27 beauty products I rated so highly I used them right down to the last drop this summer
I've squeezed, spritzed and scooped every last drop out of these beauty routine favourites
As a beauty editor, I'm constantly testing new launches, but it's the products I reach for again and again - the ones that get used right down to the very last drop - that tell you everything about what's actually worth your money.
There's nothing quite like a running tally of empty bottles and jars to make you feel like you have a put-together beauty routine (rather than just a bathroom shelf of best foundations and face moisturisers that occasionally get used). And if this summer's heatwaves taught me anything, it's that a good natural deodorant is worth its weight in gold - I got through three of them, and I'm not even a little bit sorry about it.
My skin, meanwhile, decided that "dry" wasn't dramatic enough a descriptor for the warmer months, so my hydrating skincare usage went into overdrive: think serums layered on serums, a rotating cast of milky toners and face oils, and more lightweight moisturisers than I can count, all doing the heavy lifting my skin barrier couldn't. And with all that hydration came a renewed appreciation for SPF that doesn't fight it - the sunscreens on this list pilled less, layered better and left my skin looking (dare I say it) glowy rather than greasy. So, here are the 27 products I finished over the past couple of months, and why I loved them.
Why I finished it: Creamy and rich but so lightweight, this goes on like a dream, layers well, and keeps my skin feeling comfortable all day.
Why I finished it: I'm a sucker for a natural deodorant and this has to be up there with my favourites - a gorgeous fresh scent, creamy formula that doesn't irritate and actually kept me stink-free through the multiple summer heatwaves.
Why I finished it: I love this serum for a healthy radiant finish, plus it's comfortable to wear, totally non-irritating (to my skin at least) and layers nicely with my other skincare.
Why I finished it: An everyday must for me - whether I'm wearing my best lightweight foundation or going makeup-free, it goes on straight after my skincare for comfortable all-day hydration and a radiant finish.
Why I finished it: I was sceptical about the bi-phase formula at first but I loved it. I think my favourite hair serum to date, one pump left me with glossy, healthy-looking hair and a smooth blow-dry.
Why I finished it: A rich but lightweight and very hydrating moisturiser that left my skin comfortable and looking and feeling healthy all day long.
Why I finished it: One of the most popular on the market, I loved this deodorant. Not only does it work phenomenally (even in a heatwave) and smell incredible (like a high-end perfume), the infusion of AHAs helped to exfoliate my underarms for brighter-looking skin. I'm truly devastated it's empty!
Why I finished it: A stellar hydrating serum that presents as a creamy liquid, it soothes skin, leaves it hydrated for hours afterwards, sinks in quickly, and layers well with the rest of my skincare routine.
Why I finished it: This iconic hair oil delivers no less than its cult status would leave you expecting - it nourishes even my driest of ends, without leaving any greasy residue, leaving my hair shiny and swishy. And I love how a little goes such a long way.
Why I finished it: I was so pleasantly surprised by this high-street formula that I polished off the whole bottle in a matter of a fortnight. It's so hydrating and refreshing on the skin, utterly the perfect texture and layers amazingly with the rest of my products. Safe to say, I loved it.
Why I finished it: A moisturiser I rediscovered earlier this summer, it left me not wanting to use anything else. It's nourishing without being greasy or too heavy, and leaves skin with an even, photo-finish.
Why I finished it: As someone who, until recently, went 15 years only skipping dry shampoo on a hair-wash day, I know a good one when I see one (they truly are my kryptonite). Just a small spray of this refreshes even the greasiest of hair with no residue left behind and a lasting look that can take your hair wash from a couple of days to almost a week.
Why I finished it: Fussy was my first ever foray into natural deodorant and it converted me immediately. I think my favourite formula, it's super delicate on the skin so I can use it after shaving, it lasts all day, and it's refillable so you can try the array of gorgeous scents.
Why I finished it: A great hydrating serum, this very lightweight - almost watery - so sinks in in seconds and layers well with other skincare products.
Why I finished it: I love this for detangling after a hair wash, it's so nourishing on my dry lengths and ends and leaves them soft and smooth whenever they start out truly parched.
Why I finished it: A lovely aromatherapy spray that blends lavender, frankincense and chamomile for a subtle and calming scent. I love spraying this on my bed in the evening to convince my senses that it's bedtime!
Why I finished it: A great moisturiser - definitely more on the nourishing side (I probably wouldn't wear it in a heatwave), this is soothing but lightweight and layers well with sunscreen and makeup.
Why I finished it: I love a bedtime lip mask, but this slightly more lightweight option allowed me to bring that habit into the daytime. It leaves my lips looking healthy and fresh and lasts for hours.
Why I finished it: A lightweight mist that is designed for hair on the finer side, I actually quite enjoyed it on my thick, coarse hair, as it detangles in seconds and really nourishes dry lengths and ends without leaving any heavy residue.
Why I finished it: I can't tell you how many times I have repurchased this. Definitely up there with my highest ever repeat products, I use this everywhere to nourish the skin, and it works amazingly, soaking in in seconds and leaving no sticky or greasy residue behind. My skin looks and feels naturally bright, plump and hydrated after use.
Why I finished it: I'm partial to a good, lightweight face oil to mix into my daily moisturiser for a bit of extra, long-lasting nourishment. This was one of my favourites, hydrating skin well without leaving any oily or heavy residue behind. I've definitely been stretching it out to the very last drop...
Why I finished it: Truly one of the best Korean beauty products in my opinion, highly nourishing but so lightweight and swipes on really easily - locking in all of the goodness from my serums underneath without feeling heavy or greasy. I love it.
Why I finished it: A great lightweight and hydrating moisturiser, that sits nicely on top of serums and underneath my sunscreen and leaves skin looking smooth and even.
Why I finished it: I love a milky toner and this was one of my favourites to use. It's so hydrating, creating a good base for skincare or makeup and giving a comfortable feel that lasts all day.
Why I finished it: The only hand cream worth using if you're prone to dryness, this leaves hands soothed and nourished for hours without leaving an annoying greasy residue.
Why I finished it: One of the best hyaluronic acid serums if you're on a budget, this is a hardworking product that layers well and keeps skin hydrated.
Why I finished it: We all love CeraVe skincare, so I loved seeing them move into the SPF category with this hydrating sunscreen that went on nicely with pilling, was lightweight to wear and left skin with a smooth finish.
