November empties 2023: beauty and wellness finds the team used up this month

13 November 2023

From boutique hotel bath salts, to a next-level skin tint via the best mascara on the planet and a collagen powder that wowed our fussy editor, these are the 20 products the team has loved so much that they're now completely empty

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

It feels like only a second ago we were writing our October Empties and now here we are, another month on, another batch of products that were so good we (and our family members) used them up to the very last dose.  From cleansers to mascaras, sleep supplements and scalp detoxes, here are the November empties we're confident that you'll love too. 

Victoria Woodhall, GTG Editorial Director



Welleco Chocolate Nourishing Protein Powder, 1kg,  £75

“I was speaking to a fellow beauty journalist recently and we both agreed that Elle Macpherson’s vegan protein powder has yet to be been beaten on taste – not too sweet, sufficiently chocolately, no hint of that ‘dead sock’ aftertaste that most pea proteins have.  Elle makes a chocolate mousse with it when she wants a sweet breakfast (watch!). What’s more, it has digestive enzymes, pre- and pro-biotics, vitamins, minerals and amino acids. If you buy the bumper 1kg bag as I do it works out significantly cheaper – I like it as filling afternoon snack”

SHOP




Correxiko Marine Collagen Peptides, £36.95

“I’ve tried dozens of collagen powders and this flavourless marine powder with the required 10g of peptides, goes the extra mile with a very low molecular weight for better absorption, types 1-4 collagen for skin and joints and sourced from wild caught Canadian fish (as opposed to farmed) that’s a by-product of the food industry. It was created 12 years ago by a former NHS gastroenterologist who saw the clinical benefits for wound healing, way before there was beauty a bandwagon to jump on. Being flavourless it goes easily into my smoothie, porridge or tea!”

shop




Lumity Restfiul Nights, £46 (get 25% off with code NOVEMBER25)

"I often forget to take my vitamin D in the morning, but I'm now making it part of my bedtime routine by taking it in a sleep supplement  (alongside my progesterone HRT) which means I never skip it. It’s a high-strength vegan vitamin D supplement (30mcg, 600%  RDA) from algae with 200mg magnesium (54% RDA) to relax muscles and so much else, manganese for nerve function plus stress-busting adaptogens, holy basil and turmeric. And it’s 25 per cent off on their website for the rest of November. It’s your winter immunity boosted too!"

shop




Sarah Chapman Digital Shield, £55

"Facialists say they can always tell their ‘city’ clients because their complexions are dull and spotty from pollution and blue (screen) light. I’ve lapped up this lightweight and light-reflecting ‘shielding’ day moisturiser that’s as power-packed as serum (if you have oily skin, this will do nicely as a your one-and-done). It gives antioxidant protection with blue light defence and circadian rhythm support (yes your skin is kept awake by blue light too) in a small 30ml pot, but I only needed half the amount of a normal moisturiser. There’s absolutely no grease or shine, just shield."

shop


SJ Corfield-Smith, GTG Beauty Director



Stella McCartney Reset Cleanser refill, £38

“When ‘Stella McCartney launches skincare range’ was the news last year, I wrote that yes, it smelled amazing (the scent is by Francis Kurkdjian, the nose behind iconic Baccarat Rouge 540) but it worked no better than less expensive cleansers. That is still true however, but I've since discovered how handy the squishy recyclable refill pouch is for travel or the gym.  It removes makeup, cleans my skin without stripping it dry and did I mention it smells phenomenal?”

