Shopping December

Just one month of shopping this time. Spent on products altogether about 200 €.

Went to hairdresser as well, that was 140 €. Btw, even if I didn't notice much results with Olaplex products at home, I took Olaplex treatment with the hair dye and I think it made a difference. My hair looked more shiny and felt silkier. Still does, after a few weeks of the salon visit. 

Dior Miss Dior Blooming Bouquet EdT 30ml

Dior Backstage Glow Face Palette 002 Glitz

What the hell is my obsession with Dior anyway. Some christmas presents from me, to me!

I am almost done with the mini bottle of Blooming Bouquet, so I bought a full size one. It is such a nice easy perfume, doesn't trigger any headaches, not too strong or sweet but still feminine and soapy. As for the Face Palette, I've had my eye on it for a long time and finally pulled the trigger! Surprisingly my favorite shade so far is the bronze. It makes a lovely blush color.

Kerastase Genesis Fondant Renforcateur Fortifying Anti Hair Fall Conditioner

Bought this one from hairdresser to help my hair. A bit of an impulsive purchase, but I do like the conditioner! It smells like Guerlain's Aqua Allegoria Mandarin Basilic perfume to me. But not going to pick up a habit of buying over 30€ conditioners all the time... maybe... 

Rexona Maximum Protection Antiperspirant Sport Strength x8

Necessities from Notino! Running out of antiperspirants. Even though I feel I keep purchasing them constantly. 

+Unleashia Glittery Wave Lip Balm

Xmas gifts! Not sure if Glamcolour is reputable brand. The compact sure is pretty.

Empties October to December

Three months of empties this time! Been so busy, not much time for exploring samples or anything extra. So I'll try to be brief. Another year gone by and I still haven't properly gone through my stash and got rid of oldies, sigh.

Face

Hylamide High-Efficiency Face Cleaner

This was a nice light cleansing oil. Such a shame Deciem decided to get rid of Hylamide.

Kiehls Ultra Facial Cream Mini

I already repurchased the slightly bigger mini jar. I really like this unscented cream, it plays well with makeup, is moisturizing and perfect for my combination skin during winter!

Skinoren Cream 20%

Azelaic Acid is very effective but also very drying. I still have another tube to go through! Have used so many other things that Skinoren hasn't been my priority.

Avene TriXera Nutri-Fluid Cleanser Face and Body Sample Discontinued

I actually thought this was a very good cleanser, for both face and body. Felt very cleansing, almost squeaky clean for face. Too bad it's been discontinued. It was very fragranced though.

Isadora Kohl Kajal Easy Glide Eyeliner Black

Super old and never really used the kajal, it is way too creamy and doesn't stay put and looks messy almost immediately.

Banila Co Clean It Zero Cleansing Balm Original Mini

Ok cleansing balm. I do like cleansing oils more, but this one seemed to work for some waterproof mascaras that I couldn't properly remove with anything else.

Etude House Mirror Holic Liquid Eyes WH901 Crystal Shoes

Very old and maybe was irritating my eyes a little, but must say that it was very beautiful and glittery on eyes and stayed on perfectly. So wouldn't be against trying more liquid eye products from Etude House.

Naturel Eyelash Adhesive Waterproof 

Old and dried up, but I think it was ok adhesive. I am not using fake lashes anymore these days.

Missha Perfect Cover BB Cream 21 Mini

I think Missha's BB creams are excellent! I like the gray-ish shades of Perfect Cover and the staying power. For me, the best result is mixing shades 21&23.

Filorga Time Filler Night Multi Correction Wrinkles Night Cream Mini

I actually really liked this Filorga cream, worked well with my other products and didn't break me out. Some of them seem to be so great and some just overpriced, weird!

Samples: Dermosil Retinol Reviving Serum

Nice non-drying serum! Doesn't include retinol however, it uses undisclosed amount of Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate. 

Body

Rexona Maximum Protection Antiperspirant Sport Strength x5

Rexona Maximum Protection Antiperspirant Confidence 

My staple products, I have repurchased several times and will do so in the future as well.

Nivea Ultimate Protect Antiperspirant 48h Protection

Ok antiperspirant and worked for me for a while until it sadly didn't.

Depend GelIQ High Shine Cleanser

I like Depend Gel IQ polishes! I don't want to skimp on the cleanser liquids when doing nails.

Hair

Olaplex No3 Hair Perfector Mini

Must say I didn't notice immediate results with Olaplex but I guess it is ok product.

Current Favorites

What a great way to end this year with a more luxurious current favorites post! I choose whatever and however and whenever I like. Right now all these products are my morning staples. I would repurchase them all...

