Shopping from November to December

I've been so busy, I can't even remember if this is all I've purchased! Probably. I did build sooo many carts online during black friday but managed to talk myself out of them. So I am kind of proud despite shopping a thing like Dior foundation that I did not need and so far it hasn't even performed as well as I thought it would based on the sample. 

Altogether I spent about 155 €. This year I have spent 1262 €. During 2023 I spent 1092 €. What a bleh realization but I don't have to time to cry about that now.

Dior Forever No-Transfer 24h Wear Matte Foundation 1W Warm

45e, from Kicks, I used a sale coupon. Impulse purchase. I must say that the shade is perfect for me. Neutral yellow. Better than 1W in Face and Body. The foundation initially applies so beautifully. Looks matte but not dry matte. Easy to sheer out and layer. I used a wet sponge to apply. 

But... during the day the foundation seems to wear off my nose etc. Almost like it just slips off and looks splotchy. And during those days I hadn't even sweat much and it wasn't hot day. I tried primer as well and it didn't work either. I will keep experimenting, but I'm surprised that this is maybe more dry skin friendly foundation? The sample I tried before lasted very well on my skin even during a run so I'm puzzled.

So far, before I find a solution to my problem, I must say I recommend Estee Lauder Double Wear for 24h wear. Not sure if that one has been reformulated as well though. My shade is 1W1 Bone.

Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream 125 ml

Maybelline New York Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara Cosmic Black

Olaplex Hair Perfector No.3 100 ml

Avene Antirougeurs Rosamed

Medik8 Pore Refining Scrub

Vichy Dercos Anti-dandruff shampoo

Probably around 100 €, bought from various places, Lyko, pharmacy, Kicks.

Kiehl's was half price and so worth it. Mascara and shampoo are repurchases. 

I've also tried Olaplex before but wasn't too convinced. But I want to use again a bond builder for my weak hair. And Olaplex treatment at hairdresser does work. K18 was so much more expensive... but I'll buy that later on, I think I liked that one better than Olaplex home treatment. 

Also got Avene Rosamed, I used a sample of it before and liked it. 

Medik8 scrub was slightly impulse purchase. But I also do want to use scrubs again. I tried it a couple of times and not sure how I like it yet. But I can say I do like Exuviance Triple Microdermabrasion Face Polish more. It's just so expensive I haven't dared to repurchase.

Masque Me Hemp Foot Peeling Mask

Garnier Micellar Cleansing Gel Wash

I wanted to pamper my feet again and I've used these foot masks before. They are good for the price. No crazy peeling at all.

As far as affordable, gentle but effective makeup cleansers go, Garnier's Micellar Gel Wash is a front runner for me. 

Current Favorites Galore!

I figured that for the end of the year it's nice to share a bunch of current/yearly favorites. I have found pretty amazing products! But as always, I choose my current favorites however I like. 

I go back and forth between many products because my stash is still bigger than I'd like. Soon I'll probably share some favorites I didn't remember to include here :')

Currently my skin condition is ok, maybe 7/10 by my standards? Obviously nice products and finally some consistency with my skincare work wonders. 

But, I also started drinking one cup of spearmint tea almost every day about a month or two ago. I suspect it might have had a positive impact on my skin by balancing my hormones. Of course I can't know for sure (there is some science behind it) but I'll keep drinking it because there's no harm and it's not too expensive. I read that green tea or zinc or many other things might help balancing hormones as well when you have too much androgens but are all natural remedies just nonsense? I don't have enough knowledge on this subject.

Face

Medik8 Press&Glow

Very nice, gentle everyday acid toner. Would recommend for sensitive skin.

Medik8 Hydr8 B5 Intense

Actually a hydrating and calming serum that doesn't meddle with other products, doesn't pill, I can notice how it helps when I have applied lots of retinoids/acids, also it doesn't break me out (I seem to have that problem with serums...).

Elizabeth Arden Ceramide Cleansing Oil

The best cleansing oil I have used. Just right amount of oiliness and rinses off clean.

Avene Cicalfate+ Repairing Protective Cream

Just perfect thick calming night cream.

A-Derma Dermalibour+ Soothing Barrier Cream

The same, just perfect thick calming night cream.

Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream

Perfect day cream especially for winter. Doesn't smell, doesn't pill, not too heavy or too light. Doesn't break me out!

Differin Adapalene Gel

Classic for acne treatment. A bit drying for winter time.

Medik8 Crystal Retinal 6

Expensive, but I do really like it. Very nice calming formula, not as drying as Differin. Nice to alternate between these two. No pilling, no irritation.

