Shopping from November to December

I've been so busy, I can't even remember if this is all I've purchased! Probably. I did build sooo many carts online during black friday but managed to talk myself out of them. So I am kind of proud despite shopping a thing like Dior foundation that I did not need and so far it hasn't even performed as well as I thought it would based on the sample. 

Altogether I spent about 155 €. This year I have spent 1262 €. During 2023 I spent 1092 €. What a bleh realization but I don't have to time to cry about that now.

Dior Forever No-Transfer 24h Wear Matte Foundation 1W Warm

45e, from Kicks, I used a sale coupon. Impulse purchase. I must say that the shade is perfect for me. Neutral yellow. Better than 1W in Face and Body. The foundation initially applies so beautifully. Looks matte but not dry matte. Easy to sheer out and layer. I used a wet sponge to apply. 

But... during the day the foundation seems to wear off my nose etc. Almost like it just slips off and looks splotchy. And during those days I hadn't even sweat much and it wasn't hot day. I tried primer as well and it didn't work either. I will keep experimenting, but I'm surprised that this is maybe more dry skin friendly foundation? The sample I tried before lasted very well on my skin even during a run so I'm puzzled.

So far, before I find a solution to my problem, I must say I recommend Estee Lauder Double Wear for 24h wear. Not sure if that one has been reformulated as well though. My shade is 1W1 Bone.

Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream 125 ml

Maybelline New York Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara Cosmic Black

Olaplex Hair Perfector No.3 100 ml

Avene Antirougeurs Rosamed

Medik8 Pore Refining Scrub

Vichy Dercos Anti-dandruff shampoo

Probably around 100 €, bought from various places, Lyko, pharmacy, Kicks.

Kiehl's was half price and so worth it. Mascara and shampoo are repurchases. 

I've also tried Olaplex before but wasn't too convinced. But I want to use again a bond builder for my weak hair. And Olaplex treatment at hairdresser does work. K18 was so much more expensive... but I'll buy that later on, I think I liked that one better than Olaplex home treatment. 

Also got Avene Rosamed, I used a sample of it before and liked it. 

Medik8 scrub was slightly impulse purchase. But I also do want to use scrubs again. I tried it a couple of times and not sure how I like it yet. But I can say I do like Exuviance Triple Microdermabrasion Face Polish more. It's just so expensive I haven't dared to repurchase.

Masque Me Hemp Foot Peeling Mask

Garnier Micellar Cleansing Gel Wash

I wanted to pamper my feet again and I've used these foot masks before. They are good for the price. No crazy peeling at all.

As far as affordable, gentle but effective makeup cleansers go, Garnier's Micellar Gel Wash is a front runner for me. 

Current Favorites Galore!

I figured that for the end of the year it's nice to share a bunch of current/yearly favorites. I have found pretty amazing products! But as always, I choose my current favorites however I like. 

I go back and forth between many products because my stash is still bigger than I'd like. Soon I'll probably share some favorites I didn't remember to include here :')

Currently my skin condition is ok, maybe 7/10 by my standards? Obviously nice products and finally some consistency with my skincare work wonders. 

But, I also started drinking one cup of spearmint tea almost every day about a month or two ago. I suspect it might have had a positive impact on my skin by balancing my hormones. Of course I can't know for sure (there is some science behind it) but I'll keep drinking it because there's no harm and it's not too expensive. I read that green tea or zinc or many other things might help balancing hormones as well when you have too much androgens but are all natural remedies just nonsense? I don't have enough knowledge on this subject.

Face

Medik8 Press&Glow

Very nice, gentle everyday acid toner. Would recommend for sensitive skin.

Medik8 Hydr8 B5 Intense

Actually a hydrating and calming serum that doesn't meddle with other products, doesn't pill, I can notice how it helps when I have applied lots of retinoids/acids, also it doesn't break me out (I seem to have that problem with serums...).

Elizabeth Arden Ceramide Cleansing Oil

The best cleansing oil I have used. Just right amount of oiliness and rinses off clean.

Avene Cicalfate+ Repairing Protective Cream

Just perfect thick calming night cream.

A-Derma Dermalibour+ Soothing Barrier Cream

The same, just perfect thick calming night cream.

Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream

Perfect day cream especially for winter. Doesn't smell, doesn't pill, not too heavy or too light. Doesn't break me out!

Differin Adapalene Gel

Classic for acne treatment. A bit drying for winter time.

Medik8 Crystal Retinal 6

Expensive, but I do really like it. Very nice calming formula, not as drying as Differin. Nice to alternate between these two. No pilling, no irritation.

Institytutum Resurfacing Glow Toner

I keep saying that my skin can't tolerate glycolic acid but finally was brave enough to try Glow Toner! (Got it from Advent Calendar some year.) It is actually really nice. I had to up my moisturizing game a little but I can definitely appreciate the results. Been using it once a week or every other week and my skin is glowy everytime. 

Make Up

Missha Perfect BB Cream 23

A classic, neutral shadeBB cream. Good for winter, a bit too "oily" for summer use. Mine is expired btw by several years but I have kept using it... Soon I'll have to repurchase.

Dior Face and Body W1

Good light foundation for oily skin. I seem to have the old formula, people are saying the new one isn't as good. Stays on very well all day even if I sweat. 

Got2Be Gel

My go-to, best for my oily skin and stubborn hair.

Maybelline Sky High Cosmic Black

Great mascara. Stays on, doesn't smudge, easy to apply. Easy to wash off. Haven't tested in extreme weather conditions though. Sky High Waterproof is amazing but impossible to wash off as well!

Dior Lip Glow Oil Mahogany

Perfect nourishing every day lip oil. Doesn't taste of anything, no scent. If Dior would release a brown lip oil I would definitely purchase that one as well.

Dior Lip Maximizer Mahogany

Perfect shade, I love it. Great lip gloss, obviously not as nourishing as the oil.

Body and Hair

Dior Blooming Bouquet EdT

My everyday scent. Light and feminine. Doesn't last very long on my skin though. 

Moroccanoil Hair Treatment Oil Light

Smells so nice. Feels nice as well, doesn't weigh down my thin hair.

L'Oreal Elvital Glycolic Gloss Serum

Great serum, smooths my hair immediately and doesn't weight them down. Don't like the sweet scent though but can live with it. I do like the shimmer in the serum :)

Vichy Dercos Anti Dandruff Shampoo

My favorite shampoo currently. Contains sulphur derivate. Doesn't even dry my hair. No other shampoo keeps the scalp itchiness away like this one (for now at least). Definitely recommend for oily scalp!

Rexona Maximum Protection Antiperspirant Sport Strength

My staple and currently the only antiperspirant that works for me.