Empties since November

Nothing too exciting this time around... Two months' worth of empties, from November to December. Been lazy, yet again. But my skin has been good so it's not like I need to slather a million things on everyday as long as I use the right products for my skin! As you can see it is becoming a trend to finish products I have received from advent calendars!

Face

Garnier Micellar Gel Wash

Just works great, always a repurchase. Affordable as well. Sometimes I do wonder, why do I even try other cleansers. Out of boredom?

The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA

My basic cheap moisturizer. It just works. Have repurchased, 3 new tubes actually because of the November sale.

Doucce Maxlash Volumizer Mascara Mini

Not sure if I felt my lashes were super volumized, but otherwise a great mascara! Didn't smudge much if at all, easy to apply and easy to wash off with water... Tubing mascara maybe or otherwise just good? Too bad Lookfantastic doesn't seem to carry Doucce anymore (everything is listed sold out) and no one in EU does. I wouldn't mind buying another mascara. This one came from LF Advent Calendar. But, no matter, there are lots of great mascaras around these days. Currently I am using Maybelline's Snapscara and it is very good!

Eyeko Lash Alert Mascara Mini 

Ok, so, this one is so old I haven't used it in ages but haven't thrown out because I was saving it for the brush. I like the shape, it's a bit different with the curve. Ok/good mascara, wouldn't mind using another one, but not a great one. Didn't smudge but was more difficult to wash off than Doucce and not as easy to apply because it was a lot more dry. Still easier to wash off than most mascaras because water is enough! Could buy more Eyeko mascaras to try out though. This one was from LF Advent Calendar.

Bioeffect EGF Serum Mini

I really liked this serum! I got it from Lookfantastic Advent Calendar. It always leaves my skin looking good, I used it in the evening alone usually like Bioeffect recommends to do. A little goes a long way. It is crazy expensive (around 120-145 €/15 ml!!!) but maybe one day I'll dare to purchase it to re-evaluate how much I love or need it! I am thinking the serum just doesn't include anything that I react to rather than the EGF part doing something amazing. Interesting nevertheless! It also pared down my evening routine when I used only this one thing after cleansing, so that was nice. (+ Eye cream after the serum had absorbed.)

Body

FAB Ultra Repair Cream Moisturizer

From 2017 Lookfantastic Advent Calendar. Really don't like the scent of this product, it's unfragranced so it has this really stuffy smell from the very beginning I opened the tube for the first time (so can't be because expired), it doesn't even fade fast. But it is soothing and despite being light, feels more heavy duty as a hand cream than many others. I used it also sometimes on my face when there was irritation, then it felt nice, otherwise I felt it was breaking me out. Don't think I'll repurchase. Wonder if there is a cream that is just like this one but it smells better? I just can't handle the stuffy scent.

Rexona Maximum Protection Sport Strength Antiperspirant

At this point, my everyday antiperspirant, gentle and effective at the same time. A bit masculine scent but not bad at all.

Hair

Head&Shoulders Classic Clean Shampoo 1 L

My basic shampoo that is effective and affordable. 1 liter bottles mean I do not have to repurchase every month!

Lookfantastic Advent Calendar 2021 Review

I have enjoyed this year's advent calendar from Lookfantastic. I don't think the products are exceptionally great, but because I didn't expect too much and I happened to need hair care stuff at the moment it was ok. Also, my skin's been very good lately, so it has made me more free to choose what I throw on my face. Also 2021 is the first year I searched for the calendar's contents beforehand and spoiled myself. But the good thing is my memory is very bad and during the two months I waited to open the boxes I had forgotten the most.

I am a bit disappointed the calendar didn't have Molton Brown shower gel like usual. 

Would I repurchase Lookfantastic advent calendar? I don't know, this one was a gift, like all my calendars, thanks to my partner. This year I tried to find another calendar to ask for, but couldn't find one with the same price range and surprise element. I wanted to love Feelunique calendar, but it had too many items I have already tried and didn't like. I also wanted to love MAC calendar, but in the end there were only a few items I really wanted from it, and I could purchase them separately. Which I haven't even done yet so clearly it isn't too important.

The 2021 advent calendar cost 95 € and the claimed full value is 475 €. So interestingly, 25 € less than last year. Of course the value is not the whole point, pricy item is not necessarily good. And I do think they claim too high value considering the products are either minis or clearly overpriced like Avant. 

The 2020 advent calendar cost 95 €. Lookfantastic claims the full value is about or even a bit over 500 €. Year 2019, the calendar cost 89 € and the value claimed was 455 €.

The 2021 calendar had 25 boxes, 5 make up, 10 skincare, 5 haircare, 5 bath and bodycare. Compared to earlier calendars this year had more haircare and less make up. Wonder if it was easier to source in the middle of pandemic or if they thought that people are not wearing make up right now because of masks.

The 2020 calendar had 25 boxes, 8 make up, 10 skincare, 1 haircare, 6 bath and body care.

The 2019 calendar had 25 boxes - roughly 8 make up, 11 skincare, 2 haircare, 4 bath and body care.

Yay

Nars Blush Orgasm Mini

What surprise! I just bought 2 full size blushes from Nars in Taj Mahal and Sin and now got a mini Orgasm. I don't think I would have bought this one myself but damn is it such a pretty pink shade with golden shimmer. The same goes for last year's LF calendar's Natasha Denona Mini Blush Glow Duo with the pink (golden coral) blush - I never would have bought it myself but now I love it... 

