Shopping from November to December

I can't believe another year has gone by! I expected to use a lot of money during the last months because of sales. I didn't even do impulse purchases. Much. I might have bought 4 pairs of running shoes during black friday though... But on cosmetics I spent about 241 € during November and December.

This year 2022 I spent altogether 700 € on beauty and last year 2021 I spent 1240 €. Both years I have also received gifts, and I have not included them because I have not paid for them obviously. But I would guess the value for them is around ~200 € a year.

I think I did well this year to curb some unnecessary spending. Yet, now looking back, I still had impulse purchases. I also might have spent money elsewhere when it wasn't going towards cosmetics (ie. exercise, vitamins stuff). I also donated money this year more than ever before (for Ukraine, I pray the war will end soon).

To be honest, this year the sales haven't even been that good, so it has been less tempting. I love getting a great deal and then I usually buy things I didn't plan (-70% or so) but there has been none, mostly just -20-30% which is quite easy to pass when I know in a few months there will be another -20%!

For 2023 my goal is to spend 400-600 € thoughtfully, I have basics already and I have in mind some expensive products I want to look for during the sales.

The powders were packaged in extra cardboard sheets.

Outside light. Sensai looks more orange in real life, Jane Iredale looks more pink. 
The phone camera doesn't capture the nuances well.

Inside light. Weird how ghostly pale Olive 0 looks as a swatch, on my face it's a good match!
Maybe loose mineral powders oxidize/change color when they mix with skin oils or something.

Paula's Choice Resist Anti-Aging Eye Cream Mini

Paula's Choice CALM Restoring Moisturizer (Normal to Oily Skin) Mini

Synchroline Rosacure Fast Cream/Gel

Jane Iredale Pure Pressed Base Refill in Warm Silk

Sensai Total Finish Foundation SPF10 Refill in TF202 Soft Beige

Free Samples:
Kiehl's Super Multi-Corrective Cream
Paula's Choice Defense Essential Glow Moisturizer SPF30

Skincity order, 125e, they had -20% or -25% (I can't even remember!) on almost everything for Black Friday. Not many places have the real good sales anymore. But, I had planned my cart for a couple of months ahead so decided to order anyway. I've been so curious about the powder foundations and Synchroline's Rosacure redness treatment.

I have ordered from Skincity a few times now and everything is always well packaged. This time my package came in under a week.

Jane Iredale Warm Silk is a lot more neutral or even pink-ish than what I thought. It is supposed to be light warm shade. The warm one for fair skin, Bisque, looks a lot more yellow and on a hindsight maybe it would have been better despite looking too light for me. Anyhow, Warm Silk is not orange at all and on its own it's a great shade for light skin.

Sensai Soft Beige on the other hand is very warm, a bit darker than I thought, and leans a bit orange. But the lighter shade Pearl Beige looked too pink/light for me and all the other shades are darker (but I haven't seen these in real life so...). So Jane Iredale definitely wins the shade range game for basic fair/light skin. But, Sensai powder is so silky. Japanese (and Asian overall?) brands just do powder formulations so well in my opinion. That was one of the reasons I had to try Sensai.

Luckily powders are very forgiving when it comes to shade and at least I use them as a light natural layer so I don't need a perfect match. Sensai seemed to look perfectly okay when applied with a big fluffy brush... Still maybe it's more summer shade for me. Alima Pure's Pressed Powder in Sesame is a good match. Currently I am using daily Alima Pure Satin Matte Foundation in Olive 0, it's loose mineral powder. It is also good match despite the swatch looking super pale. 

Synchroline's Rosacure Cream/Gel is very expensive (46€ normal price on Skincity). So far can't say if it works, but I didn't have as bad alcohol flush as usual after using it for a few days. It is light and sinks into skin and mattifies it. Not terribly moisturizing, not drying either. It has the cream gel consistency like promised. It is unscented. Sometimes I feel it pills a bit, sometimes I don't notice it.

Clinique Cheek Pop Palette including Ballerina Pop, Pearl Coral Pop and Highlighter Gold Celebration Pop

Free Samples:
Clinique Happy Perfume Sample
Moisture Surge Overnight Mask Mini Sample


Clinique order, 36e. I really wanted the limited cheek pop palette and it wasn't available anywhere else. First time ordering from Clinique's website, I think it was released for my country only this year. I am so used to not being able to order straight from brands that I thought it could be a scam website, hah. But no it isn't and I could order again. It took a week to receive my package and everything was well packed.

I also own the palette from last year (?) with Cola Pop, Nude Pop and Ginger Pop and can't say which one is my favorite. Maybe this new one despite Ballerina Pop being too light and chalky for me, because from the last palette Nude Pop is too light and Cola Pop doesn't suit me at all. I like Ginger Pop, but I think Coral Pop is a better shade. I also have a single Black Honey Pop and it suits me well. So, maybe I should just buy singles anyway.

I thought I would love Clinique's Happy Perfume but hmm. It's not bad. It is soapy, fresh, citrusy. It's okay. It lasts a lot longer on skin than what I predicted, several hours, I get a sniff throughout the day. But in the end I almost feel like it just smells like soapy antiperspirant. I'll finish the sample and re-evaluate.

Canmake Mermaid Skin Gel UV SPF 50+ PA++++
Dr. Ceuracle Cica Regen Vegan Sun

Free Samples:
Klairs Supple Preparation Facial Toner Mini
Coxrx, Purito, Dr Ceuracle, Iunik


Second time I ordered from Little Wonderland. They had a black friday sale, -20% off everything. I also bought some christmas presents so that's why I got so many samples. As gifts I bought Missha Super Aqua Ultra Hyaluron Peeling Gel, COSRX Hyaluronic Acid Hydra Power Essence, Rohto Mentholatum Skin Aqua UV Super Moisture Essence Gold SPF 50+ PA++++, etc...

