January Empties: The Beauty Products We Tried and Finished This Month

[Photo by Element5 Digital]

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.

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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.

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!

The holidays bring joy and cheer, along with their fair share of aches and pains. Like many, I found myself up late finishing work deadlines, wrapping gifts and mingling at parties. As I wrapped the year, I also used the last bit of my TerVita Muscle & Joint Relief ($79.99). This CBD soother combines 500 mg of Premium Broad Spectrum CBD (THC-Free) with lidocaine, menthol and arnica for a calming effect on sore muscles. As a beauty industry veteran, it's been exciting to watch the CBD industry boom the last few years in all aspects, especially within the wellness and beauty arena. I've started to dip my toe into a few CBD-related products and have found targeted relief and quick tingling comfort with  this light-weight cream. Although it can be used as needed on the body, I primarily applied Muscle & Joint Relief on my neck and shoulders as a calming and relaxing ritual prior to bedtime. 

—Alisha Racker

Whenever I take a shower, I spritz European Spa Source ShowerSpa Mist ($29.95) under the running water for a relaxing aromatherapy experience. It’s a great pick-me-up when showering first thing in the morning, it helps relax me before bed if I take an evening shower, and it also helps open up my sinuses if I have a cold. It comes in different scents and I recently finished the Eucalyptus + Wood Smoke & Leather, a warm spicy blend derived from various oils that come from cherry, vanilla, cassia, and wood oils. As an added bonus, it can also be used as a room or linen spray!

An essential in my daily routine, May Lindstrom The Jasmine Garden Botanical Facial Mist ($70) infuses skin with fresh botanical extracts, cellular waters, colloidal silver and antioxidants. Not only does it hydrate skin, but it also reduces redness and inflammation, cools and calms acne flare-ups, and enhances penetration of products. I keep it refrigerated for an extra refreshing effect, and I spray it all over my face and neck before and after applying my other skin care products. I also mist it on throughout the day whenever I need extra hydration.

I’m a big fan of Marvis Cinnamon Mint Toothpaste ($6-$10.50), which refreshes breath, cleans teeth, and smells/tastes just like a stick of cinnamon gum! It also helps prevent tooth decay, tartar and plaque, brightens teeth, and the stunning packaging also makes it extra fun!

Homecourt cleaning products are the absolute best and I especially love their Steeped Rose collection—every product smells like fresh roses in the garden after the rain. The packaging is lightweight yet chic, and from surface cleaner and dish soap to hand cream and a candle, you have everything you need to keep your kitchen and hands clean.

—Kamala Kirk

Benefit The PoreFessional Super Setter Setting Spray ($15-$33) is one of my favorite all-time setting sprays. This setting spray locks your makeup in, and keeps it in place all day. I already have a backup in my collection.  It is always the final step in my makeup routine.

My number one tip for clear skin is using a cleansing balm to remove makeup. There are many versions on the market, but I keep coming back to Farmacy Green Clean Cleansing Balm ($24-$60). It melts off your makeup, doesn’t sting your eyes and doesn’t clog your pores. It does not feel greasy or leave a film on your skin. If you wear makeup, you need this in your life. 

First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Firming Collagen Cream ($44) is the most used product in my skin care routine. I was introduced to this cream by influencer Cassandra Bankson and never looked back. I just recently purchased another jar, and it’s at least the fifth time I’ve replenished.  I will never be without it. It is hydrating, firming and plumping. I use it at night and before I apply my makeup in the morning. Holy grail status. Can’t live without!

—Tara Palty Troszak

Whenever I'm not happy with my skin I always find myself going back to Dermalogica's cleansers. I feel like I've been using Dermalogica Special Cleansing Gel ($12-$68) forever and now it's finally empty. :-(

I love a seasonal hand soap and Bath & Body Works has so many festive options for every time of the year. Bath & Body Works Spiced Apricot Cider Gentle Foaming Hand Soap ($7.95) features notes of apricot, sparkling cider and toasted cinnamon sticks. So cozy!

Homecourt's products focus on the beauty of homecare. I'm obsessed with Homecourt Cipres Mint Surface Cleaner ($20) that I'm constantly using. Homecourt products are clean, cruelty-free and vegan. Bonus: The bottles are made from recycled materials!

—Lizzy Sherman