a year of empties: 2020


I didn't realize just how many products I go through in a year until I started keeping track of them to make this post. In 2020 I used up around 152 products which seems kind of crazy! I've been trying to be more conscious of waste so I try to not have too many of the same type of products open at the same time which helps to use them up a lot faster! I also keep track of the dates that products come into my collection and try to use older products first so they don't expire before I can use them. 

For this post I won't have full reviews of each product cause that would make this way too long. Instead I focused on 3 main things: giving each product a rating out of 5, would I repurchase the product, and what did I like/not like about it. Gifted products will be marked with an asterisk (*) and some links are affiliate so I do earn a small commission if you choose to support me by purchasing through them xx

Skincare

C L E A N S E R S



Rating: 2.5/5

Repurchase? No

Notes: Would work better for dry skin since it's very hydrating and doesn't foam up.


Rating: 5/5

Repurchase? Yes

Notes: One of my most repurchased products and favourite cleansers of all time! Super gentle and perfect for a second cleanse.


Rating: 5/5

Repurchase? Yes

Notes: Another one of my favourite cleansers of all time! Super gentle and great for the morning or no makeup days.


Rating: 3.5/5

Repurchase? No

Notes: This is an okay cleanser although it can be a little intense for my skin since it is quite foaming. I prefer other cleansers to this one.


Rating: 3.5/5

Repurchase? No

Notes: This cleanser would be better for dry skin cause it's very hydrating. It foams up a lot so maybe avoid if that's not your favourite. (I don't mind the foam, it's just too hydrating for my oily skin)


Rating: 3.5/5

Repurchase? No

Notes: I liked this cleanser but I prefer less hydrating cleansers for my oily skin. The scent also wasn't my favourite.


Rating: 4.5/5

Repurchase? Maybe

Notes: This is a really nice morning cleanser! Non-foaming, hydrating, but the scent is pretty strong.


Rating: 3.5/5

Repurchase? No

Notes: Another great morning cleanser! Foams a lot more than I'd prefer but it's non-stripping and actually pretty hydrating.


Rating: 3.5/5

Repurchase? No

Notes: This is a nice gentle physical exfoliant although not really an essential part of my skincare routine.


Rating: 5/5

Repurchase? Yes

Notes: One of my favourite products of 2020! Such an amazing morning cleanser! Very gentle and affordable.



Rating: 5/5

Repurchase? Yes

Notes: This stuff is an essential for me! The best product to remove eye makeup since it's super gentle and doesn't irritate my eyes at all.


Rating: 5/5

Repurchase? Yes

Notes: One of the best affordable cleansing balms I've used! Works so great to take off makeup although I don't use it on my eyes cause they're sensitive.


Rating: 5/5

Repurchase? Yes

Notes: One of the best makeup removers I've ever used! Removes the most stubborn eye makeup!


Rating: 3.5/5

Repurchase? No

Notes: I really love the Sensibo Micelle Water from Bioderma and prefer it over this one.


Rating: 5/5

Repurchase? No

Notes: Although I loved this cleansing balm, I'm no longer supporting Drunk Elephant so will not be repurchasing.


Rating: 4.5/5

Repurchase? Maybe

Notes: Works super well to remove makeup! It is heavily fragranced though which I didn't love.


Rating: 5/5

Repurchase? Yes

Notes: This is such a great affordable cleansing balm! Works really well to remove makeup!

T O N E R S  ,  E X F O L I A T O R S  &  M I S T S



Rating: 5/5

Repurchase? Yes

Notes: Huge bottle! Super simple nice ingredients which I loved! A very watery toner that was very hydrating.

Ohii Get Fresh Toner Pads *

Rating: 3/5

Repurchase? No

Notes: I liked the actual product a lot and found it hydrating but the presoaked toner pads were very scratchy and uncomfortable. I also prefer to use reusable cotton pads to reduce waste. I think these were discontinued.


Rating: 5/5

Repurchase? Maybe

Notes: One of the best mists I've ever used! Very fine mist and super refreshing. The only reason I'm not sure if I'd repurchase is because I'm not sure mists do a lot for the skin and this one is quite expensive.


Rating: 5/5

Repurchase? Yes

Notes: One of the best exfoliating products I've used! My skin loved this and it helped so much to keep it clear!


