Danielle's Beauty Blog

 

Welcome to the first empties of 2026! Let’s get straight into it! 

 

Haircare

Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Advanced Clean Dry Shampoo

My go to dry shampoo! Let’s me go for a few extra days without washing my hair when I use this and there is no white cast or residue. My hair feels manageable and actually looks clean! It’s pricey, but I find I use less than drugstore dry shampoo and it has a fresh citrus scent. Already got multiple backups! Read my full review here!

 

Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Dry Shampoo

Not quite as good as the advanced version but I really like this one too! Would repurchase!

 

Amika Hydro Rush Intense Moisture Leave-In Conditioner via IPSY*

This contains squalane and hyaluronic acid to hydrate hair and really helped detangle my hair! I just wish it had heat protectant in it! Not a repurchase for me but would check out the rest of their range! Read my IPSY review here!

 

OGX Damage Remedy+ Coconut Miracle Oil

Love this oil! This would be way too heavy of an oil to use on my hair after washing but I use it as a prewash oil and coat my ends in it, letting it soak in for about an hour before showering and then wash out with a clarifying shampoo. I am left with soft, hydrated hair with great shine and my ends don’t look or feel as frazzled! It smells like a vacation and it’s so affordable I don’t feel bad or like I am wasting it by washing out! Already repurchased! Read my full review here!

 

Briogeo Scalp Revival

Love a scalp scrub and this one smells good (refreshing and minty) and invigorates my scalp! It helps remove dead skin cells and build up to support a clean and balanced scalp and reduces scalp irritation and inflammation. It’s not quite as scrubby as my favourite Nature Lab Tokyo scalp scrub (which I think is sadly discontinued) so not a repurchase for me! See my Briogeo review here!

 

Verb Glossy Shine Spray with Heat Protection

Nice handy travel size heat protectant, no strong feelings on I though so not a repurchase!

 

OUAI Hair Oil

Another great mini for travel and this didn’t weight down my hair and kept the ends hydrated! Have another mini to use up! 

 

Bodycare

MIO Clay Away Body Cleanser

I picked this up super cheap from Home Bargains a while ago (it must be being discontinued) and enjoyed using it before showering as a treatment as it’s a clay mask! Didn’t notice a huge difference so not a repurchase!

 

Bath and Body Works Eucalyptus Mint Foaming Hand Soap

Had to give this a quick mention as I love the scent so much! Doesn’t dry out my hands but I did go through it quite quickly but I would repurchase again when its on offer!

 

Jones Road Beauty Body Cream*

This might be one of the richest body creams I have ever tried! It is a deeply nourishing cream enriched with sodium hyaluronate, natural oils, and ceramides and provides long lasting hydration while replenishing the skin barrier. It leaves my skin with a glow and it feels smoother and more supple. I like to use at night for overnight hydration as it does take a minute to sink in and it has a subtle citrus scent that doesn’t linger. I went through the tub super quickly so not a repurchase for me as its $56 CAD!

 

Nivea 3 in 1 Anti-Age Q10 Hand Cream

My favourite hand cream – smells so fresh, sinks in quickly and makes my hands feel so soft and smooth! So affordable too, I love it and already have a back up!

 

L’Occitane Shower Oil

This is always a treat to use and perfect for winter when my skin tends to be drier. I haven’t noticed any flaky, dry patches this winter and I think it’s mostly down to this! Just got sent a full size and can wait to get it back into my shower!

 

Sol de Janeiro Delicia Drench Body Butter

Really enjoyed this – the formula is one of my favourite body butters it’s so nourishing! The scent is gorgeous too, its described as warm and spicy and it blends with my skin very well! Also loving the body mist in this scent! Would repurchase! 

 

Somedays Cramp Cream

Had to include this little sachet as I’ve been so impressed with it! I apply on my lower stomach area and it really helps with cramps! It contains natural active ingredients such as Wintergreen and Camphor Bark and it also smells amazing (minty and natural) and just sooths my cramps so well! Will repurchase! 

 

Skincare

Emma Hardie Moringa Cleansing Balm

Probably my favourite cleanser of all time! It’s a luxurious balm and it works beautifully to remove makeup. I love the moringa scent and it really makes cleansing an experience! My skin always feels clean, soft and hydrated after use and you can usually find it on offer so that takes the sting out of the price a little! Will repurchase!

