Tuesday, January 18, 2022

Avant Moisture Surge Overnight Treatment 50 ml Review

Ingredients:

aqua (water), hydrogenated polydecene, glycerin, Butyrospermum Parkii (shea) butter, steareth-21, propylene glycol, Prunus Amygdalus dulcis (sweet almond) oil, peg-8 distearate, steareth-2, Oryza Sativa (rice bran) starch, Moringa Oleifera seed oil, panthenol, disodium edta, laureth-7, c13-14 isoparaffin, glyceryl acrylate/acrylic acid copolymer, polyacrylamide, pvp, pvm/ma copolymer, xanthan gum, glycolic acid, linalool, parfum (fragrance), ethylhexylglycerin, sodium dehydroacetate, phenoxyethanol.

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:

Price is insane for a moisturizer, because let's face it, overnight treatment means just a bit heavier moisturizer

The tube got quite ugly because the white turns into yellow, obviously not a problem unless it also means the product is compromised, just noticing it, and weird if the product and packaging should be worth almost 100 €

Best to apply on a moist skin because otherwise it tugs skin quite a lot. Also, not very hydrating on its own, more of an occlusive feel

- No help with wrinkles or tightness of skin, like Avant promotes, maybe they just mean softness



Feels very nice on skin, protective, a bit heavy (due to shea butter maybe?). Texture is quite balmy.

I actually even liked the light, a bit general luxurious scent (I dislike the candier, sweeter scent in Rose Quartz Mask)

No irritation or break outs

Can be used daily even though they suggest to use it a few times a week (at least I didn't notice anything weird)

Leaves skin smooth and soft (but no miracles obviously)



* Avant is a weird brand, very expensive, and hard to find on many skincare websites. Mostly you can get it on different subscription boxes where they jack up the value of the box enormously. So can't help but believe it is a brand meant for these boxes. Of course it doesn't mean that the products couldn't be good. I feel like they also have raised their prices because when I started this draft, I had put the price down for this moisturizer as about 85 € and it is definitely more now when I looked.

I also have Avant Harmonious Rose Quartz Revitalizing and Firming Mask from LF calendar. Also last year there was Avant's hand cream but I haven't tried it yet. Rose Quartz Mask feels also ok, very similar balmy texture. It's marketed as a purifying mask that doesn't need to be washed off. It has sweeter, vanilla-ish, stronger scent than the sophisticated Moisture Surge. 



Price: 

About 95-100 € / 50 ml

Bought from: 

Lookfantastic Advent Calendar 2019

Buy again? 

No, too expensive. But, if I can get the moisturizer for free or on super sale I wouldn't mind using it again.

Worth the money? 

Honestly, not worth the full price tag, but Avant's Moisture Surge Overnight Treatment is not a bad product. They should just not use possible scam tactics in cahoots with beauty subscription boxes and sell the actual product for a reasonable price, which for me would be about 25-35 €.

Monday, January 17, 2022

BTB13 Sensitive Facial Toner 75 ml Review DISCONTINUED

Ingredients:

Rosa Rubiginosa Fruit Extract*, Propanediol, Glycerin, BTB13™ (Orotic Acid, L-Carnitine), Hyaluronic Acid, Ascorbic Acid, Inulin (Prebiotic), Alpha-Glucan Oligosaccharide (Prebiotic), Betaine, Allantoin, Xanthan Gum, Phenethyl Alcohol, Sodium Levulinate, Sodium Anisate, Parfum  

*Extracted to water (Aqua)  


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:

Breaks me out badly after using it for 3-5 days straight and generally makes my skin dull and ugly by that point, and trust me I tried multiple times to go on and off and apply less or keep applying but my skin got progressively worse! It didn't matter if my skin was dry or oily when I tried, the break outs started anyway. When stopped using the product, they cleared in 2-3 days and my skin got brighter again.

Didn't like the scent at all, it was weird, sweet, marzipan like, I can still smell it just by thinking about the product, yuck. It wasn't strong per say but it went deep into my nose!

