Empties - V2

[scott1201]

Seeing product empties is so satisfying 🙂

Post your weekly, monthly, quarterly, whenever-ly empties and let us know how you felt about them!

Previous Empties thread:

Spoiler

https://community.sephora.com/t5/Insiders/Empties/m-p/589003

[itsfi]

December 2025 Empties 
Month-To-Date = 14 (including foils)
Year-To-Date = 299 (does not include decluttered products)

I'm behind on finalizing a detailed tracking of type of products and size for 2025 and may not get to it as I have some other things to turn my attention to this week/weekend, but to quickly recap this year's product use:

• 299 total products used up, 83 of which were foils - those are specifically detailed in Foil Challenge 
• I recently passed along (donated or re-homed) several products but forgot to take a photo (or do a count) before sending them off. Prior to that, however, I decluttered 12 products this year, all noted on Show Me Your Declutters! With that count, the total number of products out the door in 2025 (declutter + empties (including foils)) totaled 311.
• My empties count has gone down year over year, which makes sense as I have been moving towards more full size products and less foils, and a whole lot less sheet masks. I had 456 empties in 2023 and 425 in 2024, all exclusive of decluttered products. This year saw a significant drop from those figures - 199.
• This year, I've gone through the vast majority of (if not all of) the partially used products from 2024 and earlier so heading into the new year, I'm pretty much working with / using (or will be using) products I started using this year and in 2026. Unless I start using sheet masks every day, which is highly unlikely, my empties count for next year could see another drop. 

😘  This is my second full size bottle of Ceremonia Guava Hydrating Leave-In Conditioner that I’ve worked through. Hair feels soft and weightless, but not lifeless. I would rank it as between a Top Shelf and GOAT product for me. 

😘  Tower 28 Beauty ShineOn Lip Jelly Hydrating Non-Sticky Lip Oil XOXO (gratis) - color looks a lot more bold in tube but applies more sheer on initial pass of the wand (but can be built up), and leaves a glossy (not sticky) shine. Spending more time using what I have in concentrated periods of time and being more mindful of what I new products I purchase (or what products I repurchase) and also when I make those purchases has helped me work through more full size products. 

❤️  LANEIGE Bouncy & Firm Plumping Lip Treatment 0.42 oz / 12 g is rich but not heavy with a gel like consistency. It goes on easily, feels nourishing and comforting and leaves my lips feeling soft, hydrated and plump the next morning.

😘  Luna Daily The Mini Everywhere Spray-to-Wipe - With Prebiotics + Vitamins C&E, Omegas 3 & 6 for Dry ... is great for on the go, after the gym when, for whatever reason, I don’t have time to get home to shower, or traveling.

😐  Maybe it was just this sample but this L'Oréal Professionnel Metal Detox Anti-Breakage Hair Oil 1.7 oz / 50 ml had more of a serum or serum-to-slightly-more-viscous-than-usual-oil consistency to it. I do think it added shine and gave some new life to my color. I'm not sure my fine hair (fine strands + lots of strands) is the ideal hair type for this product though. A little does go a long way for my hair type, applied on wet, damp or dry hair but especially when used on dry hair. This I think is better suited for those with medium-to-thick hair or medium-to-thick hair strands

👍  Dr. Jart+ Cicapair™ Gentle Foam Cleanser for Sensitive Skin 5.07 oz / 150 mL - the empty is of the older, discontinued version which has been repackaged, and possibly, likely, reformulated. I used it primarily as a morning cleanser on those mornings when my skin was a little fussier than usual and red, which was often in the spring due to allergies, and this summer for some reason. This older version was fine enough but I wouldn't repurchase the old version; not sure if I will try the new formula. 

😘  I've not had the best track record with shade matching when it comes to YSL foundations in general, but this 

Yves Saint Laurent All Hours Foundation seems promising. I ended up having to mix a couple of shades from the sample card together to get a better match (which isn't uncommon) but I generally try to avoid that if possible unless I adore the formulation. This is described as a full coverage foundation and oh yes, it is definitely that!! I rarely wear full coverage foundation but this one was nice - demi matte finish that didn't leave my complexion looking flat or feeling tight or dry) and wore well all day long when set. If I find a better shade match without having to mix shades, I'd probably pick up a full size once I make more of a dent in my full and medium-to-full coverage products. 

