From the Editor’s Desk: Winter 2023 Beauty Empties

Another season, another batch of empties. Not much to say about this one other than there’s a lot of misses here, but the repurchases you’ve seen before continue to be my go-to’s.

For quick reference, WNR stands for Would Not Repurchase/Recommend and WR is Would Repurchase/Recommend. As always, these are my personal opinions and I encourage everyone to find the right products for themselves. Products received as gifts, gratis or PR samples are marked as such. An effort has been made to link each product in a Canadian retailer, but none of the links are affiliates nor am I paid to speak on any product.

Hair

Dippity-Do Girls with Curls Gelee ($7.99*, purchased without review obligation): If you’ve been here a while, you know I can’t do without this. The perfect amount of definition, hold, and shine. Smells great, never flakes, washes out easily. Simply the best. WR
Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair!™ Deep Conditioning Hair Mask ($20*, received as a gift with purchase without review obligation): I am not sure how this mask is any different than a daily conditioner. It was just as moisturizing as the cheaper stuff I use every day, so I wouldn’t invest in it. WNR

Body

Keys Soulcare Sacred Body Oil with Marula Oil ($40* for full size, received as a gift without review obligation): I found this body oil to be greasy yet not moisturizing. It smelled odd and had an annoying pipette when it really needed a pump or a spout. Hate that it’s made in China but marketed as luxury. WNR
Nivea Nourishing Care Cream ($15.47*, purchased without review obligation): I originally bought this to use as a hand cream, but found it to not be thick enough. Instead I used it as a body cream, where it was perfect. It smells great, feels hydrating, and I liked the thick texture that melts away on the skin. WR
Josie Maran Whipped Argan Oil Body Butter ($16.04~*, received as a gift without review obligation): For full transparency, part of receiving this gift included being able to add essential oils to the unscented base to customize my own scent – highly recommend! This body cream is a pleasure to use, it’s hydrating without being greasy and it smelled great (duh – I made it!). WR
Holo Taco Everything Taco Topper ($17.70*, purchased without review obligation): This is the second topper from this line that has dried out on me halfway. It goes on gorgeously and turns any manicure into a “wow” moment, but I hate the waste. WR
OUAI Cleansing Scalp & Body Sugar Scrub ($52*, received as gratis without review obligation): This absolutely does not work as a scalp scrub. It can’t penetrate my short hair to get at the skin beneath, and it lathers up so much that even if it did, the benefits would be short-lived. It was very luxurious as a body scrub and smelled amazing, but I would never spend this kind of money on a scrub. WNR

Makeup

Dior Diorshow 24h Buildable Volume Mascara ($39* for full size, received as a gift with purchase without review obligation): This mascara does nothing for me. It barely coats the lashes, and looks underwhelming. WNR
Sephora Collection 20 Cosmo Rouge Gel Lip Liner (discontinued, purchased without review obligation): Loved the dark pink colour to pair with a bright pink lipstick, but the liner was too thick to easily control and had a lot of slip that made me fear it was moving around. WNR
Smashbox 2.1 Studio Skin 24 Hour Oil-Free Hydra Foundation ($50*, received as a gift without review obligation): This was one of the worst foundations I’ve used in a long time. It applies streaky and patchy, barely builds to a medium coverage, and doesn’t do me any favors with hiding texture or lines. Huge disappointment. WNR
Too Faced Golden Cocoa Chocolate Soleil Natural Bronzer ($46*, received as a gift without review obligation): An ultra natural looking contour-bronzer for fair skin. Impossible to overdo, it takes a lot to build up, and buffs out easily and beautifully. Great for a first time user, and I found the packaging to be adorable. WR
NUDESTIX 4.5 Nudefix Cream Concealer ($34*, received as a gift without review obligation): Besides being the wrong shade for me, this concealer was impressive. It goes on unbelievably thin, yet provides medium-full coverage that lasts all day without creasing. I liked having it in a tube so I could cut it and get out every last drop, which made this last nearly 7 months of daily application. Impressive! WR
COVERGIRL 140 – Light Clean Fresh Healthy Look Pressed Powder ($9.97*, purchased without review obligation): One of my least favourite makeup products I’ve tried in a long time. This powder has almost no coverage, and does a poor job at setting makeup or even mattifying oils. I had to reapply constantly throughout the day until the pan eventually shattered, marking the end of a very pathetic experiment. WNR
Clarins Peach SOS Primer (discontinued, received as gratis without review obligation): This is more like a skin tint than a primer. It gives a sheer coverage in a beige tone to neutralize redness, but that doesn’t mean it makes makeup go on smoother or last longer. WNR