Must be ordered online from specific beauty stores/salons

- The small travel sized bottle had a poor nozzle that it was a bit difficult to get the product out and it got dirty easily, bigger bottles had a pump (I don't know how the new small bottles are)



Extremely hydrating and moisturizing, hands down the most hydrating thing I have tried, immediate relief for painful dryness (from tretinoin), absolutely amazing feeling

The texture is very slippy, like a thin gel or serum/essence, absolutely no skin tugging needed even if applying a small amount

Can be layered, but I didn't feel the need, left my skin a bit slippy too but very bouncy

Made in Finland

+ New gentle anti aging/skin improving ingredient, BTB13 (also a negative though, it is new so no long term data)

Some BTB13 products have travel sizes available to try (like this one I bought), I wish there were even smaller deluxe samples so I could try them for 1-2 weeks and see if I get breakouts again



* BTB13 Sensitive Facial Toner has already been discontinued and reformulated a long time ago and I have this old release I used a long time ago when I purchased it.

This product is called toner but I feel it is definitely more of an essence or serum. It is also marketed as an essence, advised to layer it on skin as needed.

Sadly, I can't remember how this product layered with other skincare or makeup as it has been so long, but I believe it was ok because I can't remember frustration about this part.

BTB13 is an interesting chemical compound. The following is from their own website: "BTB13™ is a chemical compound, developed by Finnish researchers, that consists of orotic acid, L-carnitine and hyaluronic acid. The compound is widely patented and has been proven to protect cells from harmful oxygen radicals." And: "The active ingredients in BTB13™ are L-carnitine (BT) and orotic acid (B13). Orotic acid (INCI: Orotic Acid) is a naturally occurring acid in the body, and is important both for the renewal and active functions of cells. L-Carnitine (INCI: L-Carnitine) is a natural amino acid that enhances cellular metabolism and cleanses metabolic waste from cells."

The new reformulated toners replacing Sensitive Facial Toner are BTB13 Pro-Age Vitalizing Toner and BTB13 Intense Hydration Toner and I would probably go for BTB13 Intense Hydration Toner because it doesn't include Aloe Barbadensis Water. But, both seem to be interesting options, because neither one has Rosa Rubiginosa Fruit Water. Now, I do not know if I am sensitive to rose water, but it sure is weird how much my skin didn't like Sensitive Facial Toner. I have never showed any signs of Aloe sensitivity either but if I try their products again, I'd like to rule out at least some ingredients.
 


Price: 

For new formula Intense Hydration Toner:
100 ml / about 16 €
250 ml / about 30 €

I paid for Sensitive Facial Toner on sale:
75 ml / 10 €, normal price was 12,50 €

Bought from: 

Hillankauppa

Buy again? 

Discontinued. I am considering trying the new formulations at some point. But if this exact one would be available, definitely no.

Worth the money? 

BTB13 Sensitive Facial Toner definitely wasn't worth the money due to the bad and immediate break outs and ugly skin, but I really want to feel the same level of hydration again, it was wonderful! That's the reason I am considering trying the new formulations. I definitely would have recommended this toner for dry skin. I feel price is fair for the immediate hydration relief.

Thursday, January 6, 2022

Filorga NCEF and Lifting Mini Discovery Size Sample Set Review

There was also an eye cream but I used it up before taking the photos! This is how it goes sometimes :)
 



Lift Set:

Optim-Eyes Intensive Revitalizing 3-in-1 Eye Contour Cream 4 ml

Ingredients:

Aqua (Water, Eau), Glycerin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, C12-16 Alcohols, Cyclopentasiloxane, Peg-8, Polyacrylate-13, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Palmitic Acid, Prunus Domestica Seed Oil, Polyisobutene, Cyclohexasiloxane, Sucrose Palmitate, Parfum (Fragrance), Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Steareth-20, Caprylyl Glycol, Chlorphenesin, Hesperidin Methyl Chalcone, Tetrasodium Edta, Glyceryl Linoleate, Polysorbate 20, Tromethamine, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, Sorbitan Isostearate, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Polyacrylate, Chlorhexidine Digluconate, Glucose, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Potassium Sorbate, Citric Acid, N-Hydroxysuccinimide, Potassium Chloride, Dipeptide-2, Calcium Chloride, Magnesium Sulfate, Glutamine, Sodium Phosphate, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Ascorbic Acid, Sodium Acetate, Tocopherol, Lysine Hcl, Arginine, Alanine, Histidine, Valine, Chrysin, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Leucine, Threonine, Isoleucine, Tryptophan, Phenylalanine, Tyrosine, Glycine, Polysorbate 80, Serine, Deoxyadenosine, Cystine, Cyanocobalamin, Deoxycytidine, Deoxyguanosine, Deoxythymidine, Glutathione, Asparagine, Aspartic Acid, Ornithine, Glutamic Acid, Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide, Proline, Aminobutyric Acid, Methionine, Taurine, Hydroxyproline, Glucosamine, Coenzyme A, Glucuronolactone, Sodium Glucuronate, Thiamine Diphosphate, Disodium Flavine Adenine Dinucleotide, Sodium Uridine Triphosphate, Retinyl Acetate, Inositol, Methyl Deoxycytidine, Niacin, Niacinamide, Pyridoxal 5-Phosphate, Pyridoxine Hcl, Biotin, Calcium Pantothenate, Folic Acid, Riboflavin, Tocopheryl Phosphate.

