Conscious Beauty Empties #3: Am I going to repurchase these?

It’s time to review my latest beauty empties. Have these worked for me? Will I repurchase them anytime soon? Let’s find out!

I love going through my beauty empties because it’s when I can give a full verdict about a product. Yes, I’ve already known if I liked it or not before going through its last drop… but it’s when the product comes to an end that I truly know if I consider it essential in my routine and if I am repurchasing it anytime soon. This applies especially when it comes to a skincare or haircare product.

Regarding makeup, figuring out if a particular product is necessary in my routine is quicker. Plus, it’s way more complicated to go through a makeup product than it is with a moisturizer, for example.

Without further ado, here’s my verdict on my latest beauty empties.

Suntique I’m Aqua Sun Essence 

OK, nothing new here. I’ve been using Suntique’s I’m Aqua Sun Essence for a few years now, and it has been my ride-or-die when it comes to protecting my skin from the sun.

For me, this product is absolutely perfect.

It doesn’t feel like sunscreen at all, as it doesn’t have an oily or greasy texture—quite the opposite! 

What can I say? Just like the name suggests, it feels like water, either because of the texture it has once blended out on the skin or the refreshing sensation it leaves.

Would I recommend this product? Absolutely! It is perfect for those who are new to daily sunscreen protection or who hate the classic sunscreen sensation.

Am I going to repurchase this? Oh, definitely! I’ve already stocked up on a couple of these.

Kiehl's Calendula Herbal-Extract Toner

An oldie but goodie. I've been using Kiehl's Calendula Herbal-Extract Toner for almost ten years.

Throughout these years, I've tried a few other toners. Whether I wanted to try a particular product or I was trying to save some money, I always ended up coming back to Kiehl's Calendula Toner despite its price (69 euros for 500 ml).

Why? I have sensitive skin, and this toner feels incredibly soothing - especially after a long day. There’s just something about it that I haven’t felt with any other toner so far.

As this is a skincare essential for me, I try to purchase it whenever Kiehl's has a sale. I always opt for its largest version (500 ml)—better value for money and fewer discarded packages.

This was one of the very first products I tried from Kiehl's. Despite being just a toner, I noticed it had a big impact on my skin, so I plan to keep using it.

What do I like the most about this product? It has a soothing sensation and agrees with my skin.

Would I recommend this product? Absolutely! Especially if you have sensitive skin. But before making such investment, please ask for a sample at your local retailer - apply it for a few days, in order to figure out if it’s a good fit for you.

Will I repurchase it? Oh, absolutely!

Kiehl’s Super Multi-Corrective Eye-Opening Serum

The product in the picture is a mini version of the original. I got it as a reward at my local store. 

As Kiehl’s Super Multi-Corrective Eye Zone Treatment is my all-time favorite eye cream, my local SA recommended that I apply this serum before the cream. I am glad she did.

Kiehl’s Super Multi-Corrective Eye-Opening Serum is a lightweight serum that feels really comfortable in the under-eye area and is quickly absorbed. The eye cream has a denser yet comfortable texture, allowing the under-eye to remain hydrated for longer.

Despite being a small package, it came with enough product to understand whether it worked for me. I really liked the experience, and I’ve already purchased a full-size one during a recent sale.

The under-eye area has been one of my concerns (when it comes to beauty products) for many years. First, I’ve had dark circles ever since I was a teenager. Second, as I am approaching my 40s, I want to take care of this area as much as possible (without going through invasive treatments or procedures).

I’ve tried other eye serums recently; this has been my favorite one.

What do I like the most about this product? Its light and refreshing texture.

Would I recommend this product? Yes, but only if you want to step up your under-eye treatment. If you’re OK with your current routine and are not looking for additional steps, skip it.

Am I going to purchase it? Yes! I’ve already did.

Kiehl’s Super Multi-Corrective Eye Zone Treatment

I can’t tell you how many Kiehl’s Super Multi-Corrective Eye Zone Treatment jars I’ve gone through in the past year.

This eye cream has been a game-changer in my skincare routine. During the past couple of years I've noticed that my under-eye area got drier (something that happens with age) and that I could no longer use any eye cream - as I’ve been doing throughout the past decade.

A friend recommended this eye cream to me, and I am really glad she did because it has been my go-to ever since.

I love that it has a rich, thick texture that doesn’t feel heavy or greasy. I also love that it works great with my makeup and other skincare products—which doesn’t always happen with eye creams.

What do I like the most about this product? It nourishes my under-eye area throughout the hours without leaving it greasy or uncomfortable. I also love that it can be used on the eyelid, which is something I do whenever I’ve been using a more complex eye look.

