Glossy Empties are go! These 16 buys are so superb we’ve used up every last bit

VICTORIA WOODHALL

Our editorial director takes this mushroom for a memory boost

Hifas-Neuro Capsules, £49 for 60 capsules

“Functional mushrooms can play a key role in modulating our mood especially Lion’s Mane, the main ingredient in this blend from my go-to organic mushroom brand Hifas Da Terra. It’s known for promoting memory and concentration – great for exam students, the elderly and menopausal yoga teachers who suddenly forget the names of poses (that’s me, by the way).  I notice immediately when I don’t take it. It also supports gut motility, so stuff isn’t hanging around your intestines  – one of the causes of brain fog. Here, the extract is blended with immunity mushroom chaga, plus B vitamins to support mood and energy, and adaptogenic herbs including rhodiola rosea that can help with anxiety.”

Gentlecare Face Toner, £20

“If you love Cerave but want something a little more elevated for your skin and your bathroom, let me introduce you to Gentlecare, an affordable, sensitive skin brand from Germany that, like Cerave, has medical origins. It brings the treat factor to sensitive skincare with a hint of non-irritating fragrance (I met the founders, they assured me that no one reacts). This aloe vera-based soothing, balancing and barrier-supporting toner feels more like a Korean essence in the way that it hydrates. Now that my skin is drier with age, this is a daily essential that plumps out fine lines, relieves tightness and doesn’t break the bank.”

Dr David Jack Supernova Gel Cleanser £45, refills £35

“If you’re thinking of spending £45 on a cleanser (£35 for the refill) don’t unless it serves a host of other functions, as this one does. This gel-to-foam marvel is your cleanser, makeup remover, exfoliator, barrier protector, hydrating essence and basic serum in one. Dr Jack himself told me to leave it on for a few minutes as a mask to let the por- cleansing salicylic acid, redness-calming azelaic acid, hydrating hyaluronic acid and brightening vitamin C do their work. It then lathers satisfyingly with water for a deep clean. I love that this one product sets me up for a good night’s beauty sleep.”

The Skin Diary Night Repair Therapy Cream, £135

“If you use a retinoid, it needs to go on dry skin in order for the low molecular weight payload to reach its deep destination without any other skincare blocking its way. You then have to wait about ten minutes before adding moisturiser, so as not to interfere with the process. Inevitably, I forget one or the other step. That’s why I love this cream, as it’s a retinal serum in a moisturiser from three of the biggest names in dermatology, including Prof Chris Griffiths OBE, who led the research behind No7’s blockbusting serums. Its finely tuned formula – with double-blind placebo-controlled trials to attest to its collagen-boosting prowess – is everything you need in a night cream and I’m on my third pot.”

KERRY POTTER

Our deputy editor has the perfect post-summer body lotion

Naturium Urea 5% Body Serum, £24

“Usually by the end of summer, I’ve got revoltingly scaly limbs. But not this year, thanks to this no-nonsense, giant 414ml pump-action bottle of deeply hydrating lotion, which I’ve been slathering on since June. Some reviews complain the unscented formulation is sticky but, for me, it soaks in perfectly well and the urea, often found in softening foot creams, works wonders. This is the first buy I’ve tried from the under-the-radar US/Korean brand that’s gaining traction here, but it definitely won’t be the last.”

Freja Collagen Protein Shake, £23.99 for 12 servings

“I’ve had enough of protein shakes that are full of weird ingredients – I’m trying to eat fewer UPFs not more! – but this one, from British husband-and-wife team Freja is pleasingly simple. It contains four things: powdered Norwegian beef bone broth, coconut sugar, cocoa powder and natural flavouring. I blend it with water in my Nutribullet into what tastes like an indulgent chocolate milkshake, but it’s packed with 15g protein, 12g collagen and has just 97 calories. If I’m exercising in the evening and don’t have time for dinner first, I always reach for this.”

Peep Club Soothing Coconut Eye Wipes, £25 for a pack of 30

“Yes, I know – wipes are not a sustainable choice but these were so handy during summer trips away. London-based optometrist-led brand Peep Club, who create brilliant products for dry eyes, promise that they biodegrade and are made from trees that are part of a regenerative programme. If you, like me, are a contact lens wearer with sensitive eyes who struggles to remove mascara, they’re a gift. They’re ultra gentle (that’ll be the coconut oil) yet get the job done in a flash. I don’t use them all the time but they’re a treat for travel.”

