Thoughts, Favorites, Empties, Shopping and Inventory of 2020

Thoughts About 2020

Taking photos, editing, posting on blog, it really takes time! For some reason, I am always surprised. Maybe I should take this as a hint... if I buy nothing, I have nothing to showcase/take notes of either. :) But blog is such a handy thing, to go back and see when something was bought, what was bought, and was it ever used really. Also I need the photos to properly remember something, visual cues are important to me.

Comparisons / Swatches / Roundup posts:

I try to do comparisons from time to time... they are the most useful to me. 

Face Products Comparisons / Swatches - Blushes, Highlighters, Bronzers 

Lip Products Comparisons / Swatches - Lip Balms, Lipsticks, Lip Tints

BB / CC / Foundation Cream Comparisons / Swatches

Mineral Makeup Powder Foundation Comparisons / Swatches

Sunscreen Texture Comparisons / Swatches

My skin

This year 2020 has been depressing in so many ways that I feel that I have also done less for my skin. Just, no energy, thinking, what's the point? This sounds pathetic to some people maybe. I am surprised I felt so unwell. This also made my scalp problems (oiliness, painful itchy bumps to appear on scalp, hair line, forehead) A LOT worse (fungal acne?). I believe it is stress related.

Currently I've started to use Differin (Adapalene Gel 0.1%) every day instead of every other, every third, or once in a while. I decided it would be easier to do that first before jumping to tretinoin. But every day use of Differin does make a positive difference too! So many things that didn't work for me before a) Differin, b) on every other/third day on Differin work for me now. Yeah, I know, my skincare has been all over the place the last 2 years and actually sticking with something for real feels nice! Actually now that being on Differin/starting on tretinoin works so great for me, my other skincare can be all over the place because I do not seem to break out anymore! 

This year, I have definitely gotten more interested in makeup and tried many things. When my skin's condition is mostly under control, I definitely find makeup way more interesting than another peeling toner etc. I did have a phase when I wanted super natural look with minimal extra, but now I feel I just want strong doll blush or maybe 20s flapper look! I adore the strong big eyes, strong lips, short hair combination... 

This year I have also used chemical sunscreens more than mineral ones. I tried many mineral ones in the beginning of my skincare journey because chemical ones seemed to burn my face and especially eyes. Now I have found chemical ones that I actually like! And I greatly prefer them over mineral. No whitecast and better SPF thanks to new filters and the fact that I can slather more on! 

It seems, my skin is not very good at handling multi layering or many products in excess, I have talked about this earlier as well but it is getting more clear. For example, some sunscreens absorb better and are not as clogging if I do not moisturize beforehand. And sometimes my skin looks so much more clear if I apply only one simple serum in the evening for the night etc. It seems to be better to be under moisturized or possibly dry compared to well moisturized skin. 

My skin seems to like constant (every day) gentle exfoliation, especially physical by konjac sponge, or peeling pads, or using pads with a peeling toner, or just a scrub. For me, cleansers and shampoos that people describe as somewhat stripping or drying, seem to be good options as well, at least compared to rich and moisturizing. Even while using retinoids. It seems like my skin is not able to slough the dead skin off on its own fast enough.

Finally, I just think people make skincare way more difficult than it needs to be. I have wasted so much money (by my standards) during the last couple of years trying different things. I do not regret because I do enjoy my journey and new discoveries. I think I am going to say soon the same thing about many of my make up experiments as well: wasted money. But so much joy and new knowledge as well! 

I actually feel like I have some favorite products from almost every product category. I feel like I have some direction and I am not aimlessly shopping to try all snake oils. I feel like I could start waiting more for sales (especially end of the year sales: black friday, holiday, new year) and bulk shop my basics for a year or something for some products, because I do not have a need to find something better for those. And it would prevent me from checking websites/stores impulsively for sales and new exciting products.

What about 2021?

I am very hopeful about 2021 in general. It can't be worse than 2020, right...? 

I want to concentrate more on eye contour care since that's the place where the aging shows first.

I have regained my interest in makeup and perfume (yay!). So I'll explore those more.

I have new Dermatica tretinoin 0.025 subscription (just got first bottle) and I think I will finally be free of most skin worries with such a heavy hitter. It also enables me to use products that otherwise would break me out.

I will try to exercise more in 2021 and that will include also stretching sessions and meditation. 

I want to try a new hairstyle as soon as my hair grows enough (May?). 

I want to explore the rest of my skincare samples.

I hope more brands would get available for me in the EU. I also hope the new customs situation and Brexit will not make my shopping life too difficult while also stopping me from unnecessary purchases (because I hate to pay extra).