Institytutum Resurfacing Glow Toner

I keep saying that my skin can't tolerate glycolic acid but finally was brave enough to try Glow Toner! (Got it from Advent Calendar some year.) It is actually really nice. I had to up my moisturizing game a little but I can definitely appreciate the results. Been using it once a week or every other week and my skin is glowy everytime. 

Make Up

Missha Perfect BB Cream 23

A classic, neutral shadeBB cream. Good for winter, a bit too "oily" for summer use. Mine is expired btw by several years but I have kept using it... Soon I'll have to repurchase.

Dior Face and Body W1

Good light foundation for oily skin. I seem to have the old formula, people are saying the new one isn't as good. Stays on very well all day even if I sweat. 

Got2Be Gel

My go-to, best for my oily skin and stubborn hair.

Maybelline Sky High Cosmic Black

Great mascara. Stays on, doesn't smudge, easy to apply. Easy to wash off. Haven't tested in extreme weather conditions though. Sky High Waterproof is amazing but impossible to wash off as well!

Dior Lip Glow Oil Mahogany

Perfect nourishing every day lip oil. Doesn't taste of anything, no scent. If Dior would release a brown lip oil I would definitely purchase that one as well.

Dior Lip Maximizer Mahogany

Perfect shade, I love it. Great lip gloss, obviously not as nourishing as the oil.

Body and Hair

Dior Blooming Bouquet EdT

My everyday scent. Light and feminine. Doesn't last very long on my skin though. 

Moroccanoil Hair Treatment Oil Light

Smells so nice. Feels nice as well, doesn't weigh down my thin hair.

L'Oreal Elvital Glycolic Gloss Serum

Great serum, smooths my hair immediately and doesn't weight them down. Don't like the sweet scent though but can live with it. I do like the shimmer in the serum :)

Vichy Dercos Anti Dandruff Shampoo

My favorite shampoo currently. Contains sulphur derivate. Doesn't even dry my hair. No other shampoo keeps the scalp itchiness away like this one (for now at least). Definitely recommend for oily scalp!

Rexona Maximum Protection Antiperspirant Sport Strength

My staple and currently the only antiperspirant that works for me.

Empties from September to October

Not too many things this time either... but my skin thanks me for not using anything and everything at the same time.

Face

Differin Adapalene Gel 0,1%

Still using my expired tubes of Differin but they are effective so I guess it's fine!

By Wishtrend Mandelic Acid 5% Skin Prep Water

Really nice gentle acid toner. I will repurchase at some point.

Dermalogica Stress Positive Eye Lift

Ok eye cream, no scent, absorbs nicely but didn't notice any bigger effects.

Sample: Avene Antirougeurs Rosamed Chronic Redness Concentrate

Had enough for 2-3 uses. White unscented light cream. Might purchase the full bottle. I think it was calming. 

Body

Rexona Maximum Protection Antiperspirant Sport Strength

My basics!

Masque Me Up Foot Mask Socks

Felt really nice and moisturizing. Good for the price. From Normal. Will repurhase.

Masque Me Up Hemp Foot Peeling x2

Felt effective enough, easy to use. Good for the price. From Normal. Will repurchase.

Palmolive Sparkling Bloom Midnight Rose&Iced Peony Scent

Nice shower soap! Might repurchase if it is still available. Scent was ok, not sophisticated rose but still not too loud.

Plantheque The Bright Future Mask

Used this face mask for my body in the end. Not bad, not super good either. Ok. I think Plantheque has been discontinued already. This was from Skincity Advent Calendar. I think Skincity is not doing very well. They didn't release a calendar this year and their website is losing brands all the time.

Hair

Nothing!

Shopping from September to October

I'm actually not sure if this is all I've purchased from September to October, I've been so busy with work that I haven't cared about other things. But it also means that I haven't had time to shop! Altogether I spent about 114 €. 

However I did go to hair stylist and spent about 180 € as well.

Medik8 Crystal Retinal 6

I finished Medik8 Crystal Retinal 3 and just decided to bite the bullet and order the one step stronger version because they were on sale. It is a great product. Overpriced, maybe. But I can trust it to calm my skin. Very pleasant to use as well.

Cult Beauty The Skintellectual Edit including:

Medik8 Lipid-Balance Cleansing Oil

Shani Darden Moisture Boost Plumping Serum

Sunday Riley C.E.O. 15% Vitamin C Brightening Serum

La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo+M Anti-Blemish Corrective Gel Moisturiser

Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream

Allies of Skin Peptides & Antioxidants Advanced Firming Daily Treatment

Avene Cicalfate+ Restorative Protective Cream

Fig-1 Beauty Retinol Night Cream No. 1

True Botanicals At Home Facialist Peel 

Paula's Choice Youth-Extending Daily Hydrating Fluid SPF50 

Incredible value at 53,50 €! Rarely the sets are this good, I believe I can use everything. I haven't bought any advent calendars this year because nothing just spoke to me and I don't want unnecessary clutter. 

