Shopping Before a New No-Buy

I had already ordered/bought these things before my decision of a new replace-only-buy (with small exceptions). It's just that shipping is slow during December/New Year! All this is great stuff, but let's hope it will take a while for me to make any new shopping posts (I make these to keep track of my spending and when I got products and why). All of these cost approximately 170 € including shipping. Everything except Differin was also on a sale, the sales ranged from 10 to 70 %.

My Garnier Micellar Gel face wash also has about 1/3 left so I am trying to decide if I should buy it again (a bit under 5 €) or should I try the new Aco Sensitive Balance Micellar Gel that costs 15 € but its ingredients look so good! I would also like to test some new powerful antiperspirant, like Ducray Hidrosis Antiperspirant, or some of the Triple Drys again (that stopped working for me a long time ago but some people said they tend to do that and after a break work again), for the next summer. I'm a bit worried about sweating because even though Lidl's Cien Men is good and dirt cheap, my messed up hormones have been causing me to sweat more and be more smelly during last year! (+ My new habit of waxing my arm pits. That reminds me, I'm also out of wax strips.) I am better now but I have this maybe irrational fear still.

Anyway... enough of rambling. I'll add photos when I get to home and I have time.

Nivea Q10 PlusC Anti Wrinkle + Energy Eye Cream

Kilig Double Effect Moisturizing Eye Cream

I bought these two while I was in Vilnius recently. Both were on a good sale and I don't have an eye cream staple yet. Actually I just learned to use eye creams last year. I was so excited about the Kilig one (Lithuanian brand) but after 3 days my eyes felt all the time a bit irritated and I also cracked open the Nivea. After I switched, I've had zero irritation. I almost feel like my under eyes look less dark now after 3 weeks of use as well (but I've also been using Bio Effect Serum and I tend to pat my fingers around my eyes after applying it to my face). I will test Kilig once again and if the irritation comes back, it'll have to go to someone else...

Luxie Mini Detail Brush Set

Luxie Eye Essential Brush Set

Inspired by the Lookfantastic Advent Calendar that had two Luxie mini brushes, I went googling and found out that Luxie had very good sales at the moment! I couldn't resist. Their USA based site ships internationally as well! I think a bit under 10 USD is a reasonable price for the shipping. But if it had been more I wouldn't have bothered. Unfortunately I didn't make a note when I got the package, but I believe it took about 20 days total to receive my order. They came in boxes with paper stuffing, didn't photo them either, because I was too busy admiring my new brushes and playing with them...

Canmake Lasting Multi Eye Base WP

I had been looking at this one before. I wanted to choose a Japanese eye primer to test this time. I read that it has worked for people when nothing else has (including all the famous primers) but I will see what my oily eyelids think.

Differin Adapalene Gel 0.1 %

I gave my backup away as a gift. So a repurchase to replace that.

Illamasqua Colour Veil Blusher Enamour

Illamasqua Loaded Lip Polish Melba

wet n wild Color Icon Blush Apri-Cot in the Middle

wet n wild Color Icon Blush Rosé Champagne

My first order with Beautybay. Beautybay's website feels like a candy shop; it is easy to browse and they have very good photos of most of the products. Their photos seem to be more true to color than many other websites and I love it. So, I ordered a bunch of blushes in almost the same shade and even a lip gloss that actually feels like a gloss/lipstick hybrid! And actually, all the blushes are very different shades and finishes once on my face. So far my favorite is the W&W Apri-Cot. Enamour is very natural and cute when super lightly applied, but when I try to layer it, it ends up all wrong - I'll have to experiment.

I chose the free shipping without tracking. I'll have to check how long it took to receive it. Everything was well packaged and the box was cute and colorful!