I will try to limit my time browsing skincare communities, stores and sites.

Every time I want to purchase something, I'll come back to see the photos of my stash (inventory). That should stop me half of the time.

I want to buy more classic clothes/accessories when the right one happens to be in my way, like black/bourbon handbag, neutral trenchcoat, peplum blazer... Not that related to skincare, but skincare is related to health and well being and appearance and clothes do give the confidence boost as well! I want to treat my whole self.

Current Favorites 2020

                                               

I choose my current favorites whenever and however I like so I don't have much guidelines for that. They are not in order here either (timeline).

Looking at these products, I think my favorites are usually those borderline boring basics that just work with a touch of natural make up and very classic rose/vanilla scents. So, if I were smart, I would only purchase these or similar products in the future: 

1) bland, light, scentless moisturizers for face and eyes, 

2) best science backed acne/anti-aging treatment adapalene/tretinoin, 

3) a bit of scentless extra liquid hydration (not hyaluronic acid based alone), 

4) warm/neutral, nude makeup choices, 

5) matte/satin sunscreen and 

6) girly, floral, fruity scents in fragrance/shower gel.

Empties/Trash 2020

+Hada Labo

I had a goal to finish all my old stuff and clear out the expired products this year. And to get a sense what I actually own and need. And how much/fast I use products. I failed and I still have old stuff to finish, but the ugly truth is, I could easily survive with a few well chosen basics.

I am delighted to see I have taken eye contour care into my daily routine and even finished eye creams. Also I have finished a few sunscreens so I must have been using some sun protection as well. I always wonder if I am using enough because I don't usually re-apply. Also, what a complete lack of finished makeup outside of mascaras!

I used roughly about 385 € worth of product this year (2020) including the "trash", average 32 €/month. Altogether 63 products. Last year (2019) I used about  320-360 € and I think I mentioned the value was about the same for year 2018. It is an average of 30 € per month. Of course these are just rough calculations so error margin might be huge.

Finished Products 2020

Number of products finished: 63

Skincare: 39

Makeup: 5

Bodycare: 7

Haircare: 8

Other, e.g. fragrance: 0

Cleansing Oil/Balm 4

Tosowoong Apricot Seed Cleansing Oil 1

Kicks Beauty Deep Cleansing Oil 1

The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser 1

Mizon Great Pure Cleansing Oil 1

Cleanser 3

Garnier Micellar Cleansing Gel Wash 3

Micellar Water 2

Lumene Klassikko/Classics Micellar Cleansing Water 1

Simple Micellar Cleansing Water 1

Toner/Essence/Serum 4

Mizon Hyaluronic Acid 100 Serum 1

Laneige Water Bank Mineral Skin Mist Sample/Mini 1

Hada Labo Gokujyun Hyaluronic Clear Lotion 1

Skin&Lab K Plus Red-X Essence 1

Antioxidants 1

The Ordinary Pycnogenol 5% 1

Oils 1

Tea Tree Oil 1

Moisturizer 7

The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA 1

Korres Wild Rose Advanced Repair Sleeping Facial Sample/Mini 1

Caudalie Vinosource Moisturizing Sorbet Mini 1

Kilig Double Moisturizing Eye Cream 1

Emma Hardie Moisture Boost Vit C Cream Mini 1

Dr. Young CentellaSCA Cream 1

Tonymoly London Black Tea Cream 1

Exfoliation/Treatment 2

Differin Adapalene Gel 0.1% 2

Eye Cream 3

Nivea Q10 Plus Eye Cream 1

Filorga Optim Eyes Mini 1

Clinique Pep-Start Eye Cream Mini 1

Sunscreen 7

Derma Face Sun Lotion SPF30 1

Clio Kill Protection Glow Base SPF50 1

Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream Sun Defence For Face SPF 50 1