Caudalie Vinosource-Hydra S.O.S Intense Moisturizing Cream

I have a soft spot for Caudalie! But because of the price rarely buy their products myself. I bet I will like this cream, so far I have liked everything from Caudalie that I've tried (few products only though!).

Bioeffect EGF Serum

I really like this serum! LF calendar had it before too. This time the bottle is even smaller though, last time it was 5 ml and now only 3 ml. So you can imagine it is very tiny. 

AHC Hydrating Essential Real Eye Cream for Face 

I needed a new eye cream so good timing. Also, I have heard about this product a lot so I am curious to finally try it.

Omorovicza Facial Polish 

Quite a rough scrub, I have to be very gentle when rubbing my face, but seems effective as well. At least I noticed that my face was smoother afterwards for a day. Didn't notice breakouts. Wasn't too excited about the polish when I opened the box, but actually find it now good and useful!

Philip Kingsley Elasti-Styler 5-In-1 Treatment

Tried once already, seems like a nice product, not too heavy but hair feels definitely smoother. Philip Kingsley seems to have good products for dry hair!I have gotten 2 mini Elasticizers from LF calendars so it wasn't a surprise that the same brand was featured again.

Ok +

Delilah Lip Line Long Wear Retractable Pencil Buff

First thought that the lip liner was too pink but actually it is a nice nude! Long lasting as well. I really do like it. I did also like the eyebrow pencil from Delilah that came from last year's calendar. Seems like a good consistent brand, a bit expensive though at around 20 € for lip or eyebrow pencil.

Kate Somerville Goat Milk Moisturizing Cleanser

Interesting cleanser! At the moment I'd rather get mystery cleansers than moisturizers because I have found so many nice moisturizers already and cleansers are more risk free to try. Because they work or don't work and stay on skin only for a little while.

Aveda Botanical Repair Strengthening Leave-In Treatment 

Looks like an ok product, currently with dry hair I use everything I get. 

Percy & Reed Wonder Balm

The same as above - looks like an ok product, will use. Quite many similar hair products though!

Christophe Robin Cleansing Purifying Scrub 

Scalp scrubs are always welcome! This one has sea salt. I tend to have an oily scalp and other scalp problems like oily dandruff sometimes. But, like I have said, after I got permanent curls my scalp&hair has been a lot better and easier to manage! Because my hair is not flat against my scalp anymore and it is processed so it's damaged&dry which is great compared to oily&straight.

REN Clean Skincare Overnight Glow Dark Spot Sleeping Cream 

As a brand REN is not really on my radar. I do like their aesthetics and products seem good, but I still feel uninterested, maybe because they promote themselves as "clean" and "natural" and they are not affordable (to me). But I will use this cream and I'm pretty sure I will like it!

Avant Skincare Sumptuous Glycolic Acid Hand Balm

Hand cream is pretty much always ok, but a bit boring thing. I don't think there is much glycolic acid in this cream though, it is almost the last ingredient in the list. Also the value is supposed to be closer to 100 euros. What a scam, but I will use this cream and I think it will be basic.

Elemis Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Wash

I like receiving facial washes to try! As a brand Elemis hasn't been a good match for my skin before. But I can try again.

Ok -

Shiseido Ultimune Power Infusing Concentrate

Shiseido as a brand is expensive and interesting, and Ultimune is one of their bestsellers I gather, but for me it is not exciting. It is a serum/essence/hydrator and according to ingredient list, is not worth the price tag. But I bet it is an ok product.

Rodial Dragons Blood Sculpting Gel 

Not really exciting product but doesn't look bad either. Expensive. Consists mostly of dimethicone, cyclopentasiloxane, etc. silicone derivates so it is basically a smoothing primer gel. Nothing wrong with that. I don't believe it will do much for my skin but will try!

Color Wow Dream Coat Supernatural Spray 

Hmm, instructions say "Requires blow-drying to activate". I am lazy and blow dry once in a while sooo... Probably will just spray this to my hair and see if it does anything.

Iconic London Illuminator Original

Very tiny bottle! But it's ok. The shade looked initially dark but blends into my skintone well. At the same time I love receiving something popular like this to play with (because I never would have bought it myself) but I also feel like it's a waste because I am not a highlighter person generally so maybe I will just forget it and then trash!

Illamasqua Hydra Setting Spray

Will try this setting spray like I've tried many before! But it seems I never do quite like them. Or take them into my daily routine. But I do have hope that I will find the one I like and that works for me!

ESPA Clean & Green Detox Mask 

Looks interesting, but I am usually too lazy to use masks. Probably, because I usually I do not notice enough difference so that it would be worth my time and effort. But the mask looks nice, it has kaolin and some oils etc. Kaolin is good for oily skin after all.

Meh

Rituals The Ritual Of Sakura Candle

Bleh, no candles for cosmetic calendars, please. I highly dislike the scent as well. Too strong. I will try to give the candle to someone and will trash if no one wants it. I also disliked the Sakura body scrub from Rituals from last year's LF calendar. This is the exact same scent. The scrub wasn't scrubby enough for me either and left a layer of slime on my skin and took forever to try to wash it off afterwards!

ThisWorks Stress Check Mood Manager

What an amusing concept, a scent that helps sleep or reduces stress. The actual scent is not bad actually, reminds me of walking into furniture store or similar. Apparently it is an essential oil blend of Ylang Ylang, Neroli and Patchouli. But as an item this is useless. I wish they would have put in some popular mini perfume instead.