 

Pixi EOD Cleaning Oil*

This is such a great, affordable cleanser! It’s fragrance free and plant based containing argan oil and soy bean oil and I have no issues with this removing makeup and SPF effectively. My skin is left feeling soft and hydrated and the only negative I would say is that sometimes I find the packaging can be a little messy around the cap so I tend not to take it travelling with me and I would prefer a pump! I think Pixi is such an underrated skincare and makeup brand, I love the majority of the products I have tried! Would repurchase! See my full review here!

 

NIOD Superoxide Dismutase Saccharide Mist

One of my favourite mists! It acts against oxidative stress, water loss and inflammation of the skin. I love the fact it’s antioxidant and my skin feels so calm and hydrated with every use! It’s in a huge 240ml bottle too so I don’t feel guilty using this all over my chest as well as face! Will repurchase! Read my full review here!

 

Pixi Clarity Mist*

Another great mist that I loved and used on my chest and back as well as my face! It’s a purifying facial spray that contains Cica to soothe, Hyaluronic Complex to lock in moisture and Sea Salt to support clearer skin and it delivers instant hydration and calm. Would repurchase!

 

Nivea Double Effect Waterproof Eye Makeup Remover

My favourite eye makeup remover! Takes off my mascara with ease and doesn’t leave me with cloudy eyes! Already have several back-ups!

 

By Wishtrend Vitamin A-mazing Bakuchiol Night Cream*

A really solid, gentle, retinal and bakuchiol combo in a handy pump bottle! This has a yellow colour to it due to the retinol, feels lightweight and sinks in quickly. I think it would be perfect for beginners to retinal and it leaves my skin feeling smooth, plump and hydrated! Don’t forget you can get up to 5% more off at YesStyle with my discount code DANIELLESBB5 (affiliated). Read my full review here! Have other stronger retinal’s I prefer so not a repurchase!

 

HaruHaru Wonder Black Rice Bakuchiol Eye Cream*

Love this eye cream! It contains Bakuchiol and fermented Black Rice extract and is nicely hydrating and has reduced the look of fine lines round my eyes. I haven’t noticed a huge difference with dark circles but not much works on that for me! This feels gentle and works well under makeup keeping my eye are looking smooth! Get up to 5% more off at YesStyle with my discount code DANIELLESBB5 (affiliated). Read my full review here! Would repurchase!

 

Josie Maran Pink Algae Pro-Retinol Moisturizer*

This is such a great moisturiser – it contains a gentle form Vitamin A that smooths skin and argan oil to improve hydration and fine lines. It felt creamy and hydrating and worked well for me both at night and in the morning – I would use an SPF if in the morning! Kept my skin looking plump and gives the perfect base for makeup! Would repurchase!

 

Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream

This is such a cult classic! It contains squalane and pro-ceramides and is a lightweight texture. I know this is a favourite for a lot of people, but I prefer moisturisers that are a little thicker personally so while this hydrated my skin well, I have others I would repurchase over this! Not a repurchase! 

 

Farmacy Brighten Up 3% TXA Dark Spot Toner*

This might just be my favourite toner! It contains 3% tranexamic acid to work on dark spots and to brighten as well as 5% PHA and azelaic acid to even skin tone and gently exfoliate. This has worked so well to brighten my skin and help lighten some stubborn dark spots I get after breakouts! It’s gentle and I love using it in both my AM and PM routines! Read my full review here! Will repurchase!

 

Dermalogica Special Cleansing Gel

Love this cleanser! This is so gentle, and it cleanses so well, doesn't dry out my skin and never makes it feel tight after use. Will repurchase! See my full review here!

 

The Ordinary Lactic Acid 10% + HA

I think this is such an underrated product from The Ordinary! It makes my skin feel so smooth and doubles up as a body serum for me too as it’s so effective on KP on the backs of my arms! It’s also available in a 5% formulation but I prefer the stronger one and don’t experience any sensitivity personally (it contains Tasmanian Pepperberry extract to help reduce irritation and sensitivity associated with acids). See my full review here! Will repurchase!

 

Dermalogica Sound Sleep Cocoon

I took this home with me over Christmas and it was a really lovely, calming nightly moisturiser! Out of my price budget right now so not a repurchase!

 

Krave Beauty Kale-Lalu-yAHA Gentle AHA Exfoliator

Enjoyed this toner from Krave but Pixi Glow Tonic is my go to glycolic acid toner so not a repurchase right now!

 

Dr Barbara Sturm Hyaluronic Serum

Loved this hyaluronic acid – I do tend to find the expensive ones the best but this won’t be a repurchase due to price!