SVR SUN SECURE SPF50+ Blur Anti-Shine Sunscreen for Face

SVR TOPIALYSE Palpébral CC in Light

Caudalie Vinosource Hydration Minis Cracker

Laura Mercier Artist Eyelash Curler

+ Samples: Guerlain Mon Guerlain Bloom Of Rose Eau de Toilette, DKNY Stories Eau de Parfum, Feelunique Lucky Dip Free Mystery Gift Xen-Tan Fresh Prep Scrub

It's been a while since I've ordered anything from Feelunique. This time they happened to have all of these things on sale, and they all are something I've wanted (notice, wanted, not needed). This SVR Blur Sunscreen sounds like it would be a great sunscreen and a primer together for combination skin, but if it doesn't work for my skin, I might just go back to mineral/physical only sunscreens even though I hate the white cast. I've wasted enough money on chemical sunscreens and it seems they all end up irritating my eyes etc. Some of them are wearable during winter though when I don't generally sweat or need much protection (=I use less product than advised, UV-index is here north 0-1 during winter and if snow+light, maaaybe 2-3). SVR Blur's filters are Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate,  Ethylhexyl Triazone and Bis-ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine. SVR Topialyse Palpebral CC is an eye CC cream, SPF 20, mineral only. I thought it could possibly be a solution to conceal and protect my sensitive eyes! Caudalie Cracker is my solution to get my hands on the Vinosource Moisturizing Sorbet again (only mini size though but currently it's wiser than full size). And finally, I don't have an eyelash curler and I've never used one, so of course I decided to go for Laura Mercier one instead of random 5 € curler... Well, it was the prettiest! So might as well!

It took 8 working days (10 days total) to receive my package. I actually think my tracking number didn't work? I just suddenly received my package and was surprised it came so quickly. Everything was well packaged, the box is sturdy.

I am more excited than I should be because they offer fragrance samples! I remember I used to make my Feelunique orders in the past so that I kept checking their free sample options and would only order when there were fragrance choices (consumer behavior is not always predictable or rational). The free mystery gift was a shower peel to be used before tanning lotion.

Catrice Dewy-ful Lips Lip Butter in 040 Dew You Care?

Was on sale (clearance?) for about 2 €. I like it! Easy to apply, my lips but better lip gloss. Doesn't really last long though, 1-2 hrs. I am trying to keep in mind that nowadays you can get so good products for cheap, that I should always test new things (yes, haven't used lip glosses since I was a teenager!) with Catrice/Essence/? to avoid wasting money. Catrice's Brow Colorist Mascara in Soft Brunette has been my go-to since I bought it too and I use Catrice's Kaviar Gauche Collection Blotting Powder for setting my eye base (no scent, very fine, colorless).

Thoughts, Empties and Inventory of 2019

Thoughts of 2019 and 2020

* I have learned, that I use products slowly. I have learned, that I am not committed to anything unless I can truly see and/or feel the results. Anything that takes too much time or energy to use, I'll drop and forget. I want to try many things though and I will try to stick to samples to satisfy my curiosity in the future.

* One thing I've thought about a lot is the constant reformulating, repackaging, and discontinuing skincare lines. Ok, I might use products slowly, but it still pisses me off that I have found something nice and when the bottle ends, let's say, in a year and I go get another one - no can do! Doesn't exist anymore! Or I've used something nice for 3 years and gone through several bottles and suddenly it's not available. Especially Asian brands do this, so my advice is, don't get too attached to anything and always look for a back up in western brands as they are not that quick to move forward. Pharmacy products are good, they rarely if ever get discontinued or reformulated, if they are classics that work at least.

* Also another thing I've been thinking about is the quality of tools. Makeup brushes for example. I've bought cheap 1-2 € brushes off ebay for years and when they start looking, err, not so good, I've thrown them away. Now I have finally caved in and bought some (le gasp) 10 € brushes and they are so much easier to use. My makeup looks better. Just like that. What have I been thinking all these years!!! 

* My skin has been up and down this year due to being sick. My hormones have been all over the place. I've had more scalp problems than ever before in my life. Probably constant problems with fungal acne too. So frustrating, but life goes on. Frustrating especially because 2018 was such a good year for my skin! 

* My very important skin saving staples this year have definitely been Skinoren, Differin, Squalane, Nizoral and Head&Shoulders.

