Thoughts of 2023

I have a habit of saving pretty boxes! Pink color is still my weakness, after all these years.

Thoughts about 2023 and 2024

Year 2023 I have found a good balance! I haven't made too much impulse purchases and those that I have are not that ridiculous. I have actually shopped my stash and finished half used products. Also as painful as it is, I've also thrown away old things. I am procrastinator by nature. But the task will continue in 2024.

Sometimes I feel like trying to use a huge pile of expiring products is work. Not a hobby or necessity anymore. Trying to find out alternative ways to finish things, keeping inventories, hate panning, overusing, maybe having worse skin because using too many unsuitable moisturizers... What is the point? The products are supposed to work for me, I am not supposed to work for the products! What a waste of time, resources, energy!

For 2024 I will continue practising merciful approach to my hoard, shopping, wellness hobbies... I rather enjoyed just giving up practical thinking and buying luxury makeup (Dior) for the hell of it this year. The same for more expensive gym clothes. I just feel better, I deserve it (as long as I can afford it of course). I guess right now I feel that I don't need anything, I just want things.

For anyone curious (and interesting reminder for myself) this is my tanned skin next to a very pale, truly white skin. I am shade light in most foundations (sometimes even fair depending on the range and undertones) but next to a pale person it is easy to see why I gravitate to blush/lip shades catered to medium skintones! My skin seems to eat brown color and strongly bring out red, also pink. Purple blushes (like Nars Sin) tend to look more natural red-ish. Only explanation I can come up with is the strong yellowness/warmness.

Current Favorites

February

May

July

November

December

I choose my favorites whenever and however I like. Clearly at the end of this year makeup has become more important. 

I am very predictable: my favorites are basics! Easy feminine fragrances, basic inoffensive moisturizers and daily makeup items like powder, eyebrow gel and mascara! Except sulfur, that one is pretty weird in case you haven't experienced the wonders it can do. 

Last year I chose my favorites only 3 times so this is improvement. 5/16 items from those 2022 posts are something I have repurchased at some point. 

I would recommend all of these products:

Etude House Soon Jung Moist Emulsion

Paula's Choice Calm Restoring Moisturizer

De La Cruz Sulfur Ointment

Klairs Rich Moist Soothing Cream

Medik8 Crystal Retinal 3

Dr Ceuracle Cica Regen Vegan Sun SPF50+ PA++++

Paula's Choice Anti Aging Eye Cream

Exuviance Triple Microdermabrasion Face Polish

Got2be Glued 4 Brows & Edges Gel

Essence The Nail Care Oil

Innisfree No Sebum Mineral Powder

Dior Lip Maximizer Mahogany

Dior J'adore EdT

Maybelline Sky High Waterproof Mascara

Cerave Blemish Control Cleanser

Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream

Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation

Jane Iredale Mineral Base

Dior Miss Dior Blooming Bouquet EdT

Kevyn Aucoin Neo Bronzer Sunrise Light

Empties

January to February

March to April

May to June

July to August

September

October to December

Shopping

 

 

 

Not sure I managed to add all purchase photos! Must check later.

Shopping:

January To February: about 149 €

From March To April: about 75 €

From May to June: about 68 €

From July to August: about 161 €

From September: about 156 €

From October to November: about 283 €

From December: about 200 €

Spent altogether during 2023: 1092 €

Most expensive thing I bought: Dior Mini Perfume Set (72 €), Dior Miss Dior Blooming Bouquet EdT (61 €)

The cheapest thing I bought: Blistex Lip Balm Sensitive, Essence The Nail Care Oil, Essence The Extreme Nail Hardener, Nofo Exotic Flowers Shower Gel, Vaseline Advanced Repair Hand Cream, Banila Co Clean it Zero Mini Set (ranging from 1-3 €)

Number of products bought+gifts: approx. 90

Skincare: approx. 18

Makeup: approx. 18

Bodycare: approx. 24

Haircare: approx. 8

Other, e.g. fragrance, nails, samples: approx 22

"Regrets": 

Essence The Extreme Nail Hardener (did nothing, didn't stay on nails)

Rexona Maximum Protection Antiperspirant Sensitive (smells disgusting on me)

Loved:

