Empties Since April

Unbelievable. Here is yet another 2 months of empties. I thought I would have had more time to go through things. 

Actually, I am starting to think it is not about time anymore, it is because I don't want to admit how much I've wasted money and cluttered my place. So I rather close my eyes and let things expire. And let expired things rot in my drawer. Such good adulting. I have to get a grip!

Face

Differin Gel Adapalene 0.1%

Good stuff! Was old tube but still effective. Still have a backup.

The Ordinary Amino Acids + B5

Very hydrating. For me better than hyaluronic acid serum from The Ordinary, this doesn't pill. But the last drops were definitely expired, they smelled funky already. I might repurchase at some point if I need extra hydration.

Doctor Babor Clean Performance Hemp Fiber Sheet Mask

This mask burned my face! I have no idea why! It started immediately I put it on and continued for the 10 minutes I had it on. My other cheek was especially red and raised afterwards - I shouldn't have continued to use the mask but I was stupid. The mask had a herbal scent. Maybe I am allergic to something in it or my skin was very sensitive at the moment.

Sunday Riley Auto Correct Brightening and Debuffing Eye Contour Cream

I actually really liked this eye cream. Absorbed well, felt moisturizing, quite light. No scent. Nice pump bottle. I could, maybe would repurchase but it is sooo expensive at 67 €/15ml!

Essence You Better Work Gym Proof Fixing Spray

I wanted to try a fixing spray so I bought this one. But I felt it just sprayed unevenly big blobs on my face. I tried this also by wetting brush before using eyeshadow etc, but it didn't make a big difference, eye shadow primer works better alone. Now this is so old that I'll just chuck it and accept that I need a very very fine mist if I want to use fixing/setting spray again!

Clinique Moisture Surge Pop Triple Lip Balm in 05 Black Honey

I really liked this lip balm! Even though it didn't have much color. Felt moisturizing and long lasting on lips. No scent. But expensive for what it is, essentially a clear lip balm with a bit of shimmer.

Colourpop Ultra Blotted Lip Halo Effect

I really liked this shade. It is dried up now and old so time to let go. I think the formula wasn't for me, it didn't fade evenly and wasn't very long lasting.

Body

Bepanthen Balm

A basic balm for everything, irritated skin, scratches... more for medical cabinet than skincare drawer! Best for chapped lips (lanolin is as good maybe too?).

Rexona Maximum Protection Antiperspirant Sport Strength x3

My basic antiperspirant. Summer is coming so I am a bit worried about my sweating situation already...

Exuviance Retexturing Treatment Mini

Very nice body cream, actually! I could repurchase. The behinds of my arms were smooth the next day of application. I am usually too lazy to apply body products because I feel they do nothing or so little that it is not worth the hassle!

Hair

Shopping from March to April

I spent about 177 € and I also went to hairdresser, about 140 €. I did have a gift card and got some gifts as well. Otherwise Dior's Blooming Bouquet would have cost me over 60 € alone... Overall I am happy with my purchases even though I've already spent so much this year considering it is only the end of April... In total I've spent 534 € on products!!! 

Dior Miss Dior Blooming Bouquet EdT 30 ml

Samples: Clarins Hydra Essentiel [HA²] Night Cream x2

I had a gift card that I wanted to use and top up my favorite perfume during the sale! So it cost me about 11 € of my own money. So rarely I actually repurchase fragrances! Blooming Bouquet is really safe, soft, complimentary feminine perfume, not interesting for true perfume addicts, but excellent for everyday wear for me.

Dior Rosy Glow Blush 020 Mahogany

Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb Universal Lip Luminizer in 05 Hot Chocolit

Soon I have completed my Dior Mahogany collection (just a joke). This blush in Mahogany has received a lot of critique for being patchy compared to other Rosy Glows and being such a weird color that could look like a bruise, someone complained it being just cool brown and not enough red... 

Anyway! I am glad I trusted my instinct. The color is perfect. It does look a lot more red on me than on the pan. Actually, on my face it looks nothing like the pan. It looks more red, doesn't look cool, doesn't look purple, just enough brown. But it certainly doesn't swatch well, looks quite weird and even on cheeks it looks slightly patchy if you look close. It hasn't bothered me yet though but I am not a make up nerd.