My own products cost me about 30 € and were just two sunscreens. 

Rexona Maximum Protection Sport Strength Antiperspirant x2

Gucci Guilty Pour Femme 2021 EdT Rollerball

Notino Discovery Box Intense Fragrances for Women

Notino Discovery Box The Best of Valentino

Ordered something for my family from Notino and immediately succumbed to temptation. Antiperspirants are fine purchases but... I definitely didn't need more perfume. But the sample sets are great. I already purchased 6 this year when I found out about them. Gucci's Guilty EdT is one of my favorite fragrancies so ended up getting the rollerball as well.

Dermosil Perfecting Make Up Sponge

Dermosil Exfoliating Socks

Free Samples: Eye Gel Cream and Retinol Reviving Serum

Gifts. I have heard good things about Dermosil's foot peeling socks so I'm excited to see how they work. I am not very particular about the feel or shape of make up sponges so I happily welcome it as well!

Current Favorites

Been a while since I've written about current favorites! Also many of these products I've already finished but I've included them because I wanted to.

Alima Pure Satin Matte Foundation in Olive 0

No, I haven't forgotten my powder foundations! I am just slow at incorporating new things. Currently I have been using Alima Pure's Satin Matte Foundation every day for several weeks, maybe a month, two? It needs a creamier product underneath so that it won't look too powdery/cakey and highlight flakes. I tried a few different sunscreens and now I am happy with Skin Aqua Uv Super Moisture Essence Gold SPF50+ PA++++. I've applied the powder with Zoeva flat top buffer brush.

Alima Pure's shade range is very good, Olive 0 is very neutral in my opinion and suits fair/light skin.

Skin Aqua Uv Super Moisture Essence Gold SPF50+ PA++++

I actually didn't like this sunscreen during the summer, when I sweat it became a disgusting slimy layer fast. But for winter and under a loose powder foundation it is great! It's moisturizing and creamy but not heavy on a drier winter skin, no white cast, hasn't hurt my eyes. Almost replaces moisturizer altogether, but during winter I still apply a little something underneath. 

Dermalogica Clearing Skin Wash & 

Caudalie Vinopure Purifying Gel Cleanser

I really do like both these cleansers! I tried to stay away from cleansers that were advertised as "purifying" and could be "drying" for a while because that is the usual skincare advice. But my skin seems to like "acne cleansers". Yes, my skin did feel more purified, more squeaky afterwards, but looked nice and didn't feel dry. Both had this a bit herbal, tea tree like scent. 

Malin+Goets Vitamin E Face Moisturizer Mini

"Smells like some cream my grandma used for cows but maybe it is a general un scented vitamin E smell then? First I thought the moisturizer was slightly clogging my skin but afterwards noticed it seemed to calm some redness too. Absorbs super well, in a few minutes almost to nothingness. Wouldn't mind trying another mini, I'm on the fence how I feel!"

That's what I wrote in my empties post. So not instant love, but I was and still am wondering if it really calmed the redness, because if so that is amazing. The moisturizer also had a really nice texture and worked well with other products, I do miss it sometimes (despite it also maybe being slightly clogging)!

Exuviance Evening Restorative Complex renamed as Overnight Transformation Complex

I bought a mini set of Exuviance products long time ago. I have no idea why I didn't try them earlier, I am procrastinator number one. My skin seems to like everything I've tried from the set so far and nothing seems to have expired.

Evening Restorative Complex was all in one for me, it was somewhat moisturizing, slightly exfoliating, didn't clog my pores, my skin looked nice in the morning. The mini tube lasted for about 3-4 weeks when used only in the evening and I do miss it.

Didn't care for the scent though. It was weird fresh.

Exuviance mini set I bought a long time ago.

Empties Since September

Empties from September to October. I think I did okay. Finished a lot of mini cleansers because I still haven't repurchased my usual face cleanser. Clearly my skin is far less finicky with cleansers compared to moisturizers.

Face

Samples

Trying to get back to using my samples before they go bad. I used only 6 samples but it is more than none! They all were surprisingly good products as well. 

Malin+Goets Vitamin E Face Moisturizer Mini

Smells like some cream my grandma used for cows but maybe it is a general un scented vitamin E smell then? First I thought the moisturizer was slightly clogging my skin but afterwards noticed it seemed to calm some redness too. Absorbs super well, in a few minutes almost to nothingness. Wouldn't mind trying another mini, I'm on the fence how I feel!

Filorga Time-Filler Absolute Wrinkle Correction Cream Mini 

To my surprise I really liked this Filorga cream. But it seems to be discontinued/refomulated. Still, this moisturizer played well with all my other products, was moisturizing despite not being heavy and didn't break me out. Maybe one day I'll get to try to new reformulation... Will have to look more into this matter. Because the cream just worked for me.

Filorga NCEF Night Mask Supreme Multi Correction Night Mask Mini

I liked this cream as well! Didn't break me out and seemed to calm my skin. Not super moisturizing though. Why are Filorga products so expensive though?

Caudalie Vinopure Purifying Gel Cleanser Mini

A bit funky herbal scent but I did really like this one. Slightly foamy gel, not much is needed, feels purifying but not drying on my skin. Could repurchase a full size sometime. This was from Lookfantastic calendar.