* I had high expectations for this best seller eye cream. Unfortunately, I felt it wasn't super moisturizing and made my eyes feel puffy. Also after a couple of days, my fine lines under eyes were more prominent. Other than that, I didn't feel like the cream was straight out irritating (didn't itch or make my eyes red). 

* Optim-Eyes is also fragranced, which feels weird for an eye product. It however is a pleasant scent and doesn't linger super long, but it does linger. 

* Optim-Eyes has a light cream consistency, and it absorbs nicely, doesn't tug the skin either.

* Am I going to repurchase? No, I am not. This eye cream is clearly not suitable for me and I do wonder why this is so popular. Also costs 35-45 € for a full size bottle of 15 ml.


Lift-Structure Ultra-Lifting Cream 7 ml

Ingredients:

Aqua (Water, Eau), Propylene Glycol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Octyldodecanol, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Glycerin, Glycereth-26, Glycol Palmitate, Propylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Stearate, Peg-100 Stearate, Pentylene Glycol, Pentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate, Parfum (Fragrance), Dimethyl Isosorbide, Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer, Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate, Curcuma Longa (Turmeric) Root Extract, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Leontopodium Alpinum Callus Culture Extract, Sucrose Palmitate, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Isohexadecane, Sodium Hydroxide, Glyceryl Linoleate, O-Cymen-5-Ol, Sesamum Indicum (Sesame) Seed Extract, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, Sodium Chloride, Disodium Edta, Polysorbate 60, Trihydroxystearin, Citric Acid, Plankton Extract, Lecithin, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Citrate, Sorbitan Isostearate, Soluble Collagen, Sodium Hyaluronate, Glucose, Sodium Benzoate, Tocopherol, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Ascorbate, Potassium Chloride, Potassium Sorbate, Calcium Chloride, Phytic Acid, Magnesium Sulfate, Glutamine, Sodium Phosphate, Ascorbic Acid, Sodium Acetate, Lysine Hcl, Arginine Hcl, Alanine, Histidine Hcl, Valine, Leucine, Threonine, Isoleucine, Tryptophan, Phenylalanine, Tyrosine, Glycine, Polysorbate 80, Glucomannan, Serine, Cystine, Cyanocobalamin, Glutathione, Asparagine, Aspartic Acid, Ornithine Hcl, Glutamic Acid, Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide, Proline, Methionine, Taurine, Hydroxyproline, Glucosamine Hcl, Coenzyme A, Sodium Glucuronate, Thiamine Diphosphate, Retinyl Acetate, Inositol, Niacin, Niacinamide, Pyridoxine Hcl, Biotin, Calcium Pantothenate, Riboflavin, Sodium Tocopheryl Phosphate, Thiamine Hcl, Folic Acid.

* Surprising thick for a day cream, I think almost as thick as the Sleep&Lift Night Cream. It is not a problem though as it absorbs very fast into nothingness, at least on a normal-dry-ish skin. No pilling.

* Scent is exactly the same as with the night cream. Very Filorga esque, soft, sweet, very fruity, but a bit weird not so pleasant chemical after note. Scent doesn't linger at all.

* Not super moisturizing actually! Ok, but not super. Feels like it definitely needs a hydrating serum underneath. But at the same time, my skin doesn't look at all dry and it's smooth, it just feels slightly tight if I think about it. Maybe this is the "ultra lift effect" at work! But I don't notice any lift effect, but I don't also have much to lift (I'm in my 30s) and the tube lasted me only about 2 weeks and that's quite a short time.

* Excellent under my sunscreens/make up products! Zero pilling or problems.

* No irritation or redness. Didn't notice it breaking me out which is weird considering the wide array of ingredients.


