Top 15 Beauty Empties in 2024

 

In 2024, I have emptied 81 products and here are the top 15 beauty empties I loved and would repurchased. 

This year has been a whirlwind, balancing a demanding full-time job with extended hours, time-intensive blog writing, collaborations, product reviews, dedicated exercise routines, and managing my Instagram content—including planning, scheduling, and photo/video shoots with captions. One of my key goals for 2024 was to spend more quality time with my loved ones, and I’m grateful to have achieved that.

With limited time, I had to scale back on journaling and deep reflections, as well as decline several collaborations, to focus on personal priorities like planning trips to Seoul, Korea, in May; a staycation in Johor Bahru, Malaysia in July; Taichung and Taipei, Taiwan, in November; and a quick getaway to Batam, Indonesia, in December. Despite the hustle, 2024 has been a fulfilling year of hard work, creativity, and meaningful experiences. 

The concept of "beauty empties" might seem like just another social media trend, but it holds a deeper meaning - to me, it is about sharing a story of commitment, trust, and authenticity in a world brimming with beauty products and quick reviews.

1. A Testimony to Consistency

Using a product until the last drop speaks volumes. Unlike first impressions or sponsored posts, empties reflect long-term use and genuine opinions, showcasing what truly worked for me and worth investing in. 

2. A Sustainable Perspective

The beauty industry is under growing scrutiny for its environmental impact. Empties promote mindful consumption, fostering a mindful approach to beauty shopping and reducing waste. It helps to track my progress and stay accountable for finishing what I already own. It’s a satisfying ritual that celebrates both self-care and responsible consumption.

3. Discovery and Inspiration

It could be a goldmine for beauty lovers seeking new favorites. Whether it’s a cult classic or a hidden gem, I hope my recommendations might help you to discover your next holy grail product.

4. Celebrating Wins in the Beauty World

Finishing a product isn’t always easy—especially with the endless new releases vying for attention. Showcasing my empties is a mini celebration of finding holy grails and staples that deserve the spotlight.

Here are my top 15 products for 2024! Spot any of your favourite products in my list below? 

Carribean Spectrum Of The Seas (October 2023)

 

Onboard a 4D3N Carribean Spectrum Of The Seas back in October 2023. We were provided an option to put in a bid to upgrade our room and I bidded S$40 per guest ( total S$80 ) which was successful!

We upgraded from Ocean View to Ocean View Balcony and it was an absolute steal. 

Endless delicious dishes and incredible performances.

Food were great and performances were world-class. We enjoyed the cruise except that it was pretty crowded despite being in October. Imagine if its June or December?

I brought my gym gear but I didn't even step into the gym. HAHA. 

TOP 20 BEAUTY EMPTIES I LOVED IN 2023

 

In 2023, I have used up 113 products and shortlisted the following 20 beauty empties I loved. 

I am a fan of sharing beauty empties both on blog and on my instagram account - reviewgalore and also loved reading beauty empties' reviews by others. 

Sharing empties provide reviews based on the entire experience with a product which includes not just the initial impressions but also how the product performed over time. Recommending empties demonstrates that the product has been used consistently and has formed a well-informed opinion about its efficacy. 

Empties also tie into the sustainability movement. By using up products completely, we are reducing waste and making the most of the resources and packaging. This aligns with the idea of conscious consumption and minimizing environmental impact. Adding on, I like to keep track of my beauty empties as a way to monitor my skincare/beauty routines and to repurchase products which worked for me. 

Here are my top 20 products for 2023! Spot any of your favourite products in my list below? 

CLEANSERS AND TONERS

Muji Mild Milk Cleansing : Lovely citrus scent that is uplifting and invigorating. It cleanses gently and felt nourishing on skin as a second cleanse. I enjoyed using it and will repurchase. 

3D2N Trip To Desaru

 

I visited Desaru, Malaysia over the weekend, a 3D2N trip with my parents and niece and nephews. These memories are much treasured since I don't get to travel much with my niece and nephews. 