SHOP




The Outset Exfoliating Caffeine Micro Polish, £34

“When it was announced that Scarlett Johansson’s skincare range The Outset was launching, I did a major eye-roll. But nothing pleases me more than having my assumptions quashed. I included the cleanser in our August Empties and now I’ve squeezed out every last squidge of this creamy face scrub. It’s very fine so doesn’t feel like you’re scratching your face off. My husband enthused that it didn't get stuck in his stubble. It’s unscented and contains the brand's trademarked hydrating ingredient that works in the same way as hyaluronic acid.”

shop




Kosas Brow Pop Dual Action Defining Pencil, £20

“Every morning I pencil in my sparse fair brows and this pencil has been utterly brilliant. It has an angled tip which makes drawing on fake lash hairs, especially at the inner corners and tails, so much easier and more realistic. It's creamy enough to go on easily but with staying power. It has a very good spoolie brush at one end and comes in nine shades to work for all hair colours.”

shop




Child’s Farm Miracle Moisturiser, £4.80

“My nine-year-old daughter suffers from eczema on her arms, but keeping her skin consistently moisturised helps reduce flare-ups and their intensity. Applying body lotion all over is no mean feat when dealing with wriggly children but this body lotion is one you can apply it to damp skin as soon as they step out of the bath. It  has an appealing fruity scent and fun packaging to hold their interest while you slather.”

shop


Ingeborg van Lotringen, Contributing Beauty Editor



Farmacy Green Clean Makeup Meltaway Cleansing Balm, £32

"I like using a cleansing balm but precious few do more than melt my eye makeup to a black puddle – they don’t get rid of it without a muslin cloth, which I don’t have the patience to use. This one is different - it effectively emulsifies my slap and then washes it away, leave my skin feeling fresh and conditioned but not oily. Full of plant extracts, unscented and light-feeling, it strikes just the right balance and is unique at it."

SHOP




Fekkai Apple Cider Triple Cleanse Shampoo, £25

"Finally a shampoo that proves that a deep cleanse for hair and scalp can get rid of every last bit of residue without the slightest bit of stripping or harshness. This leaves my fine hair soft and light but not dry and static. That’s because it relies on scalp microbiome balancing and gently clarifying apple cider vinegar, as opposed to hardcore surfactants, to dissolve grime. The acidic apple extract also seals the hair cuticles to leave my strands glossy, and has a pleasingly retro green apple scent – like going back to the 70s'."

shop




Curel Foaming Facial Wash for Dry, Sensitive Skin, £12.50

"It's fashionable to ditch the double cleanse for one ‘does it all’ cleanser, but I just don’t think skin can be truly clean with just one wash, especially if you wear makeup and live in a big city. So I always follow an oil, balm or cream cleanser with a water-based one, and preferably one of these foams that have thankfully become popular lately. The good ones feel like a creamy mousse (despite being oil-free) that you can massage in and that will make your eyemakeup crumble and rinse clean. This scent-free, super-gentle one with ceramide-boosting agents is one of my favourites."

shop




Charlotte Tilbury Legendary Brows, £25

"I don’t understand the predilection for large brow mascara wands. The majority are not just chunky, but the formulas are often fibrous as well, gathering on the too-large brushes and then clumping onto your brows for a shapeless, too-heavy finish. I much prefer this one, the thinnest, finest one on the market that lets you precision-shape and build your colour intensity until it’s just right, not Ming-The-Merciless. More of these, please."

shop


Marie Louise Pumfrey, Contributing Writer



No7 Future Renew Night Cream, £34.95

“I’m a long-time fan of No7 skincare . Their most recent Future Renew range was launched with a great fanfare  as it reverses the visible signs of skin damage (with the university studies to prove it).  No7 developed a new peptide complex to triggers the skin's natural self-repair process.  I’ve been using it regularly for the last few months and love the results.  It’s deeply hydrating and quick to absorb and as a sufferer of tight skin which always gets worse in the winter will be rebuying this lovely velvety night cream.”