Sleep&Lift Ultra-Lifting Night Cream 7 ml

Ingredients:

Aqua (Water, Eau), Cetyl Palmitate, Myristyl Myristate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Cetearyl Alcohol, Propylene Glycol, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Glycerin, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Octyldodecanol, Pentylene Glycol, Arginine Pca, Ceteareth-20, Propylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate, Cetearyl Glucoside, Polyacrylate-13, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer, Curcuma Longa (Turmeric) Root Extract, Parfum (Fragrance), Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Sucrose Palmitate, Polyisobutene, Sodium Benzoate, Sodium Hydroxide, Mica, Ci 77891 (Titanium Dioxide), Glyceryl Linoleate, O-Cymen-5-Ol, Sesamum Indicum (Sesame) Seed Extract, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, Sodium Chloride, Polysorbate 20, Disodium Edta, Sorbitan Isostearate, Trihydroxystearin, Citric Acid, Plankton Extract, Lecithin, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Citrate, Soluble Collagen, Sodium Hyaluronate, Glucose, Tocopherol, Sodium Ascorbate, Potassium Chloride, Potassium Sorbate, Calcium Chloride, Phytic Acid, Magnesium Sulfate, Glutamine, Sodium Phosphate, Ascorbic Acid, Sodium Acetate, Lysine Hcl, Arginine Hcl, Alanine, Histidine Hcl, Valine, Leucine, Threonine, Isoleucine, Tryptophan, Phenylalanine, Tyrosine, Glycine, Polysorbate 80, Glucomannan, Serine, Cystine, Cyanocobalamin, Glutathione, Asparagine, Aspartic Acid, Ornithine Hcl, Glutamic Acid, Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide, Proline, Methionine, Taurine, Hydroxyproline, Glucosamine Hcl, Coenzyme A, Sodium Glucuronate, Thiamine Diphosphate, Retinyl Acetate, Inositol, Niacin, Niacinamide, Pyridoxine Hcl, Biotin, Calcium Pantothenate, Riboflavin, Sodium Tocopheryl Phosphate, Thiamine Hcl, Folic Acid.

* Thick, nourishing feeling cream. Absorbs and settles fast, but leaves a soft film on skin. Very nice. Doesn't feel heavy at all though, quite light actually despite the consistency!

* The same scent as in the day cream. 

* Also, the same kind of moisture level as the day cream! Surprisingly not super moisturizing and feels like it needs a hydrating serum underneath. Skin feels slightly tight. I don't know, maybe this is the "ultra lift effect" but it is weird to feel tight even though the skin doesn't look or feel dry if you touch it. Not all that pleasant.

* Slight irritation around my eye if I bring the cream too close. No other irritation or redness, etc.

* Price: full size jar 50 ml is around 50-65 € depending on the store and sale, for both the day and night cream. Would I repurchase? Currently no. They are not bad products and I liked how my skin looked, I didn't notice breakouts during the short time of using (2-3 weeks? together). But I feel poor and didn't notice magical effects. I could use more one day. But I also could live without.

* Extra note: A few days of my test period the temperature rose to +20 Celsius and we got sun and neither of the creams felt that tight on my skin anymore. So for warmer countries, I think they have enough moisture. My skin seems to be very sensitive to the weather changes.


NCEF Set:

NCEF Reverse Supreme Multi-Correction Cream 7 ml

Ingredients:

Aqua (Water, Eau), Glycerin, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Propanediol, Polymethyl Methacrylate, Methylsilanol Mannuronate, Cetyl Alcohol, Sodium Potassium Aluminum Silicate, Dimethicone, Methylpropanediol, Sodium Chloride, Phenoxyethanol, Butylene Glycol, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Parfum (Fragrance), Ci 77891 (Titanium Dioxide), Silica, Sucrose Palmitate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Peg-20 Castor Oil, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Chlorphenesin, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Alcohol Denat., Glucose, Disodium Edta, Glyceryl Linoleate, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Potassium Chloride, Diethylhexyl Syringylidenemalonate, Carbomer, Peg-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Polysorbate 60, Sodium Lactate, Sorbitan Isostearate, Calcium Chloride, Zea Mays (Corn) Oil, Benzyl Alcohol, Sodium Hydroxide, Haberlea Rhodopensis Leaf Extract, Polysorbate 20, Magnesium Sulfate, Glutamine, Citric Acid, Inositol, Calcium Pantothenate, Retinol, Sodium Phosphate, Dipeptide Diaminobutyroyl Benzylamide Diacetate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Citrate, Ascorbic Acid, Sodium Acetate, Sodium Benzoate, Soluble Collagen, Potassium Sorbate, Lysine Hcl, Arginine Hcl, Rosa Moschata Seed Oil, Alanine, Dehydroacetic Acid, Histidine Hcl, Valine, Leucine, Threonine, Isoleucine, Tryptophan, Phenylalanine, Tyrosine, Glycine, Polysorbate 80, Serine, Cystine, Cyanocobalamin, Glutathione, Asparagine, Aspartic Acid, Ornithine Hcl, Glutamic Acid, Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide, Proline, Biotin, Methionine, Taurine, Hydroxyproline, Glucosamine Hcl, Tocopherol, Coenzyme A, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Sodium Glucuronate, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Thiamine Diphosphate, Ci 17200 (Red 33), Retinyl Acetate, Niacin, Niacinamide, Pyridoxine Hcl, Riboflavin, Sodium Tocopheryl Phosphate, Thiamine Hcl, Folic Acid.

