EMPTIES: Summer 2019 (The Good and The Bad)

A little long over due since it’s been Fall for a couple of weeks now. However, it’s only just now feeling like Fall. So, I think that breaks even – right? My empties for Summer 2019 is a little excessive, but not as large as my Spring Empties 2019.

EMPTIES: Summer 2019 | STAINED COUTURE

Keep reading to get all the details on the beauty products that I used up this summer – the good and the bad.

SUMMER 2019 EMPTIES: Hair

I mostly embrace my curly hair in the summer. Cowashing is very important to my curly hair routine, especially in hot, humid temperatures. My hair loved this the Redken Genius Wash Cleansing Conditioner for course hair because it made my hair feel amazing. This cowash not only cleaned my scalp of all residue build-up, but also made my hair feel strong and manageable. Plus, it lasted me for a long time. So, I’m definitely buying this again.

The next “hair” product I used up Completely Bare Completely Smooth Moisturizing Shaving Gel. No sea of foam on your body. What I really loved about this shaving gel is that it didn’t dry my skin out. Also, it’s formulate to keep away razor bumps and ingrown hair – a must-have. Another re-buy.

SUMMER 2019 EMPTIES: Cleansers

Earlier this year, I realized that I had an addiction to face cleansers and this Summer was no difference. Washing your face at the end of a long, hot day is so gratifying – feels amazing. Therefore, I used up a lot of face washes – A  LOT!

When I wear make-up, cleansing oil is the first step in my cleansing routine. Oils do an amazing job at removing makeup without making your skin feel stripped. The cleansing oil I used every night was Dermaflage Multi Task Makeup Remover, because it’s more than a remover. This cleansing oil can also act as a moisturizer and anti-aging serum, which my skin appreciated. Some nights, I used it to help hydrate my under eye area, which allowed me to wake-up to soft to some of the softest skin. So good!

I’ve had an on-and-off relationship with micellar water. Like most products, some have been bleh and others have been amazing. No 7 Radiant Results Revitalizing Micellar Water definitely falls in the latter. This micellar water actually felt like water, but it also made my skin feel so lovely. Also, it did it an amazing job at removing the last traces of makeup.

Earlier this year, The Ordinary released their first cleanser and I was so excited to try it. As a fan of most of their serums, I had high hopes for this cleanser. Initially, I couldn’t “get” this cleanser. The texture was weird and it felt super heavy when I washed my face with it. Couldn’t stand it. PLOT TWIST: I was using it wrong! I didn’t read the directions properly.

The Ordinary Squalane cleanser is more of a cleansing balm – not wash. I was applying it to wet skin instead of letting the product melt into an oil and rubbing it on my dry face. Once I started using it correctly, it was pretty good. It melted makeup du jour off with little to no residue. However, I doubt I buy this again, because there are better and more easily accessible options. Still, it was good and affordable.

One more cleanser that I used up was Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Pore Perfecting Cleanser. It was so good and made the large pores on my cheek shrink after encountering this cleanser on nights that I used it. However, I did mainly use this cleanser in collaboration with the Alpha Beta Daily Peel pads, which drastically improved the texture of my skin. Of course, I will try this cleanser again. However, only when I feel like treating myself to a $40 face wash.

SUMMER 2019 EMPTIES: Toners

Toners are my jam! There have been times when I thought they were unnecessary and would stop using them, but it wouldn’t take long for my skin to point out the errors of my ways. So, I would incorporate them back into my routines.

When I first heard about the Ole Henriksen Glow2Oh toner, I was so excited to try it. The toner is formulated to help lighten dark spots, which is what sold me. Initially, I did notice some spots lighten and my texture improve, but the results were lackluster. It took me awhile to finish, because I bought and used other toners that I enjoyed. However, I was able to finally finish and probably won’t buy this again.