Oskia Renaissance Cleansing Gel

I did like this cleanser! I used it as a first cleanse and also alone. I'm not into strong rose scents in skincare products but here the scent was quite mild and felt more like real rose. Definitely not drying, quite gentle but effective if there was not too much makeup. Yet, I didn't feel my skin was "clean" when I used this alone for several days so I personally need something "purifying" as well. Still, could repurchase a mini sometime.

Nivea Soothing Cleansing Oil Grape Seed Oil Sensitive Skin

Not my favorite, didn't emulsify well and was a bit of an extra hassle but it did remove makeup well and was unscented. Was cheap too when I purchased it. Now it's not even available to me anywhere so wouldn't repurchase.

Kate Somerville Goat Milk Moisturizing Cleanser Mini

A good cream cleanser, the best I've tried actually! Has honey scent but it actually didn't bother me. Not drying, yet cleansed well. Used mostly in the morning. Could use more, but the price and poor availability to my country is putting me off.

The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA Serum

Half used. I really did try to use this serum, but my skin always looked worse after a couple of days so finally I'll just trash it, it is too old anyway. Sticky on skin as well, not that good under other products/makeup. I'm not sure if it is because this formula just didn't work for me or is it Arbutin in itself that my skin doesn't like. Or maybe the serum had gone bad. I'd like to try some watery Alpha Arbutin serum.

Body

Nivea Protect&Dry Touch Extra Water Resistant Cream Gel SPF 30

A few years old and still haven't used this much so time to go. The product applies well, is not greasy and no white cast, BUT I can't deal with the scent. Everytime I applied body sunscreen, I opted for the sensitive kids versions (from both Nivea and Garnier) over this perfumed mess.

The Body Shop Almond Milk & Honey Shower Cream

Ok shower cream but not my choice and wouldn't repurchase. The fragrance was surprisingly strong and not my favorite, but it wasn't bad, it wasn't too much like artificial honey. Felt gentle and was ok at cleansing but I had to use another shower gel as a second wash for armpits etc.

Rexona Maximum Protection Antiperspirant Sport Strength

My staple. Just repurchased 8 new bottles last month.

The Body Shop Tea Tree Scrub

Now, this one was a gift that just kept giving. Lasted for so, so long, but admittedly I used it only a little at a time. I actually did like using this scrub even though I didn't notice that it would actually do much. So I don't think I'll repurchase, but I wouldn't mind getting this as a gift again.

L300 Intensive Moisture Body Lotion

I don't even know how old this bottle is! It is an urea based light gel like moisturizer. I quite liked it, didn't irritate my face either and was effective for my partner's eczema. Cheap too if I remember right. But leaves the slightly slimy sticky feel on skin.

Hair

L'Oreal Paris Preference Shine Protect Conditioner (from hair dye pack)

I do like these mini conditioners. It really is good for dry hair and especially after the dye job.

Redken No Blow Dry NBD Airy Cream Mini

Actually, this one was good for curly hair! Not heavy, dried well, complimented the curls. Fruity fresh scent. But sadly discontinued. For straight hair, did nothing.

The Curl Company Enhance&Perfect Curl Cream 

Excellent for dry curls! Feels like heavy cream but my hair just slurped it. Cheap as well. But the scent is very strong. Might repurchase if I get another curl permanent. Soon I'll get my hair chopped off, getting too long.

Shopping from September to October

My beauty shopping from September to October. I spent about 112 €. It's actually more than I expected considering I didn't even buy much! 

Skincity Skincare Advent Calendar 2022

Skincity advent calendar had the most potential this year in my opinion! It has many cult products I haven't tried and interesting, different brands compared to the Lookfantastic Calendar (that I've had a few times). The calendar costs 149 € and it seems to be sold out currently. It took a while to sell out, maybe 1-3 weeks. It shipped immediately after purchasing so they were ready and in stock, no pre-order. I think it took only 2-3 days to receive the calendar. It includes 25 pouches and no annoying filler products like candles or facial cleansing devices.

My partner bought the calendar for me as a gift. It is a tradition for us to open the boxes together even though he is not into beauty stuff at all. :) 

I do like the calendar box itself as well. I am going to store some makeup in it after christmas.

Absolut Torr Antiperspirant Wipes

Bats Expert Original Antiperspirant

Nivea Q10PlusC Skin Sleep Cream

About 27 €. 

Nivea cream was definitely an impulse purchase. Note to myself: avoid stores when tired. No "I am just looking". It seems like an ok cream though, it absorbs well, I actually have to apply generously. Not sure yet what my skin thinks.

As for the antiperspirants, I want to try Absolut Torr wipes for my body. Maybe better product for summer when I sweat all around! But I can test if it irritates my neck, feet, etc before the next summer. Less embarrassing to go to gym when I am not dripping in sweat, maybe?

I wanted to try Bats Original as well, it has 15 % Aluminum Chloride. I thought it maybe irritates my armpits less than Absolut Torr that probably has 25-30 % Aluminum Chloride. According to my first impression, Bats Expert Original sadly seems like a failure. At first it didn't irritate my skin, then my armpits started to itch and smell BADLY in 5-8 hours. Like I hadn't put antiperspirant at all. My armpits didn't get wet though. Just very smelly and itchy. Absolut Torr both irritates and itches badly but it is also very effective at tackling the smell and wetness. 

It is such a pain to suffer from sweating! I am always looking for new solutions and I always have high hopes.