* I have also started to obsess over my lips and their dry, chapped condition that is usually only better during the summer. In winter, nothing works. I have tried to not care, but my new interest in lipsticks and tints have made this a huge problem. Adding a lip scrub helped a lot though! I absolutely understand now people's obsession with lip products and I am very fast going into trouble with wanting to buy and try many colors and formulas.

* I guess I should next invest in eye creams. As aging shows first near the eyes. Another thing is finding a pleasant enough sunscreen (both for eyes and face). But trying different things cost money so I have put these things off for now.

* This year I did take a new interest in makeup and it's been quite fun! It is not completely new world for me but it's been a while since I've played with different looks (in my late teenage years/early 20s).

* Just the other day I looked at my stash and thought: "Wow, I have so many pretty things. I am so grateful and lucky." This is the feeling I want to cherish.

* On average, I spent maybe about 320 € on everything I used this year (I just roughly calculate the values). Including all the products I gave away (didn't work for me), I spent around 360 €. Of course, again, this is based on only what I used/gave away, not all the things I bought or still have lying around. Last year, 2018, the amount was about the same.

*  I have been making notes of my shopping since April this year I think too? Since April 2019, I spent around 500-600 €, roughly calculated! I am actually shocked! All that in 8-9 months? And mostly make up, brushes, eye shadows, too. And of course Skinoren, Differin. It really piles up, 20 € here and there. But considering I didn't really have much make up things beforehand, in the name of mental health and exploration, I gave myself permission for that. I want to find the things I look good in, colourwise and formula wise, and things that I have the energy to actually put on.

* I am going to keep tracking my purchases and empties here on my blog, it really gives me some perspective where the money actually goes. But for the year 2020, I am going to try a replace-only-buy with small exceptions, e.g. if my eye primers really make my shadows melt every day, I am going to try primers until I find a suitable one, and if there's a super sale of something I really want, I can get it. I think I will allow myself to get something for my birthday and christmas as well, also some other celebrations, if there is any (just don't make everything into celebration!). Also I can get several backups of my staples, e.g. Garnier Micellar Gel Wash and The Ordinary Squalane. I have already proved they will get used in time (I went through 4 of both this year).

* I guess here is a good time to admit I am still waiting to receive a couple of my recent purchases! But they are all amazing so it's ok! :)

Some of my favorites - although I still don't know how to feel about the Pycnogenol!

Thoughts about my blog

My comparison/roundup/swatch posts:

Lip Products Comparisons - Lip Balms, Lipsticks, Lip Tints

BB / CC / Foundation Cream Comparisons / Swatches

Sunscreen Texture Comparisons / Swatches

Konjac Sponges Review / Comparisons

I can't believe I snagged these for 5€ per piece! They became my favorites from the very first moment I used them. Very natural, versatile shades.

Products that I've finished in 2019

About how many products I used to the end (so not counting mostly the ones that didn't work for me and I had to give away or samples):

Skincare 

Cleansing Oils 1

* Tosowoong Apricot Seed Cleansing Oil 1

Cleansers 4

* Garnier SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Gel Wash 4

Creams/Lotions/Emulsions 5

* Caudalie Moisturizing Sorbet Sample/Mini 1

* The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA 1

* Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisturiser 1

* Laneige Water Sleeping Mask Sample 1
* Etude House Soon Jung Trial Kit Samples 1

Sleeping Masks 0

Oils 6

* The Ordinary 100% Plant-Derived Squalane 4
*  The Ordinary Rose Hip Seed Oil 2

Eye creams 0

Toners 3

* Neutrogena Visibly Clear Blackhead Eliminating Toner 1
* Neutrogena Visibly Clear Spot Proofing Purifying Toner 1
* Skin Watchers Pore Control Toner 1

Essences 0

Serums 3

* The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% 2

Sunscreens 3

* Pirkka Sun Cream Aurinkovoide Sensitive SPF 20 1
* Innisfree Rebalancing Watery Sun Cream SPF37 PA+++ 1
* Bioderma Cicabio SPF 50+ 1

