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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Time for my end of year empties it’s Farmacy heavy! I got quite a lot finished and am working on some things that I very nearly got finished for my next batch! 

 

Haircare

Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Advanced Clean Dry Shampoo x2

I can go for a couple days longer without washing my hair when I use this and my hair looks just as good as if I’d washed it. There is no white cast or residue and my hair feels manageable and actually looks clean! While it’s pricey, 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!

 

Got2be Extra Fresh Dry Shampoo

I like to have a drug store option on hand too and this one is great! Nowhere near as effective as the Living Proof but freshens up my hair for a day and is a great price! Will repurchase in the future!

 

Head & Shoulders Itchy Scalp Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

Always have Head & Shoulders in my shower! A great cleansing shampoo that keeps dandruff and an itchy scalp away! Have already repurchased!

 

Olaplex No.9 Bond Protector Nourishing Hair Serum

I went through a long phase of not using this but I was consistent recently and it really helped smooth and protect my hair! I don’t love the scent though it dissipates quickly but I have a lot of other hair products in my stash right now so not a repurchase!

 

Oribe Hair Alchemy Resilience Shampoo

I really liked this shampoo! It’s strengthening and nourishing and made my hair feel stronger and look shiny. As I said, I have a surplus of haircare at the minute so not a repurchase right now!

 

Living Proof Full Shampoo

Another nice shampoo I liked using – I didn’t see my hair get anymore volume (it’s long and fine so nothing really helps!) so not a repurchase!

 

Living Proof Triple Bond Complex Hair Strengthener

Love this weekly treatment that you apply to damp hair and leave in. 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 which is something I always look for in a leave in product as I use heat on my hair. It’s silicone-free, with a serum consistency and 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! Have two backups of the full size!

 

Hair Rituel by Sisley The Cream 230

This was a great travel size, smoothing cream with heat protectant! It has a citrus scent that dissipates quickly and didn’t weigh my hair down! On the expensive side so not a repurchase for me! 

 

Bodycare

Naturium The Glow Getter Multi-Oil Body Wash

A super hydrating body wash that changes from an oil consistency to a gentle, milky lather. I love this for my skin in the winter as it’s so nourishing and doesn’t strip my skin. It doesn’t leave a residue, leaves my skin feeling clean, soft and hydrated and lasts ages too! Will repurchase in the future!

 

Naturium Bio-Lipid Restoring Body Lotion

This is a really great body lotion that works to replenish moisture, leaving skin feeling soft and supple. It hydrates my skin and absorbs quickly with no greasy residue left behind. I particularly love it in the winter as it feels a little thicker than some other lotions I’ve tried. Will repurchase in the future! Full reviews of both these and some other Naturium products here!

 

Vaseline Dry Skin Repair

Love this, smells so fresh, is a lightweight consistency and moisturises well and is affordable! Will repurchase!

 

OUAI Body Cleanser in Melrose Place

Obsessed with anything scented with Melrose Place and this is no different! It’s a really nice body cleanser too that didn’t dry out my skin and obviously smells amazing! Will repurchase!

 

First Aid Beauty KP Bump Eraser Body Scrub with 10% AHA

A great body scrub that is very gritty and smooths my body skin easily! Would love if it came in a tub rather than a tub! Would repurchase on a good sale!

 

L’occitane Dry Skin Hand Cream

Thickest hand cream I have ever tried, does sink in well eventually but I save this for when I’m at home on the sofa as it takes longer than lighter formulations! A great treat for hands in the winter especially! Would repurchase!

 

Nivea Q10 3 in 1 Anti-Age Hand Cream

My favourite hand cream! So affordable and keeps my hands so smooth and hydrated! The cream sinks in so quickly and there is no greasiness! Already have a backup!

 

Topicals Slather Exfoliating Body Serum

This has a bit of a funny scent but it dissipates quickly, the formula is lightweight and sinks in with a tiny bit of extra work! It made my skin feel soft and smooth but it’s probably not a repurchase for me as I have other similar products I prefer!

 

Ameliorate Intensive Skin Therapy

Love this! It makes my elbows and heels so smooth! It’s a thicker cream so I apply before bed and let it soak in overnight! Will repurchase!

