Have you heard of “empties”? It’s a trend on Youtube/blogs that consists of short reviews of various products people have used up. I like these posts/videos because it feels like talking to a friend about which beauty items worked for them and which didn’t–it gives me ideas of products I may also want to try (or avoid).
Here’s my version–these are all of the makeup and beauty products I’ve used up in the last few months, with quick reviews letting you know what I thought of them and if I’ll repurchase. All of the products I’m mentioning are vegan and cruelty free.
If you like these types of posts, please let me know in the comments!
Disclosure: This post is not sponsored. The post contains affiliate links, meaning if you purchase through them, I may make a small commission.
Vegan Makeup
First Aid Beauty Coconut Skin Smoothie Priming Moisturizer (free sample size from Sephora)
Will I Buy it? Yes–this primer has a pretty glow, and I bought a travel size of it to keep trying it.
Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray (travel size)
Will I Buy it Again? Yes, I’ve already bought this setting spray multiple times and recently got the jumbo size during a Sephora sale; I like it because it does actually seem to make my makeup last longer.
NYX Micro Brow Pencil (Auburn)
Will I Buy it Again? Yes–I’m using up a Colourpop Brow Boss Pencil (Auburn) I have right now, but I prefer the NYX one and plan to buy it again when I need a new brow pencil.
KVD Vegan Beauty Tattoo Eyeliner
Will I Buy it Again? Probably not–I loved it for years, but I’ve switched to NYX Epic Ink Liner because it also works well, and it’s less than half the price.
Hourglass Caution Extreme Lash Mascara (travel size)
Will I Buy it Again? Yes, this is my favorite vegan mascara–the brush is small and easy to use, it adds length and volume, and it doesn’t flake throughout the day.
E.L.F. Total Face Sponge (2) & E.L.F. Blending Sponge
Will I Buy it Again? Yes–I like both of these inexpensive makeup sponges for applying foundation, concealer, and cream blush, and I’ve already purchased both again.
Vegan Skincare
First Aid Beauty Face Cleanser
Will I Buy it Again? Probably–I like that this cleanser is gentle, fragrance free, and doesn’t strip my skin, but I have other cleansers I’m trying out right now.
Versed Skin Soak Rich Moisture Cream
Will I Buy it Again? Maybe–I enjoyed this moisturizer–it feels hydrating but not heavy, it’s fragrance free, and it’s not too expensive, but next I’m trying out the E.L.F. Hello Hydration! Skin Cream to see how it compares (it’s less expensive too.)
MILK MAKEUP Vegan Milk Moisturizer (free sample size from Sephora)
Will I Buy it? Yes, I bought the full size because I liked the little sample, it feels deeply hydrating on my dry skin–stay tuned to see if I’ll buy the full size again in my next empties post.
First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream Intense Hydration (travel size)
Will I Buy it Again? Maybe–I have others to use up right now (the E.L.F. one and Milk Makeup one), but I would consider buying again because it’s a nice fragrance free, gentle moisturizer for either face or body.
Youth To The People Adaptogen Deep Moisture Cream (free sample size from Sephora)
Will I Buy it? No–I like that it’s fragrance free and comes in a recyclable/reusable glass jar, but it wasn’t hydrating enough for my dry skin, and it’s expensive.
Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Moisturizer (free sample size from Sephora)
Will I Buy it? No–it feels nice on, but it’s pricey, and there are options like the Versed Cream which work just as well to me but are a lot less expensive.
Will I Buy it again? Probably not–this product is pure shea butter, and I used to like using it on my face, but lately I’m not into putting heavy-feeling products on my face, so I’m not planning on purchasing it again. It’s also expensive for shea butter.
Vegan Hair & Body
Igk First Class Charcoal Detox Dry Shampoo
Will I Buy it Again? Probably. I love this dry shampoo and have ordered it a few times already–it’s the only dry shampoo I’ve tried so far that actually works and makes my hair feel less greasy/cleaner. I just got a sample of the Amika Perk Up Dry Shampoo though because I want to see how it compares.
Evolv H Ultrashine Moisture Conditioner
Will I Buy it Again? Maybe–Evolv H Shampoo and Conditioner were my favorites for a couple of years, but they don’t seem to work as amazing on my hair anymore, and they’re expensive, so I’m looking for more affordable options.
Together Beauty Whatever Wherever Leave-In Conditioner (free sample size from Sephora)
Will I Buy it? Maybe, it seemed to work fine, but I didn’t notice anything revolutionary about it.
Acure Argan Oil & Pumpkin Conditioner
Will I Buy it Again? Maybe–I found this conditioner on sale at TJMaxx and used it for shaving (my preferred product for shaving is an inexpensive conditioner), and it worked well for that, but there wasn’t anything special about it.
Andalou Naturals 1000 Roses Body Lotion (travel size)
Will I Buy it Again? Maybe. I’m not dying to use it again, and I have other lotions I’m using right now, but it was fine, I liked the rose scent.
Schmidt’s Natural Deodorant Rose + Vanilla (travel size)
Will I Buy it Again? Yes, I’ve bought this natural deodorant many times over the last few years and have already bought it again.
Have you tried any of these? Any favorites? Let me know in the comments!