August Empties 2018


It is currently #ZeroWasteWeek and I think this is a great time to remind all you eco-beauties why I continue my monthly empties posts.

Empties posts mean different things to different people -- some just love to see what others use up in the course of four weeks, others like to show off their goodies, and some, like me, do it as a reminder.  My empties posts are a digital diary of what I liked, what I would skip in the future, and most importantly, of how much waste I generate in 30 odd days.

As a blogger I do tend to get more products than most, so keeping track of my empties is really important so I don't go overboard.  If I notice I'm not using much I slow my spending and accept fewer collabs.  And if I am using too much (especially products that have a lot of packaging) then I make myself pause and really consider the effect my choices may have long term.  My empties help keep me accountable and responsible.

I always keep track of what materials were recyclable and which brands have fell short in terms of waste and packaging.  For example, over the months I have come to find out that many green beauty giants who boast about their eco-friendly credentials are actually some of the worst offenders for straight to landfill samples (I'm looking at you JMO!).

I have mentioned in my last few empties roundups that I am trying to work through all my plastic packaged products so I can start fresh in my attempts to cut down on this planet killing substance, but what I haven't talked much about is how I repurpose the products that can't be recycled (and some of the glass pots and jars that can be but will be brilliant put to another use!).  Old candle melt cases now stores pins and office supplies, sample jars house some of my own test creations or are used to send testers to friends and family, and larger jars are fab for containing gorgeous sea glass and sea shells!

I would love to hear how you repurpose old packaging -- I am always looking for new ideas!

August was an odd month for me, as I was away for the majority of the month and was only working through a select amount of products I had taken away to America with me or obtained while I was there.  Usually I have two distinct skincare routines - one for evening and one for morning - plus all the goodies I have for showering, my weekly bath, aromatherapy, and more.  Not the case last month!  However, I did still end up using 16 items -- shocking!  Of these sixteen, every single thing but one (and the plastic wrap around the Neom sample) was able to be recycled.  The sample pot with a bit of body butter from Flying Wild I was sent from the lovely Renata a while back unfortunately could not be, but I will be reusing this pot so it will not be going to landfill!

So what were the products I finished in August?



Laidbare For Richer For Porer Masque (50ml): Okay, so my partner is the one who used the majority of this mask (not because I didn't like it, but because he can't stand anything that dries on his face and this doesn't!).  I got this last March in a Love Lula Beauty Box, and the 50ml bottle lasted absolute ages.  The mask almost feels more like a lotion than a kaolin clay formula, but this is why it was such a hit.  I'm not sure I would say it minimized pores, but it did a brilliant job of cleansing, detoxing, and gently exfoliating.  I definitely recommend this mask, especially at the price point, but I am not sure 
I will personally be rebuying as I just have so many products to use up (plus this is in plastic).

Organii SPF 50 Sun Milk (3ml x2): I've mentioned this product in a previous empties post, and I stick by what I said then -- this sun cream is perfect for me!  I only have one sample left and it is tucked in my purse for emergency application.  I am a redhead, and I have incredibly fair skin, and this protected me and got me through several trips now (most of which was outdoors in direct sunlight) without any sunburn.  I really liked the smell, and it did not feel too oily or greasy when applied.  Plus, I did not have the streaky white marks that some sunscreens can leave.  That might be because I am so pale, but whatever the reason I am pleased.  I just wish the full size was not packaged in plastic.

Balance Me Rose Otto Body Wash (50ml): This is actually the second bottle of this I have used now as I was gifted another two samples a while back.  Like I said before, this body wash does the trick but is not anything super special.  I like that the formula is gentle but still allows a bit of bubbles when it is added to a bath, and the smell is really relaxing and lightly floral.  If you want an affordable product that is natural and good for either a bubble bath or a body wash, this is a solid option, but if you want something a bit more nourishing then perhaps go for something else.  That being said, this is an older version of the product, so the new one might be a lot better (it is in a glass bottle by the looks of it, so that is a great improvement!).