Accomodation : Hard Rock Hotel Desaru

Suites : Studio Suite Gold ( featured above ) 

Rock Royalty : Rock Royalty King

Transportation : Sgmytrips from Singapore to Desaru /from Desaru back to Singapore

Transportation : Book Hotel Limo via Hard Rock Hotel

Top 23 Beauty Empties I Loved in 2022

 

Time to share my favourite beauty products for 2022 after using up 149 products! I discovered several lovely moisturizers and great face masks this year and is focused on emptying products every month. I also made the eco-friendly shift to rinse-off masks and it is the best decision ever. 

Here are my top 23 products for 2022! Spot any of your favourite products in my list below? 

MAKEUP REMOVER AND CLEANSER

COXIR Ultra Hyaluronic Cleansing Oil : Gentle and effective cleansing oil, leaving skin clean, clear, soft and smooth!

My 3D2N Batam Trip + Beauty Shopping + Haul

 

I needed a short break and we made the decision to travel out to Batam, Indonesia. Booked the ferry tickets, hotel and insurance all within a month. 

Ferry : Horizon Fast Ferry 

Hotel Stay : I Hotel Baloi

The horizon fast ferry took an hour to reach Batam Harbourbay and I do recommend one to use Gojek for cheaper cab fares. 

Highly recommended by a friend, the location of the hotel was great as it was within walking distance to 2 malls ( Grand Batam Mall and Batam City Square Mall ). Perfect to shop with my parents as they can rest at the hotel whenever they are tired. 

Service was great initially as they allowed me to check-in early. However, there was a baby lizard in the bathroom of my hotel room and 2 baby cockroaches in my parents' room. Not a pleasant experience.

Bye 2021, Hello 2022

 

How was 2021 for you? Hope it had been a good ride for you!

2021 hasn't been an easy year for me - I had a miscarriage in September and contracted Covid in December, despite being cautious and careful. 

Some of my family members had surgery, diagnosed with medical condition or hospitalized. 

Nevertheless, life goes on and I am always thankful and grateful for life's little blessings where my daily gratitude journal had kept me going for the last 3 years. 

" A gratitude journal enables us to keep track of the good things in life. It reminds us that no matter how difficult and challenging life can sometimes get, there is always something to be grateful for. Even yourself. Yes, do not forget to say 'thank you' to yourself, as strange as they may sound. "

As we get ready to kick off another year, I want to say how grateful I am that you have joined me on this skincare journey. I like to thank each and every one of you, for being here with me. 

For beautiful glowing skin, always remember to

- use sunscreen

- stay hydrated

- load up on fruits and vegetables

- get quality sleep 

- manage stress

- don't touch your skin

- use the right products

Writing this blog has been labour and time-intensive and it would never have been possible without the love and support from all of you. 

For reading, sharing, using my affiliate links or just supporting me silently behind the scenes, I appreciate your presence and your value. Thank you so much! 

Here's wishing you happiness, prosperity and good health in 2022!

And always remember that someone out there feels better because you exist.

If you are still lost in life...

May every year be one of positivity and a season of forgiveness...

And finally, may 2022....

Thanks so much for reading! Sign up on my mailing list so that you will not miss a post again!

 

Lets connect : Instagram | Pinterest | Bloglovin

Top 21 Beauty Empties I Loved in 2021

 

It has come to that time of the year where I will be sharing my favourites out of the 163 empties for 2021. 

Discovering great skincare products is one of my greatest joy in life and I hope to share them with you through this blog. 

FACE CLEANSER AND SPOT TREATMENT

Heimish All Clean Balm : Gentle and effective in removing sunscreen, face and eye makeup and is never oily or drying. I can also use it around the eyes without any irritation and it was able to remove eyeliner and mascara well. Clean, soft, smooth and hydrated skin! 

Where To Purchase : Stylekorean

Sulwhasoo Gentle Cleansing Oil EX : I really love the product from its divine scent to the cleansing power which always left my skin clean, clear, refreshed and healthy looking.

Where To Purchase : Shopee | Amazon | Amazon SG | Sulwhasoo US

Sioris Cleanse Me Softly Milk Cleanser : Gentle, low pH cleanser which is soothing and hydrating. Made my skin softer, smoother and more supple with long term usage.

