Glossy Empties is back! The 16 beauty and wellbeing buys that we loved so much we used up every last drop

3 March 2025

From the clever refillable deodorant to the dreamiest bath salts, these are the beauty and wellbeing wonders that we buy on repeat – once we’ve scraped out that last bit of course

Any products in this article have been selected editorially however if you buy something we mention, we may earn commission

Inclusion in Glossy Empties always signifies that a product is particularly special – we test so many tubes, pots, lotion, potions, powders and pills each week here at Get The Gloss but only a few take up permanent residence in our beauty bags and bathroom cabinets. If we’ve used something up to the last drop, we really love it, basically. Here are the 16 that made the grade this month, from the sleep supplement that’s been a game-changer for our beauty director to the jumbo bottle of makeup remover that lasted an entire year. Please sir, can we have some more?

The team holding their used and empty products

VICTORIA WOODHALL

GTG Editorial Director

Nutriburst Vitamin D3 + K2, £12.33

“Government advice is that everyone in the UK should take a vitamin D supplement from late September to late March, and if I want my whole family to remember, and to take a decently high dose (2000iu) in the optimised form of D3 and K2, it has to be this lemon gummy. No one needs nagging. My children are adult-sized now and take the full dose. This supplement says it’s suitable for children aged five upwards, but I checked in with Get The Gloss expert nutritionist Ify Akpuaka who advised that this dose would be suitable for ages 14+ (she says the recommended dose for five to 13-year-olds is 600iu). If in doubt, check with your health practitioner.”

SHOP  

Armra Immune Revival Travel Sticks, £49.99

“I didn’t know what to make of this powdered bovine colostrum at first (the immune-boosting mammalian first milk) but when I posted on Instagram, I received replies from America saying it was huge over there for immunity and illness recovery. Someone closer to home, who is immune-compromised, said that after taking Armra for a year, he had less illness, less bloating and more energy, describing it as ‘life-changing’. It works primarily on strengthening the gut barrier so pathogens don’t get through and was founded by a paediatric neurologist – plus, thankfully, it tastes like juice!”

SHOP  

Hifas da Terra Optimum, from £52

“This mind-body-skin functional mushroom supplement is so easy to take – not least because the gorgeous rose gold glass jar makes you want to reach for it. I take it in the mornings on an empty stomach, which is how it works best, as the cordyceps and lion’s mane extracts work on energy and focus respectively. There’s also reishi for calm and sleep, but it doesn’t make you drowsy. Add to that marine collagen and elastin for your skin, probiotics for your gut as well as saffron extract for mood and sea greens for protein, minerals and hormone balance. A great all-rounder for inside and out, that’s much cheaper on subscription.”

SHOP  

Upcircle Refillable Deodorant with Macadamia and Bergamot, £19.99

“It’s deodorant wars in our house over this bergamot-scented refillable eco cream – we all want it! It comes in an upcycled aluminium container with an extra refill and is then less than £5 per refill if you subscribe. My 17-year-old son tells me it’s not at all sticky or snaggy on hairy pits and keeps whiffs in check. The corn starch helps mop up sweat without whiteness and, for sustainability, Upcircle is end-to-end eco with no compromises.”

SHOP  

SARAH-JANE CORFIELD-SMITH

GTG Beauty Director

Inessa Magnesium Supplements, £24.99 for 60 tablets

“I’m new to not sleeping well but a few life stresses and potential start of perimenopause has interrupted my previously peaceful nights. Step in magnesium, which I have heard every sleep expert (and the GTG team) recommend with gusto. There are lots to choose from but the thing to look out for is the inclusion of magnesium bisglycinate as it’s well absorbed by the body to help boost calm and sleep. This includes that, as well as two other sources of magnesium. Take two tablets 30 minutes before you go to bed – they have genuinely helped me sleep better so are worth every penny.”

SHOP  

Kosas Chemistry AHA Serum Deodorant in Beachy Clean, £17

Natural deodorants are getting better and better so if you haven’t tried one for fear of dreaded BO, consider this your PSA to give them a go. I have gone through three tubes of this Kosas one (it comes in a few different scents as well as unscented) and is aluminium-free but contains AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids) that keep BO at bay.”

SHOP  

De Mamiel Altitude Oil, £35

“Originally for nervous flyers to sniff during flights to nix nerves and provide anti-bacterial protection from germs in the nasal passages, this gorgeous essential oil blend is what I reach for whenever I feel a bit wobbly on firm ground as it’s so balancing. A few drops on my jumper, pillow or even a dab under my nose helps me breathe slower and more calmly while the eucalyptus, pine, lavender and peppermint work their soothing magic. You can also pop a few drops on your shower floor and the steam will help decongest if you’re feeling sniffly.”