Missha Time Revolution White Cure Blanc Tone-Up Sun Protector SPF50+ / PA+++ 1

Tosowoong Sun Block Natural Pink SPF 35 PA++ 1

La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5 SPF50 1

A'Pieu Madecassoside Sun Cream SPF39 PA++ 1

Lips 1

Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask 1

Makeup 3

Isadora Build-Up Extra Volume Mascara Waterproof Mini 1

Clinique High Impact Mascara Mini 1

Isadora Insane Volume Lash Styler Mascara 1

Shampoo 2

Head&Shoulders Classic Clean 1L 1

Cien Anti Dandruff Shampoo 1

Conditioner 2

L'Oreal Elvital Extraordinary OIL Oil in Cream 1

L'Oreal Elvital Extraordinary Oil Conditioner 1

Scalp Treatment 0

Hair Styling 1

L'Oréal Paris Stylista #Beachwaves The Beach Wave Mist 1

Shower 4

The Body Shop Spa Of The World Balkan Juniper Body Wash 1

Cosrx Low pH Good Morning Cleanser 1

Eucerin pH5 Shower Oil Travel Size 1

Ceralan Cleansing Body Oil / Pesuöljy 1

Antiperspirant 4

Cien Men 48h Antiperspirant 2

Cien Antiperspirant Total Invisible 1

Rexona Maximum Protection Antiperspirant Sport Strength 1

Body Moisturizer 1

Crabtree and Evelyn London La Source Ultra Moisturizing Hand Therapy Mini 1

Other 3

Veet Easy Gel Wax Strips 2

Samples - a pile, 30?

Trash 8

The Body Shop Aloe Eye Cream

The Body Shop Tea Tree Targeted Gel

Etude House Mirror Holic Liquid Eyes Glossy Coating

The Body Shop Drops of Youth Youth Cream

Cien Extra Strong Hairspray

Wella Wellaflex Mousse Ultra Strong Hold

Four Reasons Silver Mist

Lumene Nude Perfection Glow Foundation SPF15 in 1 Classic Beige Kultahiekka 1

Shopping 2020

Only one was for me, the other one was a gift.

+ 2 Differin 

Gifts

Gift

Shopping:

January (some bought in December also): about 170 €

From February To March: 115 €

From April To May: about 56 €

From June To July: about 180 €

From August To September: about 170 €

From October to November: about 240 €

December: about 140 €

Spent altogether during 2020: about 1 071€, about 90 €/month

Most expensive thing I bought: Dior Rouge Blush 601 Hologlam (45€) and Armani Si Fragrance Set (??? 50 €?)

The cheapest thing I bought: Essence Stay 8 h Waterproof Lipliner in 01 Because Duh probably (2,20 €) and Catrice Dewy-ful Lips Lip Butter in 040 Dew You Care? (2 €)

Number of products bought+gifts: approx. 155 (impossible for a lazy person to count a precise number!) 

Skincare: approx. 95

Makeup: approx. 60

Bodycare: approx. 20

Haircare: approx. 5

Other, e.g. fragrance: approx 10

At the same time I'm shocked and at the same time I'm not. When adding all these photos in row, it looks like a massive amount. I am a visual person so the pictures really help me. But I haven't purchased anything super idiotic and I have been buying a bit of this and that (not like only 100 shower gels for example) to experiment with. I think covid definitely played a role. I spent so much time at home and had to fill that time with something. Also, in my opinion, especially now that world is what it is, it is useful/smart to get a few backups of basics.

1 071 € (error margin maybe 50 € upwards to be on a safe side) is a lot. I'm thinking, for the next year I'd like to set my target budget at 600 €, 50 €/month. It is a reasonable amount. And plenty enough for splurging as well, because I am already all set for 2021 with basics like antiperspirants, shampoo, sunscreen... 

It is a bit hilarious to compare the amount of product used during the year to the amount I have bought. I finished about 63 products, and I bought about 155 products. The value of product used is around 385 €, yet I still splurged 1071 €! Something doesn't add up, right?!

I don't have much regrets though! If I had to list some, I'd say Yves Rocher's Muguet Fragrance, Kilig Eye Cream, Biozell Hair Mask.

Things that I have loved a lot are for example SVR Blur Sunscreen, Luxie eye brush sets, Differin, Armani Si fragrance set, Garnier Micellar Gel Wash and Super UV Fluid SPF50+, Rexona Maximum Protection, Head&Shoulders Shampoo, Eucerin Urea Repair Face Cream, NYX Sweet Cheeks Blush, Wet&Wild Apricot in the Middle Blush...

Inventory

Skincare, bodycare, haircare. I tried to collect all in one picture, it includes opened and unopened backup products. I didn't take things from shower though so this is missing maybe about 10 shower products and the new advent calendar products. Honestly I thought I could fit both skincare and makeup at the same time on the sheet. :) Well, mission impossible. Many of these things are also almost empty/half-used. So maybe next year the situation is less chaotic.

2020 Lookfantastic Advent Calendar stuff

Makeup, nail polish. I think this all except two face brushes I forgot! Quite honestly I looked at this pile and thought to myself: "Huh. That's not bad." Maybe I am a bit crazy. I have too much nail polish though considering I wear it sporadically - sometimes I'm really into it and then goes 6 months without any. I also have only one concealer and it must be expired already but Idk it still works so I keep using it. I love blush so I could easily double their number and I wouldn't feel bad about it. I am lazy with my brows but I have a huge pile of brow products (10), I had no idea.

