30 products, rated and reviewed. Some were worth the hype. Some were just… gone.
Warning: this post is long. Like, “used up 30 products since May” long.
When we moved to Madrid in mid-May, I didn’t expect to go through quite this many empties. But here we are—and today just happens to be the last official day of summer. Technically, this is a “Summer Empties Roundup,” but in reality, it’s more like a skincare diary from the start of this new life. A mix of body washes (some great, some… meh), a handful of serums, a few cleansers, and plenty of others that tried to prove themselves down to the last drop. Did they? You’ll see. For the first time, I’m actually rating them.
Quick background: it’s been hot here. I haven’t touched a pair of jeans in months. The dry heat came as a surprise—Madrid’s climate is nothing like the sticky summers in NYC or Connecticut. My summer staples included hydration (both topical and internal), sunscreen, and a steady stream of antioxidant protection. Madrid may be gorgeous, but the air quality isn’t doing my skin any favors.
Let’s dive into the bag full of empties. Here goes…
Weleda Skin Food Cleansing Balm
Ignore the ongoing identity crisis and grab this green tube from Weleda the next time you see it. Formerly known as the Oil-to-Balm Cleanser, it now floats somewhere between Nourishing Cleansing Balm and balm-mask hybrid. Whatever the name, it works. The thick gel glides onto dry skin and melts away a full day of wear: impurities, tinted sunscreen, concealer, all of it. Add water, and it transforms into a milky emulsion that rinses off clean. Skin feels soft, fresh, and never stripped. Bonus: it’s easy on the wallet and perfect for travel. 9/10
$19.99 (75ml) at weleda.com or check out amazon.com
Allies of Skin Vitamin C & Omegas Cleansing Balm
This is a solid cleansing balm if you like the occlusive feel of a dense first cleanse. I often make oil cleansing my only step, especially when I use Clean Skin Club towels to remove product. But this one from Allies of Skin really needs a follow-up with a foaming cleanser. Otherwise, it leaves behind a not-so-light film. The cleansing power is great, but it’s definitely part of a two-step routine. Personally, I prefer the hydrating formula. If you’re curious to try it, my code BART saves you 20% on the brand’s website. 6/10
Dior Capture Totale Super Potent Cleanser
I’ve raved about this Dior face wash for years. Sadly, it looks like it’s been phased out and replaced with a Prestige version—at double the price. I’m all for a splurge when the formula warrants it, but this feels more like a marketing maneuver than a meaningful upgrade. The original delivered a cloud-like lather and one of the most satisfying cleanses in the designer skincare space. I wish I could say the Off/On mousse is a decent alternative, but it never quite hit the same.
The old formula was a solid 10/10. If you’re after that spa-treatment-room feel in a cleanser, I suggest picking up the Omorovicza Cleansing Foam instead—$89 for 150ml and worth every penny. Grab it here.
Rilastil Aqua Face Cleanser
I really wanted to love this one, but it didn’t deliver. After falling hard for the Rilastil micropeeling toner (one of my best pharmacy finds since moving to Spain, though the brand is technically Italian), I had high hopes. This cream-to-foam cleanser, however, didn’t quite live up. The texture is oddly grippy—not exactly sticky, but it resists movement in a way that makes lathering more effort than it should be. It sounds nitpicky, but it genuinely slowed me down. It’s not bad, just not something I’d repurchase. I passed it along to my husband, who is thrilled by anything that doesn’t burn his face off. Great for minimalists, not for fussy texture snobs like me. 5/10
Bought mine on amazon.es for around 10 €.