Kevyn Aucoin Neo Bronzer Sunrise Light

This is a pink toned bronzer and it is incredibly natural looking. Easy to apply fast, blends well, but if you really want it to show, needs a lot of layering... But very good for busy tired mornings, a little something extra sculpting for face but doesn't require effort and never can go wrong. 

The other side of bronzer does have glitter chunks. Eh, not so keen on that on cheeks but it's good natural eyeshadow. 

Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place in 1W1 Bone (Light with warm undertones)

Yay, bought this foundation a long time ago and finally really gave it a go. It is very good! Stays all day in normal winter circumstances at least. It is not really drying, but, I've been using Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream underneath. I apply the foundation with a damp sponge and get reasonably natural results. I also often mix it with blue mixer so it looks less orange, but for everyday look I apply so little foundation that even if it's a bit orange-ish, it's so sheer and blended that you can't tell at all! 

I do really like Double Wear, it doesn't do anything funny, works well with basic facial creams, shade's ok, doesn't have scent, doesn't break me out, can be mixed with other foundations/mixers, dries quickly (must work quickly to blend it too), doesn't turn greasy on skin after a long day (during winter at least).

Jane Iredale Mineral Pure Pressed Base Refill in Warm Silk

Also, I have topped Double Wear with a dust of mineral foundation powder. You would think this is too much but they work surprisingly well together to lock everything in and yet the end result is not too powdery or heavy. But I apply all things lightly! 

Warm Silk is quite neutral shade and works really well for me! It was less warm/yellow than I thought it would be when I first time swatched it next to other shades but it has turned out to be perfect. It is a really nice powder formula and good stand alone base as well but if I really want cover a powder foundation is not enough for me.

Kiehls Ultra Facial Cream 

Such a good basic non scented moisturizer! This is my second "mini", next I'll go for a full size 50ml one. This works under and on top of other products,  I don't really have to layer things because it is moisturizing enough on its own yet it is not heavy at all! Doesn't break me out either. Just feels nice on skin, that's all.

Dior Miss Dior Blooming Bouquet EdT

Ok, so Blooming Bouquet seems to be my daily signature fragrance now. It is so inoffensive and doesn't even last long, I don't have to be afraid of overspraying. It is sweet, but in an adult way. Fresh, soapy, floral, doesn't trigger any headaches for me. Plus the bottle looks so cute with the angular shape yet the ribbon bow and pink liquid make it very girly. Just saying that picking up the bottle makes me happy and I guess that's money well spent.

Shopping from October to November

My shopping from October to November. Haven't even received everything yet, but trying to write this list now that I still remember and have a little bit time! Spent altogether about 283 €. This year Black Friday didn't kill my wallet so I am proud of that.

Dior Addict Lip Maximizer in Mahogany

Dior Rouge Dior Forever Transfer-Proof Lipstick 200 Forever Nude Touch

Dior Rouge Blush Cheek and Cheekbone Blush in 959 Charnelle

Clinique Power Lashes Set (Lash Power Mascara Black Onyx, Quickline For Eyes Intense Chocolate, Clinique Smart Clinical Repair Wrinkle Correcting Eye Cream)

Eh, these are definitely impulse purchases because -25%. I felt like I really needed something to cheer me up. It is dark cold winter again and my annual winter depression is back. :( I've already told myself that I have to find more healthy ways to cope as shopping is not the solution, but with all the stress I just chose the easy way out again. 130€

I really ended up liking the Lip Maximizer in Mahogany! I already bought Shimmer Macadamia earlier and liked the shade a lot, too. Haven't played too much with the lipstick yet, but it sets quickly and is a bit drying. Maybe summer is better time for it, or I have to prep my lips better. It feels very light on lips though. It does not transfer but it does not last through eating. I am not quite sold on the shade Forever Nude Touch yet. I like that it's not pink leaning on me at all. When layered, I feel it's maybe too warm??? Looks best when lightly patted on so it's more natural.

Nizoral Shampoo

For my scalp mainly. The bottles are expensive (22€/100ml), but at least a little goes a long way because currently I use it maybe every two-three weeks.

Notino Sample Sets x3

Rexona Maximum Protection Sport Strength Antiperspirant 

Jil Sander Evergreen Shower Gel

Notino has this cool new option of making your own discovery sets from samples. Obviously I had to try it! I chose enough for a few boxes. This year I didn't buy an advent calendar, but I put these samples into an older calendar box I have. So I still get a small surprise everyday during December and I didn't have to shell several hundreds for a new calendar! The rest of the boxes I filled with candies as I didn't have quite enough samples.

