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Another three months, another huge pile of empty beauty products. In fact, this has been my biggest quarter for finished formulas so far, with no fewer than 30 products making their way out of my collection. Admittedly, quite a few are deluxe samples and travel-sized tubes, because apparently I’m incapable of going on holiday without packing approximately 17 different skincare products.
I’m making a conscious effort to work through my existing stash, so you’ll spot plenty of cleansers, moisturisers and serums in this edit. But after years of being a haircare-phobe, I’ve finally found a few formulas I actually really love, including some that have earned a place on my repurchase list (once my stockpile of shampoos and masks has dwindled, anyway).
There’s even some finished makeup in the mix, which is a rare achievement, alongside a perfume mist and deodorant. So, here’s everything I used up between July and September, and the products I’d actually spend my money on again.
Haircare
Schwarzkopf Osis+ Volume Booster Spray – This lasted what felt like a lifetime, and I’m definitely noticing its absence. It added texture and volume while providing enough hold to double up as my hairspray, too. I’ve been using Color Wow’s Style on Steroids in its place, and while it does the job, I don’t love it quite as much. Needless to say, another can is firmly on my shopping list.
Amika Perk Up Dry Shampoo – A solid dry shampoo that freshens up my roots without leaving them feeling heavy or coated in a white cast. I wouldn’t call it the best on the market (that title currently belongs to Living Proof’s newer non-aerosol formula), but I’d happily reach for this again.
Straand The Crown Cleanser – This is such an interesting shampoo format, and one I really enjoyed using. It’s a gentle yet effective scalp cleanser that reminds me of an oil or balm face cleanser, offering a thorough cleanse without leaving my hair feeling stripped. It’s also free from sulphates, parabens and silicones, which makes it a good option for my colour-treated hair.
Nature’s Spell Shampoo Mini – This little bottle came on holiday with me and did exactly what I needed it to. The formula is affordable enough that I’d consider trying the full size, although it hasn’t quite earned essential status. I’m still working out which shampoos deserve a permanent place in my routine.
K18 Leave-In Molecular Repair Hair Mask – I’ve often avoided leave-in treatments because they can leave my hair feeling weighed down, but this K18 mini has been a revelation. Three pumps applied to damp hair leave it incredibly soft and glossy, and I’m not exaggerating when I say I’ve never felt my hair in quite the same way. At £30 for 15ml, it’s undeniably pricey, so I’d save it for when I want a particularly good hair day rather than use it every wash.
Color Wow Color Security Shampoo Mini – This appeared in my Q1 empties, too, so finishing another bottle in less than six months speaks volumes. It’s a brilliant option for coloured hair, and I’ll happily use it whenever I get the chance.
Isima SuperBomba Peptide Hair Mask – My final haircare empty was a conditioning treatment that was nice enough to use, but didn’t leave a lasting impression. My hair felt soft afterwards, yet I wasn’t repeatedly running my fingers through it to admire the silkiness as I did with K18. That might be an unfair comparison, but I fear that mask has set the standard for every hair treatment I try from now on.
Skincare
Tatcha Matcha Cleanse Mini – I love both matcha and Tatcha, but this jelly-to-foam cleanser wasn’t quite right for my skin. Designed to decongest pores and balance oil, it felt a little too clarifying for me. I’m glad I tried it, but I wouldn’t rush to buy the full size.
Numbuzin NAD Collagen Under Eye Patches – I’m a sucker for an under-eye patch, especially when I’m tired or my skin needs an extra hit of hydration. These were a lovely little pick-me-up, but not quite memorable enough to warrant a repurchase when I have dozens of alternatives waiting in my stash.
AESTURA ATOBARRIER365 Cream – One of my standout skincare empties, and a moisturiser I’d happily buy again. The rich, comforting formula contains little ceramide capsules and leaves my skin feeling beautifully smooth and hydrated. I’ve struggled to find another cream in my collection that I’ve enjoyed quite as much.
Dermalogica PreCleanse – A classic first cleanse that makes light work of removing makeup and SPF before my second cleanser comes into play. I’ve dipped in and out of this over the years, and it remains one of my top five cleansing products. The texture is lovely, the scent is gorgeous and it’s a formula I can always rely on.
Tatcha The Dewy Skin Cream – It’s easy to see why this has such a devoted following. The rich formula gives skin that plump, dewy finish the name promises, making it feel like a little luxury in my routine. The scent isn’t my favourite, but I can appreciate why people adore it.
Skin Rocks The Cream Cleanse Mini – I’ve really enjoyed exploring more of Caroline Hirons’ skincare range, and this creamy cleanser is one I’d love to try in full size. I’m about to move on to the brand’s gel cleanser, which looks equally dreamy, so the verdict is still out on which will become my favourite.
Kate Somerville Goat Milk Moisturising Cleanser Mini – If you haven’t gathered by now, creamy cleansers are very much my thing. This one was even better than I expected: gentle, beautifully scented and with a suitably luxurious feel. I’d definitely seek it out again.
Medik8 Advanced Pro-Collagen Peptide Cream Mini – This was another holiday-sized product that impressed me. I mainly used it as a night cream, although the lightweight texture worked just as well during the day. My skin felt nourished and plump, and I’d love to revisit it in a larger size.
Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream 15ml – A rather fancy little empty, but not one that’s convinced me to part with the full-size price tag. As the name suggests, this cream is seriously rich and works much better as a night treatment than underneath makeup. I found it a little too heavy for everyday use, particularly in summer, although I could see myself reaching for it as a Sunday reset when my skin needs extra nourishment.
Liz Earle Instant Boost Skin Tonic Mini – A long-time favourite. I’ve used Liz Earle products for years, and this refreshing tonic is a lovely step after cleansing. The mini bottle also seemed to last far longer than its size suggested, which is always a bonus.
Sunday Riley Good Genes Lactic + Glycolic Acid Minis – Good Genes has been around for years, but I only recently discovered that there are two versions: lactic acid and glycolic acid. I tried both to see which suited me best and, honestly, I enjoyed them both. These are the products I reach for when I want my skin to look particularly good, whether applied the night before or used as a quick five-minute mask alongside my morning cleansing routine. I already own full sizes of both, so they’ll continue to feature in my rotation.
Sunday Riley Tidal Serum Mini – Another Sunday Riley product that made it through to the bottom of the tube. Tidal focuses on hydration, making it an easy addition when my skin needs a plumping boost. It worked particularly well alongside both versions of Good Genes and was a lovely option during the warmer summer months.
Byoma Biocollagen Radiance Facial Mask Mini – This one wasn’t for me. I’m not particularly keen on the faff of peel-off wrapping masks, and although my skin felt nice after using this mini on holiday, the results weren’t anything special. I’d much rather reach for a convenient sheet mask instead.
Caudalie Vinoperfect Brightening Serum Mini – I’ve just actually got a full size of this in an advent calendar so trialling the mini beforehand helped me decide whether I would keep or gift it and it’s safe to say it’ll be finding its way into my stash. Vinoperfect is aimed at brightening and helping with the appearance of dark spots, so it was a good one to have in rotation alongside my more hydrating products.
La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Serum Mini – I try not to repurchase too much skincare while I’m working through my existing collection, but this is one serum I’d happily restock. It performs on a similar level to my go-to Medik8 Hydra8 B5 and sits in the same price bracket, so it’s reassuring to know I have two reliable options for keeping my skin hydrated.
Belif The True Cream Mini – Rounding off my skincare empties is this Belif moisturiser, which was particularly easy to use during the warmer weather. I find lightweight creams like this so convenient to keep within reach, as I end up applying them whenever I pass by. It’s a lovely option when I want hydration without anything too heavy.
Body and fragrance
Space NK Caribbean Shores Body Wash Mini – This summery body wash was ideal for packing in my holiday bag, and it was my first time trying bodycare from Space NK’s own range. I’d happily explore more, too: I’ve already been in store to sniff out the handwash and lotion I want for my new bathroom, while Nordic Wilds bubble bath is waiting its turn at home.
GEM Deodorant in Santal – I was firmly a Mitchum girl until I tried GEM and became an immediate convert. Finding an antiperspirant that feels comfortable while actually doing its job has been surprisingly difficult, but this ticks both boxes. The fragrances are to die for, with Santal taking the top spot for its warm, woody scent that layers beautifully with so many of my perfumes.
Ultra Violette SPF50+ Extreme Screen – Daily SPF is non-negotiable for me. I regularly rotate my facial sunscreens, so rarely finish a full bottle, but finding a body formula I care to apply regularly has been more of a challenge. This one has a lovely skincare-like feel rather than the traditional sunscreen texture, and I wore it throughout summer without burning. Three very important ticks.
Sol de Janeiro Cheirosa 48 Perfume Mist – Like many people, I’m a fan of Sol de Janeiro’s body mists, and Cheirosa 48 might be one of the brand’s most playful scents. Notes of guava nectar, coconut water, sunlit orchid, lemon twist, wild orris, pink musk and vanilla cloud give it a vibrant, almost fizzy quality that feels made for summer. It’s fruity, fun and exactly the sort of fragrance I love spritzing on in warmer weather.
Makeup
Iconic London Prep-Set-Blur – You can tell we’ve just come through summer, as both of my makeup empties this quarter are setting sprays. First up is Iconic London’s Prep-Set-Blur, which uses soft-focus, oil-absorbing powders to minimise the appearance of pores and smooth uneven texture. I particularly like it for finishing a full-glam look, and I’d happily use it again.
VIEVE Invisiveil Setting Spray – The second finished mist was this mini from VIEVE. Its alcohol-free formula sets makeup without leaving skin feeling tight or sticky, while promising up to 16 hours of wear. It also contains niacinamide to help even skin tone, alongside Cell Pulse, derived from coffee plant stem cells, for moisture. I’m a big fan of VIEVE, and this works particularly well alongside other products from the brand, so it’s earned its place in my makeup kit.
So that’s Q3 wrapped up, and now comes the task of logging everything in my Boots Recycling Scheme app to earn points towards future shops.
Looking back at the pile, I think the biggest takeaway is that I’ve become rather predictable. Give me a hydrating cleanser, a good moisturiser and a hair mask, and I’m happy. But that’s exactly why I started this project: to spot patterns in what I actually use, which categories I reach for most and which brands keep earning their place in my collection.
Perhaps I’ll put together an empties wrapped at the end of the year, complete with all the stats. Until then, I’ll catch you in December for the final empties edit of 2026.