Would I recommend this product? Absolutely! Especially if you have a dry under-eye and specific formulas fall a bit short. But, again, before taking the plunge, ask for a sample (or a couple of these) from your local retailer.

Am I going to purchase it? Yes! I’ve already stocked up on a couple of these, during a recent Kiehl’s sale.

Kiehl’s Vital Skin-Strengthening Super Serum

This was one of the latest products I’ve tried from Kielh’s after a skin consultation last year, and I could immediately tell the positive impact it had on my skin.

I always like to complete my skincare routine with a serum. But to be fair, there are so many products out there, that sometimes it’s hard to figure out what to go for and if it will be a good fit. I also have sensitive combination skin, which makes the whole process a bit trickier.

So, I was glad to have the chance to try Kiehl’s Vital Skin-Strengthening Super Serum for a few weeks (using samples) and wait for Kiehl’s Friends and Family sale before purchasing the actual product.

It’s an expensive product, but it’s worth the investment, not only because of the formula but also because it will last you for a while—even when applied twice a day.

This serum is available in three formats: 30 ml (65 euros), 50 ml (95 euros), and 100 ml (150 euros). I usually choose the 50 ml, and I always purchase it during a sale.

What’s so special about this product? Well, it’s suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin (which doesn’t happen all the time). Despite being an anti-ageing serum, its texture is quite light and it gives a refreshing and soothing sensation. Plus, it penetrates into the eight most superficial layers of the skin to nourish it and correct ageing signs, as well as uneven tone.

What do I like the most about this product? How it positively transformed my skin and the overall sensation it gives whenever I apply it. I also appreciate the fact that 50 ml lasts for a long time, especially when it’s such a pricey product.

Would I recommend this product? Definitely! Out of all the serums I’ve tried so far, this might be my favorite. Lately, I’ve been reaching out for this one more than the one from Guerlain - which also happens to be an amazing serum.

Am I going to repurchase it? Absolutely! It’s on my list to restock during the upcoming Kiehl’s Friends and Family sale.

Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream

For the past couple of years, Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream has been my reliable cold-season moisturizer.

It’s a creamier version of Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Oil-Free Gel Cream (I use it during the warmer months), but without being heavy or dense - which I really appreciate.

I’ve spent years believing this product wouldn’t be a good fit for me, and I was utterly wrong. I really thought it would be dense and have an oily finish on my skin (especially throughout the hours), but it’s quite the opposite.

When I apply it, I feel a hydrating and nourishing sensation, like I am giving my skin exactly what it needs. I also notice that my skin remains hydrated throughout the day, no matter how cold.

What do I like the most about this product? How effective it is, and the sensation it leaves on my skin throughout the hours. I notice the difference when I use a different moisturizer during the cold season, and that’s the main reason why this became a staple in my winter skincare routine.

Would I recommend this product? Absolutely! It’s one of the products I recommend most to my friends during the winter season. And given that it’s available in different formats, you can access this formula without spending much money. Anyhow, I would recommend asking for a sample at your local retailer and seeing how it works for you.

Am I going to repurchase it? Definitely, yes. I already have a spare in my cabinet.

Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray

Here’s the only makeup empty on the list!

It’s difficult for me to finish a makeup product, given that only a tiny bit is needed each time I use it.

Since I purchased Charlotte Tilbury's Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray, I've used it nonstop every time I put makeup on.

I happen to be quite picky about setting sprays, either because of the mist, the durability on the skin, or the scent. Many of the setting sprays out there have a large percentage of alcohol in their formula and a very strong smell, which most of the time feels like I am applying hair spray on my skin—which is a big no for me.

Unlike the other setting sprays I've tried, this one from Charlotte Tilbury meets all my expectations: it actually sets makeup for hours (even on warm days), has a really nice scent, the mist is comfortable, and comes in a glass package (better for the environment).

I know it's a pricey product, but so are many of the other setting sprays I've tried. And I prefer to spend a bit more on something that actually works instead of spending more money on several options that don't work.

What do I like the most about this product? Everything except the price. This product has been an absolute game-changer in my makeup routine.

Would I recommend this product? Yes! A million times, yes! I know it's pricey (like all Charlotte Tilbury products), but it's worth every cent. As it's available in different formats, you can try out the travel-sized bottle (the one in the picture) and see how it works - before spending much money.

Am I going to repurchase it? Absolutely! I am already using a 200 ml bottle (better value for money and better for the environment).

Kérastase Chroma Absolu Respect Shampoo

Since I started dying my hair (I am still new to it), I’ve been paying more attention to my hair care routine and the products I use.

Prior to that, I would purchase whatever shampoo for oily roots I could find at the supermarket and a hair conditioner to accompany it.

