Ask Alex by Alessandra Steinherr

Ask Alex by Alessandra Steinherr

The Truth’s in the Empty Bottle: My Beauty Empties

Surprises, Obsessions & One I’ll Miss

Alessandra Steinherr's avatar
Alessandra Steinherr
Jul 15, 2025
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You know I try a lot of products. It’s the job. New serums, SPFs, essences, body oils, masks—I’m basically a professional test lab with a face. Because in my world, where I’m trialling new formulas daily and constantly rotating skincare for testing, hitting empty is a moment.

That’s why I love doing these Empties roundups - just for us, here on Substack. It feels like the one place I can really get into the nitty-gritty of what I’ve actually used up, loved, maybe mourned a little… and most importantly, what I’d go back to. This isn’t sponsored, it’s not curated for press - it’s just real beauty usage, behind the scenes.

I try to do this every couple of months, and honestly? Even I’m surprised by what ends up in the pile. Some things I ration like a rare perfume. Others I realise I’ve already reordered before I’ve even hit the bottom. And then there are the “how did I finish this before anything else?” wild cards.

Have you ever had that? A product you weren’t even sure about, and then suddenly it’s your ride-or-die? That’s why I think empties are so fascinating—they tell the truth. No hype, no aesthetic packaging shots—just pure performance.

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