Tag: skincare empties

2021 EMPTIES (WILL I REPURCHASE?) – PART 6

by liftbakelove2 Comments on 2021 EMPTIES (WILL I REPURCHASE?) – PART 6

Back again with another 5 empties (fully finished products)! I have a bunch of empties this month, but, as usual, I am keeping these posts to 5 products to keep them short. As always, I’m super excited to take a good look at what I thought of the products I’ve finished and whether or not I’d buy them again.

Dr. Jart+ Ceramidin Cream – This is my HG morning moisturizer. I can’t count how many times I’ve repurchased this, and I find that when I’m trying something else, I can really tell the difference. I find that this helps much more with skin dehydration than just dryness, which is very important for me. I also find that it’s a really good prep step before makeup to make sure everything goes on smoothly without catching on any dry patches. I have already started the next tube and have a backup. I recommend getting this during Sephora’s holiday sales because there’s always set of this and a couple other Dr. Jart+ products for less than the price of just the Ceramidin cream.

Acure Radically Rejuvenating Whipped Night Cream – I really liked this cream – it’s super nourishing without feeling super heavy, and it does exactly what it promises to do. It’s also much more inexpensive than comparable creams I’ve tried. That said, my HG is still the Fresh Lotus Youth Preserve Dream Night Cream, and I’m excited to get back to it, so I won’t be repurchasing the Acure.

Shiseido Benefiance Wrinkle Smoothing Eye Cream – This eye cream was sent to me to try and review, and I thought at the time “there’s no way I’m going to fall in love with a $70 eye cream.” And now, I’ve repurchased it four times! This is the only eye cream I’ve found that actually works to reduce wrinkles around my eyes without irritation. I’ve been able to continually find it on sale, which is awesome, so I usually spend about $40 on average for it. I already have another one going and a backup ready to go, and I will keep repurchasing this until something even better comes along.

Josie Maran Argan Oil – This is a nice oil – it sinks in pretty well, it moisturizes, it provides an occlusive layer, and it has never broken me out. That said, I love the Josie Maran Skin Dope Argan Oil + 100 mg CBD so much more and have switched back to that already. It absorbs so much faster, and I find that it actually improves my skin brightness and firmness whereas the organ oil is just a nice oil. I tend to get this as a gift with purchase, and I’ll use it when I do, but I won’t be repurchasing.

Biossance Squalane Oil – Similar to the Josie Maran Argan Oil, this is also really nice and does everything you’d expect it to do. I also like the Josie Maran Skin Dope Argan Oil + 100 mg CBD more than this for my face. That said, I love using this as a body oil. They make a jumbo size for $48 which you can grab during a sale for even less, and it’s amazing to either mix in with or use on top of body lotions. I have a ton of body oils that I’ve using and testing right now, but this is definitely on the list for a possible repurchase.

Thanks so much for reading! I’d love to know – what have you finished lately? What else would you like to see here on LiftBakeLove? I’m posting twice a week now so there’s double the opportunity for posts!

2021 EMPTIES (WILL I REPURCHASE?) – PART 5

by liftbakeloveLeave a Comment on 2021 EMPTIES (WILL I REPURCHASE?) – PART 5

Back again with another 5 empties (fully finished products)! I have a very big backlog of empties, but as usual, I am keeping these posts to 5 products to keep them short. This is a little different than my usual empties posts because I happened to finish a set of products that I love and have repurchased already at the same time. So as a spoiler – these are all HGs for me and most of them I have more than at least one backup of already.

Josh Rosebrook Hydrating Accelerator – This is still my favorite facial mist of all time. I’ve tried a few others for testing, but I always end up missing this one. It’s so hydrating, it helps my other products sink in better and faster, and it smells amazing too. I’ve used it alone with nothing else if I’m in a pinch and somehow it actually moisturizes my skin enough even with my incredibly dry skin. I already have at least two more bottles of this, and I will continue to repurchase this forever unless something really amazing launches that knocks it out of its HG spot in my routine.

Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream – Somehow I’ve never posted about this moisturizer before, but I’ve been using it every morning for years. It’s simple, effective, not too heavy or light, and plays well under makeup. This is just such a staple in my routine that I don’t have much to say about it except that it’s one of my favorite moisturizers for my dry skin – it just works really works, and I keep coming back to it over and over again no matter what else I try.