Rexona Maximum Protection Sport Strength Antiperspirant x8

Beauty Discovery Box Notino The Iconic Fragrances by Chloé 

Beauty Discovery Box Notino Floral Scents for Women 2 

Beauty Discovery Box Notino Introduction to Niche Perfumes

Beauty Discovery Box Notino Notino Recommends 

Beauty Discovery Box Notino The best of Guerlain

Beauty Discovery Box Notino The best of Givenchy & Kenzo

From Notino. They had a free shipping campaign so I decided to replenish my antiperspirant stash as I am currently using my last Rexona bottle. I discovered Notino's fragrance sets as well! So naturally I bought everything that I had some interest in. I like perfume samples. I hope Notino will release more discovery sets. 85e

Some comments after trying fragrances:

Giorgio Armani Si Intense EdP: Instant like, but I like Si and they all smell similar enough to me so I am not sure how Intense is different from original - it does last very long on my skin though!

Novellista Crazy Rich EdP: Just old floral soap to me. Quite strong. Meh. A bit headachy. (However I am migraine prone.)

Narciso Rodriguez For Her Pure Musc EdP: Very tuberosa/lily scent on my skin but not as headachy as tuberosa usually is. Gently soapy. I understand that this is a cult favorite but I think I like Narciso Eau de Parfum Cristal a lot better but I only tried it at the store once.

Tiffany & Co. Sheer EdT: Oh, so nice almost aquatic fresh opening. But it didn't take long for it to turn sweeter and more ordinary on my skin. Very inoffensive. I still like it but it wasn't as exciting as I initially thought.

Guerlain La Petite Robe Noire EdP: Very interesting! Not a perfume I would actually wear out in the world. But this is so different from my usual florals. As a scent, almost addicting.

Givenchy Irresistible EdT: Reminds me of Michael Kors Sparkling Blush! Should compare these at the same time. But I maybe like Givenchy Irresistible better?

Nivea Cleansing Oil Soothing Grape Seed Soothing Cleansing Oil for Sensitive Skin 150 ml Review

Ingredients:

Paraffinum Liquidum, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Isopropyl Palmitate, Isododecane, Ethylhexyl Stearate, PEG-20 Glyceryl Triisostearate, Vitis Vinifera Seed Oil, Tocopherol.

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:

- Not available in my country and didn't see it available anymore on Notino either

- Doesn't emulsify easily, feels a bit thick and sticks to skin, difficult to wash off and the more you have makeup or sunscreen the more it all just mashes into a thick goo layer on my face

- Definitely needs a good second cleanser to remove the residue off face

- Annoying around eyes because easily fogs vision

- Takes a while to use and wash off

- Not particularly enjoyable product



+ Cheap

+ A little goes a long way, it took at least 9 months of active use to finish

+ No fragrance, no scent

+ No irritation, not even around eyes

+ With a good purifying second cleanser, no residue or clogging issues

+ Removes makeup/sunscreen, but is not particularly great

+ Not drying, but also not soothing

* Nivea Cleansing Oil reminds me of Mizon's Great Pure Cleansing Oil. Probably because both have mineral oil? That one was also a pain in the arse to remove sometimes and left easily goo residue. I haven't repurchased Mizon since I finished in 2020. Why am I less irritated with Nivea's Cleansing Oil? Probably because it is a third the price of Mizon, has no sharp scent and I already had figured out how to deal with a more difficult oil cleanser.

Price: 

I paid 5,90 € / 150 ml

Bought from: 

Notino

Buy again? 

Maybe I could if it became available and is still as cheap.

Worth the money? 

Nivea Cleansing Oil Soothing Grape Seed Soothing Cleansing Oil for Sensitive Skin is not particularly enjoyable or special product to use but it does its job and is affordable, irritation and fragrance free. I would recommend going for an other cleansing oil if you can afford to pay for a more elegant formula that emulsifies easily.

Empties Since July

Empties from July to August so two months. I couldn't bring myself to tackle samples despite my goal to finish them. Also took photos a bit early, but you gotta seize the moment when you have time! Been so busy and tired so all beauty stuff has been secondary.

Face

Etude House Camellia Sheet Mask

Can't remember details so I guess the fit and scent were ok!

Brow Knife

These little knifes are so handy for brows or other facial hair... I did try shaving my facial peach fuzz and it was relatively easy with a new sharp knife and didn't get irritation. Maybe should do it again, the result is nice, but I am afraid of irritating my skin! I have a few knives left and going to purchase more.

Garnier Micellar Cleansing Gel Wash

My staple. Going to repurchase, haven't yet, I try to finish other cleansers first. 

Dr Lipp Nipple Balm Mini

Pure lanolin. Good stuff! Used this for lips and other irritated spots. Very effective. Had this in my coat pocket when travelling as well, a little goes a long way. Treatment and lip gloss in one. I have another mini somewhere... then I am going to purchase a lanolin product again, not sure from where, maybe just from pharmacy.

Lumene Nordic Hydra Aerating Gel Mask

Irritated my skin and got cysts! Wasn't really hydrating either. Maybe I am allergic to birch, the product has birch sap. So just tossing this almost unused old mask since I can't use it.

The Ordinary Ethylated Ascorbic Acid 15%

Expired, definitely. It had changed smell and feel on skin. Luckily there was only little bit left on the bottom (the serum is maybe 3 years old?). I have a habit of leaving a little bit of product to expire. Probably "just in case I need this serum as a backup" but it makes no sense and I am trying to stop it. But EAA 15% was nice Vitamin C serum for my skin! Despite it being only a derivate I felt my skin improved. But if you want a real science backed Vitamin C, go for Ascorbic Acid. I could repurchase EAA15%.

Body

The Body Shop Shower Gel Mango

Fruity, summery, tropical. I like TBS shower gels and currently I am thinking of purchasing more. Mango was nice but I wouldn't purchase it myself, this was gift. I think I am more into floral scents.

