As moms, it’s inevitable that we do what seems like an unending amount of research—whether it’s baby products or gear, childcare options, food, extracurricular activities, books, or simple home products, we are unified in our efforts to find the best feasible options for our families and ourselves.
But let’s face it, it’s exhausting. What we need most is an honest review from another mom that tells you whether or not a certain product is worth the investment and if it really works. Personal recommendations are always best, and that’s what we’re here to provide.
In this series, each month, the Everymom Editors are sharing their empties—that is, the products that they have used and finished. You’ll get their unfiltered thoughts on what the product is, whether or not it works, and if they would repurchase it.
We hope these empties help you ease some of that research load and provide you with helpful options for your own families. And if there are things you absolutely love and recommend, we’d love to hear about them! Enjoy our team’s September empties below.
This dry shampoo has the texture of baby powder (with its own fresh smell), and I love that it’s not an aerosol spray. I’ve had this for multiple years—so many, in fact, that I’ve lost track of how long I’ve had the same bottle. I even use it on freshly shampooed hair to add texture and help with styling. Truly worth the value.
I am new to the CBD world, and I have already recommended so many of Equilibria’s products to my friends and family. I take one softgel daily before bed to help with relaxation and sleep, which is especially helpful after wrangling a toddler who doesn’t like bedtime. The key with a CBD regimen is consistency, so I’ve incorporated these into my nightly routine for max effect.
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I bought this spray as a makeup setting spray, but I’ve since started using it as a part of my nightly routine to relax and treat myself in a small way at bedtime. I love the calming lavender scent and how refreshing it feels on my face after a long day. I honestly don’t know if it does anything game-changing for my skin, but I love how it makes me feel and how it’s an easy and inexpensive way to treat myself. I've already bought my second bottle.
I impulse-bought this on a Trader Joe's shopping trip, hoping this $7 version would replace my $40+ Origins Modern Friction. Both products claim to be like microdermabrasion. After using it, it didn't replace my more expensive exfoliator, BUT I still liked TJ's version. It's much more gentle, so it can be used daily versus how I use Modern Friction (once a week). So I'm going to keep using both.
In looking at my purchase history, I only need to buy Modern Friction about every six months making the $44 price tag worth it. I use it once a week and have yet to find something that makes my skin look so instantly polished. It does have a bit of a medicinal smell (and don't get it near your eyes), but I continue to use it year after year.
I was 100% influenced by our editor Beth’s glowing review of this body butter and it did not disappoint. I bought the lavender vanilla scent and it smells SO good. Plus, the consistency is perfect for everyday use all over, but also thick enough to tackle extra dry spots. I haven’t had a pedicure since the shut down, and this has been helping my super dry heels. To be fair, I'm only about halfway through it (it lasts!) but wanted to share because I think it's also an affordable gift idea to shop early.
I used to be dedicated to Aveeno lotion, but the past two years of chasing toddlers has been really getting to my feet. I don’t always have the time (or spare cash) to spend on a pedicure, so I got this amazing lotion after reading so many good reviews on Amazon. It’s thick but not too thick, and I could definitely see a difference in the look and feel of my feet after a few days. I'll be buying again for the dry winter months.
My sister-in-law is an esthetician and recommended this peel once a week to help with some of the acne I had been experiencing after starting a new birth control. So far, it has been really great, and I have also noticed my skin being less dry. It also smells amazing which is a bonus!
Fall is in full swing, and I feel it’s my duty to share that I absolutely love this $12 pumpkin face mask. I bought this last year to see if it would be a dupe for all of the other pumpkin masks on the market (and there are certainly a few). Is this a dupe? I can’t say, but I will tell you that I had a lot of fun with this mask, making it worth the just-over-$10 price point. I loved how soft and smooth my skin felt afterward, and it was the perfect mask to wear while I took a bath. If you’re looking for something fun to add to your skincare routine this fall, try this.
To be fair, this isn’t even remotely close to empty, but I’m throwing it out and figured I would share as a lesson to myself and anyone reading that vitamin C goes bad and to use your products before that. I went to use this on my face a couple of weeks ago and was utterly appalled at the absolutely rancid scent coming from this tiny little container and knew it had to go. I had it for about a year, so that makes sense.
