Filorga NCEF and Lifting Mini Discovery Size Sample Set Review

There was also an eye cream but I used it up before taking the photos! This is how it goes sometimes :)

 

Lift Set:

Optim-Eyes Intensive Revitalizing 3-in-1 Eye Contour Cream 4 ml

Ingredients:

Aqua (Water, Eau), Glycerin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, C12-16 Alcohols, Cyclopentasiloxane, Peg-8, Polyacrylate-13, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Palmitic Acid, Prunus Domestica Seed Oil, Polyisobutene, Cyclohexasiloxane, Sucrose Palmitate, Parfum (Fragrance), Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Steareth-20, Caprylyl Glycol, Chlorphenesin, Hesperidin Methyl Chalcone, Tetrasodium Edta, Glyceryl Linoleate, Polysorbate 20, Tromethamine, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, Sorbitan Isostearate, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Polyacrylate, Chlorhexidine Digluconate, Glucose, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Potassium Sorbate, Citric Acid, N-Hydroxysuccinimide, Potassium Chloride, Dipeptide-2, Calcium Chloride, Magnesium Sulfate, Glutamine, Sodium Phosphate, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Ascorbic Acid, Sodium Acetate, Tocopherol, Lysine Hcl, Arginine, Alanine, Histidine, Valine, Chrysin, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Leucine, Threonine, Isoleucine, Tryptophan, Phenylalanine, Tyrosine, Glycine, Polysorbate 80, Serine, Deoxyadenosine, Cystine, Cyanocobalamin, Deoxycytidine, Deoxyguanosine, Deoxythymidine, Glutathione, Asparagine, Aspartic Acid, Ornithine, Glutamic Acid, Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide, Proline, Aminobutyric Acid, Methionine, Taurine, Hydroxyproline, Glucosamine, Coenzyme A, Glucuronolactone, Sodium Glucuronate, Thiamine Diphosphate, Disodium Flavine Adenine Dinucleotide, Sodium Uridine Triphosphate, Retinyl Acetate, Inositol, Methyl Deoxycytidine, Niacin, Niacinamide, Pyridoxal 5-Phosphate, Pyridoxine Hcl, Biotin, Calcium Pantothenate, Folic Acid, Riboflavin, Tocopheryl Phosphate.

* I had high expectations for this best seller eye cream. Unfortunately, I felt it wasn't super moisturizing and made my eyes feel puffy. Also after a couple of days, my fine lines under eyes were more prominent. Other than that, I didn't feel like the cream was straight out irritating (didn't itch or make my eyes red). 

* Optim-Eyes is also fragranced, which feels weird for an eye product. It however is a pleasant scent and doesn't linger super long, but it does linger. 

* Optim-Eyes has a light cream consistency, and it absorbs nicely, doesn't tug the skin either.

* Am I going to repurchase? No, I am not. This eye cream is clearly not suitable for me and I do wonder why this is so popular. Also costs 35-45 € for a full size bottle of 15 ml.

Lift-Structure Ultra-Lifting Cream 7 ml

Ingredients:

Aqua (Water, Eau), Propylene Glycol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Octyldodecanol, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Glycerin, Glycereth-26, Glycol Palmitate, Propylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Stearate, Peg-100 Stearate, Pentylene Glycol, Pentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate, Parfum (Fragrance), Dimethyl Isosorbide, Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer, Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate, Curcuma Longa (Turmeric) Root Extract, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Leontopodium Alpinum Callus Culture Extract, Sucrose Palmitate, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Isohexadecane, Sodium Hydroxide, Glyceryl Linoleate, O-Cymen-5-Ol, Sesamum Indicum (Sesame) Seed Extract, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, Sodium Chloride, Disodium Edta, Polysorbate 60, Trihydroxystearin, Citric Acid, Plankton Extract, Lecithin, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Citrate, Sorbitan Isostearate, Soluble Collagen, Sodium Hyaluronate, Glucose, Sodium Benzoate, Tocopherol, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Ascorbate, Potassium Chloride, Potassium Sorbate, Calcium Chloride, Phytic Acid, Magnesium Sulfate, Glutamine, Sodium Phosphate, Ascorbic Acid, Sodium Acetate, Lysine Hcl, Arginine Hcl, Alanine, Histidine Hcl, Valine, Leucine, Threonine, Isoleucine, Tryptophan, Phenylalanine, Tyrosine, Glycine, Polysorbate 80, Glucomannan, Serine, Cystine, Cyanocobalamin, Glutathione, Asparagine, Aspartic Acid, Ornithine Hcl, Glutamic Acid, Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide, Proline, Methionine, Taurine, Hydroxyproline, Glucosamine Hcl, Coenzyme A, Sodium Glucuronate, Thiamine Diphosphate, Retinyl Acetate, Inositol, Niacin, Niacinamide, Pyridoxine Hcl, Biotin, Calcium Pantothenate, Riboflavin, Sodium Tocopheryl Phosphate, Thiamine Hcl, Folic Acid.

