December Empties

There were several products that we went through as a family this December. I mention these products to share our experiences with them and in hopes of helping those of you out there looking to try them yourself!

I share these products for another important reason as well. The products we choose I think also reflects upon the way we live also and that what this is all about right!? I put a lot of research into the items I buy. I do this not only because I hate wasting money on products I might not like, but also because I truly believe in using products that are the best for the body and the environment. I refer to the GoodGuide as a starting point of my research quite often when it comes to purchasing certain items. It is quite important for me to be socially responsible in the way I spend my money as well. I would rather spend 5 extra dollars on a product, service, or at a store that promotes good values and treatment of other human beings than save that money for myself. The way I see it, I encourage those individuals to continue doing what they do, promote their success and hopefully the ethical values they practice prevail in a world filled with...well not that. This being said, sometimes my research falls short or I cave by the disparity in pricing but I try my best to always stick to my guns. 

Here they are then for the month of December:

Mustela Dermo-Cleansing Baby Body Wash

       I've been using these guys since the California Baby body washes changed formula about 2 years ago. My babies smell so wonderful with this baby wash. It is super gentle and great for sensitive skin like that of a newborn or child with eczema.  

The Body Shop- Cocoa Butter Body Butter

       Oh goodness. This is the good stuff. The formula of this product melts with your body temperature. It is super hydrating for my uncomfortably dry skin. I used this especially while I was pregnant with Chiara to help those bad itching spells that come toward the last stretch (haha, get it?)

Kiehl's Deep Moisture Clarifying Cream

       This guy is a little bit on the ess-pen-sive side of the spectrum of skin care products. For me, at least. However, it is a plant based product and perfect for my skin. I'm a firm believer in the "you get what you pay for" mantra when it comes to skin care because I FEEL a huge difference since I've started using this guy. Normally, one of these lasts me between 5 and 6 months. Which is a LONG time. 

The Body Shop- Vitamin E Cream Exfoliator

       Ok, so when I bought this little number, I was desperately looking for a face scrub that could deal with the desert that is my face. What I failed to realize was that this has microbeads for exfoliation. It has a score of 0 in the GoodGuide for Health. Unfortunately, I have a serious problem where with wasting products I buy. I can not throw it out unless it is finished or (seriously) expired so I sucked it up and finished it. Will not be repurchasing. 

Cera Ve Baby Lotion 

       This lotion came as a suggestion made by a dermatologist as being better for our kids than Aquaphor. It is definitely easier to put on but I don't feel that it is as moisturizing. We have another bottle open so we'll see how that goes. 

Origin's GinZing Under Eye Cream (not pictured) 

       A tiny bottle that I purchased last March has lasted me till December! Again, expensive but I know how important under eye cream was so I sucked it up and bought it. I can't say I feel like it did anything for me. It had such great promises all over the place but did nothing for me. Comes to show how sometimes your research doesn't align with experience. 

So these are my select empties of December. Hope they help and let me know your thoughts!