My August 2025 Beauty and Health Empties and Reviews
In 2025, I set out on a mission to love my morning and night routine. When I took a look at my bathroom drawers, my piles of makeup, and my vanity, I knew there were products I loved in there, but all I could see was junk. I wanted to enjoy my time while putting on my makeup and while taking it off. Between all the items that were given to me and all of the ones I bought mindlessly, I was in a haze where I didn’t know what I loved and what I put up with.
To put a stop to haphazard buying and begin purposeful purchases, I began reviewing every “empty” I had. In August, I went through a lot of products that I will not be purchasing again – not because they weren’t great, but because they aren’t cruelty-free. In all honesty, I would love to purchase most of these items again. Though as I work my way towards a completely cruelty-free and vegan vanity, I have to say goodbye and turn the page.
Nothing for skincare! Check back next month ~
Pantene Pro-V Miracles Biotin + Collagen Sulfate Free Shampoo
Review: Out of the entire “miracles” line, I started with the biotin and collagen version purely because I love the idea of my shampoo and conditioner giving me longer and healthier hair. I did see a noticeable difference in my hair while using this Pantene line, with less frizz and a smoother feel. I’m not sure if it improved the health of my hair or made it grow faster. I’ve heard that you have to use a product for six months to see new hair growth, but I’m also not sure if I believe that. I would love to experiment more with the “miracles” line from Pantene, but it’s not cruelty-free, so I can’t say it will be permanent.
Repurchase: I have one more bottle to use and then no.
Pantene Pro-V Miracle Rescue Deep Repair Conditioner
Review: I can’t complain about this conditioner at all, and I actually really loved it. My hair feels more nourished after use, and I think it helps (as much as possible) with my frizz. I was looking for a conditioner that would promote healthy hair so my hair could continue to grow and flourish, and I think that this conditioner did a great job at doing that while being affordable. On that topic, this shampoo and conditioner set is incredibly affordable. When bought in a pack, it was about $19 total, and they last a long time. I would love for this to be my staple conditioner, but unfortunately, Pantene is not cruelty-free, so I will not be repurchasing.
Repurchase: I have one more bottle to use and then no.
Pantene Pro-V Miracle Rescue 10-in-1 Multitasking Spray + Keratin
Review: When I first saw this spray, I thought it sounded too good to be true. 10-in-1? That’s a lot to claim for one little bottle. But it was affordable and said it had heat protection in it, so I bought it. I actually ended up loving this spray, and I used it as a heat protectant twice a week. I’m not positive that it does everything it claims to, but my hair does feel softer and healthier, especially when combined with the shampoo and conditioner. I bought a second bottle before finding out that Pantene is not cruelty-free, so I have another bottle that I am currently using, and I will admit, I wish that Pantene were cruelty-free so that I could stick with it. I think this is great to use for heat protection, but also for after-shower frizz and moisturization.
Repurchase: I have one more bottle to use and then no.
Mielle Rosemary Mint Daily Styling Creme
Review: I tried using this in so many different ways (with my hair soaking wet, damp, sprayed with water), but every time my hair would dry, it would feel so crunchy. It would also end up flaking off white, and/or you could see the dry product, even though I used it sparingly and brushed it through my hair. I really could not get it to work, no matter what I tried. It smelled amazing, but unfortunately, I had to force myself to try to use as much of it as possible before I gave up.
Repurchase: No.
Madison Reed ColorWonder Demi-Permanent Hair Color Kit - 3N
Review: I dye my hair at home. Okay, okay, I can hear the booing and screaming through the screen. I dye my hair at home, and frankly, I can’t be stopped either. Since I am on a healthy hair journey, though, I decided that maybe it was time to stop buying random box dye from Walmart or Target and actually get something that wasn’t $10 and on the bottom shelf. I went to Ulta and found Madison Reed, a cruelty-free hair care brand, and to be honest, I am blown away. I used their Black Velvet hair dye, and at-home hair dyers know, box black hair dye is bound to come with some damage. Well, color me surprised, because my hair feels incredibly soft, there was no extra hair loss when I washed it out, and the color is so even around my whole head. I went from dark brown to black, and I have zero regrets about using this hair dye, even at home.
Repurchase: Yes.
