We try a lot of products, but only a few earn pride of place in our bathroom cabinets and get used to the last drop. In this round-up of beauty empties, the team shares the skincare, haircare and everyday favourites we've scraped, pumped and squeezed within an inch of their lives. Some of our bathroom faves – and proof that we really use them…
Zoe Walker Ahwa, co-founder
JVN Complete Air Dry Hair Cream, $55
Now that I’m mostly working from home, air drying is a regular occurrence. It’s both good and bad for your hair: it saves you time and gives your hair a break from heat tools, but can also mean I’m a total frizzy lizzy if I really just let it do its own thing. I’m trying to embrace my natural waves – and I think ‘frizz’ gets a bad rep which is rooted in white beauty standards – and this makes a big difference. It helps moisturise but isn’t heavy, important for my fine hair.

Raaie Cocoon Ceramide Cream, $165
I recently started a new one so I don’t actually have an empty of this to prove my love, but trust me! I use it, love it, and have scraped the refillable pottle clean. This is one of those products I’ve used where I really could notice a difference to my skin: bouncy and feeling like it’s actually hydrated (Emma Lewisham’s Skin Reset Serum and Dermalogica’s Smart Response Serum also had this effect for me). It has seven ceramides, hyaluronic acid, marine algae, Mānuka honey and more, and smells divine.
Rebecca Wadey, co-founder
Emma Lewisham Skin Reset Serum, $158
This is the product that launched Emma Lewisham into the global beauty consciousness, fast gaining a cult-like appeal and generating buzz. And that’s because it’s really really good! My skin loves it and I get sad when I run out before I’ve had a chance to order a refill – like, right now. As you can see I’ve scrapped every morsel from that baby.

Westman Atelier Vital Skin Foundation and Concealer Stick, $134
I know this is empty but I really can’t bring myself to believe it, even though I have replaced it. I am so bad at getting rid of things - it’s not just the environmental aspect, it’s some weird emotional attachment. Like refusing to remove my rotting vegetables from the garden, or leaving a half used bag of breastmilk in the freezer for 10 years... Anyway, I am convinced that I can still get more out of this by really digging around with my brush, and will continue to do so. I love a stick foundation because it’s so easy to double up in the areas they need it, and barely touch other parts.

Sophie Albornett, intern
Beauty of Joseon Radiance Cleansing Balm, $32
Taking off your makeup after a night out is one of life’s little pleasures – that is, when I remember to do it. I use a Japanese mascara that’s almost impossible to get off (more about that later), but the lovely girls at Hikoco pointed me towards this balm and I’ve been squeaky clean since.

Sukin Certified Organic Rosehip Oil, $25
This has been my holy grail since I got my first pimple. I do not sing its praises lightly. After cleansing, I’ll slather this on before I go to bed, and always wake feeling smooth and moisturised. Better yet, it’s #organic – good for your skin and the earth!
Kissme Heroine Makeup Long & Curl Mascara Advanced Film, $29
I was introduced to the world of Japanese makeup during a holiday, and this mascara appeared over and over again. For good reason! It’s the only mascara that holds my stubborn lashes in a curl, and though it’s a pain to remove, I haven’t used anything else since. I’ve also put at least three different people onto it – just that good.

Dan Ahwa, contributing editor
Sans [ceuticals] Nourishing Hair Hydratant Ultra+, $47
A nice texture and I don’t need to use that much. It’s super hydrating, and great for thick wavy hair.

Speick Deo Roll-On, $18
I’ve been reluctant to use neutral deodorant in the past but this one doesn’t smell weird (it's scented with sage, marigold and chamomile), and actually works for my pits.
Aesop Moroccan Neroli Post-Shave Lotion, $81
I shave once a week with this; I don’t like to shave too often as it’s not great for my skin. But using this afterwards helps keep it hydrated. Mostly though, I just like the smell. It’s small, but it lasts.