Antioxidants / Vitamin C 1

* The Ordinary Ascorbyl Glucoside Solution 12% 1

Exfoliants 3

* The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 1
* Skinoren Cream 20% 1
* Differin Adapalene Gel 0,1% 1

Masks 1

* Elizavecca Milky Piggy Carbonated Bubble Clay Mask 1

Treatments (sheetmasks etc) 

* Innisfree My Real Squeeze Sheet Masks

Lips 0

Mists 0

Others 0

Samples

* Peeling Pads

* Korean Skincare Sample Reviews Part 4 Feat Innisfree, Dr. Belmeur

Body Wash 4

* Molton Brown Gingerlily Body Wash Mini 1
* Iisi Orange & Almond Shower Soap 1
* Skinfood Mint Sparkling Foot Scrub 1
* Ceralan Pesuöljy Cleansing Oil Wash (my partner used most) 1

Body / Hand creams 3

* The Body Shop Shea Hand Cream 1

* Kicks Beauty Skin Treat Virgin Olive Oil Foot Treatment 1
* The Body Shop Frosted Berries Body Lotion 1

Makeup

Primer 0

Foundation 0

Powder 0

Eyeshadow 0

Mascara 0

Eyeliner 0

Lipstick/lipgloss 0

Highlighter 0

Brows 0

Hair

Shampoos 8

* The Body Shop Ginger Anti-Dandruff Shampoo 1

* L'oreal Elvital Anti-Breakage Repairing Shampoo 1

* Head&Shoulders Anti-Dandruff Shampoo Classic Clean 3
* L'Oreal Elvital Extraordinary Clay Shampoo 1
* Head&Shoulders Classic Clean 2 in 1 Anti-Dandruff Shampoo 1
* Numis Med Urea Shampoo (my partner used most) 1

Conditioners 0

Others 1

* Grow Gorgeous Scalp Detox Sample 1

Other

* Maybelline Gentle Remover Acetone Free Nail Polish Remover 1
* Cien Men Aqua 48 h Anti-Perspirant 5
* Veet In Shower Hair Removal Cream 1

Gave away

* SCINIC First Treatment Essence

* The Ordinary Serum Foundation

* The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%

* COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid

* Rosette Ceramide Gel

This was my 6 months' worth of empties this year!

Inventory

Making this list felt like a huge task, honestly (still not finished!). I seem to have a lot of things, even though it doesn't look like that, when part of them is stashed in drawers. Many of them I've had for a long time, 1-2 years. Why haven't I used them yet? Why have I bought them or were they gifts/free? How many years does it take to finish them all? Are they still suitable for my skin type anyway? Are they expired or soon to be expired? How much money have I wasted? Ah, the questions. :)

Opened:

Skinoren Cream Azelaic Acid 20 %   

Differin Adapalene Gel 0,1 % 

The Ordinary Vitamin C Suspension 23 % + HA Spheres 2 %  

The Ordinary Buffet + Copper Peptides 1 %

The Ordinary Granatctive Retinoid 5 % in Squalane

The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2 % + HA

The Ordinary Niacinamide 10 % + Zinc 1 % 

The Ordinary Alpha Lipoic Acid 5 %

The Chemistry Brand Retin-Oil

The Ordinary 100 % Organic Cold-Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil

Missha Time Revolution Blanc Tone Up Sun Protector SPF50 PA+++ 

Oskia Renaissaince Mask 

Omorovicza Queen of Hungary Mist 

The Ordinary Advanced Retinoid 2 %

Lumene Micellar Water

Lumene Nordic Hydra Aerating Gel Mask

Dermosil Kaura Oat Hand Cream

Natura Siberica Alladale Wild Thistle Hand Cream

Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask

Essence Honey Care Cuticle Mask

The Body Shop Frosted Cranberry Shimmer Lotion

Unopened:

FairCosmEthics Body Lotion with Brazil Nut Oil

FairCosmEthics Body Cleanser with Cane Sugar

Barwa Siarkowa Krem Siarkowy

The Ordinary Niacinamide 10 % + Zinc 1 % x2

The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7 % Toning Solution

Dermofuture Normalizing Moisturizing Elixir

Mizon Skin Recovery Night Repair Seruming Ampoule

Bandi Anti Rouge Peeling 10 % Gluconolactone

The Chemistry Brand Hand Chemisty Pro-Repair Skincare For Hands

Skinoren Cream Azelaic Acid 20 % x2 

Differin Adapalene Gel 0,1 % 

Balance Me Flash Cleanse Micellar Water

This Works In Transit Camera Close-Up

 Laneige Cica Sleeping Mask Sample

Laneige Water Sleeping Mask Sample  

James Read Gradual Tan H2O Illuminating Tan Mist Body  

Missha Time Revolution Blanc Tone Up Sun Protector SPF50 PA+++ 

The Ordinary EUK 134 0,1 %

Ziaja Manuka Tree Deeply Cleansing Peeling Paste

Skinfood Aqua Grape Bounce Mist Toner Sample x3

The Ordinary Niacinamide 10 % + Zinc 1 % x2

Skin Watchers Pore Control Serum

Dr. Botanicals Moroccan Rose Superfood Facial Oil

Garnier Micellar Water

The Ordinary Retinol 1 % in Squalane

Dermalogica Clearing Skin Wash Mini

Dermalogica Redness Relief Essence Mini

+ Everything in Lookfantastic 2019 Calendar

Missha Perfect Cover BB Cream SPF 42 PA+++ No. 21 Light Beige and 23 Natural Beige 20 ml and 50 ml Review

Ingredients:

I found actually two/three different ingredient lists online.

Water (Aqua), Cyclomethicone, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Zinc Oxide, Propylene Glycol, Titanium Dioxide, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, PEG-10 Dimethicone, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Arbutin, Mineral Oil, Glycerin, Polyethylene, Talc, Phenyl Trimethicone, Beeswax (Cera Alba), Iron Oxides (CI 77492), Sodium Chloride, Iron Oxides (CI 77491 ), Iron Oxides (CI 77499), Methylparaben, Dimethicone, Propylparaben, Rosa Canina Fruit Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Squalane, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil, Disodium EDTA, Adenosine, Caviar Extract, Algae Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Fagus Sylvatica Bud Extract, Ceramide 3, Fragrance (Parfum), Hydroxyisohexyl 3-Cyclohexene Carboxaldehyde, Butylphenyl Methylpropional, Benzyl Salicylate, Hydroxycitronellal, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Hexyl Cinnamal, Linalool, Citronellol.

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:

- Clogs my skin, more when I wasn't using Skinoren/Differin. No big cystic breakouts or inflamed things but always small bumps after using the bb cream. I almost wrote off this product completely. But now when my skin gets enough exfoliation and care, the clogging is minimal. Still not ideal for everyday use.

- Limited shade range.

- The neutral gray undertone of the bb cream is great, but it also does make face look a bit colorless/lifeless compared to foundations with more color to them. So even though it blends in very well despite looking scary at first, it is not going to be "glowy healthy" look.



+ Wears very well throughout the day. Very natural, no clumps or streaks even if I sweat somewhat (haven't tried in super sweaty conditions though) and doesn't break down much anywhere too noticeably (sides of nose, between eyebrows, chin a bit after a long wear) or escape from my oily nose.

+ For these lighter shades the gray undertone works very well, I love how it will not lean to orange, yellow or pink on my skin! Such a safe choice.

+ Natural skin texture, not matte or glowy.

+ Sun protection.

+ So far has seemed to work both with mattifying and glowy primers/sunscreens.

+ Moisturizing enough on its own, I can skip moisturizer for the day usually. I can use this to conceal my under eyes, too (usually they dry from concealers/mineral sunscreens moderately/badly). Just notice this one will not cover or stay put like a true concealer, if you put too much bb cream it will crease.