Also, Fenty's Hot Chocolit is such a perfect shade as well! I'm really into brown right now! It has slight sweet scent but I really seem to dislike it the more I use it. It's also sheer enough to be versatile and actually not very brown unless you layer it. Just enough shimmer but I'm not sure how I feel about the pink flecks. My partner said that my lips look very kissable, I feel the gloss doesn't look very good in photos. The compact feels nice. Gloss Bomb is my first product from Fenty Beauty.

Schwarzkopf Gliss Supreme Length Balsamspray

Palmolive Sparkling Bloom Shower Gel

Double Lift Comb

From Normal. Maybe, slightly, impulse purchases. But I needed a new hydrating hair spray and the shower gel with peony and rose scent is just calling my name! I hope it's not too good because it is limited edition! The comb is actually great for short hair. About 9 €.

Urban Decay Moondust Eyeshadow Quad Palette Space Rider

Caudalie Fleur de Vigne Shower Gel

From Cult Beauty, about 55 €.

The Moondust palette is unbelievably beautiful! I thought they would never release it in Europe! All four shades look great on me. They are very sparkly. I am so happy I bought the palette despite trying to adhere to my no-buy... I do understand the cult reputation Space Cowboy has.

I've never owned any UD Moondust singles so I can't compare the palette to those. But I just bought Bobbi Brown's Luxe Eye Shadow Rich Sparkle in Moonstone. It is drier, a bit scratchier than Urban Decay Moondusts. Maybe a bit more fall out due to that. But Moonstone is incredibly sparkly and beautiful too, and luckily completely different shade from Moondust Spade Rider palette shades!

I just really like glitter! A few years back I was all about matte, can't believe it!

I bought Caudalie's shower gel to get free shipping. But I do constantly use up shower gels and I like Caudalie.

Dermosil Panthenol Cream 5%

Dermosil Lanolin Cream

Wella Color Fresh Mask Pearl Blonde

All gifts! My mom always orders basics from Dermosil. Lanolin is a great basic for lips, nails... The panthenol cream seems to work great as a hand cream. It's nourishing but not heavy. Got the color mask from hair stylist as I got a part of my hair bleached.

Bepanthen Balm

Nizoexpert Daily Care Shampoo

Aco Intimate Care Cleansing Wash

Avene Cicalfate Repairing Protective Cream

Can you tell I did a bit of pharmacy shopping?! Bepanthen is repurchase, multipurpose product for scratches, irritated skin... wounds... Nizoexpert is repurchase as well. I think it is an okay shampoo and I made my life easier by buying the same again. 

I've heard good things about Aco&Avene products so decided to try them.

Nivea Creme Mini

L'Oreal Elvital Bond Repair Conditioner

I've never tried the classic Nivea Creme before. Only reason I actually bought it this time, was the cute holiday mini tin! Also, needed a new conditioner for hair so why not try this new one.

Current Favorites

Lancome Miracle EdP

For some reason Miracle has become my go-to perfume to put on just after shower. The opening can be a little sharp for such a girly soapy fragrance but I think it is a nice change from softness of Dior's Blooming Bouquet that is my usual day time scent right now! I am considering getting a full size bottle.

Dior Lip Glow Oil Mahogany

Dior Lip Maximizer Mahogany

What can I say... Dior's Mahogany has become my go-to shade. Both oil and maximizer are beautiful despite being different colors and they are comfortable and wear well. The oil is more nourishing and the maximizer has a slight tingle on lips, also it is a more brown, the oil is clearly red. Both can be applied either very sheer or packed on.

Primavista Long Lasting Primer UV Beige SPF50 PA+++

This is a Japanese brand and I gather rather popular product as well? It is mainly a tinted chemical sunscreen with alcohol high up on the list. But it makes it dry fast and stay on well. Slightly blurring, works well with makeup, maybe some white cast but I haven't applied generously. Definitely light beige tint. I do want another bottle for summer, this is a mini tester bottle.

Ultra Violette Clean Screen SPF30

This was a gift with purchase long time ago... from SpaceNK maybe? Clean Screen is a tinted hybrid sunscreen. Even though it is tinted light beige, it still leaves a white cast on me. The finish is also slightly tacky. But it works very well under makeup, then you can't tell it is too light either. Finish is satin, slightly blurring. Actually I wouldn't mind using another bottle during winter!

