Empties Explosion!

Remember how I said in November that I would be taking a mini break from my monthly empties roundups?  Well, turns out that was a dreadful idea as I ended up with a giant box full of products and now that I'm finally back I have a TON of empties to review.  *yikes*

Just to remind you all why I paused, I was busy judging entries for 2019's Beauty Shortlist Awards and wanted to prioritize trialing those products, plus I was worried about how to navigate including any goodies I finished from those entries.  Well, turns out I (well, we I should say -- most of these were used by Tim or by both of us) still ended up using quite a few things during that time!

I made sure to finish up any products that were more than half gone already, as I follow the 'rule of whisky' which Tim so cleverly pointed out to me a few years ago -- basically, a bottle of whiskey stays 'fresh' until the halfway mark, but then once you drop below that point the flavour/aroma begins to change over time.  My approach to skincare and beauty products is pretty similar, and once a bottle reaches a certain point I try to finish it up within the next month or so just to make sure it doesn't go off.  Anyone else do this??

And, well, as you can see below I got through 50 items *gasp* -- but it isn't quite as dramatic as that sounds upfront.  The majority of these had been on the go for quite a long while (like the handsoaps and makeup bits).  Plus, you have to remember this covers end of November through end of February!  That is more than three months of empties rolled into one post!

Of the 50, I was happy to find nearly all packaging was recyclable or able to be reused in some way.  The only things that had to go into the bin were the candle melt paper and one other product (I have forgotten which as I waited too long before writing this post up -- sorry!).

Unfortunately, since there are so many I won't be going into as much detail this time around as usual.  What I will do though, is open things up for discussion in the comments!  If you're interested in something specific or want to know more, let me know and I will drop more details.

So with all that being said, let's jump into my empties!

green beauty empties - glass packaging

The Rose Tree Calming Bath & Shower Oil:
Enjoyed?: yes
Positives: super cute and unique bottle, wonderful aroma, nourishing
Negatives: the petals had started to get a bit funky by the end
Buy again?: yes

Earth Harbor Rose Ruby Mist:
Enjoyed?: yes
Positives: light even spray, hydrating, no stickiness,
Negatives: small size, now discontinued
Buy again?: I would if I could!

GK Natural Creations Balancing Face Oil:
Enjoyed?: yes
Positives: lovely scent, very versatile oil, rich but not pore clogging
Negatives: a bit heavy (best as a night oil)
Buy again?: maybe

Old Faithful Manaña Shave Oil:
Enjoyed?: yes
Positives: a little goes a long way, close and gentle shave, nourishing
Negatives: none!
Buy again?: yes

Moksa Wild Rose Toning Mist:
Enjoyed?: yes
Positives: lovely light fragrant smell, even spray, hydrating, refreshing
Negatives: none!
Buy again?: yes

Bodhi & Birch Lemon Water Hydrosol Tonic:
Enjoyed?: yes
Positives: holistic approach, uplifting aroma, light on skin, hydrating, clarifying
Negatives: the spray nozzle was like a jet, making it hard to spritz
Buy again?: yes, but I have a full size to use first!

Elli Ultra Face Wash:
Enjoyed?: yes
Positives: nourishing cleanse, gentle, lovely smell
Negatives: a bit heavy on the skin, but wasn't pore clogging
Buy again?: maybe

Provence Beauty Refreshing Bath Oil:
Enjoyed?: yes/no
Positives: very affordable, plastic free, petals inside were a lovely touch
Negatives: coconut oil breaks me out, so this ended up being a bath oil for Tim!
Buy again?: no. it doesn't seem to be for sale anymore, but I have linked to the one most similar/that has replaced this!

Myroo Gentle Skin Boost Facial Serum (Orange Blossom):
Enjoyed?: yes
Positives: fairly light on the skin, but nourishing, gentle, nice glow
Negatives: not my favourite smell, but it is uplifting
Buy again?: I have another full size bottle to use up already!

