We are halfway through the year and we are seeing the purge of large items! This June 2021 empties review features so many full-size products. Sometimes life just goes that way, and it is highly rewarding. This means that I can start all sorts of new items for July and beyond. Just call this full-size-a-palooza! Believe it or not, but, I can finally go back to my normal shampoo and conditioner after years of trying to empty my stash! I have 30 empties to review for you with complete details. Let me say that again – 30 empties! That is one empty for every day of the month of June! My unspoken goal is to always do that, but alas, it almost never happens, hence why the goal is not official.
Skincare
This June 2021 empties review starts with 12 skincare items.
- Spascriptions Anti-Aging Gel Face Mask: Honestly, I never see these Spascriptions masks doing anything. I do not see any changes with anti-aging in terms of lines, or my skin in general. There is no reason to repurchase.
- C&C by Clean & Clear So Wiped Tropical Face Wipes: These have the right amount of thickness, but they are too dry. I do add micellar water to them, but I should also note that I have had these wipes for a while before opening them. They do not irritate my eyes and are just as effective as any other basic makeup wipe (once I wet them). The tropical scent is take it or leave it, but definitely not necessary. I will not buy again. My goal is to get through all my makeup wipes and then go back to reusable cloths.
- Nivea Micellair Micellar Water: This micellar water is just as good as any other. It does effectively cleanse the skin and remove makeup without irritating my eyes. My all-time-favorite micellar water actually hydrates the skin like a moisturizer, which I still cannot dupe. That is the only reason why I would not repurchase this, but it is perfectly good.
- Josie Maran Pineapple Enzyme Pore Clearing Cleanser: This is an oil-based cleanser that gently foams up. It does effectively cleanse the skin and remove makeup. I believe it is a fine choice for anyone looking for an oil, or perhaps to adopt a double-cleanse routine. For now, I will not repurchase.
- Freeman Cosmic Hydrating Amethyst Holographic Peel-off Mask: My second favorite Cosmic mask is the Hydrating Amethyst mask because my skin does feel cool and supple to the touch after removing it, the same way your skin would feel after applying a serum. It has a metallic purple shift and is not painful to remove. I have no plans to repurchase.
- Cetaphil Extra Gentle Daily Scrub: The exfoliants are incredibly tiny in this scrub, so it barely feels like it is doing anything. I also find that it somewhat burns in the areas that my chemical exfoliant irritates, more so than other products. I am not a fan of the scent which is a cross between powder fresh and clean linen. Cetaphil is a brand that I want to get into, but this is not the product for me. I will not repurchase.
- Bliss Rose Gold Rescue Gentle Foaming Cleanser: As I say for every face wash review, this product effectively cleanses the skin and removes makeup. There is nothing special about it to make me repurchase.
- Sunday Riley CEO 100% Vitamin C Brightening Serum: I have sampled this serum before and I do believe it effectively uses the power of vitamin C to brighten the complexion. The serum easily absorbs into the skin. I am always on the fence about repurchasing it, but if it comes in a set I never mind.
- Freeman Hydrating Glacier Water + Pink Peony Gel Cream Mask: I have reviewed this mask many times, and I prefer to use it as a normal mask instead of overnight. As far as I can tell, it does hydrate the skin. It is nothing special to go out and repurchase, but it always comes in sets, and I think I may have more on hand.
- elf 50mg CBD Moisturizer: I am doing a dedicated post about this line. For now, I will say this is a white cream moisturizer, so it does not control oil production. However, it does effectively moisturize the skin all day. It plays nice with or without makeup. One other point I will make here is any other moisturizer that elf carries, especially the tube variety, will last you longer. I apply two pumps in the morning and night (just like I do with all pump moisturizers) and this one only lasted me about two months. Keep that in mind when you compare price points- you do not get as much product for the higher price, yet it works like all of their other moisturizers.