Empties Since January

Empties from January to February. A bit late but just been so busy and tired! Must keep going through my stash though! Yet another spring cleaning, yada yada, you know...

Face

Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream

This is already a repurchase and I have repurchased the big jar! Good moisturizer, works well with my other products.

Fresh Floral Recovery Calming Mask Mini

Smells nice, like clover flowers to me. Soft and creamy, pleasant to use, but I think this broke me out or otherwise my skin didn't like it.

The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA

Good basic moisturizer, always a repurchase. Quite light and is not enough on its own during winter.

A-Derma Dermalibour+ Repairing Cream

Thick treatment cream/balm. Discontinued, or reformulated, I believe. Would have repurchased! Very calming on irritated skin.

Clinique Moisture Surge Overnight Mask Mini

Very nice nourishing texture, no scent, pleasant, calming. But when used too many nights/days in a row definitely started to clog my pores! Once in a while a great overnight mask. Probably not going to purchase, but if I got another mini for free, I would use it.

Oilixia Australian Kakadu Plum Gummy Facial Cleanser

The consistency is like thick snot. But felt nice on skin and was a decent first cleanser. Not for heavy makeup. Needs another cleanser because it doesn't rinse clean. Smelled of oil. You know, a bit natural grassy, lightly like rosehip seed oil.

Banila Co Clean It Zero Cleansing Balm Purifying Mini

Clean It Zeros are good cleansing balms. Especially for stubborn mascara. But I do prefer cleansing oils.

Innisfree My Real Squeeze Mask Rice

I think Rice is my favorite My Real Squeeze sheet mask! But I believe it has been discontinued. Calming and hydrating.

Dr Ceuracle Royal Vita Propolis Anti-Oxidant Mask

Dr Ceuracle Hyal Reyouth Lifting Mask

The propolis sheet mask was more moisturizing and thicker and stayed wet longer. Hyal Reyouth seemed to dry up on my skin very fast, in 10-15 minutes. Regardless, both were ok hydrating masks, I think my skin did not like Propolis one though. Even though it was more moisturizing. Who knows!

Samples Dr Ceuracle Pro Balance Biotics Clear UP Sun SPF 50+ PA++++

Actually I think my skin really did like this sunscreen. It got remarkably better when I used this sample for a few days. It really leaves a white cast though. Even when very little is used.

Body

Essence The Nail Care Oil

Cheap, ok nail oil. Sweet fragrance, but it's not too strong and doesn't bother me. I have repurchased.

Cerave Hydrating Foaming Oil Cleanser

Not bad cleanser at all. No scent, very liquidy before lathering. Foams ok, nothing amazing. Difficult to get the last bits out of the bottle. Very gentle, actually too gentle I feel, I would like to have something more purifying. But I bet this is very nice for dry skin!

SVR Xerial 10 Lait Corps

Good moisturizer. The bottle last me a bit over 3 years! As you can see I'm not big on moisturizing my body... I would have rebought this one but SVR has reformulated it to include coconut oil I think. So I'll go with some other body moisturizer, maybe Aveeno or Cerave.

Rexona Maximum Protection Antiperspirant Sport Strength x3

Good antiperspirant! Have been using these for a while.

Hair

Nizoral Shampoo (Ketoconazol)

Good for oily, itchy dandruff and scalp. It is a treatment shampoo and I use it every few weeks or when I have flare ups. I also wash my face with Nizoral when I have similar flare ups on my forehead.

Ducray Kertyol PSO Kerato Reducing Shampoo

Actually, a bit too harsh for my hair (not for scalp itself). I felt I lost a lot of hair. But excellent cleanser for my body during summer! Felt very purifying for feet and armpits. Smells bad due to sulfur.

Shopping from January to February

I was supposed to be on a no-buy but... Some things I bought were definitely justified e.g. antiperspirants, nail oils, Kiehls Ultra Facial Cream (so good for winter), new hair clip/ties (but I went overboard with those too).

Anyway... altogether I spent about 357 € which is A LOT. Also, crappy photos because there is rarely any light during winter!

Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream 125 ml

Exuviance Overnight Transformation Complex

From Kicks (82 €) because they were on sale and I had run out of my Kiehls mini jar and my Exuviance moisturizer is at the very end as well. They both are really, really good products for my combination skin. I bet the 125 ml jar will last me a year because a little goes a long way and my last Exuviance also has lasted me a year (haven't used it daily).

Rexona Maximum Protection Sport Strength x7

NEONAIL Cotton Pads

Essence The Nail Care Oil

Essie apricot nail & cuticle oil 

Sample Discovery Box: RedkenAll Soft, BULGARIOmnia Crystalline, Hugo BossBOSS The Scent Magnetic, KérastaseSymbiose Micro-Peeling Cellulaire, Coach Dreams

No wonder Essie's Apricot Nail Oil is such a classic and bestseller. It is really good! It feels oilier than Essence The Nail Care Oil but absorbs as well. It has quite a strong fruity scent. I bought both because I just finished Essence bottle (took 8 months) and it is so cheap that I can apply it whenever&carry it with me without a fear of losing it.

These Neonail cotton pads look perfect for doing my home gel nails. A bit of an impulse purchase. Winter has made my nails very brittle at the moment so been just babying them, no gel nails for me until spring comes I guess...

I also love sample sets. Especially perfume samples. I had been dying to try Omnia Crystalline and while it is nice (a bit like Versace Versence mixed with Tiffany&Co Sheer??) it's not a must buy. Also really didn't like The Scent Magnetic, so medicinal on me. Didn't like the other Scent perfume either that I sampled earlier. I like Coach Dreams but it is not necessarily something I would like to wear and smell of. Too sweet, overpowering somehow?

From Notino: 70 €.

NYX Professional Makeup Glitter Primer 

Bobbi Brown Luxe Eye Shadow Rich Sparkle 1,3 g – Moonstone

Jane Iredale Pure Pressed Blush 3,2 g ─ Flawless

Jane Iredale Dusty Gold Case

Kérastase Blond Absolu Cicaflash 15 ml

Definitely impulse purchases! Oi the horror, about 76 € from Cocopanda. 

Actually, Jane Iredale Blush in Flawless is the color I kinda wanted Dior's Blush Charnelle to be. Charnelle is a superbly pretty color and different from what I already had but it is more red than I thought, people kept describing it brown but it definitely is not - Flawless is brown without being brown on face and I like such a natural everyday look.

Btw Jane Iredale compacts feel so nice. They have magnets and they feel sturdy. Too bad the brand seems to have pulled out of most retailers - not sure if I can purchase more stuff more them anymore...

I had been pining after Bobbi Brown's Moonstone single for a long time! It is a perfect shade. Very sparkly. I need to work on my technique how to apply it without fall out. Not sure why it is so expensive though, this was definitely an unnecessary splurge!

Kérastase Résistance Ciment Thermique

Brushworks Nail Clipper

Invisibobble Wrapstar Snake It Off

Invisibobble Barrette – Havana Mama

Invisibobble Barrette Too Glam to Give A Damn

Kérastase Genesis Fondant Renforçateur Conditioner 10 ml

Invisibobble Clipstar Clawdia

Invisibobble Everclaw Leo Love

Invisibobble Power Crystal Clear

Invisibobble Slim Bronze Me Pretty

Invisibobble Sprunchie Magnificent Leo

Again from Cocopanda, 92 €. Was so unhappy with my hair clip/hair tie situation that I went a little overboard, also I want to style my hair more sometimes so I got Kerastase heat protectant. Haven't used it before but I do like Kerastase products that I've tried so... it can't be bad?

Invisibobble's hair tie spirals are very good and I've been using them now for several years. I did try some cheaper no-name spirals as well but did not like them. The wrapstar is actually very nice! Can't lose the ribbon when it is attached to the spiral. I wanted some hair barrettes without metal to protect my hair as well. I feel I am a little bored with my hair, defaulting to ponytail almost every day.

Aveeno Dermexa Daily Emollient Cream

Eucerin Shower Oil pH5 Unscented

Nizoexpert Daily Care Shampoo

Some basics from pharmacy, about 37 €. Haven't used Nizoexpert Shampoo before but I am curious. Probably not any different than Head&Shoulders (I should buy a new H&S bottle as well). I've used the scented Eucerin shower oil before and liked it. Aveeno cream feels really nice! Leaves skin soft, not slimy at all. No scent. I thought it would have been thicker based on ingredients but it spreads and absorbs well.