* Surprising thick for a day cream, I think almost as thick as the Sleep&Lift Night Cream. It is not a problem though as it absorbs very fast into nothingness, at least on a normal-dry-ish skin. No pilling.

* Scent is exactly the same as with the night cream. Very Filorga esque, soft, sweet, very fruity, but a bit weird not so pleasant chemical after note. Scent doesn't linger at all.

* Not super moisturizing actually! Ok, but not super. Feels like it definitely needs a hydrating serum underneath. But at the same time, my skin doesn't look at all dry and it's smooth, it just feels slightly tight if I think about it. Maybe this is the "ultra lift effect" at work! But I don't notice any lift effect, but I don't also have much to lift (I'm in my 30s) and the tube lasted me only about 2 weeks and that's quite a short time.

* Excellent under my sunscreens/make up products! Zero pilling or problems.

* No irritation or redness. Didn't notice it breaking me out which is weird considering the wide array of ingredients.

Sleep&Lift Ultra-Lifting Night Cream 7 ml

Ingredients:

Aqua (Water, Eau), Cetyl Palmitate, Myristyl Myristate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Cetearyl Alcohol, Propylene Glycol, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Glycerin, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Octyldodecanol, Pentylene Glycol, Arginine Pca, Ceteareth-20, Propylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate, Cetearyl Glucoside, Polyacrylate-13, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer, Curcuma Longa (Turmeric) Root Extract, Parfum (Fragrance), Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Sucrose Palmitate, Polyisobutene, Sodium Benzoate, Sodium Hydroxide, Mica, Ci 77891 (Titanium Dioxide), Glyceryl Linoleate, O-Cymen-5-Ol, Sesamum Indicum (Sesame) Seed Extract, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, Sodium Chloride, Polysorbate 20, Disodium Edta, Sorbitan Isostearate, Trihydroxystearin, Citric Acid, Plankton Extract, Lecithin, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Citrate, Soluble Collagen, Sodium Hyaluronate, Glucose, Tocopherol, Sodium Ascorbate, Potassium Chloride, Potassium Sorbate, Calcium Chloride, Phytic Acid, Magnesium Sulfate, Glutamine, Sodium Phosphate, Ascorbic Acid, Sodium Acetate, Lysine Hcl, Arginine Hcl, Alanine, Histidine Hcl, Valine, Leucine, Threonine, Isoleucine, Tryptophan, Phenylalanine, Tyrosine, Glycine, Polysorbate 80, Glucomannan, Serine, Cystine, Cyanocobalamin, Glutathione, Asparagine, Aspartic Acid, Ornithine Hcl, Glutamic Acid, Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide, Proline, Methionine, Taurine, Hydroxyproline, Glucosamine Hcl, Coenzyme A, Sodium Glucuronate, Thiamine Diphosphate, Retinyl Acetate, Inositol, Niacin, Niacinamide, Pyridoxine Hcl, Biotin, Calcium Pantothenate, Riboflavin, Sodium Tocopheryl Phosphate, Thiamine Hcl, Folic Acid.

* Thick, nourishing feeling cream. Absorbs and settles fast, but leaves a soft film on skin. Very nice. Doesn't feel heavy at all though, quite light actually despite the consistency!

* The same scent as in the day cream. 

* Also, the same kind of moisture level as the day cream! Surprisingly not super moisturizing and feels like it needs a hydrating serum underneath. Skin feels slightly tight. I don't know, maybe this is the "ultra lift effect" but it is weird to feel tight even though the skin doesn't look or feel dry if you touch it. Not all that pleasant.

* Slight irritation around my eye if I bring the cream too close. No other irritation or redness, etc.

* Price: full size jar 50 ml is around 50-65 € depending on the store and sale, for both the day and night cream. Would I repurchase? Currently no. They are not bad products and I liked how my skin looked, I didn't notice breakouts during the short time of using (2-3 weeks? together). But I feel poor and didn't notice magical effects. I could use more one day. But I also could live without.

* Extra note: A few days of my test period the temperature rose to +20 Celsius and we got sun and neither of the creams felt that tight on my skin anymore. So for warmer countries, I think they have enough moisture. My skin seems to be very sensitive to the weather changes.

NCEF Set:

NCEF Reverse Supreme Multi-Correction Cream 7 ml

Ingredients:

Aqua (Water, Eau), Glycerin, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Propanediol, Polymethyl Methacrylate, Methylsilanol Mannuronate, Cetyl Alcohol, Sodium Potassium Aluminum Silicate, Dimethicone, Methylpropanediol, Sodium Chloride, Phenoxyethanol, Butylene Glycol, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Parfum (Fragrance), Ci 77891 (Titanium Dioxide), Silica, Sucrose Palmitate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Peg-20 Castor Oil, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Chlorphenesin, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Alcohol Denat., Glucose, Disodium Edta, Glyceryl Linoleate, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Potassium Chloride, Diethylhexyl Syringylidenemalonate, Carbomer, Peg-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Polysorbate 60, Sodium Lactate, Sorbitan Isostearate, Calcium Chloride, Zea Mays (Corn) Oil, Benzyl Alcohol, Sodium Hydroxide, Haberlea Rhodopensis Leaf Extract, Polysorbate 20, Magnesium Sulfate, Glutamine, Citric Acid, Inositol, Calcium Pantothenate, Retinol, Sodium Phosphate, Dipeptide Diaminobutyroyl Benzylamide Diacetate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Citrate, Ascorbic Acid, Sodium Acetate, Sodium Benzoate, Soluble Collagen, Potassium Sorbate, Lysine Hcl, Arginine Hcl, Rosa Moschata Seed Oil, Alanine, Dehydroacetic Acid, Histidine Hcl, Valine, Leucine, Threonine, Isoleucine, Tryptophan, Phenylalanine, Tyrosine, Glycine, Polysorbate 80, Serine, Cystine, Cyanocobalamin, Glutathione, Asparagine, Aspartic Acid, Ornithine Hcl, Glutamic Acid, Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide, Proline, Biotin, Methionine, Taurine, Hydroxyproline, Glucosamine Hcl, Tocopherol, Coenzyme A, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Sodium Glucuronate, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Thiamine Diphosphate, Ci 17200 (Red 33), Retinyl Acetate, Niacin, Niacinamide, Pyridoxine Hcl, Riboflavin, Sodium Tocopheryl Phosphate, Thiamine Hcl, Folic Acid.

* Pleasant cream, a bit thick-ish for a day cream but absorbs very well and fast. It disappears into skin and doesn't pill, works well under makeup.

* The same Filorga scent as described earlier.

* The same typical moisture level that Filorga day creams seem to have: not super moisturizing, which is suprising considering the slightly heavier texture straight from bottle.

* NCEF Cream seems to break me out or my skin is not a fan otherwise, everytime I use it, my skin looks immediately worse afterwards, my skin looks a bit tired and dull and after a longer use (2-4 days) I develop more small impurities. It happens everytime, so I don't know how it could be anything else than this cream. I don't know what the results would be if I used the cream long term.

* Full size jar 50 ml costs 65-85 € and that is just nuts (to me). Not going to repurchase, but I am disappointed that I do not understand this cream, as it promises to do a lot and is expensive so unconsciously I think it must be magic, yet my skin despises it!

* From googling: NCTF is New Cellular Treatment Factor, it is anti-aging mesotherapy product, supposedly bring revitalisation, deep hydration and brightness to skin. NCTF treatments are injections for face. Mesotherapy is a technique that uses injections to rejuvenate and tighten the skin with vitamins, hormones, enzymes, etc... I looked up some prices around me and mesotherapy injections are upwards from around 120 €, usually around 200-300 €, so yikes.

* Filorga's NCTF creams are supposed to have the same NCTF effect as the injections.

NCEF Intensive Supreme Multi-Correction Face Serum 4 ml

Ingredients:

Aqua (Water, Eau), Propanediol, Glycerin, Phenyl Trimethicone, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Sodium Chloride, Phenoxyethanol, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Butylene Glycol, Carbomer, Sodium Hydroxide, Parfum (Fragrance), Sucrose Palmitate, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Chlorphenesin, Lecithin, Pentylene Glycol, Glucose, Disodium Edta, Glyceryl Linoleate, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Polysorbate 20, Potassium Chloride, Diethylhexyl Syringylidenemalonate, Alcohol, Citric Acid, Retinol, Sodium Lactate, Calcium Chloride, Benzophenone-4, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Sodium Citrate, Soluble Collagen, Magnesium Sulfate, Glutamine, Sodium Phosphate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Phosphate, Ascorbic Acid, Sodium Acetate, Dipeptide Diaminobutyroyl Benzylamide Diacetate, Lysine Hcl, Arginine Hcl, Alanine, Histidine Hcl, Valine, Potassium Sorbate, Leucine, Threonine, Isoleucine, Tryptophan, Phenylalanine, Tyrosine, Dna, Triticum Vulgare (Wheat) Germ Extract, Glycine, Polysorbate 80, Serine, Cystine, Cyanocobalamin, Glutathione, Asparagine, Aspartic Acid, Ornithine Hcl, Tris(Tetramethylhydroxypiperidinol) Citrate, Triticum Vulgare (Wheat) Germ Protein, Glutamic Acid, Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide, Tocopherol, Proline, Methionine, Taurine, Hydroxyproline, Glucosamine Hcl, Coenzyme A, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Sodium Glucuronate, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Thiamine Diphosphate, Ci 17200 (Red 33), Retinyl Acetate, Inositol, Niacin, Niacinamide, Pyridoxine Hcl, Biotin, Calcium Pantothenate, Riboflavin, Sodium Tocopheryl Phosphate, Thiamine Hcl, Folic Acid.

* More like light lotion than traditional watery serum. Spreads and absorbs quickly, no pilling.

