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I have been hoarding all of my used up beauty products underneath my bathroom sink for months to eventually post in a cruelty free empties post. Honestly, I think some even were at my last house and I moved with me to this apartment? #probablyahoarder
I’ve always loved the empties posts that beauty YouTubers post, so I wanted to share some of mine here on the blog! I just feel like someone has completely used up a product all the way till it’s empty, they’ve gotten a pretty good idea on their thoughts on it, you know?
Planning on posting these on a somewhat regular basis, so I won’t overwhelm you with all the empty beauty products I’ve been collecting all at once lol.
I also have some products sitting under my sink that didn’t work for me, but I didn’t exactly finish them. Not entirely sure if I’m going to share those, or how. I’d feel a little bad guilty posting the “disappointing products” post but seems like that’s the only way that makes sense. Thoughts?
I’ve done individual reviews on a lot of these as well, so I will link those below!
Anyways, let’s get started with these empties!
1. Tarte Shape Tape Concealer
I have a love hate relationship with this concealer. Basically, it’s the best concealer I’ve personally tried, but it’s not my perfect concealer. It is dry on my undereyes, but it really brightening. Also, it conceals my dark spots and any blemishes really well. Blends SO easily.
It’s floral scented, not really sure why, and not a fan. But it doesn’t last long, so not a big issue. I hate the tube though. Something about it makes it so concealer oozes out of the side when you close it. My makeup bag is covered in concealer at this point lol. Once a week I have to wipe the inside part that you screw the cap onto down and that seems to help. I even polled y’all on Instagram, and it seemed like that’s an issue for a lot of you guys as well.
I do really like the applicator, and like I’ve said it’s the best I’ve tried. But I do think there are probably other concealers that would work better for me. I’ve repurchased it, and probably would again, but I think I’m going to first try a few new concealers.
Tarte Shape Tape Concealer Review
2. Pixi Hydrating Milky Mist
If you’ve been following me for more than a minute you know my deep obsession with this spray. So many empty bottles of this stuff. I probably should do an entire post dedicated to it at this point and show y’all all the different ways I use it and basically write out a love letter to this spray.
To summarize: it’s hydrating. Cooling. Refreshing – love to keep it in the fridge in the summer. Keeps my skin from feeling tight or too dry. Not greasy at all. Adds hydration if makeup looks too dry. Helps product blend in while adding moisture. Sprays out evenly.
I will say though that this bottle does NOT last me a long time. I’ve had to limit my sprays. If I didn’t, I could easily go through one a week! Maybe that’s just me. So even though it’s not an expensive item, it adds up when you have to buy them frequently. I’ve been contemplating trying a new one that I won’t go through so quickly.
But for real. Love this stuff.
Note – after looking it up from Target it’s listing the 2.7 oz bottle as $21.99, and the 5.4 oz bottle (which I didn’t know existed) as $20. Confused about this, but previously the 2.7 oz was $15. Will update once I purchase, but grab the bigger bottle since it’s cheaper anyways!
Pixi Hydrating Milky Mist Review
3. Botanics Hydration Burst Hydrating Day Cream
I grabbed this to try from Target because as someone with dry skin, I’m always on the hunt to find the perfect moisturizer that will leave my skin feeling hydrated all day, without feeling too heavy. Spoiler alert – still haven’t found it.
I did like this moisturizer though. It’s a gel like consistency, and it absorbs quickly into the skin. I personally found it not to be hydrating enough for my skin on it’s own. It didn’t break me out though, or irritate my sensitive skin. But if you have super dehydrated and dry skin like me, I’m not sure this will work for you. If you have more normal skin, even oily, and deal with some minor dryness, this might be right up your alley, due to the gel consistency.
4. Murad Time Release Acne Cleanser
Another product I’ve totally fallen in love with. I’m someone that is SUPER skeptical when it comes to skincare. I really need there to be a drastic change for me to believe the product is worth it. But after using the entire bottle of this, I am thoroughly impressed.
I’ve been dealing with breakouts for like 4ish years or so. SUPER FUN. In November I decided to really take the time to figure out a skincare routine that would help clear my skin, which included trying out this cleanser.
