Spring Has Arrived—The 6 Beauty Products I'm Rebuying Right Away to Get Me Through

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

      Introducing The Empties Edit, a compilation of the products that our beauty director Shannon Lawlor uses up completely each month. Shannon tests hundreds of beauty items every year, so only those she truly loves achieve "empty" status. Think of The Empties Edit as your ultimate shopping guide for the finest beauty products available. While it may not feel like it yet, spring has officially started, and my beauty products are reflecting that change. Currently, my preferred concealer is lightweight, my fragrance selections are fresh and green, my blush is creamy, and I’m applying bronzer more generously. I'm eager for warmer days to arrive.

      As I refresh my beauty routine for spring, some favorites remain unchanged. Specifically, during the last month of winter, there were six standout beauty products that I used up completely and cannot enter spring without. From mascara to body cream, here are the six products I emptied in the past month and will definitely repurchase for spring (and every season thereafter).

      1. Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara

      I'm a big fan of affordable mascaras, and this one from Maybelline is undoubtedly among the best for achieving super-long, dark, and lifted lashes. I distinctly recall writing a review for Who What Wear UK when it first launched in 2021, and it has been a staple in my mascara lineup ever since. Trust me, if you're looking for an excellent high-street mascara that delivers luxury results, this is it.

      2. Saltair Santal Bloom Body Butter

      Currently, this is perhaps my favorite beauty product. Any shift in weather turns my skin excessively dry, and just moments after finishing my first tub last week, I had another ready to go. The creamy sandalwood scent is divine (and ma kes it smell expensive), and the thick, whipped texture absorbs into my skin almost instantly, leaving my limbs glowing all day long.

      3. Sunday Riley Breakout Breakup Cleanser

      I don't know if anyone else feels this way, but 2026 has been a challenging year for my skin so far. The latter part of 2025 saw my usually acne-prone skin become clear and healthy. However, something has shifted this year—now my skin is congested, breakout-prone, and displaying various textures. Luckily, this gently decongesting cleanser from Sunday Riley has been a lifesaver for my complexion. Its gel formula dissolves and regulates excess oil while providing a deep cleanse without any drying feeling, protecting the skin barrier in the process.

      4. Jo Loves Rosé A Layered Candle

      I recognize that spending £90 on a candle is quite extravagant, yet I truly enjoyed every moment spent burning it, and it lasted a whole month (being lit daily). Its appeal lies not just in its beautifully spring-themed container but also in the way its chic scent permeates my entire flat. Essentially, it's like having three candles in one. The first layer offers a delicate mix of white rose and lemon leaves, the second layer transitions to a sweeter aroma with rose and dates, and it concludes with a genuine spring rose petal fragrance. I have another one saved for a special occasion, as it’s a luxury candle that deserves to be savored.

      5. Susanne Kaufmann Bath for the Senses

      This is either my eighth, ninth, or tenth bottle of Susanne Kaufmann Bath for the Senses—my memory isn’t precise. It's well-known that I indulge in nightly baths, and I maintain exceptionally high standards for my bath products (probably the highest). Susanne Kaufmann is by far my favorite brand for bath and body products. I’ve been using this luxurious bath foam for many years and consider it one of the finest bath soaks available. It has a milky and soothing aroma, nourishes the skin, and provides a truly relaxing experience.

      6. Sarah Chapman Intense Hydrating Booster

      Lastly, we have this hyaluronic acid serum from Sarah Chapman. To be honest, as a beauty journalist for over a decade, I always thought that hyaluronic acid serums were all the same—nothing extraordinary. However, this particular product has shifted my perspective. While it is indeed a lovely hydrating serum, it didn’t cause breakouts, didn’t leave my skin looking oily, and it fully delivered on lasting plumpness, hydration, and radiance. I’m sold and definitely want more.

      Shannon Lawlor is the beauty director at Who What Wear UK. With over ten years of experience at some of the beauty industry's top publications, including Marie Claire, Glamour UK, Stylist, and Refinery29, Shannon aims to promote open, relatable, and honest conversations about beauty. As someone who admits to being quite laid-back, she favors effective perfumes, foolproof makeup, and versatile skincare products.