SHOP




Environ Youth Essentia (C-Quence) Vita-Peptide Toner, £52

“I discovered Environ when I had an incredible facial at Skin Matters clinic in London’s Holland Park. It’s a professional skincare brand used by aesthetic therapists globally. This toner is one of my favourite take-home products as it doubles up as a makeup remover. As well as cleansing off the grime, it nourishes with a peptide that encourages collagen and elastin production to leave your skin glowing.”

shop




Trinny London See The Light SPF50 Moisturiser, £45

“After decades of sun-worshipping, my face is peppered with dark patches.  Now in my late 50s, I'm a year-round SPF wearer and am always on the hunt for great SPF face creams that don’t make me look white and pasty. This invisible  day cream with an invisible  chemical filter fits the bill. It's light hydrating texture makes it a great primer under makeup.  To get the SPF protection on the label,  you need to apply at least four pumps, so its one I’ve been rocketing through.”

shop




Skinician Hyaluronic Elixir, £38

“When I need some intense hydration, this is my go-to serum.  My skin suffers from dryness and as we head into winter that horrible tight feeling gets harder to fix. But this little bottle of hyaluronic acid gives me immediate relief.   It has soothing aloe vera and moisturising glycerine for a gorgeous silky and smooth finish. I have been sharing with my husband who suffers from rosacea and can confirm it's a winner for sensitive and redness-prone skin.”

shop


Jemma Thompson, Design and Social Media Manager



Bertoli Water Meadow Bath Salts, £55

"These vegan bath salts created by the spa at chi-chi Costwolds' hotel Thyme, are a spa-like blend of essential oils, sea salt and relaxing Epsom salts. Not only do they create a silky and soft bathwater, but they also work wonders in relieving tired muscles, stimulating circulation and detoxifying the skin. Though the price is spenny, the quality and therapeutic effects make for a self-care indulgence. I’ll be re-purchasing for sure."

SHOP




Dr. Hauschka Blackthorn Toning Body Oil, £22.50 for 75ml

"This is the body oil I've been looking for as it's warming cocooning and helps to prevent stretch marks. Its natural vegan oils and extracts have helped revive and nourish my winter-weary skin. It's an absolute treat to use. For £22.50, it's a small outlay with big returns."

shop




Floral Street grapefruit bloom hand wash, £30

"This liquid soap from eco perfumiers Floral Street (it has 20 per cent perfume oil) goes beyond the ordinary with  zesty grapefruit notes that perk you up every time you wash your hands. While the price tag might raise an eyebrow, the top-notch quality and sensory indulgence go some way to justifying it - it had friends commenting and asking what it was. The chic glass bottle is also refillable."

shop




Rare Beauty Positive Light Tinted Moisturiser, £29

"I've never been a fan of tinted moisturisers. As someone with blemishes and scars, I choose more coverage. But this glowy skin tint is a true gem - a lightweight formula with a radiant finish that lasts all day. It struck the perfect balance between decent coverage and a weightless feel and with 24 shades from very light to very dark, it's easy to find a match. I've been using it throughout the whole year, and I've only just got to the bottom; a little goes a very long way."

shop



You may also like

Deal alert! Our Icons beauty box worth more than £300 is brimming with big names
I tried the new and free Zoe menopause symptom tracker and found it really enlightening
Which is better - retinal or retinol?
Glossy Picks: 16 new beauty and wellness buys to kickstart September


Editors Picks:
Things we're loving

ASOS Design linen v-neck maxi slip sundress, £26
Kanchimi Indoor Rebounder Trampoline, £59.99
Plunge Rebounder, $149
Huda Beauty Faux Filter Luminous Matte Stick Foundation, £32
Sweaty Betty All Day High-Waisted Gym Leggings was £90 now £36
Kérastase Nutritive Masque, £40

More Gloss

Beauty
'Is your highlighted hair frazzled post-summer? Here's how I reset mine'
Kerry Potter
Beauty
Glossy Empties: 16 beauty and wellness buys the team have used to the very last drop
Beauty
Want to cover up a tattoo? This is how top makeup artists do it
Beauty
Glossy Picks: 16 new wellness and beauty buys from £3
Hair
How to protect hair in the sun – and 17 hair treatments to help you do it
Beauty
Glossy Picks: 16 summer beauty and wellness buys we had to tell you about
Hair Loss
Hair loss fixes – the 5 best hair restoring treatments and the experts to see
Beauty
Tinted lip balms: ‘I’m a beauty editor and this is the one product I hoard’
Explore More