Current Favorites

I choose my current favorites however and whenever I want!

Elizabeth Arden Replenishing Cleansing Oil

This is an old bottle because for some reason I felt I had to save it! And I still like it a lot and think it is probably the best one I've used. Similar to Tosowoong's Apricot Cleansing Oil that has been discontinued a long time ago. It's a bit oilier, heavier than Clinique Cleansing Oil that I also like. Miraculously it doesn't seem to be spoiled despite being expired. So I am going to enjoy it now!

A-Derma Dermalibour+ Barrier Cream

I finished my other A-Derma moisturizer/balm so moved on to this one, very similar. Calming and protecting on skin, especially now that the weather is messing with me. Contains mineral oil and oat derivates. Too bad A-Derma seems to have reformulated their products (no more mineral oil and it seems to be one of the safe occlusives for me, doesn't clog my skin or anything weird) and I'm not sure if this is still available.

Nizoral Shampoo

Good purifying treatment for the scalp and face both! Been washing my face lately with it once a day as well... winter is really messing with me and my skin condition.

Clinique Lash Power Mascara

I heard lots of good things about this mascara and it does deliver some of them! It does not smudge, it is easy to apply and you can layer it for a more impactful result, otherwise the look is natural. Also easy to wash off. 

But, it crumbles and flakes a little... Especially if I apply it on my lower lashes and the older (drier) the mascara gets. But it is not super major problem for a daily mascara as I like to skip often lower lash mascara so that my makeup doesn't feel heavy and doesn't irritate eyes.

I would not choose Lash Power for a night out or unpredictable conditions. But for everyday mascara, I might repurchase.

Dior Lip Glow Oil 020 Mahogany

Ok, I gave in and bought Dior's Lip Oil as well.

Actually, I wasn't too impressed when I tried it for the first time. The applicator felt clumsily big, product not very pigmented, no "oomph". But after a week or two of actually using it I really like it! Very comfortable on dry winter lips, easy to apply, lasts well and wears off well. Just makes my lips look naturally good for a while. Not irritating and doesn't taste of anything, no scent. 

I like the deeper shade of Lip Maximizer in Mahogany better but Lip Oil is quite a sheer product so it doesn't really matter that it is more red.

Dior Miss Dior Blooming Bouquet EdT

Yes, Blooming Bouquet was in my favorites in December as well. It is just a versatile everyday scent! I really like it. I am amazed I'm almost half way through the bottle (30 ml) in 3 months! Probably means that you have to overspray it a bit because it's not very strong or long lasting, but, to me it means that I'm not afraid to use it.

Thoughts of 2023

I have a habit of saving pretty boxes! Pink color is still my weakness, after all these years.

Thoughts about 2023 and 2024

Year 2023 I have found a good balance! I haven't made too much impulse purchases and those that I have are not that ridiculous. I have actually shopped my stash and finished half used products. Also as painful as it is, I've also thrown away old things. I am procrastinator by nature. But the task will continue in 2024.

Sometimes I feel like trying to use a huge pile of expiring products is work. Not a hobby or necessity anymore. Trying to find out alternative ways to finish things, keeping inventories, hate panning, overusing, maybe having worse skin because using too many unsuitable moisturizers... What is the point? The products are supposed to work for me, I am not supposed to work for the products! What a waste of time, resources, energy!

For 2024 I will continue practising merciful approach to my hoard, shopping, wellness hobbies... I rather enjoyed just giving up practical thinking and buying luxury makeup (Dior) for the hell of it this year. The same for more expensive gym clothes. I just feel better, I deserve it (as long as I can afford it of course). I guess right now I feel that I don't need anything, I just want things.

For anyone curious (and interesting reminder for myself) this is my tanned skin next to a very pale, truly white skin. I am shade light in most foundations (sometimes even fair depending on the range and undertones) but next to a pale person it is easy to see why I gravitate to blush/lip shades catered to medium skintones! My skin seems to eat brown color and strongly bring out red, also pink. Purple blushes (like Nars Sin) tend to look more natural red-ish. Only explanation I can come up with is the strong yellowness/warmness.