Friendly Pepperming & Poppy Seed Soap (95g): I have used Friendly soaps in the past and have absolutely loved them, so when I got this bar in my July Zero Waste edit of The Natural Beauty Box I was really excited.  Each bar of soap from the brand is handmade, vegan, cruelty free, and all natural, and the quality is exceptional.  This one smells refreshing and uplifting, and is exactly what you want on a hot day.  Plus, the poppy seeds work as a gentle exfoliation so you get double the benefits!  I will definitely be repurchasing in the future, though I do wish Friendly would offer a box free option.

John Masters Organics Scalp Shampoo (60ml): This is the second to last bottle of this pre-ingredient drama switch shampoo I have actually, and once it is gone I will be saying goodbye to plastic bottled shampoo for good I think!  I really love the formula in this, as the spearmint and meadowsweet leave my head feeling refreshed and clean without drying it out.  I only have to use this twice a week, as that is enough to keep my hair looking fresh.  If only they could make a powder/cube option!


So Susan Statement Skin Highlighting Crayon (1.8g): Okay, so I had a love hate relationship with this highlighting crayon.  I LOVE the highlight itself -- it is seriously gorgeous and the perfect shade for my skin tone.  It lasts all day, and it glides on so smoothly.  However, it does contain phenoxyethonal which I discovered after trying to figure out why my skin suddenly started breaking out.  Plus, this is not vegan, and with so many fab brands out there offering all natural and vegan options, I think I will choose a different product in the future.

Ooh! Oils of Heaven Organic Rosehip Nourishing Face Oil (30ml): While this may be a facial oil, I actually used the majority of it for other things just because I have such a backlog of oils.  It works great on both hair and on skin, but my favourite use was definitely in the bath.  It blends so well with  essential oils and I loved getting creative with my soaks -- just be careful when blending as essential oils can cause some serious reactions.  I have another bottle of this and I can't wait to get using it!


Mia & Dom Aroma Candle (30ml): This is my second (and final -- sad since these aren't made anymore!) candle and I absolutely loved the scent.  The smell is lovely and makes the whole room smell of roman chamomile and lavender.  Brilliant for unwinding at the end of the day and for de-stressing before bedtime.  My only wish is that they lasted longer, as it only seems to have a few hours burn time (about an evenings worth).


MOA Fortifying Green Bath Potion (10ml): I have actually used a few full size bottles of this potion before and it is a fast fav in our house.  Luckily, I got a sample in my July Stars & Sage box so I was able to bring this gorgeous bath oil along with me to America.  The smell is intoxicating and the cooling tingles it leave on the skin is perfect for sore muscles.  Overall, the MOA Fortifying Green Bath Potion gets five out of five stars from me, and when my current one runs out, I will without a doubt be moving on to my fourth full size bottle!

Nathalie Bond Organics Soy Candle (60ml): This is another goodie I got from a Stars & Sage box, and I was so excited to discover both the brand and the product.  The candle smell is unique as it is not straight floral, but rather a calming blend of rose and patchouli which is perfect for relaxing in the evening.  It has a clean, even burn, and it lasted me several days (about 12-15 hours altogether).  I will definitely be looking into trying another one of Nathalie Bond's candles in the future and can't wait to see what the next lovely scent brings.


Balm Balm Little Miracle Rosehip Serum (5ml): One of my favourite Balm Balm products (beside the gorgeous floral waters!).  While not a 100% pure rosehip oil, this is so packed full of skin food that it is absolutely hydrating and is so gentle on my skin.  It hits you with a mouth-wateringly floral aroma, and the oils sinks in so well.  Plus I find it lasts for ages, so it is not a huge added expense to my skincare routine.  I recently got a full size of this, so don't need to repurchase for a while.


Neom Daily De-Stress Burst Capsule (.18ml): Okay, so I know I hated on this product previously, but I have to say this was BRILIANT for travelling with.  I get super stressed when there are strict departure times (so, like, every single time we have to take transportation basically..) and hate flying, so having a little de-stress blend ready to use was so so good.  The scent is lovely, and while I still am irritated about the excess plastic involved, I have to take back my comments from my March empties and have since purchased a full size Tranquility candle and a few minis.