* The same Filorga scent.

* Surprisingly moisturizing, considering it is called a serum. Or maybe I just thought that it wouldn't be, because the creams surprisingly are not very moisturizing.

* Doesn't seem to break me out. Quite nice product overall. Could replace the moisturizer under sunscreen for me completely. Not sure about any effects though.

* The full size product costs about 60-70 € and is 30 ml.

NCEF Supreme Multi-Correction Night Mask 7 ml

Ingredients:

Aqua (Water, Eau), Glycerin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Propylene Glycol, Sodium Polyacrylate, Butylene Glycol, Albizia Julibrissin Bark Extract, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Squalane, Propanediol, Sodium Chloride, 1,2-Hexanediol, Propylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate, Sodium Polyacrylate Starch, Parfum (Fragrance), Sucrose Palmitate, Chlorphenesin, Tocopheryl Acetate, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Isohexadecane, Glucose, O-Cymen-5-Ol, Glyceryl Linoleate, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, Tephrosia Purpurea Seed Extract, Disodium Edta, Potassium Chloride, Carbomer, Sodium Lactate, Calcium Chloride, Polysorbate 60, Polysorbate 20, Magnesium Sulfate, Glutamine, Sorbitan Isostearate, Sodium Phosphate, Sodium Benzoate, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Ascorbic Acid, Sodium Acetate, Citric Acid, Lysine Hcl, Arginine Hcl, Alanine, Histidine Hcl, Valine, Potassium Sorbate, Leucine, Threonine, Isoleucine, Tryptophan, Phenylalanine, Tyrosine, Glycine, Polysorbate 80, Serine, Cystine, Cyanocobalamin, Glutathione, Asparagine, Aspartic Acid, Ornithine Hcl, Glutamic Acid, Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide, Proline, Methionine, Taurine, Hydroxyproline, Glucosamine Hcl, Tocopherol, Coenzyme A, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Sodium Glucuronate, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Thiamine Diphosphate, Retinyl Acetate, Inositol, Niacin, Niacinamide, Pyridoxine Hcl, Biotin, Calcium Pantothenate, Riboflavin, Sodium Tocopheryl Phosphate, Thiamine Hcl, Folic Acid.

* Very light, almost clear consistency, not at all what I would imagine a night mask to be. Absorbs very quickly, feels like nothing on skin afterwards.

* The same Filorga scent.

* Almost drying on skin, barely moisturizing at all. But I actually do notice some difference in my skin after using the night mask. Even if I use it with another moisturizer (and I kinda have to, during the winter at least). Of course the little tube didn't last long so can't say about long term effects. I don't think the result is brighter skin, but maybe a bit firmer. Maybe calmed down my skin a bit, difficult to say.

* The full size tub of 50 ml costs 55-75 €. Not feeling like I want to purchase to test it better even though it seems slightly promising. 

Thoughts, Favorites, Empties, Shopping of 2021

Thoughts about 2021 and 2022

I was hoping I would get a bit more bored this year with all the cosmetics, and to a some degree, it did happen. I think I did get slightly bored with skincare. But not with make up or fragrance. Not that I over purchased fragrance anyway. I do tend to get obsessive and then bored about things so I expect that next year 2022 I am already "over" makeup! Time will tell!

I am also very relieved I never got into beauty subscription boxes despite them sounding so tempting during the last few years! Now I see things a bit differently. The boxes are actually quite pricy. The more I see bloggers showcasing their beauty boxes, the more I realize that usually the contents are crap or at least something that I wouldn't buy. If I wouldn't buy the products separately, why would I want them in a random surprise box, that costs me 25-60 € ?!

I think I have become at the same time more stingy yet also more lenient with money when it comes to beauty products. I splurge in ridiculous things just for pleasure and don't even ever mean to pan them (some makeup, fragrance...) but for basic stuff I just don't see any reason to pay more than necessary (currently).

I am too lazy to take pictures of my stash this year. I think the amount of stuff I own is more or less the same than last year. Meaning way too much so I haven't been able to finish and clean out clutter. I am a bit disappointed. I really thought I would have been able to do more. But it has been yet another shitty year and I will just try to survive. I have found several great affordable basics and a bit more luxurious lovely extras for my routine while doing my exploration so in a sense it has been worth it! 

As for 2022, I will just do whatever makes me happy, I will splurge if I feel like it and I will use up my stash if I feel like it. 

Current Favorites 2021

I choose my current favorites whenever and however I like. Didn't have much time or energy to post about current favorites this year though! I still agree that all these are great products. 

Oskia Renaissance Cleansing Gel, De La Cruz Sulfur Ointment, Wet'n'Wild Apricot In The Middle

Got2b Glued Water Resistant Spiking Glue, Gucci Gorgeous Gardenia EdT, By Terry Brightening CC Palette Beach Bomb, RefectoCil Oxidant and Eyelash and Eyebrow Tint

SVR Xerial 10 Lait Corps, SVR Fissures and Crevasses, Molton Brown Pink Pepper Shower Gel, Natasha Denona Blush Glow Duo, A-Derma Dermalibour Repairing Cream

Empties 2021

January to February

March to June

July to October

November to December

Compared to last year 2020, I finished about 5 products less. But still about double the bodycare, mostly just shower gels/scrubs. I finished less skincare and makeup, but haircare seems to be the same! Funny because I thought I used a lot more hair stuff.