Because this post is already a mile long, I'll add a few closer photos of makeup. Here are my eyeshadow palettes. Actually I think I would prefer it if all my eye shadows were magnetic singles. I find palettes a bit difficult to work with because I always want one shade from here and another there. Idk, maybe I am just too specific about colors...

My most used shadows. I am boring, right?! But also I am not a wizard when it comes to eye makeup so I tend to play it safe. I hope to explore more in future. My most used are warm, light peach/orange, light brown both neutral and warm and warm beige/ivory. And one warm light pink, and two a bit cooler shades, darker brown and shimmery purple leaning taupe. And an orange brown that just looks very orange on me.

I have muted blue eyes in case anyone is wondering. My skintone is also light muted warm/olive/gray/brown (???). My natural hair is gray leaning light brown/taupe/dirty blonde with golden highlights. Lately I've been dying my hair dark brown to get contrast. Next I am going to go for black.

The reds (Colourpop) that are in the black magnetic palette don't seem to work for me easily. Make me look sick. The Maybelline Blushed Nudes palette on the right is super old and powdery and feels so cool toned that almost all shades look off somehow? The black small palette in the middle came from LF calendar and despite being brown and safe, I don't use it. I feel it irritates my eyes? The most used shades from it are the last two, lightest one and the bronze next to it.

I can't tell which is my favorite blush, but I can tell that Max Factor's Stunning Sienna is difficult to work with and makes me look sick unless my other makeup is top notch to balance it out. Natasha Denona's coral blush looks very pink compared to my other blushes but it still looks nice! Maybe it is the golden undertone. Dior's Hologlam is basically a highlighter on me. Catrice Soft Rose is too light, so I really have to pack it on for it to show. But it also makes a perfect eyeshadow shade. NYX Boom & Bloom looks scary, but actually it's not once it's blended on cheeks... it is a very distinct look but I think I can pull it off. H&M Bronze Blusher is a great shade but it is also difficult to work with. The orange shade in Isadora's Blush&Glow Wheel is amazing.

Some highlighters.

Lookfantastic Advent Calendar 2020 Review

Everything in the calendar except Thisworks Deep Sleep Body Cocoon that I already gave away before taking the photos.

The advent calendar cost 95,00 €. Lookfantastic claims the full value is about or even a bit over 500 €. Last year, 2019, the calendar cost 89,00 € and the value claimed was 455 €.

I think this year the calendar sold out during the pre-order and we made the order in September. I received it in late November. I like it that Lookfantastic doesn't charge your card before the calendar was actually shipped, as it took so long.

The calendar had 25 boxes, 8 make up, 10 skincare, 1 haircare, 6 bath and body care. The products were lightly wrapped in pink silk paper. No product explanation cards this year.

The 2019 calendar had 25 boxes - roughly 8 make up, 11 skincare, 2 haircare, 4 bath and body care.

I am so happy they didn't include bath bombs or similar this year! Overall I am impressed by the items, but at the same time, a little disappointed... or bored could be the right word? For some reason I expected to get an eyeshadow palette as well. Or some other, bigger palette. Or serums, oils. I don't know. Something super different I guess. I think I feel this way because they tend to put the same brands to calendars/boxes (well they do carry those brands so obviously).

Most Exciting Things

Natasha Denona Blush Glow Duo - All Over Glow #1 Light and Golden Coral

Something I could have bought myself as well! I couldn't believe my eyes when I opened the first box to find out Natasha Denona. Golden Coral is perfect shade! I didn't realize I would be so mesmerized by a golden shift but it is so, so pretty. I tried it as an eye shadow as well and it lacks pigment for that but the shade is SO PRETTY I'd like to find an eye shadow with the same shade. Recommendations?

Luxie 522 Tapered Highlighter Brush

I love Luxie! After I got two Luxie eye brushes from last year's advent calendar, I ordered two sets more from them. They are very soft.

3INA Cream Eyeshadow 

Wow, super pretty bronzey gold shade. Dries extremely fast, barely have to time to blend it with my unprecise stubby fingers! At least now during the winter when I am less oily and sweaty, it is super long lasting. 

Avant Harmonious Rose Quartz Revitalising & Firming Mask

I really liked the Avant moisturizer I got from the calendar last year despite expecting it to break me out etc. initially. So, I have high hopes for this moisturizer as well. It says it's a mask but the instructions tell that you don't have to wash it off. Maybe it is a similar heavy and nourishing texture as the other moisturizer, I certainly hope so!

Ok+ Things

Philip Kingsley Mayan Vanilla & Orange Blossom Elasticizer Deep Conditioning Treatment

Ugh, the exact same product as in last year's calendar, this time with vanilla/orange blossom fragrance. The product is ok conditioner but my hair is not damaged enough to see any difference between this one and a cheap drugstore conditioner. Anyway I love orange blossom scents so there's that!

