My Epic 2024 Skincare Empties: A Deep Dive into Everything I Used Up!

I really enjoy cleansers that dispense as a big, fluffy foam. There's something extra gentle about them compared to foaming cleansers where you lather up the product in your hands. The Kopari Lychee Cleansing Foam was no exception. The light, airy texture felt luxurious on my skin, and the lychee scent was a delightful tropical escape. While I do feel like you go through these types of cleansers a bit faster, perhaps because the water is already incorporated into the product, the gentle cleansing experience makes it worthwhile. I truly believe foam cleansers like this are underrated gems.

I finished just one bottle of Neutrogena Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover. This might seem surprising, considering I used to fly through bifacil-type removers like this. They're fantastic for removing heavy mascara and false lashes. However, my makeup removal routine has shifted since discovering those amazing Japanese mascara removers, like the Heroine Make by KissMe Speedy Mascara Remover. They're similar to the bifacil type but even more efficient. The Japanese removers work their magic quickly and effortlessly, dissolving even the most stubborn waterproof mascara without any harsh rubbing. As a result, I'm using less of the oil-based removers now. I still have a few bottles with a little product left, which I reserve for truly dramatic eye looks, but they're no longer a staple in my daily routine.

You won't believe this, but my PanOxyl Benzoyl Peroxide Cleanser still isn't empty! I've been using it two to three times a week for over a year now to manage my acne, and it just keeps going. This is a testament to its effectiveness and value. It's a much better deal than the CeraVe Benzoyl Peroxide Cleanser, in my opinion. The PanOxyl cleanser has a thicker texture, which I find more satisfying to use, and it lasts significantly longer. It's a true workhorse in my skincare routine.

I finished the Haruharu WONDER Black Rice Hyaluronic Toner. While I appreciated its hydrating properties, I don't think I'll repurchase. It's a decent toner for adding moisture, but my skin requires more than just hydration. Being acne-prone, I need something with calming and soothing benefits, and this toner didn't quite deliver on those fronts. If dryness is your primary concern, this could be a holy grail product. However, for my specific needs, I require a toner that addresses both hydration and inflammation.

I also finished the By Wishtrend Propolis Energy Boosting Essence. While I enjoyed using it and appreciate the benefits of propolis, I'm finding myself gravitating away from propolis as my primary anti-inflammatory ingredient. This is mainly because I've discovered the incredible power of Lion’s Pair Acne Creamy Foam (which I'll discuss later). Lion’s Pair is so effective at combating inflammation that I no longer feel the need to explore other extracts. The By Wishtrend essence is a good example of a product that provides hydration along with calming and soothing properties, similar to what I was looking for in a toner. However, it's not compelling enough for me to repurchase, especially considering my current favorites.

The Manyo Factory Bifida Biome Complex Ampoule is one of my all-time favorite serums. It's a true multi-tasker, addressing dryness, sensitivity, and breakouts – all of which I experience. While it took some time to see noticeable results, the improvement in my skin's overall health and appearance has been significant. This ampoule has become a staple in my routine.

I'm thrilled to have finally finished a bottle of Simple Science 14% Azelaic Acid. I've spoken extensively about the benefits of azelaic acid, and this serum delivers. Since 15% azelaic acid is prescription strength, Simple Science cleverly formulated their serum with 14%, offering a potent over-the-counter option. I applaud their innovative approach and wish more companies would follow suit. Why do we primarily see 10% azelaic acid serums? Why not push the boundaries and offer higher concentrations within the allowable limits?

The Parnell Cicamanu 92 Serum was another favorite, although its small size meant I finished it rather quickly. This serum is a fantastic option for problem-prone skin, offering hydration, soothing, and calming benefits. It ticked all the boxes for me.

I received the Glow Recipe Plum Plump Hyaluronic Serum as a PR sample and primarily used it with my Medi-Q Booster Pro. While I enjoyed the cute packaging, I won't be repurchasing. It's a decent serum, but not a standout in my opinion. I want to emphasize that if you enjoy Glow Recipe products, that's fantastic! Don't let anyone discourage you from using what you love just because it's considered a "cutesy" brand. We all have different preferences in skincare, and it's important to respect that. You're allowed to love Glow Recipe, and you're equally allowed to dislike it.

Stratia Lipid Gold (formerly Liquid Gold) is a holy grail product for me. I discovered a mini size in my travel bag and decided to finish it up – no waste! This lightweight moisturizer is so restorative and reparative that I almost consider it a serum. I love using it as the first step in my retinoid sandwich, followed by a richer moisturizer.

