November Empties Review

New month means a new batch of empties to share. Here’s what I finished up in November:

Benton Ultimate Snail Bee Serum

This serum is a favorite of the moderator team at Skincare Junkies and it’s fantastic for fading and scars. It was my first snail product (and, for that matter, my first bee product) and I’m definitely sold. It helped fade some acne scars (I get pigmentated spots after EVERY acne spot). Will probably rebuy but haven’t yet.
Rating: 10/10
Cost: $27 USD per 35 mL

Biossance Squalane + Vitamin C Rose Oil

I purchased this on the recommendation of a friend and has lasted me quite a while! I played around with how best to use it and decided over moisturizer and under a sleeping mask worked the best for me. Lovely sensorial experience. Unsure if I will repurchase because I’ve got some other facial oils queued up to try, but I feel like it’s quite pricey for the value — it’s significantly more expensive than their plain squalane, and I’m unsure if the vitamin c derivative and rose fragrance merits the upcharge.
Rating: 7/10
Cost: $72 USD per 30 mL

The Inkey List Bakuchiol Moisturizer

This is a moisturizer I just keep repurchasing — in part because it’s so small and so inexpensive. It’s my go-to AM moisturizer due to its light texture. Plus, because it’s bakuchiol (considered to be a phyto-retinol, or retinol with fewer results and less contraindications), it’s even safe for use in the AM. I’m not sure if it will stay in rotation through the winter, but I already have two more tubes stashed under the sink though.
Rating: 10/10
Cost: $10 USD per 30 mL

I’m From Mugwort Mask

This wash-off mask was my first brush with mugwort and while I enjoyed it, I’m not sure how much it really did for me besides being fun. I’m excited to try other mugwort masks, though, and I do love their honey one (almost empty but not quite).
Rating: 8/10
Cost: $35 USD per 110 g for the full size, shown above in the $7 USD per 30 g mini

Iunik Propolis Vitamin Synergy Serum

This serum was an unexpected delight that really turned me onto propolis. Definitely a bit sticky, though, which I suppose makes sense because propolis is one of the many wonderful ingredients that bees make. May rebuy but will definitely be trying more from the brand (using their black snail restore serum right now), and more propolis generally. I’m definitely excited to try their propolis sleeping pack at some point.
Rating: 8/10
Cost: $14 USD per 50 mL for the full size, shown above in the $8 USD per 15 mL mini

Cosrx Full-Fit Propolis Synergy Toner

This toner was also an unexpected delight. I’m a sucker for toners, though. This almost has an essence texture to it, and I’m thankful that Santa is supposedly bringing some more. I’ve been recommending this left and right as a great hydrator and a great anti-acne solution for dry skin, as I swear it both reduced my period-related breakouts AND made them scar less over the past few months.
Rating: 10/10
Cost: $22USD per 150mL, shown here in the $9 USD per 50 mL mini