The Empties Diaries Vol. 2

12 Comments 5 min read

A few months ago, I was looking for a way to show the beauty products I have been using without having to drone on with un-boxings in my stories. The Empties Diaries Series was born out of the need and want to share my honest opinion with people about products that I used the entire bottle of! While many of these products were bought of my own volition, some were sent to me by brands in a no-strings attached and unpaid manner. This allows me to try out the products for a reasonable amount of time and also give forthright reviews! Below, you will find thirteen beauty items that have been in my rotation since the last blogpost! All of them were used until the bottles were completely empty.

Lauryn Hock is wearing a white tank and green skirt in a photo showing off her healthy hair habits. Read more to find new scalp cleaning treatments.

Hair Strengthening Oil & Protectants

HSI Professional Argan Oil Thermal Protector

In order to prevent breakage, I am always using hair serums and sprays that offer protection to my strands. Daily, I use oil on the ends of my hair, and when styling, a heat protector is my best friend! These past few months I have tried three new products to me that, honestly, I would recommend them all! I purchased the HSI Professional Argan Oil Thyermal Protector off Amazon on a whim because my other spray had run out and I wanted to look around at others. It worked great and didn’t leave my hair sticky or with residue. My only complaint was that there was a bit of spillage during transit and the bottle came a bit messy from that.  

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

Aquage SeaExtend Silkening Oil Treatment

The other two products I tried out were created to help hair feel silky and frizz-free. Aquage SeaExtend Silkening Oil Treatment would instantly make my hair feel buttery soft without being too thick. However, I wasn’t a fan of the perfume-y smell (many people on my stories said that they DO like the smell, though). Spencer was one of those people that loved the scent!

Would I rebuy? Maybe for Spencer!

TRESemme’s Keratin Smooth Keratin Infusing Smoothing Serum

This next product I found on All Things Hair a website offering tips and product recommendations for all hair types. TRESemme’s Keratin Smooth Keratin Infusing Smoothing Serum was a huge surprise to me since I wasn’t expecting such a well priced product to do the trick! It not only softens and smoothes my hair, but it smells like Christmas. 

Would I rebuy? Yes! I love this product.

Purifying Shampoos

Pantene Charcoal Shampoo

In the last Empties Diaries, I mentioned how I use charcoal products to really clean my scalp. As someone that deals with constant dry and itchy scalp, really cleansing the product residue is important! This Pantene Charcoal Shampoo not only cut down on flakes for me, but also helped with itchiness. Bonus: it smells good!

Would I buy again? Yes! It is worth the price and comparable to more expensive products out there

Wholesome Plus Oat & Almond

The other product I looked into was Wholesome Plus Oat & Almond Purify Shampoo. It is safe for daily use, even though it contains some powerful ingredients (like charcoal). The scent is light and clean. Like the above shampoo, this also helped with flakes!

Would I buy again? Yes! It is worth the price, but I liked the other shampoo’s smell more!

Lauryn from Lauryncakes has her arms spread high in the air like wings while a blue sky with clouds sits behind her. In this post, you will find Vitamin C products that will brighten your skin.

Facial Brightening Serum

Dermaquest C Infusion Serum

One of my must-have skincare ingredients is Vitamin C because is known for it’s anti-aging abilities.  The Dermaquest C Infusion Serum is more of a lotion than the name describes. It packs that Power C, while also giving a bit of moisturizer. I loved this product for my hyper-pigmentation post-breakout and used it nightly. Due to the product’s packaging, it is hard to close for traveling, though.

Would I buy again? Yes, only on special occasion because of the price.

Image Skincare Vital C

You know that delicious citrus scent of fresh oranges? Image Skincare Vital C Hydrating Water Burst has that exact scent! I could put this light lotion on my face all day. It’s both hydrating and brightening without feeling like it’s caked on. This product can be used in a day or nighttime skincare routine. Perfect for getting an even skin tone.

Would I buy again? Yes! It is worth the price and lasts a long time!