Rexona Maximum Protectiom Sport Strength x2

My staples! I have one more backup but will have to repurchase soon...

Hair

Philip Kinsgley Elasticizer Egyptian Jasmine & Mandarin

Great product for dry and processed hair! This scent was too strong for me though. The original one is unscented.

Less Is More Herbal Tonic Scalp Treatment

Got this as a gift long time ago. Tried it a few times, but it just made my scalp and hair slimy and flat. Had a herbal scent. Now I just use the bottle as a water bottle to spray my hair.

Loton Micelarny Shampoo

So old! Bought in Poland when travelling before covid. This was better than the hotel shampoo, but otherwise nothing remarkable.

Head&Shoulders Classic Clean Shampoo

I do love these huge 1 liter bottles! Don't have to repurchase very often and don't have to clutter the shower with several different bottles. Good basic shampoo.

Shopping from July to August

Here we go, beauty shopping from July to August so two months. Altogether 78 €. Last year at this point I had spent already 746 €, this year I have spent altogether 347 €. About half of last year! I wonder if I will overspend during the holidays now or something... It is still 4 months left of 2022.

But, I did buy lots of vitamins now, so I did spend maybe closer to 50 € on magnesium, multi vitamins (A, C, B6, B12, biotin, zinc, iodine, folic acid etc) vitamin D and calsium. 

In the past few days I've seen contents of beauty advent calendars 2022 and I am not too impressed. I will not ask for Lookfantastic calendar at least (my partner usually buys it for me as a christmas gift if I want it), mostly such boring unnecessary stuff this year. Other calendars that are already revealed like Cult Beauty and SpaceNK look nice but I am not sure if they would be worth it to me currently because they are triple the price of LF. Looking forward to seeing what Feelunique and Skincity will be like. Interesting to see if any calendar available to me makes the cut this year!

Marc Jacobs Daisy Love Skies Eau De Toilette Limited Edition 50 ml

Ordered this fragrance from Cocopanda. Daisy Love Skies EdT is a limited edition released in late 2021 I think. I was interested in the notes from the beginning (salt, moss, cream with raspberry), but just a few weeks ago went to the store to sniff it. They had the sampler but no more products to sell. 53 €

I do not have the original Marc Jacobs Daisy Love but I did order a small bottle of Marc Jacobs Daisy Love Eau so Sweet in the beginning of this year and I do enjoy how sugary and raspberry it is! Daisy Love Skies is definitely not as sugary. It is more "basic", smells like an airport tax free, a mix of things, slightly suffocating while having that oceanic note. I know this description sounds so cheap, but it makes me feel some of that freedom when travelling and exploring!

Sorry about the blurring in photos... this bottle is impossible to photo without reflections. Didn't expect the flower to be so huge. It's amazing and probably my favorite bottle because of the ridiculousness, but it also collects dust easily.

A-Derma Dermalibour+ Barrier Cream

Bioderma Cicabio Pommade

These were on sale and I had been wanting to try Bioderma's Cicabio Pommade. I wonder if I got a dud, because it feels very oily and separated. Will have to experiment with it, but at least as a hand cream for super dry hands the result was surprisingly silky. 25 €

Comparing two of my Max Factor Facefinity blushes, I bought Nude Mauve last year.

Indirect sun.

Direct sun. Nude Mauve is more glowy.

Blurred swatches, probably more what they would look like on face. But Nude Mauve has this pink sheen that doesn't translate to photos really.

Max Factor Facefinity Blush 40 Delicate Apricot

The Curl Company Curl Cream Mini 50 ml

Both of these were gifts...  also got The Curl Company Hair Oil, but I left it for my mom. I tried it too and it was nice, thin oil, not too strong scent. I think the cream has a stronger scent, it's not bad but I don't particularly like it either and it lingers. However otherwise the cream is great! Boosts my curls just like Philip Kingsley's Elasticizer (39,95 €/150 ml) but at around 10 €/200 ml. I feel it is a bit heavier than Elasticizer though, but my hair slurps it in easily. I do have very processed hair now, dyed about 3-4 times and a curl permanent! 

The Max Factor Blush in Delicate Apricot is delicate indeed. Very natural, slightly brightening, but very very sheer. Like the other Max Factor Creme Puff Blush in Nude Mauve. Excellent blushes if you are afraid of applying too much! Because it is impossible with these. Good shades too.

Current Favourites

As always, I choose my current favourites whenever and however I like. Sometimes it is a repeat product and sometimes something I am using currently but would not repurchase. Actually it's been a while since I've chosen any! I think it is time to do this again because I can feel my shopping need stir inside me. 

The end of the year after mid summer really does something weird to me, I start to crave for new stuff, I feel bored with my life and myself, maybe? And especially now it feels bad because the world situation and Europe's situation are so sad. :( With the war, glooming unpredictable Russia, other politics, covid, inflation, food price going up, euro getting weaker...

The Ordinary Pycnogenol

Pycnogenol, which is maritime pine bark extract, just works for my skin. My skin looks better (brighter, smoother, less acne, more even color) when I use it. I have been using this on and off for about 3 years. Pycnogenol has antioxidant inflammatory benefits, both topically and orally used. I wonder if I should hunt down pycnogenol supplements as well! 

Burberry Her Eau de Parfum

I was disappointed when I bought this fragrance in the beginning of this year. Too much fake strawberry and plastic sweetness. However, now during summer and warm weather it meshes a lot better with my skin! I feel it is now warmer and not as sharp. I also just might like sweeter things during the summer.