* Pleasant cream, a bit thick-ish for a day cream but absorbs very well and fast. It disappears into skin and doesn't pill, works well under makeup.

* The same Filorga scent as described earlier.

* The same typical moisture level that Filorga day creams seem to have: not super moisturizing, which is suprising considering the slightly heavier texture straight from bottle.

* NCEF Cream seems to break me out or my skin is not a fan otherwise, everytime I use it, my skin looks immediately worse afterwards, my skin looks a bit tired and dull and after a longer use (2-4 days) I develop more small impurities. It happens everytime, so I don't know how it could be anything else than this cream. I don't know what the results would be if I used the cream long term.

* Full size jar 50 ml costs 65-85 € and that is just nuts (to me). Not going to repurchase, but I am disappointed that I do not understand this cream, as it promises to do a lot and is expensive so unconsciously I think it must be magic, yet my skin despises it!

* From googling: NCTF is New Cellular Treatment Factor, it is anti-aging mesotherapy product, supposedly bring revitalisation, deep hydration and brightness to skin. NCTF treatments are injections for face. Mesotherapy is a technique that uses injections to rejuvenate and tighten the skin with vitamins, hormones, enzymes, etc... I looked up some prices around me and mesotherapy injections are upwards from around 120 €, usually around 200-300 €, so yikes.

* Filorga's NCTF creams are supposed to have the same NCTF effect as the injections.


NCEF Intensive Supreme Multi-Correction Face Serum 4 ml

Ingredients:

Aqua (Water, Eau), Propanediol, Glycerin, Phenyl Trimethicone, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Sodium Chloride, Phenoxyethanol, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Butylene Glycol, Carbomer, Sodium Hydroxide, Parfum (Fragrance), Sucrose Palmitate, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Chlorphenesin, Lecithin, Pentylene Glycol, Glucose, Disodium Edta, Glyceryl Linoleate, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Polysorbate 20, Potassium Chloride, Diethylhexyl Syringylidenemalonate, Alcohol, Citric Acid, Retinol, Sodium Lactate, Calcium Chloride, Benzophenone-4, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Sodium Citrate, Soluble Collagen, Magnesium Sulfate, Glutamine, Sodium Phosphate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Phosphate, Ascorbic Acid, Sodium Acetate, Dipeptide Diaminobutyroyl Benzylamide Diacetate, Lysine Hcl, Arginine Hcl, Alanine, Histidine Hcl, Valine, Potassium Sorbate, Leucine, Threonine, Isoleucine, Tryptophan, Phenylalanine, Tyrosine, Dna, Triticum Vulgare (Wheat) Germ Extract, Glycine, Polysorbate 80, Serine, Cystine, Cyanocobalamin, Glutathione, Asparagine, Aspartic Acid, Ornithine Hcl, Tris(Tetramethylhydroxypiperidinol) Citrate, Triticum Vulgare (Wheat) Germ Protein, Glutamic Acid, Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide, Tocopherol, Proline, Methionine, Taurine, Hydroxyproline, Glucosamine Hcl, Coenzyme A, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Sodium Glucuronate, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Thiamine Diphosphate, Ci 17200 (Red 33), Retinyl Acetate, Inositol, Niacin, Niacinamide, Pyridoxine Hcl, Biotin, Calcium Pantothenate, Riboflavin, Sodium Tocopheryl Phosphate, Thiamine Hcl, Folic Acid.

* More like light lotion than traditional watery serum. Spreads and absorbs quickly, no pilling.

* The same Filorga scent.