Garnier Micellar Gel Wash*

Exuviance Overnight Transformation Complex*

Rexona Maximum Protection Antiperspirant Sport Strenth*

Maybelline Sky High Waterproof Mascara

Dior Miss Dior Blooming Bouquet EdT*

Head&Shoulders Shampoo Classic Clean*

Nizoral Shampoo*

Dior Lip Maximizer in Mahogany

Got2be Glued 4 Brows & Edges

Kiehls Ultra Facial Cream*

Cerave Blemish Control Cleanser

Depend Gel IQ Set

(Repurchases *)

Thoughts:

My goal for 2023 was to spend 400-600 € thoughtfully but look at the numbers, it didn't really go that way! I spent almost double at 1092 €. Let's try a more reasonable goal for next year 2024: I will spend 1000 € or less and the purchases must bring joy. In 2023 I spent on things I don't usually buy like nail polishes.

Bonus:

Professional facial/nails/cosmetic treatments: 115 € (lash&brow lift)

Hair stylist: 380 € (3 appointments)

At home hair dye (+cut): 0 €

Gym card: 348 €

Personal Trainer: 0 €

Home exercise equipment: 80 € (a bench)

Vitamins: 70 €

Protein drinks: 30 €

Exercise clothes+shoes: 385€ (just clothes, mainly tights)

Overall not too bad (altogether 1408 €). This year I did not spend money on personal trainer or exercise clothes as much but I did actually get my hair done and tried lash&brow lift once - actually I'm not sure why I never booked another appointment. Money, time, just didn't make a big enough difference?

Shopping December

Just one month of shopping this time. Spent on products altogether about 200 €.

Went to hairdresser as well, that was 140 €. Btw, even if I didn't notice much results with Olaplex products at home, I took Olaplex treatment with the hair dye and I think it made a difference. My hair looked more shiny and felt silkier. Still does, after a few weeks of the salon visit. 

Dior Miss Dior Blooming Bouquet EdT 30ml

Dior Backstage Glow Face Palette 002 Glitz

What the hell is my obsession with Dior anyway. Some christmas presents from me, to me!

I am almost done with the mini bottle of Blooming Bouquet, so I bought a full size one. It is such a nice easy perfume, doesn't trigger any headaches, not too strong or sweet but still feminine and soapy. As for the Face Palette, I've had my eye on it for a long time and finally pulled the trigger! Surprisingly my favorite shade so far is the bronze. It makes a lovely blush color.

Kerastase Genesis Fondant Renforcateur Fortifying Anti Hair Fall Conditioner

Bought this one from hairdresser to help my hair. A bit of an impulsive purchase, but I do like the conditioner! It smells like Guerlain's Aqua Allegoria Mandarin Basilic perfume to me. But not going to pick up a habit of buying over 30€ conditioners all the time... maybe... 

Rexona Maximum Protection Antiperspirant Sport Strength x8

Necessities from Notino! Running out of antiperspirants. Even though I feel I keep purchasing them constantly. 

+Unleashia Glittery Wave Lip Balm

Xmas gifts! Not sure if Glamcolour is reputable brand. The compact sure is pretty.

Empties October to December

Three months of empties this time! Been so busy, not much time for exploring samples or anything extra. So I'll try to be brief. Another year gone by and I still haven't properly gone through my stash and got rid of oldies, sigh.

Face

Hylamide High-Efficiency Face Cleaner

This was a nice light cleansing oil. Such a shame Deciem decided to get rid of Hylamide.

Kiehls Ultra Facial Cream Mini

I already repurchased the slightly bigger mini jar. I really like this unscented cream, it plays well with makeup, is moisturizing and perfect for my combination skin during winter!

Skinoren Cream 20%

Azelaic Acid is very effective but also very drying. I still have another tube to go through! Have used so many other things that Skinoren hasn't been my priority.

Avene TriXera Nutri-Fluid Cleanser Face and Body Sample Discontinued

I actually thought this was a very good cleanser, for both face and body. Felt very cleansing, almost squeaky clean for face. Too bad it's been discontinued. It was very fragranced though.

Isadora Kohl Kajal Easy Glide Eyeliner Black

Super old and never really used the kajal, it is way too creamy and doesn't stay put and looks messy almost immediately.

