Thoughts, Empties, Shopping 2022

I keep some of my stash in clear plastic boxes. Helps me that I can see everything and it is all in one place! This is about half of my products, I think? Some already opened and some back ups.

Thoughts about 2022 and 2023

Last year I said that I will do whatever I please, I will splurge or use stash, and that's exactly what I did. Successful year then! 

I also hoped I would get bored of make up during 2022 (during 2021 I got a bit bored with skincare) and that happened too. I don't know if it was because of depression and tiredness though. But I haven't really lusted after many things during 2022 and haven't bought much make up. A few single eye shadows, a blush, a few freebie lipsticks and blush palette. So, I guess I am back into skincare, but more selectively. I have bought lots of fragrance samples though!

I think I am on the right track. Taking care of my body and my mind. And my skin will follow and look better. Stress is my enemy. I say this every year but it is a good reminder to self reflect once a year. For 2023 I will keep up with gym, walks, running, and I will eat my vegetables, vitamins and proteins and I will buy all Dior, Nars, Exuviance... etc. I want. As long as I do not use shopping as a coping mechanism. The products need to bring me real joy and/or be useful.

And, I should always take a look at my stash and use something I haven't touched before ordering something new. The desire for new is probably just desire for change.

I am, again, too lazy to take photos of my stash and make a proper inventory. I really need to go through the oldest products and throw expired ones away. This time I'm not even disappointed I haven't done it yet. I actually think I should do inventories during summer when there's natural light and I have more energy.

Routine Recommendation

Just thought to include this routine recommendation! I think all these are good basic products and I would recommend them for basic skin, also for people who are new to skincare. 

Products in the picture:

Clinique Cleansing Oil 

Garnier Micellar Gel Wash 

The Ordinary NMF + HA

Differin Adapalene Gel

A-Derma Dermalibour+ Repairing Cream

Garnier Sensitive Face UV Fluid/Super UV Anti-Dark Spots and Anti-Pollution Fluid SPF 50+ whatever-it-is-called-these-days

Nivea Sensitive Soothing Face SPF50

Innisfree Anti Aging Serum Sunscreen SPF50+ 

Current Favorites

I choose my current favorites whenever and however I like. This year apparently, only three times! :)

The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors+HA, Philip Kingsley Elasticizer, Canmake Lasting Multi Eye Base WP, Versace Bright Crystal EdT, Inglot Duraline, Maybelline Snapscara Mascara Waterproof

Filorga Time-Filler Absolute Wrinkle Correction Cream, Burberry Her EdP, Missha Aqua Sun SPF50+ PA++++, The Ordinary Pycnogenol 5%

Alima Pure Satin Matte Foundation in Olive 0, Skin Aqua Uv Super Moisture Essence Gold SPF50+ PA++++, Dermalogica Clearing Skin Wash & Caudalie Vinopure Purifying Gel Cleanser, Malin+Goets Vitamin E Face Moisturizer Mini, Exuviance Evening Restorative Complex renamed as Overnight Transformation Complex

Empties 2022

January to February

March to April

May to June

July to August

September to October

November to December

Shopping + Gifts 2022

Shopping:

January To February: about 63 €

From March To April: about 48 €

From May to June: about 158 €

From July to August: about 78 €

From September to October: about 112 €

From November to December: about 241 €

Spent altogether during 2022: 700 €

Most expensive thing I bought: Marc Jacobs Daisy Love Skies (53 €), Medik8 Set (72 €)

The cheapest thing I bought: Essence Blushlighter (2,5 €), Blistex Sensitive Lip Balm (1,8 €)

Number of products bought+gifts: approx. 70 + Skincity Advent Calendar 2022

Skincare: approx. 26

Makeup: approx. 13

Bodycare: approx. 15

Haircare: approx. 4

Other, e.g. fragrance: approx 12

"Regrets": 

THE FACE SHOP Natural Sun Eco No Shine Sun Primer SPF50+ PA+++ (pills)

Bats Maximum Protection Antiperspirant (not effective)

Loved:

Head&Shoulders Classic Clean Shampoo*

Rexona Maximum Protection Antiperspirant Sport Strength*

Nivea UV Face Sensitive SPF50*

Fragrance Sample Sets

Nars Lipstick in Rosecliff

Malin&Goets Vitamin E Moisturiser

Basiron AC Wash 5% Benzoyl Peroxide

Missha Aqua Sun SPF50+

Skin Aqua Uv Super Moisture Essence Gold SPF50+

Marc Jacobs Daisy Love Skies EdP

Dermosil Sea Salt Shampoo Scrub

(Repurchases *)

Bonus:

Professional facial/nails/cosmetic treatments: 0 €

Hair stylist: 0 €

At home hair dye (+cut): 15 €

Gym card: 232 €

Personal trainer: 1130 €

Home exercise equipment: 50 €

Vitamins: 50 €

Exercise clothes+shoes: 600 €

Thoughts:

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.

Compared to last year, the number of products I got went down from 118 to 70. This year I got remarkably less make up (a third of last year), but a bit more skincare. Bodycare number is about the same but I got remarkably less haircare as well (also a third of last year).

I don't have much regrets either, BUT they may emerge when I actually get to test things properly (e.g. the powder foundations). The same goes for loved products as well, haven't tried everything yet. This year I didn't repurchase much. That tells me I have tried to push back getting my reliable products and testing first something else from my stash. Obviously shampoo and antiperspirant are something I don't mess with!

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 am also surprised that I didn't remember everything I bought before looking at the pictures. Also I haven't even tried everything. 

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. 

Skincity Advent Calendar 2022 Review

Overview

Skincity calendar cost 149 € and they claimed the full value at 581 €. 

The calendar was released October 4th and 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.

The Skincity calendar 2022 included 25 pouches, with 27 products: 4 make up, 20 skincare, 0 haircare, 3 bath and bodycare.

The skincare category included 4 moisturizers, 1 scrub, 1 cleanser, 6 masks, 6 serums/treatments and 2 lip products.

If we compare to Lookfantastic Advent Calendar 2021: 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. 

Skincity really delivered in my opinion: you get skincare from skincare calendar. Even the mascara was a caring kind and Clarins Beauty Flash Balm is more hybrid than primer alone. The tiny lip powders were actually fun and you get 3 shades to play with. The only thing that stood out was the black eyeliner that they should have replaced with something else. Maybe I would have liked to get more facial cleansers. I really did like all the "cult classics" that I haven't tried yet: Paula's Choice, Kiehl's, Clarins, Skinceuticals, Ole Henriksen...

The skincare was varied and interesting and included many cult products. This was my first calendar from Skincity and if the next year is this good as well and no other calendar interests me, I might go for Skincity again! Considering, they don't price themselves out of my comfort zone. But also, maybe next year will not interest me if they cycle the same products or I still have a huge stash of skincare to go through...

Yay

Skinceuticals C E Ferulic

Oh, wow! This is THE vitamin C serum! Regarded the best. Wonder if it is too strong for my skin, hah. But exciting. And expensive.

Paula's Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant

This is cult classic so it'll be exciting to try it! One pouch had both PC BHA&Azelaic Acid Booster. I haven't used Salicylic Acid products for a while. I've had so many other acid/exfoliation things going on.

Paula's Choice 10% Azelaic Acid Booster

I have wanted to try this booster for a long time. It's no where near as drying as prescription Skinoren. So far I think my skin might like it, or at least tolerate.

Wishtrend Mandelic Acid 5% Skin Prep Water

I have wanted to try Mandelic Acid for a while, it's supposed to be very gentle. Especially at 5% which is quite low, so could be used daily.

Sensai Total Lip Treatment

Something I would not buy myself, but looks very luxurious! I bet soon when I age the lip care becomes even more important.

Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream

Can't wait to try this popular cult favorite moisturizer. I do like how it's described light but very hydrating.

Dr Levy r3 Cell Matrix Mask

Very expensive award winning mask. Ingredients look really good! Something I would never buy myself as well.