* Surprisingly moisturizing, considering it is called a serum. Or maybe I just thought that it wouldn't be, because the creams surprisingly are not very moisturizing.

* Doesn't seem to break me out. Quite nice product overall. Could replace the moisturizer under sunscreen for me completely. Not sure about any effects though.

* The full size product costs about 60-70 € and is 30 ml.


NCEF Supreme Multi-Correction Night Mask 7 ml

Ingredients:

Aqua (Water, Eau), Glycerin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Propylene Glycol, Sodium Polyacrylate, Butylene Glycol, Albizia Julibrissin Bark Extract, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Squalane, Propanediol, Sodium Chloride, 1,2-Hexanediol, Propylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate, Sodium Polyacrylate Starch, Parfum (Fragrance), Sucrose Palmitate, Chlorphenesin, Tocopheryl Acetate, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Isohexadecane, Glucose, O-Cymen-5-Ol, Glyceryl Linoleate, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, Tephrosia Purpurea Seed Extract, Disodium Edta, Potassium Chloride, Carbomer, Sodium Lactate, Calcium Chloride, Polysorbate 60, Polysorbate 20, Magnesium Sulfate, Glutamine, Sorbitan Isostearate, Sodium Phosphate, Sodium Benzoate, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Ascorbic Acid, Sodium Acetate, Citric Acid, Lysine Hcl, Arginine Hcl, Alanine, Histidine Hcl, Valine, Potassium Sorbate, Leucine, Threonine, Isoleucine, Tryptophan, Phenylalanine, Tyrosine, Glycine, Polysorbate 80, Serine, Cystine, Cyanocobalamin, Glutathione, Asparagine, Aspartic Acid, Ornithine Hcl, Glutamic Acid, Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide, Proline, Methionine, Taurine, Hydroxyproline, Glucosamine Hcl, Tocopherol, Coenzyme A, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Sodium Glucuronate, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Thiamine Diphosphate, Retinyl Acetate, Inositol, Niacin, Niacinamide, Pyridoxine Hcl, Biotin, Calcium Pantothenate, Riboflavin, Sodium Tocopheryl Phosphate, Thiamine Hcl, Folic Acid.

* Very light, almost clear consistency, not at all what I would imagine a night mask to be. Absorbs very quickly, feels like nothing on skin afterwards.

* The same Filorga scent.

* Almost drying on skin, barely moisturizing at all. But I actually do notice some difference in my skin after using the night mask. Even if I use it with another moisturizer (and I kinda have to, during the winter at least). Of course the little tube didn't last long so can't say about long term effects. I don't think the result is brighter skin, but maybe a bit firmer. Maybe calmed down my skin a bit, difficult to say.

* The full size tub of 50 ml costs 55-75 €. Not feeling like I want to purchase to test it better even though it seems slightly promising. 

Tuesday, January 4, 2022

Thoughts, Favorites, Empties, Shopping of 2021

Thoughts about 2021 and 2022

I was hoping I would get a bit more bored this year with all the cosmetics, and to a some degree, it did happen. I think I did get slightly bored with skincare. But not with make up or fragrance. Not that I over purchased fragrance anyway. I do tend to get obsessive and then bored about things so I expect that next year 2022 I am already "over" makeup! Time will tell!

I am also very relieved I never got into beauty subscription boxes despite them sounding so tempting during the last few years! Now I see things a bit differently. The boxes are actually quite pricy. The more I see bloggers showcasing their beauty boxes, the more I realize that usually the contents are crap or at least something that I wouldn't buy. If I wouldn't buy the products separately, why would I want them in a random surprise box, that costs me 25-60 € ?!

I think I have become at the same time more stingy yet also more lenient with money when it comes to beauty products. I splurge in ridiculous things just for pleasure and don't even ever mean to pan them (some makeup, fragrance...) but for basic stuff I just don't see any reason to pay more than necessary (currently).

I am too lazy to take pictures of my stash this year. I think the amount of stuff I own is more or less the same than last year. Meaning way too much so I haven't been able to finish and clean out clutter. I am a bit disappointed. I really thought I would have been able to do more. But it has been yet another shitty year and I will just try to survive. I have found several great affordable basics and a bit more luxurious lovely extras for my routine while doing my exploration so in a sense it has been worth it! 

As for 2022, I will just do whatever makes me happy, I will splurge if I feel like it and I will use up my stash if I feel like it. 


