My July 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 July, I ran out of many of my skincare staples, but everything else ended up being products that were more of an odds and ends. Now that I am building shelves of items that truly make me and my body happy, I have a new qualification as well: cruelty-free and vegan!
The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%
Review: I found that many people who use retinol tend to use this product to give their skin an extra boost against acne. I agree that it helps significantly if your skin is alllllmost clear and needs an additional push. However, for me, I’ve reached a point where my skin has settled into my skincare routine without this product. I made sure to use it fully to reap all the benefits, but in the future, I will no longer need its assistance.
Repurchase: No.
Heritage Store Rosewater Refreshing Facial Mist
Review: I used to use rosewater when it was all the rage in the late 2010s, but I struggled to find an affordable and true-to-message one. I wanted a rosewater that felt refreshing, soothing, and wasn’t a money grab by a bigger brand. When Heritage Store Rosewater was recommended by Taylor Anderson on Instagram, I bought it since it was affordable as well. I now use it every day and plan on purchasing the toner too. I’m not sure if it works, I think I will see in the long run, but it doesn’t break the bank, and it is so refreshing throughout the day.
Repurchase: Yes.
Schick Hydro Silk Touch-Up Razors
Review: I’ve been using these for a long time, mostly because I can always find them at the store, and they are affordable. I will continue to buy these because I never get any cuts from them, they do the job very well, and they last a long time if taken care of correctly. I shave my face once a month (sometimes twice) and use these to do my eyebrows. Frankly, no complaints.
Repurchase: Yes.
Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula Skin Therapy Cleansing Face Oil
Review: I absolutely love this cleansing oil. It was recommended to me online by Nina Poole, and it works so well for my sensitive skin. I use about a pump and a half every morning and night, and I find that’s enough for my face and the upper half of my neck. While even using this much, it lasts for what feels like forever. My only concern is that it is not technically cruelty-free. I have been considering adopting a full cruelty-free skincare and haircare routine, so in the future, I will be trying to find something comparable.
Repurchase: No.
PanOxyl Acne Foaming Wash 10% Benzoyl Peroxide
Review: This is my staple face wash. I will never part with her. She’s cruelty-free, fights my acne like crazy, and is so affordable. I do hear people say that this product is too harsh for them or doesn’t work. If this product is too harsh, I would recommend using the lower benzoyl peroxide cleanser. I use the 10% because my skin needs it, and even though I have very sensitive skin, nothing has ever gone wrong. If you find it doesn’t work for you, try washing your face for two minutes instead of 30 seconds or one minute and see if that changes anything. Regardless, this product works so well for me. I love it dearly.
Repurchase: Yes.
Mio Sleeping Smoothie Overnight Serum
Review: This was given to me by my sister, so I spent nothing on it. I loved the smell. It was a tad citrusy and reminded me of being in a spa and getting a facial. The texture was very liquidy, so I did have to rub it in extra, but I believe you’re supposed to not rub it in fully to let it dry on your skin. It did slightly flake during the night, but I roll around a lot. This did smooth some of my texture, but also created individual pimples. For me, it was a no-harm, no-foul situation since I got it for free, but I wouldn’t spend money on it to keep using it.
Repurchase: No.
CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum
Review: I have been using this product for a long time now, and though I love it, it turns out CeraVe is not cruelty-free, which is actually very shocking to me. I will eventually be switching to a cruelty-free retinol, but as for now, my review is that this product works great. It is fantastic on my sensitive skin and helps keep my skin clear. For a retinol, I would say it is relatively affordable, and even though the bottle is so small, it lasts me a long time (about 2-3 months, I believe). I use one pump every night, and it gets the job done.
Repurchase: No.
Nothing for haircare! Check back next month ~
bareMinerals Complexion Rescue Tinted Hydrating Gel Cream
Review: I got my color match for this cream, and I really did love it. I was looking for something lightweight with subtle coverage. I think this is a great product, and if you are looking for something light and glowy for the summertime or year-round, this may be for you. For me, I don’t tend to go to Sephora or Ulta, so I would have to make an extra trip for this product. Call me picky, but that is why I will not be repurchasing this item. I’m looking for something I can simply pick up with everything else I buy. If you do go to either of those stores, I recommend trying this product.
Repurchase: No.
Arm & Hammer Advance White Toothpaste
Review: I shop at Aldi and Costco, and I am able to find this toothpaste at Aldi, so that is a win for me. But, I am also able to find other brands at Costco. While I liked the way this toothpaste worked, and my mouth felt very clean after use, they are not cruelty-free. If they were, I would 100% be repurchasing this item. This toothpaste is affordable and does the job very well while leaving me with fresh breath, so if that is what you are looking for, you’ve found it here.
Repurchase: No.
Secret Nurturing Coconut Antiperspirant / Deodorant
Review: I accidentally bought this deodorant because I thought it was the one I was looking for, and it turns out it wasn’t. I used it anyway since I wasn’t invested enough to return it. I found that I couldn’t smell the deodorant throughout the day, and though I didn’t smell like body odor, I didn’t smell amazing either. Deodorant that works, and works well, is very important to me, and for me, Secret has never been powerful enough. This was essentially me giving them another chance, and that failed.
Repurchase: No.
Compound W Wart Remover Maximum Strength One Step Pads
Review: I have had a tiny wart on my finger for so long, and this is the second Compound W product I’ve used on it. So tiny it may be, but mighty it is as well. I was about to give this product a “yes” as well as a raving review, until the little wart came back and seemingly, stronger. Some may grow attached to a friend who keeps coming back, but not me. I’m ready to part ways, and I was hoping this product would help with that. Maybe I’ll give it another try if I’m desperate enough, but I’m hoping to find something else.
Repurchase: No.
Colgate Toothbrush
Review: I used this toothbrush occasionally while using my other one, since this one had soft bristles and my other one was medium and too harsh for my mouth. While this toothbrush did its job fine, I am not able to fully reach the back of my mouth with it, leaving me unsatisfied at the end of my brushing. I am looking for an affordable toothbrush that holds up well and reaches my back molars. Is that too much to ask for?
Repurchase: No.
Spring Valley High Absorption Magnesium 200mg
Review: I use magnesium glycinate as an additional supplement to go to sleep every night. I’ve been using it for a long time now, and I think it works very well. I get way better rest now while avoiding the creepy dreams melatonin would give me (if you know, you know). I wake up feeling brighter, and since I’ve heard magnesium in general is good for you, I’ll take everyone’s word for it. I think this brand worked well for me, but I will buy whatever brand Costco and Aldi sell as well to avoid shopping at Walmart.
Repurchase: Yes.
