Let’s go through my trash! (IYKYK 😉 ). Welcome to another round of Beauty Empties, where I go through my trash to find the hits AND the misses that I’ve totally used up lately. We’ve got makeup, we’ve got skincare, we’ve got haircare, and we’ve got ~thoughts~. So let’s jump right into it. (See past beauty empties here!)
DOVE RESTORING BODY WASH in Coconut & Cocoa Butters
Dove’s body washes are some of my very favorite – have been for years. They’re gentle, sulfate-free formulas that smell lovely – not too strong or overpowering, but like a hug in the shower. This formula is a creamier, thicker one, which I lovelovelove on a loufa. It’s one I grab frequently on Target runs.
DOVE INSTANT FOAMING BODY WASH in Shea Butter with Warm Vanilla
Also a fan of this formula – while it’s a foam, it’s a plush, rich foam that doesn’t feel watery, if that makes sense. And it smells JUST like Bath & Body Work’s warm vanilla sugar, but a much cleaner, healthier formula.
BATISTE DRY SHAMPOO in Light & Breezy Fresh
Normally I wasn’t a big Batiste fan in the past – I’ve found some of the formulas to be too chalky, powdery, or flaky without feeling like it’s truly absorbing oil versus just masking it. I didn’t hate this one, but I like this one more!
I’m probably not the best to judge this specific shampoo since I don’t have super curly hair, but it’s formulated to strengthen curls 3x, improve their definition, and add weightless detangling. What I lovelovelove so much about Living Proof’s products is that they’re free of sulfates, phthalates, parabens, silicones, etc – they’re safe for color treated hair.
LIVING PROOF PERFECT HAIR DAY DRY SHAMPOO
My favorite dry shampoo of all time. It truly cleans your hair beyond simply masking or covering oils. It’s got over 3,000 SOLID 5-star reviews and makes your hair look, feel AND smell clean. I have a subscription for it because I cannot run out LOL.
PANTENE MIST BEHAVING DRY CONDITIONER MIST
I first shared this dry conditioner mist back in 2020 – I really enjoyed it as a light conditioning option for quick pickmeups, but I believe it’s been discontinued.
COLLEEN ROTHSCHILD GLYCOLIC ACID PEEL PADS WITH BLUE AGAVE
I am OBSESSED with these peel pads and 100% recommend. They’re a spa-strength treatment that’s gentle enough for daily use (although I’d say I use every other day or so). The pads are formulated to help dissolve the dirt, sebum, and other gross stuff that clogs pores (bless), and they boost your skin’s natural renewal process by targeting fine lines, hyperpigmentation, etc. They ALSO, though, have hyaluronic acid + niacinamide for adding back in hydration and moisture, and blue agave, sea water, and other extracts to soothe and calm while cleansing everything out. But, instead of paying $100+ for one spa facial, you get 60 treatments in a tub for under $75 with my code, which is at LEAST two months worth of treatment (obviously more if you go every other day like me). It’s another solid 5-star-rated product, so the people have spoken.
Use code ERICA for 20% off your whole order!
This self-tanner has been my JAM since I first tried it – it’s fabulous, especially if you wouldn’t consider yourself a self-tanning pro. In the past, I’ve hated any self-tanner that made me look like I got in a fight with an Oompa Loompa. This stuff gives you a very natural looking tan – and bonus, it’s an all-natural formula! Most tanning mousses or sprays which are full of chemicals, this one is a plant-based, natural, organic self-tanner that won’t leave you orange or streaky. It’s also got shea butter and 10 organic fruit extracts inside to hydrate your skin while it tans. AND it’s fast-absorbing, so it won’t stain your clothes, towels or sheets (bless). I can apply in literally THREE MINUTES FLAT (I timed it) and I’m good to go, no streaks or splotches and a nice, natural glow!
See my foolproof self tanner full review with before/after pics here!
Did not love this. Would not recommend. Just a “meh” cleanser.
ONOMIE RADICAL SETTING MIST
No complaints about this setting mist, but I don’t think it’s available anymore – and I’d say get this one or this one instead anyway!
ALMAY CLEAR COMPLEXION CONCEALER
My holy grail concealer for covering + HEALING blemishes. It’s got salicylic acid inside to help prevent new breakouts, but it’s also got aloe + chamomile to soothe sensitive spots, too. With over 4,000 5-star reviews, it’s a winner winner chicken dinner – and one I’ve repurchased COUNTLESS times at this point.
CIATE FIERCE FLICKS BLACK EYELINER PEN
While I liked the shape of this pen and found the marker-like application to be pretty user-friendly, it seemed to dry up quicker than I would’ve liked. Not sure if that was just my specific pen or that trends with this product, so I’d repurchase again to see!
NATIVE DEODORANT in Sugar Cookie
So Sugar Cookie isn’t currently available since it was a holiday scent, but in general, I’m a fan of Native’s natural deodorants. Which says something, since I’m normally a Secret girl through and through and am usually SKEPTICAL of natural deodorants. I mean, I’m all for cleaning up my skincare whenever/however possible, but when it comes to BO, I don’t mess around. But it actually worked well for me – and since it’s paraben and aluminum-free, ’twas a win.
I don’t even know HOW this ended up on my vanity – ha! It’s fine and definitely an affordable price, but I’d opt for my clean DIME perfume any day over it. (My DIME code should still work for extra 20% off: THRIVE20)
COVERGIRL VITALIST HEALTHY GLOW HIGHLIGHTER
This was my everyday eyeshadow for probably over a year – it lasted forever. I used it as an all-over lid base for a rosy glow, and it lasted all day long. Really beautiful, and a good multi-purposed product since you can also use as a cheekbone highlight.
BIODERMA MAKE-UP REMOVING SOLUTION
I don’t know if I’ve ever seen a product with SO MANY SOLID 5-star reviews…this stuff has over 36,000!!! I 100% see why it’s a bestselling micellar water – it works on sensitive skin, actually works to remove makeup without irritation.
MADISON REED COLOR-PROTECTING SHAMPOO & CONDITIONER
While I liked this shampoo/conditioner as a sulfate-free, color-protecting option, I did NOT like the bottles – they were so hard to squeeze down, so it felt like product gets wasted at the end.
ZO SKIN HEALTH OSSENTIAL GROWTH FACTOR SERUM PLUS
This stuff is pricier, BUT it’s fantastic – I will be repurchasing. It’s an intensive, multi-purposed serum that’s SUPER hydrating while also being anti-aging. It helps reduce the look of fine lines and wrinkles. It helps restore lost hydration while enforcing your skin’s protective barrier. It helps strengthen weak skin, minimize irritation, and boost your overall skin brightness and health. It feels fantastic on your skin and just feels like an obviously powerful product that give you bang for the buck.
MAC NEXT TO NOTHING PRESSED POWDER
I loved this powder hard – until a certain little lady broke the last of it in mommy’s stash. 😉 The exact one is discontinued now, so I linked the updated, in-stock option that MAC makes.
PHYSICIANS FORMULA SKIN BOOSTER TIME-RESTORING VITAMIN SHOT
I’ve always been a Physicians Formula fan since they’re a pretty good, often underrated drugstore brand. Everything is hypoallergenic, fragrance-free, paraben-free, cruelty-free, dermatologist tested etc. This serum felt fine, but I can’t say I noticed crazy results – I’m often admittedly skeptical of drugstore serums etc since skincare is worth investing in, but this was a fine option!
LANEIGE LIP SLEEPING MASK in Grapefruit
The best overnight lip treatment I’ve ever used, ever. ALWAYS stocked for me – nothing beats it!