Shopping from July to August

From July to August I spent about 294 € and so far this year I've spent 993 €. 

I did buy some some things I didn't need, but mostly it seems I've bought things I need but chosen expensive alternatives instead of budget ones. Most are repurchases as well. 

I am dreading the holiday season. But I already took a look at the released advent calendars, and while it seems they are generally good this year, they still include a lot of things I am not interested in so might skip. Looking forward to seeing Skincity calendar this year though. But it must be amazing for me to actually go for it.

Moroccanoil Treatment Light 125 ml

WE CARE ICON Flawless Cleansing & Blending Sponge Set

Redken Extreme Conditioner 500 ml

About 75€.

I've had Morocconoil Treatment before, the normal one and light are similar enough. (This one was on sale.) Really like it and the scent. 

I've had some Redken products before and liked everything. I also like this conditioner, but not sure if it's a favorite or repurchase yet (used maybe 1/3?).

The sponge set is good for the price, but I'm not too picky. It cost 10 € or so.

Uriage Bariéderm Cica-Cream

Avène Cicalfate + Repairing Protective Cream

A-Derma Dermalibour+ Barrier Soothing Barrier Cream

Rexona Maximum Protection Sport Strength x2

Chloé Chloé Eau de Parfum 20 ml

From Notino, about 77€.

Uriage cream and Chloe parfum are new, others are repurchases. I do have sample of Chloe that I had with me while travelling and liked it so much that I wanted more. Now, that the weather has changed into autumn, I don't like it as much. For me it is definitely a summer fragrance.

MEDIK8 CLARIFYING FOAM

ACO INTIMATE CARE CLEANSING WASH

NIZOEXPERT DAILY CARE SHAMPOO

From pharmacy, about 47€.

Everything is repurchase. No complaints.

Discovery Sample Set: Avene Antirougeurs Rosamed, Narciso Eau de Parfum Cristal, Issey Miyake L'Eau D'Issey Solar Violet, Jean Paul Gaultier Scandal, Cacharel Yes I Am Bloom Up

Rexona Maximum Protection Sport Strength x4

Rexona Men Maximum Protection Cobalt Dry (Freebie)

From Notino, 45€. 

I actually ordered some things for my family, so just chucked some basics for me too. Plus a few fragrance samples I did not need... But did already fall in love with Narciso Cristal! 

Also, I'm on a fence if I should buy a full bottle of Avene Antirougeurs Rosamed. The sample had enough for 2-3 uses, so can't say I had results yet. But it was pleasant, quite light, absorbed well, no scent. Not enough on its own for night, after retinoids. But sandwiched well between Differin and Avene Cicalfate+. I reckon it could work well under makeup for daytime. Maybe had a calming effect, definitely did not irritate my skin. Let's see!

Masque Me Up Hemp Foot Peeling Mask x2

Masque Me Up Foot Mask Socks

Schwarzkopf Gliss Split Hair Miracle

L'Oreal Elvital Glycolic Gloss Serum 

L'Oreal Elvital Oil Erasing Scalp Serum

Got2be For Brows&Edges

Head&Shoulders Classic Clean Shampoo

From Normal and other basic stores. Maybe about 50€?

I did need peeling/moisturizing socks (my feet are in terrible condition... haven't taken care of them much), a cheaper shampoo so that I do not power through expensive ones all the time, some hair serums for my dry hair/oily scalp and a new brow gel. 

Got2b brow gel is a repurchase, I've had the old one for maybe 1,5 years? Feels like it's not performing as good as new, could be my imagination as well though. But I'll use the new one for brows, old one for stray hairs now.

L'Oreal Elvital Glycolic Gloss Serum is actually really good! My hair felt smoother and silkier after a few uses.

L'Oreal Elvital Oil Erasing Scalp Serum is good as well. The nozzle works really well for applying the serum. The consistency is like thick liquid, easy to massage in but will not drip off. I apply generously so the bottle lasts likely 6-7 uses. The results are not "miraculous", but they are there (scalp feels cleaner longer), a good addition every 2-3 weeks!

Current Favorites

I choose my current favorites however and whenever I like! 

Medik8 Clarifying Foam

Just works for my skin. This is a repurchase. Smells herbal, like tea tree oil. Also includes tea tree oil, salicylic acid and mandelic acid. Not for makeup removal but good after cleansing oil, currently I use it on its own in mornings. Usually I am not into expensive cleansers (this is 31€/150 ml) but I believe there was a difference everytime I stopped using Clarifying Foam.

L'Oreal Glycolic Gloss Leave In Serum

Just bought the serum and used it a couple of times, but my hair does feel silkier immediately. I also like the glitter (doesn't show when applied to hair) and the pink bottle. Quite strong sweet scent that lingers for a long time. Not sure I'm into that but it's ok.