Royal Fern Treatment Essence
This might be one of my all-time favorite micro-exfoliating liquid steps. Royal Fern nailed the formula with a hydrating acid toner that’s gentle, effective, and genuinely enjoyable to use. The Phytoactive Essence combines mild Alpha Hydroxy Acids (Malic and Lactic) with Polyhydroxy Acid (Gluconolactone), plus the brand’s signature Royal Fern Extract. It’s simple but smart. Whether you swipe it on with a cotton round or press it in with your palms, each application brings you closer to that even-toned, well-rested glow with a layer of antioxidant support. 10/10
Ole Henriksen Detox Drops 2% BHA Toner
I really liked this one. I even wrote a dedicated post about the launch, and it may have been my first Sephora purchase after the move. The toner worked well as a supportive step in my pore-care routine, but I’ve since moved on to other Salicylic Acid formulas. In hindsight, I think nostalgia played a role—I have great memories of discovering Ole Henriksen over 20 years ago. These days, the brand feels more focused on a younger audience and less aligned with those of us who fully accept (and treat) the reality of aging. 7/10
DHC Silky Cotton
I’m not especially adventurous with my cotton rounds, but I am picky. DHC makes excellent single-use pads that I use regularly for both cleansing and toning. They’re super absorbent, which makes them great for micellar water—they lift surface grime really well. They also work with acid toners, though they soak up a fair amount of product, which isn’t ideal if you’re using something pricey like BR P50. For that, I stick to White Rabbit. Bonus: my facial stubble doesn’t catch any lint when I swipe these across my face. That alone earns repeat status. 9/10
Royal Fern Phytoactive Anti-Oxidative Ampoules
I love a good ampoule. There’s something deeply satisfying about cracking one open and sticking to a protocol. These focus on protecting the skin from oxidative stress, with a potent blend of antioxidants that help defend against pollution and other environmental aggressors. To make them last, I use half in the morning and the other half at night. The key is consistency. Use them daily until the box is gone. The results are much more noticeable that way than if you space them out over weeks. 9/10
$190 (15 x 2ml) at bergdorfgoodman.com
Valmont Hydra 3 Regenetic Serum
Wow. This was easily one of the best things I put on my face this summer. Though technically a serum, it doubled beautifully as a moisturizer under sunscreen. Valmont is known for their masks—and deservedly so—but some of the serums can feel a bit clinical or advanced at first glance. This one didn’t. It delivered on hydration, smoothed out texture, and gave my skin a kind of refreshed, well-fed look that didn’t fade by midday. It made me look like I sleep eight hours a night and drink cucumber water, which I absolutely do not. 10/10
$340 (30ml) at lamaisonvalmont.com
Augustinus Bader The Retinol Serum
Maybe an unpopular opinion, but I loved everything about this serum. Luxury gets a lot of side-eye lately, but not all newness needs to be demonized. Augustinus Bader may have started with a do-it-all moisturizer, but the brand has evolved, and The Retinol Serum is a standout. It was incredibly gentle, yet I saw visible results within three weeks. If you’re trying to justify the splurge, one bottle can last three months if you use it every other night. My skin looked more even, more toned, and noticeably brighter. I didn’t experience any dryness, though I usually layered The Rich Cream on top. 9/10
$380 (30ml) at dermstore.com (code OMGBART works on 15% off)
Biologique Recherche Progeskin Serum
I have two serums from Biologique Recherche that I genuinely love: Complexe Iribiol for enlarged pores and Collagene Originel for a solid plumping boost. Progeskin had me excited at first, and I gave it a real shot, using it twice a day for six weeks. I get the science behind it. I even heard the pitch firsthand at the launch event. But after finishing the bottle, I saw no visible difference in my skin, which felt frustrating. For context, SkinCeuticals P-TIOX delivered noticeable results in just two weeks. This one didn’t come close. 3/10
$185 (30ml) at bergdorfgoodman.com
Biologique Recherche Masque VIP O2
This is the previous version of VIP O2, which has just been retired. From what I understand, the formula updates are minimal, so I’d expect the new one to perform just as well—if not better. This has long been one of my favorite Biologique Recherche products and easily the one I’ve repurchased the most. The soft-drying, creamy texture is gentle enough to use around the eyes and consistently leaves my skin looking brighter, softer, and more refreshed in 20 minutes. Every few uses, I mix in a few dashes of the AUTEUR Definitive Enzyme Cleanser for an extra boost. It’s absolutely worth it. 10/10
$180 (100ml) at bergdorfgoodman.com or aidabicaj.com
La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVAir SPF 50 & UVMUNE 400 Anti-Dark Spots Fluid SPF 50