PHB All-In-One Mascara (10ml): I first tried this mascara back in July last year and have been hooked ever since.  It is affordable, high quality, and the perfect shade of black.  The wand doesn't leave clumping (well, unless you go over your lashes a few times, but that is unnecessary thanks to the great formula!) and it lasts pretty much all day.  It does flake a tiny bit, but it isn't really noticeable so I don't mind.  I have recently bought the brown one to try out as well, so maybe I will do a full review of this lovely product.  I'm not actually sure if the packaging can be recycled or not, but I have repurposed the tube and wand to use for a lash oil I got in the last Love Lula box.


Flying Wild Body Butter: Despite not knowing anything about the brand or product, I have to say this was fabulous -- smooth, super moisturizing, and smelled mouthwateringly good (though I am not actually sure which one it even was!).  The body butter sinks in to your skin and leaves you with a nice glow (not oily looking, just healthy) and you only need to use a little bit since it is so hydrating.  Now to just find out more!

The Natural Beauty Pot Bath Salts (60ml?): I received this jar back in February in the Flower Power edit of The Natural Beauty Box, and I have been savouring every single bath I have used them in.  The salts smell amazing thanks to calendula and lemongrass, and the petals make you feel like you are at an exclusive spa retreat.  There are five other varieties of these salts, and I hope to get to try them all over time! 



Overall there was not really anything I did not enjoy this month -- I selected products I knew I would love or knew would be functional for my trip, and it worked out really well for me.  However, I would LOVE to hear if you had any ride or die items in August, or any products that you truly despised!  Leave your thoughts about my empties, what you finished using, or your #ZeroWaste ideas down in the comments below :) 

15 comments

  1. I almost finished a tube of Laidbare For Richer For Porer Masque this month, still have a bit left for one more time I think. It's one of my favourite masks as it has two functions: to draw out impurities and to exfoliate. So affordable as well! This month I am also finishing Elsa's deodorant in Dew which I loved, it's just the last bit left that it's a bit tricky to take out and apply. I really need to try some of those Friendly soaps, they sound great!

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    1. the mask lasts forever it seems - wasn't expecting it to last as long as it did being just 50ml. I'm nearly done with my Elsa's deo as well :) originally I said I wouldn't repurchase because as much as I love the formula I really disliked the plastic packaging. but I've seen they released a plastic free one so I'll definitely consider more now! yes Friendly is honestly brilliant especially for the price! :) x

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  2. Some of these products sound so incredibly amazing, thanks for sharing, I'm gonna check them out! 🌸✨

    With love, Alisha Valerie x | AlishaValerie.com

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  3. So good to see a good range of more natural products. They all sound good, especially the Sunmilk

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  4. My empties usually go in recycling. When it comes to makeup and skincare I really do like MAC's Back To MAC. You take in around 6 empties and you get a free lipstick

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    1. I seriously wish more brands did things like that. I know a few who do refills but the places to do it are ages away from where I live :(

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  5. That's quite a lot of empties, some really interesting looking products x

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  6. I do fancy trying the John Masters Organics Scalp Shampoo (60ml), wondering if it will help my psorasis

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  7. The soap sounds wonderful - and that is surely zero waste! I tend to avoid minis and samples for this reason.

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  8. Wow, you've finished so much! I need to use up some of my skincare as I have loads!

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  9. I do admire your commitment to less plastic x

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  10. Oh, I would love to try the Balm Balm Little Miracle Rosehip Serum and the John Masters Organics Scalp Shampoo. I've been looking into these kind of stuff lately, I'm just checking what will work best for me.

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    1. a lot of it is trial and error, as you just never know how your skin will react, but looking for products with ingredients that do not congest the skin or irritate is key -- that's why I love natural beauty, as I tend to have less issues with it :) x

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  11. Very neat little challenge. I have so much product under the sink, I'm a collector because I don't end up using most it.

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  12. Oh wow look at all these lovely products you've tried. I only had to eco beauty products that I use but not yet finished. I need to do more in terms of zero waste

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