Rating: 5/5

Repurchase? Maybe

Notes: This was so great for setting makeup and did make my skin so glowy! Very pricey though for a face mist.


Rating: 3/5

Repurchase? No

Notes: I like this way better than the Caudalie Beauty Elixir because it's not scented! The mister though is way too powerful and not relaxing at all lol.


Rating: 3.5/5

Repurchase? No

Notes: This was an okay toner. It was hydrating but I hated the scent (kind of like cucumbers and vinegar?).



Rating: 3/5

Repurchase? No

Notes: My skin didn't love this product so I used them as a body exfoliator which worked great! Don't love that it comes with presoaked pads though cause I prefer to use reusable ones.


Rating: 1/5

Repurchase? No

Notes: I used to like this product but then realized it was breaking me out. I used it up as a body exfoliator but didn't love it for that either.


Rating: 5/5

Repurchase? Yes

Notes: One of my favourite toners I've used! It's a creamy consistency which is super hydrating! It does have fragrance but I haven't had any irritation from it.


Rating: 4/5

Repurchase? Maybe

Notes: This is a great simple hydrating toner. It is a little fragranced for my preference (it has a light herbal scent) although it doesn't irritate my skin at all.


Rating: 2/5

Repurchase? No

Notes: These have a very strong rose scent which I wasn't a fan of so I used them up as a body toner. I also am not a big fan of pre-soaked cotton pads because I prefer to use reusable ones.


Rating: 5/5

Repurchase? Yes

Notes: Such a great hydrating toner! It's soothing and feels nice on the skin with no scent.


Rating: 4/5

Repurchase? Maybe

Notes: This was a nice hydrating toner. Nothing special but nice that it was unscented.


Rating: 2/5

Repurchase? No

Notes: Didn't like the scent of this so I used it to clean swatches and makeup off of my vanity.


Rating: 5/5

Repurchase? Yes

Notes: This was such an incredible toner! Really light and hydrating and I like to pump applicator. It doesn't remove makeup like it says but it's an amazing toner.


Rating: 5/5

Repurchase? Yes

Notes: I love all of Cosrx's toners that I've tried and you really can't go wrong with any of them! This one has honey in it and has a light watery texture that feels soothing on the skin.

S E R U M S



Rating: 3.5/5

Repurchase? No

Notes: I'm not sure if this was very effective. I found it nice and light as a serum and it didn't make my breakouts worse but I don't think it cleared them up faster either?


Rating: 5/5

Repurchase? YES

Notes: This is one of my favourite products of all time! I love niacinamide and this serum is very affordable and my skin loves it! It helps a lot to calm down any irritation and break outs and helps to reduce acne scarring.


Rating: 5/5

Repurchase? Yes

Notes: You need this serum for dewy skin! It works so well to keep skin super glowy under makeup and protects against pollutants!


Rating: 5/5

Repurchase? Yes

Notes: This is another great niacinamide serum! I prefer The Ordinary one but this is great for the daytime cause it doesn't pill under makeup (The Ordinary Niacinamide serum does pill quite a bit).


Rating: 4/5

Repurchase? No

Notes: I liked this serum but it's very overpriced and I no longer support Drunk Elephant based on their actions and history with their customers.


Rating: 5/5

Repurchase? Yes

Notes: My skin really loves this serum/oil! I'm still not 100% sure what bakuchiol is as they advertise it as a natural alternative to retinol on the bottle which isn't true or proven at all. It does calm any irritation my skin may be having though.


Rating: 4/5

Repurchase? Maybe

Notes: I did find this serum to be brightening but it's not the most effective serum I've ever used.


Rating: 5/5

Repurchase? Yes

Notes: This worked pretty well to help fade acne scarring! Not huge results but still noticeable!


Rating: 5/5

Repurchase? Yes

Notes: This was such a lifesaver when I started using tretinoid since it's light and hydrating and really helps to soothe sensitized skin.



Rating: 5/5

Repurchase? Yes

Notes: I really liked that this doubled as a hydrating serum! The texture was so nice and although it didn't give the biggest results, it was still a really nice serum.


Rating: 5/5

Repurchase? Maybe

Notes: This was a really nice hydrating and soothing serum. I used this during the summer when I started my tretinoid and it helped so much to reduce irritation.