BubbleT Bath Bomb Rhubarb&Custard

Still do not own a bath tub. And when I have tried bath bombs in hotels, I find them a bit disgusting actually. Usually I do not like the fragrancies and water just feels dirty. 

Balance Me Beauty Sleep Hyaluronic Mist

So. A mist that you're supposed to spray on your hands and chest and it smells like lavender, chamomile... and is supposed to help you sleep. I highly dislike lavender scent (unless fresh lavender still growing in a flower bed). Yuck! Will trash unless someone wants this. Why put 2 stress manager/beauty sleep mists into one calendar? But at least ThisWorks mist doesn't smell bad. Just put mini fragrances or floral shower gels or something!

Diego Dalla Palma Khol Kajal

Yet another black kajal, every year. Still doesn't suit me, dark brown looks better. 

Shopping from November to December

At this point I just have to admit I enjoy shopping too much. I should probably publish this blog post as soon as possible to realize how much stuff this is and it would deter me from buying anything else for a while! I spent in two months about 424 €. I have surprisingly little regrets, though. Maybe they appear when I put together the whole year's number.

I will add more photos when there is actually some daylight... sigh... In December the sun barely rises for a couple of hours. Can't believe the first blush photos were taken only around start of November and there was still sunlight! Or maybe I just waited for the right day!

Melt Cosmetics Digital Dust Duo Blush Raw Honey

Kevyn Aucoin The Neo Blush Rose Cliff

Kevyn Aucoin Neo Bronzer Sunrise Light

Skindinavia The Makeup Finishing Spray Bridal 20ml

Ok, so, Beautybay had a sale and these things were -30 %. I had wishlisted these products and put them in and out of my shopping basket multiple times and never seen them on sale. I was weak and just bought them finally, 91 €.

My first impressions? Kevyn Aucoin's blush&bronzer are excellent shades, so natural. So sheer, not too much pigment, it is absolutely impossible to mess up the application. But they are buildable. They basically blend themselves on my skin so they are zero effort products. When I tried the blush I just thought "why haven't I bought this one before?". Probably because I have gone for crazier shades to have instant gratification of a totally different look...

Melt's blush is very pretty and highlighter-y, the finish feels similar to Dior's Hologlam (how there is the base color and how the shimmer/glitter sits on top and looks multilayered) but the formula is a lot more buttery and pigmented. But the color is just warm bronze on me. I mean it is a pretty color and bronze suits me and I love bronze but I expected more a reddish bronze or mauve-ish bronze... Starting to think I should've gone with the peachy one Buzz Kill!

The Ordinary - Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA x3

NIOD - Copper Amino Isolate Serum 3 1:1 (CAIS3)

NMFs are a basic moisturizer for me and just decided to go all out and buy 3... definitely will last a whole year until the next sale! Deciem has November sale instead of Black Friday and I do believe they will continue this campaign. I like cheap moisturizers and I cannot lie. The whole order was 52 € mainly because of CAIS.

CAIS3 I just want to try to see if it really is as amazing as people say. Interesting that Deciem has managed to the make the formula stable so that the copper doesn't need to be in a separate bottle anymore like in discontinued CAIS2. (I never tried it though.) I enjoy opening NIOD packaging, their designs are always elegant.

Lethal Cosmetics Custom Palette HIVE:

Symbiosis, Equinox, Limbo, Rise from the Ashes, Stargaze, Lithium, Vertigo, Inhabit, Defiance, Acolyte, Covet, Backdraft

Customizable Palette PRISMATIC

Pressed Multichrome Shadow PROXIMA

Again, Lethal Cosmetics order for all my shimmery eyeshadow needs. They had a good Black Friday sale, custom palettes were -40 % or so. I spent about 89 €. All the shades I took were shimmers! My palette looks like a box of jewels to me! I did really like the shimmers in my last custom palette I ordered (very glittery and impactful) and because I do not actually have the basic golden etc. eyeshadow I decided to splurge. I also bought one of their new pressed multichromes. I chose the safest one, Proxima.

I took the smaller black magnetic palette Hive and also the bigger one, Prismatic. I like their palettes, they are not too big or heavy to hold.

I haven't tested all the shadows yet, but I am gravitating towards Backdraft immediately. Peachy/coral shades just seem to be my thing! Also Limbo is a great one and done champagne, not too out there except with the glitteriness and makes me look more awake (I think my eyes are hooded so some light shimmer makes them look bigger).

Quite random foundation selection, sorry! Just grabbed whatever I had nearby. To have at least some reference.
Out of these, I think IT Cosmetics Fair is the best match. (Otherwise it would be Missha but 23 is a tad too dark.)
Laura Mercier is a lot more orange when piled on and compared to other foundations!
I knew the match was off but when used only a little and blended a lot it felt fine. If I buy another Laura Mercier, it will be something else than Porcelain.
Maybe Pearl or Vanille.

Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturiser Oil Free Natural Skin Perfector Mini 25ml Porcelain

IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream with SPF50 12ml Fair

NARS Cosmetics Blush Sin

NARS Cosmetics Blush Taj Mahal

Philip Kingsley Elasticizer Home & Away Duo

Olaplex Intense Single Use Repair Kit

This haul was from Cult Beauty. Everything I wanted was in stock and was able to use a discount code so I went for it. Black Friday is my downfall, the order was about 120 €.

