When you work in beauty, a big part of the job is trying out new products, no matter if you already have your face moisturizer or your red lipstick. Which isn't to say you can't have a few standbys, but the name of the game is experimentation: you're constantly moving from one product to the next, to see what works and thus what's important to tell the world (i.e., you) about. It's a rare experience, then, to find yourself coaxing out the last drops from a moisturizer tube, or fumbling with a tiny stub of eyeliner. But when we do finish something, it means we must really love that product. Hence this occasionally recurring feature: Things We Finish, in which we talk about the products that we spoiled beauty junkies squeeze, scrape, or shake 'til there is nothing left. Here are the beautiful empties we had laying around this month:
La Mer The Moisturizing Soft Cream
Used by Bela Yousif, Communications Manager
"My wallet will never forgive me for drinking the La Mer Kool Aid (Miracle Broth) but this stuff feels like whipped clouds on my face. It really is so soft. Not sure if layering moisturizers like serum is a no-no but don't be surprised if you find me adding this on top of Crème de la Mer and maybe under Priming Moisturizer."
La Roche-Posay Anthelios 50 Tinted Mineral Ultra Light Sunscreen
Used by Alena Jaffe, Senior Packaging & Print Designer
"This is my all time favorite sunscreen because I'm acne prone and on Tretinoin, so I need a physical sunscreen to protect myself during the day. This one is tinted, so doesn’t leave a white cast and gives me a good foundation for my makeup. I’ve gone through at least six bottles."
Drybar Southern Belle Volumizing Mousse
Used by Melissa Sova, Performance Marketing Manager
"My hair is incredibly straight and flat. It doesn’t hold a curl, and it's weighed down by 'beachy' texturizing sprays and drugstore mousse. This is the only product that's ever given me fluffy hair day after day (even when applied to wet hair at night and slept on). The only downside is that I refuse to leave it behind when I travel, so I have to check a bag."
Nars Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer SPF 30
Used by Kathryn Ordower, Executive Director of Legal Affairs
"This is the only product that's ever had me thinking seriously about opting into a subscription service. I reliably buy it every three months and use it almost every day. It evens out my sometimes-blotchy skin very while still being extremely lightweight and wearable. Plus it's SPF 30 so I feel like a responsible grownup when I use it."
Aveda Pure Abundance Style Prep
Used by Gaby Azorsky, gTEAM Editor
"I spray this on my hair post-shower, or in the morning if my hair is a mess from the night before. It helps me achieve the look I’m usually going for: tousled artist who went to the beach two days ago but still has that salty volume in her hair."
Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Serum
Used by Peyton Johnson, Customer Insights Associate Manager
"I like using this at night after I've done something really exfoliating, like the Drunk Elephant Babyfacial or a few nights of Differin. That shakes out to about twice a week. My skin just drinks it in and looks plump the next morning. When I ran out of the 1oz, I restocked with the 1.7oz during a VIB sale—it's the first nice skincare product I've ever restocked! Momentous!"
CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion
Used by Alena Jaffe
"This moisturizer is so light and soaks into my skin effortlessly and quickly without leaving any residue. It is also great for calming down my breakouts. And the price is right!"
Anese That Booty Tho Scrub
Used by Sam Law, Senior UX Researcher
"I’ve only been using this for a few weeks, but it has quickly become my favorite body scrub. I’ve slowly started using it everywhere, but I cannot say enough how much it has improved the smoothness of the skin on my buns. Especially as someone who is prone to body blemishes from working out (not to mention the scars of blemishes past). And it doesn't feel too harsh either. Just wish it came in a bigger jar."
Dior Lip Glow
Used by Gaby Azorsky
"Everyone know: This balm adjusts to the pH balance of your lips, so it was my go-to for summer if I needed some tint. I liked how it gently defined my lips while making them look a bit plump. And I hear it's one of the most clicked products on ITG, so I must be doing something right."
Ritual Vitamins
Used by Alena Jaffe
"When I finally entered my mid-20s and noticed that I didn’t feel as great as I once did I turned to Ritual for my daily vitamin. I love that I don’t have to take a bunch of different pills to get all the vitamins that I need, and that they get delivered to my doorstep every month. Plus, it has ingredients like vitamin K2 and vitamin E which promote healthy skin (this is about beauty after all), and other awesome ingredients that make me feel energized and healthier."
La Mer The Brilliance Brightening Essence
Used by Kate Park, Frontend Engineer
"On a whim, with 10 minutes to spare before boarding started, I purchased this essence (the mask I originally wanted was sold out) on my way back from Korea. My skin felt and looked better, but I’m not 100% convinced—especially to remove another $135 from my Yeezy budget—that my dark spots lightened. I might need to continuously use this for a year before I determine whether it’s worth the high price point. That being said, there is a 99% chance that I will pick up another bottle on my next flight back from Korea."
Lipstick Queen Medieval Red
Used by Kara Freewind, Copy Manager
"Less of a lipstick and more of a balm, this helps me look more alive without any real work. I slap it on most mornings while I’m waiting for the subway. It’s a really subtle natural red, like you’re a sexy cherub or coming in from the cold. A red lip that’s not a RED LIP."
Grown Alchemist Body Exfoliant
Used by Gaby Azorsky
"This tube smells refreshing with the peppermint, and the jelly viscosity feels like it’s working. I’m not sure if it actually leaves me softer and more clean, but I don’t really care. Using it is joy enough for me."
Photographed by Tom Newton.
Curious to know what those Glossier HQ peeps keep in their makeup bags at the office? Read here to know.