Rating: 5/5

Repurchase? Yes

Notes: Another amazing hydrating and soothing serum! I love the Cica line from Cosrx so much and this serum is no exception!

Cosrx Vitamin C Serum *

Rating: 5/5

Repurchase? Yes

Notes: One of the most effective vitamin c serums I've used! This stuff is strong and tingles quite a bit, at least for my skin, so definitely not for vitamin c beginners. It's sold out everywhere right now but if you can find it I highly recommend cause it's sold out for a reason!

M O I S T U R I Z E R S



Rating: 5/5

Repurchase? Yes

Notes: My favourite Caudalie product! It is very pricey but it's the perfect daytime moisturizer! Such a great texture!


Rating: 1/5

Repurchase? No

Notes: I really didn't like the texture of this moisturizer and found it to be kind of greasy. It also left an extreme whitecast so I used it up as a hand cream.


Rating: 3/5

Notes: I loved the formula of this and found it to be a great moisturizer but I hated the scent! It was so strong that I had to use it up as a hand cream.


Rating: 5/5

Repurchase? Yes

Notes: This is my ideal daytime moisturizer! It gives the perfect amount of hydration, has no fragrance and wears well under makeup!


Rating: 5/5

Repurchase? Yes

Notes: I became a huge fan of Saturday Skin products this year and this moisturizer was one of the game changers for me! This is a great moisturizer for the daytime or the summer because it's lighter and leaves my skin super glowy which I love.


Rating: 5/5

Repurchase? Yes

Notes: Very similar to Glossier's Priming Moisturizer but a little thicker so perfect for the winter! So nice under makeup!


Rating: 5/5

Repurchase? Yes

Notes: This is one of the thickest moisturizers I've ever used! So great for winter or if you're experiencing major irritation or dry patches cause it's very soothing and calming.



Rating: 3/5

Repurchase? No

Notes: I wasn't really a fan of this because it's just a standard gel-cream moisturizer but it's overpriced and gives a huge whitecast.


Rating: 5/5

Repurchase? Yes

Notes: A really nice gel-cream moisturizer for summer!


Rating: 5/5

Repurchase? YES

Notes: This stuff is incredible! So hydrating and calming. Great for sensitive skin.


Rating: 5/5

Repurchase? Yes

Notes: This was a really great gel-cream for the summer. Hydrating and calming.


Rating: 5/5

Repurchase? Maybe

Notes: This is a lovely moisturizer for the warmer months! It's kind of like a mix between a regular moisturizer and a gel cream so I loved using it at night during the summer. 


Rating: 5/5

Repurchase? Yes

Notes: A very simple moisturizer but that's what I loved about it! No scent and hydrating enough to use during the winter. Plus it wears nicely under makeup.

S U N S C R E E N



Rating: 5/5

Repurchase: YES

Notes: My favourite SPF of all time! No whitecast or breakouts! It also wears so well under makeup and gives the prettiest glow.

Purito Centella Green Level Safe Sun Spf 50 *

Rating: 4.5/5

Repurchase? No

Notes: This [was] an amazing spf! No whitecast, hydrating and great to reapply over makeup! It does have a very strong herbal scent so I'd prefer the unscented version. It recently came out that this sunscreen doesn't actually provide sun protection of SPF 50 so I would pass on this at the moment unless they improve it.


Rating: 3/5

Repurchase? No

Notes: I know everyone loves this one and it's nice that it doesn't leave any whitecast but the texture is just not for me. It feels very heavy and silicone-like on the skin and I prefer my sunscreens to be light and hydrating.


Rating: 1/5

Repurchase? No

Notes: This is supposed to be a sunscreen with a universal tint but it just made me orange tbh. If you're lighter than medium in foundation shades this probably won't work for you. I also don't really like the texture and find it feels heavy on the skin.

E Y E  C R E A M



Rating: 3.5/5

Repurchase? No

Notes: Way too expensive for minimal results. It was just an okay eye cream in my opinion. I also am no longer supporting Drunk Elephant as a brand.


Rating: 5/5

Repurchase? Yes

Notes: Might be my favourite eye cream I've ever tried! It really did help to brighten up my under eyes quite a bit and wasn't irritating at all!


