Have you ever fallen so hard for a product that it’s practically part of your identity? Like, the kind you’ll scrape out of the jar, squeeze the tube until it wheezes, and mutter, “Not today, empties bin.” Yeah, me too.
This year, my beauty empties list has officially graduated to “can’t-live-without” status. I’m talking about the absolute ride-or-die beauty staples I can’t stop adding to my cart. So, grab a snack (or maybe a glass of wine), and let’s dive into the products that have had me hooked for 2024.
Wait, What Are “Beauty Empties”?
Okay if you haven’t been up to date with the beauty scene or read my previous skincare empties or makeup empties blogs , quick crash course: “beauty empties” are the products you’ve actually finished. Not halfway, not abandoned on the shelf, but down to the very last pump, swipe, or squeeze. To me, finishing a product is like giving it an award—it’s proof that it actually works.
In a world where every influencer is hyping the next big thing (seriously, stop—I can’t keep up), sticking with one product says a lot. These are the ones I’ve repurchased over and over. Let’s get to it.
1. Wonderskin Lip Stain: The All-Day Lip You’ll Actually Wear
Finding a lip product that doesn’t vanish after one sip of coffee? Basically the beauty equivalent of hunting Bigfoot. Enter: Wonderskin Wonder Blading Lip Stain. This stuff stays and not to mention this shade (whimsical) is so natural and soft but noticeable , perfect for any occasion – don’t get me started with adding a lip gloss! I have received so many compliments on my lips and people even have said they look bigger (what a bonus!.. well I think so anyway).
How It Works: You put on this funky, mask-like layer, wait 10 seconds (although i like to leave it for a couple of minutes), and then wipe it off. What’s left is a soft, natural tint that survives everything—meals, smooches, you name it. And if you want an even deeper colour you can apply 2 layers but to be honest I think one is enough.
Why It’s a Keeper: It’s transfer-proof, smudge-proof, and (hallelujah) low-maintenance. Oh, and the colours? Well i’ve just ordered my next one but I couldn’t resist not getting the same shade as its just so beautiful… maybe this Black Friday I will venture out and try another shade. it just makes life so much easier, you don’t need to worry about your lips the whole day applying a lip liner or lipstick – all you need is a clear gloss if anything.
2. Tan-Luxe Super Glow: Radiance in a Bottle
To be honest, I used to use Tan Luxe Super Glow – Hyaluronic Self Tan Serum a lot; however, I switched to the Isle of Paradise tanning drops for a deeper colour until I then stopped using face tan altogether. But I’ve just rediscovered this, and I’m in love again! … especially as it’s turning winter. I will have this right next to me; otherwise, I will look like I’m severely ill… or maybe even dead because my skin gets so dull – its basically see through, I actually hate it! Although this doesn’t look like a beauty empty – rest assured I have gone through multiple bottles of these , unfortunately I just didn’t manage to take a photo of the one I just finished.
Why It’s Different: It’s more like a skincare serum than a self-tanner. It gradually builds a natural, sun-kissed glow without the mess. Bonus points for the added hyaluronic acid—it keeps my skin super hydrated while it tans. It doesn’t leave patchy marks, and it’s a super buildable formula… you can really choose the intensity, and it also just doesn’t break me out, which I love.
My Routine: After my evening cleanse, I usually spray my skin with hypochlorous acid… if you know, you know… (if you want to learn more, you can read my blog on the benefits of hypochlorous acid here). Then, once my face is clean and dry, I go in with about half a pipette. Don’t overuse it (less is definitely more), and always wash your hands afterward. Although to be honest, I sometimes just rub it into my hands and it’s okay; but if you are using a larger amount, then it’s best to wash your hands. Then I let it sit and sink into my skin for around 30 minutes before going in with a moisturizer and then going to sleep. In the morning, I wake up and see no streaks, no orange palms—just my face with a beautiful healthy glow.
3. Amazon Iconsign Lash Lift Kit: DIY Drama
Lash extensions used to be my go-to since my mum was a lash tech, so I was lucky enough to get them for free. But to be honest, after growing my lashes (which are naturally super straight—they even point down), I decided to try lifting them using the ICONSIGN Lash Lift after a friend’s recommendation, and that’s when I realised that I love the look of lifted lashes and it was the way to go. They don’t damage your lashes like extensions, they aren’t expensive (if you do it yourself), and they are so pretty and low maintenance.
Why I Love It: It’s super easy to use (although it does take time to get used to and is definitely quite time-consuming), and the results? Chef’s kiss.
Why I Keep Buying It: Firstly, this only costs £20 (that’s a third of what I paid to get it done professionally), and the kit lasts for ages. I’m sure I’ve used mine about 10 times! Not to mention the lash lift is super long-lasting—it lasts around a month anyway, making it a total steal! When I first discovered the Amazon ICONSIGN Lash Lift Kit, I instantly knew this was one of my biggest beauty and glow-up hacks and definitely a beauty product I will be hanging on too into 2025.