Both of these are superb. The only catch? Neither is currently available in the US. La Roche-Posay’s UV innovation in Europe is on another level, and these formulas feel virtually weightless on skin. If I had to pick one, I’d lean toward UVAir. The gel texture has a refreshing, cooling feel, and the faint scent is genuinely pleasant. UVMUNE 400 is slightly more fluid with a soft yellow hue, but it goes on completely clear and doesn’t stain clothes. No added fragrance, and just as fast to absorb. If you can get your hands on either, you’re in for a good sunscreen day. UVAir: 11/10, UVMUNE: 10/10
Kérastase Nutritive Shampoo (Rich)
This used to be my favorite haircare line. And in some ways, it still is. The shampoo felt a little heavy this summer, though that might be the Madrid water. After the move, I ended up liking it more than the matching conditioner, which says something. I’m still using the Nectar Thermique leave-in every single day, but I’ve switched to another shampoo for now. No guilt, no regrets. I’ll probably revisit it once the weather cools and my hair starts craving something richer. 6/10
$43 (250ml) at kerastase-usa.com
Perlier Shampoo Riparatore
I spent a great afternoon with the Perlier team earlier this year and left with quite the product haul. This shampoo, though, stood out. The brand isn’t widely known in the US beyond its HSN presence, but if you’re ever in Italy, add a Perlier store visit to your list. It’s rare that I genuinely look forward to using a shampoo, but this one made every wash feel like a small luxury. It delivered shiny, nourished hair and happens to be silicone-free, for those who care. I’d buy it again in a heartbeat. 10/10
Check out perlier.com for locations and availability.
Sisley Hair Rituel Restructuring Conditioner
You know that feeling when you don’t want to love something because of the price? This Sisley conditioner fits that description. Unfortunately, it’s excellent. The formula made my hair feel soft, nourished, and noticeably thicker throughout the summer. And this wasn’t a low-maintenance season. I was showering up to three times a day thanks to the heat. Now that I’m back to city life, the air quality has not been doing my hair any favors. Still, this held up beautifully. I didn’t want to finish it. But I did. And I miss it. 10/10
$100 (200ml) at bluemercury.com
Uriage Power 3 Deodorant
I can’t wait to put together a proper “Best of Euro Pharmacy” list because this Uriage deodorant is going straight to the top. It’s not the easiest to find, but absolutely worth the hunt. Look for the Power 3 version with the three blue water drops on the label (there’s also a Gentle one with 1 drop, so double-check). The liquid roll-on absorbs in minutes and keeps me dry and fresh all day. No residue, no irritation, and not a trace of odor, even after 12 hours. It’s shockingly good. 10/10
If you’re nowhere near a Euro Pharmacy, keep checking lookfantastic.com because it may come back in stock soon.
Eucerin Urea Repair Hand Cream
I mentioned this Eucerin hand cream in a quick roundup earlier this summer, but it deserves another shoutout. When it comes to affordable and accessible self-care with visible results, this one should not be overlooked. The texture is thick and creamy but absorbs surprisingly fast without leaving a greasy finish. The best part? It takes my hands from dry and scaly to soft and noticeably renewed. And it happens overnight. 10/10
Prices vary–check out lookfantastic.com and amazon.com
Jones Road Shower Fragrance
So good. So refreshing. I was genuinely sad to hit the final spritz of the Jones Road Shower fragrance, until I remembered I had packed a backup. It smells like the comfort of your favorite white t-shirt, fresh skin straight from the shower, and the brightness of a sunny day, all bottled up. The staying power on skin is decent, but it really clings to fabric, which makes it perfect for clothes and travel. It’s a calming scent I reach for during the day, especially when I want to smell like I have my life together. 9/10
$46 (50ml) at jonesroadbeauty.com
Dental Care: ISDIN vs Pasta del Capitano
I do not need a toothpaste to excite me. What I want it to do is to add some sensory joy to a very ordinary daily task. This is why the ISDIN Bexident formula is one I won’t be buying again. It simply did not make my teeth feel clean or my mouth refreshed. Pasta del Capitano, on the other hand, has been repurchased multiple times here. The Whitening formula may be my favorite and one I prefer ever so slightly over Marvis. ISDIN: 3/10, Pasta del Capitano: 10/10
ISDIN oral care is not available outside of EU, For Pasta del Capitano prices and availability check out amazon.com
Vichy Capital Soleil SPF 50 Water
This dual-layer water-oil sunscreen mist is surprisingly solid. Would I buy it again? Honestly, yes. I wouldn’t recommend it for a day of running errands in the city—it leaves a slight oil sheen that might feel heavy outside of a pool setting. But I sprayed it generously over my face, neck, back, and shoulders while reading in the sun and didn’t get the slightest burn. And it was brutally hot, just for the record. 7.5/10
Check out lookfantasic.com for the current price.