Rating: 4/5

Repurchase? Maybe

Notes: Love how affordable this eye cream is! It's very hydrating but didn't cause any milia. I just wish it had some kind of brightening effect.


Rating: 4/5

Repurchase? Maybe

Notes: I really like the texture of this since it's light and hydrating but it does irritate my eyes a bit (I have really sensitive eyes).


Rating: 5/5

Repurchase? Maybe

Notes: This is really nice and light for the summer. Didn't see any brightening effects though.

F A C E  M A S K S  &  E X T R A S



Rating: 4/5

Repurchase? Maybe

Notes: I'm a big fan of pimple patches and these ones worked pretty well! They can leave red circle on your face if not used on clean bare skin though so beware.


Rating: 5/5

Repurchase? Yes

Notes: These work super well and stay in place!


Rating: 5/5

Repurchase? Yes

Notes: My favourite pimple patches! I found these work the best for me!


Rating: 0/5

Repurchase? No

Notes: These just didn't work and din't absorb anything.


Rating: 5/5

Repurchase: Yes

Notes: This is such a great hydrating face mask! I love using it if my skin is experiencing any irritation because it's very calming as well.


Rating: 4/5

Repurchase: Maybe

Notes: A very good exfoliating mask! Really helps with acne scarring! It does expire very quickly though! (6 months)


Rating: 4/5

Repurchase? Maybe

Notes: Really great detox mask for breakouts! It can be a little drying so I only apply it to areas where I need it.



Rating: 5/5

Repurchase? YES

Notes: This might be my favourite face mask ever! It's great if I'm having any breakouts to calm them down and it also helps to reduce acne scarring! Plus it's super affordable and has tons of uses in the package.


Rating: 3/5

Repurchase? No

Notes: This mask was just okay. It's a red clay mask so it's extremely messy and stains face cloths so I prefer a lot of other face masks over this one.


Rating: 2/5

Repurchase? No

Notes: Too harsh/drying for my skin.


Rating: 5/5

Repurchase? Maybe

Notes: These are super nice for early morning Zoom classes cause they really help to depuff the under eyes.  


Rating: 3/5

Repurchase? No

Notes: I like that this applies like a lipstick and although the flower in the bottom of the lip balm is pretty, you can't use the bottom half of the lip balm cause it's scratchy. It wasn't the most hydrating lip balm but it was nice under other lip products.


Rating: 5/5

Repurchase? Yes

Notes: Super hydrating lip balm! It wasn't sticky and left a really pretty glossy finish.


Rating: 5/5

Repurchase? Yes

Notes: Loved the scent of this and the formula is super thick and hydrating!


Rating: 5/5

Repurchase? Yes

Notes: The best lip mask I've tried! This stuff lasts forever so definitely worth the price! I prefer the vanilla scent to the berry though.

Body Care

B O D Y  W A S H



Rating: 5/5

Repurchase? Probably

Notes: This is pretty pricey for a body wash but if you're looking to treat yourself this one is amazing! Lathers nicely and the scent is perfection!

Skin Syrup Calm Shower Gel in Aloe Vera *

Rating: 2/5

Repurchase? No

Notes: I liked the formula of this but wasn't a fan of the scent. I have it in a few other scents that I'm excited to try out plus it was the perfect size for travel.


Rating: 3.5/5

Repurchase? No

Notes: This wasn't anything special. Worked fine but didn't love the scent.


Rating: 3/5

Repurchase? No

Notes: Technically this is for your face but I used it as a body cleanser. It worked okay for body acne but wouldn't repurchase.

Maison Margiela Beach Walk Shower Gel *

Rating: 5/5

Repurchase? Yes but it's discontinued :(

Notes: If you're a fan of the Beach Walk fragrance you would love this! I felt so fancy while using this!

B O D Y  L O T I O N  ,  H A N D  C R E A M  ,  &  O I L S



Rating: 4/5

Repurchase? No

Notes: I liked the formula of this lotion cause it absorbed nicely but the packaging doesn't allow you to get out all the product.


Rating: 5/5

Repurchase? Yes

Notes: This smells incredible! Plus it's hydrating and I like that it has a little bit of shimmer cause it's pretty in the summertime.

