My October 2025 Beauty and Health Empties and Review
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. Over the summer, I began researching cruelty-free and vegan products and entertaining the idea of having a fully cruelty-free and vegan vanity. In October, I used up a lot of my non-cruelty-free products, and now that they are gone, I can replace them with sustainable and smart products. Though I actually enjoyed using a lot of them, I’d rather choose and love products that I can use without a guilty conscience. Using up these products is also setting up 2026 to be a great cruelty-free and vegan year!
Heritage Store Rosewater Refreshing Facial Mist
I love this product, and if you’re not new here, then you have seen this product before. I was recommended this online, and I had been looking for rosewater to use, so I took it as a sign. Well, it was a great sign because I bought it, and now, I plan on repurchasing it forever. I use this throughout the day as a pick-me-up, and I love how much it moisturizes my skin. For extra effect, I would put it in the fridge if that is an option for you. I’ve even started to replace washing my face in the morning with a few sprays of this and a toner.
Repurchase: Yes.
Heritage Store Rosewater Toner
I love this toner, and I really love that I can immediately tell it is in the same line as the facial mist because of how moisturizing this is. This is my first year using these products, and even as it starts to get colder, my face isn’t as dry. I use this occasionally instead of washing my face in the morning, and I really do just love how clean and refreshed it makes me feel. I’ve also never experienced something physically making my skin feel supple before this line.
Repurchase: Yes.
Skin1004 Madagascar Centella Watergel Sheet Ampoule Mask
I love this skincare line, so when I found this mask, I bought it immediately. I had received this mask before when I ordered from the brand and got it as a freebie, so I already knew that I liked it as well. It is so moisturizing, and it's perfect for sensitive skin. I love the ampoule, so having something like this that feels so rich and luxe while also being so great for your skin is perfection. If I see these again, I will pick up even more.
Repurchase: Yes.
CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum
I have been using this for a long time, and it wasn’t until I started to switch to vegan and cruelty-free products that I realized its flaws. For one, a big flaw is that CeraVe is not cruelty-free. Two, a flaw that was pointed out while I was searching for an alternative, is that CeraVe does not disclose the potency of retinol that is in this product. When I first heard that, I was very confused because I figured they must, right? Wrong! They don’t say it anywhere. So, I do not recommend this product at all as we must be aware of what is going on our skin.
Repurchase: No.
Youth to the People Superberry Hydrate and Glow Dream Mask
I was given this mask by my sister, and Youth to the People is a cruelty-free brand, so it was in the lineup of possible repurchases, and it still is. I really enjoyed this face mask in every way. I loved the smell (it reminded me of products that were used during a facial once), the consistency, and the result. I did feel like I woke up with brighter, more moisturized skin, and it didn’t break me out in the process. If I were looking for an overnight face mask and I was comfortable stepping into this price range, I would repurchase this. Since it isn’t a product I need or want right now, I won’t be.
Repurchase: No, but I would.
Pantene Miracle Rescue Split End Repair Serum
It took me genuinely forever to go through this product, but I do think I liked it. I put this in my hair straight after the shower, and I think it helped with frizz overall. With split ends? I’ve heard you can’t repair split ends, and I can’t really speak to repairing any of my hair, but I liked it for moisture, and I’ll leave it at that. Pantene is not a cruelty-free company, though, so I won’t be repurchasing anything from them.
Repurchase: No.
Pantene Pro-V Miracles Extreme Damage Care Shampoo
I liked this just as much as the last Pantene shampoo that I had, which was a lot, but I can’t really tell the difference between the two, or at least not after one bottle. I think Pantene shampoo does a great job at cleaning your hair and scalp, and I know I keep saying moisture repeatedly, but I saw a noticeable difference in my frizz. I would love to buy from this line again, but it isn’t cruelty-free, so I won’t be. I have the conditioner and spray left, and then it’s goodbye.
Repurchase: No.
KISS Bare but Better TruNude Nail Shades
I really like these nails, and I often buy them when I am going somewhere for the weekend or on vacation. They are super easy to put on and easy to take off if you are willing to just rip them off. One thing to note for me is that I do have smaller nail beds, and I think they stopped making the smallest size nail, because there is no longer a size that is small enough to go on my pinky. This is a bit heartbreaking for me, but I cut the nail, and it is good enough.
Repurchase: Yes.
Degree Advanced Protection Antiperspirant Deodorant - Vanilla & Jasmine
I really liked this deodorant because I thought it did a good job at masking body odor, and you could smell it when you sweat. I love deodorants that you can smell, and I think this was my third Degree deodorant, and I loved all of them. Sadly, Degree is not cruelty-free, and this was the last one I owned, so I will not be repurchasing.
Repurchase: No.
Colgate MaxFresh Toothpaste
I have been using this toothpaste my entire adulthood. I would sometimes try out another toothpaste, but nothing wowed me enough to switch. I think it is a solid toothpaste with a good texture, and it foams up a lot, which I like. I wouldn’t say this toothpaste is whitening, but it has kept my teeth strong and clean for many years. Since Colgate is not cruelty-free, I will be parting with it now, but I already found an alternative.
Repurchase: No.
Frenshe Milky Body Lotion - Solar Fleur
My sister gave this to me, and I absolutely loved it. I loved the texture of it, and I loved the scent so much. The scent isn’t complementary to what I normally wear, but by itself or paired with a plain vanilla perfume, I think it is really nice. I found this to be moisturizing while my sister didn’t, so I guess it is all in how you apply it and how much moisture you need to add to your skin. I really liked this, and if I wanted a lotion that was thinner, I would repurchase this.
Repurchase: No, but if I were in the mood, yes.
Cutex Care Ultra-Caring Nail Polish Remover
I’ve always used Cutex nail polish remover because my mom has always used it. To be honest, I don’t purchase this; I just steal my mom’s. What I will say is that I did notice a difference between this and the ultra-powerful nail polish remover also by them. I wear black and red nail polish, so if I were to buy it, I would buy something ultra-powerful instead of ultra-caring. So, this one, I will urge my mom not to repurchase.
Repurchase: No.
up&up Deep Clean Toothbrush
I was in Target and needed new toothbrushes, and, so far, I have only used one of these, but I really like them. I think the bristles are soft enough not to irritate my gums, but hard enough to make my teeth feel very clean. I would repurchase these, but I am looking to go back to bamboo toothbrushes instead of continuing with plastic.
Repurchase: No.
Interested in more empties reviews? Check out My September 2025 Beauty and Health Empties and Reviews here!