I must say when I tried IT Cosmetics CC Cream my first thought was "why haven't I bought this before???". It is great. The shade fair is great. It blends and layers great. It doesn't seem to break me out. I am impressed.

As for Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer, it is nice at first impression and even the shade porcelain is good despite looking a bit dark at first. But it sheers out when applied. The product seems good, but for some reason I am not as wowed as with IT Cosmetics! I don't know what it is! My opinion might change later of course.

I thought I should try Olaplex because people seem to praise it and now I have perfectly damaged and processed hair to see results. There is enough for maybe 3 uses in this mini set. I tried it once and sadly must say didn't notice any immediate results. I even kept the product in my hair quite a long time. Maybe you need to use Olaplex constantly to notice anything or I have too processed hair for it to work. That kind of defeats the whole purpose though.

I also bought Philip Kingsley Elasticizer set because I have noticed that this product really works for dry and processed hair! But I use it as a leave-in treatment even though the instructions say to wash it off. Maybe I should try Olaplex No 0 and 3 as leave-in products too?

NARS blushes are something I have pined after for a long time! I love both colors but Taj Mahal looks so unapologetically orange in the pan and as a swatch but on my face it's more red :(. Even the brush looks almost poppy red after applying it. I am still on the lookout for a true orange blush. Maybe have to choose one that looks very yellow orange? Sin is delightfully muted and bright on my skin at the same time and it looks more true to swatch. Less purple on my face though, surprisingly natural!

Real Techniques Cashmere Dreams Eye Fantasy Brush Set

Real Techniques Cashmere Dreams Blush Brush

Real Techniques Cashmere Dreams Powder Brush

Cashmere Dreams was last year's limited edition set from Real Techniques (I think) and I drooled after it because it is pink. But never got around to buy it and then it had already disappeared from stores. So you can imagine my surprise when this year during black friday it was on sale in Oletkaunis! Of course I bought the eye set and two brushes. It took over a week that they shipped them but they did notify that it would take longer and would include a free gift, but the gift was only a body foundation that I am not sure if I will just trash. I don't know anyone who would use it!

The order cost a bit over 30 € and while I think they are worth it, I couldn't help but feel a bit disappointed in them. I have been using my IT Cosmetics brush set mainly ever since I got it and I do think I like them better! So maybe it was the comparison that made me feel less excited. Also I find the handles awkward shape and weight to hold. Nevertheless, I do like these Real Techniques brushes and will use them, but the question is, will I purchase more from RT in the future? 

Garnier Micellar Gel Wash

Rituals The Ritual of Ayurveda Foaming Shower Gel

My trusted face cleanser! Yet another repurchase. Rituals shower foam I got as a gift. I haven't tried this Ayurveda one before, just Sakura, and I did like it.  Weird because I really didn't like the Sakura scrub and candle from Rituals!

Head&Shoulders Classic Clean Shampoo 1 L

Rexona Maximum Protection Sport Strength Antiperspirant x6

Stocked up for the next year, antiperspirants from Notino, about 30 €. My staples. Expecting that I do not have to buy antiperspirants next year. Also basic shampoo from supermarket.

The Body Shop Mango Shower Gel

The Body Shop Honey Shower Cream

Christmas presents! I wouldn't have chosen the shower cream myself, especially with a scent like honey, to me it is a bit "stale" scent but I appreciate the thought and maybe I will learn to like the scent as well.

Empties Since July

My empties since July to October so 4 months. First two months, I barely finished 2 products! Almost everything just ended up finishing in the third month and that's how it usually goes for me - products tend to finish during the same time frame. I think this time I finished unusually many body care products.

Face

Dr Botanicals Moroccan Rose Superfood Facial Oil

Ok facial oil. Had a sweet, herbal scent I actually liked. Absorbed very well and fast, suitable for oily skin. Probably because it is not a real oil and contains barely any oil at all, just the consistency is oil like. I find it misleading. They should market this as a facial serum or at least facial oil serum because it is water based after all and most oils are hydrogenated castor oil and olive oil and almond oil esters. Anyway, if we forget the misleading marketing and misleading name, the actual product did work for me and I would use more if I had more. Not going to go out of my way to purchase though. 

Dermatica Subscription Treatment Tretinoin 0,025 % + Niacinamide 4 %

My prescription treatment. Works really nicely. Not sure if they have stopped my subscription because they keep sending emails to upload more photos of my face and I've been too busy/lazy to do that! 

A-Derma Dermalibour Repairing Cream

I have already repurchased! Great soothing occlusive. I do highly recommend it if you are not against mineral oil. Personally I do like it even better than La Roche Posay's Cicaplast.

Ekopharma Herukka Sensitive Cleansing Emulsion

Ok cleansing emulsion! As far as emulsions go, this one is nice because it actually cleanses as well. I feel most emulsions don't (I have oily/combination skin). But I do prefer more powerful cleansers. For morning, this one was great. I wasn't fan of the herbal scent though. Would I repurchase? On sale, maybe...

Nivea Q10 Plus C Eye Cream Discontinued?

Can't find anywhere anymore. So probably discontinued or being reformulated. Would have repurchased. A good, affordable eye cream with Q10 and vitamin C, I did like it! Bummer I have to find something else. Been skipping a dedicated eye cream for a while altogether, lol, I've applied all sorts of random things under my eyes from oils to creams to even tretinoin. Not sure if my under eyes look worse or not but they do feel worse. Might try Paula's Choice Resist Anti-Aging Eye Cream. Or La Roche Posay. Or  ACO Face Age Delay Eye Cream. Or again Clinique's Pep-Start.