Fré Glow Body Dry Oil *

Rating: 1/5

Repurchase? No

Notes: Really did not like this. The scent is not good and the formula is kind of greasy.


Rating: 5/5

Repurchase? Yes

Notes: This is such a unique product! It comes out as a mousse/foam but turns into an oil once massaged into the skin! It's one of the best things I've ever smelt and is super moisturizing!


Rating: 4/5

Repurchase? Yes

Notes: Such a great body oil! It has a spray applicator which makes it really easy to apply! Not a huge fan of the scent but it is fragrance-free so it's just the scent from ingredients which I can get past.



Rating: 5/5

Repurchase? Maybe

Notes: Such a nice body oil! It has a light coffee scent which is amazing and I like that this is hydrating but doesn't feel greasy.


Rating: 5/5

Repurchase? Yes

Notes: Really nice for the summertime after being out in the sun since it's quite soothing.


Rating: 5/5

Repurchase? Yes

Notes: This is worth the splurge imo since it's so hydrating and smells incredible!


Rating: 5/5

Repurchase? Yes

Notes: Great for itchy legs and dry skin in the winter months! Also great for sensitive skin.


Rating: 3.5/5

Repurchase? Maybe in a different scent

Notes: Not my favourite scent but I really enjoyed the formula cause it soaks in quickly.


Rating: 2.5/5

Repurchase? No

Notes: This was way too fragranced for me. Worked fine but not my favourite.


Rating: 4/5

Repurchase? Yes (different scent)

Notes: A great body lotion! Didn't leave me feeling greasy at all. I like the pump bottle too.


Rating: 4.5/5

Repurchase? Maybe

Notes: If you have super dry sensitive hands, this would probably work great for you! It's nice and hydrating but doesn't leave a film on the hands. Not a huge fan of the scent but it's pretty light.

B O D Y  S C R U B S



Rating: 5/5

Repurchase? Yes

Notes: Love that this is a Canadian company! I also love that it comes in a lot of different scents cause they smell incredible!


Rating: 4/5

Repurchase? Maybe

Notes: My scalp doesn't love scalp scrubs so I used this one as a body scrub and really enjoyed it! Smells beachy and a little masculine and I like that it's a sea salt scrub!


Rating: 4.5/5

Repurchase? Yes

Notes: Soap & Glory make my favourite body scrubs! They're super affordable, effective yet gentle. I prefer the og scent but this one was nice for summer.


Rating: 4/5

Repurchase? No

Notes: I'm not sure if this actually does anything but I keep using it so...idk lol. The new packaging is way better!


Rating: 3/5

Repurchase? No

Notes: This was a nice coffee scrub but I wasn't a fan of the scent. I'm excited to try their other scrubs though!


Rating: 5/5

Repurchase? YES

Notes: This is the best body scrub I've tried! Smells incredible and is still gentle while giving a good exfoliation.


Rating: 4/5

Repurchase? Maybe

Notes: Smells like peaches and is a really gentle scrub. The jar is pretty small though so it didn't last me very long.

O T H E R



Rating: 5/5

Repurchase? Yes

Notes: These are great and definitely worth the hype!


Rating: 5/5

Repurchase: Yes

Notes: Love how affordable this is and it works great!


Rating: 5/5

Repurchase? Yes

Notes: The best natural deodorant I've tried! It lasts all day, isn't messy and it smells incredible!


Rating: 4/5

Repurchase? Maybe

Notes: Another natural deodorant that worked really well for me! It did take about a week and a half to adjust to it but after that it was great! A little messy but I like that it's unscented.


Rating: 2/5

Repurchase? No

Notes: I'm really sad about this one cause it smells incredible and did work for me but it started irritating my underarms and made them peel so I had to stop using :(


Rating: 5/5

Repurchase? Yes

Notes: This is one of the best shaving creams I've tried. Not an essential and it is quite pricy but if you're looking to treat yourself I definitely recommend.

H A I R C A R E




Rating: 5/5

Repurchase? Yes

Notes: I have very fine thin hair so I tend to be picky about shampoo and conditioner but this one was great and wasn't too heavy for my hair.



Rating: 2/5

Repurchase? No

Notes: This just wasn't for my hair type and left it feeling kind of stripped and dry.