As for how much I liked this, it was so-so. It did absolutely nothing for dark spots, but it definitely made me look glowy and hydrated. Had I used it more consistently, maybe I would have noticed better results, but I realized I really don’t like applying vitamin C in an oil format. Instead, I’ve fallen in love with my #1: Maelove Glow Maker.
This is hands-down the best drugstore moisturizer there is. This is the second tub I’ve gone through, and I’m sure I’ll keep buying it. When I want something reliable that I know works for me and keeps me extra hydrated, this is what I use. It’s a gel-cream, so it feels like nothing on my face (which was perfect for the summer), but it’s full of hyaluronic acid which keeps my skin plump and full of moisture. It’s a little expensive for a drugstore product, but I promise, it’s worth every penny.
My love for this mascara
has been expressed at length, so I won’t waste your time with another love note. But I will tell you that if you want thick, long, dramatic lashes, you are missing out if you don’t try this. Everyone I’ve gotten to try it falls in love with it. I’ve gone through about four tubes since it released, and I know I’ll keep buying it. However, I am also trying to go through my other mascaras for now and want to try some drugstore and clean versions first. But there will always be a special place in my heart (and my collection) for Kush Mascara.
This body wash is truly my favorite product I’ve purchased for my skin in years! Normally, I buy (the super cheap) kind from my local pharmacy, but during this crazy summer, I treated myself to something out of the ordinary and I’m so glad I did. I love the smell and texture of this body wash so much–every time I use it I feel like I’m at a spa. Let’s just say it gives me a much-needed mini break from 2020 reality. I’ve tried to use it very sparingly but as I’m now out, I’m sure I’ll be reordering it again soon.
I thought it was finally time to get on the vitamin C serum train after hearing all about the amazing benefits, so I decided to give this one a try. I picked it based on the affordable price point and excellent reviews. Overall, I feel kind of *meh* about it. It feels nice and refreshing and smells good, but honestly I didn't notice a huge difference in my skin. I'm not going to totally rule it out because I'm not sure if I used it long enough (this small size doesn't last very long—I had it for about six weeks), but I will say that I replaced it with a different Vitamin C serum to try. Stay tuned to see if I like that one better!
I very rarely run out of and repurchase beauty products because I like to try new things so often (bad habit, I know). However, I DID just repurchase this hyaluronic acid serum. As soon as the air even begins to cool off during the fall, all of the moisture is sucked right out of my skin, and I deal with extreme dryness all winter long. This product is one of the few things that really makes a difference and provides my skin with some hydration.
This under-eye concealer was first recommended to me by an Ulta employee, and it’s become my most-used makeup item. Unlike other concealers I’ve used, this hydrating formula significantly brightens my very dark under-eye circles, and I love that it easily glides right on my skin with this handy twist-up applicator. It looks even better with foundation added on top to really give my skin full-coverage, but now that I’m working from home, I most-often use this paired with a light powder foundation for a quick and simple everyday makeup look. I'd consider buying it again, but might try some other under-eye concealers first to compare.
I actually got this as a gift from a coworker (thanks, Beth!) a few months ago, and now, I’m totally obsessed with this small but mighty Versed product’s brightening and anti-aging qualities. I added this to my daily stay-at-home morning routine to give my dull skin a much-needed boost, and it really did wonders to make my face look brighter and more refreshed. Highly recommended. Plus, it’s from Target–what’s more convenient than that?!
I’ve been using Equilibria’s Daily Softgels for a few months now as part of my nighttime routine, and they continue to be my go-to for helping me relax before bed and sleep soundly through the night. I take one of these CBD capsules about an hour before bed, and because of their slow-release quality, it’s the perfect amount of time to help me settle into sleep and keep me from periodically waking up. This year has been the perfect time to start using CBD products as I’ve found myself lying awake some nights with a racing mind and feelings of anxiety—I highly recommend adding these softgels to your wind-down routine if you’re feeling the same.
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