Missha Aqua Sun SPF50+ PA++++

This is the new 2022 version. Finish is quite shiny, but it just makes my skin look quite good and works with all my foundations. My skin looks good even after I've washed it off, it doesn't seem clogging or irritating at all. Also feels moisturizing. I can use it with or without a moisturizer.

Filorga Time-Filler Absolute Wrinkle Correction Cream

My skin doesn't always get along with Filorga products but I did like this probably discontinued cream! At the same time felt nourishing and protecting, but light, almost like a gel cream.

My Gym Card and Polar Pacer Running Watch

Ok, this is not skincare or makeup. :) 

But if you are like me and cycle through phases where you do more and less exercise you must have noticed that skin always looks better when intensive work outs are regular (~3 times a week minimum)! For me at least, because I am prone to hormonal acne. Working out seems to balance me.

I bought Polar Pacer watch to help me understand my work out sessions better and I think it really works. It's a lot faster than older models of Polar watches I've had. Also I need to charge it only once a week so far. Finally started to go to gym regularly too, I think it compliments home exercise very well! I feel I have already made a lot of progress in 3 months. 

Avant Skincare Sumptuous Glycolic Acid Hand Balm 50 ml Review

Ingredients:

aqua (water), ethylhexyl stearate, caprylic/capric triglyceride, sorbitol, cetyl alcohol, cetearyl alcohol, glyceryl stearate citrate, stearyl alcohol, phenoxyethanol, benzyl alcohol, cera alba (beeswax), parfum (fragrance), cetearyl glucoside, xanthan gum, butyrospermum parkii (shea) butter, bht, citric acid, glycolic acid, glucose.

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:

- Not moisturizing or hydrating; I feel like my hands were almost more dry after applying

- No brighter or otherwise better skin on my hands

- Not enough Glycolic Acid according to ingredient list to actually do anything (second last ingredient) and it comes after Phenoxyethanol that can be used at max 1%

- The shea butter they also mention as a softening ingredient is less than 1%

- I find this is a quite useless product

+ Absorbs fast and well, not really residue after applying, good for day time use

+ Mild fragrance, not really good, but not bad either, does linger a little bit

+ Nice texture, light white cream (not a balm like the name suggests)

* I've had a few Avant products, they all came from Lookfantastic Advent Calendar. They all are overpriced in my opinion, but I really did like Avant Moisture Surge Overnight Treatment! It had that luxury feel for me, both texture and scent. So I am surprised that Avant Hand Balm is so bad. 

* I am convinced Avant products are super cheap but they are slapped a huge price tag to drive the subscription box values up. Avant products mainly come from different blind boxes or calendars. 

* I will try to finish this hand cream because it doesn't irritate my skin but it's difficult when I just want to reach for other stuff!

Price: 

65-95 € / 50 ml

Bought from: 

Got from Lookfantastic Advent Calendar

Buy again? 

No.

Worth the money? 

Avant Skincare Sumptuous Glycolic Acid Hand Balm is definitely not worth the money, so incredibly overpriced. I don't find it luxurious or even a good moisturizer. I wouldn't buy it if it costed 1 €, because it doesn't brighten, soften, hydrate or moisturize my skin. It has a nice texture and not bad (but also not nice) scent, but it is not nearly enough. Definitely not for people with dry hands.

Nivea Sun Kids Protect&Sensitive Sun Spray SPF50+ 200 ml Review REFORMULATED

Ingredients:

Aqua, Homosalate, Alcohol Denat, Glycerin, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Ethylhexyl Triazone, Dibutyl Adipate, Panthenol, Copernícia Cerifera Cera, Sodium Phenylbenzimidazole Sulfonate, VP/Hexadecene Copolymer, Tocopheryl Acetate, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Sucrose Polystearate, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Cellulose Gum, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Sodium Chloride, Hydroxyacetophenone, Ethylhexylglycerin, Trisodium EDTA.

Ingredients for Nivea Sun Kids Sensitive Protect Sun Spray SPF50+, the reformulated sunscreen:

Aqua, Alcohol Denat., Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Ethylhexyl Triazone, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Isopropyl Palmitate, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Dibutyl Adipate, Butylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Glyceryl Stearate, Glycerin, Phenylbenzimidazole Sulfonic Acid, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract, Tocopheryl Acetate, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Cellulose Gum, Xanthan Gum, C18-38 Alkyl Hydroxystearoyl Stearate, Copernicia Cerifera Cera, Hydrogenated Rapeseed Oil, Cetyl Palmitate, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Sodium Hydroxide, Maltodextrin, Sodium Chloride, Hydroxyacetophenone, Ethylhexylglycerin, Caprylyl Glycol, Trisodium EDTA

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:

- Used on face only a few times, was shiny and once my cheek got irritated afterwards, but didn't burn my eyes, still wasn't exactly good as face sunscreen



+ Not much scent

+ No white cast

+ Didn't break out my body or irritate

+ Easy to apply, light white lotion, absorbs quickly

+ Claims to be water resistant

+ Didn't notice it staining any clothes but this is just my observation (I don't exactly swim in sunscreen so there would not be a lot to be rubbed off...)

+ Bottle didn't leak when carried in a bag, no big pumps so the size fits nicely for travel too

+ Easily available in basically all supermarkets, no online ordering

+ Affordable

* This is Nivea Sun Kids Protect&Sensitive Sun Spray SPF50+, the old formula that has been reformulated since beginning of 2022. I was sure I had written a review for this one, especially because I am fairly certain this is my second bottle too, so I have even repurchased! But no!

