Amateur Writer | Professional Nerd
 

Trash Talk: Top 10 December Empties

Regular readers know when I share my empties, they are in for quite the novella. This month was no exception. Like in November, I finished a bucket load of products in December. However, this time around, I didn’t want to overwhelm y’all with everything. Instead, I have chosen the 10 products of the bunch that I enjoyed the most and would most certainly rate Haul It, from skincare to fragrances.

Top 10 December 2020 Empties

Bliss Mighty Marshmallow Mask – I love giving myself weekly masks because it allows me some extra pampering, and this Bliss Mask really helps put me in the masking mood. First of all, I loved the light, fluffy texture and sweet scent that reminded me of marshmallow fluff. This mask also never irritated my sensitive skin and stayed soft the entire time it was on my face, which is great for someone like me with dry skin. This is a fun and easy to use mask that leaves my skin feeling softer and looking a little more glowy.

Huangjisoo Shea Butter Nourishing Mask – Since this sheet mask was a random find at Nordstrom Rack, I only purchased one mask. I wasn’t familiar with the brand, so I didn’t want to take a chance on something that might be a bust. Turns out the joke was on me because I absolutely loved this sheet mask made from thick cotton and loaded with rich milky serum. The next time I went to Nordstrom Rack, there were no masks in sight. I hope to one day spot this winner in the wild once again. 

NYX Away We Glow Liquid Booster – I love when my face glows to the gods, and this NYX liquid highlighter gave me that. It worked great under my foundation for a “Glow from Within” look. When I wanted an allover glow, I mixed a couple of drops into my foundation and transformed into a bronzed goddess. Although there are several colors available, Untamed was perfect for my deep complexion. The NYX Away We Glow Liquid Booster is no longer available at Ulta, but if I come across it again, then this is a definite repurchase.

Philosophy Fresh Cream Warm Cashmere Eau de Toilette – When it comes to scents, you’ll always have me at vanilla. Give me vanilla, and I will always give your fragrance at least a second look. Until Fresh Cream, my favorite Philosophy fragrance was Unconditional Love. Then I was introduced to Fresh Cream Warm Cashmere. It’s like Fresh Cream with the warm vanilla musk turned up to 11. I absolutely love it!

Physicians Formula The Perfect Matcha 3-in-1 Melting Cleansing Balm – Unlike my experience with the Physicians Formula The Perfect Matcha 3-in-1 Beauty Water that literally burned my face, the cleansing balm has been one of the best makeup removers I have ever used. The downside for me is how quickly I finish a jar since I wear a full face of makeup 3 to 4 times a week.

Sephora PRO Core Diffuser Angled Brush #95 – I had to say goodbye to one of my favorite brushes from one of my favorite brands. The brush head came off while I was washing my brushes, and I was devastated. The Core Diffuser Angled Brush worked well as a brush that simultaneously applied and blended foundation for a light, airbrushed look. Plus, I got it for a serious discount, and I’m a gal who loves a sale.

SheaMoisture Coconut & Cactus Water Quench & Refresh Bar Soap – SheaMoisture makes my favorite bar soaps, and the Coconut & Cactus soap is one I keep coming back. This soap smells like what I would want from a cool ocean breeze, and it always puts a little pep in shower time. Also, the soap has a great lather while leaving my skin feeling nourished.

Tree Hut Brown Sugar Shea Sugar Scrub – The Tree Hut Shea Sugar Scrubs are the absolute best body scrubs hands down! I would compare Tree Hut to any sugar scrub by a prestige brand, and Tree Hut would be the winner. The scents are delicious, and the scrubs make my skin feel smooth and soft like butter. Although this month’s empty was Brown Sugar, my personal favorite scent is Moroccan Rose. 

Versace Bright Crystal Eau de Toilette – Every time I think I only feel “Meh” about Bright Crystal, I get a sample of it and immediately fall in love. I am no longer denying my true feelings. Bright Crystal smells sooooooooo good! It’s the perfect floral scent for someone like me who doesn’t really like florals. Although, I would never describe Bright Crystal as a floral fragrance. The other plus is this fragrance has lasting power despite being an eau de toilette.

Vichy Minéral 89 Face Serum – Although this serum became an instant fave of mine years ago, I oftenrotate through several hydrating serums. After finishing the COSRX Snail Mucin, I decided to go back to old faithful. The good news is this still gets high marks from me. The bad news is I went through the bottle quickly. However, I will always come back to this tried and true hyaluronic acid serum whenever I need something dependable.

If you are wondering about the rest of my empties for the month …

December 2020 Skincare Empties
This month’s skincare empties include plenty of sheet masks, and there weren’t any misses! Overall, I would repurchase almost all of these empties with the exception of the Clinique Clarifying Lotion. I would definitely not repurchase that. It was too drying. Although I enjoyed using the Patchology eye patches, they are low on my repurchase list. The same goes for the Ulta Daily Dedication Facial Spray. The Mannakadar Skincare Hydrating Face Mist was made for shelfies. The beautiful bottle (and a sale) made me buy it. The rosewater scent (and a sale) would make me buy it again.
December 2020 Body Care Empties
Although I loved the texture of the Soap & Glory You Butter Glow, I wasn’t a fan of the orange scent. The same goes for the Hempz. However, the Smoothie Star Body Milk remains a fave. I used The Ordinary Glycolic Acid to help with the hyperpigmentation on my knees and elbows, but I still didn’t get any results from this second bottle. The Neutrogena Hydro Boost is an excellent sunscreen that feels both light and moisturizing. The product had the potential to rival my HG Supergoop! Everyday Sunscreen, but that messy packaging was its downfall. I only used the Formula 10.0.6 Butter Up on my feet. It worked, but I’m not sure the extra step is necessary now that I’ve found magic in Aquaphor. Most of the fragrance samples (Philosophy Grace, Marc Jacobs Daisy, Burberry Her, D&G Light Blue) ranged from meh to duds. The B&BW soaps were all meh to me, but the beau loved Coconut Mint Drop. He said it smelled like money.
December 2020 Hair Care and Makeup Empties
The bad news about my makeup empties was having to declutter 2 brushes. The good news was I also had to declutter the makeup wipes that have dried up from not using them. The Dr. Bronner’s is not replacing the BeautyBlender Liquid anytime soon. Although it works well on powder, it takes too much product (and elbow grease) to get foundation out of my brushes. The BareMinerals Well-Cared For isn’t much better, but I prefer its thicker consistency to the runniness of the Dr. Bronner’s. The Tatcha Blotting Papers are absolutely beautiful and totally unnecessary. I would only recommend buying them if you’re feeling fancy. The Shu Uemura oil was gratis from the Sephora BIC. While the oil is rich and fragrant, it is also pricey. Although it lasted months, I don’t see myself spending my own coins on a second bottle any time soon.
December 2020 Candle Empties
These smelled nothing like advertised. I was expecting warm, cozy, holiday goodness. I got none of that. When it comes to Hallmark, I will stick to buying cards and ornaments.

What’s the best product you finished in December?