Banila Co Clean It Zero Cleansing Balm Original Mini

Ok cleansing balm. I do like cleansing oils more, but this one seemed to work for some waterproof mascaras that I couldn't properly remove with anything else.

Etude House Mirror Holic Liquid Eyes WH901 Crystal Shoes

Very old and maybe was irritating my eyes a little, but must say that it was very beautiful and glittery on eyes and stayed on perfectly. So wouldn't be against trying more liquid eye products from Etude House.

Naturel Eyelash Adhesive Waterproof 

Old and dried up, but I think it was ok adhesive. I am not using fake lashes anymore these days.

Missha Perfect Cover BB Cream 21 Mini

I think Missha's BB creams are excellent! I like the gray-ish shades of Perfect Cover and the staying power. For me, the best result is mixing shades 21&23.

Filorga Time Filler Night Multi Correction Wrinkles Night Cream Mini

I actually really liked this Filorga cream, worked well with my other products and didn't break me out. Some of them seem to be so great and some just overpriced, weird!

Samples: Dermosil Retinol Reviving Serum

Nice non-drying serum! Doesn't include retinol however, it uses undisclosed amount of Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate. 

Body

Rexona Maximum Protection Antiperspirant Sport Strength x5

Rexona Maximum Protection Antiperspirant Confidence 

My staple products, I have repurchased several times and will do so in the future as well.

Nivea Ultimate Protect Antiperspirant 48h Protection

Ok antiperspirant and worked for me for a while until it sadly didn't.

Depend GelIQ High Shine Cleanser

I like Depend Gel IQ polishes! I don't want to skimp on the cleanser liquids when doing nails.

Hair

Olaplex No3 Hair Perfector Mini

Must say I didn't notice immediate results with Olaplex but I guess it is ok product.

Current Favorites

What a great way to end this year with a more luxurious current favorites post! I choose whatever and however and whenever I like. Right now all these products are my morning staples. I would repurchase them all...

Kevyn Aucoin Neo Bronzer Sunrise Light

This is a pink toned bronzer and it is incredibly natural looking. Easy to apply fast, blends well, but if you really want it to show, needs a lot of layering... But very good for busy tired mornings, a little something extra sculpting for face but doesn't require effort and never can go wrong. 

The other side of bronzer does have glitter chunks. Eh, not so keen on that on cheeks but it's good natural eyeshadow. 

Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place in 1W1 Bone (Light with warm undertones)

Yay, bought this foundation a long time ago and finally really gave it a go. It is very good! Stays all day in normal winter circumstances at least. It is not really drying, but, I've been using Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream underneath. I apply the foundation with a damp sponge and get reasonably natural results. I also often mix it with blue mixer so it looks less orange, but for everyday look I apply so little foundation that even if it's a bit orange-ish, it's so sheer and blended that you can't tell at all! 

I do really like Double Wear, it doesn't do anything funny, works well with basic facial creams, shade's ok, doesn't have scent, doesn't break me out, can be mixed with other foundations/mixers, dries quickly (must work quickly to blend it too), doesn't turn greasy on skin after a long day (during winter at least).

Jane Iredale Mineral Pure Pressed Base Refill in Warm Silk

Also, I have topped Double Wear with a dust of mineral foundation powder. You would think this is too much but they work surprisingly well together to lock everything in and yet the end result is not too powdery or heavy. But I apply all things lightly! 

Warm Silk is quite neutral shade and works really well for me! It was less warm/yellow than I thought it would be when I first time swatched it next to other shades but it has turned out to be perfect. It is a really nice powder formula and good stand alone base as well but if I really want cover a powder foundation is not enough for me.

Kiehls Ultra Facial Cream 

Such a good basic non scented moisturizer! This is my second "mini", next I'll go for a full size 50ml one. This works under and on top of other products,  I don't really have to layer things because it is moisturizing enough on its own yet it is not heavy at all! Doesn't break me out either. Just feels nice on skin, that's all.

Dior Miss Dior Blooming Bouquet EdT

Ok, so Blooming Bouquet seems to be my daily signature fragrance now. It is so inoffensive and doesn't even last long, I don't have to be afraid of overspraying. It is sweet, but in an adult way. Fresh, soapy, floral, doesn't trigger any headaches for me. Plus the bottle looks so cute with the angular shape yet the ribbon bow and pink liquid make it very girly. Just saying that picking up the bottle makes me happy and I guess that's money well spent.