The sample box of 5 costs 6,40 €. I purchased 3 so it was only 19,20 €. Got Jill Sander shower gel only because the order got free shipping and the product cost the same as shipping. Should've gotten more antiperspirants.

Versace Bright Crystal Eau de Toilette x2 

Versace Bright Crystal EdT x2 is a traveller's edition gift set I got from my partner! I have already used one bottle and I think it is a safe everyday fragrance. With two 30ml bottles, I am never running out of it again! Took probably 5-8 years to finish the first one... Yes, I do like the most basic light fragrances and I try to purchase only those from now on.

Medik8 Pore Refining Pore Cleanse Gel Intense

Medik8 Skin Ageing Micellar Mousse 40 ml

Medik8 Blemish Clarifying Foam 40ml

RefectoCil Oxidant Cream

K18 Leave In Molecular Repair Mask 15ml

Maybelline Sky High Mascara Cosmic Black

From Lyko, some cleansers and other useful things. Very interested in to see if K18 does anything. And if the basic Sky High mascara is as good as the waterproof one but easier to remove.

Banila Co Clean It Zero Mini Set (Cleansing Balm Revitalizing, Foam Cleanser)

From Iherb, I purchased other things as gifts and just threw the set in for myself as it was only a few euros. And the balm is ok for removing Maybelline's Sky High Waterproof Mascara.

The Ordinary Multi-Peptide Lash and Brow Serum

The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA 100ml

The Ordinary Foaming Cleanser 50 ml

About 24€, the cleanser is from the discovery set and lash/brow serum from the duo, the rest I gave to my mom. I didn't want to go overboard with Deciem's November sale because I have so many things to finish already, but still wanted to test the new cleanser and I am curious if lash serums actually work.

Current Favorites

I choose my favorites whenever and however I like, repeating products as much as I like as well! 

Cerave Blemish Control Cleanser

Very nice basic cleanser! Removes basic makeup, sunscreen pretty well but anything waterproof needs another cleanser. Doesn't smell of anything, easy to wash off, slightly foamy, doesn't make my skin dry or squeaky but also doesn't leave any kind of film.

Dior Lip Maximizer in 020 Mahogany

So glad I purchased this one! Shimmer Macadamia is a perfect nude but Mahogany is such a nice sheer unique shade. Looks scary but on lips it's not as dark or weird at all. Of course if you layer it the result is more opaque but it's not too dark from the get-go. No shimmer, lasts pretty well.

Maybelline Sky High Mascara Waterproof

Waterproof indeed! Been wearing this several times while it's been raining and no smudging whatsoever! I absolutely trust this mascara to last all day. Easy to apply as well. Then, the negative side: it's super hard to remove. Almost nothing seems to work! Banila Co's Clean It Zero Cleansing Balm seems to be my best option so far from the removers I currently have.

Dior Miss Dior Blooming Bouquet EdT

Dior J'adore EdT

Both of these fragrances really grew on me. Both are subtle, not very long lasting, very safe options. 

Makethemake Tripeptide-1 Lash Lift Mascara 10 ml Review

 Ingredients:

aqua (water), tribehenin, copernicia cerifera cera [(carnauba) wax], glycerin, acacia senegal gum, butylene glycol, palmitic acid, stearic acid, oryza sativa cera [oryza sativa (rice)bran wax], dimer dilinoleyl dimer dilinoleate, panthenol, aloe barbadensis leaf juice, sodium stearoyl glutamate, biotinoyl tripeptide-1, sodium hyaluronate, sodium hyaluronate crosspolymer, hyaluronic acid, hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid, hydrolyzed glycosaminoglycans, avena sativa (oat) bran extract, pisum sativum (pea) sprout extract, camellia sinensis leaf water, tocopheryl acetate, tocopherol, betasitosterol, squalene, xanthan gum, sodium hydroxide, propanediol, ethylhexylglycerin, sodium phytate, sodium benzoate, phenoxyethanol, may contain +/- ci 77891 (titanium dioxide), ci 77491 (iron oxides), ci 77492 (iron oxides), ci 77499 (iron oxides), ci 77742 (manganese violet), ci 77007 (ultramarines), ci 77510 (ferric ammonium ferrocyanide), ci 42090 (blue 1 lake), ci 19140 (yellow 5 lake), ci 16035 (red 40 lake) .

I try to mark the sunscreen ingredients in red and other possible irritants in lilac. Ingredients thought to be good and useful for skin I mark green.  Learning as I go, google is my friend etc...

Thoughts:

- Has a bit of fall out, or smudging, but this was more fall out than just getting messy.  On a scale from 1(none-very little) to 5(panda eyes) the smudging is maybe about 2, so manageable but annoying.

