WELCOME TO ANOTHER EDITION OF BEAUTY EMPTIES, A SERIES WHERE I DIVE INTO THE BEAUTY PRODUCTS THAT I’VE RECENTLY USED UP, WHAT I truly, honestly, no holding back LOVED (AND DIDN’T) ABOUT EACH OF THEM, AND WHICH ONES HAVE EARNED THEMSELVES A PERMANENT SPOT IN MY BEAUTY CABINET!

JOANNA VARGAS SUPER NOVA SERUM C/O //

pros // One of my favorite serums that I’ve ever tried; non-irritating, noticeable difference within a few uses and comes in an airtight, opaque, glass pump bottle so that the product lasts longer; it really helped with my tone, texture and fine lines and truly made such an impact on my skin that even Dave noticed (which is really saying something as he’s almost never noticed anything skincare related)

cons // It’s a bit pricey, definitely more of a splurge item

will I buy it again? // Yes, I absolutely would!

ÉMINENCE BRIGHT SKIN LICORICE ROOT BOOSTER-SERUM //

pros // Such a great, clean alternative to hydroquinone; love that it comes in a dark glass bottle; it isn’t sticky, doesn’t small weird and absorbs into skin quickly; most importantly, it actually works and I definitely noticed some old acne scars fade and/or disappear

cons // You have to use it multiple times a day + continue using it to notice a true difference.

will I buy it again? // I may explore some other options to test out first, but ultimately, yes, I plan to buy this again.

BRIOGEO SCALP REVIVAL //

pros // I’ve pondered this one for a while now, trying hard to find a pro as I’m such a fan of this brand and some of their other products that I’ve tried (like their hair masks!), but sadly, I just can’t come up with one other than the fact that it’s vegan and cruelty-free.

cons // Didn’t notice any difference after using the product, smelled a bit like mint toothpaste (but like the one the dentist uses at cleanings, not the kind you’d have at home) and container is plastic

will I buy it again? // I can’t say I will.

RODAN + FIELDS LASH BOOST //

pros // For years, I’ve tried all kinds of eyelash serums, but this is the only one that actually truly works! My lashes always get so much longer and fuller when I use this, like you can actually tell something exists around my eyeballs instead of them just looking straight up naked. And I always know when I’ve stopped using it/haven’t used it in a while, because my eyelashes disappear again.

cons // It’s a bit pricey (although joining the perks program does help with the cost + shipping), it’s only available through the brand website and/or one of their consultants, and there have been some pretty bad reviews about it (like bad as in people had such adverse reactions that they’ve sued the company).

will I buy it again? // Yes, I actually just repurchased another tube.

BIOSSANCE SQUALANE + LACTIC ACID RESURFACING NIGHT SERUM //

pros // A clean lactic acid, very gentle, doesn’t smell weird (like some lactic acids)

cons // While I did notice some subtle differences in my skin, it wasn’t really anything over-the-top and that I haven’t gotten from other products. For my skin, I think it’s just a little too gentle.

will I buy it again? // I’m open to it, but I also want to keep testing other lactic options as I wouldn’t say this one totally wowed me.

BIOSSANCE SQUALANE + PHYTO-RETINOL SERUM //

pros // A clean retinol option, very gentle and non-irritating

cons // The retinol isn’t very strong

will I buy it again? // While I do think this is a great clean retinol option for someone with sensitive skin and/or someone who is just starting out with retinol, for me personally I’ve been using a strong retinol for over a decade, so I didn’t notice much of a difference with this one, and probably wouldn’t buy it again.

LASHFOOD CONDITIONING LASH PRIMER //

pros // Struggling to find a pro…I guess that it’s a clean lash primer, which can be hard to find?

cons // So many, I don’t know where to start…It was dry, clumpy, flaky…pretty much everything you don’t want when it comes to lashes. I’d like to think that maybe I just got a bad and/or old tube, because it does have decent reviews, but honestly, my experience was so bad, I don’t even really want to give this product another chance.

will I buy it again? // Well, when Sephora offered to either send me a replacement or refund me my money, I went with the latter, so, as I’m sure you can guess, I will not be trying this product ever again.

JUS BY JULIE SMOOTHING MOISTURIZER C/O //

pros // A wonderful moisturizer at a wonderful price point; has a great texture that melts right into skin, smells lovely, perfect for summertime, and great for traveling as it’s a smaller, plastic container

cons // While I don’t really have any cons, my only notes would be that I think for winter/dry skin, this cream would be too light, and, while the plastic container is great for travel, I do simultaneously note it as a con from a sustainability stand point.

will I buy it again? // Yes, I definitely would!

ANNEMARIE BORLIND CERAMIDE VITAL FLUID //

pros // Comes in a glass bottle, great price point

cons // While I’m a forever fan of this brand, I can’t say I’m a fan of this specific product. The smell was a bit, old-fashioned/grandma-y shall we say, the product took a bit of time to absorb and I honestly didn’t notice much of a difference using it.

will I buy it again? // This is one Annemarie Borlind product I will not be buying again.

ANNEMARIE BORLIND EYE WRINKLE CREAM //

pros // I often find eye creams to be too light to make much, if any, difference around my eyes, but not this one. It’s one of my absolute favorite eye-creams, especially for night time. It’s super thick and rich but also easily absorbs into skin; actually works and makes a difference with lines around my eyes; really great for winter and extra-dry skin; also has a ridiculously reasonable price point, especially given that it’s a heavier duty eye cream; comes in a metal tube

cons // While I’m glad that this product isn’t in plastic, the metal tube can be frustrating to deal with as it can start to crack/break towards the end, making product come out of the sides of the tube

will I buy it again? // Yes, I always have this eye cream on hand.