It takes a lot to impress our editors but these are the beauty and wellbeing buys that they’ve completely finished this month. Glossy Empties are go!
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OK, buckle up for this month’s Glossy Empties – you know the drill by now, these are the 16 outstanding buys of which our reviewers have used every last drop or dose. The beauty and wellbeing wonders that are just so good the team start crying when they run out. The ones we talk about in the office in awe-struck, hushed ones and buy on repeat without hesitation.
This month, we have run out of Rihanna’s luscious lip gloss, a couple of incredible hair oils, a coffee alternative that genuinely hits the spot and a K-beauty BB cream that wowed our reviewer with its inclusive shade range. Shall we start browsing?
VICTORIA WOODHALL
Our editorial director's family all use this crowd-pleasing cleanser
Tatcha The Matcha Cleanse, was £42 now £31.50
“Everyone in my family has piled into this pleasingly green matcha cleanser, a clarifying gel-to-foam that’s not the cheapest (currently on offer though!) but it’s highly concentrated. The 150ml tube should last ages as you only need a pea-sized blob; mixed with water in your hand, it converts into a creamy foam. My 18-year-old son with oily skin says the texture gives the most even coverage in the shower of any cleanser, his skin is much less spotty since using it, and he likes the fact that it’s a fun green. It’s a thorough and comfort-restoring clean for my dry skin too.”
SHOPNous and Soma No-Caff Blend, was £25 now £19.50
“Finally a coffee substitute that’s not just super tasty, but good for your gut, your liver and your soul. It has prebiotics and herbs that support digestion and help reduce bloating, and was created by two overworked beauty industry insiders, who wanted their coffee break to be a true time-out in an overstimulated world. And for that, it needed to tastes good. You drink it just like instant coffee – it’s a medium roast chicory with a chocolately carob sweetness. I’ve gone through several bags of this – that’s plenty of relaxing moments, both mid-morning and bedtime (no caffeine so it’s fine).”
SHOPSacra Ultra Clarifying Bio Exfoliating Serum 4% Glycolic Acid, £27
“If you’re looking for a natural skincare range that works for sensitive skin but doesn’t skimp on actives, Sacra should be on your radar. I discovered it at London’s Geneviv biohacking blinic, which only has the best evidence-based products. What it eschews in fragrance, this Romanian-founded range makes up for with the most divine silky textures and juicy skin feel. I’ve devoured both the Ultra Rich Bioregenerating Nightcream, which is crammed with peptides and this clarifying serum with 4% glycolic acid. Together they make a truly elevated night time routine.”
SHOPChitoCare Anti-Aging Repair Serum, £139
“I’ve emptied two of these serums lately because my dry, hormonal skin has been drinking up this multi-tasking Icelandic elixir. It never pills no matter how much I put on, and has the unique ability to draw in deeper whatever you put on top. Although pricey, it replaces your vitamin C (it’s rich in antioxidants that don’t go off), your hydrating hyaluronic acid, your collagen-boosting peptide serum and your barrier repair, thanks to an evidence-based pharmaceutical grade marine chitosan, which is also highly anti-inflammatory. If you have eczema and rosacea, this is like manna. I can’t think of another serum that does so much for so many skin concerns.”
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JEMMA THOMPSON
Our design & social media manager gives a chef's kiss to Rihanna's lipgloss
Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb Heat, £22
“If you peek inside my handbag, you’re guaranteed to find at least seven lip products, so it says a lot when I actually hit pan. This gloss in shade Fussy Heat is the one I keep coming back to and the one I’m always complimented on. It’s the perfect glossy pink.The plumping effect is definitely noticeable, but without the eye-watering burn some lip plumpers have. It leaves your lips looking super juicy, never feels sticky and lasts surprisingly well too. Good job, Rihanna!”
SHOPSkin & Tan Face Glow Advanced Hydrating SPF 30 & Tan Cream, £20
“Testing facial tanners for work has definitely had its perks because (a) I’ve had a gorgeous glow for months and (b) I’ve finally found one I actually want to use every day. This gives my skin a healthy, believable colour without looking streaky or orange, and I love that it has SPF 30 built in too. It feels more like a lightweight moisturiser than fake tan and, best of all, there’s none of that tell-tale biscuity smell. It’s become my go-to on those mornings when I look a bit tired but can’t be bothered with makeup.”
SHOPL'Occitane Almond Shower Oil, £24
“This is my posh shower gel, and my partner is strictly forbidden from using it. It feels like such a treat every time I reach for it. It starts off as an oil, turns into a silky milk when it hits water and leaves your skin feeling properly moisturised without any greasy residue. It also doubles up as a great shaving oil, giving you a really smooth shave without drying out your skin. On days when I can’t be bothered to moisturise afterwards (which is… most days), this is a lifesaver.”