 

 

Skincare

Farmacy Green Clean Whipped Foaming Cleanser*

Farmacy heavy for the next five products! This is a pH balanced, oil free, foaming extra deep cleanse that draws out oil, dirt, and impurities caused by pollution. It contains moringa, green clay and papaya enzymes so nourishes while absorbing oil and doesn’t strip my skin barrier. I especially loved it throughout the summer when my combo skin can lean a bit more oily! It smells so fresh and transforms into a light lather with water, doesn’t dry out my skin and makes it feel so clean!

 

Farmacy Green Clean Gentle Creamy Cleanser*

This one is great for drier and more sensitive skins! It’s fragrance free, also contains moringa as well as oats and Vitamin F to sooth and nourish the skin. It feels a touch creamier than the foaming cleanser and I reached for it especially when my skin was feeling in any way sensitised! I got both of these at the start of February and they lasted me until mid December with almost daily use! Read my full review here!

 

Farmacy Deep Sweep 2% BHA Pore Cleaning Toner*

Moving onto toners now and this one contains 2% BHA to exfoliate and help clean pores, draw out excess oil and refine skin texture. Moringa refreshes skin and papaya enzymes gently exfoliate and clarify skin! This works so quickly for me to calm my skin down when I am experiencing breakouts and really helps refine problem areas and balance my skin. Will repurchase!

 

Farmacy Honey Milk Hydrating Essence*

This one is a toner/essence hybrid with chamomile to calm and soothe, ceramides to replenish the skins moisture barrier, smooth fine lines and boost elasticity as well as honey to heal and nurture dry skin. I loved using this – it was hydrating, and softened and soothed my skin leaving it ready for my next skincare steps! Will repurchase!

 

Farmacy Brighten Up 3% TXA Dark Spot Toner*

This one might be my favourite of the Farmacy trio! It claims to reduce the look of dark spots in just 7 days and I would agree! It contains 3% tranexamic acid to work on aforementioned dark spots and to brighten as well as 5% PHA and azelaic acid to even skin tone and gently exfoliate. This worked so well to brighten my skin and helped lighten some stubborn dark spots after breakouts! It’s gentle and worked well in both my AM and PM routines! I received all three in January and finished them in October again with rotational daily use so worth it! Will repurchase! Read my full review here!

 

Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant*

This is such a classic Dermalogica product and one of my favourites from them! It’s a super finely milled rice-based powder that activates when in contact with water to release Papain, Salicylic Acid and Rice Enzymes. Depending on how much water you add you can make it more gentle or more “scrubby”. It is so effective at removing dead, flaky skin and making my skin feel the smooth and soft! Already have a back up! Read my full review here!

 

Nivea Double Effect Waterproof Eye Makeup Remover

The best waterproof eye makeup remover there is! Gentle and hydrating and removes eye makeup with ease! Already got several back-ups, this is a forever repurchase!

 

Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair

Love love love this serum! It contains peptides, hyaluronic and antioxidants and helps protect against UV damage and repair skin. I use it in the evening and I wake up with hydrated, plump and firm skin. Read more here! Already have a backup that my mum got me for Christmas!

 

Skinceuticals Phyto Corrective Gel*

A pricey but effective soothing & hydrating gel serum that calms and hydrates skin while reducing redness. It contains hyaluronic acid, botanical extracts, and mulberry to help soothe the skin, reduce visible redness, minimize the appearance of skin discoloration and promote a fresh-looking and clear complexion. It works very well to protect my skin barrier and calm sensitive skin while keeping it hydrated all day and night! Not a repurchase due to price as I have other similar products at a more affordable range but a gorgeous product nonetheless!

 

Mabel + Meg Lumilixir Vitamin C + Hyaluronic Acid Serum

So sad this brand has shut down now! This was a great hyaluronic acid serum! It also contains a gentle form of Vitamin C and worked well to hydrate and brighten my skin! It spreads easily over my face and leaves my skin feeling smooth and ready for my next skincare steps! Have one more bottle!

 

NIOD Fractionated Eye Contour Concentrate (FECC)

This is such a great eye serum that is hydrating enough for me during the day and overnight. It plays well with the rest of my skincare as well as my makeup and I notice reduced puffiness and less visible fine lines Will repurchase! See my full review here!

