September/October Empties
Skincare
Black Girl Sunscreen (3 fl oz for $16-19, available at Black Girl Sunscreen, Target, Ulta)
This is in my top 3 all time favorite sunscreens and I’ll scream it from the rooftops. It’s moisturizing but doesn’t make me look too greasy, can be used on the face and body, and there’s a corresponding kids formula for Noelle (although when I can’t find the BGS kids I’ll slather this on her instead.) I love that now it’s way more accessible, so now everyone I recommend it to doesn’t have an excuse for not picking up this fantastic formula. A forever repurchase, but you already knew that.
Cocokind Ceramide Barrier Serum (1 oz for $20, available at Cocokind and Target)
I initially bought this because a) I no longer want to buy my other Barrier Serum, you know the one 👀, and b) I am a sl*t for ceramides. Your product has ceramides in it? 9/10 times I’m ordering it. I don't even know why. I wrote a blog post on why I love them here. But I digress, I use this basically every single day, and especially on days that I use retinol. It’s a great addition to anyone’s skincare routine, and this is a definite repurchase. I’ve already opened my backup.
Fresh Kombucha Cleanser & Probiotic Treatment* (6.7 oz for $44, available at Sephora)
I used this specifically as a replacement for my micellar water when I ran out, and I think it’s just that. It effectively gets rid of stubborn makeup, and makes my skin feel refreshed and clean. Would I repurchase this? Probably not just because of the price point. But it was a lovely product for sure.
The Inkey List Oat Cleansing Balm (5 oz for $9.99, available at Sephora)
This is the second tube that I’ve emptied of this lovely balm. I think this is an affordable and effective option for those who are new to double cleansing. The one cleansing balm that tops this product is Paula’s Choice Omega+ Cleansing Balm. Would definitely repurchase.
Kora Organics Milky Mushroom Gentle Cleansing Oil* (5 oz for $40, available at Sephora)
I won’t keep you. I didn’t love this product and would not repurchase lol.
Naturium Multi-Peptide Moisturizer (1.7 oz for $19, available at Target and Naturium)
This moisturizer is beautifully lightweight, but makes my skin feel nourished and hydrated upon application. I loved using this during the summer, and would probably suggest if you use this when it gets cooler to probably add a few drops of your favorite oil. It’s a really nice, basic moisturizer for those who are looking for no-frills. I would repurchase.
Paula’s Choice 10% Azelaic Acid Booster* (1 oz for $36, available at Paula’s Choice)
This is one of my holy grail products to help with evening skin tone and combating hyperpigmentation. The texture is so nice—it’s a gel cream that sinks into the skin with no problems. I tend to use it every other day, or every day when I’m struggling with a little more unevenness. Like most PC products, this will be a staple in my routine forever! Definite repurchase. You can grab it for 15% off, using my affiliate link above!
REN Brightening Dark Circle Eye Cream* (0.5 oz for $49, available at Sephora)
I thoroughly enjoyed this eye cream! I didn’t realize it was so expensive for how little you get. I also don’t suffer from dark circles, so I can’t speak to how well it brightens. I used this most mornings religiously, and it definitely made the area under my eyes look hydrated and feel nourished. I wouldn’t repurchase just for this price point alone—there are a bunch more affordable options on the market!
REN Overnight Dark Spot Sleeping Cream* (1.7 oz for $52, available at Sephora)
I sort of enjoyed this product for its nourishing qualities, and how my skin looked brighter in the morning, but I don’t think it did anything noticeable for my dark spots. It also didn't really play well with other skincare products—I often had to add a few drops of oil to help it sink in quicker. I wouldn’t repurchase.
Summer Fridays Amino Gel Cleanser (5 oz for $34, available at Sephora and Summer Fridays)
This is the original version of the Amino Gel Cleanser, before they reformulated and changed the packaging. I didn’t mind this cleanser, but I’m glad that they reformulated. I’ve had a chance to try the mini version of the cleanser and I enjoy it a lot more than this one. Repurchase is a maybe though, because I have a million cleansers to get through, and some of my favorite cleansers are drugstore.
Zen by Esnavi Purely Radiant Face Oil (1 oz for $42, available at Zen by Esnavi)
This is also my second bottle of this gorgeous oil—hands down one of the best facial oils I’ve ever tried. The formula includes squalane, rosehip, macadamia, pomegranate, and vitamin e oils to name a few. It’s my favorite part of my nighttime routine, and I will continue to repurchase. Support a small, Black-owned, woman-owned brand today!
Makeup
Urban Decay Mini De-Slick Setting Spray (1 oz for $15, available at Sephora)
Hands down one of my favorite setting sprays. I just purchased the Charlotte Tilburry setting spray to compare, so I won’t immediately repurchase, but something tells me I’ll come crawling back to this one
Bodycare/Misc.
The Established Elixa Bath and Body Serum (8 oz for $36, available at The Established and Poosh)
Level up your body care routine with this serum. This baby is an award winner for a reason (Cosmo, Into the Gloss, and New Beauty) — it’s a lightweight oil that instantly hydrates your skin and leaves it glowing for hours on end. I like to use this immediately after I get out of the shower but before I pat dry with a towel. You can also pour it into your bath to ensure moisturized skin that way. This has to be one of my favorite body care items, and for that reason, an obvious repurchase.
Sunday II Sunday Root Refresh Micellar Rinse (8.1 oz for $31, available at Sunday II Sunday, Sephora, and Ulta)
THIS IS FOR ALL OF MY ACTIVE GIRLS WITH THEIR PROTECTIVE STYLES—YOU NEED THIS IN YOUR LIFE. I actually hate exercising for like a week after I get braids put in, because my scalp gets sweaty and I like to prolong that as long as possible. Not anymore! The Root Refresh Spray makes it easy to “cleanse” the scalp in between washes. It’s basically like a dry shampoo for those with textured hair. Highly highly highly recommend. Will continue to repurchase!
Touchland Power Mist (1.3 fl oz for $12, available at Touchland and Ulta)
I’ve posted about this one before, they’re so convenient and I keep them everywhere. I love that I can now pick them up at Ulta whenever I’m running low. A definite repurchase.
And that’s it! DM me and let me know what you emptied recently! Thanks for reading 💖.
*indicates PR