If you’ve ever wondered whether I actually use the skincare products I recommend…this post is for you.
As a licensed esthetician, I test a lot of skincare. Some products are fun to try once. Others quietly earn a permanent spot on my bathroom counter because they simply work for my skin.
Today I’m sharing my “empty bottle review”…the Oliveda products I’ve completely used up, repurchased, and genuinely miss the moment they run out. This isn’t a first impressions review. These are the products I’ve used day after day, through every season, while traveling across Europe, and during everyday life. I’ll tell you which ones became staples, who I think they’re best for, and whether I believe they’re truly worth the investment.
If you’d rather watch than read, I’ve also put together a YouTube video where I walk through each empty bottle and share my honest thoughts. Watch the video here…
Why an Empty Bottle Review Matters
We live in a world of influencers. People getting paid for creating content. And unfortunately, not everyone that you watch online is being honest. They set up their camera, show the product, and get paid for advertising. But do they actually use and love the product? Do they actually see good results? Would they actually buy the product with their own money??? If I was a betting woman, I would bet most aren’t telling the whole truth. And that’s sad.
Anyone can rave about a product after using it twice. But finishing an entire bottle…and buying it again…is the real test.
I hope you’ve followed me on social media, YouTube, and my blog long enough to know that when I share a product, I really do use it and love it. I really would spend my own money on it. I really would recommend it to you because I stand behind it. I am a woman of my word. I have integrity. And I pass up countless collaboration opportunities because I know I won’t like the product and I don’t want to be a commercial.
My goal isn’t to get you to waste your money. My goal is to help you feel confident in your skin.
So an empty bottle review is the most honest review someone can give you. That means they used the product up. That means they went back to it over and over because it was gooood.
My Criteria as a Licensed Esthetician
There are so many skincare products on the market! There are a ton of good products. But I’m at the point in my life where I don’t just want good products. I want great products that will give me great results. I want products that are good for me and that will help me age gracefully. Here are some things I consider before I use on myself and that I recommend to you…
- Ingredients: I don’t want to put garbage ingredients on my skin. I want the highest quality and clean ingredients that are going to be nourishing and healthy for me. No more preservatives, fillers, and toxic ingredients.
- Performance: If I’m going to spend money on something, I want it to work well! I want to see results! I don’t want to just go through the motions…I want to actually see the product doing something for me.
- Ease of use: I’m a busy woman, as I’m sure you are too! So I want my skincare products to be easy to use and not take up a ton of time.
- How skin feels: I want my skin to feel gooood! So if I put something on my skin and it doesn’t feel that way…it doesn’t pass the test.
- Value: I’m all for saving money. But I also believe in quality over quantity. I would rather pay more for something that actually gives me results than pay little for something that doesn’t do much for me.
- Whether I actually look forward to using it: If I find myself excited to use a product, that is always a good sign!!
My “Would Buy Again” Products
I made the switch to waterless skincare products almost 3 years ago and I’ve never looked back! My skin feels so healthy and looks so glowy in my 40s. These products are so hydrating and nourishing for any skin type, but especially for mature skin. I use a full waterless skincare routine for my morning and night routine, but these are the best Oliveda products that I seem to go through the most and purchase over and over…
→ Corrective Facial Tonic: I think I go through this product the most because I use it morning and night. It’s a great toner that helps restore your skin’s natural pH level, refreshes your skin, hydrates your skin, and preps your skin for all the other skincare products.
→ HT + Vitamin C Serum: I ran out of this and it was out of stock for a little while and I didn’t know what to do with myself!! It’s my very favorite morning serum! It brightens the skin, protects the skin from environmental factors, hydrates the skin, and gives it a rosy glow. It’s also great for prepping your skin for makeup. I don’t go a day without this!
→ Corrective Face Cream: I finish my morning routine with this face cream. I love it because it has tapioca starch in it so it absorbs excess oil, helping to minimize greasy or oily skin. It also has natural sun protection in it so it pairs great with my vitamin c serum to protect my skin.
→ Corrective Cleansing Balm: This is the yummiest cleansing product ever!! It feels so silk smooth on the skin. This is the product that I look forward to using every night!! It works great at removing my makeup as my first cleanse. It’s so so good!
→ Corrective Eye Serum: This eye serum is a game changer! This is what first got me hooked on waterless beauty. I was looking for something that would help me tired looking under eyes and this serum and the eye cream duo are amazing!! I like to use it at night and then finish with the eye cream.
→Corrective Eye Cream: My favorite eye cream I’ve ever used!! I use it morning and night and my under eyes feel and look so hydrated and happy!
→ Hyaluronic Serum: This is my favorite night serum. It hydrates like no other! And it also plumps the skin and gives it such a great healthy glow!
Which Products Surprised Me the Most?
Honestly, I was so incredibly surprised by the Corrective Cleansing Balm! I’ve been an oil cleanser lover for many years and I really like the Arbequinna Cleansing Oil. But when I tried the cleansing balm…wow! I was blown away! It felt so luxurious. I felt like I was in a spa! I’m not exaggerating when I say I truly look forward to using this product every night!