Finished Products 2021

Number of products finished: 58

Skincare: 31

Makeup: 1

Bodycare: 17

Haircare: 9

Other, e.g. fragrance: 0

Cleansing Oil/Balm 1

Tosowoong Apricot Seed Oil 1

Cleanser 3

Garnier Micellar Cleansing Gel Wash 1

Ekopharma Herukka Blackcurrant Cleanser 1

Nivea Effective Cleansing Gel 1

Micellar Water 0

Toner/Essence/Serum 6

Clinique Moisture Surge Hydrating Concentrate Mini 1

Lumene Kirkas Clarity Radiance Boosting Toner 1

Caudalie Vinosource SOS Thirst Quenching Serum 1

Skinfood Aqua Grape Mist Toner Sample Bottles 3

Antioxidants 0

Oils 2

The Ordinary Rose Hip Seed Oil 1

Moroccan Rose Superfood Facial Oil Mini 1

Moisturizer 8

The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA 2

Eucerin Urea 5% Moisturizer 1

Filorga NCEF-Reverse Supreme Multi-Corrrection Cream Mini 1

A-Derma Dermalibour Repairing Cream Mini 1

The Body Shop Tea Tree Mattifying Lotion 1

Filorga Sleep & Lift Mini 1

Filorga Lift-Structure Cream Mini 1

Exfoliation/Treatment 2

Dermatica Tretinoin+Niacinamide 2

Eye Cream 1

Nivea Q10 Vitamin C 1

Sunscreen 4

Tosowoong Soft Touch Sun Cream SPF32 1

Pladerm  Dual Sun Cream SPF 48 1

Missha Time Revolution White Cure SPF50 PA+++ Transparent Beige 1

Garnier UV Fluid SPF50 1

Lips 1

Lumene Lip Gloss 1

Makeup 1

ModelCo Instant Brows Brow Pencil Light/Medium 1

Shampoo 3

Head&Shoulders Classic Clean 1L 2

Redken Beach Envy Shampoo 1

Conditioner 4

Philip Kingsley Elasticizer Mini 1

Wella Invigo Mini 1

L'Oreal Preference Conditioner 1

Moroccanoil Mini 1

Scalp Treatment 2

Budgie The Apple Cider Scrub 1

Nizoral Treatment Shampoo 1

Hair Styling 0

Shower 7

Ceralan Cleansing Body Oil / Pesuöljy 1

Skin Treat Pure Clarity Scrub 1

Skin Treat Multi Action AHA PHA Scrub 1

YA Intiimipesuneste 1

The Body Shop Winter Jasmine Shower Gel 1

Mio Clay Cleanser Mini 1

Yves Rocher Lily of the Valley Shower Gel 1

Antiperspirant 6

Rexona Maximum Protection Antiperspirant Sport Strength 6

Body Moisturizer 3

Dermosil Hand Cream Oat 1

SVR Xerial Fissures and Crevasses 1

Natura Siberica Alladale Hand Cream 1

Other 4

Sheetmasks 3

Bepanthen Ointment 1

Shopping + Gifts 2021

Gifts

Gift

Shopping:

January To February: about 33 €

From March To April: about 90 €

From May to June: about 194 €

From July to August: about 429 €

From September to October: about 70 €

From November to December: about 424 €

Spent altogether during 2021: about 1240 €, about 103 €/month

Most expensive thing I bought: IT Cosmetics Brush Set, Lethal Cosmetics Custom Palettes, Dior Backstage Foundation

The cheapest thing I bought: perfume samples, hair comb, Lumene Loose Powders (super sale), brow razors, tweezers

Number of products bought+gifts: approx.118 (or 142)  + Lookfantastic Advent Calendar 2021

Skincare: approx. 17 (with samples maybe 23?)

Makeup: approx. 37 (but if all eyeshadow singles are counted separately then probably 65?)