Eucerin Urea Repair Replenishing Face Cream 5% Urea

Good moisturizer! Going to repurchase when the time is right. Meaning when I have gotten rid of some other moisturizers I have and this one is on sale. Urea is pretty nice ingredient.

Filorga NCEF-Reverse Supreme Multi-Corrrection Cream Mini

Not all that moisturizing and slightly broke me out too or made my skin less smooth. So not going to purchase full size. I have said this before but going to say again: it seems Filorga products are not for me, at least not right now. They all do feel and smell really nice though!

Body

Ceralan Cleansing Body Oil Pesuöljy

A nice, basic unfragranced shower cream! I have repurchased. Nothing special, but does the job.

Skin Treat Multi-Action AHA and PHA Rinse-Off Peeling Discontinued

Skin Treat still exists as a brand, sold in Kicks, but they have rebranded and discontinued old products. Well, no wonder, it took me probably 2-3 years to finish this scrub! Originally hated the smell that I can't even describe, but learned to live with it. As a scrub, it was at the same time effective and gentle and did like the results. But wouldn't have repurchased due to the scent.

YA Intiimipesuneste / Intimate Washing Liquid

Ok product but nothing special. Was curious to try how it would differ from other gentle body cleansers and it didn't really. The consistency is like a liquidy shower gel, doesn't foam, no scent. It has a pH of 3,8. Maybe could work as a face wash as well, I actually didn't try? I have measured my water's pH and it is around 7 so that mixed with 3,8 is probably ideal. I read that healthy skin's pH is between 4,5-5,5.

Mio Clay Away Body Cleanser Mini

Cleanses well, nice soft creamy texture but not a product for me. The tooth paste/toilet cleaner minty smell is just too much for me.

The Body Shop Shower Gel Winter Jasmine

I really do like TBS's shower gels! They cleanse well and they have such a nice selection of different scents. I tend to go for juicy berry or floral scents because I got a bit disappointed by the Juniper that was very masculine (probably to be expected but juniper/pine/forest things are divine when well done). Winter Jasmine was perfect gentle floral and I think I might buy this year's edition Joy&Jasmine as well.

Rexona Maximum Protection Sports Strength x2

My current staple antiperspirant, I find it gentle and effective at the same time.

SVR Xerial Fissures et Crevasses Cream 5% Urea

Great moisturizer for more heavy duty needs. I used this both on my face and hands. Takes time to absorb, a bit greasy. No scent. Not for continuous facial use because then I noticed some irritation/breakouts, too strong I guess! Could repurchase.

Hair

Moroccanoil Treatment Mini

For my natural, oilier, straight hair I was able to use only a drop on the hair ends occasionally, now after permanented curly hair I finished it quickly. It was nice, but actually not very effective for truly dry hair. It was very good as a drop for my normal hair though, but any more than a drop, it was oily mess all around. The best part is scent though! Moroccanoil smells so nice, warm, vanilla-ish, nutty, amberish and it is so inoffensive and light. Could repurchase a small bottle one day. Or maybe just Moroccanoil Shower Gel in case I don't need more hair oils.

Wella Invigo Sun After Sun Express Conditioner Mini

A bit meh product but I used it anyway. Didn't notice much effect, no extra softness or hydration... Smelled a bit weird, a bit like a fruity hair dye but not really. At least this conditioner was free gift from my hair stylist so I didn't pay for it!

Philip Kingsley Elasticizer Deep Conditioning Treatment Mini

Didn't understand how amazing Elasticizer is until I had dry hair! Now, finally, I get it and love this conditioner and will repurchase as long as I have dry hair. Makes my permanent curls look really nice and protects the hair texture so that I have to use the treatment only once as leave in mask every 1-2 weeks.

L'Oreal Preference High Shine Conditioner

This one came with a box hair dye, I think? Got from my sister. She doesn't use conditioners, her hair is even more slippy than mine, even when dyed. But I think this stuff is amazing, really makes hair smoother. I wonder what it is made of. I could buy more if L'Oreal had this treatment available on its own. Maybe that have, under some other name, but what could it be?

Shopping from September to October

Even though my beauty shopping was in control during these two months, from September to October, I managed to blow money on exercise stuff! No matter what I do, I seem to find a way to spend too much. I spent about 70 € altogether on beauty this time. 

Lancôme Favourites Miniatures Fragrance Gift Set:

La Vie Est Belle Eau De Parfum 4ml

Trésor Eau de Parfum 7.5ml

Miracle Eau de Parfum 5ml

La Nuit Trésor Eau de Parfum 5ml

Idôle Eau de Parfum 5ml

Ah, fragrancies, my weakness even though I have a bad nose and not many opportunities to douse myself in everyday life! That's why I like samples and minis. I am looking forward to holidays to see if there will be more mini fragrance sets for sale. 

I thought La Vie Est Belle would have been my favorite because it's the one I've been testing many times before but never purchased. But actually, I maybe might even like La Nuit Tresor more. They both are extremely sweet though so they wouldn't suit my everyday life. 

Tresor smelled just like soap/shampoo on my skin for a long time and just before the scent faded, it changed into a "confident, adult, clean" territory which wasn't bad at all and I imagine this is what most people like about it, maybe it just doesn't suit my taste/skin chemistry right now. 