+ When my skin is "ok" (well, quite a broad term) I can get quite a flawless, almost poreless end result with super minimal effort (just apply and blend with fingers the cream wherever I see fit).

+ The pump works very well in the 50 ml tube.

+  There is some fragrance as well but it is something I barely notice and it doesn't linger. Actually I can't remember what this BB Cream smells like right now! I must go and actually smell it at some point!

* The consistency seems to be a bit different between 21 and 23, 21 feels runnier. It is the one I have as a 20 ml tube. It is also the one I bought first and I've had it for a while, so maybe it has started to go bad. 23 is in a pump bottle and is thicker cream.

* I can get away with wearing 21, but that requires some work because of the white cast. It needs to be blended well to neck, not too thick, and I need to bring in some color from other products. 23 looks quite scary dark at first, but blends in very well. I think my shade is more 23 overall in Korean products. (Could also be 22 if it sometimes exists and is warm/neutral.) I am glad I haven't bought more Korean foundations in the meantime, I would have gotten all in 21 because according to swatches, it always looks like it is my shade!

* I wasn't a super big fan of this bb cream at first when I tried the 21 back then. I couldn't understand the grayness/paleness, the skin clogging, also it is heavier than what I thought a bb cream should be (I though it should be more like a tinted moisturizer). When I later tried it again, it was a surprise I actually liked it enough to buy the shade 23 that looks more brownish. This just really highlights how our skin and preferences change! I think, it was the longevity that this bb cream stayed on my oily T-zone that won me over. I do always set my makeup with powder btw. It is a must.

Price: 

7.16 USD incl. shipping on ebay / 20 ml

4.67 USD + shipping on beautynetkorea / 50 ml

Bought from: 

Beautynetkorea

Ebay seller roseroseshop

Buy again? 

Yes, very likely, the shade 23 if it still exists when I've finished the tube and I haven't found anything similar but better before that.

Worth the money? 

Yes, no wonder Perfect Cover BB Cream is such a popular product. It is cheap for what it is! 50 ml full size tube is a generous size and I reckon it lasts me a long while, a year, or two? Shade range is a bit weird though, despite the lighter shades being gray so that they suit several undertones, shades are still very limited. If you can find close enough shade for you I recommend trying this BB cream. I find it very good for oily skin, but the downside is, that it is pore clogging and might feel heavy if used liberally.

Empties Since November 2019

Two months' worth of empties. Decided to get rid of trash before the new year! Clean slate!

Face

Garnier SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Gel Wash x 2

A staple. So gentle yet so effective (just stings eyes so I'm careful when washing eye makeup). Affordable too. Always a repurchase. Forgot to include the other finished bottle in last empties post because we have re-purposed them for our hand soap. The bottles are so sturdy and their pumps are very good, they can be re-used several times!


Skinoren Cream 20%

A new product in my routine that I would like to keep a staple for a while! Effective, calming. I would say an overall game changer. Already opened another tube and repurchased two more. Forgot to include in the last empties post.


Differin Adapalene Gel 0,1%

Another new product in my routine and a game changer in a way. Smooths my skin so well. Already repurchased two back ups. Forgot to include in the last empties post.


The Ordinary 100% Plant-Derived Squalane

I just love squalane. It is so versatile and such a safe product for me. So affordable, as well. Repurchased two bottles already.


Sheetmasks + Samples

I used some samples during a trip so obviously I didn't carry the trash back to home. Didn't particularly like any of them: Purito's All in One Snail BB Cleanser, The Face Shop Rice Cleansing Foam, and It's Skin Mango White Cleansing Foam (the best out of the bunch). This Innisfree My Real Squeeze Ginger sheet mask was so bland I barely remember using it.

Body

Skinfood Mint Sparkling Foot Scrub

Smells nice, this scrub is more for the relaxation and spa feeling, it doesn't actually do very much. Probably discontinued. Wouldn't have repurchased anyway.


Cien Men Antiperspirant x 2

Oh, what a surprise (not)! Basics gonna basic. Nice enough and cheap.

