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.