My December Empties: Ratings and Repurchase Possibilities for the Products I Used
What's up Dolls, Happy Happy New Year! What a year it's been, with the creation of this blog and all the great experiences, lessons, and blessings I encountered. I'm so excited to see what 2024 has in store for us. I want to thank you all for bringing in another year with Real Dolluxe and can't wait to provide you all with more amazing content. Now let's get into some of the products I've accumulated and emptied out in 2023.
Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Food Faves:
Trader Joe's: Brie Cheese Pizza
Of course I'm starting off with a Trader Joe's food item. If you're new here Trader Joes is my #1 and not the 2. They just don't seem to miss with their novelty food items. This Brie and tomato tart is reminiscent of a margherita pizza but the addition of the brie cheese makes it slightly sweet. I wouldn't eat this in replacement of a carryout pizza from your fave spot as it is a very light bite. But late at night with a glass of wine would make this the perfect treat.
Overall Score: 8/10
Repurchase: Yes

Trader Joe's: Maple Oat Beverage
Disclaimer all food items in this empties post are from Trader Joe's so go ahead and look up your nearest one now. This drink is basically maple flavored oat milk so not only is it a delicious alternative to dairy milk but it's also so versatile in usage. I loved adding this into my morning drinks (coffee, matcha ,chai tea), my oatmeal, and you can even drink it plain if that's your preference. Unfortunately this is a seasonal beverage so I recommend grabbing a container to try out before it's gone.
P.S: Something super interesting I've been put on to is that Trader Joe's accepts returns on all their items, opened and unopened, if you're not happy with your purchase!
Overall Score: 8/10
Repurchase: Yes

Trader Joe's: Dark Russet Potato Chips
These potato chips are great for the kettle chip lovers like myself. These chips have the perfect crunch without being too difficult to eat (like some kettle chips) and the perfect amount of salt. I also have a slightly weird likening for almost burnt food and these chips have that exact taste!
Overall Score: 9/10
Repurchase: Yes

Trader Joe's: Green Tea & Lemonade
I usually don't try the samples in store but I guess I was especially thirsty this day, because I was influenced to buy this green tea and lemonade mixed drink. For all the Arnold Palmer lovers this is a refreshing at home DUPE. If you're not a fan of green tea however I would pass as that flavor is very prominent in the drink.
Overall Score: 8/10
Repurchase: Yes
Trader Joe's: Crunchy Chili Onion Oil
I'm sure everyone is hip to this viral chili crunch oil but if you aren't I'm so happy to make the introduction. I would best describe this as an oil based condiment, filled with red pepper flakes and spices. It's the perfect topping for almost anything you'd like to make a bit more savory with a hint of spice and texture. I went through a phase where I was religiously eating a fried egg cooked in this chili oil for breakfast. Now, I enjoy it more casually on top of my soup dumplings or asian takeout.
Overall Score: 10/10
Repurchase: Yes, already onto the next jar

Synergy Raw Kombucha: Golden Pineapple
My sister put me on to kombucha earlier in the year (2023) and I've been on a journey of trying different flavors and brands to find my favorite. While I am still on the search for the ultimate kombucha, this golden pineapple flavor is definitely top of my list. I not only love this drink because of it's health benefits but the taste is not too vinegary or acidic and a great alternative to my love for Sprite.
Overall Score: 10/10
Repurchase: Yes
Skincare Empties:

Naturium Phyto Glow Lip Balm: Lychee
If you're on TikTok you've seen the current craze surrounding the hundreds of lip products on the market now. I love luxury products and moisturized lips as much as the next girl but spending $40 on a lip gloss just wouldn't sit right with my spirit. Soo when I discovered this tinted lip balm for just $10 I had to try it out. The brand Naturium has been very popular on my feed surrounding the hype of their body washes but I haven't seen too much buzz on this balm. While this product did deliver moisture to my lips without any stickiness the tint is very pigmented. This is definitely not a bad thing but not ideal for an everyday bare face with my complexion. I'm definitely interested in trying a few of the other colors so I will keep you all posted!
Overall Score: 7/10
Repurchase: Yes, in other colors
Trader Joe's: Brazil Nut Body Butter
If you caught my previous Empties post you saw the original Trader Joe's body butter on my list. This time we've got her tropical sister on the list coming in real hot. This Brazil Nut body butter is buzzed about due to it's resemblance to the Brazilian bum bum cream. If you've never smelt that, good because they weren't that similar to me. This lotion is actually a lot sweeter than the bum bum cream. With hints of caramel, vanilla, and pistachio you'll smell like you just left a pink beach. This body butter took a bit to grow on me but now I can't wait for it to come back so I can stock up. This moisturizer is made with some impressive smoothing ingredients including coconut oil, shea butter, and a scent that transcends.
Overall Score: 9/10
Repurchase: Yes
La Roche-Posay Vitamin C Serum
While I don't partake in a 10-step skincare routine, I have begun to incorporate different products to aid in anti-aging and maintaining my skin. This Vitamin C serum from La Roche-Posay is full of antioxidants with anti-aging and skin-brightening capabilities and leaves my face with a healthy glow! There's also salicylic acid in this serum that's good for evening your skin texture and acne. If you're experiencing any of these skin concerns I highly recommend purchasing! Be sure to always follow this product up with a sunscreen if used during the day.
Overall Score: 9/10
Repurchase: Yes, on my second bottle
It's out with the old and in with the new. Happy 2024!
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