Dermalogica Biolumin-C Gel Moisturizer

Uses Aminopropyl Ascorbyl Phosphate as Vitamin C. Looks really interesting. Promises to brighten the appearance of skin immediately.

Ok +

Skincity Skincare Moisturiser Firming Lip Balm

Great timing for a new lip balm, the ingredients look good as well. But strangely the product itself seems to be just ok. Not great.

Cle Cosmetics Melting Lip Powder Mini Set: Desert Rose, Hot Choco, Nude Blush

So weird product! The tubes are full of powder, but the product is wet when applied. Hot Choco is a great shade for me.

Makethemake Tripeptide-1 Lash Lift Mascara

Mascaras are always useful! This seems like it has many nourishing ingredients. I hope it will not smudge easily, my eye lids are very oily.

Clarins Beauty Flash Balm

Another cult classic! I wonder if it makes a good base for powder foundation. Maybe it's a bit like some cinderella product.

Ole Henriksen Lemonade Smoothing Scrub

I think this product is a classic as well. Has glycolic acid, lactic acid, sugar and lemon powder. Claims to give glow.  Even though my skin is not a fan of glycolic acid usually, maybe a scrub is going to be ok because it's washed off quickly.

Babor Clean Formance Hemp Fiber Sheet Mask

Nice to try a new sheet mask! Babor is a new brand to me.

Filorga Time Filler Night Multi Correction Wrinkles Night Cream

Before I have used Filorga Time-Filler Absolute Wrinkle Correction Cream (discontinued?) and really liked it, I wonder if this is similar?

Klairs Rich Moist Soothing Cream

Feels like a really nice moisturizer, smoothing my skin. I really hope it will not break me out.

Skincity Skincare 1st Concentrate Serum 10% Niacinamide

Ingredients look really good! Like calming serum. Wonder how it compares to The Ordinary Niacinamide.

Dr Ceuracle Royal Vita Propolis Anti-Oxidant Mask

Dr Ceuracle Hyal Reyouth Lifting Mask

Both sheet masks were in the same pouch. They look really nice and I like Dr Ceuracle brand.

 

Verso Body Peel

Nice! I needed to get a new body peel soon. This one uses Glycolic Acid. My body can take pretty much anything.

Ok -

Hello Sunday Hand Cream SPF30

Actually very nice to get sunscreen! Just that I am not always good at applying body sunscreen so I hope I will finish it. Also during winter I use gloves so this will wait until spring. Hello Sunday has a primer sunscreen as well, so I do hope the hand cream performs well and I might consider their other products.

Evolve Bio Retinol Gold Mask

I am not a mask person (just too lazy to do wash off things), even though this mask seems intriguing! Ingredients seem nice, but feels a bit gimmicky with the gold stuff.

Instytutum Resurfacing Glow Toner

The only reason I am rating this toner OK minus is because it uses 6% glycolic acid  (and 2% niacinamide), my skin usually doesn't like it, and this is a leave on product. But I might still keep this and try it because it is so well liked!

Espa Positivity Bath&Shower Gel

I had a whiff and I'm not sure if I like the scent, but it could be different when in shower. I haven't really liked Espa's products before though.

Plantheque The Bright Future Mask

Fruit enzyme mask! My skin has liked enzyme things before so I have high hopes.

 

Maria Åkerberg Foaming Wash Gentle

Nice to get a face wash. This brand is new to me. The tube does say lavender and neroli right there in the front, and I am not sure how I feel them promoting the essential oils as very important part of the product.

Meh

Makethemake Black Carbon Eyeliner

I don't use black eyeliners and these seem to be the staples of every advent calendar. 

Empties Since November

My empties from November to December 2022! I feel like I am always busy and tired when the year is ending. So I have less time and energy to think about cosmetics as well. Will take photos when I get to it.

Face

Caudalie Micellar Cleansing Water Mini

Very hydrating/moisturizing micellar water. Nice fresh Caudaliesque scent. I guess this was okay, my skin did not feel very cleansed afterwards though and still not sure if it clogged my skin or not. But it did make skin soft and hydrated.

