December Empties / Products I've Used Up

Happy New Year!  2014 was a challenging year for me.  The first half was spent feeling trapped in a job I wasn't happy at, only to be laid off - for unrelated reasons - from said job during the summer.  Since then, things have been pretty scattered.  I've done a few temp positions, but I'm not really sure what I want to be doing career-wise, which makes it difficult to know what jobs to even apply for.  So, for 2015, I'm hoping for less stress and more clarity (and security) on the work front.  I hope the new year brings you what you're looking for as well.   

Now, how about some empties?



Desert Essence Jojoba Oil
Jojoba is a very handy oil to have on hand.  I use it on both my face and body, to remove makeup, and in face masks and other DIYs.  I don't think I used this particular bottle up quickly enough though, as the very bottom started to smell a little funky.  It didn't seem off or rancid, but it developed a noticeable scent, where the first 7/8 of the bottle was basically unscented.  
Repurchase? Yes, but not right away.

Skin Essence Organics Nourish Moisturizer   [Review]
Nourish was my first face oil love, and I'm still a fan.  It's hydrating but not heavy, and includes my beloved hazelnut oil, along with a bunch of other great oils like rosehip and jojoba.  I really liked this smaller 10 ml bottle too, as the larger 30 ml size has gone off on me before I could use the entire thing up.    
Repurchase? Yes, after I've used up a few other face oils.

Acure Argan + Argan Stem Cell Conditioner   [Review]
I don't even know how many tubes of this conditioner I've gone through, but it's still one of my favorites.  I like the almond scent, plus it moisturizes my curls really well without leaving them feeling heavy, coated, or weighed down.  
Repurchase? Yes, I already have.

Hush & Dotti Original Cleansing Balm (sample)  [Review]
As cleansing balms go, I quite enjoyed this one.  It removed makeup easily and wasn't waxy, so it wiped away very cleanly.  I also liked the spicy eucalyptus/clove scent and even used it as a moisturizing balm on extra dry patches a couple times.  I generally prefer oils or cream cleansers over balm cleansers though.
Repurchase? Probably not.

Green Beaver Boreal Body Lotion (sample)
I really like these samples for toting around in my bag.  The tiny tube is about the size of a lip gloss, so they fit in even the smallest of purses.  The lotion itself is nice too - hydrating, very lightly scented, and great as a hand cream - although I've yet to be inspired to pick up the full size tube.
Repurchase? Maybe.

Epic Blend More Moisture Unflavored Lip Balm*   [Review]
I discovered Epic Blend's lip balms this past year, and they quickly became some of my favorites.  All their formulas are great, but if I had to pick, the More Moisture line is probably my favorite.  And I especially like the Unflavored one - it smells slightly sweet but very neutral, and it has none of that yucky oil taste that some unflavored lip balms have.
Repurchase? Yes, I definitely will.

Nürish Organics Best Scrub Ever*   [Review]
Loved this!  The scrub has a soft cream base, but it exfoliates very thoroughly with microdermabrasion crystals.  It's a pretty intense exfoliation, so I wouldn't recommend using it over active breakouts or more than once or twice a week.  
Repurchase? Yes, but not immediately.

And that's a wrap!  Not too many empties in December, but that's just how some months go.  

I'm also doing Tamara of Rainbow Feet's Green Survivor Challenge this month, so if you enjoy seeing empties, you should follow me on Instagram.  The idea of the challenge is similar to a no-buy, only rather than a set amount of time, we aren't allowing ourselves to buy any beauty products until we use up 2 makeup, 3 skincare, and 5 body items.  I've got a couple things nearing the bottom already, so I'm pretty confident I can manage it! 

*Press sample
Contains affiliate links

10 comments

  1. Great collection of products!! I love Acure Organics :) They are such a great brand!!

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    1. Completely agree! Acure is one of my favorites :)

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  2. Good luck with your job hunt Caitie. I'm in the same boat too - I majored in Early Childhood and have taught a number of years, but I decided i wanna do something else since my move to the US. But since my work experience is limited to one field, I'm still trying to figure things out... Anyway, hope 2015 will be a great year for you! xo

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    1. Thanks Ru! I hope 2015 is a good year for you too :)

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  3. I hope you find the job you are looking for soon, I've worked so many temp jobs since having Maddie 5 years ago, I start another new job again on Monday and I hope this is the one that sticks this time! At least for a couple of years until she is older and I can really think about a 'career' instead of a job again.
    I look forward to seeing how you get on in the the Green Survivor Challenge :-)
    Rach xx
    AllNaturalAspirations

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    1. Thanks Rachel! I can definitely relate to the job vs. career thing. That's a large part of why I want to figure out what I want to be doing this year, so I can actually be working towards something, rather than just working at random jobs that don't seem to lead anywhere!

      Good luck at your new job! I hope it's everything you're looking for :)

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  4. OOO Caitie, i hope 2015 bring you a job you love! Nice review like ever.. I always repurchase this Acure Conditionner :) xx

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    1. Thanks Julie! Me to, I can't be without the Acure Conditioner :)

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  5. Waha! thanks for recommending Acure, I bought the same kind you use and my hair loves it so far.

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    1. Yay! I'm so glad it's working well for you too :)

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