Empties

Empties is a term used to describe consumer product containers that have been used up or are nearly empty. It is most commonly encountered in discussions of cosmetics, skincare, and other personal care items, but can also refer to packaging from food and household products. Empties emphasize the end point of a product’s lifecycle and are often collected for review, disposal, or recycling.

In beauty culture, empties or empties videos are popular content where people summarize products they have finished, offering impressions, performance notes, and recommendations. Entries typically list the product type, brand, price, rationale for finishing, and reasons for deciding to repurchase or skip. The practice also highlights packaging design and perceived waste.

From a waste-management perspective, emptied containers are evaluated for recyclability. Clean containers yield higher recycling rates; caps, pumps, and labels may require different streams or cleaning steps. Local regulations determine what materials are accepted, and certain products may have restrictions due to residues or hazmat concerns. Reuse options include transferring products to travel containers or participating in brand take-back or refill programs.

Empties can reflect consumer demand for sustainable packaging and influence product design. A growing focus on reducing single-use packaging has led to refill systems, concentrated formulations, and recyclable or compostable materials. Collecting and reporting empties also informs brands about product longevity and consumer usage patterns.