Beauty Empties Q1 2021

I do not anticipate a time when this product is not in my cabinet! I’ve talked about it in almost all of my skincare posts because it has seriously changed my skin! An essence is like a toner, but a bit heavier and more hydrating. You can use an essence after a toner, if you want, or solo. Both prep your skin and enable the rest of your products to absorb properly!!! Using a fantastic serum without a toner is like trying to drive a Porsche without gas. Ya know? I use this morning and night and it smells lovely, feels lovely and makes me LOOK lovely (soft, hydrated, bright). This is a part of Beautycounter’s Countertime line and has the Retinatural Complex (a clean alternative to retinol) which is probably why it works so well!

How do I love thee? Let me count the ways. I use this every other night so it will likely be in every single empty post I do and I’m okay with that. I’ll spare you my typical peel chat and send you to the ENTIRE POST I wrote about why I love this product instead 🙂 Seriously check it out – I address all the common questions you may be thinking about!

Ahh yes, the product I can’t live without and never knew I needed. All Bright is basically the daytime sister to the peel. Both can be used in addition to whatever regimens you are already using! I actually found the idea of this a little overwhelming, especially when I have a serum I already use and love. The cool thing about this is it can be layered over other serums, and protects skin from environmental stressors and elements while brightening, boosting and hydrating. I’m all about a multi-tasker, especially on my skin, so once I got used to the layering aspect I truly never looked back. It smells good, goes on smooth and is unlike anything I’ve ever used before!

Hey Cetaphil lovers! This lotion is for YOU – it’s just as gentle and calming as the C-word but is actually packed with squalane and gentle oils to hydrate, oxygenate and transform your skin instead of sit on it. I was hesitant to dry this because – oils – but found it to be increidbly lightweight and never clogging. I use this in the morning, primarily in fall/winter, but it’s a great year round and for all skin types. Also it has squalane which is my fave ingredient EVER.

If you’re more into or comfortable with an oil free face lotion / moisturizer, than this is for you! I used to use Neutrogena Oil Free face lotion and this is an infinitely safer and lovelier replacement. I love that it smoothes, mattifies and helps with pore size and stubborn oiliness. It can also be used as a makeup primer! I use this in spring/summer and into early fall when my skin needs less hydration.

I go through this like, every 2-3 weeks. I probaby squirt out too much cleanser at once, so really I should just order 2 at a time, which I am proud to say I did this morning. Anywho, I use this gentle AF exfoliator in the mornings after I use the peel and on really sweaty days or after the gym (lol what is that). This is a great clean swap for that St. Ives apricot shenanigans (please do not exfoliate your face with crushed walnut shells I cannot begin to tell you how tough that is on your moisture barrier) because it uses hydrating jojoba beads instead of harsh exfoliants and crushed doodads. I like that I feel refreshed and clean not overdry or overscrubbed.

Okay the jar I have is from holiday but the new formula was so loved that Beautycounter BROUGHT IT BACK and launched it in the all new packaging that is so dreamy I could scream! This is a creamy, soft and effective exfoliant that I use around 2x a week – whenever my skin is feeling dry or tired. Or when I’m tired, because the lemongrass scent is invigorating! I also like that when I use this I don’t always have to use body moisturizer – it’s that hydrating.

Another option for Cetaphil lovers – this body moisturizer is UNSCENTED and a true lotion (not a cream) that goes on smoothly and keeps skin SO hydrated. I honestly cannot deal with body moisturizers that take forever to rub in, so I love that this rubs well (not too heavy or runny) and lasts long. I keep one of these in my cabinet at all times!

OMG. THIS SOAP. We only have one bathroom and I was going to save this for “guests” but then I realized that was dumb and I deserve the nice hand soap too. It lasted forever – one pump is PLENTY and it gets super sudsy and smells SO EFFING GOOD. Every time I use it, without fail, C is like “what’s that smell it smells amazing!”. Like truly boosts the whole surrounding area without any icky added fragrance or fillers. Y’all know I love PP – their ingredients are safe, clean, good for you and the planet – and I’m so excited about their home lines. This Winter scent is no longer available (they change seasonally) but SPRING uses organic, wild-harvested and sustainably sourced essential oils of Pink Grapefruit, Wild Lavender, White Sage and Palo Santo. I’m a Primally Pure ambassador so you can use PURELYNORA for 10% off at their shop always.

Old branding, same formula! This baby lasted a long time which was one of the biggest selling points for me. I also love the BC Citrus Mimosa scent, and find it refreshing without being overpowering. Clean body wash can be a struggle – I’m working on a solo post on this – but this is a definite rebuy for me. It was hydrating, worked into a good lather (and I do not use a loofah or cloth) and washed well (no residue!). I also think the blue/white packaging is super chic in the shower so, win-win!

Another totally controversial clean product: hair care! A good clean conditioner is easier to find than shampoo, for me at least. This one is really creamy and feels great. A little goes a long way for sure, and it doesn’t leave my hair dry or brittle like some clean hair products. C liked it too!

Um, this is gross. I’m not even going to link it because I definitely do not recommend it. The ONLY THING I like about it is that it doesn’t have flouride – which I do not like in mouthwash – but seriously that is not enough to make this a winner. The bottle is small, the flavor is yuck and it did zero things for my breath except make me want to brush my teeth. It’s also really expensive for the size and what it is! I enjoy most Thieves products and use them to clean, but this one is a big fat no.

THIS IS DEF GIVING AWAY MY TOOTHPASTE TEST BUT YOU GUYS THIS IS THE BEST CLEAN TOOTHPASTE EVER. Seriously I have tried so many, you can ask my family they call it my “elimination toothpaste” like it’s some kind of weird elimination diet consequence (I’ve actually never done a proper elimination diet but that’s neither here nor there). ANYWAY it’s funnier if you’re in our family 😉 Okay back to the toothpaste – I think natural toothpaste is a struggle. This one is not. I actually bought my first tube myself last fall, and then the brand reached out to send me their full product line and I have since been through four more tubes! I’m going to do a dedicated post on this, so I won’t totally spill the beans – stay tuned for more education on oral health and much more Purely Nora x RiseWell content including a promo code for you!