- wet n wild Star Lux Lip Scrub in Planet Sugar Cookie: You already know that I prefer stick scrubs to potted, but in this case, wet n wild’s potted scrubs work better. The issue here is that the product needs a higher ratio of exfoliant versus the waxy filler. You often hit spots that is all wax and no exfoliant. It is not consistent enough to get a proper scrub. I still have one more to use up.
- Simple Cleansing Facial Wipes: I have tried Simple wipes before and they are pretty good. The amount of wetness is not bad. I still add micellar water because I have had my pack around for a hot minute. They have a quilted texture that provides a mild exfoliation to help remove makeup. I still see some makeup getting pushed around, but I make it work. I have no plans to repurchase because I want to move away from wipes.
Haircare
Second, there are six haircare pieces of trash in this June 2021 empties review.
- Assured Dandruff Shampoo: I have had this shampoo around for years, only using it when my scalp is bothering me. The time has come to simply use it up and get it out of the shower. Using it all the time makes me realize that it does not effectively remove all dandruff, but it might help with some itchy scalp issues. It is a Dollar Tree product, so you get what you get. While I may not repurchase this exact shampoo in the future, I am more likely to go for a name brand.
- Suave Professionals Smoothing Hair Set: The shampoo is a clear gel formulation, while the conditioner and anti-frizz cream is what you expect. You know that distinct smell when haircare products smell like a salon? These have that smell with the usual fruity/floral thing going on, and I like it. Now, I do have naturally frizzy hair and it has been that way my entire life. Only oil 100% tames the frizz. These products make my hair feel great and I even have some curls and waves! But, the frizz is still here and I need to use oil on the ends. I am still on the fence about a repurchase. I have already repurchased the frizz cream, and I will consider the shampoo and conditioner.
- Garnier Fructis Style Pure Clean Dry Shampoo: This dry shampoo will leave white residue in the hair if you are not careful about the amount being applied or the distance the can is held from the head. It can stand to leave the hair looking cleaner than it does. I will not repurchase.
- Rave All Smooth Anti-Frizz Hair Mask: This deep conditioner treatment actually tames my naturally frizzy hair! I did not need to use other products in my hair, not even hair oil, which is incredibly rare and amazing. This is a Dollar Tree find and I will definitely buy again if I can find it.
- Rave Deep Repair Hair Repair Mask: I used this deep conditioning treatment for my second hair washing after bleaching highlights. As you can imagine, my hair needed some love, TLC, and repair. This did make my hair feel like it is more back to normal. These Rave deep conditioners seem like such a random Dollar Tree find, but they are really good and you should snatch them up while you can!
- Pantene Mist Behaving Dry Conditioner Mist: After Dove got me started on dry conditioners, I had to give this one a try! It does successfully soften the hair and tame some frizz while not overdoing it or weighing the hair down. Somehow this small can lasts a long time and way outlives a can of dry shampoo. For now, I do not feel that dry conditioner is an absolute need for me.
Bodycare
Third in this June 2021 empties review is five bodycare empties.
- Active Bright Activated Coconut Charcoal Power: Since I featured this Christmas gift, I have to come back and do an empties review. This stuff is incredibly messy, so keep that in mind with your sink. When you spit the black goes everywhere, I am talking spots all over the sink, and even my hands and arms. The black stays in my gums so I got into the habit of brushing my teeth with a clean brush, which will not eliminate all the black. Only time makes it go away, same for your tongue. At first I could not get over the strong flavor but it either went away or I got used to it. I drink coffee and tea a lot so I never see results with teeth whitening products. I would not repurchase this particular one as it its too much of a hassle.
- elf 50mg CBD Body Cream: I am doing a dedicated post for this line, so I want to be brief. The lightweight formula absorbs right into the skin and it does effectively moisturize. It smells like plants. While a little bit goes a long way, it still does not last long enough for $18 per tub. That is the only thing preventing me from repurchasing.