SHOP  

Wildsmith Skin Stillness Shower Oil, £42

“Another product I reach for when everything feels overwhelming is this silky shower oil. It’s so special that I use it sparingly: chest and arms only ( I use regular body wash everywhere else). I breathe in the calming geranium, rose and chamomile, allowing the spa-like gorgeousness to mentally transport me beyond my shower and instantly feel lighter. It leaves a lovely sheen to the skin and the scent lingers for hours. A great option if you shower at nightime to set you up for a better night’s sleep.”

SHOP  

ISLA HUFFADINE

GTG Content Coordinator

Glow For It Brow Growth Serum, £30

“Glow For It has taken TikTok by storm, becoming the top-selling lash growth serum on the app and earning a finalist spot in our Beauty Awards. I’ve finished my second tube of their brow serum and am pleasantly surprised by the noticeable reduction in sparse patches – not needing to fill my brows as much. The vegan formula is hormone-free and powdered with multi-peptides that stimulate hair growth while strengthening existing hairs. Results aren’t instant and consistency is key – but I’m thrilled with how nourished and healthy my brows look.”

SHOP  

Heliocare 360 D Plus Capsules, £36.99 for 30 capsules

“We all need extra vitamin D throughout the winter months, but I’ll continue to take these capsules into summer thanks to their UV-protecting benefits. Formulated with vitamins C, D and E they boost overall immunity and support healthy skin. Their fernblock antioxidant is the hero ingredient, providing additional UV protection, strengthening the skin barrier and enhancing the effectiveness of sunscreen. While they’re not a substitute for SPF, they offer an extra layer of defence against sun exposure year-round.”

SHOP  

BBB London Eyebrow Pen, £25

“Natural makeup is having a moment and this eyebrow pen is perfect for achieving that low-key look. Featuring a three-tip design, it creates fine, hair-like strokes that blend seamlessly into your natural brows. Just fill in areas that need more definition and build up the pigment for extra coverage over sparse spots. Plus, it’s smudge-proof so no need to worry about spring showers, instead your brows will stay flawless all day long.”

SHOP  

Aja Botanicals Hello I Love You Candle, from £39

“Floral enthusiasts, rejoice – this candle has filled my room with a warm yet spring-like aroma throughout the recent gloomy months. Its delicate floral scent comes from geranium, bergamot, frankincense and jasmine essential oils. Made from natural wax, it’s available in white and black blends, suiting different home interiors. Plus, with a focus on sustainability, refills are offered at a discount price: £80 for the full candle or £32 for a refill, each providing up to 40 hours of burn time.”

SHOP  

MARIE LOUISE PUMFREY

GTG Contributor

Joonbyrd Sunday Sofa Body Butter, £52

“I’m devastated to have run out of this rich, buttery body cream, created by dermatologist Dr Alexis Granite. The fragrance, the texture and way it leaves my skin feeling make it like nothing I’ve used before. All Joonbyrd products are science-led – this is formulated with niacinamide and amino acids, and the vanilla, chocolate and caramel fragrance is heaven. It’s become the highlight of my post-bath ritual and, although expensive, is worth every penny. Fortunately, you can buy refills which are a little easier on the purse.”

SHOP  

Medik8 C-Tetra Lipid Vitamin C Serum, was £39 now £31.20

“When it comes to vitamin C serums, this is my favourite. It’s the first product I put on my face in the morning and it leaves my skin feeling so soft and hydrated. A little goes a long way too, you only need a couple of drops. The texture is light and it absorbs instantly creating an excellent base for my day cream and makeup. With a hefty 15 per cent vitamin C, it brightens the skin tone and helps reduce dark spots (don’t forget to follow up with a high factor SPF). If you have sensitive skin, this a good option.”

SHOP  

Olverum Bath Salts, £32

“When it comes to bath soaks, these salts are next level. They’ve been formulated to rejuvenate the skin, calm the mind and will set you up for the greatest night’s sleep. The salts melt fast so there’s no gritty residue while the restorative fragrance envelops you. It’s blended with eucalyptus and pine fragrance to clear the mind and nasal passages and there’s lavender, lemon and rosemary blend to help with the wind-down. The formulation is rich in minerals like magnesium, potassium and calcium, great for your skin and nails.”

SHOP  

Gatineau Floracil Gentle Eye Makeup Remover, £40

“This eye-make remover requires minimum effort. You just put a couple of pumps onto a cotton wool pad then apply gently to the eyelids. In just a few seconds, it dissolves all the make-up, including stubborn mascara.  Plus it’s great value too – this 400ml bottle has lasted me well over a year. As a contact lens wearer, I need a gentle formulation and this one ticks all the boxes. It soothes the eyes, conditions the lashes and helps alleviate dry eye syndrome.”

SHOP