 

Farmacy Green Clean Cleansing Balm*

I love this formula and the scent – lime, bergamot and orange – it’s so fresh! The balm starts off stiffer but melts easily one you start massaging into the skin and transforms into a milky lather when you add water. It’s rich in antioxidants and contains sunflower oil and papaya extract to nourish skin and target impurities leaving my skin soft and hydrated. It removes my makeup without leaving any residue behind and I can’t fault it! Read my full review here! Will repurchase!

 

Da Lish Cosmetics Lip Scrub via IPSY*

This worked well to exfoliate my lips but nothing beats the Lush lip scrub for me so not a repurchase!

 

Polite Society Polite Pout Glossy Lip Balm in Pink Grapefruit via IPSY*

Worked well to hydrate my lips and was lightly tinted but didn’t blow me away enough to repurchase!

 

Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm in iced Coffee

I do like this formula and enjoyed the shade but its not the most long lasting and overall l find it a little overrated if I am honest! Not a repurchase for me!

 

Sachets

Anua Heartleaf 70+ Hyaluron Soothing Collagen Mask*

A nice cooling and soothing mask! Probably won’t repurchase but I do enjoy using these, just prefer to spend money on more than one use!

 

Pixi DetoxifEYE Caffeine and Cucumber Depuffing Eye Patches*

Enjoyed these as well, cooling and depuffing! Not a repurchase for same reasons as above but nice to use on the weekend when I have time!

 

Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Eye Masks*

Enjoyed these also but you guessed it, not a repurchase! Great for a special occasion though! 

 

Makeup

NARS Light Reflecting Eye Brightener in Night Swan

Really enjoyed this under my concealer, did a good job brightening my under eyes and never looked cakey! Will repurchase at the next Sephora sale unless anyone has any other under eye brightening recommendations? 

 

Miscellaneous

Webber Naturals All Greens Superfood

Enjoyed this Greens powder and have been through a few tubs now! Tastes a little sweeter that other powders I have tried so easier to drink! Will repurchase when I see on offer!

 

Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides

Picked this up for when I was at home, works so well on my joints! I use a different one in Canada that but have and would repurchase this again!

 

Nature’s Bounty Extra Strength Hair, Skin and Nails

Love these, they feel like a little treat and I think my hair, skin and nails have been doing well so will continue to repurchase!

 

Organika Electrolytes in Pineapple Passionfruit

Love these! They taste so good and help hydration levels, I already had a backup and will repurchase again though I can’t see this flavour available in some places and it’s the best one!

 

Berocca Mango

Like these too for some extra Vitamin C and enjoy the Mango flavour! Have repurchased!

 

Did you see any of your favourites here? I hope to have a few more makeup empties in my next batch!

 

*denotes a PR sample that was sent to me.

All opinions are my own. Affiliate links used.

See my full disclosure here.

 

Danielle xx

 

If you want to keep up to date with my posts, don’t forget to follow me on

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It’s my first empties of the year so I’ve got a big batch to get through! Let’s get into it! 

 

Haircare

Living Proof Advanced Clean Dry Shampoo

This is probably in every empties post I publish now! It was originally sent to me in PR but I have continued to repurchase it and I restock every year on the value set they do at Christmas! It works really well on my hair to make it look less greasy so I can go another day (or two) without washing! Have already repurchased! Read my full review here!

 

Batiste Dry Shampoo

I got this one while I was home at Christmas and really enjoyed it! I’m usually not the biggest fan of Batiste but this was way better than their classic one and worked well to for my hair as well as smelling fresh and clean and being affordable! Would repurchase!

 

Virtue Recovery Shampoo and Conditioner

Enjoyed this mini duo and it made my hair feel soft and clean! Not a repurchase at this time!

 

Living Proof Triple Bond Complex

This is a mini but I have a full size too! It’s a weekly leave in treatment that you apply to damp hair after washing. It works to construct new bonds within the hair to help strengthen it as well as protect it and visibly reduce the look of split ends. It also offers heat protection up to 232˚C to help prevent future breakage and is silicone-free. It leaves my hair feeling protected, smooth and manageable with a good shine and I have noticed my ends looking way healthier with less split ends even when my hair is overdue a trim! Already have a backup!

 

Bodycare

Naturium Bio-Lipid Restoring Body Lotion

This is a thick body lotion but still manages to sink in quickly and kept my body well moisturised. I went through it quickly but it’s a good price for the amount you get and often on 20% off! It’s unscented and I have other more affordable moisturisers I like just as much but this was a treat so I repurchased in the Black Friday sale!