Shopping from October to November

My shopping from October to November. Haven't even received everything yet, but trying to write this list now that I still remember and have a little bit time! Spent altogether about 283 €. This year Black Friday didn't kill my wallet so I am proud of that.

Dior Addict Lip Maximizer in Mahogany

Dior Rouge Dior Forever Transfer-Proof Lipstick 200 Forever Nude Touch

Dior Rouge Blush Cheek and Cheekbone Blush in 959 Charnelle

Clinique Power Lashes Set (Lash Power Mascara Black Onyx, Quickline For Eyes Intense Chocolate, Clinique Smart Clinical Repair Wrinkle Correcting Eye Cream)

Eh, these are definitely impulse purchases because -25%. I felt like I really needed something to cheer me up. It is dark cold winter again and my annual winter depression is back. :( I've already told myself that I have to find more healthy ways to cope as shopping is not the solution, but with all the stress I just chose the easy way out again. 130€

I really ended up liking the Lip Maximizer in Mahogany! I already bought Shimmer Macadamia earlier and liked the shade a lot, too. Haven't played too much with the lipstick yet, but it sets quickly and is a bit drying. Maybe summer is better time for it, or I have to prep my lips better. It feels very light on lips though. It does not transfer but it does not last through eating. I am not quite sold on the shade Forever Nude Touch yet. I like that it's not pink leaning on me at all. When layered, I feel it's maybe too warm??? Looks best when lightly patted on so it's more natural.

Nizoral Shampoo

For my scalp mainly. The bottles are expensive (22€/100ml), but at least a little goes a long way because currently I use it maybe every two-three weeks.

Notino Sample Sets x3

Rexona Maximum Protection Sport Strength Antiperspirant 

Jil Sander Evergreen Shower Gel

Notino has this cool new option of making your own discovery sets from samples. Obviously I had to try it! I chose enough for a few boxes. This year I didn't buy an advent calendar, but I put these samples into an older calendar box I have. So I still get a small surprise everyday during December and I didn't have to shell several hundreds for a new calendar! The rest of the boxes I filled with candies as I didn't have quite enough samples.

The sample box of 5 costs 6,40 €. I purchased 3 so it was only 19,20 €. Got Jill Sander shower gel only because the order got free shipping and the product cost the same as shipping. Should've gotten more antiperspirants.

Versace Bright Crystal Eau de Toilette x2 

Versace Bright Crystal EdT x2 is a traveller's edition gift set I got from my partner! I have already used one bottle and I think it is a safe everyday fragrance. With two 30ml bottles, I am never running out of it again! Took probably 5-8 years to finish the first one... Yes, I do like the most basic light fragrances and I try to purchase only those from now on.

Medik8 Pore Refining Pore Cleanse Gel Intense

Medik8 Skin Ageing Micellar Mousse 40 ml

Medik8 Blemish Clarifying Foam 40ml

RefectoCil Oxidant Cream

K18 Leave In Molecular Repair Mask 15ml

Maybelline Sky High Mascara Cosmic Black

From Lyko, some cleansers and other useful things. Very interested in to see if K18 does anything. And if the basic Sky High mascara is as good as the waterproof one but easier to remove.

Banila Co Clean It Zero Mini Set (Cleansing Balm Revitalizing, Foam Cleanser)

From Iherb, I purchased other things as gifts and just threw the set in for myself as it was only a few euros. And the balm is ok for removing Maybelline's Sky High Waterproof Mascara.

The Ordinary Multi-Peptide Lash and Brow Serum

The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA 100ml

The Ordinary Foaming Cleanser 50 ml

About 24€, the cleanser is from the discovery set and lash/brow serum from the duo, the rest I gave to my mom. I didn't want to go overboard with Deciem's November sale because I have so many things to finish already, but still wanted to test the new cleanser and I am curious if lash serums actually work.

Current Favorites

I choose my favorites whenever and however I like, repeating products as much as I like as well! 

Cerave Blemish Control Cleanser

Very nice basic cleanser! Removes basic makeup, sunscreen pretty well but anything waterproof needs another cleanser. Doesn't smell of anything, easy to wash off, slightly foamy, doesn't make my skin dry or squeaky but also doesn't leave any kind of film.