Lucky Cloud Nourishing Cleansing Balm:
Enjoyed?: yes/no
Positives: smells fab, super luxurious feel, melts away
Negatives: too heavy for my skin
Buy again?: sadly no, but may try another variety

Glossworks 3-in-1:
Enjoyed?: yes
Positives: affordable, versatile, quick drying
Negatives: uneven application and prone to globbing up
Buy again?: yes

Tropic Super Greens Nutrient Boost Oil:
Enjoyed?: yes
Positives: grounding nutty aroma, gentle, nourishing, not too heavy, repairs damaged skin
Negatives: price, and saw similar results from straight tamanu oil
Buy again?: I don't like the way Tropic runs on consultant sales, but maybe direct from company?

Jelly Pong Pong Neapolitan Palette:
Enjoyed?: yes
Positives: loved the first two shades as they're so versatile, blendable, great shimmer
Negatives: phenoxyethonal, meaning I did break out if I used this over a few days
Buy again?: sadly no

Mystic Moments Orange Sweet Essential Oil:
Enjoyed?: yes
Positives: affordable, lovely aroma, easy to use
Negatives: not organic, but that's my fault! will be looking into their organic range in the future
Buy again?: no, but possibly their organic oils

Simple Candle Co Candy Cane Melt:
Enjoyed?: yes/no
Positives: scent was very Christmas-y
Negatives: not pure essential oils, a bit overpowering
Buy again?: no

The Innate Life Rose Hair Elixir:
Enjoyed?: yes
Positives: stunning in every way, lovely perfume-esque aroma, nourishing, non-greasy
Negatives: none!
Buy again?: yes

Alexa Sky Botanicals Zen Mist Facial Essence Toner:
Enjoyed?: yes/no
Positives: nice aroma, super handy for traveling, holistic approach
Negatives: phenoxyethonal, meaning I couldn't use it on my face - Tim got a bit of a pamper, but I also used it in my hair as a rinse/tonic
Buy again?: sadly no


green beauty empties - tins + cardboard packaging

Beauty Kubes Shampoo/Body Wash:
Enjoyed?: yes
Positives: plastic free, easy to use, lasts long (my hair only needs half a cube), non greasy
Negatives: none!
Buy again?: yes, I already have a full box to use!

AA Skincare Intense Coconut Shampoo Bar:
Enjoyed?: yes
Positives: long lasting, affordable, nourishing
Negatives: not truly plastic free (bar was in plastic inside box), coconut breaks me out so this was actually used by Tim - he loved it though!
Buy again?: maybe for Tim

Giovanni D:tox System Purifying Body Bar:
Enjoyed?: yes/no
Positives: lasted ages, effective for acne prone areas
Negatives: strong perfumey fragrance that smelled artificial, wish it was scrubby as well as purifying, skin felt stripped
Buy again?: no

Weleda Ratanhia Mouthwash:
Enjoyed?: yes
Positives: feels effective but gentle, taste was pleasant, lasted a long while, love the glass bottle
Negatives: would love to see an even larger bottle + non plastic lid, and needs clearer instructions
Buy again?: yes

PHB Peppermint Sugar Scrub:
Enjoyed?: yes
Positives: smells incredible, love that it nourishes + exfoliates, petals are a nice touch
Negatives: sometimes too scrubby/harsh on skin
Buy again?: they're phasing them out I believe, so sadly cannot repurchase

Preserve Razor:
Enjoyed?: yes
Positives: recycled plastic + recyclable, affordable, gentle + close shave
Negatives: still plastic (I'm just scared to switch to a safety razor *help*)
Buy again?: yes

Bloomtown Botanicals The Hedgerow Sugar Scrub:
Enjoyed?: yes
Positives: lovely sweet smell, gentle, scrubby but nourishing, lasts ages, glass jar
Negatives: plastic lid
Buy again?: yes - this is a favourite of Tims funnily enough

The Salt Parlour Black Clay & Sandalwood Detox Scrub:
Enjoyed?: yes/no
Positives: cleansing + gentle exfoliation, calming aroma
Negatives: was unsure on the smell, and it felt a bit tacky on the skin, messier than other varities
Buy again?: not this one, but all the others I would!