4. Moroccan Hair Oil: Shine in a Bottle
Moroccan Hair Oil – one of my favourite on the 2024 beauty empties list. I don’t think I can say enough about this stuff—it’s basically liquid gold for your hair. My poor, frizz-prone ends drink it up like they’ve been wandering in the desert for years. This picture is actually of my mini beauty empty, but I’ve just restocked the big bottle, and I’m so happy! It’s just like silk and smells amazing—plus, it comes with a pump!
How I Use It: After washing my hair, when it’s damp, I rub a tiny drop between my hands and work it through the ends before leaving my hair to dry or styling it.
Why I Keep Buying It: This is my hair holy grail. It’s amazing for my split ends—it’s super hydrating and makes my hair feel so nourished and silky smooth without being too thick or greasy. It works so well on my bleached blonde, dry hair, and let me not forget how perfect this smells!
5. Olaplex No. 3 Bonding Oil: Repair & Shine
If you’re in need of a hair oil that is super lightweight and one that can be used daily, Olaplex No. 3 Bonding Oil is your girl! I am in love with this oil as it’s so nourishing. It’s definitely my daily go-to for keeping my hair healthy and shiny, even after it’s been fried by bleach. I already knew this would be on my beauty empties list so I took a photo in advance – its honestly so good!
Why I’m Obsessed: Split ends be gone! This oil strengthens damaged hair and adds shine without feeling heavy. I use a pea-sized amount every day after hair wash day to prevent split ends and help keep my bleach-blonde hair long and healthy! My hair genuinely feels like it got a glow-up.
6. Eyelure Brow Dye: Brows, But Better
This is another staple in my glow-up routine. Whenever I’m feeling the need for a glow-up, the Eylure Dybrow is one of the main things I reach for when I’m looking to feel that extra bit cute! Dyeing my eyebrows helps make my face more symmetrical, as my eyebrows are definitely sisters and not twins, which is why I love it. I also double it up as an eyelash dye too. Use this after a lash lift and… WOW, my eyes have never looked so pretty before!
Why I Love It: It’s foolproof, quick, super cheap, and lasts for ages! I don’t even remember when i last bought this… thinking about it, maybe that’s a bad thing—I should have probably check the expiry date. Oh well, it served me well and I had no problems!
Quick Tip: Always do a patch test. I haven’t had any issues, but it’s better to be safe than sorry. When applying the dye to your brows, I love to focus the bulk of the dye at the tail of my eyebrows compared to the front to give that ombre style that’s more seamless and not so harsh, especially with my lighter features. Plus, the ends of my brows are usually where I have unevenness.
7. Elizabeth Arden 8-Hour Lip Balm: The OG Savior
This little tube of magic has been around forever, and for a good reason. The Elizabeth Arden 8-Hour Lip Balm is my secret weapon for dry lips, cracked cuticles, and basically any skin SOS. Although i’m not a a fan of the smell, its one of the most hydrating lip balms i’ve ever come across and I especially love this in the winter time when my lips need that extra bit of loving. Im pretty sure Elizabeth Arden has a whole 8hr line and its perfect for those with dry skin.
Why I Repurchase: It just works. Plain and simple. I keep one in my bag, one on my nightstand, and one in my bag. You never know when you’ll need it, but you will need it. It’s super gentle and gets the job done.
8. Quai Hair Mask (Fine to Medium Hair): TLC for Tresses
A shoutout to my fine-haired pals! You’ll definitely wish you had tried this sooner! I’ve tested countless hair masks after discovering this one, thinking they all served the same purpose, and of course… I was mistaken. The OUAI Hair Treatment Masque is always a beauty product I come back too and is absolutely worth every penny, and you don’t need to use it during every wash day—just save it for those times when your hair feels particularly dry. I’ve never encountered a mask quite like this. It’s lightweight yet incredibly nourishing; it’s essentially a holy grail for anyone whose hair tends to get weighed down easily.
Pro Tip: Use it once a week or when your hair needs that extra TLC after being dyed (I need this right now!). Trust me, your hair will feel soft, hydrated, and so much easier to manage.
9. Nala’s Vanilla Cloud Body Oil: Luxe Hydration
If you’re a vanilla girly and have been following the vanilla scent trend, you have probably heard of Nala’s Vanilla Cloud Body Oil. But if not, consider this your sign! This indulgent oil smells like a vanilla dream and leaves your skin impossibly soft.
Why I Love It: The lightweight formula absorbs quickly, leaving no greasy residue—just hydrated, glowing skin. Plus, the subtle vanilla scent is pure magic. It makes me feel super cozy, and I can’t stop smelling myself.
How I Use It: Post-shower on damp skin for maximum absorption, or I like to mix a few drops into my lotion for an extra hydration boost.
Why I Repurchase: It feels like a mini spa treatment every time I use it. My skin has never looked better, and I can’t get enough of the smell—it’s such a cozy and dreamy winter scent. This will continue to be a staple in my vanilla shower routine this winter.
Ready to Glow Up?
These are the products that have earned permanent spots on my bathroom shelf. They’re reliable, effective, and—most importantly—they make me feel like the best version of myself.
Have you tried any of these? Got a favourite I need to know about? Drop a comment—I’m always on the hunt for new beauty gems.
Until next time, stay fabulous and keep glowing. 💖
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