Dermatica Tretinoin + Niacinamide

Old bottle, expired long long time ago! Prescription tretinoin from UK. I haven't renewed my prescription because I felt I had so much other things to use and it was wildly drying (well, duh). Plus I always had to pay customs fees when the shipped my bottle. I still could sometime re-order!

The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA

Nice moisturizer, good for winter and summer. The cheap price was the deal maker but now The Ordinary has raised prices twice already. They must be suffering and it always makes me trust a brand less because I never know when they might go under. Now, 100 ml tube costs 14,40 € and it used to be 7,70 €!!! It is twice the price now! It is still affordable but no more cheap.

Cerave Moisturising Lotion Sample

Actually quite nice! Not heavy and played well with my other facial products. The sample was bigger, so it took around a week to finish. I could purchase the full bottle. Now this would be a cheap moisturizer, 236 ml for 11-15 €!

SVR Sebiaclear Creme SPF50

Not completely finished but almost and it is 2 years old now. Not my favorite in the end despite sounding perfect in theory. My skin always looked worse after I'd use it and it pilled badly, I couldn't put anything on top of it. Sometimes really drying too, sometimes not. The product has been reformulated now I think! Maybe the new version is better. Probably not going to repurchase though, there are so many other options that I have liked from the get-go.

Exuviance Evening Restorative Complex Mini

I really liked this cream! My sample was old and it has already been renamed as Overnight Transformation Complex. For me this was all-in-one, at the same time moisturizing, slightly exfoliating and my skin always looked good in the morning. Didn't clog my skin.

Dermalogica Skin Smoothing Cream Mini

Actually, I quite liked this even though it had a bit funky scent (un scented product scent, stuffy). Not as amazing as Dermalogica makes it sound, but it was moisturizing, but not heavy at all, worked with my other stuff.

Eyenlip Big Cover Perfection Tip Concealer 1.5 Natural Beige

Freebie, probably my Beautynetkorea? Actually a good shade and I liked the formula. Quite long lasting on skin too, was rather easy to apply and blend, covered well some redness on nose etc. Several years old now and starting to be finished/dry so time to toss. I rarely use concealers anyway, maybe I should.

Etude House Proof 10 Eye Primer

I had to check, I've bought this in 2018!!! Never even worked for me yet I still didn't throw it out. The eye primer was lotion-y, serum like almost, light color, easy to apply. But kept the eye make up from smudging maybe an hour more compared to not using primer at all...

La Roche Posay Cicaplast Baume B5

A cult favorite but actually didn't feel it was anything special. The rest I used as a hand cream and it was ok. Not really calming for me, not very moisturizing either. Maybe it was repairing the skin without me noticing! Prob not going to repurchase but glad I tried it.

Body

Rexona Maximum Protection Antiperspirant Sport Strength x2

My staples. Good antiperspirant, been using them now for two years maybe?

Molton Brown Fiery Pink Pepper Bath&Shower Gel

Nice soft spicy fragrance! Winter scent for me. I do like Molton Brown despite the shower gels being too gentle on my skin, could repurchase this sometime! This one was from LF advent calendar.

Le Couvent Aqua Paradisi Shower Gel Rose&Pelargonium

Loved this shower gel, it had a slightly oily feeling and summer, holiday like scent. Lathered well, was soft on skin and cleansig enough. I would repurchase but didn't see it for sale anywhere. It looks like Le Couvent has discontinued their shower gels, such a shame.

Etude House 99% Aloe Soothing Gel

Very old product, I never really got into using aloe gel. I felt it didn't do anything, no soothing or hydration... used the rest on my hair (I read you can use aloe to hydrate hair as well) but didn't do anything either. So probably will not be buying any aloe gels in the future.

Hair

Percy&Reed Wonder Balm Hair Primer

I actually liked this hair primer! It was balmy, un scented, seemed to work well with curly hair. A bit heavy if generously applied but otherwise really nice and versatile.