Pat McGrath Lip Fetish Balm in Clear – Before I talk about why I love this, I want to say that I don’t think this is worth it at full price (or even 50% off). I was able to grab the mini for $3 and the full size for $12, and for me, it’s totally worth it at that price. This balm is incredibly moisturizing and imparts a glossy look to the lips without being too much. I love adding it on top of matte lipsticks to turn any lipstick into a slightly sheer/shiny product without adding anything too glossy or sticky or something that would make it wear off too quickly. There are a bunch of balmy formulas I’m testing for review so I may be taking a break from this, but it’s such an easy, moisturizing, pretty formula that I love having in my collection.

Olaplex No. 3 – Every time I use this, I feel like my hair has been transformed. It feels way smoother, stronger, and shinier without being weighed down. I notice a huge difference when I don’t use this treatment, and it’s incredibly worth it to me. My hair is normally super prone to breakage, and this is one of the only products I’ve tried that actually helps with that. It also helps my hair feel way less dry than usual without making it greasy. This is one of my only true hair staples (outside of my Bumble & Bumble loves) that I continue to repurchase over and over again.

Nuface Gel Primer – I know the Nuface device is expensive, but it really works, and I’ve kept using it consistently since I last posted about it. This is the gel that you used to go along with the device, and although you can find cheaper alternatives, I really like how this one feels and how it makes my skin feel after I use it. I bought the larger size on sale after finishing this 2oz tube, and it’s both a better price per ounce and better packaging with a pump. It also takes me way longer to use up than I expect, so it’s worth the investment for me. That said, it’s usually easy to find both the device and this gel primer on sale, so I would recommend not paying full price for them.

I’d love to know – what have you finished lately? Like I mentioned, I have a ton more empties that I will be posting about, and not all of them are as positive as this group. Let me know if there’s anything else you’d like to see here on LiftBakeLove, and thanks for reading!

2021 EMPTIES (WILL I REPURCHASE?) – PART 4

by liftbakelove2 Comments on 2021 EMPTIES (WILL I REPURCHASE?) – PART 4

Back again with another 5 empties (fully finished products)! I have a bunch of empties this month, but, as usual, I am keeping these posts to 5 products to keep them short. That said, I’m super excited to take a good look at what I thought of the products I’ve finished and whether or not I’d buy them again.

L’Oréal 8 Second Wonder Water – I really love this product and not just because it’s less than $10. I don’t understand what magic is in this product, but it does truly transform my hair only using it a couple times a week, 8 seconds at a time. It leaves me with silkier, shinier, healthier-looking hair without weighing my hair down. I have really dry hair that tends to look dull, so this has been a game changer for me. I happen to already have a ton of backups that my mom bought me (thank you!) as she loves this too so I won’t be repurchasing quite yet, but I totally will when I need to.

Molecular Saviour Probiotics Repair Mist. – While my all-time favorite mist continues to be the Josh Rosebrook Hydrating Accelerator, this one is amazing in the morning and during the day, especially to help prevent any mask-ne. It’s lighter than the Josh Rosebrook (which I use at night), and I actually really love having both in my collection. I’ve also still been using this before their Vitamin C serum to help it absorb, and I love using it that way. I’m currently using the backup I already had and will absolutely be repurchasing this again when I run out of this bottle.

Drybar Prep Rally Prime & Prep Detangler – I don’t think this is anything special, and it definitely doesn’t beat out my favorite detangling product, the Oribe Run-Through Detangling Hair Primer. But even if it worked incredibly well, I just can’t over the smell. It’s so strong and lingers for so long. I’m sure that’s great if you like the scent, but I’m not a fan. It also mixes super weirdly with any perfume I’m using. As a perfume lover, that makes it an instant not repurchase for me.

Bumble and bumble Bb.Repair Blow Dry –  This does exactly what it promised – gives really smooth, shiny hair when you blow dry it. My hair definitely feels healthier when I use this when I blow dry my hair than when I don’t. As usual, I’m currently working through a bunch of hair styling treatments, but this is definitely in the running for repurchasing when the time comes.