Rituals Rice and Sakura Body Scrub

Nice! Pampering body scrub. I like Rice and Sakura scent from Rituals and my old body scrub is ending soon so I am definitely happy with this one.

ECooking Vitamin C Serum

Looks very interesting! I like using vitamin C products. It's funny the product description says that it might prickle and it might not be for sensitive skin, but it has Ascorbyl Glucoside and based on ingredient list, maybe only at 5 % or so, my uneducated guess. So for me it will be a nice gentle serum and I am really looking forward to trying it. I personally have liked all the vitamin C derivates I've tried, including Ascorbyl Glucoside. 

Illamasqua Loaded Lip Polish in Vogue

I like this formula! I have one Loaded Lip Polish in Melba that I bought on sale. Sadly that shade was too light for me in my opinion and I have been using it once in a while as a thin layer. Vogue is a better shade, old rose pink. It also looks better as a thin layer though. But pinks are not usually too flattering on me, but if the shade has to be pink, this muted pink is definitely the way to go. It's nice to try out a shade I wouldn't have bought myself and I had nothing that resembled Vogue beforehand.

Omorovicza Silver Skin Saviour

Oh, interesting! A mask with glycolic acid, salicylic acid, lactic acid, niacinamide, colloidal silver... I am so lazy at using wash off masks though. I feel I never get good enough results with wash off masks for them to be worth the bother. Maybe this one will surprise me.

Anastasia Beverly Hills Lash Brag Volumizing Mascara

Mascaras are always welcome! Must admit I have never heard of Lash Brag before. But it is interesting to try something from ABH. It is a popular brand afterall. 

Eve Lom Cleanser

Exciting! I love balm/oil cleansers and this is a cult favorite. I hope I will like it. The brand recommends to use it with a muslin cloth but I read somewhere that it also emulsifies without.

REN Ready Steady Glow Daily AHA Tonic

I like that REN used lactic acid instead of glycolic acid! Glycolic just never quite works for me. This tonic looks really promising, it maybe has around 5% lactic acid and it also has Potassium Azeloyl Diglycinate!

ESPA 24-Hour Balancing Moisturiser

Expensive looking thing. Haven't heard of Espa before. I feel at the same time suspicious and curious about this moisturizer.

Caudalie Vinopure Purifying Gel Cleansing  

Looks nice! I like Caudalie. I'm pretty sure this will work for me as gel cleansers usually do.

Ok- Things

Elemis Pro-Collagen Oxygenating Night Cream

I am not a fan of Elemis. At least this is not the same moisturizer that's been twice already in the advent calendars (and didn't work for me). Expensive bleh product that is one of the big ticket items, again. But now that I am using Differin or tretinoin (if I can get more) every day, things don't seem to break me out anymore, really. So I think I can use this cream as well. If I remember right the other Elemis cream had a really nice scent, even if it was too strong and long lasting for my liking.

Rodial Dragon's Blood Deluxe Cleansing Water

Ingredients look nice and for once the bottle is a proper size and not a tiny sample. But, in the end, micellar water is micellar water. And I rarely use micellar water these days.

Mio Clay Away Body Cleanser

I find it hilarious that the instructions say to use the cleanser "all over the body!" and then afterwards "not for face". Excuse me, I thought my face was part of my body... As a brand I am not interested in Mio, it looks childish somehow, maybe it's the illustration and color, the font? But I actually think the cleanser might be good, looking forward to try it.

Filorga Time-Filler Absolute Wrinkle Correction Cream

Earlier I would have been sooo excited to receive something from Filorga, but I have gotten over my Filorga lust after buying the mini trial sets and realizing that the products are not anything too amazing and maybe overall not for me right now. However, the ingredient list is impressive and long with this cream and I bet it will feel luxurious and have the lux scent that Filorga products seem to have, so I will happily use it!

Molton Brown Shower Gel Rhubarb Rose

I like Molton Brown, their scents are always so different from what I usually buy myself. Rhubarb rose felt very juicy initially when I tried it out, but the rhubarb is quite sharp. Sharper than I would like. So now when I use this shower gel I only smell sharpness and nothing else and I'm not a fan. The shower gels are also not very good at actually washing my body (I never feel clean enough). So I love the fact that the calendar had Molton Brown shower gel but I don't actually like this flavor and even the last gels I've gotten I've used only for the scent, not for the purpose of washing myself as they are not good for that.

Lord & Berry Magic Brow Brunette

What can I say, a brow pencil? The shade looks nice and universal for brunettes. Will use at some point, but I am lazy with my brows too. I like brow gels better.

