The Empties: June Edition

Bliss Lemon and Sage Soapy Suds Body Wash

If you love citrus like I do, then you will adore this product. The refreshing scent stays with you long after you get out of the shower and leaves you feeling oh-so clean. The downsides to this product though are that it contains fragrance (I’m really trying to lower the amount of fragranced products that I use) and you need a couple of pumps to wash your body fully.

Peach Slices Acne Spot Dots

I am absolutely head over heels in love with this product! It’s no secret that I have acne, and even though I have made peace with it, I’m not going to leave it untreated. These patches come in three sizes and can be applied directly over the affected area. What they do is that the the hydrocolloid with absorb the oil from a developing or already present pimple. This in turn, will help reduce the inflammation and clear up the blemish in a faster fashion. This product is not only speedy, but it does not dry out skin, is suitable for all skin types, and can be worn day and night. My favorite part about these is that they are clear, but be careful! I have gone to work many times with these on my chin or forehead, only to have them pointed out by a coworker.

Trader Joe’s Lemongrass Coconut Body Oil With Almond and Jojoba Oils

What I’m about to say may make a few of you cringe, but here it goes: I used this thick oil all over my face as my first step of cleansing. Now, here is the catch: It was excellent! Yup, you heard it here first, this body oil was an excellent cleansing oil! Not only did it remove all of my makeup, but it also nourished my winter skin. Would I use this in the Summer? No, but I’ll come back to it when there’s snow on the ground.

Mario Badescu Drying Lotion

I shouldn’t be the first person to tell you that this acne spot treatment is ahhhh-mazing! This is a cult favorite beloved by so many who have acne. Not only that, but this little glass bottle of 1 fluid ounce lasts a very long time. All you do is dip a q-tip into the pink calamine lotion and apply to present acne. I often put this on at night before I got to bed and when I wake up in the morning, my acne has dried up or has shrunk.

Glossier Solution

While I no longer use this product (currently searching for a new clean toner), I have to admit that there is a lot I like about this product. I liked that it is a liquid exfoliator that is made up of a cocktail of chemicals, such as salicylic acid, glycolic acid, and lactic acid. When I swiped this product over my face, I did feel that it smoothed out some of my texture and brightened my complexion. BUT. At what cost? When you first start using this product, at least in my case, my skin went through a two week purging process where more acne popped up. Why? This product upset my skin’s pH balance and justifiably, my skin freaked out. While this product is paraben free, cruelty free, and vegan, I think the combination of all the buffering chemicals (there are more I didn’t mention) are not meant for some skin types.

TonyMoly Panda’s Dream Hand Cream

I am not afraid to admit that I bought this because of the packaging and for the fact that it was on sale. During the winter months, this was my hand’s saving grace. I kept this on my desk and every morning I would rub the creamy lotion into my dry hands. Now, while this is effective, it does include fragrance and the white tea scent is pretty strong.

First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Face Moisturizer

This is the cleanest product on this list (besides the acne patches)! No harsh, drying, or unnecessary chemical here – just awesome ceramides, squalane, and oils that moisturize deeply. Despite this product being fairly lightweight, its hydration really packs a punch! This is ideal for all skin types all year around.