- Layering a lot doesn't seem to make the mascara more effective

- The results are quite modest considering the name "lash lift" - still, nice natural lash look

- I'm surprised how quickly the mascara dried to be unusable, right at 6 month mark, when some mascara formulas stay good for a year or more

- Didn't notice any difference in my lashes condition despite the peptides. But I do not have problems with my lashes, usually. 

- Not waterproof, didn't really test the mascara in rain though so no comment



+ The smudging lessened when the mascara dried a little, it was the worst right after opening it

+ Easy to wash off and didn't seem to damage my lashes

+ Didn't make lashes look crunchy

+ Didn't weight down lashes (didn't keep them curled up either)

+ Easy to layer, doesn't dry too fast

+ I liked the plastic brush! Precise to use.

 

* Makethemake Tripeptide-1 Lash Lift Mascara has a weird name, because I definitely wouldn't consider it belonging into any great lash lift category!

* Got this from Skincity Advent Calendar. Makethemake is apparently their own brand?

* Btw, Skincity just released the advent calendar for this year. I might not go for it this time. It looked alright though, but I think Bangerhead's calendar is more versatile so I will consider that. All other calendars have looked quite bleh.

Price: 

23 € / 10ml

Bought from: 

Got from Skincity Advent Calendar

Buy again? 

No.

Worth the money? 

No, not to me. But Makethemake Tripeptide-1 Lash Lift Mascara is an ok mascara however, for a cheaper price I could repurchase it, maybe around 8-12 €! For someone who doesn't have skin prone to oiliness and likes natural lashes this could be a great choice.

Fresh Floral Recovery Calming Mask Mini Review

 Ingredients:

Aqua (Water), Glycerin, Squalane, Camellia Oleifera Seed Oil, Cetearyl Alcohol, Propanediol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Passi ora Edulis Seed Oil, Centaurea Cyanus Flower Water, Prunus Cerasus (Bitter Cherry) Flower Extract, Paeonia Suffruticosa Root Extract, Tocopheryl Acetate, Tocopherol, Hydrogenated Coco- Glycerides, Cetearyl Glucoside, Cetyl Alcohol, Stearyl Alcohol, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Betaine, Sodium Hydroxide, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Butylene Glycol, Parfum (Fragrance), Sodium Hyaluronate, Glucose, Chlorphenesin, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate <15999>

I try to mark the sunscreen ingredients in red and other possible irritants in lilac. Ingredients thought to be good and useful for skin I mark green.  Learning as I go, google is my friend etc...

Thoughts:

- Lots of floral extracts, bigger chance to be allergic to something, but this mask is marketed as dermatologist-tested so maybe it is ok

- I don't think I noticed any of the claimed advantages like soothing, brightening or even-toned skin, but I did only use 15 ml mini jar

- I am not sure my skin overall liked this mask very much, I did not experience huge break outs but maybe just generally something looked off



+ Pleasant scent to me, just like clover flowers to me!

+ Texture is very pleasant as well, creamy, smooth, thick without being suffocating

+ Feels very moisturizing

+ I did not experience any irritation or super noticeable break outs

 
+ Little goes a long way, I think 15 ml lasts me 2-3 months as a night cream

* Fresh seems like an interesting brand, especially if you are looking for a spa experience, a bit of extra with the scent and brand image. I wouldn't be against trying other products from them.

Price: 

30 ml/ 20-30 €
100 ml / 50-70 €

Bought from: 

Gift with purchase from SpaceNK

Buy again? 

No.

Worth the money? 

I do have to admit, that no, Fresh Floral Recovery Calming Mask is not worth the money to me. I'd rather buy some soothing cream from pharmacy. Or, I some other nice moisturizing cream like Klairs Rich Moist Soothing Cream or Kiehls Ultra Facial Cream. They seem similar enough to Fresh Mask and my skin liked them more.

Anastasia Beverly Hills Lash Brag Volumizing Mascara Mini Review

 Ingredients:

Water/Aqua/Eau, Paraffin, Acacia Senegal Gum, Glyceryl Stearate, Synthetic Beeswax, Stearic Acid, Butylene Glycol, Palmitic Acid, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Wax, Polybutene, Ozokerite, Vp/Eicosene Copolymer, Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil, Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax/Copernicia Cerifera Cera/Cire De Carnauba, Glycerin, Cellulose, Ethylhexylglycerin, Stearyl Stearate, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Polyester-11, Pvp, Disodium Edta, Aminomethyl Propanol, Phenoxyethanol, Black 2 (Ci 77266) [Nano], Iron Oxides (Ci 77499), Ultramarines (Ci 77007).