SHOPRhute Triple Density Complex Pre-Wash Hair Oil, £35
“I’ll admit I rolled my eyes at the idea of adding another step to my hair routine. But when dermatologist Dr Aamna Adel (whose TikToks I’m obsessed with) launched her own haircare brand, I was keen to give it a go. Despite having super thick hair, I struggle with a lot of breakage and shedding, so I’m on a mission to get my hair back into better condition. The lightweight oil that you put on an hour before you shampoo never leaves my hair greasy, but it always gives it so much more shine after washing. I’ve also noticed less shedding in the shower and in my hairbrush. And my partner has stolen it because it helps calm his sensitive scalp too.”
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DAHABA ALI HUSSEN
Hydrated hair? Our content coordinator knows how
Moroccanoil Treatment Original, £14.50
“Moroccanoil’s enriching hair serum is perfect for those of us who need a bit more moisture for our hair. I apply generously when I have left my hair curly to look hydrated and then use a small amount when my hair is freshly blow dried to tame flyaways and reduce frizz. Plus, it smells divine, with a signature mix of spicy amber and sweet floral notes. It’s a classic for a reason.”
SHOPEstée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Serum, £66.75
“I started using this best-selling night serum many years ago, and have not looked back. I apply it day and night on both my face and neck. It comes with a handy pipette applicator and it sits beautifully beneath make up. The serum has the perfect consistency that locks in hydration, but equally dries down quickly and doesn’t leave you feeling greasy or shiny.”
SHOPMissha M Perfect Cover Serum BB Cream Pro, £12.90
“I am a recent convert to tinted BB creams – previously I used to be full glam or nothing. But this K-beauty brand bridges the gap between skincare and make-up beautifully, and this is easy to apply with either your fingers or a sponge. The formula is buildable and so adaptable for different occasions. Plus bonus points from me as I had a perfect colour match – and that’s not always the case.”
SHOPHolland & Barrett Cold Pressed Evening Primrose Oil 1000mg, £14.99
“I used to dread my luteal phase because the week before my cycle began, I’d struggle with extreme fatigue, bloating, muscle aches and more. Then I discovered Cold Pressed Evening Primrose Oil and suddenly the composition of my month completely changed. Not only have these capsules relieved my premenstrual symptoms, but I’ve been treated to an array of added benefits like the easing my eczema and stronger nails. You take one daily with food, and this bottle lasts four months, so it’s excellent value.”
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INGEBORG VAN LOTRINGEN
Our contributing beauty editor loves her subscription SPF
Klira The Dayscript SPF50 PA++++, from £60 a month
“Subscription-based prescription brand Klira’s daily sunscreen comes in four different textures and formulas to suit your skin type and issues, so it’s no wonder I love my hydrating-yet-non-sticky, unscented lotion. But there are other reasons why this has become one of my most trusted face SPFs: it’s a rare one that’s clinically proven (on human skin, not in a petri dish) to protect the skin’s DNA from ageing and cancer-causing mutations, thanks not only to cutting-edge sun filters but a load of antioxidants. And its encapsulated UV screens last eight hours without re-application so it’s a one-and-done.”
SHOPCowshed Active Bath & Shower Gel, £38
“Gentle, hydrating and uplifting, I’ve raced through this jumbo 500ml bottle as it’s just so lovely to use (it’s a great hand wash as well). One of three botanical scents that smell of gardens packed with herbs, twigs and flowers, Cowshed, born almost three decades ago at posh Babington House, has relaunched its bath and body range with designs and formulations that’ll please everyone and add a bit of zhuzh to everyday life.”
SHOPBelif Super Knights Berry Tinted Lipcerin, £17
“I love the twist-up format of this confusingly named lip balm but I love the balm itself even more. It is one of those formulas that responds to your lips’ pH so you get a juicy colour that’s flattering and plumping. It’s got good staying power (it’s not a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it lip oil) and has vitamins, ceramides and peptides to actively improve the state of your lips, and a fruity strawberry flavour if you like that kind of thing.”
SHOPRejuvenated Advanced Bone Complex, £20
Rejuvenated Advanced Bone Complex, £20
“This has decent doses of my staple supplements, vitamin D and magnesium bisglycinate, plus nutrients that enhance their absorption and contribute to bone strength and density, which never goes amiss when you’re menopausal. You only need two not-very-large capsules a day, making it very easy to knock back my essentials every night before bed. This pouch had me covered for a month.”
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