Empties & Rejects April 2023 (I Finished Makeup!!!)

In the ever-evolving landscape of beauty and skincare, navigating through an array of products is both a challenge and an adventure. Today, let's dive into the realm of emptiness and rejection—terms not usually associated with glamour but central to my new video format. It's not just about the empty products; it's an opportune moment to shed light on the ones I've recently embraced and those I've decided to part ways with. So buckle up; we're about to embark on a beauty odyssey.

The Dance of Seasons: From Sandals to Snow Boots

She's taken a stroll back to the sundress era, yet she acts like it's still winter. New Jersey might be a mystery, and Texas might not be missed, but the Netherlands, ah, that's where the romantic visions were shattered by its unromantic climate. If given the chance, an immediate move might be in order. But it's not just about the weather. Let's start with something familiar to those who've been here before—a quick glance at products that might steal the spotlight in my first-ever empty video.

Enter the "Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Advanced Clean Dry Shampoo." A cult favorite influenced by the beauty community at large. I can't quite put my finger on how it differs from the original version, but I genuinely adore it. However, recent battles with breakouts caused by an excess of hair products have me questioning its compatibility with sensitive skin. The fragrance is delightful, but my skin might not agree. It seems my nighttime affair with dry shampoo might be the culprit. Any suggestions for products gentle on sensitive skin?

On the other end of the spectrum, the "Olive Egg Dry Texture Spray" has earned widespread love, and I've joined the fan club. Yet, my rendezvous with styling products has been dialed down due to the ongoing skin rebellion. Styling hair used to be fun, but perhaps I've become too enamored recently. Considering it even travels to the back of my head, it might be a sign that hair products are staging a coup on my sensitive skin. Daily hair washes could be the culprit. Confusion reigns supreme; opinions and experiences on stylish hair without skin breakouts are more than welcome.

Oh, it seems the lid isn't closed properly. Still in the bathroom, I believe, are the remnants of Drunk Elephant's "Cocomino Glossing Shampoo" and "Cocomino Marula Cream Conditioner." These are my regular bathing companions, chosen to avoid wreaking havoc on my skin. Many shampoos have declared war on my neck and the skin around my hair, but these remain peaceful. Drunk Elephant might not be the cheapest brand, but finding a shampoo suitable for my skin has been a multi-year quest. Returning to these is not just about lack of alternatives; it's about satisfaction—light on the hair, no synthetic fragrances lingering on the skin, and no folliculitis. The reasons are plenty, and the satisfaction is evident.

The Art of Rejection: When Products Don't Make the Cut

In the grand symphony of beauty products, some notes fall flat. Enter the micro Crystal buffing bars, glycolic body lotion, and Flamingo foaming shave gel—an ensemble that didn't hit the right chord. While they contributed to the overall melody of self-care, their performance didn't quite resonate with my skin's expectations. The Way fine hair shampoo, in particular, tried its best but failed to orchestrate a harmonious relationship with my hair type. It's like a musician trying to play a tune that just doesn't suit their instrument.

A brief interlude about Mother's body butter, a product that promised hydration but delivered a texture that didn't quite match my taste. Beauty, for me, is not just about effectiveness but also about the experience. In the grand ballroom of skincare, some partners waltz gracefully, while others stumble over their steps. The Underia Algae body butter, with its refined dance moves, quickly became the preferred partner, leaving Mother on the sidelines.

The Refillable Revolution: Luxurious Sustainability

In this age of eco-consciousness, the beauty world is witnessing a refillable revolution. Sarat presents a luxurious but expensive option, a choice that not only pampers the skin but also the planet. Authored, a brand crafted by the talented YouTuber Tanya Burr, introduces a vegan brow gel that aligns with both ethical and beauty standards. The challenge, however, lies in the shipping costs to the US—a hurdle in the path of conscious consumption.

The narrative extends to the practicality of a refillable powder and the sentimental act of repurchasing a lipstick shade. Sustainability meets sentimentality, and suddenly, beauty becomes not just a routine but a mindful journey.

Conclusion: Navigating Beauty's Ever-Shifting Landscape

In this whirlwind tour through beauty products, we've danced with the empties, rejected the misfits, and embraced the sustainable revolution. The beauty industry, much like the ever-changing seasons, keeps us on our toes, offering new experiences, challenges, and choices.

As we bid adieu to products that didn't quite make the cut, let's remember that beauty is not just skin deep; it's a reflection of our choices, values, and the stories we tell through our routines. So, whether you're in the land of sandal-clad winters or envisioning a romantic Dutch escape, let your beauty routine be your narrative—a tale of self-expression, rejection, and, most importantly, a celebration of the ever-evolving you.