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

As longtime beauty editors and writers at Spa & Beauty Today, 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.

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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!

“Obviously, growing a baby takes a serious toll on the skin. With my third pregnancy and postpartum period, I've been reaching nonstop for Phytomer SEATONIC Stretch Mark and Firming Oil ($103.50). This dry oil is safe for pregnant and breastfeeding women, and is formulated with various marine and vegetable oils to strengthen and restore skin while fighting stretch marks. In addition to powerhouse ingredients, it has a satiny feel and pleasant floral scent, explaining while I used every last drop!”

—Alisha Racker

IGK Thirsty Girl Coconut Milk Leave-In Conditioner ($32): "I've been using this spray-on leave-in conditioner for years! I'm super loyal to the haircare line from IGK (I also get my hair cut and colored at the Miami outpost) and find that their formulations never leave my hair feeling or looking greasy, sticky or weighed down. Even though I use rich conditioners on my hair, I always need a little extra help—especially at the ends—and this does the job. And it smells fresh and clean, too."

Alpyn Beauty Wild Nettle & Niacinamide Firming Serum ($58): "I'm a fan of everything that Kendra Kolb-Butler makes, and this firming serum always has a place in my skincare routine. The formula glides on my skin, making it feel slightly firmer but without any sting, like some skincare products. I also appreciate the attention to detail in the packaging—the dropper application means I never have to stick my fingers into a pot or jar. And if I'm feeling lazy, I can drop the serum directly onto my face instead of my fingertips."

—Elise Minton Tabin

After taking a medication my skin had a period where it was dry and sensitive, so I wasn’t able to use many products because everything I applied would cause my skin to react. As I was going through boxes of products that brands had sent me to try, I came across Ama Sea Beauty, a line of clean, ethically-sourced products created by climate activist, seaweed specialist and certified Thalasso therapist, Antoinette Marquez. The brand pays homage to the Ama divers of Japan and utilizes seawater and wild-grown California seaweed in their products, which naturally rejuvenate, protect and heal skin. I can’t say enough good things about her line, as it really helped me get through a challenging period with my skin. Within weeks the redness faded, the dryness went away, and now my skin looks and feels more supple, hydrated and healthy. I always apply SeaMist Marine Mineral Toner ($50) before and after other skin care products, and I keep it chilled in the fridge so I can mist my skin throughout the day for a refresh. Afterwards I apply SeaGlo Microalgae Oil ($45) to hydrate and replenish skin. Bonus: all their products come in stunning recycled glass bottles!

—Kamala Kirk

Philip B. Weightless Volumizing Conditioner ($42): I’m obsessed with this product! I had a travel-size version that I’ve been holding onto, but since I haven’t been traveling I decided to use it. This smells amazing and leaves hair shiny and tangle-free. It’s definitely one of my favorite products now, but Philip B. products are always fabulous!

Naturally Serious Lemon-Aid Makeup-Removing Cleansing Gel ($19): I love how refreshing this makeover remover is. Naturally Serious is a clean, eco-conscious, vegan brand. So far the products I’ve tried from this brand have all been gentle and effective. 

Almay Biodegradable Longer and Waterproof Eye Makeup Remover Pads ($8.49): Taking eye makeup off is always a pain, but these make it easier. They are hypoallergenic, budget-friendly, and biodegradable.

Pureology Professional Color Care Hydrate Shampoo ($35): I find that after I use most sulfate-free shampoos, my hair feels greasy, not clean. This shampoo leaves my hair feeling clean and hydrated. It’s also vegan and great for color-treated hair.

Bath and Body Works The Wellness Collection Coconut Oil + Vitamin E Silky Shave Gel: This was one of my favorite products for shaving! The scent is light and refreshing, not overpowering. It gives you an easy shave, and leaves skin feeling soft and silky.

—Lizzy Sherman

Kevin.Murphy’s Shimmer Me Blonde Repairing Shine Treatment ($32) is the perfect leave-in treatment to revive my blonde hair after the summer. Being in the pool and sun dries my hair out, and also makes it dull and brassier than usual. This light spray is the perfect addition to my towel-dried hair after washing, to tone my color and infuse more shine. A little goes a long way (it can make your hair look greasy if you use too much around the roots), but I’m already purchasing my next bottle!

—Sable Massingill

Oribe Gold Lust Repair & Restore Shampoo ($49): “A splurge? Yes. Worth it? Yes. Nothing compares to Oribe products for your hair. Your hair will always smell and feel amazing.”

Oribe Gold Lust Transformative Hair Mask ($66): “I prefer a hair mask over regular conditioner. I leave it on in the shower while shaving or exfoliating. Your hair will thank you.”

ZO Skin Health by Zein Obagi Oil Control Pads ($64): “As an oily-skinned gal, these are my best friend. They help keep my breakouts at bay without being overly drying. A staple in my skincare routine.”

Saffron & Sage Glow Finishing Oil ($63): “I love a good face oil, especially this one, which is full of good-for-your-skin ingredients including vitamins C and E, squalene and jojoba oil. Another member of my daily routine.”

Dr. Brandt Liquid Sun Shield Daily Brightening Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 ($65): “As someone who has had more than my fair share of skin cancer moles removed, daily SPF is a non-negotiable. If you’re a fan of mineral sunscreen, this just might be your new best friend.”

First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Firming Collagen Cream with Peptides and Niacinamide ($42): “After interviewing Cassandra Bankson, she sent me a skincare care package (so nice!) This was one of the products she sent me to try. I’ve lost track of how many containers I’ve been through. I will never be without it. Hydrating. Plumping. Amazing.”

Jack Black Intense Therapy Lip Balm SPF 25 ($8): “The lips are oftentimes overlooked when it comes to your daily routine. I apply this every day before I go for my daily walk. Another 'can’t live without’ item in my daily routine.”

Olaplex No. & Bonding Oil ($30): “I have never met a hair oil I didn’t like. Bleaching your hair (it’s me!) can leave it parched and brittle. The bonding oil helps maintain softness and shine without weighing it down or making it too greasy. Tip: If you’re blonde, use it sparingly. Its yellow color can turn your hair brassy over time.”

—Tara Palty Troszak