Recent empties: Skincare
As a naturally nosy person, I full on love when people share little peeks into their handbags, fridges, tidy garages, make up bags, nightstands, et cetera. TIBAL is sort of the queen of sharing skincare and makeup empties and when I saw she made her own embroidered empties straw bag, I was *immediately* influenced. Here’s my New England twist:
You know I love a good boat + tote. Almost as much as I love a solid skincare routine. Almost as much as I love semi-over-sharing. So here are my January empties.
Oh, but first, a few notes: I do occasionally receive complimentary products. In this month’s case, I paid for each of them except for the Kiehl’s Retinol serum. You do not need a ton of products, nor do you need to spend a fortune on skincare. A solid routine tailored to your skin’s needs and your personal budget is very doable. As a skincare enthusiast (for lack of better description) and someone who has several freelance clients in the beauty industry, products abound over here. 😉 I’ve included affiliate links to my January empties, but I would be thrilled to share recommendations at different price points too. Please always feel free to reach out… but first, drink some water.
JANUARY EMPTIES: SKINCARE
Step 1: Cleanse
- Sahajan Ayurvedic Blend Essential Cleansing Oil
- Arcana Lightwave Enzyme Cleansing Balm
I’m a big fan of both of these cleansers. And as someone who grew up in the 80’s and early 90’s using the equivalent of sandpaper in a tube (St. Ives Apricot Scrub, obv) and oil-free everything, cleansing with oil feels illegal… but honestly, what a game changer. They quite literally melt away the day’s makeup (waterproof mascara included) and grime, without stripping or irritating skin. Both products worked beautifully and lasted 2-3 months each. Sadly, Arcana went out of business at the end of 2022, and this was the last of my Enzyme Cleansing Balm stash (I repurchased several times last year). I will be repurchasing the Sahajan oil, for sure.
As for the sandpaper, I do use an exfoliating cleanser 2-3 times a week, but I promise it’s not St. Ives.
Step 2: Tone
These are both repurchases for me and work beautifully as part of my morning and evening routine, but also throughout the day when my skin is feeling dry or tight. During warmer months, I keep these in the fridge for an extra boost.
Step 3: Vitamin C
I usually add a few drops of vitamin c serum to whatever moisturizer or facial serum I’m using each morning to brighten and even skin tone… but also to feel like a cute little chemist. I liked, but didn’t love this one. I believe this came in one of my Beauty Heroes subscription boxes, so I did not pay full price. Would not repurchase.
Step 4: Moisturize
This is another repurchased item for me — it’s sort of like the perfect every day/night cream and has been around for ages as a cult fave for a reason. Lightweight and quickly absorbed, but very hydrating. No brainer skincare is kind of my favorite.
Step 5: SPF
This was a bit of an impulse buy at the end of the summer, but I’ve seen it all over TikTok lately. One 1 oz tube lasted me nearly 3 months with daily wear, which feels like a win. It provides medium coverage (the freckles still show; I am not a full coverage girl), goes on really well with a flat top foundation brush (I think it’s recommended you apply with your hands, but hey…), and lasts all day. If I am going to be outside longer than 30 minutes, I’ll use my regular SPF in addition… yes, even in the dead of New England winter. I prefer this over the ILIA Skin Tint I had been previously using (worth noting: ILIA’s is SPF 40 and $48; Tula has a more inclusive shade range and retails for $40).
PM
This is a fantastic gentle retinol option for my fellow sensitive skin friends. I’m always a little leery of trying retinol products, but I had zero irritation or flaking and by the end of a month’s use, definitely noticed brighter, more firm skin. True test for gifted products: yes, would spend my own cash money on this (I tend to order Kiehl’s products at Nordstrom or Ulta to rack up the points).
Extras
- Equilibria CBD Mint Daily Drops
- Maya Chia Power Fol Advanced Multi-Correctional Scalp and Hair Treatment
The Maya Chia spray is sort of like skincare for your hair and scalp. It smells great, feels good, and I do believe it helped (at least slightly) with hair regrowth/thickness. I have not repurchased because I’m fairly stocked on hair oils at the moment, but would consider ordering when I run out. The Equilibria is an old standby, and monthly re-order for me (here’s a more comprehensive Equilibria review, if you’re curious).
Aaaaand here’s the current skincare situation.
Also On Tap for Today:
- Infinitely more important than skincare: Tyre Nichols and the End of Police Reform by Zak Cheney-Rice for the New Yorker
- Likely more helpful than skincare recommendations: Avoiding overcommitting and bowing out gracefully: How to Say No After Saying Yes
- Setting 400 reminders so I don’t forget to register my kids for nature camp (nerds after my own heart!) like I did last year…
What does your skincare routine look like? Do you love peeping everyone’s empties, etc. as much as I do?