🐐  Touchland hand sanitizer is a GOAT in terms of performance - hydrating, not sticky, and absorbs quickly. This year's new limited edition seasonal scent, Touchland Power Mist Hydrating Hand Sanitizer Gingerbread is pretty good; it took me some time to warm up to the scent. The first few spritzes seemed to give off more of an alcohol and artificial scent but after keeping with it, the cinnamon and vanilla came through, with a teensy bit of gingerbread and sugar notes sprinkled in there. I wouldn't mind if Touchland brought this back next year, with a few tweaks to make the star notes more prominent

😘  Coming as a surprise to me - a pleasant one at that - is the Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer Cream Blush Provence - it blends smoothly and gives a natural, healthy glow. Soft pink shades like this don't always work well on my sometimes-ruddier cheeks but Provence was lovely - soft enough to not be overwhelming, mimics a healthy flush when I apply a few layers to my cheeks. I passed on it during the holiday savings event and regretted it immediately after the sale was over, but then, Laura Mercier was one of the brands with selec items  on sale near the end of the year and I picked up a full size then. I'm saying it was meant to be. 😉

🐐  These Salux Nylon Japanese Beauty Skin Wash Cloth/Towels are excellent!!! It exfoliates and makes it easy to get to those now impossibly hard to reach spots in the middle of my back because I'm no longer as flexible as I used to be. I also love that these washcloths are reusable and can be machine-washed. 

😘  Another product from this year's Pan It! - 2025 Challenge I was able to use up was the haruharu wonder Black Rice Bakuchiol Eye Cream. I enjoyed this one a lot but was not as consistent with it as I would have liked to have been, as I should have been. It's one of those items that flies under the radar but you miss it (and realize what it delivered) when it's been out of the rotation. Haruharu wonder is another brand my skin responds well to (e.g., cleansing oil, cleansing gel, serums, sunscreen, and now this eye cream) and I can see myself repurchasing this one (and other products from the brand) but after I make more of a dent in my eye cream stash. 

🐐  I love, love, looooove Biossance Squalane + Elderberry Jelly Cleanser (discontinued), so, of course it's been discontinued. Le sigh. It's one of just two products in the brand's catalog of beauties that falls into that "all-time favorites" category for me. This is the one that all second cleansers I use must compete against.

😐  Bullseye's Playground Harvest Pumpkin Latte Candle - That clear mug is not just a prop for the photo but one of my empties - it was a candle and it looked and sounded promising when I purchased it. The cold throw was soft and subtle but I was able to pick up coffee and milk notes, with just a hint of pumpkin, all of which I was looking forward to. Those notes came through with the same intensity when initially lit but faded away entirely within half an hour, and unfortunately, I wasn't able to get any throw from it, cold or lit, going forward. Hoping I just picked up a dud. 😕 I have this clear mug though and am happy about that! 

EMOJI KEY

🐐= product is a GOAT (Greatest Of All Time) in its category [I have a personal requirement that before a product receive this designation, I have to have finished a minimum of two of the product (with at least one being a full size).]

❤️= Love

😘 = Like and would repurchase
👍= Like but would not repurchase (at least not immediately), usually because I like another similar product more or because I have other similar products to work through before making a purchase
😐= Lackluster = it's okay / meh, includes products that are fine enough but are not suitable for my particular skin / hair type or concerns or are just not what I prefer/gravitate towards
✖️= No [This is typically given to a product that irritates my skin] 

[lmaster]

December empties and declutter: 22 (406/450) I was sooooo close to my target goal this year!! If i would of used more sheet masks I probably could of pulled it off

 

 

 

 Great candles,  the skeleton one i bought from tj maxx for 7$ and totally worth it

 

Spoiler

Tarte and kvd are declutter 

 these Toner pads are fantastic 

[Mellmars1185]

@lmaster Great job to finish off the year! Progress is progress in the right direction. Wow you finished off a full size Laneige mask! That is a great one. Do you use it as a sleeping mask? How did you use the ACV hair rinse? I have the same one and have yet to use it. Where did you find the rice toner pads?

[Mellmars1185]

November & December

Empties - 30

Foils - 6

Declutters - 3

2025 Roundup

Empties - 163

Foils - 73

Destashes - 43

This is my third year of keeping track of my empties. The pattern seems that I buy more than I consume. My goal for 2026 is to use more than I buy... I know this goal is attainable. I have said in the past I am going on low/no buys. I really want to stay away from purchasing new releases in 2026 and just shop my stash. If needed, I will replace already used/loved items.

