Fall Empties: What I Would and Wouldn’t Buy Again

I actually bought everything you see below (except #3) so the question is: What would I actually buy again? Let’s break it down from my latest batch of empties. 

1. Spectrum Coconut Oil: No, not this brand because it’s better suited for cooking. I like THIS one better.

I’ll always have a plastic jar of coconut oil upstairs in my bathroom. It’s how I refill my and the girl’s smaller containers in their bathrooms which we all use to moisturize post-bath. I’ve been using it to shave too with amazing results and of course I rub some on my belly twice daily with a few other butters to remain stretch mark-free.

2. Bubble & Bee Organic Body Butter in Coconut Lime $17: Yes, I already bought another!

If a thick l, whipped body butter is your thing, you have to try this one out. It’s probably the best I’ve ever used. It melts into the skin leaving a slight slip and heavenly coconut lime scent behind. I got the larger size this time because I use it so often, but the smaller size is shown. I use it before the coconut oil on my belly to really lay down some moisture day and night, but it’s just a great all-over hydrator too.

3. Kaia Naturals Juicy Bamboo Cleansing Cloths $15.50: Maybe, but just in my kit.

I really loved these cleansing cloths, because they’re so refreshing and don’t leave a residue behind, truly perfect for lazy girls who don’t always remove their makeup at night. But the thing is, I typically do so I was using them in my kit. For around 50 cents a cloth it’s worth it and looks a lot nicer than pulling out a baby wipe which is what most Makeup Artists (myself included) typically use.

4. Honest Lip Balms $9: No, probably not.

I bought these as a trio months back when I was still ordering Honest diapers (before I fell in love with Babyganics) and used them up without much excitement. They don’t moisturize that well and the scents aren’t great, I like the slip of Bubble & Bee’s much better and am obsessed with this Root Beer one that I just ordered again because Everly hid the last one God knows where.

5. Eminence Eight Greens Whip Moisturizer $60: Probably.

My face completely soaked this thick cream right up. It’s a balancing formula that also firms, so if you’re 30’s+ and have slight hormonal breakouts this is a natural solution that really works well to keep skin clear without drying the hell out of it (that’s you Proactiv.) Eminence has some of the best moisturizes I’ve ever used and my facialist has me totally addicted to the line.

6. Latisse $100-ish: Of course.

I can’t imagine a time when I wouldn’t use Latisse. It keeps my lashes noticeably long and dark and I only use it a few times a week for maintenance. It’s the only lash extender that’s FDA approved to be in and around your eyes, and the bottle lasts 6+ months when you use it like I do- just 1 drop in the cap and swirl the brush around. $200 (ish) a year for long lashes in my opinion is worth it. 

6b. Forces of Nature Acne/Pimple Control $26: Yes, I loved it.

I realize that technically this should be #7, but I’m exhausted and not changing the damn picture that took way too long to edit in the first place, so 6b it is! Anyway, I found this little bottle at Vitamin Cottage and use a few drops on a cotton pad that I’d first soak with some Witch Hazel. Dilution isn’t necessary, but I found that it’s easier to spread this way. It’s an organic homeopathic FDA registered medicine that’s meant to treat breakouts and it works great. It gives a little tingle but isn’t harsh and I loved how fresh it made my skin feel. 

7. Schmidt’s Deodorant in Bergamot + Lime $9: I’ll always have some on hand.

If you’re still using a mainstream deodorant, you must not know about all the crap that’s lurking in them. Why even chance it when Schmidt’s safe formula works so well. I spent years trying to convince Mike to switch and now he’s a total convert and says it works better than any he’s ever used.

8. Natualia Acne Cream $13: If I need to, yes.

This was another Vitamin Cottage find that worked out well at the beginning of my pregnancy when my skin was giving me all sorts of trouble. It’s a combo of Tea Tree Oil, Witch Hazel, Calendula, Lactic Acid, and Rosehip Oil that calms and hydrates naturally. My skin is in good shape right now, but for $13 I’d be happy to use again should breakouts occur.

9. Beautycounter Routine Clean $24: Probably not.

I ordered this a while back after I received some Beautycounter samples but at the end of the tube I decided it wasn’t for me. It’s too thin for a non-foaming cleanser and I’ve found love in the form of a $4 bar recently anyway. I’m still wondering if anything will ever be as perfect as my all time favorite iconic cleanser that I’m not sure why I don’t just order already. Maybe I’ll do that today.