I try to mark the sunscreen ingredients in red and other possible irritants in lilac. Ingredients thought to be good and useful for skin I mark green.  Learning as I go, google is my friend etc...

Thoughts:

- Smudges on me almost on a daily basis, but is usually manageable - on a scale from 1(none-very little) to 5(panda eyes) the smudging is maybe about 2,5?

- The brush feels a bit too big

- Not especially volumizing to me (considering the mascara name)

-  Definitely can't use the mascara on my lower lashes: brush too big, smudges then badly

- Not favorable feelings towards Anastasia Beverly Hills since discovered that the brand owner seems to support Putin



+ Gives beautiful lashes, no clumps

+ Slightly volumizing and lengthening, quite elegantly, in balance

+ Can be easily layered, no crunchiness, doesn't immediately dry when applied, easy to apply

+ Even though the brush feels a bit too big, it is a great shape and works well

+ Very easy to wash off with regular face wash, doesn't damage lashes at all

+ Doesn't weigh down my natural eye lash curl

* I have gotten two of Anastasia Beverly Hills Lash Brag Volumizing Mascara Mini as gifts! Another one from advent calendar and another one as a gift with purchase I think? So I assume it is either a hugely popular mascara or they really tried to market it.

* This mascara claims to be waterproof and intense black color. For me, waterproof means nothing if mascara is not sweat/oil proof as well. 

Price: 

Full size 10ml / 20-30 €
Mini 5ml / 12-17 €

Bought from: 

GWP

Advent Calendar

Buy again? 

No.

Worth the money? 

For someone who doesn't experience smudging problems and likes well balanced lashes Anastasia Beverly Hills Lash Brag Volumizing Mascara quite possibly could be a great choice! For people prone to oily skin, smudging and small eyes and lashes this is not ideal.

Shopping September

Just September shopping this time. Quite a lot of stuff though... the end of the year stress is getting to me again... Altogether about 156 €. Also went to hairdresser, about 80 €.

DIOR Mini Perfume Set: Miss Dior EdP, Miss Dior Blooming Bouguet EdT, J'Adore EdP, J'Adore EdT, Diorissimo EdT

Wow, what a cute perfume set! Found it at Vienna/Wien airport duty free shop. I haven't seen much mini sets from Dior and I've been dying to try Miss Diors. About 72 €.

I like both Miss Diors, I could easily use them as my daily scents. I don't think Miss Dior EdP is too sweet, I was afraid of that. It is rather warm vanilla floral. Blooming Bouquet is quite soapy floral.

 J'Adore EdT is more to my taste than the EdP so far. They are not my type of scents but EdT is growing on me. Elegant, mature soapiness. Apparently, the current new EdT is the old Lumiere? Diorissimo gives me a strong lily of the valley/syringa in the beginning. As lotv I do enjoy it a lot. It is long lasting. But it is just not me. At least right now. 

Btw I really recommend visiting Vienna/Wien, this was my first time and I am very impressed by the buildings, parks, cakes, friendly people. <3

Just had to swatch some similar, nude-ish lip products next to Shimmer Macadamia!

DIOR Addict Lip Maximizer 014 Shimmer Macadamia

I gave in finally, because of a discount code! 29 €. I don't even know why I keep oohing and aahing over Dior. I know it is not rational. I guess my tiny little mind thinks Dior is glamorous, luxurious and I want to be a part of that world.

The shade is excellent nude. Not too brown, too red, too pink, too peach or too mauve. Shimmer is very fine and subtle. The lip gloss stings my lips quite strongly and for a long time when my lips are not in top condition. But a few days later there was barely any stinging when I used the gloss again.

Canmake Secret Powder Clear M01

Canmake Fleur Cheeks Blend Type B01 Cotton Coral

Primavista Mini Set Long Lasting Primer UV Beige SPF50 PA+++ and Blurring Powder Mimosa Pearl

Cezanne Lasting Curl Mascara Black

About 35 €? I am doing it again. Buying things just to experiment. Actually my sibling ordered these along other stuff from Amazon JP so we combined/split shipping costs so it wasn't too bad! 

I already tested the Cezanne mascara and it is very hard to remove. Nothing except oil cleansing worked. I like the precise wand, it suits my lashes very well. But for more dramatic lashes I had to apply several coats and my lashes started to look quite crunchy and lost the natural curl in the end. For extremely natural and long lasting look, one coat is ok.

Canmake Blush Cotton Coral is very sheer. But I knew it would be so no shock. Shade is peachy pink coral on me so accurate name. 