* I did write 2019 in my sunscreen compilation post: "Nivea and Garnier Kids are my favorites out of these (body sunscreens). But I must say Nivea is easier to remove and absorbs maybe better? Even though there is no prominent white cast with Garnier, it still leaves more of an layer if you go looking for it, also it might bunch up on my neck for example when I sweat. Probably Nivea does too, but I can't notice it. But Garnier is so darn difficult to remove so I bet it survives beach trips amazingly. I think Garnier smells better than Nivea even though they are not strong scents and they are not disturbing at all."

Price: 

About 15 € / 200 ml

Bought from: 

Supermarket

Buy again? 

Yes, I would, and I did, and probably will buy the reformulated one at some point.

Worth the money? 

Yes, I think Nivea Sun Kids Protect&Sensitive Sun Spray SPF50+ is worth the money. It is a good sunscreen for just about everyone, no matter age or skintone, and it is fragrance free and easily available and affordable.

Lumene Lähde Nordic Hydra Hydration Recovery Aerating Gel Mask 150 ml Review REFORMULATED

Ingredients:

Aqua (Water), Propanediol, Betula Alba (Birch) Juice, Glycerin, Methyl Gluceth-20, Phenoxyethanol, Rubus Chamaemorus (Cloudberry) Seed Extract, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Peg-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Allantoin, Sodium Hydroxide, Trehalose, Urea, Eriophorum Spissum Flower/Stem Extract, Ethylhexylglycerin, Disodium Edta, Copper Gluconate, Magnesium Aspartate, Zinc Gluconate, Pentylene Glycol, Serine, Potassium Sorbate, Citric Acid, Algin, Caprylyl Glycol, Disodium Phosphate, Glyceryl Polyacrylate, Pullulan, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sorbic Acid, Potassium Phosphate, Linalool, Benzyl Salicylate, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Limonene, Citronellol, Parfum (Fragrance), (Ci 42090) Blue 1, (Ci 60730) Ext. Violet 2.

Ingredients of the new version Nordic Hydra Oxygen Recovery 72H Hydra Gel Mask that I do not have:

AQUA (WATER), BETULA ALBA (BIRCH) JUICE, PROPANEDIOL, GLYCERIN, ACRYLATES/C10-30 ALKYL ACRYLATE CROSSPOLYMER, RUBUS CHAMAEMORUS (CLOUDBERRY) FRUIT JUICE EXTRACT, VACCINIUM MYRTILLUS (BILBERRY) FRUIT JUICE, VACCINIUM VITIS-IDAEA (LINGONBERRY) FRUIT JUICE, PHENOXYETHANOL, XYLITYLGLUCOSIDE, PEG-40 HYDROGENATED CASTOR OIL, ANHYDROXYLITOL, SODIUM HYDROXIDE, XYLITOL, ALLANTOIN, TREHALOSE, UREA, ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERIN, DISODIUM EDTA, SODIUM BENZOTRIAZOLYL BUTYLPHENOL SULFONATE, PENTYLENE GLYCOL, ERIOPHORUM SPISSUM (NORDIC COTTONGRASS) FLOWER/STEM EXTRACT, MAGNESIUM ASPARTATE, ZINC GLUCONATE, SERINE, TRIS(TETRAMETHYLHYDROXYPIPERIDINOL) CITRATE, ALCOHOL, CITRIC ACID, ALGIN, CAPRYLYL GLYCOL, DISODIUM PHOSPHATE, GLYCERYL POLYACRYLATE, PULLULAN, SODIUM HYALURONATE, COPPER GLUCONATE, POTASSIUM SORBATE, POTASSIUM PHOSPHATE, SORBIC ACID, LINALOOL, PARFUM (FRAGRANCE), (CI 42090) BLUE 1, CI 60730 (EXT. VIOLET 2). 

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:

- On several occasions just burned my skin when I applied the mask: sometimes less, sometimes so much my skin turned red and I had to wash the mask immediately off. I tried several times because I was unsure if my skin was just sensitive at the moment.

- One time I tried using the mask as an overnight mask because the instructions say you could do it: the next day I had a huge cyst on my cheek, in a place where I never get pimples. And let me tell you, those big under skin pimples THEY HURT and it took a week for it to go away. And then three weeks for the PIE to go away. UGh!

- At this point I just have to say this mask is not hydrating or recovering my skin, for whatever reason, maybe I am allergic to something in it - birch juice? The ingredients do not look bad, quite the contrary!

- Strong perfume-y scent that lingers, but it is not particularly bad scent to me

- Leaves skin sticky and doesn't necessarily layer well with other products

- Not necessarily hydrating, basic creams feel better, which is weird because the mask has one job and it is to hydrate



+ I love weird jelly textures and the mask feels and looks so fun to scoop a piece out. And the wobble when you shake the tub!

+ Multi use mask: overnight or a 10-minute pick me up

+ Easy to spread on skin and wash off, gel texture that melts

* I think this version of Lumene Lähde Nordic Hydra Hydration Recovery Aerating Gel Mask is discontinued and the new version is called Nordic Hydra Oxygen Recovery 72H Hydra Gel Mask. Such monster names. 

* I suspect I might be allergic to birch but I do not know if birch juice topically can cause allergic reactions. I have no idea what else it could be. So this is the reason the mask was left unused after the beginning. At least I bought it on sale!

* I think Lumene as a brand is good when it comes to makeup but not so with skincare.

Price: 

I paid 10 € on sale, normal price about 20 € / 150 ml

Bought from: 

Supermarket

Buy again? 

No.

Worth the money? 

Lumene Lähde Nordic Hydra Hydration Recovery Aerating Gel Mask was not worth the money for me! And considering how the world is full of face mask options maybe people with sensitive skin should look elsewhere. But if your skin is not severely dry or sensitive and you are not allergy prone and you like fragrance, the price is not too bad on sale and the jelly texture is a delight.

