September Empties

Admittedly, my turnover of beauty products is much higher than the average human being. Maybe it’s because I review products for a living, or maybe it’s because I have a mild addiction to buying anything and everything skincare, makeup and haircare related. While it may be true that I cycle through beauty products faster than you can say “hyaluronic acid”, I do actually make an effort to finish every product I purchase. I think that’s really the only way I can be sure to give accurate reviews, especially for skincare products that take a little longer to see results from. So, for the first time ever, I’ve rounded up ALL of my empties (aka products I’ve used every last drop of) from the month, and am sharing honest reviews of each of them below! I have been doing this for awhile on Instagram (see my “Empties” highlight) and so many of you enjoy them that I’m making it a staple here on the blog. Do you have any empties from September or products you continue to purchase again and again? I would love to hear what they are in the comments!

September Empties

Peace Out Acne Healing Dots // I use these to spot treat my breakouts, and though I wouldn’t say they completely clear my blemishes, I can definitely tell a difference in the size/redness! Layer them over a little bit of Retin A and you’re good to go. I think one of the main reasons they work is because they help the products stay in place instead of just seeping into your pillow.

Olly Undeniable Beauty Vitamins // Switched out my trusty Hum vitamins for these Olly ones this month! The Olly version is half the price of Hum, but with most of the same ingredients. I do think I like the Hum vitamins more because I’m starting to see a tad more breakage than I’m used to.

Drybar Triple Sec Finishing Spray // I have been really impressed with this finishing spray by Drybar! It adds just the right amount of texture and hold, and creates great separation for curls. I would say that while it is comparable to my beloved Oribe Texture spray, it isn’t quite as effective at giving that amazing volume. However, the price is much better on the wallet!

Ouai Dry Shampoo Foam // With this stuff on hand, I can go an obscene number of days between washes (TMI, sorry). I love that it’s a foam so it actually cleans your strands, instead of just coating them with a powdery substance like most dry shampoos! You put it on and work it all through your roots and then brush it through the rest of your hair. It dries with no residue and smells AMAZING.

Oribe Restyle Spray // While we’re on the note of going days between washes, I’ve found this product to be great for second (or third…or fourth) day hair. It re-activates yesterday’s products, while also providing heat protection for styling.

CeraVe Hydrating Micellar Water // A great inexpensive Micellar water! I love CeraVe products because they are developed by dermatologists, and contain essential ceramides for keeping healthy skin. This is one of my favorite drugstore finds!

Aquaphor Healing Ointment // This stuff is a household staple. Uses include chapped lips, chapped skin, cuts & scar prevention, under eye moisturizer, eczema, baby’s butts, dry cuticles…shall I go on?

L’Oreal Voluminous Superstar Mascara // I have yet to find anything (drugstore or high end) that works better than this $10 mascara. Forever repurchasing!

Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Glow Pads // I don’t typically use self tanner on my face because I’m more concerned with skincare and it seems counteractive to me. I found these glow pads that are skincare and sunless tanning in one because they are formulated with BHAs and AHAs which exfoliates to help clear your skin, while still giving you a sun-kissed look. I would say these are good if you’re looking for a very subtle, very gradual glow, but nothing more than that.

NYX Lipliner // Lipliner isn’t really a part of my every day routine, but I do love this one by NYX. Comes in tons of great shades and it’s only $8! The applicator is a little wonky but the shade “alluring” is a dead ringer for Charlotte Tilbury’s “Pillow Talk.”

Tatcha Exfoliating Cleanser // Lately I’ve been in to double cleaning. I’ve been using this this gel cleanser to gently exfoliate and remove dirt, makeup and oil. I like that it works well at cleaning your skin while keeping skin soft, hydrated and balanced. I have been following with the Tula cleanser that I love because I think the probiotics and vitamins help my skin out tremendously. You can definitely just use this or just use Tula. I’ve just noticed that unless I double cleanse or use a micellar water, I don’t really get my skin super clean. TBD on whether or not I will repurchase!

Tatcha Water Cream // Started out with a sample of this stuff and was so impressed, I bought the full size! Needless to say I will be buying again. It’s so creamy and hydrates like no other!

Tatcha Luminous Dewy Skin Mist // Love this stuff. Keeps your skin really hydrated and well balanced, especially while traveling! I spray to refresh my makeup or skin throughout the day.

It’s a 10 Miracle Leave In Treatment // Another long term favorite. I spray this all over after I shower to detangle and strengthen my strands and I even use it on my girls!

Cinema Secrets Brush Cleaner // If you haven’t jumped on this bandwagon yet, you’re missing out. This brush cleaner is magic, leaves your brushes squeaky clean and dry within an hour. Repurchasing til’ the day I die.

Kat Von D Go Big or Go Home Mascara // This is a very good mascara. However, nothing beats the L’Oreal one I linked above.

Tarte Shape Tape Hydrating Foundation // Always re-purchasing this. If you like the shape tape concealer, you’ll love this foundation! It’s oil free and ultra hydrating, containing collagen and hyaluronic acid. I wear shade light-medium beige!

L’Oreal Voluminous Mascara Primer // Every mascara looks better over this $6 lash primer. It’s been in my makeup arsenal for as long as I can remember!