Zenii Fusion Collagen, £65

“Zenii’s founder Dr Johanna Ward knows so much about collagen she has literally written a book about it (more on that here) so you’re in good hands with this. It’s at the pricier end of the market – you get just shy of three weeks’ worth out of this bottle – but it hits the magic number of 10,000mg of marine collagen and is clinically proven to work. I take a shot each morning (it’s one of the more palatable collagen supps I’ve tried). After one bottle my nails grew stronger; after two, my hair looked thicker and my joints, which endure a lot of running, were less creaky.”

INGEBORG VAN LOTRINGEN

Our contributing beauty director is sticking to her classic conditioner

Olaplex No 5 Bond Maintenance Strengthening and Reparative Hair Conditioner, £28

“I really enjoy how this is a thick, substantial cream that detangles my fine hair admirably but somehow doesn’t weigh it down at all. I’m not sure how much ‘bond maintenance’ it really does (for that you need the original serum) but it seems to keep my hair in good nick. Interestingly there is now a ‘fine’ version of this conditioner, which is more of a gel-cream specifically aimed at fine hair, but I find that much less effective. I’ll stick to this one.”

The Naked Pharmacy Saffrosun Calm, £41 for a month's supply

“I’ve had a hellish year so far which has only worsened my insomnia, so I continue to look for anything that can bring some sense of calm and drain the floods of cortisol I continually threaten to drown in. In terms of supplements, not much works for me (and I’ve tried it all), but these well-formulated Affron saffron (which has some good clinical evidence for supporting the nervous system) capsules do seem to help me get a grip. I’ll keep popping them.”

Prof and Doc Watercress Serum, £30

“I just love this stuff, and I’ve raced through my bottle because I use twice as much as I have to, I so enjoy its quenching, vegetable-y goodness. The brand creators have isolated a molecule from watercress with exceptional anti-inflammatory properties that have a noticeable effect on my reactive skin. The potion also works as a great, long-lasting hydrating serum; it’s become a staple in my routine.”

Mahsa Radiant Amethyst Colour-Enhancing Dental Polish, £65

“I certainly scoffed at this price for a toothpaste, but I’ve also really enjoyed using it. It feels delicate and gentle (unlike trad toothpastes) and tastes like jasmine tea, but it’s also a very effective cleanser and tooth brightener – the instant-whitening effect the blue pigments have on teeth is brilliant. A toothpaste that can be classed as a treat – you don’t come across those very often.”

ISLA HUFFADINE

Our content coordinator has found a fake tan that doesn't leave her with orange palms

Ella & Jo Face Filter Mist and Glow Tanning Mist, £23

“I’ve went through two bottles of this facial tanning mist over the summer. After countless tanning drop disasters (think orange hands and tricky moisturiser-to-drop ratios), this is my saviour. It’s foolproof: just spritz across your face, no hand washing required. The formula is lightweight, available in two buildable shades and packed with hyaluronic acid and niacinamide, so it’s gentle on my acne-prone skin and doesn’t clog pores. Bonus tip: when doing a full-body tan, mist  it over your hands and feet for a streak-free finish.”

Gucci Flora Gorgeous Magnolia EDP, was £99 now £79.20 for 50ml

“This is my special occasion fragrance and for the longest time it was my ‘airport scent’ – you know, the one you spritz while wandering through Duty Free. I’m not usually a fan of florals, but this is a beautiful blend of dewberries, magnolia and patchouli essence, creating a fresh and uplifting fragrance with decent longevity. True to Gucci’s style, the bottle is a chic glass stone design adorned with their classic 1966 Flora pattern. As with most luxury fragrances, the price is premium. That said, they offer a 150ml refill for the same price as a 100ml bottle. A win for your wallet and the planet.”

Too Faced Chocolate Soleil Melting Bronzing and Sculpting Stick, £28

“I’m all for easy, natural makeup looks, but when I’m heading out I like a bit more glam and definition. This is actually the first contour stick I’ve ever finished, which I put down to its buttery consistency and effortless application. Swipe it on the areas you want to sculpt and blend with a brush. Start with a small amount – a little goes a long way – meaning the stick lasts a decent amount of time too. It has a chocolate-orange scent, which is a bit unusual at first, but it’s on brand with many of their other sweet treat-inspired products. And I promise you won’t smell like chocolate after application!”

Mario Badescu Repairing Facial Spray with Hypochlorous Acid, £18

“After struggling with pesky breakouts lately, I’ve simplified my skincare routine and this unassuming spray has been a game-changer for keeping my skin calm and clear. It might not look or sound glamorous, but it’s easy to see why it went viral last year. Packed with hypochlorous acid, it kills bacteria, clears impurities and balances your skin’s pH – all while remaining gentle. Spritz on daily – no rinsing required – making it perfect to rid potential nasties post-gym or even during a flight. It does have a slight chlorine scent, but it works, so don’t let that put you off.”