Essie Licorice Nail Polish
Review: I love black nail polish, and I love painting my nails at home. I wish I could be a salon girlie, but as seen in the previous review, I do a lot at home, and it stems mostly from being cheap. Because of that, I need to have good nail polish, and for me, this is not it. Not only is Essie not cruelty-free, but this nail polish chipped so easily that it was a pain to use at the end of the day. I would put it on, and not even a day later, there were already chips on multiple nails. I need nail polish that is durable and doesn’t immediately need redone, especially since I have a desk job and am not banging my hands off of a ton of stuff. Hopefully, one day I’ll find it, because unfortunately, this is not it.
Repurchase: No.
Maybelline Great Lash Clear Mascara
Review: I bought this a long time ago to use not only as a clear mascara but also as a brow gel. Now I don’t know if I’m crazy, but for me, this never fully dried. I used it until it was empty, but I wasn’t super ecstatic about having to use it all. When I would put it on, if I touched my eye or eyebrow, it still felt damp/wet and would come off. I’m not sure why or how, but at the end of the day, it was a failed experiment. I will just use my Aquaphor for clear mascara and eyebrow gel instead.
Repurchase: No.
E.l.f. Hydrating Camo Concealer Satin Finish - Light Peach
Review: I typically love e.l.f. products and shoutout to them, because they are a massive brand and are actually cruelty-free. The problem is, this oxidized on me so much that I was embarrassed to wear it. I don’t know if I got the wrong shade or if that happens with all of them, but at first it was so pale that it was too light, and then it would become so orange that I couldn’t wait to take it off. For reference, I do have olive skin, so it is a bit harder for me to find undertones that match, but there was a weird back and forth with this product where I had both problems (too light and too dark) in one wear.
Repurchase: No.
TheraBreath Dentist Formulated Whitening Fresh Breath Oral Rinse
Review: I used to use TheraBreath and then stopped using mouthwash altogether, and when I wanted to go back to using it, I immediately went back to TheraBreath. I love the feel of their mouthwash and the fact that there isn’t that alcohol burning sensation. It feels a lot more natural as well as healthier for my teeth. I can’t speak to the whitening effect as I don’t know if I have seen any whitening, but my teeth do feel cleaner, and I do think I have fresh breath longer after using this. I recently looked it up and was so surprised to find that they are cruelty-free as well, so this will definitely be a staple in my vanity.
Repurchase: Yes.
Aquaphor Healing Ointment
Review: I use this for tattoos, my skin, taking off mascara, and my lips, and it took me genuinely forever to go to. I have another bottle, and I think it will take me a couple more years to go through that. The great thing about Aquaphor is how little you need for every application. The bad thing about Aquaphor is that they are, for some reason, not cruelty-free. I’ve used Aquaphor for years and years and never thought about straying, especially because it truly does save my skin in the winter. Sadly, I will be switching (in a couple of years, when I finally finish that second bottle), and I have already found the brand I will be switching to.
Repurchase: No.
Walgreens Dye-Free After-Sun Gel
Review: I use this product for absolutely everything. It was recommended online by Nina Poole to use as a face primer before wearing makeup, so initially, I bought it for that. Then I started using it as an occasional moisturizer, and of course, I also use it after tanning, so it quickly became a must-have in my bag. It’s affordable, it’s multi-use, and I absolutely love it. Because of the cooling effect that it has, I think it works great as a morning moisturizer, specifically since it will give an extra wake-up to your skin.
Repurchase: Yes.
Dove Body Scrub Brown Sugar & Coconut Butter
Review: In the past, I’ve used the Tree Hut body scrub, and I saw this at the store and picked it up to try. I loved the consistency, how moisturizing it was, and the smell was incredible. I really have nothing against this product either because Dove is cruelty-free, so I think it is great and perfect for those looking for an extra beauty item. I don’t think I use it enough to justify the space it takes up on my small shower nook, and honestly, I think I will just make my own. I own a lot of essential oils, sugar, and olive oil, so whenever I want to do a weekly scrub in the shower, I’m going to be turning it into a self-care ritual to make my own. But if you’re looking for a scrub to buy at the store and have handy, I think this would be a great one.
Repurchase: No.
Interested in more empties reviews? Check out My July 2025 Beauty and Health Empties and Reviews here!