Love Your Pitts Deodorant:
Enjoyed?: yes
Positives: plastic free, effective all day (for me)
Negatives: a bit grainy, not super keen on scent
Buy again?: maybe

Lyonsleaf Beauty Balm:
Enjoyed?: yes
Positives: lovely calming scent, perfect for first cleanse, multi-tasking, nourishing
Negatives: none! used this on Tim mostly as his dry skin always needs extra TLC
Buy again?: I already have one to use!

Lucky Cloud Blooming Marvellous Lip Butter:
Enjoyed?: yes/no
Positives: plastic free, super soft/silky texture, lovely richly sweet scent
Negatives: I felt it dried out my lips a little strangely enough
Buy again?: unsure - I have a different kind to try and then I will decide


green beauty empties - plastic packaging

Greenfrog Botanic Natural Bodywash:
Enjoyed?: yes
Positives: smell is unique + uplifting, gentle on skin, so affordable, leaves skin cleansed but not stripped
Negatives: plastic bottle, difficult to lather, felt I needed to use a fair amount
Buy again?: maybe

Lola's Apothecary Delicate Romance Balancing Body Souffle:
Enjoyed?: yes
Positives: aroma is incredible, texture is out of this world, super nourishing, calming, beautiful
Negatives: sample was in plastic
Buy again?: definitely yes - just need to save up!

Balance Me Flash Cleanse Micellar Water:
Enjoyed?: yes
Positives: very hydrating, gentle on skin, leaves skin feeling clean + refreshed
Negatives: requires cotton round/muslin cloth to apply, plastic bottle, not the nicest scent
Buy again?: maybe

Savon Liquide de Marseille (Lavender):
Enjoyed?: yes
Positives: fab scent, super calming, lasts ages
Negatives: plastic bottle, a little drying on hands
Buy again?: maybe if I can find it

Madara Daily Defence:
Enjoyed?: yes
Positives: incredibly nourishing, rich texture, gives protective barrier to skin, multi-tasking
Negatives: plastic bottle, not vegan
Buy again?: maybe

Gallinee Body Milk:
Enjoyed?: yes/no
Positives: super moisturizing, lasts ages, softening, absorbs fully, generous size
Negatives: too wet and takes a bit longer to dry down than I would like (I just don't like most body lotions/creams), plastic bottle, not the nicest scent
Buy again?: sadly no

Deep Steep Argan Oil Hand Wash (Snowflake):
Enjoyed?: yes
Positives: lovely warming aroma, feels moisturizing, lasts ages
Negatives: plastic bottle
Buy again?: maybe, but it is seasonal so may not see it again

Balance Me Pure Skin Face Wash:
Enjoyed?: yes/no
Positives: great clean feel, not harsh, balancing, good for times when my skin is being fussy
Negatives: smell is not nice (like potato starch), plastic bottle
Buy again?: sadly no

Fair Squared Apricot Shaving Oil:
Enjoyed?: yes
Positives: so gentle, helps get close shave, nourishing, soothing,
Negatives: plastic bottle
Buy again?: maybe

Sukin Nourishing Shampoo:
Enjoyed?: yes/no
Positives: clarifying, lathers up a ton, affordable, a little goes a long way
Negatives: drying and slightly irritating on scalp - even Tim had issues with this, plastic bottle, phenoxyethonal -- would not recommend for dry/damaged hair
Buy again?: no

Sukin Nourishing Conditioner:
Enjoyed?: yes/no
Positives: affordable, silky texture, non-greasy
Negatives: slightly less irritating than the shampoo, but still not as intensely nourishing as I would have expected, plastic bottle, phenoxyethonal
Buy again?: seems they have changed this to Hydrating Conditioner, so maybe if that is less drying