+ Thisworks Deep Sleep Body Cocoon (already gave that away)

Meh Things

Glov Eye Sleeping Mask Navy Blue

Ugh! Yes, the fabric is soft, but I don't use sleeping masks. Personally, I feel this is a product type I don't want to see in cosmetic calendars. Maybe I could use the mask one day when travelling but... you know... when are we going to travel next time, in 2025???

Sleek MakeUp Hydrating Primer

Primers are nice but I don't use them these days anymore. Unless it is a special occasion. Sunscreen has replaced the primer for me.

Diego dalla Palma Eye Pencil 01

I get the feeling that everyone but me is using black eyeliner. I might try this liner. After that it maybe goes unused. Except that I am planning to dye my hair black, so maybe I will finally have enough contrast to pull off super dark eye looks!

Tan-Luxe Super Glow Hyaluronic Self-Tan Serum

I think tanning products don't belong in cosmetics calendar. Too many differing opinions around them. Personally I am way too lazy, plus it would require me to have different foundations... and the constant exfoliation I do would wipe the tan off in days so it needs to be constantly added.

Thisworks Deep Sleep Body Cocoon

I have a feeling I will not like this. I dislike lavender and chamomile scents. However I do like vetiver and I really hope it overpowers the other two. If it doesn't, I might have to trash the moisturizer in case it makes me feel nauseous.

Empties Since October

My empties since October, so 3 months' worth of finished products. I was 99% sure I would have finished 5-10 products more, because I had so many half empty ones. Seems like there's only so much one person can use! I don't know why that is a surprise to me every single time.

Face 

The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser

Ok, but I think I won't repurchase, at least not at the normal price. It did remove makeup, but I feel it didn't remove it as well as some other cleansers, it didn't remove grits, if any residue was left on my skin it broke me out (it doesn't rinse out clean), it didn't turn properly into oil like advertised and I just think considering The Ordinary's price level it is pricy.

Garnier Micellar Wash Gel

One of my staples. Using and repurchasing all the time.

Caudalie Vinosource Moisturizing Sorbet Mini

I do like this moisturizer, it is my second mini tube (first one came from advent calendar). Very light but very moisturizing, absorbs well. I'll repurchase at some point! I think my second tube didn't have as strong fragrance as the first one, but maybe I just got used to it. 

The Ordinary Pycnogenol 5%

I really like this multi tasker serum! It is moisturizing and calming after my skin got used to it, it felt warm in the beginning. Helped mostly with the redness. Already repurchased.

Differin Adapalene Gel 0.1%

Good, good stuff.

Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream Sun Defence For Face SPF 50

Finally this is gone. I think this sunscreen is for very dry skin, it is super creamy. Not for me, didn't really work under any foundation (made everything break and not stick properly to skin), no white cast but still some layer, finish is not really oily but it is slimy, leaves shine. Slightly breaking me out, or at least my skin always looks worse after I've used it.

Missha Time Revolution White Cure Blanc Tone-Up Sun Protector SPF50+ / PA+++

I am a bit ashamed to say this cream was probably like 3-4 years old. And I even liked it - so how come I forgot it and let the rest of it expire? It has been discontinued now, but it was moisturizing and left no white cast. I actually did use the rest (1/3?) as a moisturizer only (don't think the sun protection was too good anymore) and it was still very moisturizing, made my skin smooth and didn't break me out so I guess sometimes it is ok to use expired stuff if you dare. I actually think I might have an unopened back up bottle somewhere, too!

Laneige Water Bank Mineral Skin Mist Sample/Mini

Krhm, another oldie. I bought this in 2017! I wanted to try mists. But I guess they weren't my thing really. I don't need refreshment during the day, I am lazy. I'm not sure if I felt this mist was breaking me out or not, probably not badly but it also didn't do anything I guess. This mist had a strong perfume like fragrance, that still strangely disappeared within a minute! 

Kilig Double Moisturizing Eye Cream

Wasn't for me. Nice and lights and absorbed well, but it was irritating to my eyes which is not ideal for an eye cream. I used the rest on my face (nowhere near eyes). It was ok, not very moisturizing for that. Felt irritating a couple of times when I had put Differin first. 

Emma Hardie Moisture Boost Vit C Cream Mini

Felt clogging during summer, ok during winter. Very unlikely I'll ever repurchase, this came from Lookfantastic advent calendar. Old lady scent. Not bad, not super moisturizing, at least not so that it would warrant the name moisture boost.