Hair

Numis Med Urea Shampoo

Well, truth to be told, my partner finished this one. He didn't complain. In fact, he never said a word about the shampoo, he just quietly started to use it after I complained to him about it. It made my hair feel stringy and didn't clean my scalp.

Lookfantastic Advent Calendar 2019 Review

Handy information cards about the products! Well, not really needed as I can google but nice to have now that the items are already scattered around the house. 

Overall, I am pleased with the Lookfantastic Advent Calendar 2019! Earlier I said it may be better than the 2017 one. But in the end, I think they are pretty similar. I have discovered new things in both of them, some really good ones that I wouldn't have bought myself, and of course also things I consider unwanted. These calendars are a great value, especially if you are new to makeup and skincare. But also, I really didn't need any of this, so if you already have a lot, this all may be a bit extra... Also because I am a slow person, I have just recently only tested some of the 2017 calendar products! And some things I felt iffy about when opening the boxes, like Dr. Lipp, I have learned to love later. I still use the 2017 calendar box for storing my makeup, too! It's been very good and sturdy for that. This new calendar, I don't know, while it's bigger the boxes are individual so it is not that ideal for storage.

This Calendar was a christmas gift for me. Would I purchase, or ask for the calendar again for 2020? Maybe it would be time to try another advent calendar, like Glossybox or Feelunique, to avoid getting the same products all over again. Or skip a year like I skipped 2018 (I feel like it was the right decision, no remorse). I just like how Lookfantastic calendar can't go badly wrong and they don't immediately reveal what is in the boxes so it is possible to be surprised every day! But that only works if the calendar has a good reputation already.

The advent calendar cost 89,00 €. Lookfantastic claims the full value is 455 €.

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

Most exciting things 

Morphe Always Golden 9A Eyeshadow Palette

What a way to start the calendar! I have heard a lot of Morphe before and not always good things. But I love this palette! The shades are perfect for me and they look a lot better in person compared to photos. Also I didn't have any nude palettes so definitely an all around win. The palette also feels quite luxurious despite it being "an average price" (14 €). I actually almost purchased another bigger palette from Morphe, but decided it didn't have enough interesting boring nude shades after all. But if they release something like that, I'll be there!

Luxie Brushes 121 Mini Tapered and 141 Mini Round

Just. Pure. Love. Soft for sensitive eyes. Made me search for more Luxie brushes and actually purchase two more sets (Essential and Mini Detail Eye) because there was such a good sale going on.


First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Pads, 28 Pads

I had been looking at these pads earlier! Interesting to see if they are worth their price, seeing that the ingredients seem basic (but nice and safe). The 2017 calendar had Ultra Repair Cream from FAB.


Bioeffect EGF Serum

So exciting! I have heard a lot about Bioeffect before. I would never purchase it myself and I don't think I am their target group (right now at least) but I will use every single drop of this serum and stare at my fine lines everyday to see if anything looks more plump. That counts as a hobby, yes?

Oskia London Renaissance Cleansing Gel

Intriguing! Oskia is a very pretty brand. If I had money, this brand is something I would notice. The 2017 calendar included Oskia's Renaissance Mask mini.


Molton Brown Fiery Pink Pepper Bath&Shower Gel

Yay! I was hoping for Molton Brown again. The 2017 calendar had the Gingerlily one that I ended up loving.


Filorga Meso-Mask

Yay, some Filorga. I have wanted to try something from them for a while. I think it is one of Filorga's bestsellers?


Sleek MakeUP Highlighting Palette Solstice

Very pretty, I must say I was surprised. The finishes of the highlighters are quite glittery (haven't tried the cream one yet though). I rarely touch highlighters however and I wouldn't have chosen these shades necessarily. I would have gone for the more golden/copper shade palettes! But still the only shade I don't like is the pink/lilac one (those shades make me look sick).