 

Murad Blemish Control Clarifying Body Spray*

I cannot get over how long this bottle lasted! I used it daily and it lasted years! They recently changed the packaging on this but the continuous 360° spray was so good and made it so easy to apply to my back as well as chest! I still got some breakouts so it’s not a repurchase for me as I have some other sprays to use but would pick this up on offer in the future!

 

Lush Snow Fairy Shower Gel

A Christmas fave! Smells super sweet and some might say sickly but I love it and it’s so nostalgic to me, I have to get one every year! Will repurchase!

 

Sol de Janeiro Brazilian 4 Play Shower Cream Gel

Another great shower gel that smells amazing! Already have a mini backup!

 

L’occitane Amande Shower Oil

Enjoyed this and it’s been great for winter and my dry skin but I do prefer the Naturium Multi-Oil body wash which is much more affordable so not a repurchase for me! 

 

Nivea 3in1 Repair Hand Cream

Loved this! Thicker than the usual Nivea hand cream I get but it sank in so quickly and didn’t leave my hands feeling greasy which is a pet peeve. Will repurchase when I finish up some other hand creams!

 

Moroccan Oil Hand Cream

I find the Moroccan oil scent a bit sickening so I was glad to be finished this! Not greasy but didn’t sink in as quickly as the Nivea hand cream. Not a repurchase!

 

The Body Shop Shea Body Butter

Another scent I wasn’t a huge fan of but this was a great moisturiser and got rid of all my dry patches with ease! I don’t think The Body Shop is available in Canada anymore so this won’t be a repurchase!

 

Clarins Body Shaping Cream and Clarins Moisture Rich Body Lotion

These were both nice, lightweight creams that smelt lovely and I always feel fancy using Clarins and enjoyed both of these but not a repurchase as I feel like I need to use more and they are pricier than what I normally use!

 

First Aid Beauty KP Bump Eraser Body Scrub

This is great and works so well to smooth my entire body but especially the back of my arms! Will repurchase once I use up a few more exfoliators!

 

First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream

Another great moisturiser especially for winter and dry patches! Not a repurchase for me right now but would again in the future! 

 

Skincare

Paula’s Choice Omega+ Complex Cleansing Balm

Really enjoyed this cleanser! A little less on the luxurious side as there is no scent but this removed makeup easily, contains omegas 3, 6 and 9 and felt gentle and hydrating! Would repurchase!

 

Alpha H Melting Moment Cleansing Balm

Loved this one even more than the PC! Effective at removing my makeup and also has a beautiful fresh citrus scent! It’s antioxidant rich and anti-inflammatory and left my skin soft, cleansed and hydrated! Feels and smells luxurious and spreads easily so a little goes a long way! Would repurchase! Read more about both cleansers here!

 

Kiehl’s Overnight Rehydrating Mask with 10.5% Squalane

This is a thick balm to oil formula that worked well overnight to hydrate my skin! Enjoyed it but not a repurchase for me right now and have other overnight masks I prefer!

 

Sioris Drops of Omija Calming Mist*

This is an antioxidant and inflammatory mist that I loved! It contains 34% Omija extract, Centella Asiatica extract, aloe vera leaf juice, Zinc PCA and beta-glucan and is so soothing and calming! My skin feels nicely hydrated, redness is reduced and my skin barrier feels strong! Prefer this to the Sioris Time is Running Out Mist and would repurchase!

 

Keyes Soulcare Reviving Aura Mist

A nice mist that I used throughout the day at work to freshen up and hydrate my skin! I am a bit sick of rose scents in skincare though so not a repurchase!

 

REN PHA Exfoliating Facial*

Loved this! It contains a blend of chemical, enzymatic and physical exfoliants, yet still feels gentle, removes dead skin and leaves it feeling smooth and looking brighter and more even! This was only launched last year but seems to be hard to get a hold of now so not sure what is going on but I would repurchase!

 

Lancome Renergie Yeux H.C.F. Triple Serum*

Didn’t want to but I loved this. The formula features three separate serums (Hyaluronic Acid for hydration, Vitamin C and Niacinamide to brighten and Vitamin F for skin barrier support) made more potent with the addition of a tripeptide for advanced anti-aging care. It feels lightweight and absorbs well and has helped brighten and smooth my eye area, kept fine lines at bay and helped reduce the look of my eye bags and dark circles! Will consider a repurchase in the future when I get through my eye cream back ups and if I see it on a sale! Full review of this, the REN and Sioris here!

