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 February 2023 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.

The Best Strawberry Beauty and Wellness Products

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!

I've been a super fan of Dr. Gross for years. In fact, when I worked as an esthetician early in my beauty career, the brand's Alpha Beta® Universal Daily Peel Pads ($92) were such an easy and obvious sale because I knew they worked and I knew my clients would love them. Lately, I've been enjoying Dr Gross' new Vitamin C Lactic collection and recently finished up the Firm & Bright Eye Treatment ($68) and Dewy Deep Cream ($75). Firm & Bright Eye Treatment uses three forms of vitamin C combined with lactic acid, which have brightened my mom-of-three tired eyes and smoothed out a bit of crepiness.
Dewy Deep Cream has been another favorite for my dry and dehydrated skin. Vitamin C + lactic acid improve dullness while niacinamide, squalane and ceramides play the role of moisturizing heavy hitters. The texture of the moisturizer is so luxe and enjoyable to boot. I was generous with my application of both the cream and the eye treatment, using in the AM and PM and felt each product lasted several months.
In addition to the skin care, a few times a week I pull out my DRx SpectraLite FaceWare Pro ($455) for an at-home LED experience. With different settings available, I usually opt for the red anti-aging light as it boosts collagen production and helps smooth fine lines. If I feel a breakout coming on, I swap to the blue or purple setting for the acne-killing properties. I've been a faithful user and believe in the product! The mask is easy to apply with comfortable straps, quick (three minutes) and painless, plus the battery life lasts forever. Something like this is an investment, but if you're serious about at-home remedies, it's a good technology to splurge on. —Alisha Racker

Dermalogica PreCleanse ($15-$77) and Daily Microfoliant ($18-65) go hand in hand together and are two of my favorites from the brand (aside from their Hydrablur Primer). The PreCleanse is a soothing cleansing oil that melts makeup and impurities including excess sebum while nourishing skin and leaving it feeling ultra soft and clean afterwards. They used to have a PreCleanse Cleansing Balm that has been discontinued and I wish they would bring that back as well because I loved the consistency and it was my favorite to bring on my travels, although this product comes in a travel-size version as well.
The Microfoliant is a gentle exfoliator that brightens and balances skin with rice-based powder, white tea, licorice, colloidal oatmeal and allantoin. Upon contact with water, it transforms into a foamy consistency that feels great on skin and can be used on a daily basis. My mom is also a huge fan of both of these products and they’re part of her daily skincare regimen as well! —Kamala Kirk

Do you ever love a product so much that you cut open the container when it’s almost empty in order to get every last drop? That’s how I feel about Dermalogica Hydrablur Primer, which has been a staple in my daily routine for the past few years. It’s especially great for those no-makeup days when I want to give my skin light, neutral coverage that blurs fine lines and pores for a flawless and smooth look. It also keeps skin moisturized with H2ORelease Complex and Abyssinian oil , which provide sustained-released hydration. Sadly this product was recently discontinued, so I’m planning to give their Skinperfect Primer SPF30 ($58) a try next and will report back in future Empties column—stay tuned! —Kamala Kirk

Beekman 1802 Pure Goat Milk Facial Cleansing Wipes ($10) are my absolute favorite facial wipes to use, especially if I have a lot of makeup to remove prior to washing my face. These feature a soothing combination of ingredients including aloe, papaya, pineapple, cucumber and vitamin E to refresh and renew skin, while CoQ10 cleanses and nourishes with a slight firming effect. And goat milk (which is the same pH as skin to keep its microbiome balanced) has been used as a longtime remedy for skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis, and it’s rich in lactic acid to help exfoliate dead skin cells. I also love how convenient these are to travel with and they’re perfect for your carry-on, gym bag or purse. —Kamala Kirk

You can tell just how much I love May Lindstrom’s The Jasmine Facial Mist ($70) because I already went through another bottle since last month’s Empties Column. I store my bottle in the fridge and apply it first thing in the morning and before bed prior to applying my other skincare products. I love the smell of the fresh botanical extracts including jasmine while the colloidal silver, antioxidants and cellular waters refresh and sooth my skin whenever it needs a boost of hydration. —Kamala Kirk

I like to keep my skincare routine fairly simple (and sometimes I can be lazy as well), which is why I love embody gummy supplements which are designed to treat skin from the inside out! The Retinol Gummy ($28) offers the benefits of a retinol product for those with sensitive skin that want to avoid going the topical route. It boosts collagen, improves skin texture and blemishes, exfoliates and brightens, and makes skin glow. I also like their S.O.S. Gummy ($28), which is especially great if you have dry, itchy skin, have a damaged/compromised skin barrier, and want to heal/sooth skin. Both gummies taste delicious and you only need to take two of each a day. —Kamala Kirk

Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser ($3.39-$12.89). I always have a bottle of this in my shower. It is so gentle and can be used on all skin types. My husband is also a big fan.
Milbon Heat Protective Mist ($42). As someone who is always heat styling my hair, heat protection spray is a must. I’m a big fan of Milbon and it smells amazing.
Skinceuticals LHA Cleanser Gel ($42). I have oily/combo acne-prone skin. My dermatologist recommended this product years ago and I haven’t looked back. It helps keep my skin clear and bright. I use it every night, I love it!
Kirkland Daily Facial Towelettes ($19.99). I know makeup removing wipes aren’t ideal. However, when I need/use them, the Kirkland brands are my favorites. You can never go wrong with Costco. These wipes don’t dry out, are gentle on the skin, and remove all your makeup—even waterproof mascara.
Tree Hut Trop Glow Firming Scrub ($10.49). I have said it before but I love the Tree Hut scrubs. Tropical Glow in particular is my favorite. It’s not too rough or grainy, smells amazing, and makes my skin super soft. Love, love, love! —Tara Palty Troszak

February 2023 Empties: The Beauty Products We Tried and Finished