December’ 25 Empties
Another month, another round of beauty empties—and December’s pile feels especially satisfying. Between holiday prep, cold weather skin savers, and lots of stay-in self-care, I managed to use up quite a few products. In today’s post, I’m breaking down everything I finished this month and letting you know what I’d repurchase, what I’d skip, and what truly earned its place in my routine. As always, I’ve included a giveaway as thank you for your support.
Skincare Empties
Glow Recipe Plum Plump Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Serum
Price: $38 for 1oz
The GR Plum Plump serum is a hyaluronic serum that aims to hydrate and plump the skin. The serum of course contains hyaluronic acid, but it also contains plum (antioxidant), along with Vegan Collagen and Silk Proteins (skin barrier protection). Compared to other hyaluronic serums that I’ve tried in the past, this one differed as it included different weights of hyaluronic acid. What I mean by this they vary from ultra-low, low, medium, high, and ultra-high molecular weight.
The serum lives up to its claim of being hydrating and helps to plump the skin. I do think the formula penetrated deeper in comparison to other hyaluronic serums that I’ve tried in the past. While using the serum in my routine my skin felt more hydrated and softer to the touch. I do think $38 for a hyaluronic serum is on the pricey side, but I did notice a difference while using it.
Skin 1004 Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Cica Cloudy Mist
Price: $20 for 4oz
I picked this one up on a whim during a Marshall’s visit. I was really interested in the mist as it’s being marketed as a fine face mist that’s aimed for hydration and soothing. The Cloudy Mist is infused with Hyalu-Cica, green tea water, and ceramides. Based on the description I thought the mist was going to be super hydrating and soothing on the skin. But I really don’t think the mist did anything. It almost felt like I was applying plain water to my face.
I would apply the mist, and my skin would soak it up and after it dried it only slightly (I mean the teeniest amount) feel more hydrated. Based on these results, or should I say lack thereof, I don’t think I would purchase this again.
Prequel PreGleanse Cleansing Oil
Price: $20 for 6.5oz
What an interesting name for a cleanser. What is a PreGleanse? According to Prequel the PreGleanse is a cleansing oil, which are known for being used as the first step in your evening routine. The cleansing oil works to break down the first layer of impurities of your skin including sunscreen, makeup, and other impurities on the skin. I really appreciate that this cleanser has a pump packaging, which it made it easier to dispense.
As for the formula, the cleanser is made with cica oil, linoleic acid, rice bran oil along with Vitamin E and Vitamin F. This blend helps to cleanse the skin without stripping it. I feel like this was one of the lightest consistency oils that I ever tried! I really like the feel of the oil and I think it worked well to quickly breakdown my makeup. I really enjoyed using this cleanser and I think the price point matches the performance of the product.
Youth to the People - Superfruit Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser with Vitamin C + Papaya
Price: $39 for 5oz
The YTTP Superfruit Gentle Cleansing that is formulated with fruit enzymes and actives that helps to brighten and boost the overall look of the skin. The brightening ingredients include Vitamin Cg, Yerba Mate, Ginger Root, and Papaya. As for the actives that are included, its formulated with Salicylic, Glycolic, Lactic, and Phytic Acids. I used cleanser from the summer months into the winter months and it worked well for my skin.
During the summer months my skin was fine with using the cleanser a couple times a week. But as the months became cooler, I moved to using it about once a week because my skin wasn’t producing as much oil. I feel like my skin, which is normal to oily skin that’s dehydrated, tolerated the cleanser well during the summer months, but during the winter months I could really feel the drying effects on my skin. With that being said, if you have dry skin this will likely make your skin feel drier after using it - especially it during the cooler months. I can say I didn’t have any issues with the cleanser causing any reactions or my skin feeling sensitive.