Glo Skin Beauty Solution: Bright

In need of a little help with adult acne? Glo Skin Beauty Brightening Serum might do the trick! I used this serum nightly to help prevent acne as well as after a breakout for dark spots. There is a slightly strong smell, which is why I used this product at night only.

Would I buy again? Maybe, if I was struggling with acne again!

Facial Sheet Masks

Pixi Glow Glycolic Boost

Sheet masks are all the rage in the beauty world! Not to be left out, Pixi created the Glow Glycolic Boost mask for their loyal fans. After cleansing the face, this ultra-hydrating mask is left on for 15 minutes to give a boost of  moisture and brightening. This mask was more damp than others than I have tried, so it had to be used when I wasn’t multi-tasking.

Would I buy again? Maybe. I like other sheet masks better!

Soap & Glory Pore Refining Mask

Are you prone to oily skin? Soap & Glory Pore Refining Mask might come in handy! The sheet mask has tea tree and eucalyptus in it, so it gives a cool, refreshing feel. After applying the mask, I felt like I was glowing! It also smells divine.

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

Lauryn Hock from Lauryncakes is in a blue gingham bikini while floating in a pool. She talks about her favorite summer sunscreens, SPFs, and moisturizers.

Moisturizers & Lotions

Maui Babe After Browning Lotion

One of the worst things about coming back from a beach vacation is peeling. Yea, okay you overdid it in the sun, but Maui Babe After Browning Lotion is perfect for extending that tan! We love this thick moisturizer and always get it for the summer time.

Would I buy again? Yes! We have bought it many times.

Maui Babe SPF 30

If you like Pina Coladas and getting caught in the rain, then you will die over the Maui Babe SPF 30 scent! It smells like you can eat it (but please don’t do that). This goes on smoothly and doesn’t feel greasy. It also comes in a Reef Safe version.

Would I buy again? Yes! We love this company at our house.

L’BRI Intense Body Butter

As well as using other products by L’BRI to get softer skin, I am in love with their Intense Body Butter.  It is creamy, yet soaks into the skin. The cucumber scent is heavenly. I found myself returning to this lotion again and again over other moisturizers I had in the house.

Would I buy again? Yes! A new favorite (I’ve gone through two containers this year)

Which of these products would you try?

What do you think?

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12 Comments
  • kileen
    October 10, 2019

    All of these sound amazing! Definitely need to try the facial brightening serum!!

    Kileen
    cute & little

  • Carolyn
    October 10, 2019

    I want to try that last one- the body butter! I use a lot of lotion type things and I like it when it’s super rich and moisturizing! These all sound like really great products though!

  • Nataly
    October 10, 2019

    Ohhhh you tried so many wonderful products here! I need to check some of these out next time I am at the beauty store.

  • roxy
    October 10, 2019

    I’ve had the Soap & Glory pore refining mask in my cart forever, waiting for a review. So glad for yours and that you liked it!! I will buy it now. 🙂

  • Stephanie
    October 10, 2019

    It sounds like it was a good empties this time around. You liked almost everything enough to buy it again, which is awesome. Such a good feeling to discover products that are just totally holy grail!

  • Jennifer Prince
    October 10, 2019

    The Glycolic Boost sounds like something I would definitely try!! I think it’s a great idea to showcase empties. How fun!!

  • Ashley Stephenson
    October 10, 2019

    These all sound like awesome products! Some I haven’t heard of! Body Butters are my favorite

  • Ashley Rollins
    October 10, 2019

    Awesome! I love this kind of recap vs your traditional unboxing. I never know which ones are actually great!

  • Lily
    October 11, 2019

    Love reading empties! You get a great idea of how something performs.

  • Megan Elliott
    October 11, 2019

    Ooo these products all sound pretty amazing!! I’ve actually never tried any of them so I’ll have to check them out!

  • Lavenda
    October 17, 2019

    I love all things pick and their glycolic products are amazing!!!

  • Deborah
    October 20, 2019

    I love reading empties post because you can really tell which products are good enough to hit pan! I’ll have to check some of these out!