I also finished the Murad Cellular Hydration Repair Cream. While I liked the product itself, the packaging was a major downside. It got incredibly messy and damaged easily. I know some people enjoy using this type of packaging to mix their serums, creating a "Drunk Elephant smoothie," but it's not for me. The cream itself was effective, and I used every last drop, but the price and packaging issues prevent me from repurchasing.

I tried the InBeauty Project Slushy Serum Moisturizer as the first step in my retinoid sandwich for a while, but ultimately, I prefer Stratia Lipid Gold.

The Dew Skincare Instant Angel Lipid-Rich Barrier Repair Cream was a PR sample that I absolutely adored. It has a surprisingly lightweight texture upon application, yet it provides incredible nourishment. I'm taking a break from it for now to explore other moisturizers, but I'll definitely be back. I admire Dew Skincare's ethics, which align with my own, and this moisturizer is simply divine.

I believe I received the Jumiso Have A Good Cream Sun SPF 50+ PA++++ through Stylevana. It's a good sunscreen that blends in quickly, but I prefer some of the other sunscreens I've used.

The Scinic Enjoy Super Mild Sun Essence is a budget-friendly option that utilizes the Tinosorb M formula, similar to the original Beauty of Joseon sunscreen. It's a solid choice for affordable sun protection.

I received the Essentree Onion Fresh Fluid Sun Cream as a PR sample. While I like it, I don't love it. I've found it to be slightly sensitizing at times, and surprisingly, many of you agreed with me in the comments section of my previous video.

The Pestlo Saferecipe No Sebum Grinding Sun Pact is my go-to for hiking. I've been enjoying more hikes lately (although it's too cold now). I appreciate the hands-free reapplication this sun pact offers, but it's a niche product. Most people can likely manage reapplication by simply washing their hands.

As mentioned earlier, I primarily use Stratia Lipid Gold for dry patches rather than specifically on my eyes.

I'm relieved to have finished the BeautyBio The Eyelighter Concentrate. It was just…okay. Not bad, but not particularly impressive either. Just fine.

The Skin & Lab Bakuchiol Eye Serum features a rollerball applicator and a pump. I purchased it to compare it to the Axis-Y Bakuchiol Eye Cream. While both are good options, I prefer the Axis-Y cream for hydration around my eyes.

The Haruharu WONDER Black Rice Bakuchiol Eye Cream was a fantastic lightweight daytime eye cream for the summer. I enjoyed using it, but I'm not sure I'd repurchase given the abundance of other excellent eye cream options.

The O HUI Prime Advancer Eye Cream is a luxurious, thicker, and more nourishing eye cream perfect for dry skin. I started using it in the fall and quickly finished the jar. I'm currently using a Chogongjin eye cream, but I would definitely consider repurchasing the O HUI.

Despite all the Black Friday lip product deals, I only finished two lip products. The Kopari Coconut Lip Glossy in Beachy Peach has been a long-time favorite. It's a beautiful, lightweight yet nourishing lip balm.

The new Peach & Lily Glass Skin Veil Lip Balm is another incredible option. It has a similar formula, peptides, and lightweight feel to the Kopari Lip Glossy. I'm not a fan of heavy lip balms for daytime use, so both of these are perfect for me.

The Lion Pair Acne Creamy Foam is a holy grail spot treatment that effectively reduces inflammation.

I recently partnered with Cure on a sponsorship for their Aqua Gel Bandages for Acne Treatment. These microdart patches are infused with caffeine, copper tripeptide, niacinamide, madecassoside, and acetyl hexapeptide-8. It's a wonderful product, albeit expensive.

The Sungboon Editor Deep Collagen Anti-Wrinkle Lifting Mask went viral over the summer for its unique clear formula. While I find them decent, they're a bit overrated, as is often the case with viral products.

The I Dew Care Tea Tree Soothing Sheet Masks were among my favorites for a long time. They contain 4-terpineol, a beneficial antibacterial ingredient for acne. I stopped purchasing them because I discovered an R&W 4-terpineol serum that I love.

The Tony Moly I'm Rice Microneedle Blemish Patches are my current favorite microdart acne patches. I've found them at the best price so far.

I also purchased some Peace Out Pores nose strips, which I enjoy but only buy when they're on sale.

And that concludes my epic 2024 skincare empties! Let me know your thoughts in the comments below. Stay warm, and I'll see you next time!