First notes of Idole felt nice and familiar but nothing special, later it changed into even more generic synthetic floral rose scent but I did like it. Not sure I like it enough to actually repurchase.

Last but not least I did also like Miracle, it is really fresh and reminds me of Guerlain's Aqua Allegorias. Maybe because the mandarin and wateriness reminds me of Guerlain's Mandarin Basilic that I really like (and I think citrus notes usually stand out on my skin more than e.g. on my friends when we try the same perfumes so I notice them first). Otherwise the scents are nothing alike, though. Miracle has soapiness and heaviness to it even though it feels the freshest out of this set. I prefer Guerlain but it's not very long lasting whereas Lancome's perfumes seem to last very well on my skin.

I guess in the end I wouldn't run to buy more of these Lancome scents right now. If I had to choose one, I would probably buy La Nuit Tresor because these gourmand things are my guilty pleasure!

Lumene Nordic Nude Air Light Loose Powder Translucent Shade x3

Too cheap to resist, haha! Discontinued product and was on sale for 3 € (normal price before around 20-25 €?) so of course I had to buy three. I have always liked Lumene's powders so I just feel comfortable blind buying them when they are on sale. I have never used this exact powder before. Nordic Nude Air Light is supposed to be very skin like and luminous. These were the only beauty things I bought in September.

Ceralan Pesuöljy Cleansing Body Oil

A-Derma Dermalibour+ Repairing Cream

Both are repurchases. Ceralan is not oil like the name suggest, a shower cream more like, but a cream that actually cleanses (cream cleansers usually feel ineffective to me, I'm too oily and dirty I guess).

Dermalibour cream is more like thick balm that calms down my skin. Truly a great product.

Lookfantastic Advent Calendar 2021

This was a gift. It has become a tradition to open the boxes together with my partner. Not sure I needed a calendar this year though. This is the first year I searched for spoilers to see what's inside! I have forgotten most of the contents already but I do remember there were some nice things which make the calendar worth the experience.

Mio Clay Away Body Cleanser 2-In-1 Wash & Mask 30 ml

 Ingredients:

Aqua/Water/Eau, Kaolin, Glycerin, Decyl Glucoside, Montmorillonite, Phenoxyethanol, Xanthan Gum, Illite, Sodium Chloride, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil, Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Water, Alcohol, Citric Acid, Maltodextrin, Piroctone Olamine, Salix Nigra (Willow) Bark Extract, Limonene, Lecithin, Chlorophyllin-Copper Complex, Opuntia Ficus-Indica (Indian Fig) Stem Extract, Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Powder, Fragrance (Parfum), Olus Oil/Vegetable Oil/Huile Végétale, Tocopherol, Vitex Agnus-Castus (Monk’s Pepper) Extract, Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate, Cyclodextrin, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Hydroxide.

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:

- Smells to me like a toilet cleanser and toothpaste mix, I highly dislike the scent (minty, eucalyptus, etc)

- Even looks like a tooth paste/cleanser somehow because the cream is light green

- I don't understand the function of using the cleanser as a body mask but I don't do elaborate body routines anyway



+ Cleanses well, easy to wash off

+ Creamy consistency, not much lather or foam, not drying at all for me. Can see this one working for many skin types.

+ Also works as a body mask 

+ The scent doesn't linger on the skin

* I used Mio Clay Away Body Cleanser only as a cleanser, not a mask. It is interesting to try different cleansers even if they don't end up being my favorites. There's less risk of irritation or anything because my body is quite tough compared to my face.

Price: 

About 20-25 € / 200 ml

Bought from: 

Got a mini in Lookfantastic Advent Calendar

Buy again? 

Definitely no.

Worth the money? 

For me, no. When I was using Mio's Clay Away Body Cleanser I just couldn't help but think, "glad this is such a small tube it'll be finished quickly and I don't have to smell it again!" The world is full of other cheaper and bigger bottles of unscented or nicely scented body cleansers that work just as well.

Shopping from July to August

Ok... so my budget is not holding up at all... What is wrong with me? More stress shopping? Considering, I have been buying all sorts of things, not just beauty related. Most of it is great stuff but not something I was planning to get, at least not right now. E.g. expensive pillow, expensive pillow cases, bed sheets... also christmas gifts for my family when I saw good discounts!

So this is my shopping from July to August so two months and I spent about 429 €. Are you screaming yet? Because I am.

(Will update the rest of the pictures later.)

Clinique Moisture Surge Pop Triple Lip Balm Black Honey

Max Factor Creme Puff Blush – Nude Mauve 

Clinique Take the Day Off Cleansing Oil Mini

Elizabeth Arden Ceramide Replenishing Cleansing Oil 

Wella Professionals Eimi Pearl Styler

Sebastian Professional Texturizer

Order from Cocopanda. About 70 €. Everything started with trying to find a new hair style product for curly hair... and suddenly I had my cart full. I shouldn't be allowed to browse online stores late in the evening. Anyway, everything except the hair stylers are things I have looked at before many times/wishlisted.

This time I felt like my products had just been thrown in the sturdy shipping box between loose paper stuffing and they were moving around but luckily nothing was broken. I didn't get samples like I did last time I ordered from Cocopanda. It took 5 days from ordering to receive my package so it was quick. No customs, EU warehouse.