Lumene Nude Perfection Glow Foundation SPF15 in 1 Classic Beige Kultahiekka

Tried my best to use this discontinued glow foundation... it is just not for me. Trash it goes. It is too dark and orange for me and it is very noticeable. I think it oxidizes a lot. It is for very dry skin, I felt it was too oily and just sat on my skin. The coverage is sheer (quite nice actually) and it wasn't buildable. I think it also broke me out. So in my opinion it is no wonder it is discontinued, but Lumene tends to use the same foundation formulas and just re-name/brand them so I'll have to be careful not to buy a similar foundation from them again!

Isadora Build-Up Extra Volume Mascara Waterproof Mini

Good mascara! The mini is discontinued though I believe. Haven't seen it around. I have a back up. Very waterproof and don't remember it smudging, at least not too much. Very hard to wash off, though. So that's why it is not ideal for everyday. Excellent mascara for travelling due to the minuscule size and waterproofness! I could get the the normal size as well maybe in the future if I need a waterproof mascara. But I do like my minis.

Body

Rexona Maximum Protection Antiperspirant Sport Strength

Good antiperspirant! Have many backups already for the next year. I hope I will not become "immune" to it yet. I feel my antiperspirants always stop working after a while - I've heard body might learn to resist them, of course I don't know the truth but I experience it!

Tosowoong Sun Block Natural Pink SPF 35 PA++

Actually a facial sunscreen but clogged me so bad. Smells so strong. So difficult to remove. So much whitecast. I used this on my hands when I went out but it was so annoying I didn't even finish and it is old and the trash can calls for it.

Hair

Philip Kingley Scalp Shampoo for Flaky and Itchy Scalp Sample (not in picture)

Ok, I think. I used two times from the sachet. Smells lightly like apple to me, texture like thick gel. Based on this sample and how pricy the shampoo is, unlikely that I'll purchase. Didn't feel like a miracle scalp cleansing shampoo but felt pleasant.

Shopping December

I am happy with my purchases during November/December, but I am incredibly annoyed about the shipping times. Ha. I never remember just how long it takes during christmas/black friday! Most of the stuff I had to wait for 3-4 weeks without working tracking numbers! Everything I bought cost me about 140 €. 

Also, more bad news for the new year on top of COVID19: Brexit has been completed and stuff from UK will get stuck in customs. But I guess it doesn't matter. When summer comes, everything from outside the EU will get stuck in customs in my country, no matter if it's only a 3 € purchase. All this might help me to stop shopping though! Because I always feel so bitter when paying extra. However some UK beauty stores have already said that nothing will change and they will take care of the duties - I wonder what that means. If it's true, I really appreciate the gesture as I was looking forward to shopping more for example on Cult Beauty.

SVR SUN SECURE Blur SPF50

SVR SUN SECURE Fluide SPF50+

SVR SUN SECURE Extreme SPF50+

SVR SEBIACLEAR Crème SPF50

SVR XERIAL 10 Lait Corps

SVR XERIAL Fissures & Crevasses

+ 3 Free Samples SEBIACLEAR Sérum, [A] Ampoule Lift, [PEPTI]BIOTIC

First time ordering from SVR's own website. The sale felt too good to pass... mainly because of the sunscreens! I am all set for the next year sunscreen wise as well! Unless everything else except Sun Secure Blur breaks me out. Ah, then I wish I would've just bought a pile of Blurs... 

Xerial line is SVR's urea lineup. They also looked nice based on ingredients, Fissures and Crevasses nourishing cream for cracks actually looks like I could throw it on my face as well... it has 5% urea. Also shea butter, babassu oil, and mineral oil, of course glycerin, so it sounds very much barrier repairing to me? If someone out there thinks I'll ruin my face by throwing hand and feet creams there, please tell me now... because I am way too curious.

My order cost about 55 €. The products were 30-40% off. Free shipping for orders over 50 € in the EU for most countries at least.

They say they ship orders within 48 h, if made during weekend or holiday, within 72 h. It took 2 working days to ship and I received my package in 14 working days. They do not notify you again when they ship, there was a link to the tracking number (that did work) on the order confirmation email. The package was pretty battered up when I finally received it. But all the products were fine.

Dermatica Prescription Tretinoin 0.025% / Niacinamide 4%

I am surprised that I found a site like Dermatica and they actually ship to my country! But, I have already read worried comments if the service is going to be UK only after Brexit is completed at the end of this year. So I guess it won't come to me as a surprise if they stop my subscription soon.

It took 16 working days to receive my package and it did not have a tracking number. Usually I guess it takes about a week to mainland Europe. Right now Dermatica is unable to ship outside UK because of the new COVID19 mutation restrictions. Also when and if they resume shipping, I wonder if the package will get stuck in customs and I will need to pay extra.