Kate Somerville Goat Milk Moisturizing Cleanser 30 ml Review

Ingredients:

Aqua/Water/Eau, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine, Glycerin, Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate, Betaine, Glyceryl Distearate, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Xylitylglucoside, Propanediol, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Glyceryl Stearate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Caprae Lac/Goat Milk/Lait de Chèvre/Lactose, Milk Protein, Lactic Acid, Tocopherol, Mel Extract (Honey Extract, Extrait de Miel), Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Extract, Bisabolol, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Sodium Lauroyl Glutamate, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Extract, Xylitol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Anhydroxylitol, Parfum/Fragrance, Stearic Acid, Disodium EDTA, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Xanthan Gum, t-butyl Alcohol, Benzyl Salicylate.

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 faintly of honey, I do not like honey scents much

- For evening cleanse, I wish for a harsher product, especially if I have makeup and I use a cleansing oil that doesn't rinse off well

- Expensive for a cleanser



+ Creamy, soft on skin, no foam but melts and glides on skin well

+ Washes off well, leaves skin soft, not stripped at all, but still strangely clean, no product residue yet not tight

+ Doesn't irritate or sting eyes, haven't had breakouts

+ Excellent as a morning cleanser and evening cleanser for days when I do not have much makeup or heavy sunscreen

+ Best cream cleanser I've tried (but haven't tried many!)

* Cleansers like Kate Somerville Goat Milk Moisturizing Cleanser are not usually my cup of tea, I find cream cleansers too heavy and not effective on combination-oily skin. I got this cleanser mini from LF Advent Calendar and I have seen a lot of praise.

* I wonder if other goat milk products are good as well. Did a quick search and I don't see much on the market despite goat milk being described as a great ingredient.

* It would be interesting to try other products from Kate Somerville as well but I think the price range limits my experiments. Plus the availability in Europe is poor so I would have to go out of my way to order them.

Price: 

About 43 € / 120 ml full size

Bought from: 

Got from Lookfantastic Advent Calendar

Buy again? 

Maybe on a sale?

Worth the money? 

Quite honestly, I feel Kate Somerville Goat Milk Moisturizing Cleanser is more on the "luxury price" side and it isn't worth the money for me. It is excellent but in the end I get as good skin with a more powerful yet gentle Garnier Micellar Gel Cleanser that costs 5 € for 200 ml. Of course these cleansers aren't otherwise comparable at all. I think around 23-28 € would be a fair price that would make me jump on Goat Milk Cleanser again!

The Ordinary Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2% 30 ml Review

Ingredients:

Ascorbic Acid, Squalane, Isodecyl Neopentanoate, Isononyl Isononanoate, Coconut Alkanes, Ethylene/Propylene/Styrene Copolymer, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Silica Dimethyl Silylate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Glucomannan, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Butylene/Ethylene/Styrene Copolymer, Acrylates/Ethylhexyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Trihydroxystearin, Bht.

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:

- Ingredients include Coconut derivates (might cause breakouts to some people)

- When I tried Vitamin C Suspension the first time (this is old tube) it did cause me breakouts and irritation

- Tingling on skin is indeed very strong and definitely avoid using if you have broken skin (=me poking every pimple until they bleed sigh)

- Feels gritty on skin when massaged in, unpleasant sensation with the tingling

- Pills easily if too much applied or too much products applied on top/underneath; a bit difficult product to place into routine, especially because Vitamin C would be good for morning and in the evening I have other actives to use

- Smells hospital like to me, plastic, cleaning supplies, dentist stuff 



+ Effective, after using a few days in a row I can tell my skin looks brighter and smoother (been lazy with actives lately because it was such a hot weather and skin went a bit mad, probably wouldn't notice such a difference when using all other stuff I have)

+ Stable formula: my tube is already several years old and it still tingles on skin, smells the same, feels the same and I can see the effects (note: don't be like me, use your products before expiration)

+ When a tiny amount is used and well spread on skin, no pilling issue when minimal amount of other products is used as well

+ Can be mixed with other lotions/creams/serums to custom the strength

+ Not heavy despite the siliconey feel

+ Not particularly moisturizing or drying product, not enough on its own, I must use moisturizer with it

* I found my old tube of The Ordinary Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2% , about half used! Can't believe I haven't reviewed it yet. So I decided to finish the tube and make a note of it for myself. It is surprising how effective it still is, because I also found my old The Ordinary Ethylated Ascorbic Acid 15% Solution (about 1/4 left) and also decided to finish that one, but it doesn't smell or feel the same anymore and honestly looks like it does almost nothing now. Of course, Ethyl Ascorbic Acid is not as strong as the real Ascorbic Acid, but still! 

* For now I am still unsure if Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2% breaks me out or not. First I didn't notice anything this time, but I did get some closed comedones on my chin especially after about two weeks... This time there has been no irritation though.

 

Price: 

7,30 € / 30 ml

Bought from: 

Deciem website

Buy again? 

No... I am very tempted by price/effectiveness combo though!

Worth the money? 

The Ordinary Vitamin C Suspension 23%+HA Spheres 2% is definitely worth it if you want the strongest and cheapest stable formula! However, I wouldn't recommend it for sensitive skin or for someone who uses a lot of even stronger actives already (tretinoin etc.). My skin can't handle such combinations for sure. Also not for someone who likes to layer a lot of product on their face. Best for someone with a normal to tough skin and minimal routine so it is easier to slot this Vitamin C product in either for AM or PM.