Jan 4, 2026 6 min read Empties

December 2025 Empties

Some of my latest empties, from wellness supplements to the skincare products that were a vital part of my routine: Aavalabs, Lumene, Dove, Uriage

Which wellness or skincare products have you finished lately? Share with me in the comments, I'd love to read more about how they made you feel.

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.

Happy New Year!

As we commence a brand New Year, it's time to let go of what is old and finished and enjoy what is new. And my monthly tradition of checking products I have finished through the month is here to stay, as it keeps me accountable on what I consume and like, so that I stop hoarding on beauty products. I have over 300 products on my beauty apothecary - that has overflowed from my bathroom cupboards to the storage space we have in our bedrooms's landing! - but I can now proudly say I have finished and given away 57 products in 2025. Most of those are in the reviews below.

Check all past empties reviews:

So here are the products I have finished in December 2025 and my honest opinions on what I would repurchase and what will just stay in the past:

WELLNESS

Aavalabs Folic Acid Complex

I started taking Folic Acid when I got married in 2022. If you are thinking about getting pregnant or already pregnant, folic acid supplementation is essential for you. You might already have it with other vitamin complexes but if you don't take anything else, do not discard Folic Acid.

Not only it helps reduce fatigue and tiredness, it helps with maternal tissue growth, blood formation and cognitive function. When none of my other supplements have Folic Acid (because they usually do!), I take 400 MG. In Scotland I bought these from Boots but as my stash is over, I supplemented with Aavalabs', which also contain Vitamins B12, D3, Copper, Zinc, Iron and Iodine. I would not say this complex is a complete prenatal vitamin, so supplement accordingly if you want to use as such.

Verdict: I would repurchase yet paying attention if I need other supplements to complement or not, according to my needs at the moment.

Aavalabs Melatonin Gummies

I was about to start this bottle by the end of June when I wrote about what helps me sleep on weekdays, after stressful days at work. These melatonin gummies taste like sweet yet tart berries and are not supplemented by any other vitamins. So if you want clean melatonin, this could be it for you, as they do the job. I confess I love the ones from Zenement much more - and it's not just because of the moonface.

Verdict: Although effective, I would not repurchase as I did not love the taste.

BODY

Dove Cucumber & Green Tea Moisturising Shower Cream

Dove is the brand that symbolises hygiene and daily grooming for me, from the endless deodorants I finish every other month to their rich gel showers that are fragrant but not overpowering, and leave your skin feeling clean and smooth. I love their Cucumber & Green Tea range also for the deodorants and it's a staple I often go back to.

Verdict: to repurchase, always!

Rituals Savage Garden Hand Wash

I love this brand! I was given this Hand Wash a departing gift from former work colleagues when I left Portugal 4 years ago. It's a herb-fresh sensation and a staple in an elegant washing room for our visits in our Luanda home.

Verdict: I would repurchase but currently using this substitute from the same brand

HAIR

Uriage DS Hair Soft Balancing Shampoo

I was given this shampoo at a culinary event in Angola a few years ago, as it came in a bag of goodies prepared by a pharmacy. I would have never bought it as it is aimed for fine hair and mine is coarse but I still tried it more recently and appreciated how clean it left my hair and how gentle it was whilst foaming.

Verdict: I would not purchase as it is not for my hair type but would recommend to anyone with fine to normal hair

SKINCARE

Lumene Hella Moisturizing Micellar Water

I was very excited to try the new micellar waters from Lumene when they launched them and the Hella one was my first try. I loved that it would not only leave a clean face as the first step of a double cleanse but that it would help not rip the skin from its natural oils as it has moisturising ingredients.

Verdict: I would repurchase and I became such a fan I am currently using one of their micellar waters, from another range

Lumene Nordic Hydra Lahde Intense Hydration Moisturiser

This is one of my favourite day moisturisers ever and I also use it at night-time when I don't want to use the heavier or richer creams I own for that intent. No matter when I apply it, I always feel a boost of freshness in my face. I had recently praised Lumene's efforts into being more sustainable with a leaner packaging that uses less plastic (and no glass) and its refill. Alas, the refill that I had did not fit the original package and I will have to scoop it up to properly transfer. That is a fail they must have confirmed as they do not sell the refill on their website any longer. If they come up with it again, I hope it works and we can properly refill so it's not just sustainable-talk but a real deal. I am not discouraged from purchasing this moisturiser again but it's a poor note for Lumene, one of my favourite skincare brands.

Verdict: will repurchase

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