june empties: cruising to 26 🚗

Tracking empties has been a game changer for my skincare and beauty routine. Like many, I used to accumulate products without really finishing them, which led to clutter and wasted money. This '26 in 2026' challenge motivates me to focus on using what I own and avoid unnecessary purchases. This month, I finished a vitamin C serum sourced from Taobao—a light, watery formula with a unique sweet potato scent that surprised me. While it provided some hydration and brightening benefits, I wouldn’t repurchase it due to its subtle effects. My hydrating serum was comforting but nothing extraordinary, serving its purpose without standout results. Most exciting was completing my holy grail eyebrow pencil, a staple I keep repurchasing because it perfectly fits my needs. Using it up felt satisfying and gave me a rewarding dopamine rush seeing an empty container—proof that I’m progressing. Participating in related hashtags and communities like #marshasnobuy, #26in2026, and #ProjectPan keeps me accountable and inspired. These groups emphasize mindful spending and decluttering, which reduces impulse buying and encourages getting the most value out of purchased products. Beyond the immediate benefits of a cleaner space and saved money, tracking empties fosters a better understanding of what products truly work for me. For instance, the green tomato pore lifting ampoule I recently tried shows promise with its natural ingredients like collagen and PHA but I'll need to see longer-term results before committing. Ultimately, this process is as much about changing shopping habits as it is about finishing items. Each empty bottle represents a small victory in becoming more intentional and sustainable with beauty consumption. I look forward to continuing this journey, sharing updates, and hitting that 26-product finish line in 2026!