Thrive Causemetics Liquid Lash Extensions Mascara – This continues to be the best mascara I’ve ever used. I’ve moved on to one of the four minis I have, and I still love it. It makes my lashes look amazing, doesn’t smudge, and actually holds a curl. The best part is that it washes off so easily and quickly. I still have three more minis to get through after this and will definitely repurchase until an amazing tubing formula comes out that’s better than this one.

I’d love to know – what have you finished lately? Like I mentioned, I have a ton more empties that I will be posting about, and not all of them are as positive as this group. Let me know if there’s anything else you’d like to see here on LiftBakeLove, and thanks for reading!

2021 EMPTIES (WILL I REPURCHASE?) – PART 3

by liftbakelove5 Comments on 2021 EMPTIES (WILL I REPURCHASE?) – PART 3

Back again with another 5 empties (a fully finished product)! I have a bunch of empties this month, but am still keeping these posts to 5 products to keep them short, so you’ll likely be seeing them a little more often than usual for a bit. That said, I’m super excited to take a good look at what I thought of the products I’ve finished and whether or not I’d buy them again.

Laneige Cica Sleeping Mask  – I’ve talked about this in 3 favorites posts now because I love it so much. My last jar lasted me from before January 2020 until now, so for me, it’s 100% worth the $34 price for the jar (especially if I can get it on sale). I only use this mask twice a week when I use my AHA toner, and it really helps with any potential irritation that comes with using an exfoliator. It also makes a huge difference in taming the redness in my skin that I really don’t have any anymore. I already had a replacement because this is one of the only products I know I can’t be without, but I will absolutely get another jar in 2022 when I finally run out again.

Cover FX Dewy Finish Setting Spray – I mentioned this in my 2020 and 2019 favorites and, like the Cica mask, I already had a backup because I love it so much. This is my HG setting spray that I’ve been using for years, and something really incredible would have to come out for me to switch. It’s alcohol-free, it really does add dewiness which I can never get enough with, and it’s so much less drying than other setting sprays I’ve tried. And yes, I do already have a backup for my backup that I’m using now.

CosRX AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner – Unlike those first two, I will not be replacing this. For me, it just didn’t do anything, and even though it’s “only” $19, I really want every step in my skincare routine to be an effective one. It’s supposed to be a very gentle exfoliating toner/prep your skin for other chemical exfoliators, but I really didn’t notice a difference after using it for over a year. I don’t think this is a worthwhile step in my skincare routine, and so not only did I not replace it, I didn’t get anything else to sub in for this step.

Dr. Jart+ Tiger Grass Cream – I love this product for when I’m having any skin issues, especially when I’m testing something new and have a reaction. This always helps calm my skin down quickly, and it’s so nourishing. I also have really loved using it for my super dry winter skin. When we used to be able to travel, I loved having some of this with me because it’s perfect for after a flight or long car trip to help with dehydrated skin. That said, as much as I love it, I am testing a few heavy-duty creams right now, so I won’t picking up another bottle unless it beats out the ones I’m trying. I will report back in a future post!

Living Proof Restore Smooth Blowout Concentrate – I really enjoyed using this, and it does exactly what it promised – gives really smooth, shiny hair when you blow dry it. I personally like the Bumble and bumble Bb.Repair Blow Dry better for that purpose, and I’m currently working through a bunch of hair styling treatments, so I won’t be repurchasing this.

I’m loving reviewing my empties, and it’s great to see that I actually am using the things I love and getting through things I don’t. There will likely be another empties post next week too because I already have a bunch to review – let me know if you’d rather see more things in between!

Allies of Skin Brand Review

by liftbakelove3 Comments on Allies of Skin Brand Review

It’s no secret that I love the brand Allies of Skin. I’ve talked about how effective and worth the price these products are, but I thought it would be useful to put all of my thoughts in one place (though if you are a regular reader, some of this may be familiar). A note upfront that many of these products are quite expensive, but I’ve always been able to grab them at 20-30% off during sales! As with all of my reviews, this is not sponsored – I just really love these products and wanted to share. I do now have an affiliate code that you can use to save 20% off (or 15% off sale prices including buy one get one free) – LIFTBAKELOVE that makes the amazing deals they have even better. All links in this post are affiliate links.