Avene Cicalfate Repairing Protective Cream

Such a nice versatile cream. I use it on my face for the night after some retinoid product (Medik8 Crystal Retinal or Differin Adapalene) or anywhere else on the body when I need something gentle. No scent. Quite thick.

Medik8 Press&Glow Daily Exfoliating PHA Toner

Nice, gentle exfoliator. Noticed a difference immediately when started using, my skin was so soft and smooth. Obviously can't notice it anymore after some weeks of using. But this product actually can be used daily and it is effective, not drying at all. No scent. Actually works really well in combination with Crystal Retinal (... I better not fall in love with Medik8 too much. Bad for my wallet.)

Dior Lip Glow Oil in Mahogany

Just perfect for daily use. Happy I've found something I like so much.

Narciso Eau de Parfum Cristal Sample

Just soft, feminine. Fell in love immediately after sampling. Pleasant! Doesn't trigger headache like some similar (clean, powdery...) fragrances. Exactly what I've been looking for, will definitely get a bottle later on.

Current Favorites

I choose my favorites however and whenever I like! 

Avene Cicalfate+ Repairing Protective Cream

Calming evening moisturizer after acids/retinoids etc. Feels protecting, doesn't clog my skin. Unscented. Not for day time use because it is quite heavy and leaves whitecast (due to zinc). 

Really trying to lean on to classic skincare that will not be discontinued in a year or two. I have already repurchased!

Btw the cult classic La Roche Posay Cicaplast didn't work for me, so I almost wrote off all protective creams. But this Avene and also A-Derma Barrier Cream are great. I just also bought Uriage Bariederm Cica Cream, looks like a very similar product (zinc, copper, mineral oil based, magnesium sulfate...).

Dr Levy r3 Cell Matrix Mask

I am not a mask person because you have to dedicate time for them. But I do admit, that Dr Levy mask really calms my skin. I usually try to keep it on for half an hour. But I have forgotten and had it on for an hour as well and there's no harm. It is white thick cream so it stays on well, no dripping or mess, I can comfortably do other things.

I got this mask from Skincity Advent Calendar. I never would have bought it myself - 80 € for 50 ml! But it is a great mask and I'll do my best to finish it before it expires.

Maybelline Sky High Mascara Cosmic Black

A great mascara. This is actually all I wanted Clinique's Lash Power to be. Easy to apply for natural or fuller lashes, doesn't flake or smudge and easy to wash off. 

Waterproof Sky High Mascara is also amazing, super waterproof, super smudge proof (tested in snow storm). But it just won't budge when you try to actually remove it! So the normal Sky High is better for everyday wear.

Wishtrend Mandelic Acid 5% Skin Prep Water

Finally got around to testing this toner/essence/whatever! Very nice, very gentle, yet I feel it is effective. I use it on a cotton pad in the morning. I think I'll repurchase the bigger bottle. This mini came from Skincity Advent Calendar.

Because I don't need this product to perform any serious exfoliation action, 5% mandelic acid is better for me than, let's say, 10% from The Ordinary. Wishtrend is such a no-brainer and easy to use, no fear of overdoing it.

Morocconoil Treatment Light Oil

Would have bought the original oil instead of light but that value bottle was already sold out! But no fear, the light version feels and smells the same. It has the same ingredients as well, probably just in different amounts. I do think it doesn't quite perform the same as OG for dry hair, but for me this works great.

I really like how Morocconoil Treatments apply and smell. It doesn't feel too oily, absorbs nicely to hair, also the scent is not overpowering, it is just nice and warm. For the most damaged hair, this hair oil is not enough (like when I had a curl permanent) but for my current situation it is a great addition!

Empties Since May

Two months of empties (and trash)! I really did try. I just noticed that I'm not really finishing any toners or serums.

Face

Elizabeth Arden Ceramide Cleansing Oil

I have repurchased, great cleansing oil. 

Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Oil

Great cleansing oil but I feel not as effective and doesn't rinse off quite as clean as Elizabeth Arden. Less oily feel if you prefer that. Could repurchase though.

Cerave Blemish Control Cleanser

I used this for both face and body and I think it is a good cleanser, felt effective enough. I will repurchase at some point.

Medik8 Clarifying Foam Cleanser

My skin really liked this one. Will repurchase at some point. Herbal tea tree smell. 

Medik8 Micellar Mousse Cleanser

Good cleanser, smells slightly citrusy but not too strong. But results are the same as with Garnier Micellar Gel which is so much cheaper.

Exuviance Overnight Transformation Complex

I have repurchased. Great gentle exfoliating and calming cream for both day and night. Very light yet still moisturizing. (Not enough on its own during winter though.)

The Ordinary Lactic Acid 10%

Good exfoliator! Gentle but effective. Still, next I would purchase the 5% one so it's even more gentle and carefree to use.

Ultra Violette Clean Screen Fragrance Free Gel SPF30

I am considering repurchasing for winter. Maybe a bit too heavy for summer. Some white cast but not too bad under makeup.