Body Care Empties
Beekman 1802 KISSES Candy Cane Whipped Body Cream
Price: $14 for 2oz (mini size)
The Candy Cane scent is a limited edition scent from the Beekman x Hershey’s collab and it smells so good! As with the majority of the Beekman products, this too is formulated with Goat Milk along with Mango Seed butter, and Vitamin E. I really enjoyed using this cream in my routine. The whipped body cream has an ultra light consistency and quickly absorbed into the skin. Most would assume that a lighter consistency would mean a lighter level of moisture, but I can’t say that theory applies to this body cream. The Whipped Body Cream deeply moisturized my skin and the moisture lasted all day long making it perfect for the fall and winter months. I didn’t find the scent to be overwhelming and I felt it actually layered really nice with many of my fragrances.
Scent Notes:
Top: Sweet Peppermint, White Cocoa Powder
Middle: Milk Chocolate Kiss, Melted Butter
Bottom: Caramelized Sugar, Vanilla Bean
(use code TONI20 to save 20% on your Beekman orders)
Hanni Waterbalm Instant Hydration Body Moisturizer Mist
Price: $37 for 6.76oz
The Waterbalm is a weightless mist that is said to hydrate the skin without leaving a residue behind. I love the idea of spray on moisturizer, especially on days when I’m rushing or when I don’t want to do a full on routine of applying a body cream. I really enjoyed this waterbalm in terms of hydration and moisture during the summer months. The lightweight consistency was perfect for the summer days when only a light layer level of moisture is needed. During the fall and winter months, I felt like this didn’t provide enough moisture though, unless I applied a body cream over it as an additional layer.
Even though I didn’t find this to be the most moisturizing, I really loved the waterbalm mist for the scent!! The scent encompasses notes of rose stems, pink pepper, palmarose, geranium, and warm amber. I often reached for the waterbalm for the scent more than anything else!
Sol de Janeiro Bom Dia Bright Body Cream
Price: $48 for 8oz
The Bom Dia scent from Sol de Janeiro ties to their Cheirosa Perfume Mist. The scent has notes of Black Amber Plum, Jasmine Woods, and Vanilla Woods.
The Bom Dia Body Cream is formulated with Salicylic Acid, AHA/Glycolic Acid, and Vitamin C. The combination aims to gently exfoliate the skin along with smoothing and brightening the skin. The moisturizer itself has a nice level of moisturizer. I more so reached for the Bom Dia for the scent. I really love the scent on it’s own, but I also enjoyed using it as a base layer to layer fragrances on top of it.
Hair Care Empties
Mizani Moisture Fusion Deep Conditioning Hair Mask
Price: $42 for 16.9oz
The Mizani Moisture hair mask has been a favorite of mine for quite some time! It really made a difference in my haircare routine last year, which is why I ranked it in my Top 10 Products of 2025! The deep conditioning hair mask is formulated with argan oil and honey to deeply moisturize the hair. If you’re interested in a in-depth review about it, be sure to check out the Top 10 Products of 2025 post.
Kerastase Mini Nutritive 8H Magic Night Serum Hydrating Treatment for Dry Hair
Price: $32 for 1oz
I used my Sephora points to redeem and apparently this 1 oz size is also sold as a mini! Being that I was able redeem points, I thought this was a great time to try out this serum. The 8hr serum magic night serum serves as a leave-in that is formulated with plant based proteins and niacinamide. The combination aids to nourish the hair, help retain moisture, and lock in hydration.
I really enjoyed using this serum on damp hair prior to blow drying. I think it made a difference with locking in moisture and making my hair feel softer; thus helping with frizz. I would also use the serum on dry hair as instructed focusing on the ends and mid-shaft of the hair and I can’t really say I’ve noticed a difference using it like this. Since emptying this tube I’ve purchased another mini, so I’ll be sure to report back after I’ve had more time to use the product. For now I’m on the fence.
Price: $4.99 for 2.25 oz
I feel like I’ve tried this in a past, but may have forgotten to review it. The Cantu extra hold edge stay gel is designed for sleek styles and taming flyaways - especially baby hairs. I found that using this as an edge control didn’t do much in terms of keeping my hair slicked down. I will say the formulas feels more moisturizing than others that I’ve tried and didn’t experience any issues with it flaking. I ended up using this gel to sleek my hair down when I would wear it in bun. The gel offered a light to medium hold and gave my hair a nice level of shine. My only con would be the smell. This has a highly fragranced scent to it that can be a little overwhelming at times. Being that the gel didn’t work in the way I needed it to, I wouldn’t purchase it.
