March 2026 Empties: how to finish your samples
Hey there, I’m Jess ✨. On The Signature, I share reflections on beauty, routines, travel, wellness, culture, and everyday life. For those drawn to a calmer, more intentional way of living, I send a free newsletter each month on the 7th. You're welcome to join.
Disclaimer: this content is not sponsored nor affiliated - I pay for everything that I use myself. This independence allows me to tell you what I have been loving the most with unbiased honesty.
Inspired by decluttering trends on social media, I decided to start using the hundred of samples I have accumulated over the years up. And I am making great discoveries, which I will write about to eventually buy some new products in full size in the future, as I still have over 300 products to go through in my beauty apothecary. I must say I am proud of how I am faring in the finished products department, knowing I have emptied over 50 products in the first quarter of 2026 already (and samples don't count to this toll, so imagine!)! Also, I started a no-buy at the beginning of the month so let's see how that goes...
Check all past empties reviews:
Here are the 7 full size products and 5 samples I finished in March 2026:
BODY
Essie Spa Pedicure Feet in the Clouds Cream
Let me start with the most shameful product of them all. And why so? Because I have had this amazing Foot and Leg Cream for over 12 years! I purchased it in Lisbon at an extinct hairdresser I used to go to called Carapinha Chic, after a manicure and pedicure session. I have loved this rich cream as it was so efficient at taming my very callused feet.
Verdict: I absolutely adored this product - hence using it sparingly for over a decade. Unfortunately, Essie discontinued it. If you have another rich foot cream you'd recommend, I am here for the taking as I have none.
L'Occitane Hand Cream for Dry Skin 20%
This hand cream tube came in a pack with several small size hand creams from L'Occitane which I purchased 11 years ago. So yes, after the Essie cream, this was one of the oldest products in my stash, but it wasn't opened for as long as the former. I appreciated this rich formula as it was really repairing and hydrating on my dry cuticles. Also being fragrance free is one of my most recent favourite features in beauty products.
Verdict: I would repurchase this product alas I already have many hand creams to use so I won't for the moment. From L'Occitane, I am currently loving their Almond hand cream, so I will stay on brand very soon.
Jess
SKINCARE
Caudalie Vinoperfect Dark Spot Correcting Glycolic Night Cream
This product is a staple in my evening skincare routine. I just adore how rich this night cream is and that is why this is the third one I used to the end. Caudalie's Vinoperfect line aims to target hyperpigmentation. I like to apply it before bed as it immediately replenishes the skin and you can feel it. Also the fragrance isn't very strong - which is great! - but has that typical vine Caudalie scent you enjoy when you have followed the brand for a long time.
Verdict: this product is a frequent rebuy but I will now give it a pause as I have a new Clarins night cream at the waiting in the apothecary.
Clarins Hydrating Gentle Foaming Cleanser - sample
Clarins regularly sends me a huge amount of samples at every purchase. This foaming cleanser is an example of a great discovery: indeed very gentle and an amazing cleanser, which feels so good and light on the skin as the second step of a double cleanse.
Verdict: when all my cleansers are finished - and I have several to go through - I will purchase this one in full size.
La Roche-Posay Lipikar Triple Action Balm 12h - sample
This is another great example of a sample that makes a great impact. This is one of the richest products I have ever tried on my skin and feels so soothing. I recently had a rash and I applied a little on it and it gave me instant comfort.
Verdict: when all my other similar products are done I will for sure purchase this one full size for the days my skin is drenched or after red light therapy.
Jess
MAKEUP
Benefit Precisely my Brow Pencil
Shade: 4 - Warm Deep Brown
Benefit Cosmetics has been my unsponsored "Brow Partner in Crime" ever since opening their brow bars with Sephora in Paris in the 2000s. As they revamped and streamlined their collection, their brow products seem to be here to stay and where they are truly specialising with great success. I know most people use Anastasia Beverly Hills products for brows, but I have not yet tried that brand.
I just finished my second brow pencil Precisely My Brow which I had bought in a Brow of Haul Fame - Shade 4 Warm Deep Brown pack at the airport in Paris last year, which also comes with a Gimme Brow mini brow gel for some brow tint and a 24-Hr Brow Setter to lock brows in place.
Verdict: I have tried several brow pencils in the past and love this one. Not only I would repurchase it, I already have a few at the waiting in my beauty apothecary.
Clinique Even Better Concealer
Shade: 28 Ivory
I have very dark circles around my eyes and always look tired and exhausted. Having trouble falling asleep doesn't help at all. I only learned how to use concealer under my eyes a couple of years ago after several videos on Youtube and some trial and error in my applications. First I apply it and let it "sit" whilst applying the rest of my makeup. And almost by the end, I dab it under my eyes. On days I need more "support", I add some Huda Beauty Powder after concealer to keep it all in.
I have been using this Clinique concealer ever since and this was my third tube.
Verdict: love it and already have a new unopened one in my apothecary. I am just wondering if I open that one or I venture into a new brand, maybe I'll find something I enjoy a bit more? If not, I know this is a reliable one I can come back to.
Clinique Lipstick
Shade: Blush Pop
After years venturing into reds and corals, this lipstick made me realise a pastel pink is my go-to lip colour and now I only buy from the darker to lighter shades of pink in other brands as well. This lipstick was rich and long lasting, giving me a polished look.
Verdict: although the packaging changed and is now an unappealing metallic gray Clinique seems to love, I would repurchase this product. In the meantime, I will use other lipstick in similar palette of shades I have purchased inspired by my love for this one.
Jess
Lancôme Idôle Lip Shaper
Shade: 53 The Tea is Hot
First of all: how to show you finished a lip liner before actually finishing it? This is an almost empty, as a few more sharpens and it will be done with.
A couple of years ago, I had online purchased the Idôle Lip 21 Shade Throwing Beige lip shaper yet only realised at home it was too light for me as for a contour liner but will work great when I want to go for a nude mouth.
At the Lancôme counter in Cape Town, the makeup artist masterfully matched me with the 53 The Tea is Hot and it's a great colour on me and makes for a great and lasting defined lip, as mine are very thin. Also, it matched perfectly with Clinique's Blush Pop Lipstick.
Sephora Size Up Mascara - sample
This is another great example of a sample surprising you: although small, the packaging is really easy to use and it really creates long and separated lashes. I absolutely liked it!
Verdict: I already have two mascaras opened - one black, one brown - so I will finish those first but for sure I will buy this product full size when I am out.
FRAGRANCE
Charlotte Tilbury Star Confidence - sample
Chloé Love Story - sample
I am not in the market for a new fragrance - I have several already opened and to go through - but when I travel, I don't like the heaviness of my perfumes in my small beauty bag. That is the time I drop in some samples to try along the way and these two were the most recent. Star Confidence by Charlotte Tilbury is filled with pep, great for the beginning of the day when you want to feel bright and energised. Chloé's Love Story was more floral and romantic, great for a slow lunch date.
Verdict: I would not buy Star Confidence but I would not be against receiving a full sized Love Story as a future gift :)
Jess
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