Current Favorites 2021




I choose my current favorites whenever and however I like. Didn't have much time or energy to post about current favorites this year though! I still agree that all these are great products. 

Oskia Renaissance Cleansing Gel, De La Cruz Sulfur Ointment, Wet'n'Wild Apricot In The Middle

Got2b Glued Water Resistant Spiking Glue, Gucci Gorgeous Gardenia EdT, By Terry Brightening CC Palette Beach Bomb, RefectoCil Oxidant and Eyelash and Eyebrow Tint

SVR Xerial 10 Lait Corps, SVR Fissures and Crevasses, Molton Brown Pink Pepper Shower Gel, Natasha Denona Blush Glow Duo, A-Derma Dermalibour Repairing Cream


Empties 2021

January to February

March to June

July to October

Compared to last year 2020, I finished about 5 products less. But still about double the bodycare, mostly just shower gels/scrubs. I finished less skincare and makeup, but haircare seems to be the same! Funny because I thought I used a lot more hair stuff.


Finished Products 2021

Number of products finished: 58
Skincare: 31
Makeup: 1
Bodycare: 17
Haircare: 9
Other, e.g. fragrance: 0


Cleansing Oil/Balm 1
Tosowoong Apricot Seed Oil 1


Cleanser 3
Garnier Micellar Cleansing Gel Wash 1
Ekopharma Herukka Blackcurrant Cleanser 1
Nivea Effective Cleansing Gel 1

Micellar Water 0


Toner/Essence/Serum 6
Clinique Moisture Surge Hydrating Concentrate Mini 1
Lumene Kirkas Clarity Radiance Boosting Toner 1
Caudalie Vinosource SOS Thirst Quenching Serum 1
Skinfood Aqua Grape Mist Toner Sample Bottles 3

Antioxidants 0

Oils 2
The Ordinary Rose Hip Seed Oil 1
Moroccan Rose Superfood Facial Oil Mini 1

Moisturizer 8
The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA 2
Eucerin Urea 5% Moisturizer 1
Filorga NCEF-Reverse Supreme Multi-Corrrection Cream Mini 1
A-Derma Dermalibour Repairing Cream Mini 1
The Body Shop Tea Tree Mattifying Lotion 1
Filorga Sleep & Lift Mini 1
Filorga Lift-Structure Cream Mini 1


Exfoliation/Treatment 2
Dermatica Tretinoin+Niacinamide 2


Eye Cream 1
Nivea Q10 Vitamin C 1

Sunscreen 4
Tosowoong Soft Touch Sun Cream SPF32 1
Pladerm  Dual Sun Cream SPF 48 1
Missha Time Revolution White Cure SPF50 PA+++ Transparent Beige 1
Garnier UV Fluid SPF50 1


Lips 1
Lumene Lip Gloss 1

Makeup 1
ModelCo Instant Brows Brow Pencil Light/Medium 1

Shampoo 3
Head&Shoulders Classic Clean 1L 2
Redken Beach Envy Shampoo 1


Conditioner 4
Philip Kingsley Elasticizer Mini 1
Wella Invigo Mini 1
L'Oreal Preference Conditioner 1
Moroccanoil Mini 1

Scalp Treatment 2
Budgie The Apple Cider Scrub 1
Nizoral Treatment Shampoo 1

Hair Styling 0

Shower 7
Ceralan Cleansing Body Oil / Pesuöljy 1
Skin Treat Pure Clarity Scrub 1
Skin Treat Multi Action AHA PHA Scrub 1
YA Intiimipesuneste 1
The Body Shop Winter Jasmine Shower Gel 1
Mio Clay Cleanser Mini 1
Yves Rocher Lily of the Valley Shower Gel 1

Antiperspirant 6
Rexona Maximum Protection Antiperspirant Sport Strength 6

Body Moisturizer 3
Dermosil Hand Cream Oat 1
SVR Xerial Fissures and Crevasses 1
Natura Siberica Alladale Hand Cream 1

Other 4
Sheetmasks 3
Bepanthen Ointment 1


Shopping + Gifts 2021















Gifts




Gift













Shopping:

January To February: about 33 €
From March To April: about 90 €
From May to June: about 194 €
From July to August: about 429 €

Spent altogether during 2021: about 1240 €, about 103 €/month

Most expensive thing I bought: IT Cosmetics Brush Set, Lethal Cosmetics Custom Palettes, Dior Backstage Foundation

The cheapest thing I bought: perfume samples, hair comb, Lumene Loose Powders (super sale), brow razors, tweezers