 

Vichy Capital Soleil UV+ Age Daily SPF 60*

One of my favourite SPF’s! it’s formulated with 1% Vitamin E, 4% peptides complex, 2% niacinamide, and 10% Vichy volcanic mineralizing water and probiotic fractions and has a lightweight fluid texture. It has no white cast (I have pale skin for reference), absorbs easily and sits very well under makeup with no pilling! It doesn’t melt off when I sweat or sting my eyes! Can’t recommend this enough! Have a back up already! Full review here!

 

Pixi Vitamin C Serum Capsules*

This was my first foray into capsule skincare and I loved how handy this was for travel! Sadly, this wasn’t my favourite Vitamin C formula and I found it pilled around 80% of the time which was frustrating! Not a repurchase!

 

Caudalie Vinergetic C+ Instant Detox Mask

Really enjoyed this mask and I think it helped mattify my skin as well as working well on blemishes! Have a full size I got in an advent calendar a while back so happy to still have it in my stash!

 

Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cleanser

This was a great gel to foam cleanser that contains squalane so kept my skin hydrated and supple and feeling clean without drying it out! Would repurchase!

 

Youth to the People Superfood Cleanser

Another nice antioxidant packed gel to foam cleanser. Even though it’s targeted towards acne prone and oily skin, this worked well to leave my skin feeling cleansed and didn’t make it feel dry or stripped! Would repurchase!

 

Estee Lauder Advanced Night Cleansing Gelee

Can you see I really focused on my minis at the start of this year! Enjoyed this gel to foam cleanser with amino acids to support the skin barrier. I really enjoy what I have tried from the Advanced Night Repair range and this was no exception, my skin feel soft, balanced and clean! Would repurchase!

 

NIOD Copper Amino Isolate Lipid 1%

I don’t love this quite as much as the Copper Amino Isolate Serum but this is still a gorgeous product! It’s pro-collagen, pro-lipid and pro-fat and aims for healthy looking skin. It also has the added benefits of building and enhancing skin elasticity. I tend to use this as my last step in a simple evening routine. My skin feels well supported and hydrated overnight and like with CAIS, overall, it looks better and healthier with consistent use. Not a repurchase for now but I do have a bottle of CASI to open! Read my full review here!

 

The Ordinary Retinol 1% in Squalane

I actually used this up on my chest and found it did irritate my skin if I used it too many nights in a row! In general though, it worked well to smooth skin and I would repurchase!  

 

Josie Maran 100% Pure Argan Oil

A lovely hydrating oil that’s good for face and body! I was sent a back up by the brand and I need to get back into gua sha-ing with it!

 

Elemis Pro-Collagen Night Cream

Wasn’t a fan of this, too heavily scented for my liking and not hydrating enough! Not a repurchase!

 

Summer Fridays Jet Lag Mask

Don’t really get the hype with this one, it’s OK as an overnight mask but again not the most hydrating product I’ve used! Have another mini to use up so not a repurchase!

 

Shiseido Utimune Power Infusing Concentrate

Love this! Have been through so many minis over the years and it is so smoothing and luxurious! Wish I could afford a full size, if so, it would be a repurchase!

 

Tatcha The Dewy Skin Cream

This was much thicker than I was expecting but was nice and hydrating and I enjoyed the scent! Not a repurchase for me but I would love to try more from Tatcha!

 

Dermalogica AGE Smart Rapid Reveal Peel x3*

Enjoyed using this treatment up! My skin felt smooth and clear! Not a repurchase due to price! Read my full review here! 

 

Evio Skin Hyrdogel Eye Therapy x2*

Nicely hydrating and love the work this brand does with domestic violence shelters across Canada! Good extra step to have in my routine but not a repurchase!

 

Pixi Clarity Blemish Stickers*

Love having these to hand and love the Pixi clarity range! They are definitely not miracle workers but do help spots calm down! Have another pack left then might repurchase! 

 

Makeup

Pixi H20 Skinveil Powder in Translucent*

Pixi makeup is so underrated! This is a weightless, loose water powder that sets makeup and mattifies my combo skin all day without looking flaky or cakey! The pot looks small but it lasted me months and I only needed a tiny amount to set my whole face. Would repurchase! Read my full review here!

 

So that’s it for empties for the first quarter of the year! Mini centric as I took a lot home with me for Christmas and was trying to use up my stash! I really need to do a declutter of makeup soon too whether finished or not! What have you been finishing up recently? Have you tried any of the products I mentioned? Let me know your thoughts!

 

*denotes a PR sample that was sent to me.

All opinions are my own. Affiliate links used.

See my full disclosure here.

 

Danielle xx

 

If you want to keep up to date with my posts, don’t forget to follow me on

Instagram | Links and Discounts | Shop My Favourites | Pinterest