Where To Purchase : Amazon | Shopee | Amazon SG

IDS Pore Formula : Effective in reducing the zit, flattening the zit and ripening the zit by the following morning.  

Where To Purchase : Amazon SG

List of Surgical Masks Manufactured by Local Licensed Manufacturers

This is non-beauty related. 

With the heightened alert to minimise risk of community spread in Singapore to combat the rise in COVID-19 cases, here are the List of Surgical Masks Manufactured by Local Licensed Manufacturers ( updated on 21 May 2021 ).

These are medical and surgical masks manufactured by HSA-licensed local manufacturers that meet 95% Bacterial Filtration Efficiency (BFE) based on EN 14683 / ASTM F2100 (non-exhaustive).

Goodbye 2020, Hello 2021

 

How has this year been for you? On a scale of 0 to 5, how would you rate yours? 

There is no doubt that 2020 has been a year like no other. And while many of us will be thankful to see it come to a close, this year has been a game changer for digital-first experiences like Tik Tok and ecommerce. 

I am incredibly blessed that traffic has surged for my blog this year as many of us at home started to take #selfcare seriously. I am indeed thankful that many of you trusted my reviews and I will continue to provide quality and genuine content for you. 

As usual, I will share some meaningful and inspirational quotes. There's hidden value in finding a concise expression that perfectly distills our own beliefs. 

The right quote at the right time can change things as they encourage us to get up, overcome tough times, take action, stop procrastinating, escape comfort zone, invest in personal growth and do the hard work that needs doing. 

Inspirational quotes keep me going during my darkest periods and I hope these quotes can help you too. 

If 2020 has not been your year but you have at least tried.....

Top 25 Beauty Empties I Loved in 2020

 

I used up 95% of my beauty products in general and here's sharing my top 25 products from 197 empties in 2020. The reviews on my blog are usually based on products which I have emptied as I believe one sees results with consistent usage. I do encourage one to empty products as much as you can, in a bid to reduce waste but even if you can't, due to short expiry dates, sensitivity issues or unsuitability, you can always pass it along to someone else, or use it on your body. Check out What To Do With Skincare Products That Do Not Work.

This year has been unlike others, and I haven't been using makeup since we are wearing masks all the time but I get to spend more time on skincare, body care and hair care. I have to add a disclaimer that, beauty products are very personal and what works for me may not necessarily works for you but I really do like these products and wouldn't mind repurchasing them. 

SKIN CLEANSER

Three Aiming Cleansing Balm : Made in Japan, this is a luxurious buttery formula with an absolutely-to-die-for scent. The soothing and calming scent makes it such a luxurious spa-like treat at the end of a work day, to remove make-up.

Andalou Naturals Apricot Probiotic Cleansing Milk : The apricot scent smells absolutely divine and the light-weight milky consistency is so gentle to the skin. I have repurchased it recently.

Where To Purchase : Iherb | Amazon SG | Amazon 

Dr. Lewinns Private Formula Sensitive Cleansing Milk : Being a cleansing milk fan, this cleansing milk hits all the right marks as a gentle and nourishing cleanser. 

Merry Christmas 2020

 

Skin first, makeup second, smile always! Be your own kind of beautiful!

Merry everything and happy always!

Dream big, sparkle more, shine bright and leave a little sparkle wherever you go!

We are like snowflakes, all different in our own beautiful way.

Wishing you joy, peace and a whole lot of love. Merry Christmas!

Wishing your holiday season be filled with sparkles of joy and love, a year full of happiness and good health!

Treasure the present and create a beautiful tomorrow!

Merry Christmas to you and your family!

Here's to better times ahead for everyone. Stay healthy and safe in 2021.

My 6D5N Thailand Trip ( Bangkok / Khao Yai ) + Beauty Shopping + Haul

Bangkok

This was an impromptu trip to Bangkok and Khao Yai, Thailand. We made a decision on Black Friday, booked the accommodation and air tickets during the weekend and off we go, after Christmas. 60% of the hotels were fully booked so I did not manage to get the better ones which suit my budget and location.