Primavista Primer is very promising! The bottle has a ball inside, you are meant to shake it before applying. It has a light fresh minty scent after the first alcoholic whiff. Similar to Innisfree No Sebum powder. Consistency is very liquidy, like many modern long lasting sunscreens (Garnier UV Fluid) but this one is also tinted pinkish beige. Very easy to apply, dries quickly, ever so slightly blurring.

The powder Mimosa Pearl on the other hand is a failure for me, it has glitter! Not pearly sheen, or micro glitter, just some glitter dots here and there! Interesting choice as it's not quite enough to be a highlighter either. But, maybe something to apply before gym where no one cares if you have glitter dots on your face... Or for clubbing... Or vampire party.

Schwarzkopf Gliss Oil Nutritive Hair Conditioner

Garnier Micellar Gel Wash

Vaseline Hand Cream Advanced Repair No Fragrance

Some boring but very useful basics! About 10 €. Vaseline Hand Cream is surprisingly good for 2 €! Been using it for two weeks about. Definitely would recommend.

Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara Waterproof

10€. The Cezanne mascara was so hard to remove that I need to try an alternative for everyday use. Currently I am using Anastasia Beverly Hills Lash Brag Volumizing Mascara Mini and it smudges on me almost on a daily basis even though it does give me beautiful lashes. Sky High mascara already has huge hype behind it so it can't be too bad, now can it? I would have bought Maybelline Snapscara Waterproof again, but it has been discontinued!!

Empties September

This time some more "spring cleaning" so clearing old stuff, trashing and also decluttering... Hoping to pass off the only tried on products that are in good condition to someone for free. (Not pictured yet, still rummaging...)

Usually I have tried to do empties/shopping posts every two months but I'll make an exception now and this is just september. I will be very busy next month so better blog when I have some time... Also I get overwhelmed easily so better do a little at a time! I promised myself I would sort out my beauty stash this year.

Face

Cosrx AHA 7 Whitehead Power Liquid 

6 years old, ha! Wasn't for me, my face didn't really like it, tried to use it everywhere else on my body - legs, feet, cuticles, ears - but I felt it did nothing that way. Still, the bottle is finished, so hurray. 

Revolution Brow Soap

Wasn't for me, the hold was not as strong as I hoped and was lead to believe, applying was messy. Now the soap is slimy, gluey, so definitely expired. I'm bummed but glad I tried it... my eyebrows just need the strongest solutions. Also the compact felt really cheap and everything was a bit wonky and you could see the glue etc but I guess that's just what you get for the affordable price.

SVR Sun Secure Extreme Multi-Resistant Ultra Matt Gel SPF50+

Maybe 1/3 used. I just can't with the scent and the slimy gel consistency. Yes, it looks matte after a while but it never truly dries. Well, generally sunscreens don't dry, they leave the skin tacky but this one is slimy. I tried to use it on my arms as well but eugh the sliminess that sticks to clothes is not pleasant.

Missha Color Wear Browcara

Probably 6-7 years old. Very long lasting. Still hasn't dried up. Good hold. Korean brow gels in general seem to be quite good and would purchase again. This one is discontinued I believe but something else. The color was not quite right on me though.

Makethemake Tripeptide-1 Lash Lift Mascara

Ok mascara! Slightly smudged but not badly. Natural lashes, I was able to layer for a more dramatic look. Easy to wash off. I liked the precise wand. I think I will wash and save it. I think, it was precisely at the 6 month mark when the mascara had dried so much that it was difficult to use so it's time to discard. (No, I don't always follow the 6 month expiration mark that is printed on mascaras... sometimes I use a mascara for a year or over! I've never had eye problems though.)

Essence Eyeliner Pen Longlasting Brown

Old product again, and I even wrote as a first impression that it is not longlasting at all. Why did I still try to make it work, I don't know... It doesn't seem to stick on my oily eyelids and doesn't last. Used it for my brows a bit but I can use better products for them as well.

The Ordinary Advanced Retinoid 2%

Older than old I believe. Half used. Retinoid products lose their efficacy quite fast so there is no reason to save them too long. I think I did not like this emulsion formula either but can't quite remember.

Tan-Luxe Super Glow Hyaluronic Self Tan Serum Gradual

2-3 years old, from an advent calendar. Let's face it, I'll never try it despite my best intentions. Probably expired because it looks so thick.

Body

Yves Rocher Pur Arnica Moisturizing Hand Cream

A freebie with my order, but I actually really did like it! Had floral scent but not too strong for me. Didn't bother me at all. Felt moisturizing, but not heavy, absorbed ok so good for daytime as well.

Bioderma Cicabio Pommade

Very good heavier moisturizer for winter hands. I used this during the nights because it leaves hands slimy. Tried on my face as well, but I think my face did not like it too much.