After I have tried these new cleansing oils, Elizabeth Arden and Clinique, I think I will make a decision if I want to keep trying new cleansing oils too easily. I just get disappointed time after time, when I can't find a "perfect" one. If I do not like these two, I think I'll just repurchase Hylamide's High Efficiency Face Cleaner... But these ones have been on my wish list for a while so I just must try them first. 

Also, I think Clinique's Black Honey Lip Balm and Max Factor's Nude Mauve are going to be good everyday products and I don't think they will go unused.

Nude Mauve is actually peachy-pink on me, I thought it would have been more mauve. I'm a bit disappointed. Still, very pretty though! Some people call it a possible dupe for Mood Exposure from Hourglass. If so, I'm worried that one will be peachy-pink too.
Black Honey Lip Balm is actually clear with some shimmer so I don't think it matters which shade you choose from Clinique's lip balms.

Schwarzkopf Professional BC Bonacure Hyaluronic Moisture Kick

Rexona Maximum Protection Sport Strength Antiperspirant x 2

Sacheu Beauty Gua Sha

Paco Rabanne Olympéa Eau de Parfum Mini

Michael Kors Sparkling Blush Eau de Parfum Mini

Juicy Couture Viva La Juicy Eau de Parfum Sample

Juicy Couture Juicy Couture Eau de Parfum Sample

Beauty Discovery Box Notino Best of Hugo Boss 

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

Clinique Cheek Pop in 17 Black Honey Pop

Ok so, another impulse order. GREAT. (Not.) About 150 €. Notino looks like scam site at a first glance. I remember being confused when I first time was browsing around. It is translated into my own language and my language is too difficult for a machine to understand properly so there are slight (or bigger) errors everywhere. Anyway, it took 5 days from ordering to receive my package, very fast. Everything was packaged very well as usual, in bubblewrap, almost individually. Small items were in additional small plastic bags. Nothing was moving around. The cardboard box itself looked a bit beat up. No customs because they ship from EU warehouse.

It is so nice to try new perfumes! I took a bit random lot of samples and minis. I had more in my cart but was able to delete the rest. To my surprise, I actually really do like Olympea and don't think it is too much - it is warm sweet and vanilla ridden but with a watery undertone, not heavy. I thought Juicy Coutures were all heavily candy sweet (or the ones I have tried in store) but the signature Juicy Couture is just weird scent on me. It starts soapy, then it transforms through different stages, but it still reminds me just of bathroom! Like a fancy room spray. Idk. I do admit I don't have a good sense of smell so I sense fragrancies in a limited way sometimes.

I do not believe that gua shas or facial rollers actually do anything. At least not what they promise, to get rid of wrinkles etc... But the reason I bought Sacheu Beauty gua sha is massaging my face and head when I am getting headache or migraine. It seems like it has a great shape and heaviness for that. And massaging really helps as my migraine starts from forehead, temples and eyes. Even my partner first mocked me for buying such an overpriced piece of stainless steel, but in the end said it is the coolest thing out of my purchases! It is really smooth and well made and just a pleasure to touch.

Clinique's Black Honey Pop Blush gives very natural look for me! It definitely looks better on my face than swatched on arm. Cheek Pops are so easy to blend and layer. Very pretty on eyes too as a super light wash (I usually can't do red near my eyes). Now if only I could find Fig Pop somewhere.

Rexona antiperspirants are my staples currently. Much cheaper to purchase from Notino. Should have bought a couple more since I am on my last bottle from previous lot. But I guess I can always do a new order.

Moisture Kick hair spray is also for my permanented hair to give it some easy moisture daily, on top of the oils and styling products that I have now learned to use. I have read good reviews about this one.

Everyone keeps talking about Estee Lauder's Double Wear so finally I gave in. I bought it in 1W1 Bone, which is described as "light with warm undertones". Originally I was looking at 1N2 Ecru which is described "light with neutral rosy undertones". But I saw some swatches where it looked very dark and reconsidered. Bone looked very light in swatches so I was worried that it would be too light. But actually it is not too light at all so truly fair people beware and maybe buy a lighter one.  And quite saturated in color, also orange leaning, especially when it dries down. But I can fix it with L.A. Girl's blue mixer when it turns more true yellow losing the orange edge. Then it is a very good match! I don't honestly know if I should have gotten another shade or if this is the best Estee Lauder can do for me.

I am not sure how I feel about the foundation otherwise yet! It does feel heavy after the more tint like ones I've been using lately. It also does feel slightly drying in "normal" +15-20 C weather but not badly, I have enough natural oils so that it doesn't look dry or cakey after a while. It also requires more effort to put on, I try to haphazardly blend it with fingers first, then I go in with a damp sponge, but I feel I have to work very quickly. It dries down nicely though... very soon after blending it in if I stroke my cheek nothing comes out and it doesn't feel tacky. I do feel I still have to powder to set it.

Now my probably different first impression opinion from others: no, Double Wear is definitely not as bullet proof as described and how everyone touts it to be. I don't know what I expected as oily people also sing the praises. It does melt down a bit in normal temperature and gets stuck on eyeglasses or anything else touching the face after a few hours. It doesn't stop oiliness (but also doesn't make it worse) and I do feel like I have to powder it down every 3-4 hours if I want to keep it neat all day. Because of its higher coverage, I do not get away with it wearing away/separating like I do with tints when it is not so obvious. I wonder what it would look like after a full day in proper heat and sweat. But! All things considered, it lasts ok and covers redness well and on a normal day doesn't melt off and seems to work well with most of my skincare and other makeup. I haven't tried it with primers or setting sprays yet, so maybe those will help too. Overall, I get quite a satiny finish, even dewy if I don't powder again, but I'll have to check more often e.g. my nose if the foundation has slided off like usual. I will keep experimenting!