Bangkok

This is my 4th time to Bangkok, the last trip was 6 years ago. There are many changes since then. Prices gone up slightly, there are more shopping malls, night markets and there are more beauty brands now.

Bangkok

Goodbye 2019 Hello 2020!

This is a scheduled post as I would be away during the New Year hence I would keep it short and sweet.

Today is the last day of 2019 and as usual, I would end my written journal with reflections, achievements, experiences, things to be grateful for and what I have learnt for the year. However, since I would be away, I will do that when I am back in early January.

For this blog, I am grateful for readers who read my reviews and hope that I have helped them in making better decisions in choosing the right products for their skin type.

For instagram, I am thankful to be able to collaborate with several brands and shops, happy to forge new friendships with like-minded skincare fanatics and also get to learn more about new products.

Goodbye 2019 and Welcome 2020! Here's wishing all of us a great 2020 and may it always be better than the previous year!

Top 16 Tried and Tested Skincare and Bodycare Products I Love in 2019

As always, here's the round up of the best products among those I have tried in 2019. In total, I have used up 152 beauty products and here are the top 16. Are any of them your favourites too?

SKIN CLEANSER

Banila Co Clean It Zero : Loving this so much! Clean and clear skin, effective and non-stripping!

You can purchase it from Amazon : Banila Co. Clean It Zero

Kat Burki Vitamin C Nourishing Cleansing Balm :  Pairs well with muslin cloth for softer and smoother skin!

SKIN TONER

Leahlani Skincare Bohemian Ruby Balancing Toner : Delightful great scent and hydrated skin.

Pyunkang Yul Essence Toner : Affordable, few ingredients and very soft and smooth skin. Great for sensitive and dehydrated skin.

You can purchase it from Iherb or Amazon
Pyunkang Yul Essence Toner 100ml ( Iherb )
Pyunkang Yul Essence Toner 200ml ( Iherb )
Pyunkang Yul Essence Toner 100ml ( Amazon ) - Amazon Popular Choice
Pyunkang Yul Essence Toner 200ml ( Amazon ) - free samples

SKIN SERUM

The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid + B5 : Hydrated, bouncy and very smooth skin!

SUNCARE

Troiareuke Acsen UV Protector Essence SPF50 PA+++ : If you are looking for a lightweight, non-sticky, non-greasy and with high sunscreen protection, then this is the one for you!

SKIN FACIAL MASK

Sulwhaoo Radiance Energy Mask : A sleeping mask that makes my skin look plump and "rested" the following morning. Soft, smooth and radiant too!

Where To Buy : Amazon
Sulwhaoo Radiance Energy Mask

Blithe Blue Zone Marine Intensive Mask Sea Cucumber : My skin is smooth, supple and slightly brighter after one session!

Where To Buy : Sephora | Amazon
Blithe Blue Zone Marine Intensive Mask Sea Cucumber

Skin Inc Soothe-N-Purify Black Gold Mask : Significantly brighter, clearer, fresher and calmer skin as though I just had a mini spa at home. It is a good pampering treat to restore radiance to skin.

Where To Buy : Sephora | Amazon
Skin Inc Soothe-N-Purify Black Gold Mask

Dr. Morita Hyaluronic Acid Facial Mask : Impressive mask that hydrates my skin very well!

Josh Rosebrook Cacao Antioxidant Mask : Fresh and glowing skin, very clean pores though drying which can be resolved with a good hydrating mask or skincare routine.

Arcona Magic Black Ice Volcanic Exfoliating Mask : Once you tried this exfoliating mask, you would never try other brands again!

Where To Purchase : Sephora

SU:M37 Bright Award D-Purifying Clay Sheet Mask : If you are looking for a brightening mask coupled with deep cleansing needs, then Su:m37 Bright Award D-Purifying Clay Sheet Mask would be the one for you!

Skylake Herbal Mask Pack ( Brightening Care ) : If you have been looking for an effective brightening mask, I highly recommend trying this mask which is a value buy considering its price and effectiveness.

BODY

Origins Smoothing Ginger Body Scrub : In love with with its gentle and non-abrasive texture as well as its addictive ginger aroma!