Despite being more sensitive due to the coloring procedures, I can see a huge difference in how my hair looks since I started using better-quality products.

Kérastase’s Chroma Absolu Bain Riche Chroma Respect Shampoo was one of the first products I purchased after dying my hair. It’s a color-protective shampoo for sensitive or damaged hair. 

Its light texture makes this product easy to apply and rinse out - which is a plus for me.

Even though it’s not a cheap product, it lasts for a long time. Plus, it’s available in different formats. So, the bigger it is, the better the value of the money.

What do I like the most about this product? The lightness of the formula and how it leaves my hair afterward.

Would I recommend this product? Yes, especially if you’re new to coloring your hair. The main reason why I recommend this shampoo is its no-brainer formula. Just apply it, leave it for a couple of minutes, and rinse it off. Also, a little goes a long way, so you’ll have product for months. 

If you’re interested in this shampoo, pay attention to sales and discount codes at your local retailers. I do this all the time to get this product at a lower price.

Am I going to repurchase it? I’ll definitely, will. I might take a break and try other shampoos (my hairstylist’s recommendation), but I’ll repurchase it until the end of the year - whenever I find it with a nice discount.

Kérastase Genesis Shampoo

OK, this might be my favorite Kérastase shampoo so far.

Don't get me wrong, even though I love the Chroma Absolu and the Soleil one, there's something about this product that makes it an absolute staple for me.

Each of the shampoos I've mentioned has a different purpose. I always wash my hair twice, each time with a different formula, to get the most benefit and give it what it needs.

Kérastase's Genesis Bain Hydra-Fortifiant Shampoo has a similar texture to the Chroma Absolu one and was developed to help with hair fall. Which is something I’ve been dealing with for some time now.

However, what I love the most about this shampoo is how clean it leaves my hair—without damaging it or leaving it quite dry, which happens to me all the time with supermarket-bought shampoos.

I haven't noticed much difference in terms of the fall. But, to be fair, I haven't used an entire hair care routine formulated to this exact concern. So, I can't blame the product or judge it heavily at this point.

What do I like the most about this product? How clean my hair feels after using it. I also love that it doesn't deprive my hair in any way, and the scent is lovely. The fact that it has a light texture is also a plus for me, especially when I have to rinse it off.

Would I recommend this product? Yes, especially if you have oily roots. You'll see a big difference in your hair without feeling dehydrated or making your scalp suffer. Given that it's a costly product, look for deals or special sales (discount codes) at your local retailer.

Am I going to repurchase it? Absolutely! It’s already on my list.

Kérastase Genesis Hair Conditioner

I can’t tell how many tubes of this product I’ve been through.

Kérastase’s Genesis Hair Conditioner has everything I can ask for in a hair conditioner. It smells great, it’s tick yet airy, and it leaves my hair incredibly soft after leaving it on for a few minutes (before rinsing). Speaking of rinsing… it’s straightforward to remove properly.

I remember the days when I struggled to properly rinse out my supermarket-bought hair conditioner. Some of the formulas didn’t come off easily for some reason, leaving some residue no matter how long I tried to rinse them with water.

The conditioning step is crucial for me, as I have long hair and dry ends. 

What do I like the most about this product? The formula's texture, how easy it is to remove, and last but not least… how soft my hair feels afterward.

Would I recommend this product? Absolutely! This is an excellent hair conditioner. But, as it is costly, pay attention to sales and discounts at your local retailers.

Am I going to repurchase it? Yes! It’s already on my list, and I'm waiting for a discount (or special sale) to repurchase it.

Kérastase Genesis Heat Protector

A heat protector has become essential to my hair care routine since I started using straightening tools.

Before that, I would only use a hair dryer. And even though I was damaging my hair in the long run, I wasn’t aware of the need to protect my hair strands.

Kérastase heat protector sprays have been my go-to for the past couple of years. I’ve been trying different lines to see which one I like the most or just because these were discounted. 

Kérastase’s Genesis Heat Protector was the latest one I’ve tried. 

Given my experience with the Genesis line shampoo, I had high expectations for this heat protector.

What can I say? It’s a good heat protector. I liked it but prefer the one from Kératase’s Chroma Absolu line.

Would I recommend this product? Even though it is a good product, it wasn’t my favorite or something I see myself repurchasing any time soon. For that reason, I don’t feel like I can recommend you, especially because I am a big fan of Kérastase’s Genesis line, and I don’t feel like this product is just as good.

Am I going to repurchase it? I don’t think so. Again, there’s nothing wrong with this product. I just happen to prefer other formulas from the brand.

What about you? Which products have you gone through lately?