I’ve talked about most of these products before, so wanted to start with the products I haven’t talked about here yet.

I have a lot of trouble finding Vitamin C serums that don’t irritate my skin, but the Vitamin C+ Perfecting Serum has been amazing – I didn’t even have irritation when I started using it, which has never happened before with a Vitamin C product. I have noticed such a big change with my skin since I started using this, particularly with helping with dullness. My skin has a glow that I’ve never seen before (since I have such dry skin), to the point that I can get away without using highlighter! I already have a backup of this because it’s such a key part of my morning skincare routine now.

I got the Vitamin C & Probiotics Brightening Masque as a gift with purchase, and the brand says to keep an eye out on their Instagram for when it’s coming out in the full size. Whenever that happens, I will be first in line to buy it. I have a lot of face masks that I love, but this is definitely in my top 5. It leaves my skin feeling refreshed, hydrated, smooth, and bright in 10 minutes with no irritation so I can use it in the morning before putting on makeup or as part of my evening skincare routine with no issues. Fingers crossed it launches soon!

As I mentioned in my January 2021 favorites, the Molecular Silk Amino Hydrating Cleanser is my new HG cleanser – it’s the first cleanser I’ve ever used that doesn’t require putting on moisturizer immediately afterwards. It creates such a luxurious cleansing experience, like you are cleaning your skin with silk. And while it really does clean, it also leaves your skin feeling hydrated. I’ve also recently used it as a quick mask by leaving it on for a few minutes before washing it off, and I love it that way. It really helps with any extra dryness, and I love that I don’t need to use a separate mask.

I’m also still loving the Molecular Saviour Probiotics Repair Mist. While my all-time favorite mist continues to be the Josh Rosebrook Hydrating Accelerator, this one is amazing for helping prevent any mask-ne and to use in the morning as an extra glow-booster (along with all the other glow-boosting products I use). The brand says to use this before the Vitamin C serum to help it absorb – and it does work great for that! I also love the packaging and mister, whereas I’ve actually depotted the Hydrating Accelerator into another bottle.

And last, but certainly not least, my first product from the brand and my favorite retinol product, the 1A™ Retinal + Peptides Overnight Mask. This doesn’t irritate my skin at all, is very hydrating, and still actually does all the things retinol does (smooths the appearance of wrinkles, fades scars, and brightens skin). I love that if I’m really exhausted, I can use this as my all-in-one nighttime product without waking up to incredibly dry, blotchy skin, which is what used to happen with other retinol products. It’s pretty expensive, like the rest of this brand, but it works so well, and now I can’t imagine going back to something that isn’t as effective as this.

Is there another brand you’d like to see reviews of? Let me know in the comments!

2021 EMPTIES (WILL I REPURCHASE?) – PART 2

by liftbakelove2 Comments on 2021 EMPTIES (WILL I REPURCHASE?) – PART 2

I’ve decided to do one of these posts every 5 empties (a fully finished product) to keep the posts short and so I don’t keep more than 5 pieces of extra trash around at a time. I’m super excited to take a good look at what I thought of the products I’ve finished and whether or not I’d buy them again.

Human Kind Body Soufflé – This smelled great and was a totally fine lotion. It’s not quite as moisturizing as any of my favorites – the Josie Maran Body Butter, Aesop Body Balm, or Glossier Oil Mist. Given I have so many lotions to go through even beyond those, I definitely won’t be repurchasing this. It just wasn’t anything special. That said, if you don’t have super dry skin and want something light that sinks in quickly that is fairly affordable, I will say this is a good choice. So I’m not repurchasing, but you might like it if that’s what you’re looking for!

Good Molecules Hyaluronic Acid Serum – This was another worked fine, but nothing special product. I realized I have so many other products with hyaluronic acid in them that I just don’t need a separate serum. If you’re looking for one, this one is fine and super affordable, but just doesn’t feel like something I need. So nope, will not repurchase!