Shikai Vanilla Moisturizing Shower Gel : Their shower gels suit me well, including this Vanilla variant.

Where To Buy : Iherb

Dr. Seed Honey Bomb Moisture Body Wash ( Lemon ) : Gentle, non-stripping and the uplifting scent are winning points!

Lucas Papaw Ointment : Finally, I found a product that can bring my scaly hands back to normal, after a cold trip abroad!

And there you have it, all my top 16 products in 2019! Check out my Top 22 products in 2018, Top 15 Products in 2017 and Top 5 Products in 2016.

Check out this skincare routine to radiant, crystal clear skin!

On A Short Break

I will be away on a short trip to Legoland Malaysia. The first time I visited Legoland was many years ago, as a day trip but this time, I will be staying at the hotel with my niece and nephews.

I will be having a break and back to blogging on 9th December. Meanwhile, here are some of my popular posts.

Kora Organics Cream Cleanser Review 
Banila Co Clean It Zero Cleansing Balm Review 
O'right Caffeine Shampoo Review 
Thank You Farmer True Water Vita Mist Review 
InstaNatural Pro-Radiant Skin Brightening Serum Review
Nuskin Ultimate Mask Waterfull Mask Review 

Goodbye 2018 Hello 2019

Today is the last day of 2018 and its time to sit down, reflect and pen down the year's activities, achievements and conclusions. Is yours doing great?

This year, I have watched several K-dramas which talked about 2nd chances in life, like Familiar Wife, Go Back Couple and The Miracle That We Met. It made me wonder what if there is really a Life Reset Button, will I change the way things are now?

This year has been a good year, not perfect but good enough. I made the time and effort to do things that can bring me closer to my goals, met up with people who matter, planned activities to increase bonding with my loved ones, continued to practise my daily gratefulness and thankfulness for life's little blessings, lost a little weight from my daily long walks, visited TCM weekly to improve my health immunity, increased my financial literacy through reading, blessed free goods to others and did more for the environment through the zero waste movement.

If 2018 has not been a good year for you, fret not...

...Its not the end of life....you can always start again...to make things right..

If you have always been procastinating, remember that you only live once so if not now, when?

No matter what happens, make time for the people and things that matter...

Whatever the new year brings, you are now better equipped and more prepared than ever...with the past year's wisdom and experiences....

Wishing you a Happy 2019 and may the new year be better than 2018!

I am thankful and grateful to all of you, reading my blog and supporting me for the past year. Feel free to write to me, if you need help with skincare issues, product usage, on things which I can improve, etc. I am no expert but I will help with whatever knowledge I have amassed from years of being a skincare lover. Take Care and See You in 2019!

Top 22 Tried And Tested Products I Love in 2018

In 2018, I have tested out 129 Skin, Body and Haircare Products and 22 emerged as the best among them. Here are the products and I hope you like them as much as I do. Spot any of your favourites?

SKIN CLEANSER :
Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm : A solid balm which melts into a silky oil-milk emulsion, upon massaging on dry skin was able to remove my make-up thoroughly. It glides on skin so well and makes my skin super soft after each cleansing session. So much love for this product!

You can purchase it from Amazon : Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm

Edible Beauty No. 1 Belle Fracais Cleansing Milk  : This is one of my best finds in 2018 and I love it so much. If you are a cleansing milk fan like me, then you must try this at least once in your lifetime. Using the cleanser has made my skin softer, smoother, nourished and less dry. It is an effective product for my skin, with a lovely cleansing experience in scent and texture.

You can purchase it from Sephora.

Odylique Creamy Coconut Cleanser : Made my skin so soft and smooth and conditioned my skin so beautifully and perfectly that I can't help but to do a little dance around my bathroom.

You can purchase it from Amazon : Odylique Creamy Coconut Cleanser 

Merry Christmas 2018!

How time flies. Its Christmas once again! Gift someone a handmade gift, hand -drawn picture, a photo book, a paid experience, a donation to a charity, a volunteering experience and the list is endless.

Merry Christmas and may you enjoy it with your loved ones, wherever you are.