April 2018 Empties

I took another break from the blog due to family things and lots of doctor appointments for my daughter, but I'm back! I can't say how many times I'll be posting this month, but I realized I didn't get to share my used up products from April, and May's empties will be up in a couple-ish weeks. 

I'll start off with some skincare products. I finally finished off the last 3 packets of the Dickinson's Oil Controlling Towelettes, and I'm glad to be moving onto something different.

I have one sheet mask from a brand called Dermal called Bird's Nest. I got a huge lot of these off of Amazon for a really good price, due to a lot of awesome reviews I saw from a group on Facebook. I really enjoyed this and have to start taking better care of my skin again, because I'm majorly slacking. 

I used up a deluxe sample of the Origins GinZing Refreshing Face Mask. It's just a clear, gel type mask that dried down on the skin, and left it a bit more hydrated. It's nothing special honestly, but it felt good on the skin. 

I had been working on the NeoStrata Foaming Glycolic Wash for a really long time and I'm happy now that it's used up. It made my skin feel soft, but it dried it out during the colder months. I should've saved it for Summer, but wanted it done. 

This is the last of the products. I used up 2 Bath & Body Works products: a Spiced Apple Toddy candle and a Coconut Lime Verbena Deep Cleansing hand soap. Absolutely loved the candle, as well as the hand soap, but I'm slowly using up and not repurchasing anything from B&BW. I feel like their stuff is really expensive, and I'm working towards using better household products. 

I've been trying to use up the Arvazallia Color Care shampoo for a really long time as well. I don't wash my hair often, maybe twice a week or so. Now that this is used up, I don't really care for it. My hair didn't really feel clean, but it felt softer. I just used up the conditioner a couple days ago, so that will be in June empties. 

I used up a Little Remedies Saline Spray that was my daughter's. I use these sprays to help clean out her nose when she gets stuffed up. I like this but found a less expensive option on Amazon. 

I used up another Philosophy hand cream in the Raspberries and Cream scent. These hand creams are nice, but they don't do much when my hands are super dry from constant hand washing. 

Products used up: 11
Total for the year: 68 

I didn't do too bad. I was hoping to use up closer to 80 products at this point, but as long as I can really start taking care of my skin and trying to do my makeup more, I should have better success. I know my goal was to use up 150 products this year, and I'm still hopeful I can hit that goal. 

Review: NeoStrata Foaming Glycolic Wash

*Product provided for review thanks to NeoStrata and BrandBacker*

I never used to be a fan of Glycolic Acid, but when I was given the chance to try the NeoStrata Foaming Glycolic Wash, I was very intrigued. 

Here is a little bit about the product:

There's a reason NeoStrata Foaming Glycolic Wash has been a cult favorite for those in the know for years:
 
NeoStrata Foaming Glycolic Wash is a potent, pH-balanced facial cleanser formulated with 18% Glycolic Acid and 2% Lactobionic Acid to smooth skin texture and unclog congested pores. Recommended for experienced Glycolic Acid users, this soap-free face wash prepares skin for optimal benefits of the regimen that follows.
 
The benefits:
This cleanser is recommended for experienced Glycolic Acid users who are ready to kick results up a notch. Best used as part of an anti-aging regimen, NeoStrata Foaming Glycolic Wash targets congested pores and encourages cell renewal for skin that’s prepared for optimal benefits of the regimen that follows. Once you’ve tried it—you’ll never go back to a regular face wash again. Here’s to a fresh-faced, younger-looking you!
 
How to use: Twice a day, pump a moderate amount of foam into hands. Apply to wet skin and cover entire area. Rinse with water.
 
Key ingredients: Glycolic Acid, Lactobionic Acid.
Recommended for: Experienced AHA users looking to step up their skin care regimens
 
Size: 3.4 fl oz
Price: $40 at NeoStrata.com 

I first really enjoy that this is a super foamy cleanser. It makes it a great cleanser to use in the warmer months when my skin tends to be more oily. The scent is very medicinal to me, which I actually tend to like.

Now that I'm getting older, I really need to make an effort to consistently take care of my skin. Glycolic Acid used to not agree with me, and I'm thinking part of the reason was because my skin just didn't need it at the time. Glycolic Acid is an AHA (alpha hydroxy acid) and that is meant to work on the top layer of skin. It doesn't penetrate the pores like BHA's (beta hydroxy acid) do, which is what my skin typically loves. 

From the combination of getting older, and having a baby born early and being in the NICU for 4.5 months, it's taken quite a toll on my complexion. I've noticed it become more tired and dull looking, and the texture I have now is insane. After just one use of this cleanser, I did notice much softer skin, and that was even before moisturizing. After using this every night for over a week, my skin started looking more bright, and the texture seemed to slowly be getting better. Directions say to use this morning and night, but because I want to slowly introduce Glycolic Acid, I'm starting with just once, at night.

I'm normally a person who thinks cleansers with fancy ingredients aren't really worth spending money on, since they just get rinsed down the drain. However, I have completely fallen for this cleanser and just might be buying this. 

You can find this cleanser here on the NeoStrata website. 

Have you tried this cleanser?