My December 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 December, a lot of my empties consisted of products I have been working to get through for a while, so I can move on to something cruelty-free/vegan, or were items that were given to me. It honestly felt really good to get rid of a lot of this stuff without wasting it, so I hope to see the same progress in January! 

PanOxyl Acne Foaming Wash 10% Benzoyl Peroxide

Review: This is my go-to face wash, and I will never part with it. I only wash my face with this for around one minute, but if you want its full benefits, the brand recommends washing your face for two minutes. I also use this after an oil cleanser, which I think makes it work better since I am washing clean skin. I’ve heard that this is a bit too harsh for some people, so in that case, I would recommend the 4% version, but I have very sensitive skin, and this works wonders for me. I will say, I have ruined the collar of a T-shirt or two by getting this on them, so it is best to use it in the shower. 

Repurchase: Yes. 

Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow AHA Night Treatment

I didn’t buy this product; my sister gave it to me, so of course, I used it all up. What I will say is that this seemed to last forever. Every single time I thought I would be done with it soon, it would last another week. Because of the watery consistency, you’re able to spread it over your face very easily without using a lot of product. So, while that is a plus, I’m not sure I saw a big difference in my skin after using this. I didn’t like the way that it flaked off rather than soaking in, and it gave me a couple of blemishes, so I don’t think it is compatible with my skin. I have used an okay amount of Glow Recipe products, and I just don’t think it is a brand I would buy. My skin needs a little more intensity. 

Repurchase: No. 

CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen Body Lotion SPF 30

I really like this sunscreen, but I have to wait until summer to use it, or self-tan and use it after that. Why? Because it is orange. There is one shade, and it is not sheer at all; it’s more of a substitute foundation, so I’m not sure how this color is supposed to be universal. Recently, I saw that they took this feedback and made different shades. That’s obviously not the option I had. But I do own another bottle of this and will still use that up. On the positive, I really do like that I can use this instead of a foundation, and I like the coverage it gives me. With that, though, it does leave your skin looking very oily. So, you have to choose your battles. CeraVe is not cruelty-free, though, so regardless, I will not be repurchasing this after I use up my next bottle.

Repurchase: No.

Color Lux Color Cleansing Conditioner - Cocoa

I get a lot of grey hair, and my hair gets some lighter brown highlights that aren’t overly noticeable, but I like to keep my hair on the darker side. It wasn’t important enough to me to go dye my hair, but I wanted to give a color-depositing conditioner a try. Well, it failed. I tried using this with my hair dry, and I tried using this with my hair damp. I tried using it until the entire bottle was gone, and not once did it deposit any color on my hair. Just dye your hair at this point. 

Repurchase: No. 

Pantene Miracle Rescue 10-in-1 Multitasking Leave-in Spray

This was the third bottle I went through, and it was also my last. Sadly, Pantene is not fully cruelty-free, so I won’t be repurchasing, but I did really love this line while I had it. Now, 10-in-1 is a big stretch, so I’m not sure it did all that, but I thought it made my hair smoother and controlled some of my frizz. I liked it for that. Heat protectant? I’m not sure it worked. I think it also did aid in my hair health, but that could have been the combination of all the products. It was cheap enough that I was willing to buy it for the subtle change I saw in my dry hair. Though now, I will part with it. I have already bought my replacement product, so it is truly goodbye. 

Repurchase: No. 

Rare Beauty Pore Diffusing Primer

This is another product that I did not buy and was instead given. I used it, and I do think that it blurred my pores, but I would not put this primer over drug store primers. And for $30? Absolutely not. It was more smoothing than it was focused on keeping my makeup on, and I would rather have a primer that is committed to sticking my foundation to my skin. I’m also not sure I believe in pore smoothing, as people can still see your pores as your makeup sits. If you were to use only this product and then no foundation, you might have a better experience. 

Repurchase: No. 

The Huckleberry People Huckleberry Lip Balm 

This just showed up on my desk at home, and I started using it. I have no idea where to find it, but I wish I did because I normally can’t use any lip balms with SPF in them. Every time I use one, I get a weird acidic taste in my mouth, and I hate it, so I avoid them, but this one somehow didn’t have that effect. It also smelled really good, and I like a smelly lip balm, but if you like something neutral, then this is not that. If I could get this at my local drug store, I probably would. 

Repurchase: If I could. 

Wild Deodorant - Orange Marmalade 

I started using Wild deodorant a bit ago, and so far, I really like it. I do find myself reapplying it more than a non-natural brand, but I will take what I can get for the quality. I really like that I don’t have to feel bad about using this deodorant. It’s good for my body, it’s good for the planet, and it’s cruelty-free. Also, my case is Paddington the bear, so I can’t complain about that. I have auto ship on this product as well, so it conveniently arrives at my door every three months, and I don’t have to scavenge the store for what I want. 

Repurchase: Yes. 

Kitsch Shea Butter Exfoliating Body Wash 

I recently switched to Kitsch from Pantene since I was looking for an environmentally friendly, cruelty-free, and vegan brand. While I was ordering my beginner's pack, there was one with shampoo, conditioner, soap, and a tray. Normally, I use any bar soap that is wrapped in paper so I can use up all the soap and recycle the paper. I don’t believe in spending so much money on bar soap, though. So, I thought this soap was fine, but it was like any other bar soap, honestly. I’d rather make my own soap (super fun!) or buy Dove bar soap at the store. It did have a nice smell and cute design! I just don’t want to spend the money. 

Repurchase: No. 

TheraBreath Whitening Fresh Breath Oral Rinse, Dazzling Mint   

This has also become a staple in my daily routine, and I will definitely be continuing to use it in the future. I love that TheraBreath doesn’t have that alcohol feeling when I use it, and the mint is strong, but not to the point where it burns. I also find that my mouth feels healthier when I use this, and my breath stays fresher longer. You aren’t able to eat or drink anything for 30 minutes after using this, but that is a sacrifice I am willing to make. I haven’t seen any crazy whitening effects with this mouthwash, so if that is what you’re looking for, I would try it for yourself and see if there is any difference. 

Repurchase: Yes. 

Bath & Body Works Aromatherapy Stress Relief Essential Oil Mist 

I only buy something at Bath and Body Works if I have a coupon, and I have wanted this for a long time because I used to have it when I was younger. I love spraying a scent on my pillow before I get into bed, and this is one of my favorite scents. I was sadly disappointed because while it smells good, the smell doesn’t last for long. I would spray it four times, and after five minutes of being in bed, I wouldn’t smell it anymore. I think I would go nose blind to it, but then by the next night, the smell would have already faded, and then I spray it again; the cycle continues. So no, I won’t be using my next coupon on this.

Repurchase: No. 

Bath & Body Works Aromatherapy Sleep Lavender & Vanilla Body Lotion

This is my other favorite aromatherapy scent. I really only purchase the aromatherapy line if I get anything from this brand, but I like their selection in this line. This is my favorite wearable scent, and I do think it lasts longer than the mist did. I would be able to smell this on my skin if I were face to arm, but I don’t think it is very loud. After a while, the scent fades, and I like something longer-lasting and heavily scented. So, I only use this at night instead of during the day, but since I get it for free with a coupon, I can’t complain. 

Repurchase: Yes, if I have a coupon. 

Interested in more empties reviews? Check out My November 2025 Beauty and Health Empties and Reviews here!

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