My Favorite Routine Right Now
Even though I’m an esthetician, I still like to keep my skincare routine simple. I believe in quality over quantity. Using higher quality products with better ingredients has allowed me to simplify my skincare routine. Here’s my current routine I’m loving:
My Morning Routine
- Prep– Use a toner to restore your skin’s pH and prep your skin for the other skincare products you will be applying. The F11 Facial Toner or the F67 Corrective Facial Tonic (my personal fave) are great ones to use.
- Protect– The F83 HT + Vitamin C Serum is a fantastic serum to use in the morning! It will help hydrate, brighten, and protect your skin.
- Hydrate– As we age, our skin is producing less oil and appears drier. It’s so important to invest in a good moisturizer/face cream that will hydrate our skin! Dry skin enhances fine lines and wrinkles. Hydrated skin helps you look glowy and youthful. My personal favorite face cream is the F42 Corrective Face Cream because it contains natural sun protection from UVA and UVB rays. It also contains tapioca starch so it helps absorb excess oil. That means this face cream won’t leave you looking greasy and oily!
My Night Routine
My night routine is a bit more involved because I like to slather on the goodness before I sleep. Because your skin renews itself while you sleep and I want it to work its magic while I get my beauty rest! Here’s what I use at night:
- Cleanse: I do a first cleanse with the Corrective Cleansing Balm and a second cleanse with the LA Dope Gel Cleanser. My skin always feels so squeaky clean afterwards!
- Tone: I use the Corrective Facial Tonic to restore, refresh, and prep my skin.
- Serum + Retinol: I always use the Hyaluronic Serum every night but I will rotate every other day also adding in the Kahai Elixir (natural retinol). Learn more about the benefits of retinol!
- Eyes: I layer the Corrective Eye Serum and the Corrective Eye Cream to nourish, hydrate, brighten, and tighten my under eye area.
- Moisturize: I finish off with using the Corrective Bioactive Face Balm to lock in all the goodness! I go to bed like a glazed donut!! My skin looks and feels so so good!
Frequently Asked Questions
- How long does an Oliveda bottle usually last? One thing I appreciate about these products is that a little goes a long way. Because the formulas are concentrated, I typically find they last longer than many traditional skincare products. How long each bottle lasts depends on how often you use it and how much you apply…but they usually last 4-6 months!
- Which Oliveda product would you buy first? If I had to recommend just one product, I’d choose the one that best matches your biggest skin concern. If you’re not sure where to start, taking my skincare quiz is the easiest way to get personalized recommendations.
- Are these products worth the price? For me, yes. I don’t judge skincare by the price tag alone…I look at how my skin responds and whether I actually finish the bottle. Every product in this review is one I’ve completely used and chosen to repurchase because I personally believe it’s worth the investment.
- Do you use every Oliveda product? No. I’ve tried many products, but I don’t use every single one. In this post, I’m only sharing the products I’ve personally finished and would happily buy again and again.
- Where can I buy Oliveda? You can purchase directly through my website. If you’re unsure which products are right for your skin, take my Skincare Quiz or send me a message. As a licensed esthetician, I’m always happy to help you build a routine that fits your skin’s needs.
If you’ve been around here for a while, you know I don’t recommend products simply because they’re popular. I recommend products that I’ve used, loved, and would spend my own money on again.
That’s why I enjoy doing empty bottle reviews. They take away the hype and answer the question we all really want to know:
“Did you actually keep using it?”
For these products, my answer is yes.
Healthy skin isn’t about chasing the newest trend or owning the most expensive routine. It’s about finding products you enjoy using consistently and building simple habits that help you care for the skin God gave you.
I hope this review helps you feel more confident about where to start. And if you still have questions, I’d love to help. Take my Oliveda Skincare Quiz, send me a message, or watch my YouTube video for a closer look at each product. Because when you understand your skin and care for it well, confidence naturally follows.
Here are other blogposts you might enjoy:
- The Complete Olive Rose Makeup Guide: Shades, Finishes & What to Buy First
- The Best Needle-Free Skincare for Aging Gracefully
- Is Oliveda Worth It for Mature Skin? An Honest Guide Before You Buy
- At Home Microneedling for Mature Skin — A Licensed Esthetician’s Complete Guide to the Seranova System
- Best Beauty Products to Pack for Hot Weather Travel Over 40
- The Ultimate Travel Toiletries Checklist for Women (Carry-On Friendly)
About the Author
JoEllen is a licensed aesthetician, certified makeup artist, and certified John Maxwell coach, speaker, and trainer. She works with women helping them look and feel confident. She loves teaching women simple beauty techniques so they can feel empowered to try it at home. Her motto is that when you look and feel good, you do good!
*This post contains affiliate links. If you choose to purchase an item featured, I receive a small portion from the sale. Thank you! It does not affect you at all.
