Conscious Beauty Empties #2: Am I going to repurchase these?

It’s time to review my beauty empties and see how they worked for me and whether I plan to repurchase them.

I’ve previously mentioned how much I love this type of content, especially on YouTube. There’s not a more thorough review than what you think about a product after using it to its completion.

My favorite reviewers of this type of content are Caroline Hirons (in English) and Mónica Vizuete (in Spanish). I just love how they explain their experiences and what they were actually expecting.

So, let’s go through my beauty empties of the past couple of months without further ado.

Kérastase Genesis Bain Hydra-Fortifiant

This is one of my favorite Kérastase products!

Kérastase Genesis Bain Hydra-Fortifiant is a lightweight shampoo that perfectly cleans my hair without depriving it of hydrating or leaving it heavy.

I like it so much that I am now purchasing its larger format, and I’ll soon start buying its re-fill options.

I dare say that this is the best shampoo I’ve ever used. I have natural wavy and dense hair with frizz. My roots are usually greasy, and my ends are generally dry.

This product helps me keep it cleaner for a bit longer. Plus, a little goes a long way. So, despite being pricey, you’ll use the same shampoo bottle for months.

What do I like the most about this product? How effective and reliable it is at cleansing my hair without depriving it of hydration.

Would I recommend this product? Definitely, in case your hair has similar characteristics to mine.

Will I repurchase it? Definitely, yes!

Kérastase Chroma Absolu Fondant Cica Chroma

I’ve been using Kérastase’s hair conditioners for a year and enjoy the experience.

Kérastase Chroma Absolu Fondant Cica Chroma has been one of my go-to conditioners in the past months. I enjoy its texture and how it leaves my hair afterward.

The problem is that it isn’t exactly cheap. So, I usually purchase a couple of these when they’re on sale at one of my local beauty stores.

What do I like the most about this product? The texture of the formula and how my hair feels afterward. Plus, Kérastase products are made in Spain, where I live.

Would I recommend this product? Yes! This conditioner is part of their color-protection line, which is great if you have dyed your hair.

Will I repurchase it? Absolutely!

Living Proof Intense Moisture Mask

I am a big fan of Living Proof’s dry shampoos, so I got really excited when I got a travel-size sample of their Intense Moisture Mask.

It has enough product for 1 to 2 uses, depending on your hair length and density.

I haven’t seen much difference in my hair after using it. It was OK, but not worth the price.

What do I like the most about this product? There isn’t anything I particularly liked about it.

Would I recommend this product? Actually, no. It’s a pricey product, and I’d rather recommend that you spend your hard-earned money on something else.

Will I repurchase it? No!

Color Wow Dream Coat

This might be the most viral product on this list. Color Wow’s Dream Coat is widely known for waterproofing our hair and helping fight frizz.

I’ve had this travel-size bottle for over a year. During my first use, I saw some improvement in my frizz, especially during my trip to London in 2022, which excited me about this product.

Unfortunately, I couldn’t tell the same in the long run. Here’s why: for this product to do its magic, you have to split your hair into different sections and apply a large amount of product, which I couldn’t do, given the amount I had left.

What do I like the most about this product? I don’t feel I have much to say about it, as I couldn’t see its results. However, given its price, I don’t feel comfortable spending so much on a product that I have to apply a hefty quantity in one go to see the results. So, I’ll keep looking for something that works for me.

Would I recommend this product? Honestly, I can’t recommend it. But if you’re interested in trying it, I recommend you purchase a travel-size one to see if it might work for you.

Will I repurchase it? Hmmm… probably not! 

Kiehl’s Calendula Herbal-Extract Toner

OK, this is an absolute must if you have sensitive skin (like I do). Kiehl’s Calendula Herbal-Extract Toner provides such a soothing sensation on my skin (both during the summer and the winter) that I must keep it in my cupboard at all times.

As it’s not particularly cheap, I’ve occasionally tried other similar products (that I also loved). But, for some reason, I always go back to this one. Given the price, I usually purchase their most oversized format (500 ml) during Kiehl’s Friends & Family sales.