The first trial month is free, but you have to pay for shipping, which is a reasonable £2.90/3,2€. For Black Friday, the second month was offered -50% as well. 2 days after completing the consultation, the shipping was charged on my card and later that day I also got my treatment prescription, Tretinoin 0.025% / Niacinamide 4%, which is pretty much what I expected and I am happy with that. They included a treatment plan for 3, and 4+ months, and it was the same prescription and they said that it would continue the same unless I have a follow up consultation that indicates that my treatment needs to be changed. I don't imagine I want to go higher to 0.05%/0.1% tretinoin (which I believe are the other strengths they offer) any time soon. If everything goes fine, I consider continuing the subscription (unless Brexit kills it for me anyway) and maybe after a year suggest 0.05%.

The consultation meant answering to some questions about skin type, concerns, and uploading three photos of your face, from both sides and front. You could also ask some questions or write comments about your skin. They also want you to confirm that you use sunscreen, you are not pregnant and you use contraception. They also wanted to confirm the subscription by text message you had to reply to. I told them that I'd like tretinoin for anti-aging and mild but persistent acne concerns. For my concerns I had told them open pores, fine lines and dull skin, the first signs of aging. When they got back to me by email about my treatment, they addressed acne as my main concern instead of anti aging, probably because I identified it myself and because of my pictures (visible small spots). Also I clearly don't have hyperpigmentation. 

Benefit Cheekleaders Bronze Squad Palette 

La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5 Multi-Purpose Soothing Repairing Balm 

Eucerin Aquaphor Soothing Skin Balm

Feelunique order from Black Friday. This cost about 50 €, the Benefit palette cost only 35 €! That is the price for one normal size box blush so I do feel like it was a great deal, including Gold Rush (on my wishlist), Cookie and Coralista! I'm not a bronzer person so I'm not too interested in Hoola/Hoola Caramel but I looked at the swatches and I think I could easily pull off both colours shade wise if not too heavy handed. For some reason I find this Benefit palette exciting and Benefit products very cute!

For winter and for retinoid use, I also bought LRP Cicaplast Baume and Eucerin Aquaphor, they were also -30 % or so. They are cult classics, so... we shall see if I like them.

Feelunique shipped the order after 3 working days and they had sent an email earlier telling that it might take some time to ship due to large amount of orders. It took 12 working days to receive the package. The tracking number did not work.

Whamisa Deep Rich Toner Gift Box

Catrice Kaviar Gauche Highlighter C01 Glow Couture

Essence The Highlighter Luminous Glow 01 Mesmerizing

Head&Shoulders Classic Clean Shampoo 1L

Tangle Teezer  Back-Combing Hairbrush Pink Embrace

Invisibobble Hair Ties POWER Pretzel Brown and BASIC True Black

Christmas gifts! 

Whamisa toner was such a surprise. I didn't expect anyone to buy me skincare, let alone Korean skincare. The packaging and bottles are just so, so pretty, like jewels. I hope the toner is going to work for me!

Highlighters are also very pretty and very different in tone, Essence is golden and Catrice rose pink. Catrice is glittery.

H&S is something I use anyway, I don't have to buy shampoo the next year. 

Bepanthen Balm

A-Derma Lip Balm Stick

+ Free A-Derma Dermalibour Repairing Cream Mini (because I bought the other A-Derma product) and 2 samples Cerave and Vichy

Bepanthen is a basic repurchase. It is great for small wounds and scratches and for irritated and dry skin. A-Derma's lip balm was at the same time an impulse and needed purchase - I wanted a stick form lip balm on my bedside so that I don't have to stick my fingers into a jar in the middle of the night if my lips feel dry/I have forgotten to put lip balm before bed. Also there was this small Dermalibour Repairing Cream that you got if you bought anything from A-Derma so I chose A-Derma lip balm instead of another balm. The lip balm is not actually very good. But I really ended up liking the cream. It is thick, it has mineral oil, it feels occlusive and pleasant. It doesn't give you instant relief for e.g. irritated skin (like Bepanthen for me), but it works well overnight. For extremely dry hands it feels nice too, it doesn't sting. I never would have bought it on my own but I might consider it now.

Rexona Maximum Protection Sports Strength x4

Repurchases. Ordered from Notino because they had a free shipping campaign. Cost me about 20 €. I guess I am all set for the next year. :) And now I have to stop looking for a new and better antiperspirant and hope that I will not become immune to Rexona too soon. Notino's Black Friday sales were pretty lackluster so usually better compare the prices and order during free shipping. Shipping was quite fast (a week maybe to receive?) and everything packaged well, just like last time I ordered from them.