Illamasqua Lip Liner in Raw

I don't have many lip liners so this was definitely a great addition. Nice versatile nude shade that disappears into my own lip color. A bit hard though and not as long lasting than my cheapo Essence ones, that was a surprise. Quality and price don't always go together.

Ok+ things

Eyeko Lash Alert Mascara

Mascaras are always useful. I don't really care which mascara I use as long as it doesn't smudge too bad or irritate my eyes. I think Eyeko Mascara is a tubing mascara, so maybe it'll be smudge free.


The Delilah Cosmetics Brow Groom Eyebrow Pencil 

Very stylish pencil. Nice shade. Actually this pencil and the shade feel a lot better than the Model Co Eyebrow pencil from 2017 Calendar (it felt oilier). Now that I have played more with eyebrow products I feel I can rate them better too.



Caudalie Vinopure Clear Skin Purifying Toner

I was excited to see some Caudalie, then I noticed the toner has alcohol and it is probably not suitable for my routine right now. I will try it anyway!


Rituals The Ritual of Ayurveda Natural Dry Oil for Body and Hair Nourishing

Interesting! I don't think I ever would have purchased a dry oil like this, but it feels very nourishing indeed and absorbs nicely. The scent is very sweet, I feel neutral about it.

Neals Yard Wild Rose Hand Cream

I like hand creams even though I have a couple already! They are quite a safe thing to get and use. This one looks very nice too, a lot of oils, including rose hip seed oil.

Emma Hardie Moisture Boost Vit + C Cream

Interesting, a new brand for me. The ingredient list on the tube doesn't match the one I found online! Shea butter is second on the list so I don't know if it's too much for my skin.

Ok- things

Philip Kingsley Elasticizer 

Hair treatment, why not? I will definitely use it. But not exactly something I needed or wanted. I tried it once already, but didn't really notice a huge change in my hair. Maybe my hair was smoother.


Elemis Pro Collagen Marine Cream

A full size jar! Sadly, I got a sample size from 2017 calendar, and I think it's breaking me out. Good value though. This is going to someone else as a gift.


Omorovicza Queen of Hungary Mist Rose Gold Edition

So pretty bottle. I want to save it and use it for something else too. But for the last box, 25, I was expecting something else! Something bigger, fancier, Idk? Also I have one Queen of Hungary Mist from the 2017 Calendar. It is actually even a prettier (pink) bottle! Not fungal acne safe so I have to use it in the moderation.


Avant Moisture Surge Overnight Treatment - Shea Butter, Sweet Almond, Moringa, Rice 50 ml

Sounds very nourishing. Just worried it will trigger something (fungal acne) or clog my skin because of all the oils. It is crazy expensive full size product though.


The Living Proof PHD 5-in-1 Styling Treatment 

Ok product and smells really nice. But I am so lazy, I rarely style my hair! Except for the sea salt spray.

Meh things

Rodial Dragon's Blood Lip Mask

I have never tried a lip mask. So it's interesting. But I also think they are a gimmick and I would never pay 6-8 € for one lip mask!


Mellow Matte Liquid Lip Paint in Tehran

I rather like how this product applies and feels on lips. I just think the shade is off on me and it doesn't wear out evenly. I could consider other shades of this same lip paint (it's comfortable), but none of them appealed to me either.


PRAI AGELESS Travel Throat & Decolletage Crème 15ml

For some reason I find the concept of neck/throat/decolletage etc products hilarious. Especially for these prices. Like, I just use my facial serums and creams... or if I want to save, body creams. I don't think my throat knows or cares which one it is. I might learn to appreciate them more when my neck ages more though! Right now my neck is as oily as my face so it doesn't really enjoy extra stuff too much. (Gets clogged, like my face.)


Lord and Berry Eyeliner in Black

Nice looking product. I just rarely use eye liner, and when I do, it's not black. Black is so harsh on me. I am going to try this one to see how the formula lasts on my oily eye lids though before deciding if I am going to gift it away.


Bubble T Salted Caramel Bath Fizzies

I don't have a bath tub. I can use these for a foot bath of course but still quite a bleh, cheap box.