The package pictured is a travel-sized version I took with me on my birthday trip to Lisbon (where I am originally from). And once opened, I decided to go through it before opening my 500 ml one.

What do I like the most about this product? Despite its soothing sensation, I like that the calendula scent is not strong and that the product is quickly absorbed, leaving my skin hydrated.  

Would I recommend this product? Definitely! Especially if you’re not a big fan of toners but want to get started. I recommend you ask for a sample at your local Kiehl’s store or purchase the travel-sized version if you want to see how your skin responds to it after using it for a few days.

Will I repurchase it? Absolutely! I purchased two bottles (500 ml each) during the last Friends & Family sale, which just shows how much I love this product.

Kiehl’s Super Multi-Corrective Cream

I was given this travel-size Kiehl’s Super Multi-Corrective Cream during a Friends & Family sale. 

Despite being one of their best-selling and most praised products, it didn’t really work for me. I noticed that it was too dense for my skin, even if I only applied it in the evening.

However, I love the lighter version of this formula they released last year, which allows me to get all the benefits without that heavy sensation.

What do I like the most about this product? Unfortunately, it didn’t work for me. So, there’s nothing I would highlight.

Would I recommend this product? Maybe. Probably if you have dry skin and you’re looking for a moisturizer that targets aging skin concerns.

Will I repurchase it? I will not, given my personal experience. But I’ll repurchase their lighter version once I run out of it.

Mario Badescu Facial Spray with Aloe, Herbs and Rosewater

I’ve been a fan of Mario Badescu’s toner for some time, so I was eager to try some of their other products.

This Facial Spray with Aloe, Herbs, and Rosewater was included in one of those Holiday Season Sets in a travel-sized format.

The overall experience? It was OK, just OK. It hasn’t wowed me at all.

Don’t get me wrong, it’s an excellent spray to freshen up - especially during the warmer days. However, I haven’t noticed anything special about it. 

What do I like the most about this product? The mist is quite comfortable, and the scent isn’t overpowering.

Would I recommend this product? Probably not. I am not an expert on this segment, but it was just an OK facial spray. It hasn’t done any wonders for my skin, and I am sure there will be other (more reliable) options.

Will I repurchase it? Not, I don’t think so.

Suntique I’m Aqua Sun Essence

There's no news here. I've been writing about Suntique's I'm Aqua Sun Essence for a while now. For the past couple of years, this has been my ride-or-die sunscreen.

Why? It's absolute perfection! Hydrating and lightweight, the formula isn't greasy and leaves no white cast.

I usually purchase mine at Miin Cosmetics, and given that it's frequently sold out, I try to have a backup in my cupboard at all times.

What do I like the most about this product? It has a refreshing and lightweight texture.

Would I recommend this product? Absolutely! This is the perfect sunscreen for those who don't like to use sunscreen.

Will I repurchase it? A thousand times, yes! I am currently waiting for a sale to purchase a couple of these.

L’Occitane Amande Huile de Douche - Recharge Refill

The first time that I purchased L’Occitane’s Amanda Huile de Douche was after hearing one of my closest friends praising it, and she was absolutely right.

Let me tell you something: I am not a fan of body oils or applying heavy hydrating products (all over my body after showering). Yes, I am that lazy. So, coming across a product like this one was the best of both worlds for me. Why? It cleanses and nourishes your skin simultaneously—all in one go while you are still in the shower. Perfect, right?!

The downside? It isn’t exactly cheap. The good part? Besides being reliable and saving you time, it also lasts forever - a little goes a long way. So, whatever package you buy… you’ll use it for a while before running out. 

I also love that its scent is not overpowering and that the oil turns into a light foam, which doesn’t leave my skin oily or greasy afterward.

What do I like the most about this product? It allows me to clean and hydrate my skin in one go. Also, they have a re-fill package (the one pictured) with less plastic than its original one. 

Would I recommend this product? Yes, especially if you want a 2-in-1 product with an excellent formula.

Will I repurchase it? Definitely, yes!