SVR Topialyse Protecting Anti-Dryness Cleanser
I loved almost everything about this one. The texture was a bit too runny for my taste, but if it had been just a touch thicker, it would’ve been perfect. Since it’s gentle enough for babies, I put it to work as a face wash during my multiple summer showers, and it never caused an issue. The scent is barely there but quietly chic, like something you’d expect from a really good French pharmacy find. I went through the giant bottle in record time. 9/10
Check out lookfantastic.com for price and size availability.
Caudalie Thé des Vignes Body Wash
One of my favorite things about living in Europe? The price of Caudalie body washes. I picked up this one for 5 euro and immediately wished I had stocked up. All of the brand’s shower gels cleanse well and keep skin from drying out, but Thé des Vignes stands out for its neroli-forward scent that lingers just enough. Bonus points for the soft, easy-to-squeeze tube that lets you enjoy every last drop. 9/10
Tatcha Hinoki Body Wash
I am devastated Tatcha discontinued this product. I packed it first for the big move because I wanted a shower treat that would remind me of home. The comforting aroma of hinoki delivered the ultimate mind-soothing aromatherapy. Exceptionally formulated, this body wash lathered beautifully and gently exfoliated, leaving the skin silky smooth. 9/10
Keep checking tatcha.com to see if the body care range comes back…
Zielinski & Rozen Orange & Jasmine Shower Gel
I stumbled upon a Zielinski & Rozen store during our early days in Madrid. The shop was charming and the associate was lovely. I left with a hand soap and a shower gel. The soap was great. The shower gel? Not so much. The scent was nice, but the texture was odd. It had that crumbly, slippery gel consistency that slides right out of your hand if you’re not careful. You have to froth it up fast or it’s gone. Gravity wins. This one lost me. 6/10
25.50 € (300ml) at zielinskiandrozen.com
Eucerin Urea Repair 5% Urea Shower Gel
Since the hand cream blew me away, I figured the body wash would follow suit. It didn’t. Not even close. This one wasn’t particularly moisturizing, and the texture leaned runny in that “why bother” kind of way. It did the job, technically, but offered zero enjoyment in the process. I was genuinely relieved when the bottle ran out. Onto better things. 3/10
20.50 € (400ml) at beautybay.com
Rilastil Xerolact Cleansing Gel
Another dry-skin-friendly body wash I loved this summer. If you’re into gel textures like the ones from LRP or Uriage, Rilastil should be on your radar when browsing European pharmacies. The Xerolact range is designed for skin that’s prone to itching or irritation, but it also delivers a thoroughly satisfying cleanse. No dryness, no film, just clean, comfortable skin. The scent is delicate, fresh, and inoffensive in the best way. And while Rilastil is an Italian brand, this particular product is labeled Made in Spain. Not confusing at all. You’ll love it. 9/10
15,55 € (400ml) at caretobeauty.com
Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you click and make a purchase. It doesn’t cost you anything, but it might help fund my next Euro pharmacy “research” haul. Gracias.
Other Posts You Will Enjoy:
- Moved To Madrid: What Skincare Made The Cut (In Duplicates)
- Caudalie Grape Water Was Reformulated (And Nobody Said A Word)
- My Thoughts On Luxury Sunscreen (Including Augustinus Bader)