Body

Rexona Maximum Protection Antiperspirant Sport Strength x4

My staples. Ugh, so annoying to sweat so much. But this is a good antiperspirant.

Vaseline Advanced Repair Unscented Hand Cream

Unscented, moisturizes ok, not enough during the winter though on its own. Well priced, I think 2 euros. Might repurchase!

Neal's Yard Wild Rose Hand Cream 

From some advent calendar. Moisturizes well but smells so strongly of rose! The scent doesn't fade at all. So in the end could use maybe half because it was making me feel slightly sick.

Hair

Nizoexpert Daily Care Shampoo

Good shampoo from pharmacy. I have repurchased. Feels effective enough, doesn't destroy hair. Still maybe a bit more drying than the Vichy sulphur shampoo I just bought.

Shopping from May to June

Overall, not too bad two months, from May to June. Mainly necessities. Except Primavista powders. Haven't got time to browse new releases or research anything. And this is a good situation. Plus I just bought a trip to Prague (been there once before during winter, now I want to see what the summer is like!).

I spent altogether 165e. But this year I've already spent 699 € on cosmetics/beauty products, yikes.

Primavista Long-Lasting Primer UV Beige SPF 50 PA+++

Primavista Bright Charge Powder SPF16 PA+++ in 01 Beige Ochre (refill)

Primavista Ex Matte Powder For Very Oily Skin

About 50 €, from Amazon JP. I had a mini of Primavista primer before and liked it! Works well under makeup and good for summer, doesn't melt on my face. Slight whitecast.

The powders are new to me but they seem nice, silky. I have liked all Japanese powders I've tried before. The shade 01 Beige Ochre is just right, light warm yellow. I often buy only refills for powders because they are cheaper without the case. If I like the powder, I will consider the case as well (like with Jane Iredale).

Elizabeth Arden Ceramide Cleansing Oil

Rexona Maximum Protection Antiperspirant Sport Strength x4

Moroccanoil Treatment 25 ml

From Notino, 62 €. All are repurchases, or well, my first mini of Moroccanoil hair oil was from Lookfantastic Advent Calendar many years ago. My hair has felt a bit dry lately so I wanted an oil and I liked how this one felt and smelled so got another mini. But it is half used already so maybe should've gotten a bigger bottle! But it is expensive.

Elizabeth Arden Cleansing Oil is just so good. I hope they never discontinue it. 

Aco Intimate Care Cleansing Wash

Lactacyd Flytande Tvål Soap

Vichy Dercos Anti Dandruff DS Shampoo

Some necessities from pharmacy, about 53 €! I read lots of people recommend Lactacyd as gentle all over body soap so I'll try it, also Aco is a repurchase, I do like it, it's unscented and really gentle.

Vichy Dercos Anti Dandruff is actually a great shampoo and fell in love with from the first use! It has sulphur derivate and salicylic acid. The fragrance masks the sulphur smell well to me, but my partner sometimes says he gets a whiff of sulphur that lingers on my hair after washing. But, I've been using sulphur on my acne before so I've gotten a bit nose blind to it (it smells so bad I have no idea how it's possible).

Vichy shampoo doesn't dry my hair, it is easy to apply because of the slippy consistency, easy to wash off, my scalp feels better afterwards, less oily, maybe? Or maybe my scalp is in better condition during summer anyway? Maybe hormones? Who knows. I usually work the shampoo into my scalp and let it sit for about 3 mins and rinse off.

I also started to wash my armpits with Vichy shampoo (again, let it sit like a mask for about 3 mins) and it actually works like a miracle... Definitely helps with the constant sweating during summer.

Current Favorites

I choose my current favorites however and whenever I like!

Kérastase Résistance Ciment Thermique 

I am impressed! My hair definitely looks and feels better when I use this heat protection cream before drying my hair. I don't need other products. It is not sticky or too heavy or oily, spreads well, has some scent but I find it ok. Ugh, so good but so expensive.

Medik8 Blemish Clarifying Foam

I think my skin got clearer immediately when I started using Clarifying Foam daily, sometimes two times a day, even. Smells like tea tree oil. I must say I am impressed, just like with Dermalogica's Clearing Skin Wash, but mayyybe I like Medik8 more for results but I think Dermalogica was better at cleansing/removing makeup as well.

Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream + LA Girl HD Pro Conceal Green Corrector

I found out that I get a custom green-ish moisturizer by mixing a bit of green concealer to my facial cream. These formulas work together nicely! Just a tiny bit correcting on skin but not noticeable at all.

Contact lenses

Not a cosmetic product but! Finally I had the courage to try contact lenses. Took 3 appointments to the optician. I am definitely not a natural when it comes to touching my eyes. Also I am afraid of eye infections, I've never had them and I'd like to keep it that way.

Currently I am using Alcon Dailies Total 1 and so far I am happy with them! 

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!