Skindinavia The Makeup Finishing Spray – The Cover FX Dewy Setting spray is still my top setting spray spot for keeping my makeup looking great all day without drying out my skin. It’s alcohol-free, and I find that has helped a ton with my skin feeling less dry throughout the day. Using the Skindinavia spray is more drying and more matte than the Cover FX and using it just make me miss the Cover FX one. I have a couple minis of the Skindinavia still which I’ll use for days when I really need my makeup to last all day (maybe if we can do things in the summer), but definitely don’t need a full bottle so will not repurchase!

Kiehl’s Lip Balm – I guess the theme of this list is “totally fine but nothing special”, and this lip balm is no exception. I have no many lip balms and masks I love more (the Glow Recipe Lip Pop and Pat McGrath Lip Fetish are my current favs (the PMG balm is on sale right now too!). The formula is pretty meh and I’m not into the tube packaging, and I think it’s too expensive for what it is. So nope, will not repurchase!

Matrix Total Results Miracle Creator – And the last “totally fine but nothing special” product is this hair treatment. I love the Bumble and Bumble Invisible Oil Primer and Blow Dry Repair and compared to those, this feels like it does nothing. Somehow I ended up with 3 or 4 of these minis, so if you see it in my empties again, it’s because I don’t want them to go to waste so will still use them, but I don’t think it’s anything you need to run out and get. So nope, will not repurchase!

Interestingly, this is a full list of empties I won’t be repurchasing. I’m so happy I’ve found things that I like better, and I’m glad I am reviewing all my empties for this reason – I’ll know not what not to get in the future, even if it’s on sale.

Let me know what else you’d like to see in 2021 – I’m so happy to have you reading and would love to hear from you!

2021 Empties (will I repurchase?) – Part 1

by liftbakelove1 Comment on 2021 Empties (will I repurchase?) – Part 1

I’ve decided to do one of these posts every 5 empties (a fully finished product) to keep the posts short and so I don’t keep more than 5 pieces of extra trash around at a time. I’m super excited to take a good look at what I thought of the products I’ve finished and whether or not I’d buy them again.

Vichy Pureté Thermale One Step Face Cleanser for Sensitive Skin – I loved this cleanser. It’s incredibly non-stripping and hydrating while still being effective at cleansing. That said, I have a bunch of cleansers I’m testing right now that I need to get through before deciding which one I’ll buy when I finally run through them all. Will maybe repurchase!

Vichy Minéral 89 Face Serum – This is great for my dry skin, and I’ve loved using it as a primer for makeup and as a serum. I loved the texture of this and how effective it was. Plus, it’s a lot more cost effective than some similar products I’ve tried. Like cleansers, I have a ton of similar products to get through before deciding on my HG. Will maybe repurchase!

Saint Jane Luxury CBD Beauty Serum – This oil was lovely, and my skin liked it. Was it worth $38 for this tiny bottle? Absolutely not. Are there dozens, if not hundreds, of other oils (even with CBD) that work just as well for way cheaper? Yes! I’m glad they have the mini so you can try it out without spending $125 for the 1oz full size, but definitely not worth it for me. My favorite of the CBD face oils I’ve tried is the Josie Maran Skin Dope Argan Oil which is about $46 for 1oz. You can get 2.7oz for the same price as 1 of the Saint Jane. So nope, will not repurchase!

Glossier Balm Dotcom – So hear me out – not all of the Balm Dotcoms are created equal. I have the berry one and love it so much. The Birthday one though – I hate it. The scent is overwhelming, the glitter is far too much (you can feel it!), and it is somehow way less moisturizing than the berry. The packaging also rubs off (as you can see in the picture) and gets everywhere! If you read my blog, you know how much I love Glossier products in general (so many have shown up in my favorites), but this is a definite no from me. So nope, will not repurchase!

Josh Rosebrook Hydrating Accelerator – This is my favorite facial mist of all time. I’ve used it alone with nothing else if I’m in a pinch and somehow it actually hydrates my skin enough even with my incredibly dry skin. I already have two more bottles of this, and I will continue to repurchase this. Once I get through the two I have left, I am 100% getting the giant bottle because I will for sure go through 8oz of this, and I can keep the smaller bottles I have to refill. Will definitely keep repurchasing!

Let me know what else you’d like to see in 2021 – I’m so happy to have you reading and would love to hear from you!