Empties Don't Lie
What I finished, what I'd buy again, and a few new obsessions
Shitters! When it comes to skincare and beauty, it’s easy to share what I’m eyeing, trying, or buying. But to me, the ultimate display of what someone really thinks is worth it are the empties—empty bottles that serve as proof that you used a product until the very last drop (preferably repeatedly!). Over the past several months, I started saving some of my empties with the goal of showing you, the people, the things that I really believe are worth the hype.
The Highlights
Three Rhode moisturizers: Not particularly surprising because I never shut up about this stuff. It’s simple, soothing, and hydrating, the perfect happy medium between lightweight and rich, and around $30 a pop. Easy rebuy in my book! I’ve cycled through a few others (there’s a whole fall and winter’s worth of hydration in here)—UBeauty’s Super Hydrator* is incredible (it’s richer and more hydrating than Rhode’s, but it’s considerably pricier). Worth it if you can swing it, IMO. It’s no surprise that a refill of this popular firming cream is also in the mix—I’m using it less often lately because I have a strong retinal* in my routine, but it’s still great. And this from Eighth Day wasn’t super memorable honestly—if you’re going to splurge on something from them, I much prefer their growth factor serum* (*PRIYANKA15 works across Violet Grey).
Two Retrouve Nutrient Face Serums: This Vitamin C serum is my ultimate skincare indulgence. I don’t buy it always (it’s a sale-time super splurge when my skin is in dire straits), but it’s my favorite over all the other Vitamin C’s I’ve tried (including the OG SkinCeuticals* and cult-favorite Jan Marini,* both pictured here). My skin is glowier, happier, and more even when I’m using it, but I’m forever guinea-pigging other options for us. Re: Jan Marini, people RAVE about this stuff, but maybe you need to use the full “system” to see results? My skin wasn’t much different after from when I started, though my sister credits the line big time for turning hers around. (*PRIARIBI gets you 15% off at Dermstore)
Goop Salt Scalp Scrub: This is an OG favorite that lasted me over a year, but that was before ROZ’s new Scalp Scrub was released (PRIYANKA15). That one has become my new go-to—the formula is more sophisticated, it meets the same clean beauty standards as Goop’s, and the pricing is considerably better for the same amount of product.
My Little Green Monsters: For some reason, every cleanser I love comes in green packaging? Dieux is my #1 tried-and-true—the texture is my favorite for a cleanser and it’s thorough without leaving your skin feeling dry afterwards—though Sofie Pavitt’s always lives in my shower for post-workout (PRIYANKA15 works across both brands—while you’re at Sofie, don’t skip her new SPF. I got my hands on it early and it’s rapidly making it’s way to this empty pile!). Not green, but Furtuna’s Cleansing Oil Balm is worth a shoutout too. It’s just the best for a double cleanse after makeup, and also lasts quite a while.
My Bigger Orange Ones: If my cleansers are all green, my hair styling products are all orange. These Kerastase + ROZ sprays are my ride or die at-home blowout duo (PRIYANKA15 works on ROZ). I use the Kerastase as pre-blowdry brush heat protectant (nothing else I’ve tried works better), and the ROZ lifts the roots to make it look like you’re a pro with a round brush. My blowouts with this stuff can last at least half a week, if not longer, and the bottles last me around 10-12 months in case you too like to mentally amortize a purchase (tell me you took one single Accounting class in college without telling me).
Honorable mentions: I am ride or diieee for this gentle exfoliating mask. Try it one single time and you’ll understand why. She washes her hands (this scent is a forever rebuy in my book)—I’m on my third bottle, but the hand lotion lasts way longer, so that’s more of a one-and-done. It’s no surprise that melatonin gummies are in the mix, but I’ve started going for this kid’s version instead. They’re a much smaller dose (.5mg per gummy vs 2.5mg), and I find that I feel way less groggy in the mornings when I take them. I’m missing at least five tubes of Beauty of Joseon here and all the candles that got me through winter, oops. And Xtra Milk for sheets & towels, duh (PRIYANKA15).
*We have discount codes on so many of the things pictured above, including from Violet Grey, ROZ, Dermstore, and more. I included them throughout, but the rest of our codes can always be found right here!
Other Things I’m Loving Lately:
Longtime Shitters know I was very passionate about my electric toothbrush, but dare I say this recent discovery is even better?! One charge lasts a whole month, it’s super light and sleek, and the travel case doubles as a charger that works with the same cord as an iPhone. Doesn’t get better than that!
I had a phenomenal meal at Roman’s in Brooklyn last week. The reservation was fairly attainable (especially by NYC standards!), everything that hit the table was delicious, and it had the best cozy, neighborhood feel.
Did I watch Rob Rausch’s season of Love Island (US Season 6) while I was under the weather last week? Yes. Did it confirm that a crush is truly a lack of information. Also yes! But tbh, GREAT television.
This Chicken Pot Pie Soup has no business being as hearty and delicious as it is for how clean the ingredients are. It’s the perfect warm meal with all the rain/cold we’ve had lately.
I went a little too long between haircuts, which meant I had to get more dead ends chopped than I was bargaining for. I would be freaking out, but I know that a month or two with this stuff will bring it all back (plus they’re running a great sale if you buy a few months worth at a time).
And you all seriously cannot get enough of these washable rugs, omg!!!! (PRIYANKA15)