Clean Beauty Empties Review
What to Replace + What to Repurchase
Over the last 6 months I’ve tested new products, continued to use old standbys I can’t top and discovered a few replacements for those that I could. Now that I’ve come to a point where I need to decide what to replace and what to repurchase, I put together a review of all of my empty clean beauty products including skincare, haircare and body breaking down what worked and what didn’t.
To view the full video head to my IGTV channel, located in my Instagram profile @lolo_russell, or click the link below!
What to Replace
Battle of the Night Creams: I have been searching for the perfect night cream for my skincare needs and goals. I came VERY close to finding “the one” with the Goop Replenishing Night Cream and the Beautycounter Rejuvenating Night Cream. However, each of them were just slightly shy of what I was looking for. Let’s break it down:
Goop Replenishing Night Cream: This luxurious, ultra-rich cream packs a heavy dose of hydration! My skin felt amazing after putting it on and it had a major part in healing my dry, flaky skin last Winter. However, it’s more of a “splurge” price point for me at $140. It did last a long time, but you better believe I scraped that jar completely clean. I also found it to be a little too heavy in the Summer and from an application stand-point it was thick.
Rejuvenating Night Cream is light and made my skin feel as soft as a baby’s cheek! The hydration level was great for Summer, but on dry days I really relied on my facial oils to get the hydration I wanted. In addition to lasting 4-6 months depending on how often you us it, so the price-point at $75 was much easier to swallow.
I needed something right in between: a cream that packed the perfect level of hydration, felt lightweight, made my skin glow and feel rejuvenated, but wasn’t going to make me nauseous every time I entered my credit card number and hit “purchase.” That’s when the Countertime Tetrapeptide Supreme Cream came into my life and I haven’t looked back. They’ve officially be replaced. Read below for more on that product!
Briogeo Scalp Revival Dry Shampoo: I love the formula because it’s really effective and gives great body. I don’t feel icky after using it for a few days and it blends in well. However, the packaging design and propellant free “spray” bottle does not work well. To the point where I got so frustrated I just take the top off and apply it with an old makeup brush. I decided to go back to the Acure Dry Shampoo.
What to Repurchase
Goop Himalayan Salt Scrub Shampoo: Priced $42, this scalp exfoliant and cleanser is a great value. I use a small amount (tablespoon) about once a week and it has lasted me over 4 months, maybe even 6. It all depends on how often you need to use it. I love that it gets rid of all the build-up from dirt, oil, dry shampoo and other products while leaving my hair feeling light and voluminous. It’s been safe on my color-treated hair, but always consult with your stylist if you’re concerned.
Schmidt’s Jasmine Tea Sensitive Skin Deodorant: I’ve tried many formulas and so far this is the best for my sensitive skin. While I do still perspire, it keeps me fresh and the scent is perfect.
Beautycounter Sheer Lipstick in ‘Rose’: I’m not kidding when I say this is the fourth time (at least) that I’ve re-ordered this product. It’s the perfect everyday lipstick because it doesn’t FEEL like lipstick. It’s hydrating and add’s just the right amount of color.
Countertime Lipid Defense Cleansing Oil: I used to love my Goop cleansing balm, but after trying this cleansing oil I’ve officially been converted. The liquid formula and pump container make it easy to use. It smells amazing and leaves my skin feeling hydrated and fresh. I use 2-3 pumps at night, apply to dry skin and massage, then add a bit of water to breakdown my makeup. Remove with damp washcloth.
Countertime Tetrapeptide Supreme Cream: I’ve been through a couple different night creams (see above list) and this product is by far my favorite. It gives me the deep hydration I’m looking for without feeling heavy or oily. The Retinatural Complex revitalizes the skin, offering the benefits of Retinol treatments with alternative natural ingredients that don’t have the harmful side effects. I’ve noticed a significant difference in the texture and brightness of my skin using this product!
Acure Body Beautiful Shampoo & Conditioner: I recently decided to switch up my hair care routine to include a more volumizing shampoo & conditioner and I’m so glad I did! This formula is light and doesn’t dry out my hair, like many volumizing formulas do, and the scent is lovely.