January 2026 Empties
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.
The first day of the month is the most ritualistic for me as it always symbolises three things:
- recapping how active I was in regards to my fitness
- checking my financial budget and how I am faring so far
- choosing 7 wellness, skincare and makeup products that I used to the last drop
And the latter is why we are here!
Check all past empties reviews:
Here are the 7 products I used (+ a sample bonus!) and my honest review on each of them:
WELLNESS
Aavalabs Turmeric Curcumin with Piperine
Also known as Nature's Advil, Turmeric Root is a superfood. I have started taking these supplements with Piperine in the beginning of 2024. I started by taking two capsules daily and I take up to 4 between my ovulation and period as it is the week I struggle the most with inflammation and bloating. Turmeric also helps with joints health - vital every day and when you workout. This is a perfect supplement to add to an anti-inflammatory diet to maximise its benefits.
Verdict: I have repurchased this curcuma supplement from Aavalabs several times and I am quite satisfied with them. Best bought in bundles to save money.
Jess
BODY
Rituals The Ritual of Hammam - Fresh Eucalyptus & Rosemary
I have reviewed a few products from the Rituals Cosmetics brand and more specifically of the The Ritual of Hammam collection recently. As with any brand, they update their products and this one is not available any longer, as now it's made with Eucalyptus & Argan Oil. But let me tell you it's the most delicious and exquisite scent, you feel in a spa as you put it on your skin. Alas, I have to confess I am not great with foaming mousses, I don't adore the texture and I think they don't go that far in terms of packaging and price per usage.
Verdict: although I crave the luxurious scent, I would not rebuy as I don't fancy foaming mousses. But if Rituals launches a non-foaming shower with this scent, I am right there!
Jess
HAIR
Moroccanoil Hydrating Styling Cream
Yes, it's true, I speak about this product at every other product review, it's one of my favourite hair creams ever. I go through one every other month.
Verdict: I will always rebuy and stock it.
Jess
SKINCARE
Caudalie Vinoperfect Brightening Eye Cream
This product was a part of my nighttime routine. I bought this eye cream with the Caudlie serum (finished here) and the Caudalie night cream (also mentioned here) from the same collection. The Vinoperfect line aims to target hyperpigmentation which I have been suffering a lot from, especially having acne scars and a few sun spots. I use it when I feel my dark circles are deeper than ever which happens very often.
Verdict: I am not sure I would rebuy this one. I did not feel it stood to its promise of brightening my under eyes and I have tried other eye creams that feel more hydrating at a similar or lower price.
Jess
Clarins Hydra-Essentiel Moisture Replenishing Lip Balm
This is a bonus product on this list as it is a mini one I got with a Clarins purchase a few months ago. And I always welcome lip balms as my lips are really dry and I don't believe in drowning them in lip oil without proper hydration. I absolutely adored this product and wanted to mention it here albeit it was just a sample.
Verdict: I cannot wait to purchase the full size version as I felt real hydration from this product when I used it.
Jess
Yepoda The Mist Have
I am obsessed with face and body mists! On hot days, I love spraying myself with thermal water, I love to put some after cleaning my skin in the morning before starting my makeup routine. I loved this one from La Roche-Posay and frequently use this one by Lumene, but Yepoda stole my heart from September on, when I discovered the Korean brand with Sephora. I have to thank Fleur de Force for that influence!
With Hyaluronic Acid and Lavender, this mist is refreshing, soothing and amazing to prepare the skin for makeup or to use it as a final refreshing touch in your skincare routine.
Verdict: I am absolutely in love and already bought a couple more bottles to use soon enough!
Jess
MAKEUP
Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray
I have written thoroughly about my online and in store experiences with Charlotte Tilbury but funny enough, I have never written about a product I use as the last step of my makeup routine - and I wear makeup every weekday! It's the Setting Spray from Charlotte Tilbury, which I started using when I finished that one from Rare Beauty. This product is absolute magic and dries so fast. And their promise is real: your makeup stays put for the day! I can even say I feel my makeup glows longer and is more gorgeous at the end of the day than when I freshly put it in the morning. Of course it can be because I feel more confident with my techniques - watching so many Andreea Ali videos has to pay off! - but I feel this setting spray also gives me a much needed boost.
Verdict: I already have a 200 mL one waiting for me in my apothecary and I am now experimenting with the new Matte version that was launched last year.
Jess
Clinique High Impact High-Fi Volume Mascara
I think mascaras are the makeup products I go through the fastest as, for sanitary purposes, you should not use the same for over 3 to 6 months. It's a very powerful product that you use close to your eyes and it has to be fresh and bacteria free. I have tried several through the years, from Benefit mascaras to Lancôme's, and now it was time to give Clinique's a go.
I am deeply loyal to Clinique, it was the first skincare brand I used when I was a kid in the early 2000s when I found it at Woolworths in Johannesburg (a white nail polish!). Ever since, it has been a staple in my website as I also fancy their lips and eyes quickliners and lipsticks at the moment. What stood out about this Mascara in the Intense Black 01 Shade was the narrow and wider body in the wand and it did not leave residue in the inner corner of my eye like this one did.
Verdict: I would absolutely repurchase but first I will use the Legendary Lashes one from Charlotte Tilbury I am currently trying out
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