 

Clarins Comfort Scrub Nourishing Oil Scrub

This was an enjoyable gentle face scrub that felt hydrating due to the oil formula! Not a repurchase as I prefer something “scrubbier” if I am using a physical exfoliant!

 

Celimax Retinal Shot Tightening Booster*

This was great! Only 15 mls but you don’t need a lot either! It’s a 0.1% retinal formula that also contains niacinamide, panthenol and Matrixyl 3000 to brighten, soothe and target fine lines. My skin looks noticeably firmer, more plump and smoother with consistent use, and I didn’t experience any sensitivity or peeling even though it’s one of the stronger formulations I have tried! Would repurchase! Read my full review here!

 

Farmacy Honey Halo*

Obsessed with this moisturiser! It’s one of the best I have tried! It contains ceramides and honey and is deeply hydrating and replenishes dry skin, smooths fine lines and sits perfectly under makeup too! It’s a gorgeous creamy formula and works equally well for both AM and PM and I love the jar it comes in too! This really sorts my skin out anytime it is feeling sensitised or rough and helped calm it down and get it back to normal! Will repurchase! Read my full review here!

 

Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask

Such a great overnight lip mask and the tub lasts a lifetime! It is so nourishing, gently exfoliates lips making them feel smooth and it keeps them from drying out overnight which is a must for me! Will repurchase! Read my full review here!

 

ESPA 24 Hour Replenishing Eye Moisturiser

This is a medium thickness and sometimes if I use too much it doesn’t sink in very well, so I have to be careful! It’s hydrating and left my under eyes feeling smooth but as the formula is not my favourite this isn’t a repurchase for me! 

 

Pixi Volumizing Infusion Sheet Mask*

These masks are so saturated! I leave on for about 30-45 minutes and my skin is left feeling plump and hydrated! It contains hyaluronic acid, peptides and botanical collagen and is great for a pick me up treatment! Enjoyed but not a repurchase as I prefer to spend money on serums but these are great for a treat! 

 

Makeup

Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Longwear Setting Powder

A long-time favourite and one I have lost count of how many I have gone through. It generally mattifies my skin without drying it out or messing with my foundation, adds subtle extra coverage and a pot lasts ages! I always pick it up on sale at Christmas so have a backup, but I have noticed lately it is not mattifying enough around my nose so please let me know any loose powder recommendations you have!

 

Naturium Phyto-Glow Lip Balm in Peach

One of my favourite lip products formulations! This shade is Peach but I prefer the shade Petal. It’s a super nourishing, glossy balm containing shea butter, cupuaçu butter and plant squalane to moisturize and cushion lips. My lips are so hydrated when I use this and I don’t need to constantly top up as it lasts so long on my lips – it’s perfect all year round but especially for the Canadian winter! Will repurchase! See my full review here!

 

Essence Make Me Brow in 02 Browny Brows

This was a really good, easy, brow product! It was maybe a touch “wet” for my liking but it was so affordable I didn’t mind wiping the excess off if I put too much in my brows! It was a great colour match too! Will repurchase!

 

Benefit Gimme Brow Brow Volumizing Fiber Gel in 5

This is a more sophisticated formula for sure! Another great brow product and great shade match and easier to control as the product is drier and easier to work with! Will repurchase! 

 

Declutter

Hoping to make this section larger in the future but here are a few unfinished things that had to go!

 

Essence Brighten Up in 10 Bababanana

Enjoyed this but the packaging is broken and it’s so old so has to go! Not a repurchase!

 

ELF Halo Glow in Shade 1 Fair

Never really got on with this one and it’s also super old and I haven’t used it in at least a year if not more! Not a repurchase!

 

Glossier Ultralip High Shine Lipstick with Hyaluronic Acid in Villa

Gutted I didn’t get this one finished! Love the formula and the shade but it has started to smell plastic-y so in the bin it goes! Would repurchase but I have way too many lip products as it is!

 

Thanks for reading to the end! I would love to hear your thoughts if you have tried anything here! Hoping you all had a lovely holiday season and wishing you a happy new year!

 

*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