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.

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.