Hotel Body Lotion Way of Life

Where do these keep appearing from?! A bit too fragranced, not very moisturizing and had to rub it on for a while, but absorbed completely so was ok hand cream during the day.

James Read Gradual Tan H2O Illuminating Tan Mist Body

From advent calendar but never got around to trying it! I think it looks separated already. I guess I should just give all the tanning products away immediately or trash them because I am just currently too lazy to give them a shot!

Hair

Head&Shoulders Classic Clean Shampoo

My basic shampoo.

L'Oreal Elvital Color Vive Conditioner

Probably over 5 years old! Definitely didn't work for curls so I did not use it for a long time. Yeah yeah it looks grimy. Not very good conditioner to be honest, but it's more than nothing, also cheap.

Biozell Color Tech Espresso

Strangely I think I did not like this one and I felt my hair felt dry afterwards. Couldn't see much darker tint on my hair either. Bought this maybe 3 years ago, just when covid started. So it's time to let go. I like more the similar tint product I bought this spring (Four Reasons Color Mask Toning Treatment Chocolate).

Empties Since July

July to August.

Been quite busy lately! Not much time for playing with skincare. Or for writing about it! I should continue my "spring cleaning" project as well. 

Face

Innisfree No Sebum Mineral Powder

Good finishing powder! Old but still worked well. Can't believe I had forgotten it. I have two back ups that I am using right now. Gonna save this jar so I can use it for travelling again.

The Face Shop Rice Water Bright Light Cleansing Oil

Super old, tried to use as a body wash as well. But I suppose this product just wasn't for me. I guess it was the combination of fragrance, the feel on skin. Probably broke me out a little too.

Klairs Rich Moist Soothing Cream Mini

Very nice soothing unscented cream! Moisturizing and soothing, without being too heavy. Could repurchase.

Exuviance Deep Hydration Treatment Mini

Ok product I guess, was hydrating, sticky on skin, but I suspect it also broke me out a little. Not sure if it's discontinued.

Paula's Choice Calm Restoring Moisturizer Normal to Oily Skin Mini

Very good for oily skin. Disappears into skin, feels calming, leaves skin slightly "silkier". I could use this again during a heat wave! Otherwise my skin needs a bit more moisture.

Filorga Meso Mask Smoothing Radiance Mask Mini

Hydrating, nice smelling mask. But I suspect it didn't actually do much. It was a pleasure to use though! Would use again, but would not purchase.

Samples: Drunk Elephant Protini Powerpeptide Resurf Serum, Kiehls Super Multi-Corrective Cream, Purito Sea Buckthorn Vital 70 Cream

I think Kiehls broke me out. It was thick, pleasant cream but it maybe smelled a bit bad?  Drunk Elephant was a nice effective and gentle serum. Very expensive for lactic acid serum but it does have a lot of other nice ingredients as well. Purito Cream was pleasant, neutral, absorbed easily, could use again.

Body

Dermosil Exfoliating Socks

Nice socks, effective! Uses lactic acid.

Rexona Maximum Protection Sport Strength Antiperspirant x3

Three antiperspirants finished in 2 months?? I am on a roll... should order more... yes thanks I am disgusting and sweat a lot and go ham when applying antiperspirant!

Nofo Exotic Flowers Shower Gel

Cost about 0,5€ and for that price this was okay shower gel. General not too strong scent, a bit too watery consistency for me, and not as effective at washing as I would hope but considering price... Okay.

Hair

Olaplex No 0 Mini

Olaplex No 3 Mini

Feels like water. You are supposed to apply No 0 first, it is like a primer, wait a little and apply No 3 and wait a little and then wash hair. Pre shampoo treatment duo. I got maybe 3-4 uses out of the mini bottles? So can't really say if they worked for my hair. Did not do harm however, and maybe my hair was a bit softer after treatment.

Shopping from July to August

My shopping from July to August. Overall I spent about 161 €.

DEPEND GEL IQ FEED YOUR SOUL

DEPEND GEL IQ FREE YOUR ENERGY

DEPEND GEL IQ HOT COCOA

DEPEND GEL IQ LIGHT MY FIRE

DEPEND GEL IQ SQUEEZE THE DAY

DEPEND GEL IQ TUSCANY TRIUMPH

Depend Gel IQ polish haul, 35€! Several were on sale so I overdid it a bit... (Without the sale this lot would have cost around 56€ on Depend's own site.) Now I can mix&match colors. All the shades are so pretty... However I don't think I needed 3 orange polishes!

And... currently some of my nails look bad, they are a bit split. I have not been diligent with hand cream&nail oil, been so busy!