I didn’t realize how much it was making a difference until I saw a picture of my skin from a few months before I started using it and OMG has it made a difference!!!
I’ll probably write up a skincare routine type of post sometime going into more deets…but for now I’ll say that it has definitely helped clear up my skin. Is very gentle and hasn’t irritated my sensitive skin. Can be a bit over drying, but a good moisturizer/facial oil can help with that. Highly highly recommend you giving it a try if you’re also dealing with breakouts!
Murad Time Release Acne Cleanser Review
5. J.R. Watkins Shea Butter Hand Cream – Lemon Cream
Yep, another product I’m sure you’ve heard me mention before if you’ve been a reader/follower for a little while.
Hands down, one of my absolute favorite hand creams. Smells like straight up HEAVEN. So so so good. That’s how I originally got hooked. My friend was using this hand cream that smelled divine, and I immediately asked her what it was and bought it not too long after. I’ve gone though countless tubes.
It is on the thicker side, but I personally find that it absorbs relatively quickly. Maybe 5-10 minutes or so. It can feel greasy before that, so if that’s not your thing, this might not be for you. Or it might be better to use at night before bed. It’s also a really great foot cream as well.
JR Watkins Lotion/Hand Cream Review
6. Australian Gold Mineral Sunscreen
I picked this up on a whim from Target last summer because I was looking for a cruelty free sunscreen, and there weren’t too many options. So glad I did because I really liked this sunscreen. I think it’s the first time I used mineral sunscreen, and I won’t go back. It’s supposed to be better for you because it sits on top of the skin versus sinking into the skin.
Although this did take a little while to rub in, it wasn’t greasy at all! I couldn’t believe it honestly, I’ve never had a sunscreen not leave my all greasy and gross afterwards. I think that’s a quality of mineral sunscreens, but not totally sure.
I believe they have a spray version, which I’ll definitely be picking up for this summer.
Australian Gold Botanical Sunscreen Review
7. Simple Water Boost Hydrating Booster
If something has claims to be hydrating or for dry skin, there’s a good chance I’ll pick it up to try. This unfortunately didn’t really do much in the way of hydration. Not sure if I just have the most dry skin in the world (possible), or if this really just doesn’t do much. Perhaps if you only deal with occasional mild dryness, this might be fore you. But, if you deal with serious dryness, I doubt this will make a significant difference in your skin.
Apparently it can be used as a primer, which I didn’t use, so maybe it would have worked better in that way, who knows. I won’t be repurchasing to find out lol.
8. Botanics All Bright Cleansing Face Wipes
These were gifted to me in a PR package with a few other Botanics skincare products. I generally try not to use face wipes, because I try to eliminate waste where I can, and I can easily remove my makeup with other products that don’t create waste.
I used these to touch up my makeup, and remove any makeup that didn’t get washed away by my cleanser. If I was just touching up, they were fine. But, if I was trying to remove my eye makeup, they burned my eyes. So I don’t think they’d be good for anyone with sensitive skin.
9. Lancer The Method: Cleanse
This was apart of a Influenster campaign, that I was SO excited to be apart of because, let’s be real, Lancer ain’t cheap. I did really like this cleanser. Was silky smooth, removed all my makeup, gentle, still actually cleaned my skin. No complaints…except the price tag. It’s a really solid cleanser, but so are plenty others that are significantly cheaper, so I just can’t really justify that price.
It was very liquidy also, so it got a little messy in the cap sometimes. Not a big issue, but thought I’d mention.
I’m still working my way through the Lancer The Method Polish, and that might end up being worth the price. Still deciding. (update – the review for that is linked!)
10. Tom’s Toothpaste
Alright, toothpaste is a random item to put in here. But, if you’re looking for a solid cruelty free toothpaste, this one is pretty good. Nothing special about it, just your average toothpaste. But I’ve tried some more “natural” ones and they can taste a little funky. This one tastes just fine.
Alright, that’s it!
Have you tried any of these products? Did they work for you? Leave me a comment below!