- The Body Shop Satsuma Shower Gel: As said in a previous post, I do enjoy the citrus scent of satsuma. This is a perfectly good body wash. While I would not mind being gifted with it again, I have no particular reason to buy again.
- Freeman Cheeky Butt Smoothing + Toning Sheet Mask (2): Yes that is right, I put masks on my butt for science! These are a big inconvenience because you cannot sit on them, so you basically have to lay on your stomach for 10-20 minutes. I do not think they will stay on the best standing. Let’s be real here- I am not convinced anything is happening as a result of these masks. We really cannot see our behinds to know otherwise. There is no reason to repurchase.
Makeup
Next, there are five makeup empties in my June 2021 empties review.
- wet n wild Fantasy Makers 3-in-1 Rose Primer Water in Pre-Party: Do not be fooled, this is exactly the same as the 3-in-1 Rose Primer Water. I already have it, so no reason to keep a duplicate around. This is a great everyday setting spray to set everything in place and melt your makeup together. While it does not extend the wear time of makeup, it will leave you with whatever finish your makeup already has. I always keep around the non-Fantasy Makers version as a standard spray.
- wet n wild Fantasy Makers 3-in-1 Face Mist in Mist Me: The review for this setting mist is the same as that above. I will mention the metallic/glittery properties really do not illuminate the skin or leave glitters behind.
- Urban Decay Naked Skin the Illuminizer Translucent Pressed Beauty Powder: This setting powder fully sets your makeup while being lightweight on the skin. It leaves behind a very fine glitter, which is how it brings a slight luminosity to the skin. It does not necessarily add to wear time, but it does not harm your foundation either. This product is discontinued but it really is not bad.
- Make Up For Ever Step 1 Skin Equalizer Mattifying Primer: This is one of those samples that I am SO happy to be done with because I hate this product with a passion. I really wanted to throw it away, but I forced myself to use it up for empties. The formula is really thick, so if you try spreading it across the skin, it refuses to spread, thus you will apply a ton of it. I find the best method is to pat it into the skin. However, no matter if you spread or pat it pills HORRIBLY! It makes an absolute mess and changing your skincare makes no difference. Foundation applies patchy and clingy over top, especially on the forehead, nose, and near the eyes. If you pair this with a not so good foundation you will be in serious trouble. Yes, the finish is matte, but it causes your makeup to look bad and thus not last well. Please stay far away from this product! I am not finding this exact product online so I hope it was discontinued.
- Maybelline Master Precise All Day Liquid Liner: I have reviewed this eyeliner so many times. It is perfectly good until it starts to run out and get dry, because it gets hard to use and the tip wears out. Otherwise, it produces a matte black line that lasts all day, and it is easy to use. The tip is just the right size, not too short or long, nor is it too thick or thin. I have too many eyeliners to use up when it comes to not repurchasing, but somehow these samples always come back to me.
Fragrance
I am ending this June 2021 empties review with some fragrance.
- Urban Decay Go Naked Perfume Oil: This is a long discontinued perfume oil, but I do enjoy the scent. It is perfect for the summer and makes you think of the beach.
For the sake of the count I want to mentioned that I emptied one rollerball fragrance from a make your own fragrance kit. I bought this kit a few Christmases ago, and it is probably made for kids. There is no point in reviewing it, and obviously the scent does not last.
Conclusion
We are at the end of this June 2021 empties review, aka full-size wonderland. The progress that I am making with haircare is exciting! Being more active with wearing makeup has things coming along nicely. I have a three part makeup product that only has one section left. I truly wanted it to go in June and it does not feel fair. July, I am coming for you! I continue to work on skincare masks that take some time to use up, and I am slightly nervous that I will not get everything done this year. We have another six months ahead of us, and the future is bright. Until next time, continue to let your true beauty shine.
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Discover all of the 2021 Empties:
| January 2021 | February 2021 | March 2021 | April 2021 |
| May 2021 | July 2021 | August 2021 | September 2021 |
| October 2021 | November 2021 | December 2021 |