Dior Lip Maximizer in 020 Mahogany

So glad I purchased this one! Shimmer Macadamia is a perfect nude but Mahogany is such a nice sheer unique shade. Looks scary but on lips it's not as dark or weird at all. Of course if you layer it the result is more opaque but it's not too dark from the get-go. No shimmer, lasts pretty well.

Maybelline Sky High Mascara Waterproof

Waterproof indeed! Been wearing this several times while it's been raining and no smudging whatsoever! I absolutely trust this mascara to last all day. Easy to apply as well. Then, the negative side: it's super hard to remove. Almost nothing seems to work! Banila Co's Clean It Zero Cleansing Balm seems to be my best option so far from the removers I currently have.

Dior Miss Dior Blooming Bouquet EdT

Dior J'adore EdT

Both of these fragrances really grew on me. Both are subtle, not very long lasting, very safe options. 

Makethemake Tripeptide-1 Lash Lift Mascara 10 ml Review

 Ingredients:

aqua (water), tribehenin, copernicia cerifera cera [(carnauba) wax], glycerin, acacia senegal gum, butylene glycol, palmitic acid, stearic acid, oryza sativa cera [oryza sativa (rice)bran wax], dimer dilinoleyl dimer dilinoleate, panthenol, aloe barbadensis leaf juice, sodium stearoyl glutamate, biotinoyl tripeptide-1, sodium hyaluronate, sodium hyaluronate crosspolymer, hyaluronic acid, hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid, hydrolyzed glycosaminoglycans, avena sativa (oat) bran extract, pisum sativum (pea) sprout extract, camellia sinensis leaf water, tocopheryl acetate, tocopherol, betasitosterol, squalene, xanthan gum, sodium hydroxide, propanediol, ethylhexylglycerin, sodium phytate, sodium benzoate, phenoxyethanol, may contain +/- ci 77891 (titanium dioxide), ci 77491 (iron oxides), ci 77492 (iron oxides), ci 77499 (iron oxides), ci 77742 (manganese violet), ci 77007 (ultramarines), ci 77510 (ferric ammonium ferrocyanide), ci 42090 (blue 1 lake), ci 19140 (yellow 5 lake), ci 16035 (red 40 lake) .

I try to mark the sunscreen ingredients in red and other possible irritants in lilac. Ingredients thought to be good and useful for skin I mark green.  Learning as I go, google is my friend etc...

Thoughts:

- Has a bit of fall out, or smudging, but this was more fall out than just getting messy.  On a scale from 1(none-very little) to 5(panda eyes) the smudging is maybe about 2, so manageable but annoying.

- Layering a lot doesn't seem to make the mascara more effective

- The results are quite modest considering the name "lash lift" - still, nice natural lash look

- I'm surprised how quickly the mascara dried to be unusable, right at 6 month mark, when some mascara formulas stay good for a year or more

- Didn't notice any difference in my lashes condition despite the peptides. But I do not have problems with my lashes, usually. 

- Not waterproof, didn't really test the mascara in rain though so no comment



+ The smudging lessened when the mascara dried a little, it was the worst right after opening it

+ Easy to wash off and didn't seem to damage my lashes

+ Didn't make lashes look crunchy

+ Didn't weight down lashes (didn't keep them curled up either)

+ Easy to layer, doesn't dry too fast

+ I liked the plastic brush! Precise to use.

 

* Makethemake Tripeptide-1 Lash Lift Mascara has a weird name, because I definitely wouldn't consider it belonging into any great lash lift category!

* Got this from Skincity Advent Calendar. Makethemake is apparently their own brand?

* Btw, Skincity just released the advent calendar for this year. I might not go for it this time. It looked alright though, but I think Bangerhead's calendar is more versatile so I will consider that. All other calendars have looked quite bleh.

Price: 

23 € / 10ml

Bought from: 

Got from Skincity Advent Calendar

Buy again? 

No.

Worth the money? 

No, not to me. But Makethemake Tripeptide-1 Lash Lift Mascara is an ok mascara however, for a cheaper price I could repurchase it, maybe around 8-12 €! For someone who doesn't have skin prone to oiliness and likes natural lashes this could be a great choice.