Bodycare: approx. 16

Haircare: approx. 12

Other, e.g. fragrance: approx 19 minis/samples

"Regrets": 

Catrice Cheek Lover Oil-Infused Blush (felt it was breaking me out and very pink)
Nars Taj Mahal Blush (more red than orange on me)
Michael Kors Sparkling Blush Rollerball (harsh vanilla, not bad fragrance but not what I expected)
Max Factor Creme Puff Blush Nude Mauve (great formula that applies effortlessly but the shade is not what I expected on me, turns more peachy pink)
BBIA Last Blush Macadamia Blossom (lovely contouring shade but too light)
Clinique Lip Balm Black Honey (basically clear lip balm with glitter, I like the product but I feel it's overpriced)
Wella Professionals Eimi Pearl Styler (just didn't like it, heavy glue-y texture)
Melt Digital Dust Blush Raw Honey (lovely formula but the shade wasn't what I expected)

Loved ones:

Clinique Cleansing Oil

Elizabeth Arden Cleansing Oil

A-Derma Dermalibour Repairing Cream*

Garnier Micellar Cleansing Gel Wash*

Kevyn Aucoin Neo Blush Rose Cliff

LA Girl Pro Color Mixing Pigment Blue

Missha Perfect BB Cream 21*

IT Cosmetics CC Cream Fair

Nivea Sun UV Face Sensitive SPF50

Garnier UV Fluid SPF50+*

Rexona Maximum Protection Sport Strength Antiperspirant*

Head&Shoulders Classic Clean Shampoo*

RefectoCil Brow Dye Kit

By Terry Brightening CC Face Palette

Sebastian Professional Texturizer

NYX Sweet Cheeks Blush Glowy Fig

Dermatica subscription

Thoughts:

I spent altogether during 2021 about 1240 €, about 103 €/month. I wasn't able to stay within my budget that was 600 € for the year, so 50 €/month. I actually even went and spent DOUBLE my budget! Last year 2020 I spent 1071 €, 90 €/month, and I thought that was a lot. I am not even going to set a target budget for the next year. Why bother when it clearly doesn't work? I am just going to take a day at a time. Good thing is, I wouldn't even know how much I spent without my blog. Talking about money this openly usually makes people uncomfortable. That's why I think it is important to talk about it.

Compared to last year's numbers I acquired double the haircare (I have very processed hair right now), about the same make up if singles are counted, but about a third of skincare. Also about double the fragrance.

For my "regrets" (not really regrets as I might make them work later with experimentation, also I am sometimes slow to love things) one thing is in common: I am disappointed in the color because I imagined it would have been something else. It is not really the product's fault if my skintone makes the color look different or the color doesn't seem to suit me (that also is a personal opinion). The best thing would be to be able to try everything on my face before purchasing but that is impossible.

The great thing is, many of my purchases were a success! I could have made the loved ones list longer too but just listed stand outs and those that I have had time to try out properly. A few are repurchases too, I have marked them with a star (*). And when I look at this list, I am prepared to repurchase everything, apart from the blushes of course as they probably last a life time.

This year I also splurged on two Lethal Cosmetics custom palettes and they probably would be on my loved ones list if I had had more time to explore them! I am not a huge eye shadow person and they were the only eye shadows I bought this year. 

What I remember buying and using before really getting into skincare/makeup! 

Just listed out of curiosity. No serums, nothing extra, usually repurchases of the same products I had just finished! Very utilitarian. I remember being SO annoyed when I had to buy a new bottle of something and tried to squeeze every last drop out of the old ones. And I did not buy the new bottle until I was totally out of the old one, unless I was trying something new (which was rare), then I needed the buffer. I always tried to buy everything on sale, as well.

Purchases in a year, altogether about 246 €

Foundation x1 10€

Powder x1 10 €

Mascara x2 20 €

Primer x1 10 €

Some other makeup thing x2-5 40 €

Moisturizer x4 30 €

Face wash x3 21 €

Face scrub x1 7 €

Toner x1 7 €

Shampoo x3 14 €

Conditioner x4 18 €

Hair mist x2 7 €

Shower gel x3 7 €

Antiperspirant x5 45 €

Empties since November

Nothing too exciting this time around... Two months' worth of empties, from November to December. Been lazy, yet again. But my skin has been good so it's not like I need to slather a million things on everyday as long as I use the right products for my skin! As you can see it is becoming a trend to finish products I have received from advent calendars!

Face

Garnier Micellar Gel Wash

Just works great, always a repurchase. Affordable as well. Sometimes I do wonder, why do I even try other cleansers. Out of boredom?

The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA

My basic cheap moisturizer. It just works. Have repurchased, 3 new tubes actually because of the November sale.

Doucce Maxlash Volumizer Mascara Mini

Not sure if I felt my lashes were super volumized, but otherwise a great mascara! Didn't smudge much if at all, easy to apply and easy to wash off with water... Tubing mascara maybe or otherwise just good? Too bad Lookfantastic doesn't seem to carry Doucce anymore (everything is listed sold out) and no one in EU does. I wouldn't mind buying another mascara. This one came from LF Advent Calendar. But, no matter, there are lots of great mascaras around these days. Currently I am using Maybelline's Snapscara and it is very good!

Eyeko Lash Alert Mascara Mini 

Ok, so, this one is so old I haven't used it in ages but haven't thrown out because I was saving it for the brush. I like the shape, it's a bit different with the curve. Ok/good mascara, wouldn't mind using another one, but not a great one. Didn't smudge but was more difficult to wash off than Doucce and not as easy to apply because it was a lot more dry. Still easier to wash off than most mascaras because water is enough! Could buy more Eyeko mascaras to try out though. This one was from LF Advent Calendar.