Current Favorites

February

May

July

November

December

I choose my favorites whenever and however I like. Clearly at the end of this year makeup has become more important. 

I am very predictable: my favorites are basics! Easy feminine fragrances, basic inoffensive moisturizers and daily makeup items like powder, eyebrow gel and mascara! Except sulfur, that one is pretty weird in case you haven't experienced the wonders it can do. 

Last year I chose my favorites only 3 times so this is improvement. 5/16 items from those 2022 posts are something I have repurchased at some point. 

I would recommend all of these products:

Etude House Soon Jung Moist Emulsion

Paula's Choice Calm Restoring Moisturizer

De La Cruz Sulfur Ointment

Klairs Rich Moist Soothing Cream

Medik8 Crystal Retinal 3

Dr Ceuracle Cica Regen Vegan Sun SPF50+ PA++++

Paula's Choice Anti Aging Eye Cream

Exuviance Triple Microdermabrasion Face Polish

Got2be Glued 4 Brows & Edges Gel

Essence The Nail Care Oil

Innisfree No Sebum Mineral Powder

Dior Lip Maximizer Mahogany

Dior J'adore EdT

Maybelline Sky High Waterproof Mascara

Cerave Blemish Control Cleanser

Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream

Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation

Jane Iredale Mineral Base

Dior Miss Dior Blooming Bouquet EdT

Kevyn Aucoin Neo Bronzer Sunrise Light

Empties

January to February

March to April

May to June

July to August

September

October to December

Shopping

 

 

 

Not sure I managed to add all purchase photos! Must check later.

Shopping:

January To February: about 149 €

From March To April: about 75 €

From May to June: about 68 €

From July to August: about 161 €

From September: about 156 €

From October to November: about 283 €

From December: about 200 €

Spent altogether during 2023: 1092 €

Most expensive thing I bought: Dior Mini Perfume Set (72 €), Dior Miss Dior Blooming Bouquet EdT (61 €)

The cheapest thing I bought: Blistex Lip Balm Sensitive, Essence The Nail Care Oil, Essence The Extreme Nail Hardener, Nofo Exotic Flowers Shower Gel, Vaseline Advanced Repair Hand Cream, Banila Co Clean it Zero Mini Set (ranging from 1-3 €)

Number of products bought+gifts: approx. 90

Skincare: approx. 18

Makeup: approx. 18

Bodycare: approx. 24

Haircare: approx. 8

Other, e.g. fragrance, nails, samples: approx 22

"Regrets": 

Essence The Extreme Nail Hardener (did nothing, didn't stay on nails)

Rexona Maximum Protection Antiperspirant Sensitive (smells disgusting on me)

Loved:

Garnier Micellar Gel Wash*

Exuviance Overnight Transformation Complex*

Rexona Maximum Protection Antiperspirant Sport Strenth*

Maybelline Sky High Waterproof Mascara

Dior Miss Dior Blooming Bouquet EdT*

Head&Shoulders Shampoo Classic Clean*

Nizoral Shampoo*

Dior Lip Maximizer in Mahogany

Got2be Glued 4 Brows & Edges

Kiehls Ultra Facial Cream*

Cerave Blemish Control Cleanser

Depend Gel IQ Set

(Repurchases *)

Thoughts:

My goal for 2023 was to spend 400-600 € thoughtfully but look at the numbers, it didn't really go that way! I spent almost double at 1092 €. Let's try a more reasonable goal for next year 2024: I will spend 1000 € or less and the purchases must bring joy. In 2023 I spent on things I don't usually buy like nail polishes.

Bonus:

Professional facial/nails/cosmetic treatments: 115 € (lash&brow lift)

Hair stylist: 380 € (3 appointments)

At home hair dye (+cut): 0 €

Gym card: 348 €

Personal Trainer: 0 €

Home exercise equipment: 80 € (a bench)

Vitamins: 70 €

Protein drinks: 30 €

Exercise clothes+shoes: 385€ (just clothes, mainly tights)

Overall not too bad (altogether 1408 €). This year I did not spend money on personal trainer or exercise clothes as much but I did actually get my hair done and tried lash&brow lift once - actually I'm not sure why I never booked another appointment. Money, time, just didn't make a big enough difference?