Green People Quinoa & Calendula Shower Gel:
Enjoyed?: yes
Positives: smells unique + soothing, gentle on skin
Negatives: plastic bottle, doesn't lather well though that's not a deal breaker
Buy again?: maybe

Elemental Herbology Moisture Milk Ultra Light Facial Moisturizer:
Enjoyed?: meh
Positives: very lightweight on skin, non pore clogging
Negatives: phenoxyethonal (seriously WHY), sample is in plastic bottle, not sure about the formula + smelled a bit odd (maybe mine was just off?)
Buy again?: probably not

Awake Organics Aura Deodorant:
Enjoyed?: yes
Positives: effective all day, smooth application, nice scent
Negatives: none
Buy again?: yes

Apple & Bears Bergamot & Green Tea Hair & Body Wash:
Enjoyed?: yes
Positives: their scents are so good, gentle on skin, lathers well
Negatives: plastic
Buy again?: not unless they switch to different packaging

Christopher Courtney Anti-Oxidant Chocolate Face Balm:
Enjoyed?: yes/no
Positives: mouth watering scent, incredibly moisturizing + healing, perfect for moisturizing mask
Negatives: too rich for my face sadly, and coconut oil makes me break out
Buy again?: unsure - love the scent and nourishing qualities, but may just be too heavy for me

Akar Skin Ruby Tint Lip Butter:
Enjoyed?: yes
Positives: perfect amount of tint, lovely colour, very nourishing, great alone or as a base
Negatives: none!
Buy again?: this one has been redeveloped, but I would buy the new formula!

Juno Eternelle Extremely Hydrating Moisturizer:
Enjoyed?: yes
Positives: aroma is incredible, feels intensely nourishing without being heavy, gives radiance, little goes a long way
Negatives: may prove too rich for t-zone - sample was too small to fully test
Buy again?: maybe

Evolve Daily Renewal Facial Cream:
Enjoyed?: yes
Positives: love the smell, blends well with serum, applies smoothly, pretty gentle
Negatives: perhaps a little too rich - would need longer to find out
Buy again?: maybe

Evolve Radiant Glow Mask:
Enjoyed?: yes
Positives: smells delicious, gentle exfoliation, gentle on skin, gives lovely glow
Negatives: none!
Buy again?: already have a full size one to use!

The Natural Deodorant Co Lemon + Geranium:
Enjoyed?: yes
Positives: gentle on skin, not grainy at all, protects all day, smells lovely
Negatives: none!
Buy again?: yes

not pictured:

Organii Organic Aloe Mouthwash:
Enjoyed: yes/no
Positives: felt gentle, nice taste, very affordable + generous size
Negatives: mouth didn't feel as clean as after using other products, plastic bottle, a little drying



And that's it for my empties from end of November through end of February! There were so many, but considering many had been in use for more than half a year plus this covered over three months of products, this wasn't too bad.  But what do you think?  Are you shocked by how many I had to get through in this roundup??

Did you spy any favourites in this empties post?  Or are there any you are still curious about?  Feel free to let me know in the comments, as I love the discussion!  And of course I would be keen to hear what you used up recently -- it is so interesting to me!

Starting from now, my empties posts are back to their regular schedule.  That means you can expect my March empties in a few weeks!  There is no where near as many, I promise! xx

5 comments

  1. Wow, that's a lot of empties! I would love to try the two deodorants you like: from The Natural Deodorant Co and Awake Organics. I love citrusy scents!

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    Replies
    1. I know I was tempted to just not do a post as there were so many haha. and I think both are great options! I love everything Awake Organics does, and was really pleased by how effective The Natural Deo Co was x

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  2. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  3. Love this, so many goodies! I love the whiskey rule, I hadn't heard that before and it really makes sense.

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    Replies
    1. full credit to Tim for giving me the idea! it has not let me down yet :)

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