Beauty Etc.
Peter Thomas Roth 24k Gold Mask
Price: $85 for 5 oz
This very well be one of the prettiest masks from the PTR collection, but how effective is it?! The 24 Gold Mask is made with actual 24k gold, Colloidal Gold, Magnesium, and Caffeine. The combination is formulated to lift, firm, and brighten the skin. Being that the mask doesn't contain any harsh actives I was able to use it at ease. While using the mask I can’t say I noticed much of a difference in terms of brightening effects, but I can say I liked the way my skin felt after removing the mask. It felt moisturized and toned. I can’t say the effects are worth purchasing this at the retail price. Since finishing this mask, I actually purchased a mini size since it came in a kit that I wanted that was super discounted.
Lancome Lash Idôle Lengthening & Volumizing Mascara
Price: $30
I swear Lancome makes some of the best mascaras! The lash idole mascara is one of my favorites and there’s a reason why it made it to one of my TOP 10 Products post. This mascara makes my lashes look so long! If you’re interested of more in-depth review, be sure to check out my previous post Top 10 Products of 2023 .
Sephora Collection Organic Cotton Squares
Price: $4.50 for 50 pads
Another favorite of mine is the Sephora Cotton Squares. I’ve been using them for the past few years and I’m still impressed with quality of them. I love stocking up on these whenever Sephora has a sale on their collection products. If you’re interested in more in-depth review about them, be sure to check out my previous empties post.
Previously Reviewed: July ’24 Empties
Candle Empties
Mala the Brand Candle – Mint Cocoa
Price: $58 for the 3 pack | $19.33 per candle 4.3oz
I’ve gone through several of the Mala Brand Candles and my review of them has remains the same. I get some that burn well and some that don’t. I really love that their candles have a wood wick. The crackling sound of the wood burning really adds to the burning experience of the candles. As for the mint cocoa scent, the candle smelled really nice. I found that scent throw was very light on this - even with burning it in a smaller space. Previously Reviewed: February ‘24 Empties
Scent notes: mint cocoa | chocolate + peppermint + vanilla * exclusive!
Price: $60 for 8.4oz
I may be the last person to get the memo, but it appears the Overose has discontinued selling a good portion of their candles to focus on selling fragrances. Hearing this deeply saddens me. I’ve been purchasing their candles for a few years now and I was always impressed with the quality of their candles and of course the beautiful packaging. I always loved that their candle wax matched the color of the candle vessel packaging.
The Gaiasilk scent is no longer in production, but it was one of my favorites! I burned the candle sparingly due to the price, but also due to the fact that this scent had such a great throw when it was being burned. In fact the Overose candles are so fragrant and have such a great cold throw too, I would often leave them out on display unburned and I would still be able to smell the scents! The Gaiasilk scent is a creamy gourmand that has a nice smoky touch to it.
Scent notes: palo santo, white chocolate, smoky vanilla, amber, sandalwood, suede
Empties Total Value: $473.82
BLOG GIVEAWAY
Included in the Giveaway:
Origins Youthtopia Liquid Exfoliating Apple Face Peel
Origins Youthtopia Peptide Plumping Apple Cream
Glow Recipe Vitamin C Serum
Glow Recipe Vitamin C Eye Cream
Natasha Denona Golden Glimmer Gloss
Natasha Denona Highlighter Powder
Grande Cosmetics Mascara
8 Faces Vitamin C Serum
Covergirl Skin Enhancer Gelly Glow & Plush Plump Primer
HOW TO ENTER:
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Rules:
The Giveaway is open from now until Friday 01/23/2026
The Giveaway is open to residents of the US
The winner will be announced via my IG stories
The Giveaway is not affiliated with Instagram or any of the brands featured…