 

 

^Last photo are destashes. The Cerave was nice. I would use it on no makeup days when I would go for walks. I enjoyed the scent. However, I realized it was expired. It did not lay well underneath makeup. But that could have been partially because it was expired. I tried to make the Anastasia Beverly Hills Long-Wearing Natural Volumizing Tinted Brow Gel work multiple times but the brush just made things messy. I have other brow products in my stash that deserve more attention. The Marc Jacobs fragrance gave me a headache.

 

 

[lmaster]

@Mellmars1185 absolutely impressive!!

I'm on the same low buy journey,  we can do this 💪 

[Mellmars1185]

@lmaster Thank you so much! Yes, we got this 💪

[Samtian]

This year ended up being a very good year overall for me. Beat my declutters from previous years. 

2025- 119/100
2025- 86 Destashes

Love-
* Pumpkin Juice Bath Bomb by The Witch's Bath (OMG amazing! It was themed like a butterbeer from HP and it looked like I was swimming in a Budweiser foam and all. But smelled way better)
* Peace Out Acne Dots Peace Out Salicylic Acid Acne Healing Dots 40 Acne Healing Dots 
* Spa Life Overnight Mask
* Nose Strip

Ok-
* Jollyrancher Watermelon Chapstick
* Hershey's Smores Chapstick

N.O- 
* Valentino Foundation  
* Dermologica - wrong picture

Declutter-
* 1270 Frapin Sample- Forgot to include in picture
* CT Pillowtalk Mascara  Charlotte Tilbury Mini Pillow Talk Push Up Lashes Volumizing & Lengthening Mascara 
* Bobbi Brown Smoky Mascara 
* KVD Lovecraft
* Mary Kay Mascara
* Rare Beauty Inspire 
* GA 400( Can't Open )
* Bite Rose Pearl
* Kora FS expired ...2018!
* Kora sample also probably expired
* Burt's Bees Almond Milk ( Can't open)
* Save the Queen lotion bar ( Can't open)
* Hot Topic Eyeliner
* Bite Demi Glace

[lmaster]

You did phenomenal!! @Samtian 

[Mellmars1185]

@Samtian @Amazing job on reaching your goals!

[haleyvvvv]

Congratulations on your totals, @Samtian !! I'm so impressed at how much you've decluttered this year, kudos to you!!

[Samtian]

@haleyvvvv Thank you! It ended up feeling pretty good, sad but a good reminder.

[haleyvvvv]

Empties for the last 6 months. A little slow, but quite a few makeup products. 

Holy Grails 🏺

Spoiler

These are all favorites, if I don't have a backup already it's because my collection has too much stuff in it to justify.

• Tower 28 Beauty Jumbo SOS Daily Hypochlorous Acid Spray Refill for Breakouts & Redness 16 oz /480 mL...  - I love this not only as a nighttime most to start my routine, but anywhere in having skin irritation.
• Danessa Myricks Beauty Infinite Chrome Waterproof Micropencil Eyeliner  - these are so cool. I love the duo chrome effect with these, they're so smooth. My only gripe is that there's not a ton of product and they can get dislodged easily.
• Sol de Janeiro Delícia Drench™ Moisturizing Shower Oil for Dry Skin - This name is a bit of a misnomer. Because upon hearing oil, I was like, there's no way this will suds up and clean my body. But it does!! And it smells so good. A h/t to YouTuber Lauren May Beauty for talking about this one. I think this is my second or third bottle.
• The Dove Body Love lotion is maybe no longer made (I think it got reformulated, which I have one to test). The Sol de Janeiro Bum Bum Cream was my HG for a while because of the scent, and while I still love it, after I tested this from Influenster, I've been a fan. It's so moisturizing for my dry, sensitive skin (which the SDJ doesn't do as well, despite being deliciously scented). I think I've bought like a dozen or more over the past few years. If it is discontinued I'll be sad, but I also bought the Sol de Janeiro Body Badalada™ Lotion with Hyaluronic Acid for Daily Hydration 13.52 oz/400 mL to test to see if it'll be a good replacement.
• Danessa Myricks Beauty Yummy Skin Blurring Balm Powder -Universal Primer Universal Radiant - once I finish my pile of foundations and primers, I will buy a full size of this. I love it for like easy makeup days or work events, to just give my skin some smoothing and glow. It's amazing how well this works in even dry skin, I find it managed to blur without looking dry.
  The REFY Brow Sculpt Shaping and Lifting Gel with Strong Hold 0.29 oz/8.5 mL is maybe overhyped. But honestly, for my bossy brows, it's been the only thing that works. It holds ALL DAY without looking crumbly. I had a bunch of other brow minis to use up, but I have her back again and I'm excited.
  The K18 Biomimetic Hairscience AirWash™ Dry Shampoo 4 oz/118 mL is also magic. The hair scientists at K18 are wizards. I love this. Yes, is it expensive. But I go through a bottle about every 6 months, whereas before I would go through an aerosol one every 1-2 months, so the price is actually pretty good.
  I like the glow the Iconic London Prep-Set-Glow Hydrating Glowy Setting Spray gives. I don't know how much it helps set, but as a finishing spray it makes my skin happy.
  PAT McGRATH LABS Dark Star Volumizing Mascara 0.43 fl oz / 13 mL but the colored editions. I got these on sale for $12 each and used them for maybe a little longer than I should have, but I'll miss not having them around. 2025 was supposed to be the year of coloured mascara, please give me something beyond brown, burgundy and a deep blue companies that I can easily access (yes, both Glisten and Question Beauty make some, but I want to buy one mascara a month for the year, not twenty colors at once in a set and pay shipping fees from Europe). 2026 pretty color mascara let's goooo.
  The The Ordinary Argireline Solution 10% for Reducing Fine Lines 1 oz/ 30 mL , Summer Fridays Jet Lag Mask + Moisturizer 2.25 oz / 64 g , Sol de Janeiro Samba 2-Step Foot Fetish Care 3 oz/90 mL and SEPHORA COLLECTION Sugar Body Scrub with AHA 13.52 oz / 399 mL are all repeated faves as well

