[Innisfree serum and DHC gel given by friend, the rest was purchased by me]
I resisted doing an empties post for the longest time since the idea of hoarding trash is something I try to resist (although it still manages to happen quite regularly with non-beauty things). However, I go through some interesting products that would never otherwise get mentioned. I don't mention a ton of hair stuff on here or skincare but realistically, these things run through the fastest.
Shiseido Perfect Whip Foam
This is an all time favorite cleanser. I've used it mostly consistently for years and years because it's just the best neutral foaming face wash. It creates an insane amount of lather with only a tiny amount of product and never leaves my face dry or tight. It just maintains the feeling of normal skin while still cleansing the skin deeply. I've recommended this to guys and girls with success. I highly recommend it, even if you just use it as a supplement to a balm cleanser (which I do at night). This has already been repurchased. I will say that I have a conspiracy theory about the quality control of this product since two tubes from Mitsuwa purchased at different times have different consistency. One was dense (preferred) and the new one I just opened is more runny. I also think that the ones purchased in China are also more runny. Get it together, Shiseido! All consumers deserve to be treated equal.
DHC Acerola Gel
I had the whole set at one point when I was trying really hard to face some acne scars and general un-evenness in my skin. At that time I think the serum (which is more of a liquid) was the most effective part of the system but I enjoyed this gel as well. The whole set came with a lotion but for my oily skin, I found this lightweight gel to be hydrating enough under an spf lotion. I don't know if this counts as a repurchase since my friend gave me my second tube but if I am ever on the hunt for another simple gel moisturizer, I would consider this.
Innisfree The Green Tea Seed Serum
This was also a gift from a friend who visited duty free in the Korean international airport. I was interested in trying this and enjoyed the lightweight, very runny consistency as a morning serum. I will say, though, that this doesn't quite calm down inflammation as effectively as you would expect something labelled "green tea serum" would. However, it was a very nice option for using under spf, similar to the DHC. Between this and the DHC, I would repurchase the DHC over this first.
John Frieda Root Awakening Conditioner
I bought this since the conditioner of my next empty ran out first. This was the first time I'd tried a John Frieda product, and it was pretty nice. The smell was a sweet herbal scent that lingered on the hair with continued use and this made my hair super soft. I'm not a fan of having intensely moisturized hair since I have reasonable manageable hair that tends to fall flat. Having something this nourishing made me hair feel a little weighed down over time but I'd recommend this for someone with fine or dry hair. I'm not repurchasing this since I have my next shampoo and conditioner lined up.
Essential Rich Premier Shampoo
I used this for what seemed like forever after I finished the matching conditioner. This creates a rich lather and smelled sweet and slightly fruity. I don't find shampoos to be particularly fascinating but this was more moisturizing than the average. Like I mentioned earlier, I actually prefer less rich and more volume-enhancing products in my hair. I purchased the Nuance Airy version and am using that now, with more preferred results. The set was super moisturizing and my hair rarely got intense tangles with this. I'd recommend this if it's easy to find but I wouldn't say run out and purchase either set. A lot of simple drugstore haircare works fine for me and I'll probably go back to those.