Lisa Elridge Luxuriously Lucent Lip Colour in Meet Me In Berlin 

Light Set.1 Foundation Sample Card

36€, the shipping was 4€ and the sample card free (normally 3€). I don't know what possessed me to order this expensive lipstick almost on a whim. I just saw some swatches, compared them to Nars Rosecliff and thought that the shade is perfect for me... Meet Me In Berlin looked a bit more brown and balmy than Rosecliff.

Everyone online keeps raving about the foundation as well. So maybe I should try at least the samples! I would have bought the Light Set 2 card too but it was out of stock!

EDIT: Meet Me In Berlin looks very different on lips compared to Rosecliff, even though swatches are not so different! It is a lot more sultry look kind of lipstick, but with one layer it is natural. 

EDIT2: The lipstick is very flattering color for my skintone. I just have to get over it not being exactly a disappearing neutral shade.

As for the foundation, just swatched the card and based on that I would choose 2.5 Light With Olive Undertones but it may be even too olive for me. I bet I can make 3 Light With Golden Undertones work too. I will try mixing them too when I face test!

EDIT: 2.5 is perfect for me, on my face just neutral. The liquid consistency and fast drying reminds me of Dior Backstage foundation. I am interested in purchasing the full bottle at some point. Too bad the sample is too small to determine if the foundation breaks me out!

Kiehl's Dermatologist Solutions Hydro-Plumping Re-Texturizing Serum Concentrate 15 ml

Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream 28 ml

Depend Gel iQ Soft Spoken Kindness Sprinkle

Depend Gel iQ High Shine Cleanser Step 5 35 ml

Depend Gel iQ Pre-Cleanser Step 1 35 ml

CeraVe Hydrating Foaming Oil Cleanser 473 ml

CeraVe Blemish Control Cleanser 236 ml

Free Sample Biotherm Cera Repair Barrier Cream

About 65€, from Lyko. I needed more Depend Gel IQ cleansers to be able to do my nails... the bottles are really very small (the starter set bottles only 25 ml) and you get the best result when not skimping on the liquids! 

I also got some Kiehl's... yes, maybe it will be a new brand interest of mine, lol! I liked the mini cream I had so bought another one for the next winter. Also interested in the Serum, because it has 15% Glycerin, so very basic but effective...

And then last but not least, going to probably use both Cerave bottles as shower cleansers, both body and face!

Everything was on sale -25% so that triggered me into ordering.

Essence Golden Days Ahead Lip Oil 01 Oh my Gold!

Essence the Extreme Nail Hardener

Lily Lolo Pressed Corrector Pistachio

Dermosil Nail Oil Carrot

Dermosil Exfoliating Socks

Some gifts and some impulse purchases. Essence Lip Oil is ok, but was expecting more golden look, it is completely clear on lips. Some sweet scent but not too bad. Not sure yet if it irritates the skin around my lips. Essence Nail Hardener was a stupid purchase, it has done nothing within two weeks of use. And it splits off my nails within a day, why not just use a clear nail polish instead? That would last two days on my nails, probably. Lily Lolo's Pistachio Color Corrector is fine, does not look very green when swatched and it's quite light but it sure seems to neutralize redness. Not sure yet if I like the formula.

I know I will like Dermosil Socks, they are great. The nail oil feels nourishing as well.

So, overall, I should keep my purse strings tighter.

Current Favorites

I choose my current favorites whenever and however I like.

Essence The Nail Care Oil (or any nail oil...)

I can definitely see a difference on my nails. I never used any oils on them before. But I think with the long winters and doing manual labor with my hands really takes a toll on nails. And using just a hand moisturizer is nowhere enough. I recommend trying warm oil treatments as well! I bought a cheap canola oil for that. You can find tutorials on youtube how to do it.

Innisfree No Sebum Mineral Powder

An old favorite that I rediscovered! I still have old limited edition packages to finish! From the birthstone edition. They are very pretty. I bought my first No Sebum Powder in 2017 and just finished it. 

The powder is very fine and never seems to look cakey, even if you reapply on a sweaty skin. Leaves skin silky smooth. With a brush you can get ever so slightly mattifying and smoothing veil, but with the puff the finish is matte and lasts almost all day, if not sweating. How could I forget to use No Sebum Powder despite having so many jars in my stash! Perfect powder for summer.

Got2be 4 brows and edges Brow Gel Mascara

Very strong hold even on my difficult brows (they grow downwards so they just always revert to that). Easier to use than the original hair gel. So happy I bought this one, it's so much quicker to apply since I don't need a separate brush and the formula is different from the og hair gel which can leave white marks or clump if not careful.