April 2023 Empties: The Beauty Products We Tried and Finished

[Photo by Montatip Lilitsanong]

As longtime beauty editors and writers, we’ve tried countless products throughout the years. And while we each have our tried-and-true staples that we’re loyal to, we’re always on the lookout for new faves to add to our beauty routines as well.

Spa & Beauty Today’s April Editors’ Picks

Finishing an entire product can feel like a big accomplishment because it’s hard to stick with something if you’re not seeing results. With so many options to choose from nowadays, we’re spoiled for choice and our beauty shelves at home tend to be a reflection of that. How many open products do you have at the moment that you haven’t finished because you keep switching it up? It’s always exciting when you find a great product that works for you, that you actually finish, and that you plan to purchase again after it’s gone.

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From skin and haircare products to makeup and beauty tools, our writers share their latest round of empties and the results. Read on to discover the beauty products we tried and finished this month!

Do you have any empties? If so, what are your faves? Let us know in the comments below!

With a winter that seemed never ending, I turned to Bath & Body Works’ new Coco Paradise Exfoliating Glow Body Scrub ($18.95) for an island escape. Luckily, the very last squeeze brought me to warmer temps and sunnier days, but boy, did I need this shower pick-me-up! I tend to gravitate toward tropical scents and loved the warm notes of salted coconut monoi, sugared neroli, and bronzed sandalwood in this collection. Coconut is the star of the show with a subtle sweetness and earthy warmth giving vibes of sun-kissed skin and sandy toes.

The exfoliate itself gives a light buff while shimmering particles shine and sparkle within the shea butter and vitamin E formulation. I've been pairing this scrub with the line's body cream and eau de parfum for a layered effect that lasts throughout the day. In true Bath & Body Works fashion, there are many more Coco Paradise skus I'm dying to try like the 3-Wick Candle, Shea Butter Cleansing Bar and Hand Cream! —Alisha Racker

I’ve tried a lot of deodorants and Kopari Coconut Oil Deodorant ($16) is my absolute favorite. It’s natural, non-toxic, aluminum-free, vegan and plant-based, and glides on skin smoothly for quick absorption sans residue. I love the packaging, which makes it easy for travel or the gym, and it comes in a variety of fun scents including Beach, Tropical, and Coastal, among others!

Thanks to YENSA Beauty founder and CEO Jennifer Yen who introduced me to this product, I’m officially hooked on YENSA Beauty CBD Superfood Face Oil ($58), which is my go-to after I’ve had dermaplaning, a facial, or if my skin is sensitive with redness. It rapidly absorbs into skin for intense hydration, and it soothes and nourishes thanks to eight different SuperOils including 100mg CBD, black sesame seed oil, black cumin seed oil, chia seed oil, broccoli seed oil, carrot seed oil, grapeseed oil, and flaxseed oil. Aside from calming skin and reducing redness, it also restores moisture, improves skin rejuvenation, fights against acne and clogged pores, and aids in cell renewal. While the product is no longer available on YENSA’s website, I have been able to find it through other retailers like Fl!P and Saks. —Kamala Kirk

Kopari Coconut Oil Deodorant ($16). I'm obsessed with this deodorant and always recommend it to any friends who ask about "cleaner" aluminum-free deodorants. It smells AMAZING and has a great texture that glides right on. It's a favorite!

Pur Silky Pout Creamy Lip Chubby in Peachy ($18). I love this Pur Lip Chubby and have been wearing it almost every day. The color is such a pretty natural peachy color. The lipstick is extremely hydrating and doesn't dry out lips. Pur's mission is to offer clean formulations that are cruelty-free, paraben-free, talc-free, petroleum-free, mineral oil-free, and SLS-free. 

COSRX One Step Original Clear Pad ($18.70). If you aren't familiar with COSRX, you really need to check out this amazing K-beauty brand. I feel like COSRX Original Clear Pad has really helped reduce breakouts and kept my complexion looking clearer. I usually wipe my face with Original Clear Pad before bed.—Lizzy Sherman