Bioeffect EGF Serum Mini

I really liked this serum! I got it from Lookfantastic Advent Calendar. It always leaves my skin looking good, I used it in the evening alone usually like Bioeffect recommends to do. A little goes a long way. It is crazy expensive (around 120-145 €/15 ml!!!) but maybe one day I'll dare to purchase it to re-evaluate how much I love or need it! I am thinking the serum just doesn't include anything that I react to rather than the EGF part doing something amazing. Interesting nevertheless! It also pared down my evening routine when I used only this one thing after cleansing, so that was nice. (+ Eye cream after the serum had absorbed.)

Body

FAB Ultra Repair Cream Moisturizer

From 2017 Lookfantastic Advent Calendar. Really don't like the scent of this product, it's unfragranced so it has this really stuffy smell from the very beginning I opened the tube for the first time (so can't be because expired), it doesn't even fade fast. But it is soothing and despite being light, feels more heavy duty as a hand cream than many others. I used it also sometimes on my face when there was irritation, then it felt nice, otherwise I felt it was breaking me out. Don't think I'll repurchase. Wonder if there is a cream that is just like this one but it smells better? I just can't handle the stuffy scent.

Rexona Maximum Protection Sport Strength Antiperspirant

At this point, my everyday antiperspirant, gentle and effective at the same time. A bit masculine scent but not bad at all.

Hair

Head&Shoulders Classic Clean Shampoo 1 L

My basic shampoo that is effective and affordable. 1 liter bottles mean I do not have to repurchase every month!

Lookfantastic Advent Calendar 2021 Review

I have enjoyed this year's advent calendar from Lookfantastic. I don't think the products are exceptionally great, but because I didn't expect too much and I happened to need hair care stuff at the moment it was ok. Also, my skin's been very good lately, so it has made me more free to choose what I throw on my face. Also 2021 is the first year I searched for the calendar's contents beforehand and spoiled myself. But the good thing is my memory is very bad and during the two months I waited to open the boxes I had forgotten the most.

I am a bit disappointed the calendar didn't have Molton Brown shower gel like usual. 

Would I repurchase Lookfantastic advent calendar? I don't know, this one was a gift, like all my calendars, thanks to my partner. This year I tried to find another calendar to ask for, but couldn't find one with the same price range and surprise element. I wanted to love Feelunique calendar, but it had too many items I have already tried and didn't like. I also wanted to love MAC calendar, but in the end there were only a few items I really wanted from it, and I could purchase them separately. Which I haven't even done yet so clearly it isn't too important.

The 2021 advent calendar cost 95 € and the claimed full value is 475 €. So interestingly, 25 € less than last year. Of course the value is not the whole point, pricy item is not necessarily good. And I do think they claim too high value considering the products are either minis or clearly overpriced like Avant. 

The 2020 advent calendar cost 95 €. Lookfantastic claims the full value is about or even a bit over 500 €. Year 2019, the calendar cost 89 € and the value claimed was 455 €.

The 2021 calendar had 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. Wonder if it was easier to source in the middle of pandemic or if they thought that people are not wearing make up right now because of masks.

The 2020 calendar had 25 boxes, 8 make up, 10 skincare, 1 haircare, 6 bath and body care.

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

Yay

Nars Blush Orgasm Mini

What surprise! I just bought 2 full size blushes from Nars in Taj Mahal and Sin and now got a mini Orgasm. I don't think I would have bought this one myself but damn is it such a pretty pink shade with golden shimmer. The same goes for last year's LF calendar's Natasha Denona Mini Blush Glow Duo with the pink (golden coral) blush - I never would have bought it myself but now I love it... 

Caudalie Vinosource-Hydra S.O.S Intense Moisturizing Cream

I have a soft spot for Caudalie! But because of the price rarely buy their products myself. I bet I will like this cream, so far I have liked everything from Caudalie that I've tried (few products only though!).

Bioeffect EGF Serum

I really like this serum! LF calendar had it before too. This time the bottle is even smaller though, last time it was 5 ml and now only 3 ml. So you can imagine it is very tiny. 

AHC Hydrating Essential Real Eye Cream for Face 

I needed a new eye cream so good timing. Also, I have heard about this product a lot so I am curious to finally try it.

Omorovicza Facial Polish 

Quite a rough scrub, I have to be very gentle when rubbing my face, but seems effective as well. At least I noticed that my face was smoother afterwards for a day. Didn't notice breakouts. Wasn't too excited about the polish when I opened the box, but actually find it now good and useful!

Philip Kingsley Elasti-Styler 5-In-1 Treatment

Tried once already, seems like a nice product, not too heavy but hair feels definitely smoother. Philip Kingsley seems to have good products for dry hair!I have gotten 2 mini Elasticizers from LF calendars so it wasn't a surprise that the same brand was featured again.