Green Lights 💚 (Would seek out again but maybe have a holy grail in that category)

 

Yellow Lights 🟡 (Would use but not seek out or necessarily repurchase)

Red Flags ❌ (A nope from me) 

Spoiler

The Sephora*Sigma Makeup Sponge Cleaner, the Dr. Althea cleaning balms aren't bad products, just terrible packaging. The Beekman and Glow Recipe both have bad packaging and were meh. And the brow products either didn't work at all (Patrick Ta) or fixed my brows but left them with white strings throughout (Melt). 

Decluttered 🫣

Spoiler

I went through my lipsticks the past few months and didn't have many that needed to immediately, but this Bite Capricorn and Tarter one did. The Too Faced one still was good but then the poof fell off so 🤷‍♀️.
And two moisturizers that dried out before I could use them 🫣

And my partner's skincare which helps me get GWP 

[lmaster]

Fantastic job @haleyvvvv 

[Mellmars1185]

@haleyvvvv Wonderful roundup! It is really eye opening to see what we actually use in half a year! I have a sample of the Sol de Janeiro oil. I am intrigued to try it out now!

[Samtian]

@haleyvvvv Oh wow! I agree it's awesome seeing it all together! 

[haleyvvvv]

Thank you, @Samtian !! It is nice seeing how much I realistically go through in that time but also sobering lol

[missjeanie]

@haleyvvvv Oh my gosh so satisfying seeing it all together!  You went through so much makeup!  I love the T28 spray as well.  I may need to look into the SDJ body oil wash as well.  If memory serves that scent was my absolute favourite, but I like the idea of a body oil wash again.  Especially in this weather!  Hope you're staying warm!

[haleyvvvv]

I think there's a mini or a kit with the body lotion and spray, @missjeanie. but you're right it's perfect for this weather and dreaming of the tropics. Hope you're also staying warm!!

[itsfi]

Yes, yes, yes for that K18 dry shampoo @haleyvvvv 💖 The longevity of a bottle of the K18 compared to aerosol dry shampoos hadn't occurred to me but you're right! I'm still working on my original bottle of the K18 dry shampoo; granted, I rotate between it and some aerosol ones that I'm just trying to use up to not waste them but it does last longer and I can go longer between uses.

Interesting about the Dr. Althea cleansing balms - did the component jam up on you or are you not a fan of the mechanism in general for dispensing the product?

[haleyvvvv]

Yes!! Not only do I use less of it, but I go longer between uses of it, which cuts down on usage compared to aerosols for me.

For the Dr. Althea, I just hate how bulky the packaging is for how little you get (50 mL), @itsfi. I feel like these each lasted me a month at most. Like I'm sure there's a ton 'extra' in there too, but I haven't like figured out how to deconstruct it to get the rest out. And I just price checked at the Farmacy one (100 mL) isn't like so much more than two of these. So I'm glad I tried them in a Style Korean box or two, but I'm not going to seek them out separately I think. To me, I don't feel like the benefits of improved 'cleanliness' or accurate usage amount are necessarily true or such that this was a necessary component to make.