January Empties
V proud of what I was able to empty in January! Keep reading for a little insight on what I thought of the products, and if you’re a real one, there’s a surprise for you at the end! 🤩
Skincare
AmorePacific Treatment Cleansing Foam Hydrating Cleanser* (4.1 oz for $50, available at Sephora and AmorePacific)
I hate how much I love this cleanser. It lathers perfectly, and feels so hydrating after rinsing it’s unreal. It’s made with olive oil, sunflower seed oil, and mango seed butter to hydrate and soften. AND it has tiny encapsulated beads of vitamin e oil that deliver a burst of antioxidant protection on top of the hydration. I will note that this cleanser has the typical fragrance found in AmorePacific products, so if you’re wary of fragrance, just a heads up. For $50, there’s no way I can justify repurchasing it. Right…? I have a million more cleansers to get through before I even think about budgeting for a re-up of this one. But it’s SO nice. Won’t repurchase, right now.
Byroe Bitter Green Essence Toner* (5.07 fl oz for $95, available at Byroe)
Also an incredibly nice product, but ridiculously overpriced. I loved the texture of this bad boy, it was thick and hydrating and helped to minimize pores and balance my skin. I used this as an essence after I applied a toner most nights. Did I enjoy this product, yes. Would I repurchase it at this price point? Not when there are other essences that I would rather purchase that are slightly cheaper (see: Fresh’s Kombucha Essence). Won’t repurchase.
The Established Indie Afterglow Tonic (3 fl oz for $26, available at The Established)
I love rosewater sprays because they’re so versatile. I used this in all three ways: as a toner, as a hydrating mist in between skincare steps, and as a setting spray for a more even and hydrated makeup look. I feel like you really can’t go wrong with a nice rosewater, and I feel like this one is slightly more elevated because it also includes neroli water. Added bonus, this is a Black-owned, female-owned brand, and her aesthetic is to die for. I will continually support them, so yes, would definitely repurchase. Check out some of the other products that I love here.
The Inkey List Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Serum (1 oz for $7.99, available at Sephora)
I won’t go into this because it’s a product that I’ve repurchased countless times in the past, and will continue to buy. It’s the perfect additive to anyone’s skincare routine for smoother, more hydrated skin. My only qualm is that this bottle isn’t bigger. But at an $8, it’s not a dealbreaker to keep buying.
The Inkey List Peptide Moisturizer (1.7 oz for $14.99, available at Sephora)
I won’t lie, I’m a sucker for anything with peptides in it. I don’t even know why. I feel like it’s just such a buzzy ingredient and most products with peptides in it I tend to love. This one, I didn’t love too much. My boyfriend, on the other hand, did. I feel like I had to use too many pumps in order to get an adequate amount of product to apply on my entire face. And it didn’t feel incredibly moisturizing on it’s own. I felt like I always had to add an oil of some sort to acquire the moisture level I’m accustomed to. Wouldn’t repurchase.
IOPE Derma Repair Cica Cream* (1.69 oz for $23, available at Amazon)
This cream seems to be a little bit difficult to find in the states which is a shame because it’s soooo nice. I used this on nights that I would use exfoliants or use my retinol and I can’t speak highly enough about it. It has a half gel-half cream texture and it helps to soothe and strengthen your skin barrier. I never experienced any irritation from my exfoliants or retinol when I used this product with them. It’s pretty simplistic in terms of ingredients, but gets the job done. I would repurchase this once I am out of other skin soothing/barrier repair products.
Krave Beauty Great Barrier Relief (1.52 oz for $28, available at Krave Beauty)
Another product that I won’t go in depth about because this is also another no-brainer repurchase for it. The texture is perfect, and it’s become a staple in my routine since I first tried it a year and a half ago.