Plus: Double Wear doesn't seem to break me out and is very easy to remove with a cleansing oil.

(Did a just write a novel about a foundation? Yes, yes I did...)

All the bottles ended up being pump bottles! 

BBIA Last Blush in 09 Macadamia Blossom

Peripera Ink V-Shading in 3 Hazel Gray

ETUDE HOUSE Soon Jung 10 Free Moist Emulsion

MISSHA M Perfect Cover BB Cream in 21 Light Beige

Innisfree Anti-aging Serum Sunscreen SPF50+ PA++++

It's been a while since I've properly ordered Korean products! Not because I have lost interest in them, but because of availability and shipping issues during the last year and half... But, Jolse had a free shipping campaign (if you order 50 usd or over) so I thought, maybe I should. So my order cost about 54 usd, 48 eur. Plus customs and other handling fees, about 14 eur. I actually would have ordered even more stuff, but I still feel unsure about shipping times and other problems so didn't want to risk a big order.

It took quite a long time for Jolse to ship, 5 days. Package took 5 days to arrive including the weekend. They used express DHL. I got lots of notifications from DHL throughout the process, about the delivery time, destination (home or locker etc) and instructions on customs process that I always do myself as DHL charges about 30 € if they do it for you. I am not a huge fan of DHL but it is fast and secure, I'll give them that.

Everything was well packaged like usually with Jolse. 

Etude House's Soon Jung Emulsion has been on my to-buy list forever after using the sample. So has been a bigger tube of Missha's BB Cream that I use by mixing 21&23 usually.

For new things, Innisfree's new sunscreen looked promising so it was an impulse purchase... I do like trying out new sunscreens as they are never perfect. Macadamia Blossom and Hazel Gray I will try for contouring and bronzing, I think they will not be too orange at least!

Dermatica Prescription Treatment Tretinoin 0.025 % + Niacinamide 4 %

About 27 €, my usual Dermatica subscription, and as usual, it got stuck at customs, et cetera... good formula though so I am just putting up with this inconvenience. Dermatica has some new pre made products, like azelaic acid cream, a cleanser and moisturizer. They are tempting me for sure.

Garnier Ambre Solaire Sensitive Advanced Face UV Face Fluid SPF50+ 

Head & Shoulders Classic Clean Shampoo 1L

NYX Professional Makeup Sweet Cheeks Creamy Powder Blush Glowy in So Taupe

NYX Professional Makeup Sweet Cheeks Creamy Powder Blush Glowy in Fig

Invisibobble SPRUNCHIE SLIM True Golden

Comb

About 35€, I am including the basic hair comb and clip as well... and Invisibobble's sprunchies. What a cute name! I bought them because I got a permanent and for the first time in my life have curly hair and I will try to protect the curls (/damaged hair, the process did make my hair noticeably more dry). I absolutely love them. So much better than my straight natural hair.

I love NYX blushes! Such a great formula, easy to work with, great colors... I wonder why I don't see people mentioning them more often. Maybe because they are not a new release anymore. I wanted Fig and So Taupe in matte originally but glowy versions were on a good sale so I settled for them. Fig is absolutely great and beautiful and unique, while So Taupe is very neutral, somewhere between a contour, bronzer and blush, and also a pretty eyeshadow. It has some very random gold flecks though that I do like on my eyes and gold suits me but still... I think they should be smaller or more refined.

IT Cosmetics Celebrate Your Brush Essentials Set

Anastasia Beverly HillsSAMPLE - Lash Brag Volumizing Mascara

Drunk ElephantSAMPLE - Protini Powerpeptide Resurf Serum

About 65 €, I was drooling after IT Cosmetics brushes for a long time and finally snapped when I saw this set on Cult Beauty. I wouldn't call them affordable or anything close, but the set is at least better value than buying them individually. Also, ordering from Cult Beauty is too easy, no need to handle the customs process in EU and shipping is fast (a week). I do like browsing their website as well, they give lots of information about the products and I don't have to google ingredient lists separately for example. 

As for the brushes, they are soft... softest that I own, I think. The eye brushes certainly feel nice on my eyes. But the face brushes, I actually don't notice much difference when actually used on face. Ha! Only my eyes are sensitive enough to require softest brushes. 

L.A. Girl Pro Color Foundation Mixing Pigment in Blue

Finally bought this pigment many neutral and olive and muted people rave about! And it works. But it is a bit difficult to get the right amount, despite the pump being actually quite good. But when I get it right, the blue absolutely cancels the orange hue/vibrancy and suddenly almost all my foundations just disappear better into my skin without endless blending. And the pigment is only around 10 € for 30 ml!

CCS Foot Deodorant

Impulse purchase because it was so hot and my feet felt disgusting after workdays. I don't know what I expected, but this antiperspirant actually does work and my feet felt at least 50 % better. It doesn't stop sweatiness of course when your feet are in closed tight shoes for 8 hours and the aircon is crappy and you are standing all day - but, it made the situation much better so I started to apply everyday after a shower in the evening and in the morning. So it is worth the 8-10 € I paid.