The Empties Diaries Vol. 1

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Brunette woman gazing at viewer with green eyes, wearing a white crochet top and holding a lace shawl over her head.

Empty Product Bottles

Not too long ago my Instagram stories, I polled you on the best way to share with you products that I have tried out! It was a 50/50 split for if I should do video package unboxings when the products arrive at my door. In all actuality, a lot of the people that voted for unboxings were fellow bloggers. From the other part of the audience that said no to unboxings, I received quite a few messages stating that I should only share products I love or used up. Thus, The Empties Diaries were started! The latest blogging goal I have made is to gather my empty product bottles over the course of 3-6 months and share with you what I loved about each product and describe how I use it in my daily routine.

This blog post is sponsored by Olay. All opinions are my own.

Olay Micro-sculpting Cream and Olay Whip read jars sitting on top of stacked books next to a rose bouquet and glass head art

Moisturizers I am Currently Using

Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream and Regenerist Whip Moisturizers

As you may remember, I have been working with Olay for the past few years. I absolutely love their moisturizer products. In particular, I have been using their Regenerist line for as long as I can remember! Two of the products from that line are always ending up empty in my drawers because I use them so much: Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Creme and Olay Regenerist Whip. Although, both are from the Regenerist line and both come in a red jar, the products offer different results! On one hand, Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream is more of a rich moisturizer; better for those that work in an air conditioned office all day or find their skin to get dry. On the other hand, the Olay Regenerist Whip is better for women on-the-go who don’t have time to let their moisturizer set; it acts as a primer and has a lighter finish, so the moisturizer is better if you have oily or combination skin. However, all of Olay Regenerist products in the red jars address women’s’ top skin concerns, including fine lines, dryness, uneven skin tone and visible pores because they contain: Niacinamide and Amino-Peptide Complex II. Check out the chart below to quiz yourself on which product would fit best into your skincare routine

Chart showing the difference between Olay Micro-Sculting Cream and Olay Regenerist Whip

Would I rebuy? Yes, I already have many times with both, but I find myself reaching toward the Whip more.

Olay red jar skincare bottles laying on a lace shawl next to a rose

Olay Sun SPF 35

Already on my second bottle of this product! I am in love with the coverage it gives and that it contains SPF 35 in it. The product isn’t considered a “sport SPF”, so I minimize the product to dry activities only.

Would I rebuy? Yes! I am on my second bottle!

Pixi Rose Ceramide Cream

Although this is technically a moisturizer, I used this product in my night time routine, so it doesn’t feel quite the same as the moisturizers above. This is definitely thicker and heavier to hydrate the skin.

Would I rebuy? Maybe. The Micro-Sculpting cream seemed better to me.

Flatlay of beauty and skincare facial products from Lauryncake's routine.

Products in my Skincare Routine

Dermadoctor Ain’t Misbehavin’ AHA Cleanser

This is my go-to cleanser now! The magic of AHA is that it is an acid, but it isn’t overly strong. You can use this product daily to get rid of dead skin cells on your face without taking off too much. I attribute this product to my acne-free skin!

Would I rebuy? Yes! Already have twice.

Sky Organics Rose Water Spray

This rose water product feels good on a hot summer day, smells exquisite, and also helps with redness and irritations on the facial skin.

Would I rebuy? Yes, I am on my second bottle. It is more affordable than other alternatives.

Close up portrait of Lauryncakes with shadows of a lace shawl on her face from sunlight.

Pixi Rose Caviar Essence

This is a serum is light enough to be used morning and night. It contains vitamins to help hydrate and brighten skin tone!

Would I rebuy? Yes! I haven’t yet, but I plan to.

Twimmedix Pro Essentials E5

This serum goes on easily! It is meant to hydrate and soothe irritated skin. It’s pretty expensive!

Would I rebuy? No, not for the current price.

Hair products that Lauryn Hock recommends

Haircare — Shampoo and Conditioner Favorites

Hair Food Conditioner

As you may know from the my Instagram stories, I have already re-bought the Hair Food conditioner a few times! I tried it back in February, and have been obsessed with the moisture it delivers to my tresses ever since. Bonus: it smells delightful!

Would I rebuy? Yes! Already have several times

Living Proof Perfect Hair Days Triple Detox Shampoo

Ideally, my scalp would not ever get dry or flakey. Unfortunately, because of the arid Utah desert air, it is constantly parched! Again, I was drawn to this shampoo because of it boasting to purify my scalp

Would I rebuy? No, not worth the price & didn’t see huge results

Portrait of Lauryn Hock from Lauryncakes using shadow photography

Aveda Rosemary Mint Purifying Shampoo

Again, I was drawn to this shampoo because of it boasting to purify my scalp. Sometimes, flakey and itchy scalp can be because of product or hard water build up. I found this shampoo to smell a little too earthy for my liking. It also didn’t lather or go very far. The plus is that it is eco-friendly and plant based!

Would I buy again? No, it didn’t last long enough for the price

Briogeo Scalp Revival Serum

Still on the search for the perfect scalp treatment, I bought this Revival Serum to put on my scalp while my hair was damp, right before styling. It has charcoal in it, which is meant to be purifying. Turns out, this product works wonders! It helped my achieve an itch-free and flake-free scalp. It is pricey, though. I want to figure out how to do a DIY version!

Would I buy again? Yes! It is worth the price!

Lauryn Hock holding a shawl in the air

Briogeo Scalp Revival Shampoo

Finally, I found the shampoo my scalp has needed! I love this Briogeo Scalp Revival Shampoo because it also contains charcoal (like the product above). A little goes a long way with this product and it offers that tingling feeling we all love! I usually wash with this first, only putting directly onto my scalp, and then follow up with a regular shampoo for my whole head. Highly recommend to anyone with itchy/flakey scalp problems!

Would I buy again? Yes! 100xs yes! & I already have bought it again.

What do you think?

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6 Comments
  • Ashley
    June 20, 2019

    I LOVE anything Rose; also really love Olay products – thanks for sharing.

  • Kileen
    June 21, 2019

    All of these products sound amazing, love the Olay Regenerist line. Want to try that Briogeo Scalp revival serum, sounds amazing!

    Kileen
    cute & little

  • Stephanie
    June 21, 2019

    I seriously love reading and watching peoples’ empties reviews because you get to know whether they really loved a product or not. Sounds like Olay is where it’s at, and that rose water spray sounds fabulous too!

  • Taylor Mobley
    June 21, 2019

    I am currently rounding up a bunch of my “empties” too!!!! It’s awesome to see what you actually use!

  • Tara Fuller
    June 24, 2019

    i loved this review! it’s super helpful knowing if you would rebuy!

  • Amanda
    June 27, 2019

    So many good products! I love the Pixi Rose Caviar— it’s so light and smells good! I’ve been super impressed with the Olay moisturizers– such a good buy!