Paula’s Choice Daily Pore Refining Treatment 2% BHA* (3 fl oz for $33, available at Paula’s Choice)
This product is eerily similar to the cult favorite Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant, and honestly I still don’t quite understand the difference. I think this one is more gentle and intended for daily use while the Skin Perfecting Liquid isn’t. I didn’t use it every single day, but close to, and didn’t experience any irritation from consistent use. This definitely helped to lighten dark spots and limited the amount of time I experienced a breakout. I would definitely recommend this to those who are looking for a gentler solution to the Skin Perfecting Liquid. Would definitely repurchase!
Versed The Overnight Facial Peel (1 oz for $20, available at Target and Versed)
This was one of Versed’s initial products, and unfortunately I didn’t see a dramatic difference after using this consistently. After a while I decided to just use it up as a hand cream. This could be perfect for those who maybe are new to exfoliants, but it’s a no from me dog. Won’t repurchase.
Makeup
Benefit Bad Gal Bang Mascara (Mini size, available at Sephora and Ulta)
One of my favorite mascaras. I always keep a mini on me because it’s the perfect pop for when I don’t have anything on. Don’t be fooled though, it brings the DRAMA. I have experienced a little bit of flaking, but nothing too drastic. Will definitely repurchase.
NYX Worth the Hype Mascara (Full size, available at Ulta, Target, and Amazon)
This is Bad Gal Bang, but slightly more natural and on a budget, and double the size. It adds volume + length, and I have experienced no clumping!!! Everyday I give thanks to my IG sister Wendy (@wasabi.gif) for introducing me to this new makeup staple. Will definitely repurchase.
Haircare/Bodycare/Misc.
Flamingo Light Hydrating Spray (6.7 oz for $10, available at Target and Flamingo)
If you’ve been following me on Instagram anytime in the past 3 months, you’ve heard me mention this product incessantly. This is the third bottle that we’ve emptied since I tried it for the first time. It’s literally so affordable, so hydrating, and easily accessible at your local Target. Definitely try it out if you’re lazy and want to try something new! Will definitely repurchase.
Nécessaire The Body Wash in Sandalwood* (8.4 oz for $25, available at Sephora and Nécessaire)
I am such a big fan of this body wash. It’s considered a daily vitamin cleanser for the skin, because it’s formulated with vitamin B3, vitamin C, and vitamin E. The sandalwood scent is to die for (it’s a unisex, woodsy scent), but I’m interested in trying Eucalyptus and Bergamot next. The brand graciously gifted me a backup bottle, but in the future I would repurchase.
Sunday II Sunday Root Refresh Micellar Rinse (8.1 fl oz for $31, available at Sunday II Sunday)
I’ve never experienced a product like this before, it’s so innovative and I love it. A micellar spray for in between washes and after working out? It’s infused with ACV to renew and refresh hair and scalp by removing excess buildup of oil. Plus it’s a Black-owned brand, so I will definitely keep repurchasing. I’m also loving the Soothe Me Daily Scalp Serum!
Touchland Hand Sanitizer in Mint (1.3 fl oz for $12, available at Ulta and Touchland)
I always get asked about where I got my hand sanitizer, and I love spreading the word because Touchland’s aesthetic is *chef’s kiss*. I ordered a bunch at the beginning of quarantine, and have been continually buying them because we go through them so quickly. I always have one on hand, in the car, and I’ve recently put my mom and aunt onto them. They’re definitely pricey for a hand sanitizer but you’re paying for the packaging, so I get it. I still have a few more in the collection before I re-order but I will definitely repurchase.
*Received as PR
And that’s all! Thanks for reading :) DM me at @miamibeautyvice on Instagram with something you hope to accomplish this month and you’ll be entered to win the following products from Black-owned brands:
Win:
+ Black Girl Sunscreen
+ Hanahana Shea Butter Lip Balm
+ Hyperskin Hyper Clear Brightening Serum
+ Jentl Body Butter
+ Kayaire Liquid Exfoliant
+ Mented Cosmetics Lipstick in Nude La La
(Giveaway open until Sunday, Feb 7 at 11:59am. Open to US only. Winner will be announced via IG stories on Monday, Feb 8)
xx,
Danielle