Another toner that I tried this summer was Mario Badescu Witch Hazel and Rosewater toner. I love Mario Badescu toners and was confident that I would enjoy this one. What made me wan to try these, because I try to keep a simple toner in my skincare collection. I really did enjoy the toner, because it easy and soothing. This is good if you have sensitive skin and to tone your skin in the morning. In the future, when I’m in for a basic toner, I would buy this again.

The final toner that I used up was Mario Badescu Glycolic Grapefruit Cleansing Lotion. I love this toner, because it’s great for my oily summer skin. This toner helps clean and purify pores to help prevent breakouts and congestion. It’s really good and I’ll probably buy it again in the spring.

SUMMER 2019 EMPTIES: Serums

I have to admit, I slightly stepped back from serums this summer – I didn’t even buy any new ones. Instead, I decided to use up what I had. Initially, I purchased The Ordinary Lactic Aid 5% + HA 2% for it mild peeling abilities, which I barely noticed. Thankfully, it didn’t aggravate my skin, but I’m not sure if I’ll buy this again.

The next serum that I used up was the Niacinamide 10% + Zinc serum , which is one of my favorites. If you have acne-prone skin and/or congested skin, this is a must try. I’m buying this again – it’s in my Deciem cart now.

SUMMER 2019 EMPTIES: Moisturizers

I still think one of the best drugstore moisturizers is Roc Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Daily Moisturizer. This moisturizer helps my skin look and feel smoother AND it’s easily accessible. It’s pricey for a drugstore moisturizer ($20+), but it’s worth it. I just try to catch it on sale and buy a couple at a time.

After I used up the Roc moisturizer, I’ve been obsessed with Dermaflage’s Good Skin Scar Cream. I love this moisturizer and it fascinates me how this makes my skin look so good. The ingredients in this moisturizer, especially the peptides, had my skin looking brand new all summer. I squeezed this to the last drop – I need more.

For the past few years, I’ve tried to keep a face oil in my collection for when my skin needs a little extra moisture. Usually, in the summer, my skin doesn’t need extra moisture, but this year was different, due to intense breakouts or unusually dry undereye areas. So, I reached for  my No7 Replenishing Face Oil more times than usual. I loved that it quickly absorbs into the skin and feels very light – no greasy feel. Plus, it locks in hydration and anti-aging to help your skin look plump. Next time I’m in the market for a face oil, this will definitely be top contender.

Earlier this summer, I cashed in some of my Sephora points and picked up a sample of Belif The True Cream Aqua Bomb. Don’t let the name fool, because this is an oil-free gel moisturizer. It feels very light and cool when applying, which felt great on a 100+ degrees day. My skin felt so cool and calm after using this moisturizer – totally worth using my points. I think I’m going to splurge on this moisturizer next summer, because it’s a great warm weather moisturizer.

SUMMER 2019 EMPTIES: Makeup

For the past couple of months, I’ve been using nothing but mineral foundation powder. The last liquid foundation that I used was Bare Mineral Bare Pro foundation. This was the first Bare Minerals foundation that I used and I really enjoyed it. The coverage was great, the color range was impressive, and the finish was perfect. So, I would buy this foundation again.

Other than foundation, the only other makeup products that I used up were eye brow products. I rarely use brow products in the summer due to the fear of me sweating them off by lunch. I guess I didn’t care that much this year. *shrugs*

The first brow product I used up (for the millionth time) was Benefit precisely My Brow Pencil. I can’t stan for this brow pencil enough nor write about it again. Click here for my gush fest for this brow pencil.

When I can’t budget spending $24 on a brow pencil, I try to look for a drugstore dupe. After looking at the fine tip of the L’oreal Brow Stylist Definer, I thought that this would be a good dupe. Although, the tip was fine, it didn’t the hair like strokes liked Benefit’s brow pencil. So, the search is still on for a dupe.

*Wipes forehead*  There you have it – my Summer 2019 Empties. See you a couple of months for my Fall 2019 edition. I doubt it will be this intense. *fingers crossed*

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