Empties Since January

My empties from January to February. Thought I would have finished more bottles so far, actually. Just going to post this one early as well in case I forget otherwise. Anyway, it seems I forgot to photo the shampoo, plus in the next photos I mixed up the face/body product categories! A bit stress, maybe?

Face

Maybelline Snapscara Waterproof Mascara

I used this mascara a lot longer than the recommended 6 months! I bought it in 2020 but not sure when I opened it. Just now it started to feel too dry and crumble on my lashes. Great product. Could repuchase. Maybe I should replace mascaras more often than 2-3 years. I've never had an eye infection, during my adult life at least. 

Elemis Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Wash Mini

To me the scent was like a fruity shampoo or hair spray, too strong. But nothing wrong with the wash itself! Quite powerful, removes make up and sunscreen from my face at least. Leaves skin slightly squeaky. Not unpleasant in my opinion. Would not repurchase due to the scent and price, this was in Lookfantastic Advent Calendar if I remember right.

First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Pads

I thought I would like these pads, but I didn't. No scent, ok softness, the other side was textured. Ok ingredients. But my skin just seemed to look worse when I was using them. The product came from LF Advent Calendar.

Body

Ziaja Manuka Scrub

Gentle physical scrub. I used it both on my body and face. It is meant for face but because it was getting old I decided to hurry up. No scent.

Kate Somerville ExfoliKate Resurfacing Body Scrub Mini

To my surprise this scrub was green. The scent was a bit funky but not strong. Actually quite liked it, effective but gentle, even on armpits.

Rexona Maximum Protection Antiperspirant x2

A staple product for me. I have several back ups. It seems I go through antiperspirant so much faster now that I do daily exercise.

Dermosil Exfoliating Socks

Very effective, I had extreme peeling after 3-4 days of using! My feet peeled for a couple of days. It wasn't painful, more just annoying, because I couldn't be bare foot at all and left skin pieces all over my socks, shower, etc... Of course it had been maybe 2-3 years since my last foot peel so I had some dead skin to shed. Definitely would repurchase, but I don't think the peeling effect will be the same for a while.

Hair

Head&Shoulders Classic Clean 1L

Another staple for me! Been through many bottles so far. Repurchased already.

Shopping from January to February

My purchases from January to February 2023! Altogether 149 € so, hmm, not a great start for the year but not too bad either (considering how many shopping carts I've made and abandoned online). Posting this early because I am definitely not going to purchase anything else during the last week of February.

5 simple steps.

Depend Gel iQ Start Kit (including Base Coat, Top Coat, High Shine Cleanser, Pre-Cleanser, nail file, orange stick and UV/LED lamp )

Depend Gel iQ Remover Oil

Depend Gel iQ 5 ml ─ Sparkle on Darling

Depend Gel iQ 5 ml ─ French Pink

Browgame Signature Combo Brow Brush

Exuviance Radiance Serum

Exuviance Overnight Transformation Complex

About 142e, from Cocopanda. I also received a freebie Mario Badescu Facial Spray with Aloe, Chamomile and Lavender Mini. Sometimes Cocopanda has nice freebies but sometimes it feels like they just want to clear old stock.

I had a sudden urge to try gel nail polish! I've never really even entertained the thought. And there I was, ordering Depend Gel IQ kit after a few days of research/pondering. I wanted something easy and cheap and it was 38 € on sale. Of course I had to pay separately for the polishes and remover oil as well.

I am very happy with my first result with Sparkle on Darling polish. It took almost an hour to do my nails but I am sure I'll be faster next time. I stopped to read the instructions several times. I also put a bit too heavy layer of polish on one finger and damn that burned under the UV/LED lamp! 

The nails lasted pretty well for one week so far. Ordinary polish lasts a day or two on me without looking ugly/chipping. I use my hands a lot. After 5 days of Depend Gel IQ, one nail was chipped and three cracked but they didn't look very bad. I am sure someone with an office job and without any crafting/exercise hobbies can make the polish last two weeks!

I have a feeling I will be collecting many gel nail polish colors from now on. I wonder if I can use the lamp for other brands' polishes as well. Sparkle on Darling is a delightful shifting golden pink shimmer, as one layer surprisingly natural. I guess I like polishes that are not too loud at the moment. 

Browgame's Combo Brow Brush is excellent as a lash comb! Feels like a quality brush. Glad I finally bought it, been on my wishlist for a year or so. 

Both Exuviance products were on such a good sale that I couldn't resist... I really liked the Overnight Transformation Complex Mini I had. I was planning to purchase the full size this year but not quite yet.

Head&Shoulders Classic Clean Shampoo x2

About 7e. Repurchases. Good affordable shampoo.

Current Favorites

I choose my current favorites however and whenever I like! This time just a few things I've been using daily/weekly (sulphur) during the last month.

Medik8 Crystal Retinal 3

If it weren't for the price tag, I would definitely recommend this one for a sensitive problem skin. I've been using it practically every night now for a month (?) and my skin is smoother and the small acne area disappeared from my chin. You might ask, why do I still get acne despite having/using so many actives. The thing is, when I get busy/tired, I get extremely tired, and barely handle washing off make up and slapping on moisturizer in the evening. This mindset might last several weeks and all it takes is one week without acne fighters and my skin revenges.

I've had zero irritation or dryness from Crystal Retinal 3. But of course it has only 0,03 % or so Retinal (the gentler yet more effective form of Retinoid compared to Retinol). It has a scent, but I find it similar to lightly fragranced foundations. The peach colored cream absorbs immediately and hasn't pilled under any of my other products.

Klairs Rich Moist Soothing Cream

Smooth, un-scented cream that absorbs well. Leaves skin moisturized and not greasy. I don't think it is rich, no where balmy either. Pleasant cream overall, can see many skin types liking it! Didn't pill under my other products. 

I got Rich Moist Soothing Cream Mini from Skincity Advent Calendar and might repurchase the full size for next winter.

De La Cruz Sulphur 10%

Sulphur definitely smells bad but it is so effective for my hairline acne/bumps/irritation. I apply a tiny bit and leave it for the night. I should order a new tub soon.

Etude House Soon Jung Emulsion

I think this is a calming emulsion, or light moisturizer. Leaves skin a bit sticky, slightly plumped (I have no idea if I am just imagining!). No scent. Been using this after Medik8 Crystal Retinal 3 in the evening. Sometimes I've topped it with Paula's Choice Calm Restoring Moisturizer as well. Sometimes I've applied Paula's Choice first, Etude House second. Skin looks very nice in the morning! 

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

Not very moisturizing during winter but I can see I would love this alone during summer! I do think it might be calming, my skin looked nice the next morning, even if I felt that it was a bit dry (when used alone). Slippy, siliconey feel, no scent. Disappears into skin very fast, leaves a slight film but otherwise feels like nothing, not sticky. I wonder if the version meant for dry skin is more suitable for winter. Actually haven't used Calm Restoring Moisturizer under make up so can't say how it works for that purpose.