I Test Beauty Products for a Living—6 Empty Bottles I'll Be Buying Again Right Away

      (Image credit: Lucy Robinson for Who What Wear UK)

      After 12 years in this role, I wouldn't be truthful if I claimed my passion for the beauty industry remains unwavering. There are days when the idea of testing yet another face serum or foundation fills me with reluctance. As someone who values consistency in their beauty routine, frequently swapping out products to try the latest launches isn't always met with enthusiasm. However, I must confess that this year feels different. I’ve been more thrilled than ever about some new products arriving on my desk, and I've been diving into them eagerly. Yet, being a completist, I had some lingering favorites from 2025 that I needed to use up in January before fully embracing the new items. Here’s the rundown: despite the myriad of beauty products I'm eager to apply, these six are exceptional enough for me to finish.

      1. Merit Brow 1980 Volumizing Pomade

      I don't care what anyone else says; this is the finest brow gel available. I've tried and tested all the prominent brow gels on the market, and nothing compares to the results I get from this one by Merit. Of course, your choice may vary based on the outcomes you're seeking, but if you desire brushed, full-looking brows with a natural finish, this is the one for you. This is likely my sixth or seventh tube, and I’ll definitely be replacing it right away.

      2. Jo Malone London Orange Blossom Diffuser

      The room diffuser I completed in January (which is quite rare) was Jo Malone London's Orange Bitters—a festive, limited-edition scent released every Christmas. Honestly, if it had still been available in January, I would say it’s worth every penny and deserves to be enjoyed year-round. (It has a fresh, just-showered spiced orange scent, not creamy or overly sweet.) Consider this a reminder to include it on your winter wish list later in the year. For now, keep an eye out for Orange Blossom. It’s creamy, floral, delightfully fresh, and Royal-approved (the Princess of Wales wore it on her wedding day)—pure springtime happiness.

      3. Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Bronzer

      The condition of my Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Bronzer clearly shows how much I love this product. If you're looking for a matte, baked bronzer that blends effortlessly into the skin, this is your go-to. I'm such a fan that I haven’t been able to bring myself to finish it. Fortunately, last month I got a new one, so I no longer have to be without it. Needless to say, it has been on my face ever since I received the new compact. I want to achieve that sun-kissed, "lost in the desert" look, and this bronzer delivers just that.

      4. Three Warriors Hydrabronze Tan Drops

      While I wouldn’t label myself a fake-tan expert, I’ve been using facial tanning drops daily for the past few months. Why? Because I discovered these drops, and they’re so remarkable that I can't imagine my complexion without them. They provide a believable glow that isn't orange or muddy at all. In fact, they’re so convincing that many colleagues think I’ve been secretly sunbathing over the weekends.

      5. Acqua di Parma Panettone Candle

      Another seasonal item I still believe is worth buying is the Panettone candle from Acqua di Parma. This limited-edition festive candle is released every year, and it has a sweetly fresh, comforting aroma. In my opinion, it’s not overly sugary or tied to the holiday season; it offers a creamy interpretation of Acqua di Parma's signature high-end freshness. I enjoyed burning it all the way through January, creating the perfect winter ambiance in my living room. So, if you, like me, aren’t quite ready to say goodbye to winter, trust me when I say home fragrance doesn’t get much better than this.

      6. Lelive Jelly Splash Cleanser

      Lastly, we arrive at my sole skincare empty from last month. This cleanser not only looks elegant on the shelf and smells wonderful, but it also delivers impressive results. Enriched with salicylic acid and niacinamide, it’s a gentle, jelly cleanser ideal for breakout-prone skin. It combats oil buildup and congestion without causing any dryness. I’m completely enamored with it, and my skin agrees.

      Shannon Lawlor is the beauty director at Who What Wear UK. With over ten years of experience at some of the beauty industry’s most prestigious publications, including Marie Claire, Glamour UK, Stylist, and Refinery29, Shannon’s goal is to make beauty discussions more open, relatable, and honest. As a self-proclaimed lazy girl, she prefers effective perfumes, easy-to-use makeup, and multitasking skincare products.