benefits from it. I still use toner with it, I more so just incorporate it into my routine because I used up all my Olay pressed serums. No, I will not buy again.
- wet n wild Pump Partner Up Blemish Stick in Don’t Spot Me: This is another stick that I used up quickly as a substitute to a pressed serum stick. It claims to smooth sensitive skin, but I see no effects from it. There is nor reason to repurchase.
- Bio Miracle Charcoal Bubble Face Mask: These bubble masks are cut so strangely that there is no way they are made for a human face! The eye holes are huge, the slits are oddly placed, and they are too wide. I think of elf’s version of this mask when I use this one, and elf’s is better because it bubbles up a lot more. I cannot prove that this mask is detoxifying my face at all, and I will not repurchase.
- Bio Miracle Hyaluronic Acid Bubble Face Mask: My review for this mask is the same as the above, but I do think the skin feels hydrated and shows a healthy glow from the hyaluronic acid. Ultimately, I have no reason to repurchase.
- Burt’s Bees Detoxifying Charcoal Sheet Mask: This sheet mask fits on the face fairly well, but I cannot prove that it is detoxifying the skin. I will not repurchase.
- Global Beauty Care Rose Spa Treatment Mask: I have no idea how one mask can anti-age your skin and tighten, so naturally I am not seeing any effects from the mask. While it does fit on the skin decently, I will not buy again.
- April Bath & Shower Cucumber Exfoliating Scrub and Pink Grapefruit Clay Mask: This is another two-step product. The cucumber scrub has fine exfoliants that are not abrasive at all, and the cucumber scent is light. As for the pink grapefruit clay mask, hey, it is a clay mask. Overall, I am not sure how much this set is doing for my skin, so I have no reason to buy again. At least it did not break me out.
- Freeman Beauty Infusion Cleansing Clay Mask: This charcoal clay mask seems like one I have tried before, but I do not have any others on hand to compare ingredients. I believe they rename/repackage the same masks. I am not sure what it is doing for my skin, but generally speaking I find this type of mask to be good for acne. As for now, I will not repurchase.
- Freeman Hawaiian Black Salt 2 Step Peel + Mask: The peel pad has a pocket that you insert your fingers into so that you can easily control the pad while you wipe your face. I cannot prove that my skin has been detoxified. But, this set gives you a spa-like experience that I enjoy. I have no plans to buy again.
- Freeman Micro Darts Pro Forehead: My forehead is luckily not an area of concern for me, so I do not see anything happening. Why did I buy these? Because they were on clearance, but it gives me a chance to test the waters. I know the word “darts” sounds scary, but I want to stress that these are NOT painful! You can see the spikes on the sticker, and they feel like something prickly on the skin if you push down on them. Over the course of 2 hours the darks absorb fully into the skin, and I like that idea as the treatment is getting right to the source. The sticker stays put the entire time. While I will not repurchase the Forehead set, I really want to try the ones made for smile lines and under eye lines!
- Freeman Hydrating Aloe 2-pack sheet masks: These masks are coming to the rescue at a rare moment where I have a few spots of dry skin! I do find that they successfully hydrate the skin and leave it feeling supple. The masks fit the face pretty good too, with plenty of slits. I do recommend this pack, but I will not repurchase for now.
- Yes to Coconut 2-Step Lip Kit: I am used to lip masks being hydrogel, so they usually will not stay on the face unless you lie down. This one is made of paper so it does stay on the face! It even has a slit so that you can move your lips. You can definitely do careful talking and drinking through a straw while wearing the lip mask, and it does moisturize the lips. As for the lip scrub, they provide a generous packet that has taken me all month to use up. You definitely have to use a wet paper towel, a rag, or something to wash the messy scrub off of your face and fingers. I will not buy again.
- Charcoal and Black Sugar Dual-Action Face Mask: This brand-less mask (most likely from Dollar General) looks, applies, and smells like the same one from Freeman. Heck, even the name and description sounds like the Freeman version. My complaint is that the sugar gel is hard to spread over the face, so you do not get an even mask. It is best used as a scrub. Really, I prefer clay to sugar. I have no plans to repurchase.
- Soap & Glory The Fab Pore Pore Refining Mask: This paper mask fits on the face pretty good. It mentions that it may provide “slight tingling.” Well, with ingredients including lemon, tea tree, mint, and eucalyptus, the first five minutes of this mask is a burning hell until it suddenly stops. I really wanted to rip it off, but I endured for science. Luckily, my face was not red at all. You can smell the mint. Sadly, nothing has changed about my pores, so I will not buy again.
- Soap & Glory Speed Pump Miracle Moisture Mask: This is a hydrogel mask that comes in two pieces. The first piece covers the forehead and nose, down to the tops of the cheeks. So, the second piece does the rest of the face. This mask fits amazingly well and stays on! Best of all, it provides serious hydration. I would love to hear from someone who suffers with dry skin who has tried this. I do want to repurchase.
Related Post: How to Use Olay Products Step by Step
Makeup
I have five makeup items in my November 2020 empties review.
