First Empties post of 2015!! I feel like I'm off to a good start this year...we'll see if it'll be enough to beat last year's numbers :-)  My main aim for makeup this year is to finish off at least one lipstick or gloss, one foundation, one powder and a blush. For skincare and hair/bodycare, I want to continue to weed through older product to streamline my stash. Let's do this!!

***All items purchased by me or a gift. Links are non affiliate or to previous posts. 

Sisley Eye and Lip Contour Cream - Review HERE. New HG eye cream!! Have started my second container already.

African Botanics Pure Marula Cleansing Oil (deluxe sample) - Very effective at removing makeup, but that came attached with an overwhelming vanilla fragrance. I also felt it absorbed too much into my skin, and I ended up using more product than with other cleansing oils. Will not be purchasing the full size.

Koh Gen Do Cleansing Spa Water - Review HERE. Is this finally the last of my small bottles??? Think I thought the last 2 were the last bottles, but magically I keep finding them hidden! I've been without this for a few weeks now - was waiting on repurchase to see if I liked the Tom Ford Makeup Remover (review forthcoming) enough to stop using the KGD. Spoiler alert: I reordered the Koh Gen Do!! 

Shiseido Benefiance Pure Retinol Instant Treatment Eye Mask - Review HERE. Think I'm on my last few, and am waiting on a repurchase decision to see how I like the Rodial Dragon's Blood eye masks. I have a sneaking suspicion I'll repurchase though, as the Rodial ones are supposed to be used for 1/2 while the Shiseido are only 10-15min...

Shiseido Facial Cotton - Staple item!

Rituals T'ai Chi White Lotus and Green Tea Foaming Shower Gel - This foamed up oh-so-nicely and smelled just as good! I would consider repurchasing, but am still on the hunt for the perfect shower gel...

L'Occitane Whipped Hand Cream - Review HERE. Will not be repurchasing. I'll stick to the regular version for now!

Mary Kay Satin Hands (deluxe sample) - This was actually really nice! Fragrance free, absorbed quickly yet still felt soothing and very hydrating. Not sure if I liked it better than my trusty dusty L'Occitane Hand Cream staple, so I won't be purchasing the full size yet. 

Klorane Dry Shampoo - First seen HERE. I think at this point I'll consider this a staple...best dry shampoo I've tried so far!! This smaller size is great for travel or to put in your purse!

Beauty Protector Protect & Treat Treatment (hair) Mask - Loved this as much as I've loved the rest of the Beauty Protector haircare line. I've got another hair mask to test, but I will purchase this Beauty Protector one again I don't like this other one as much. Smells fantastic, super moisturizing, makes my hair soft!

Kiehl's Creme de Corps Grapefruit Whipped Body Butter - This smelled like grapefruit with a hint of vanilla, which I really enjoyed. It felt very hydrating and absorbed well for a body butter...unfortunately the moisture didn't last as long as my CeraVe/oil mix. It was a treat to try though!

Aquanil HC Lotion - Mr. G and I suffer from reactions and rashes every now and again, more so in the past couple of months. This lotion has helped a lot...it's really soothing, helps calm irritation and is much more economical than OTC cortisone cream. I found this on Amazon, and have since purchased several backup bottles. 

Purge Bin!! 

Charcoal Dew Puff - One of many Konjac sponges on the market. I keep trying them, but gawd they take FOREVER to dry!! Has anyone had luck finding one that completely dries overnight? Just not practical for travel because of that reason, and I don't have the patience to use it at home either. If you can get past that though, I think these sponges are a really nice and gentle. 

Alpha H Liquid Gold Smoothing and Perfecting Mask with Lavender - The moment I started applying this alarm bells were going off, and by the time I removed it I had red welts. Sigh. Sad face because it came highly recommended. 

Aveda Light Elements Defining Whip - This is old. Like, really really really old. The consistency had changed so I thought it was probably time to let it go. 

TOTALS

Empties, full size: 9

Empties, deluxe samples: 2

Purged, full size: 3

*I didn't count the Shiseido eye masks since I haven't finished the box yet...should've thought about that for last year's totals but whoops! I'll fix that this year :-)  

Yaaaaay Empties!!! How did the beginning of the year go for you?!!