My Mountain of Empties: A 2024 Skincare & Beauty Retrospective

This lotion was…pleasant. However, "pleasant" doesn't quite equate to "love." While it delivered on softness and smoothness, improving overall skin texture and providing ample moisture, it fell short in terms of retinol potency. I didn't notice any significant changes in fine lines, wrinkles, discoloration, or stretch marks. This gentle formula might be perfect for those with sensitive skin starting their retinol journey, but if you're seeking a more powerful treatment to address specific concerns, I'd suggest exploring other options. It's possible that prolonged use (perhaps three bottles or more) might yield more noticeable results, but I'm not personally inclined to invest that much time. For now, I'm moving on to other retinol body lotions.

This sunscreen is a constant in my empties posts, and for good reason! It's a holy grail product for me. The all-mineral formula with 16.2% zinc oxide provides excellent broad-spectrum protection without feeling heavy or greasy. It layers beautifully under makeup and works harmoniously with my other skincare products. Beyond sun protection, I appreciate the added anti-aging benefits. The inclusion of antioxidants helps shield against environmental aggressors like pollution, while the formula itself targets fine lines and wrinkles. It's a comprehensive sunscreen that addresses multiple skin concerns, making it a definite repurchase for me.

This cleansing balm was a delightful surprise! It effectively melts away makeup, even stubborn waterproof mascara and sunscreen, without any harsh tugging or irritation. I found it comparable to the Farmacy Green Clean and superior to both the Versed and Biossance cleansing balms I've tried. If you're looking for an affordable and effective first cleanse option, I highly recommend giving this a try. While I'm currently testing a cleansing balm from Elemis, the Naturium Cleansing Balm would be my top drugstore pick.

This mist is a staple in my routine, and I always keep backups on hand. I use it twice daily, morning and night, for its incredible hydrating and redness-reducing properties. The antioxidant-rich formula protects against pollution and contributes to a brighter complexion. It's a fantastic all-around mist that I'll continue to repurchase.

Another favorite! This creamy cleanser is gentle and moisturizing, never stripping my skin barrier. It's a perfect morning cleanse for my combination, breakout-prone skin. While it can be used to remove makeup, I prefer a cleansing balm for that purpose. I recently stocked up on this during a sale.

Long-time followers know my love for copper peptides, and this serum is a prime example of why. It firms the skin, addresses fine lines and wrinkles, and brightens my complexion. I also stocked up on this during the recent sale.

This is hands down one of the best eye serums I've ever used. It tackles a wide range of concerns, including dark circles, puffiness, fine lines, wrinkles, and even crepiness. Years of consistent use have yielded fantastic results, making it a must-have in my routine. Repurchased!

This hydrating serum is like a refreshing drink of water for my skin. Its lightweight formula absorbs quickly, leaving my skin with a healthy glow. It's also excellent for combating dryness caused by potent actives like retinol or tretinoin. Another staple that I repurchased during the sale.

This hypochlorous acid spray is a lifesaver for redness, acne, and even wound healing. I've previously discussed the numerous benefits of hypochlorous acid in a dedicated blog post, which I'll link below. I already have a backup of this and will continue to incorporate it into my routine.

This peptide-packed cream is a luxurious treat for my skin. It's lightweight yet deeply moisturizing, and it helps to firm and improve skin elasticity. I opt for the refills to minimize packaging waste, and I already have another one ready to go.

While this moisturizer, containing 5% vitamin C and a hexapeptide, provided adequate hydration and some brightening, it didn't quite wow me. I prefer other similar products, so I won't be repurchasing.

Similar to the moisturizer, this eye cream offered brightening and hydration, but it didn't outperform other eye creams I've used. I won't be repurchasing this either.

This retinol treatment is a favorite, especially for my neck and chest area (I use tretinoin on my face). The combination of retinol, vitamin C, and peptides effectively firms, brightens, and improves texture. While I'm not repurchasing immediately due to my current product backlog, I will definitely consider it in the future.

This hand wash is a luxurious treat with its delightful scent and gentle exfoliating grit. While I love it, I'm currently testing hand washes from The Ordinary, NIOD, and Loopha, so I'm holding off on repurchasing for now.

This mask is a game-changer for damaged hair. I use it periodically to repair and strengthen my ends, leaving my hair soft and shiny. Definitely repurchasing.

While I generally enjoy MAC setting sprays, the sprayer on this mini was faulty, which significantly impacted the application and overall experience. I'm currently working through other setting sprays, so I'll pass on this one for now.

This is my holy grail product for ingrown hairs and bumps. I use it under my arms, on my bikini line, and anywhere else I experience ingrown hairs. The formula, containing salicylic acid, glycolic acid, niacinamide, and zinc, effectively addresses bumps and discoloration. I already have a backup – this is a must-have for me.

This facial mist, designed for use with red light therapy, is also excellent on its own. It's brightening, calming, soothing, and hydrating. I'll definitely consider repurchasing.

This multi-tasking product can be used as a milky essence, toner, or lightweight moisturizer. I typically apply it after my facial mist but before serums for added hydration and a dewy glow. It's so good that I've already repurchased! It can also be used as a lightweight moisturizer under makeup for a radiant finish.

That concludes my final empties roundup of 2024! I hope you found this comprehensive overview helpful. If you have any questions about any of the products mentioned, please don't hesitate to leave a comment below. Thank you for reading, and I'll see you in my next post!