I already know I like Avene Cicalfate and Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream (my basics). I have high hopes for Medik8 Cleansing Oil and Paula's Choice Hydrating Fluid SPF50 because generally I have liked everything from those brands before.

Maybe I need to start following Cult Beauty and SpaceNK more for these deal sets.

Empties from July to August

I actually threw away some super expired products this month! Not even going to include them all here because they were sooo old and tested maybe a couple of times back in the day. Anyway, I am proud. The waste saddens me but it also pushes me to accept the realities - what I actually use and how fast.

Face

Avene Cicalfate+ Repairing Protective Cream

I have repurchased. A good basic. I use it as a night moisturizer.

Medik8 Crystal Retinal 3

I really liked this expensive retinal product. I also have already repurchased Crystal Retinal 6, one step more effective one. Didn't irritate my skin and seemed to calm it down overnight. I did have a huge inner debate before repurchasing though - I think the tube cost about 68 € on sale. Finally I gave in, thought that it might be more expensive to try to find another one that is this pleasant, doesn't break me out, doesn't dry me out, works as well.

Medik8 Daily Radiance Vitamin C Mini

Not going to repurchase. Ok product, citrus scent I think? A bit oily feel.

Clinique Lash Power Mascara

Not going to repurchase. Maybe I got a dud because the mascara felt dry so fast and crumbled on me. In the beginning, I did like it a lot! Even though it never was completely crumble proof. But it is smudge proof which was great. Didn't irritate my eyes either and easy to apply. But I've moved to Maybelline Sky High.

Evolve Organic Beauty Bio-Retinol Gold Mask

Not for me, came from Advent Calendar. Felt like it made me break out. No wonder because it includes so much different oils. But for dry skin, I do believe it can work and that's why it's a praised product. Didn't like the scent either (but it was not strong). The golden color of the mask was interesting though, maybe a bit messy to wash off.

The Ordinary Plant Derived Squalane

Squalane is always ok! But I've been using a lot less than when I found out about it. Maybe because nowadays I use thicker moisturizers instead of light gels.

Lumene Light Glow Lumenessence

So old, finally decided to just throw the bottle out. Never really got into using it, felt like it did nothing, smelt too strong or maybe even broke me out. Didn't calm, cleanse of hydrate. Also includes betula alba juice (birch) and I think my skin doesn't like that. This product has been discontinued already so maybe it didn't suit other people's skins either.

Body

Rexona Maximum Protection Sport Strength Antiperspirant x2

My basics. Still effective for me.

Rexona Maximum Protection Sensitive Dry Antiperspirant

Rexona Maximum Protection Stress Control Antiperspirant

Both of these scents smelt on me like fish, or spoiled, or dill. Weird! So to trash they go. Weird how some products and scents just don't work on me despite the formula being the same (I think) for all these Maximum Protections.

Aco Intimate Care Cleansing Wash

Very gentle. I have repurchased.

Caudalie Fleur de Vigne Shower Gel 

Nice scent, not overpowering at all, but I did get bored of it towards the end. Cleanses ok but I wouldn't say it's my favorite, maybe too gentle. Would not go out of my way to repurchase but wouldn't mind using again.

The Chemistry Brand Retin-Oil

Deciem brand that doesn't exist anymore. I tried using this body oil but just couldn't get past the scent. It was too strong and lingered all day on my skin. Good thing I bought it on sale. But anyway, now it's sooo expired and ready for trash. Otherwise I don't mind body oils.

Hair

Schwarzkopf Gliss Hair Repair Oil Nutritive Conditioner

Not very amazing but was cheap (2-3€ ?). Ok when used between other more effective treatments. Notice, my hair is currently quite brittle, dyed and I'm losing a lot because of hormonal reasons. Otherwise I would just buy normal affordable things like this conditioner.

Schwarzkopf Instant Volume Powder

Never really learned to use it or liked it. Always felt it made my hair more greasy and flat. Strange! Very old bottle so time to throw out.

L'Oreal Elvital Bond Repair Conditioner

Ok, but didn't leave such an impression that I would have repurchased already. Might purchase in the future but this did not noticeably leave hair smoother or make my hair loss any better. Didn't notice much difference at all but bond repairs do not work like silicone conditioners that immediately make hair silkier, of course. Did work better than Schwarzkopf Gliss Hair Repair Oil Nutritive Conditioner however.

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.