Rating: 5/5

Repurchase? YES

Notes: If you have a dry scalp you need this in your life! I have seborrhoea which causes my scalp to get super itchy, flaky and dry but this helps so much! I use it every time I was my hair just to cleanse and soothe my scalp and it's made such an improvement!



Rating: 5/5

Repurchase? YES

Notes: Another Amika favourite! This is perfect for my hair cause it gets oily super fast and this just helps to keep it clean and dry shampoo free for longer lol. The shampoo is definitely a shower staple for me now. The conditioner is okay but I don't use conditioner a ton so I prefer the shampoo.



Rating: 5/5

Repurchase? Yes

Notes: I haven't really tried an Amika shampoo that I didn't love and this one is no exception. I have really fine straight hair but didn't really notice any volume effect. I don't really mind though cause it works well as just a basic shampoo and conditioner and wasn't too heavy for my hair.



Rating: 3/5

Repurchase? No

Notes: Sadly these were too hydrating for my hair type. The packaging was also terrible and so hard to get product out of (I think they changed it?) Would love to see them come out with more shampoos and conditioners targeted at hair types.


Rating: 5/5

Repurchase? Yes

Notes: This is amazing! You only have to leave it on for a minute and it leaves your hair so shiny!



Rating: 2/5

Repurchase? No

Notes: Wasn't a fan of this at all. It was too rich for my hair and I didn't like the scent so I used it up as a shaving cream.


Rating: 4/5

Repurchase? Maybe

Notes: Surprisingly this did work to bring out the natural highlights in my hair! Is it an essential for me? No but it was fun to try out and a pretty good shampoo and conditioner.


Rating: 5/5

Repurchase? Yes

Notes: This is my favourite Ouai product (and maybe hair styling product) ever! If you have frizzy hair this works so well to tame everything without making your hair greasy!


Rating: 3/5

Repurchase? No

Notes: This just wasn't for my hair type since it was way too hydrating for my fine hair. I used it up as shaving cream.


Rating: 5/5

Repurchase? Maybe

Notes: This hair mask has a cult following and I see why! It's hydrating, smells nice, but isn't too thick for my fine hair (if I only use it on the ends). My hair is so soft after using this!


Rating: 2/5

Repurchase? No

Notes: Even though this is supposed to be tinted it still left a big whitecast. It works well as a dry shampoo but I'm not a fan of the scent, it's pretty messy and there are other dry shampoos I prefer way more.

Milk Makeup Natural Dry Shampoo 

Rating: 4/5

Repurchase? No (discontinued)

Notes: I'm kind of sad that Milk doesn't sell this dry shampoo anymore cause it was actually pretty nice!


Rating: 2.5/5 

Repurchase? No

Notes: This just wasn't strong enough for my oily roots. It smells good but it didn't really do anything for my hair.


Rating: 5/5

Repurchase? YES

Notes: The best dry shampoo I've ever used! No whitecast, gets rid of oily roots, and doesn't leave any build up. Plus is has a nice light scent that isn't too overpowering.


Rating: 1/5

Repurchase? No

Notes: Didn't work for my hair type (made it kinda crunchy).

M A K E U P



Rating: 4/5

Repurchase? Maybe

Notes: I really loved the colour of this lipstick and it felt super comfortable! Not sure if they still sell it since they rebranded recently.


Rating: 4/5

Repurchase? Yes

Notes: This is my go-to brow gel cause it's clear (doesn't leave any whitecast), is super cheap (only $3), and has relatively good hold. Not the strongest hold but for the price I don't mind.


Rating: 3/5

Repurchase? No

Notes: This is such a unique product that comes in some gorgeous shades! It is pretty messy though and can be difficult to apply.

C A N D L E S



Rating: 3/5

Repurchase? No

Notes: Not my favourite scent from the brand but they have others that I love! This did tend to burn itself out a lot while lit which was a little annoying.


Rating: 5/5

Repurchase? Yes

Notes: I loved the scent of this! It was soft and beachy and reminded me of summer! It's sold out at the moment but I'm hoping that they'll bring it back and it's not discontinued. 

And that's everything I used up in 2020! Hopefully this was helpful for you cause I feel like I mostly share positive experiences with products, but this included quite a few products that I didn't necessarily like or love. Let me know if you'd like to see this for the products I use up in 2020!

xx Taylor






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