Number of products bought+gifts: approx.118 (or 142)  + Lookfantastic Advent Calendar 2021
Skincare: approx. 17 (with samples maybe 23?)
Makeup: approx. 37 (but if all eyeshadow singles are counted separately then probably 65?)
Bodycare: approx. 16
Haircare: approx. 12
Other, e.g. fragrance: approx 19 minis/samples

"Regrets": 
Catrice Cheek Lover Oil-Infused Blush (felt it was breaking me out and very pink)
Nars Taj Mahal Blush (more red than orange on me)
Michael Kors Sparkling Blush Rollerball (harsh vanilla, not bad fragrance but not what I expected)
Max Factor Creme Puff Blush Nude Mauve (great formula that applies effortlessly but the shade is not what I expected on me, turns more peachy pink)
BBIA Last Blush Macadamia Blossom (lovely contouring shade but too light)
Clinique Lip Balm Black Honey (basically clear lip balm with glitter, I like the product but I feel it's overpriced)
Wella Professionals Eimi Pearl Styler (just didn't like it, heavy glue-y texture)
Melt Digital Dust Blush Raw Honey (lovely formula but the shade wasn't what I expected)

Loved ones:
Clinique Cleansing Oil
Elizabeth Arden Cleansing Oil
A-Derma Dermalibour Repairing Cream*
Garnier Micellar Cleansing Gel Wash*
Kevyn Aucoin Neo Blush Rose Cliff
LA Girl Pro Color Mixing Pigment Blue
Missha Perfect BB Cream 21*
IT Cosmetics CC Cream Fair
Nivea Sun UV Face Sensitive SPF50
Garnier UV Fluid SPF50+*
Rexona Maximum Protection Sport Strength Antiperspirant*
Head&Shoulders Classic Clean Shampoo*
RefectoCil Brow Dye Kit
By Terry Brightening CC Face Palette
Sebastian Professional Texturizer
NYX Sweet Cheeks Blush Glowy Fig
Dermatica subscription


Thoughts:

I spent altogether during 2021 about 1240 €, about 103 €/month. I wasn't able to stay within my budget that was 600 € for the year, so 50 €/month. I actually even went and spent DOUBLE my budget! Last year 2020 I spent 1071 €, 90 €/month, and I thought that was a lot. I am not even going to set a target budget for the next year. Why bother when it clearly doesn't work? I am just going to take a day at a time. Good thing is, I wouldn't even know how much I spent without my blog. Talking about money this openly usually makes people uncomfortable. That's why I think it is important to talk about it.

Compared to last year's numbers I acquired double the haircare (I have very processed hair right now), about the same make up if singles are counted, but about a third of skincare. Also about double the fragrance.

For my "regrets" (not really regrets as I might make them work later with experimentation, also I am sometimes slow to love things) one thing is in common: I am disappointed in the color because I imagined it would have been something else. It is not really the product's fault if my skintone makes the color look different or the color doesn't seem to suit me (that also is a personal opinion). The best thing would be to be able to try everything on my face before purchasing but that is impossible.

The great thing is, many of my purchases were a success! I could have made the loved ones list longer too but just listed stand outs and those that I have had time to try out properly. A few are repurchases too, I have marked them with a star (*). And when I look at this list, I am prepared to repurchase everything, apart from the blushes of course as they probably last a life time.

This year I also splurged on two Lethal Cosmetics custom palettes and they probably would be on my loved ones list if I had had more time to explore them! I am not a huge eye shadow person and they were the only eye shadows I bought this year. 


What I remember buying and using before really getting into skincare/makeup! 

Just listed out of curiosity. No serums, nothing extra, usually repurchases of the same products I had just finished! Very utilitarian. I remember being SO annoyed when I had to buy a new bottle of something and tried to squeeze every last drop out of the old ones. And I did not buy the new bottle until I was totally out of the old one, unless I was trying something new (which was rare), then I needed the buffer. I always tried to buy everything on sale, as well.

Purchases in a year, altogether about 246 €


Foundation x1 10€
Powder x1 10 €
Mascara x2 20 €
Primer x1 10 €
Some other makeup thing x2-5 40 €


Moisturizer x4 30 €
Face wash x3 21 €
Face scrub x1 7 €
Toner x1 7 €


Shampoo x3 14 €
Conditioner x4 18 €
Hair mist x2 7 €
Shower gel x3 7 €
Antiperspirant x5 45 €