Skincare

Darphin INTRAL Toner with Chamomile ($57* for full size, received as a gift without review obligation): This is a gorgeous toner. It smells divine, feels refreshing and soothing on the skin, and has nice ingredients. Dare I say, it might be worth the splurge if you were looking to treat yourself/somebody. WR
Youth To The People Superfood Antioxidant Cleanser ($47*, received as a gift without review obligation): I have confirmed that this formula has changed since the last time I used it. Without the retinol derivative they had before, this wasn’t as stripping as I remembered. It was a totally fine foaming face wash that came in a glass bottle and smelled like grass. I’d use it again. WR
Biotherm Aqua Glow Super Concentrate ($37*, received as gratis without review obligation): I wasn’t expecting much, but was pleasantly surprised to find this moisturizer held its own. Despite having a lightweight consistency, it was very moisturizing and could be used morning or night. I enjoyed the pump bottle, even though it meant some product inevitably got trapped at the bottom. If you wanted an entry-level product from Biotherm, this is definitely one to consider. WR
fresh Soy Hydrating Gentle Face Cleanser ($49* for full size, received as a gift without review obligation): I seriously cannot believe this used to be so popular. This cleanser really does not do a good job at making the skin feel clean at all, and for the price I couldn’t imagine. WNR
Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream ($125* for full size, received as a gift with purchase without review obligation): This remains my go to cream when travelling, because I know it will keep me hydrated during the day or night and has a great smoothing effect. WR
Farmacy 10% Niacinamide Night Mask ($57*, received as gratis without review obligation): As somebody with dry and sensitive skin, a night mask often makes the difference between a good skin day or a bad one. This gel-cream hybrid one has a cushioning, calming effect on the skin that makes the skin smooth and supple, while panthenol in the formula keeps it conditioned. I wish it had a scent, but I guess this makes it better for those who avoid aromas. WR
Dr. Jart+ Pore Remedy™ PHA Exfoliating Serum ($58*, received as a gift without review obligation): If you’re dry and sensitive but looking to exfoliate, look no further. This serum gives you 7% PHA’s that work without the slightest bit of irritation, even on shaved skin. Perfect for my skin type. WR
fresh Kombucha Antioxidant Facial Treatment Essence ($107*, received as a gift without review obligation): To this day I cannot tell you what exactly an essence does. This is like a hydrating toner, but there are others out there that do more for less. WNR
Juice Beauty STEM CELLULAR Vinifera Replenishing Oil ($94*, received as a gift without review obligation): Loved this oil! Smells phenomenal, feels ultra hydrating without greasiness. WR
Clarins Extra-Firming Energy ($98*, received as gratis without review obligation): Not my favourite Clarins formula, this has the consistency of a gel-cream that was difficult to spread. While hydrating, it didn’t wow me, and for the price, I needed to be wowed. I also resent the claims that a face cream can somehow be energizing – are we applying batteries to our faces? WNR
fresh Mini Rose & Hyaluronic Acid Deep Hydration Toner ($34*, received as a gift without review obligation): This was a gimmick when it launched, and it remains just that. There’s no reason to have rose petals in your toner other than to end up with gummy brown sludge on your face. Even if this was the best toner ever (it’s not), the roses were too annoying to be worth it. WNR
Kiehl’s Since 1851 Ultra Facial Hydrating Concentrated Cleansing Bar ($25* for full size, received as a gift without review obligation): This is a totally acceptable cleanser for a second cleanse, and I was impressed that it did not dry out my skin. However, a bar of cleanser is the least practical form of face wash for me, so I wouldn’t go out and buy one. WNR
Reversa Anti Wrinkle Eye Cream 15 ml ($34*, received as a gift without review obligation): This should be at the top of everyone’s shopping list. An ultra hydrating eye cream with gentle exfoliation and sufficient sunscreen, all for an ultra affordable price and without any weird ingredients. This must have been my second or third tube, and I will continue to sing its praises. WR
The INKEY List Retinol Eye Cream ($16.99*, purchased without review obligation): A great inexpensive night cream with retinol, gives good hydration while working to improve skin’s cell turnover. WR
Clarins Total Cleansing Oil ($41*, received as gratis without review obligation): This oil somehow felt grainy on the skin, as though it had tiny particles in it. It removed makeup well, but the texture and the scent were not my favourite. WNR
Farmacy Honeymoon Glow AHA Resurfacing Night Serum ($77*, received as gratis without review obligation): This is a powerful exfoliating treatment that is designed to resurface and brighten. It does a great job at that, delivering clarity and skin quality. However, because it is so strong I recommend using it in conjunction with some heavy-hitting moisturizers and oils, and not using too many other actives at the same time. WR
Farmacy Pear Punch Green Clean Makeup Meltaway Cleansing Balm (discontinued, received as gratis without review obligation): Of the 2022 Green Clean holiday trio, I thought I would like this scent the least. Turns out, it’s great! Lightly fruity, and just as effective at removing makeup and SPF as the regular version. I used it to remove standard makeup, drag makeup, and even as a morning cleanse. Great for travel. WR
Juice Beauty Prebiotix Freshly Squeezed Glow, 20% Vitamin C Serum ($84* for full size, received as a gift without review obligation): Really didn’t like the texture of this serum, it felt like it was dragging on my skin and didn’t smell great. WNR
Elizabeth Arden PREVAGE Anti-aging Overnight Cream ($190* for full size, received as a gift with purchase without review obligation): The cost of this moisturizer is shocking, to say the least. It felt sticky and didn’t absorb nor hydrate as well as much cheaper alternatives, not to mention the unappealing scent. WNR

Fragrance:

Bath & Body Works Mahagony Teakwood Increased Intensity Wallflower ($7.25*, purchased without review obligation): These bulbs give high scent throw that feels masculine and clean. WR
Bath & Body Works Mahogany Teakwood High Intensity Scented Candle ($26.95*, purchased without review obligation): Great scent throw and smells great, enough to mask odors and give the home a welcoming aroma. WR
Dior Sauvage Eau de Toilette ($85* for full size, received as a gift with purchase without review obligation): The iconic scent that works for everybody… except for me. It smells great upon application, but is gone instantly. No longevity at all. And don’t try to tell me the EDP or parfum are better – they are completely separate and different scents altogether. I enjoyed the sample, but wouldn’t invest in this. WNR
Guerlain Les Légendaires Idylle – Eau de Parfum ($156*, received as a PR sample for review consideration): There’s no denying that this is a beautiful perfume. Powerful, dominant, feminine yet commanding, it envelopes the wearer in a villainesque cloud of roses and tea that is addictive and dangerous. Definitely used to command a room, it’s best for those who are comfortable in Tom Ford scents. Longevity is not great, so frequent reapplication will keep it top of mind for all who encounter it. The flacon is gorgeous, but has since been replaced by standard-issue Guerlain bottles. WR

^*Prices true at time of writing. Foreign currencies are converted to CAD and are approximate.

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