- Benefit Gimme Brow+: This is a brow gel that not only sets the brows in place all day, but also uses microfibers to add volume. The tiny spoolie is easy to work with. While I have no plans to repurchase, this product does work.
- wet n wild ultimatebrow Micro Brow Pencil: I believe everyone needs a micro brow pencil in their collection, and this one is perfectly good. It does successfully fill the brows with natural, hair-like strokes. The formula is easy to work with, and I always use the attached spoolie. I will definitely repurchase!
- Maybelline The Falsies Lash Lift Mascara: Putting a mascara in an empties post always feels like such a cheat. Who actually fully uses up a mascara? This one has been open far too long and the formula is starting to change, so it is time to go. You should already know from other blog posts that I love this mascara and I will buy it again. It definitely provides length and volume for gorgeous lashes, which is exactly what I look for in a mascara.
- Maybelline Dream Urban Cover Foundation: This is a product that I am relieved to have finally used up! I really wanted to like this foundation, but alas, I cannot. It looks really good when it is first applied to the skin. As it warms up to the skin over the first few hours of wear, it looks even better. The issue is, it just does not hold up well by the end of the day. I get a significant amount of wear/tear and fading with this foundation in a way that is worse than any other foundation that I own. This product wears away on my chin in the oddest way that I can only describe as looking like little bumps. I have been able to control that issue by experimenting with powders and primers, but I cannot make this foundation work for me. A positive here is the formula is incredibly lightweight for a foundation, making it feel more like a BB or CC cream. I can build it up to a medium to almost full coverage. Natural Ivory is always a great shade match for me. The finish is natural, not too dewy or too matte. I will not buy this again.
- Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner in Intense Black: Liquid eyeliners also feel like a cheat in an empties post, as they more so dry out before they run out. I am having a difficult time using mine, the tip is worn out, and the pigment is going sheer. So, it is time to say goodbye. This is a perfectly good felt tip eyeliner that I can recommend to anyone. It lasts all day with a matte black line that is easy to control. Really, it works as good as any other felt tip liner, so I have no reason to repurchase.
Body
I also have three body items in my November 2020 empties review.
- Brush Buddies Herbal Charcoal Toothpaste: I do not usually put my toothpaste in an empties review, unless it came in a beauty box. However, I figure you might see this product in Dollar Tree and are curious about it. I am used to charcoal toothpastes being solid black, but this more like a translucent black gel. Since I continue to drink stuff that stains my teeth, I do not see any results that warrant a repurchase.
- Secret Freshies Deodorant in Lavender: This is classic stick deodorant in a travel-friendly ball format, so it does leave white marks. I still have a hard time fully using this product up, as I continue to scrape it out onto a sheet of plastic wrap. I believe it works as a deodorant should, and I will continue to use up the others that I have.
- Curel Dry Skin Therapy Hydra Silk Moisturizer: This body lotion absorbs immediately without greasy residue as it provides 24 hour moisturization. This formula is a plain white cream that contains no dyes or fragrance. It absolutely works, but I have no plans to repurchase.
Related Post: October 2020 Empties Review
Haircare
I have one haircare item in my November 2020 empties review.
- Herbal Essences Bio Renew Refresh Blue Ginger Foam Conditioner: This is one of four Herbal Essences foam conditioners that I picked up from Dollar Tree to see if they would change my mind on foam conditioners in general. I find this product to be so-so, and not really changing my stance. The foam absorbs quickly into the hair, so it does not feel like any conditioner has been applied. My hair stands to be a lot softer and less frizzy with this product, hence my hair does not feel all that conditioned. The blue ginger scent is not overbearing, but it does linger. For now, I will continue to work through the other three scents, but I will not repurchase, and it has been discontinued.
Fragrance
I have two fragrance items in my November 2020 empties review.
- Body Fantasies Fresh White Musk: This is a classic scent that has been in my collection for years. While I do have another bottle, once I use it up I really do not have a reason to buy again. It is a musk that women can wear. Here are the notes:
- Top Notes: Lily Of The Valley, Lilac, Rose, Freesia, Mandarin
- Middle Notes: Jasmine, Ylang-Ylang, Hyacinth, Clove
- Base Notes: Moss, Musk, Vanilla, Patchouli
- Body Fantasies Pink Vanilla Kiss Fantasy: This body spray is composed of delectable juicy peach and berries, with soft florals to round out the middle. It is feminine and fruity, as it is suitable for causal, everyday wear. While it is perfectly fine, I am going to keep emptying body sprays and I will not repurchase.
Conclusion
To conclude my November 2020 empties review, this is a pretty good month for empties. All of the makeup items are perfectly good recommendations. My favorite face wash is here, and I discovered a new favorite mask. I hope to get my hands on more Freeman Micro Darts soon. Get ready, as the sheet mask parade is coming in December! I feel incredible pressure to use up what I can before my stashes get refilled. Until next time, continue to let your true beauty shine.
What products are you working hard to empty right now?