Ok +

Delilah Lip Line Long Wear Retractable Pencil Buff

First thought that the lip liner was too pink but actually it is a nice nude! Long lasting as well. I really do like it. I did also like the eyebrow pencil from Delilah that came from last year's calendar. Seems like a good consistent brand, a bit expensive though at around 20 € for lip or eyebrow pencil.

Kate Somerville Goat Milk Moisturizing Cleanser

Interesting cleanser! At the moment I'd rather get mystery cleansers than moisturizers because I have found so many nice moisturizers already and cleansers are more risk free to try. Because they work or don't work and stay on skin only for a little while.

Aveda Botanical Repair Strengthening Leave-In Treatment 

Looks like an ok product, currently with dry hair I use everything I get. 

Percy & Reed Wonder Balm

The same as above - looks like an ok product, will use. Quite many similar hair products though!

Christophe Robin Cleansing Purifying Scrub 

Scalp scrubs are always welcome! This one has sea salt. I tend to have an oily scalp and other scalp problems like oily dandruff sometimes. But, like I have said, after I got permanent curls my scalp&hair has been a lot better and easier to manage! Because my hair is not flat against my scalp anymore and it is processed so it's damaged&dry which is great compared to oily&straight.

REN Clean Skincare Overnight Glow Dark Spot Sleeping Cream 

As a brand REN is not really on my radar. I do like their aesthetics and products seem good, but I still feel uninterested, maybe because they promote themselves as "clean" and "natural" and they are not affordable (to me). But I will use this cream and I'm pretty sure I will like it!

Avant Skincare Sumptuous Glycolic Acid Hand Balm

Hand cream is pretty much always ok, but a bit boring thing. I don't think there is much glycolic acid in this cream though, it is almost the last ingredient in the list. Also the value is supposed to be closer to 100 euros. What a scam, but I will use this cream and I think it will be basic.

Elemis Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Wash

I like receiving facial washes to try! As a brand Elemis hasn't been a good match for my skin before. But I can try again.

Ok -

Shiseido Ultimune Power Infusing Concentrate

Shiseido as a brand is expensive and interesting, and Ultimune is one of their bestsellers I gather, but for me it is not exciting. It is a serum/essence/hydrator and according to ingredient list, is not worth the price tag. But I bet it is an ok product.

Rodial Dragons Blood Sculpting Gel 

Not really exciting product but doesn't look bad either. Expensive. Consists mostly of dimethicone, cyclopentasiloxane, etc. silicone derivates so it is basically a smoothing primer gel. Nothing wrong with that. I don't believe it will do much for my skin but will try!

Color Wow Dream Coat Supernatural Spray 

Hmm, instructions say "Requires blow-drying to activate". I am lazy and blow dry once in a while sooo... Probably will just spray this to my hair and see if it does anything.

Iconic London Illuminator Original

Very tiny bottle! But it's ok. The shade looked initially dark but blends into my skintone well. At the same time I love receiving something popular like this to play with (because I never would have bought it myself) but I also feel like it's a waste because I am not a highlighter person generally so maybe I will just forget it and then trash!

Illamasqua Hydra Setting Spray

Will try this setting spray like I've tried many before! But it seems I never do quite like them. Or take them into my daily routine. But I do have hope that I will find the one I like and that works for me!

ESPA Clean & Green Detox Mask 

Looks interesting, but I am usually too lazy to use masks. Probably, because I usually I do not notice enough difference so that it would be worth my time and effort. But the mask looks nice, it has kaolin and some oils etc. Kaolin is good for oily skin after all.

Meh

Rituals The Ritual Of Sakura Candle

Bleh, no candles for cosmetic calendars, please. I highly dislike the scent as well. Too strong. I will try to give the candle to someone and will trash if no one wants it. I also disliked the Sakura body scrub from Rituals from last year's LF calendar. This is the exact same scent. The scrub wasn't scrubby enough for me either and left a layer of slime on my skin and took forever to try to wash it off afterwards!

ThisWorks Stress Check Mood Manager

What an amusing concept, a scent that helps sleep or reduces stress. The actual scent is not bad actually, reminds me of walking into furniture store or similar. Apparently it is an essential oil blend of Ylang Ylang, Neroli and Patchouli. But as an item this is useless. I wish they would have put in some popular mini perfume instead.

BubbleT Bath Bomb Rhubarb&Custard

Still do not own a bath tub. And when I have tried bath bombs in hotels, I find them a bit disgusting actually. Usually I do not like the fragrancies and water just feels dirty. 

Balance Me Beauty Sleep Hyaluronic Mist

So. A mist that you're supposed to spray on your hands and chest and it smells like lavender, chamomile... and is supposed to help you sleep. I highly dislike lavender scent (unless fresh lavender still growing in a flower bed). Yuck! Will trash unless someone wants this. Why put 2 stress manager/beauty sleep mists into one calendar? But at least ThisWorks mist doesn't smell bad. Just put mini fragrances or floral shower gels or something!

Diego Dalla Palma Khol Kajal

Yet another black kajal, every year. Still doesn't suit me, dark brown looks better.