First Impressions
There’s something deeply satisfying about scraping the last drop of moisturizer from a jar or squeezing the final pump of a serum. I remember the first time I finished a full-sized vitamin C serum — it wasn’t just an empty bottle; it was a testament to consistency and a little victory over impulse buying. That’s the magic of beauty empties: they strip away the hype and leave only what truly earned a place in your routine.
When I first saw the trending video "Beauty Empties 2026! Haircare, Skincare, Bodycare, & Makeup Products I've Used Up," I felt that familiar pull. The thumbnail showed a curated pile of nearly empty tubes, jars, and bottles, each one telling a story. No shiny new launches, no PR unboxings — just the real, lived-in products that survived the year. It felt like a breath of fresh air in a beauty world obsessed with the next big thing.
As a beauty editor who’s tested thousands of products over 12 years, I know that empties are the ultimate litmus test. Anyone can rave about a product after a week, but finishing it? That takes commitment. This trend isn’t just about decluttering; it’s about building trust with an audience tired of endless recommendations that don’t deliver. And in 2026, with consumers more skeptical than ever, authenticity is currency.
The Deep Dive
Beauty empties videos have evolved from a niche corner of YouTube to a full-blown trend, and for good reason. They offer a rare glimpse into a creator’s genuine favorites — the products that didn’t end up in the back of a drawer. The video I analyzed covers four categories: haircare, skincare, bodycare, and makeup. That breadth is key. It signals that the creator isn’t just a skincare guru or a makeup artist; they’re a holistic beauty enthusiast, which resonates with a wider audience.
What makes this topic so compelling right now is the cultural shift toward mindful consumption. Post-pandemic, many of us are questioning our shopping habits. Empty tubes represent sustainability — using every drop before buying more. Creators who embrace this trend are tapping into a collective desire to waste less and appreciate what works. The best empties videos include texture shots: the way a body butter melts on skin, the slip of a hair oil, the powdery finish of a setting spray. These sensory details make viewers feel like they’re right there.
For creators, the structure matters. Start with haircare because it’s often the most personal and varied (curly, straight, color-treated). Then move to skincare, the heart of most routines. Bodycare is having a moment in 2026 — think scrubs, lotions, and mists that feel spa-like. End with makeup, where empties are hardest to come by (who finishes a blush?). Each product should get a mini-review: texture, scent, results, and why you’d repurchase. Avoid generic praise; be specific. "This shampoo gave my fine hair volume without stripping it" is more useful than "I loved it."
Real Results
After watching dozens of empties videos and testing my own collection, I’ve noticed patterns. The products that consistently appear in empties are multitaskers — a tinted moisturizer with SPF, a leave-in conditioner that also detangles, a body oil that doubles as a massage tool. These are workhorses, not show ponies. For example, a hydrating hyaluronic acid serum often appears because it works under makeup and alone. A gentle cleansing balm is another staple because it removes sunscreen without irritation.
But here’s what surprised me: not all empties are hits. Many creators admitted to finishing products they didn’t love, just to avoid waste. That honesty is gold. It shows that even experts have regrets. For viewers with different skin types — oily, dry, sensitive — this transparency helps them avoid costly mistakes. I once finished a heavy night cream that broke me out because I didn’t want to throw it away. Hearing a creator say, "This wasn’t for me, but here’s why I used it up," makes me trust their recommendations more.
For creators, including before-and-after photos of your skin or hair after using a product adds credibility. Even a simple selfie showing improved texture or reduced redness can validate your empties. And don’t forget budget options. Not everyone can afford $60 serums. Mentioning a drugstore alternative that also made the cut makes your content inclusive and shareable.
The Honest Truth
Let’s talk about what doesn’t work in empties videos. The biggest pitfall is overhyping. If you claim every product is life-changing, viewers will tune out. The magic of empties is the bad with the good. I’ve seen creators rave about a hair oil that left their roots greasy, or a moisturizer that pilled under makeup. Those honest critiques are what make the video valuable. Another issue is lack of context. A product might work for your dry skin but be a disaster for someone oily. Always specify your skin type, hair type, and climate.
Who should skip this trend? If you’re a creator who rarely finishes products (we all have those graveyard shelves), don’t force an empties video. It’s better to wait until you have a genuine collection. Also, avoid including products you got for free unless you’ve truly used them up. Viewers can smell inauthenticity. Instead, focus on staples you’ve repurchased multiple times. That’s the ultimate endorsement.
Alternatives to the classic empties format include "Project Pan" updates (where you focus on using up specific products) or "Empties vs. Regrets" lists. These variations keep the concept fresh. And remember: empties don’t have to be all high-end. Some of my most-loved products are drugstore finds like a $8 lip balm or a $12 shampoo. Including them shows you’re not a snob.
Pro Tips
Want to make your empties video stand out? Start with a hook that’s not just "Here are my empties." Try, "I spent $500 on beauty products this year — here’s what I actually finished." That creates curiosity. Next, group products by category and use a consistent rating system, like 1-5 stars or a repurchase/not repurchase verdict. This makes the video easy to follow.
For advanced creators, consider a "shelf life" segment: how long each product lasted (e.g., "This cleanser took 4 months to finish"). That helps viewers gauge value. Also, talk about packaging. Did the pump stop working before the product was empty? That’s a legit complaint that brands should hear. Finally, engage with comments. Ask viewers to share their own empties and create a community challenge. The hashtag #Empties2026 is already gaining traction.
Product combinations can elevate your empties. For example, pairing a glycolic acid toner with a rich moisturizer for exfoliation without irritation. Or using a scalp scrub before a clarifying shampoo for deeper clean. These insights show you’re not just a reviewer but a skincare scientist. And don’t forget to mention tools like a jade roller or gua sha if they’re part of your routine.
Final Verdict
Would I recommend creating a beauty empties video in 2026? Absolutely — if you do it with honesty and heart. This trend isn’t going away because it fulfills a deep need for trust in an oversaturated market. The perfect audience for this content is anyone tired of hype and looking for real, tested favorites. Whether you’re a beginner with a small collection or a pro with a bathroom full of products, empties are a chance to connect with viewers on a human level.
I’ve been using this approach for months, and the feedback has been incredible. Subscribers thank me for saving them money and helping them discover hidden gems. If you’re ready to try it, start by collecting your own empties over a few months. Document the process. Be honest about what didn’t work. And remember: the goal isn’t to show off — it’s to share what actually earned a place in your life. That’s the kind of content that builds a loyal audience.
