February 2022 Beauty, Skincare and Wellness Empties

The best products are the ones you use up to the very last drop and then repurchase. A few months ago, I organised enough to collect my beauty, skincare and wellness empties, and I have done it again throughout February after a little break, and I'm excited to share them with you! There are quite a few Dr. Dennis Gross products this month, so if you’ve been hearing the glowing reviews and are curious about their product range keep reading.

Brand: Dr. Dennis Gross
Product: Alpha Beta Glow Pad Gradual Glow Self Tanner For Face, 20 towelettes 

Price: Don’t remember
Where did I get it: Purchased from Mecca
I would likely: Would not repurchase
Rate: 2/5
My thoughts:
I had high hopes for this gradual tanning towelette for the face. It has been designed to give you customisable, buildable colour while providing exfoliating and anti-aging benefits. I was expecting the same results you would get from a body gradual tan in regards to colour, I don’t know if this product was so gradual that I didn’t notice, but I didn’t see much of a difference regarding colour. This month I worked through the remaining five sachets I had left, using them as part of my morning routine to help boost the look and glow of my fake/natural tan.

Brand: Dr. Dennis Gross
Product: Alpha Beta Pore Perfecting & Refining Serum, 15ml
Price: $97 for 30ml
Where did I get it: Purchased from Mecca in a gift set
I would likely: Might consider repurchasing, would certainly use if gifted
Rate: 3/5
My thoughts:
I like that this serum can be applied as part of a morning or evening routine. I didn’t notice any huge difference when using or not using this product, however I did notice less blackheads and oily build up when using the Alpha Beta Pore Perfecting & Refining Serum. I just don’t know if it’s worth the price tag.

Brand: Dr. Dennis Gross
Product: Alpha Beta Pore Perfecting Cleansing Gel, 60ml
Price: $21 for 60ml
Where did I get it: Purchased from Mecca in a gift set
I would likely: Would consider repurchasing, would certainly use if gifted
Rate: 5/5
My thoughts:
I’ve used this as part of a double cleanse and as a single cleanse and love it. It is a workhorse when it comes to removing sunscreen and makeup, but is also gentle enough to be used in the morning. My skin feels just like it should, smooth, toned and balanced after using it. It is worth highlighting that a little pea sized amount of product goes a long way with this cleanser too.

Brand: Dr. Dennis Gross
Product: Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Overnight Texture Renewal Peel
Price: $116 for 16 treatments
Where did I get it: Purchased from Mecca
I would likely: Would consider repurchasing, would certainly use if gifted
Rate: 5/5
My thoughts:
For optimal results it is suggested to use the peels two to three times a week, I use them once to twice a week to help to smooth the look of uneven skin texture and tone. My skin always feels and looks amazing the following morning after using the treatment the night before. When bought in a pack of 20 it works out to be $7.25 per treatment, which is a little on the pricey side if you’re trying to save a few dollars or are budget conscious, however I think for the product and the results it is worth it.

Brand: Dr Dennis Gross
Product: Extra Strength Daily Peel, 30 treatments
Price: $132 for 30 treatments
Where did I get it: Purchased from Mecca
I would likely: I have already repurchased
Rate: 5/5
My thoughts: 

Originally, I bought these to up the anti of the Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peels. I've had salon facial peels and used at home peels before. In most situations, what I struggled with most is the aftercare and downtime. I love the Dr Dennis Gross Extra Strength Daily Peel, because they are easy to use; apply step 1 to clean dry skin, wait two minutes, and then apply step 2. There is no downtime, and they are safe to use morning or night. I currently use them every second day, to help combat skin concerns related to aging and exposure to the elements. My skin looks much smoother, feels softer, and my fine lines are lessened. I also really like that Dr Dennis Gross has a strong focus on sun protection, which gives me faith that his products are suited to my outdoors lifestyle.

Brand: Urban Skincare Co.
Product: Tonic Hand and Body Cleanser, 25ml
Price: $19.95 for 500ml
Where did I get it: Hotel amenity
I would likely: Would not purchase, would consider using if gifted
Rate: 2.5/5
My thoughts:
The smell is very meeh, it’s not horrible but not nice. As a cleanser it does the job and doesn't leave my skin feeling dry, but it didn’t feel amazing. As a hotel cleanser it was okay and did the job. Would I buy it for myself? Probably not. 

Brand: Goldfaden MD
Product: Doctor's Body Scrub-Body Dermabrasion, 200ml
Price: $129 for 200ml
Where did I get it: Purchased from Mecca
I would likely: Would consider repurchasing, certainly use if gifted
Rate: 5/5
My thoughts: 

This is no ordinary body scrub, and for the price you wouldn't expect it to be either. It truly does leave the skin feeling smoother, and looking more radiant and healthier. A little does go a long way in comparison to other body scrubs that I've used in the past. I bought this in April 2021 as a birthday treat and it has lasted me 10 months. I've been using it before special occasions or when I feel my skin needs it. A little extra tip, because the scrub contains fruit enzymes I would apply it in circular motions and then wait a few minutes to let the enzymes do their magic before rinsing. I'm adding this to my wishlist but for now I've a few other scrubs to work my way through.

Brand: Drunk Elephant
Product: T.L.C. Framboos™ Glycolic Night Serum, 5ml
Price: $135 for 30ml
Where did I get it: Gifted from Mecca
I would likely: Would not purchase, would consider using if gifted
Rate: 4/5
My thoughts:
It is an exfoliating night serum that has been formulated to refine and resurface the skin to reveal a smooth, radiant complexion. I do really like the pump feature as it makes it easier to control how much product you use, which does help in preventing product wastage, and something to certainly factor in when considering this product. While it felt luxurious and my skin looked great in the morning. I personally think that there are more budget friendly options available that offer the same level of exfoliation. If I wasn't already using peels to exfoliate I would consider this product as a nightime serum for smoother skin. 

Brand: Kiehl’s
Product: Amino Acid Shampoo, 65ml
Price: $36 for 250ml
Where did I get it: Gifted from Kiehl’s
I would likely: Would consider repurchasing, certainly use if gifted
Rate: 4/5
My thoughts: 

The smell is divine, the mild coconut fragrance to it makes it perfect for summer and the warmer weather. A little goes a long way with this product and it left my hair feeling clean and manageable.

Brand: Dermalogica
Product: BioLumin-C Gel Moisturizer, 7ml
Price: $102 for 50ml
Where did I get it: Gifted from Mecca
I would likely: Might consider purchasing, certainly use if gifted
Rate: 4/5
My thoughts: 

The price is certainly competitive to other Vitamin C moisturisers that I would consider purchasing. For me it is the gel-like formula that takes off one star, I find with gel moisturisers my skin feels tacky afterwards, this one however isn't too bad though. I have been considering adding a Vitamin C moisturiser to my morning skincare regime however I don't think this will be the one I use, though one I would certainly consider as I have noticed the benefits of a brighter more even skin tone through using it.