Shopping from July to August

Ok... so my budget is not holding up at all... What is wrong with me? More stress shopping? Considering, I have been buying all sorts of things, not just beauty related. Most of it is great stuff but not something I was planning to get, at least not right now. E.g. expensive pillow, expensive pillow cases, bed sheets... also christmas gifts for my family when I saw good discounts!

So this is my shopping from July to August so two months and I spent about 429 €. Are you screaming yet? Because I am.

(Will update the rest of the pictures later.)

Clinique Moisture Surge Pop Triple Lip Balm Black Honey

Max Factor Creme Puff Blush – Nude Mauve 

Clinique Take the Day Off Cleansing Oil Mini

Elizabeth Arden Ceramide Replenishing Cleansing Oil 

Wella Professionals Eimi Pearl Styler

Sebastian Professional Texturizer

Order from Cocopanda. About 70 €. Everything started with trying to find a new hair style product for curly hair... and suddenly I had my cart full. I shouldn't be allowed to browse online stores late in the evening. Anyway, everything except the hair stylers are things I have looked at before many times/wishlisted.

This time I felt like my products had just been thrown in the sturdy shipping box between loose paper stuffing and they were moving around but luckily nothing was broken. I didn't get samples like I did last time I ordered from Cocopanda. It took 5 days from ordering to receive my package so it was quick. No customs, EU warehouse.

After I have tried these new cleansing oils, Elizabeth Arden and Clinique, I think I will make a decision if I want to keep trying new cleansing oils too easily. I just get disappointed time after time, when I can't find a "perfect" one. If I do not like these two, I think I'll just repurchase Hylamide's High Efficiency Face Cleaner... But these ones have been on my wish list for a while so I just must try them first. 

Also, I think Clinique's Black Honey Lip Balm and Max Factor's Nude Mauve are going to be good everyday products and I don't think they will go unused.

Nude Mauve is actually peachy-pink on me, I thought it would have been more mauve. I'm a bit disappointed. Still, very pretty though! Some people call it a possible dupe for Mood Exposure from Hourglass. If so, I'm worried that one will be peachy-pink too.
Black Honey Lip Balm is actually clear with some shimmer so I don't think it matters which shade you choose from Clinique's lip balms.

Schwarzkopf Professional BC Bonacure Hyaluronic Moisture Kick

Rexona Maximum Protection Sport Strength Antiperspirant x 2

Sacheu Beauty Gua Sha

Paco Rabanne Olympéa Eau de Parfum Mini

Michael Kors Sparkling Blush Eau de Parfum Mini

Juicy Couture Viva La Juicy Eau de Parfum Sample

Juicy Couture Juicy Couture Eau de Parfum Sample

Beauty Discovery Box Notino Best of Hugo Boss 

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

Clinique Cheek Pop in 17 Black Honey Pop

Ok so, another impulse order. GREAT. (Not.) About 150 €. Notino looks like scam site at a first glance. I remember being confused when I first time was browsing around. It is translated into my own language and my language is too difficult for a machine to understand properly so there are slight (or bigger) errors everywhere. Anyway, it took 5 days from ordering to receive my package, very fast. Everything was packaged very well as usual, in bubblewrap, almost individually. Small items were in additional small plastic bags. Nothing was moving around. The cardboard box itself looked a bit beat up. No customs because they ship from EU warehouse.

It is so nice to try new perfumes! I took a bit random lot of samples and minis. I had more in my cart but was able to delete the rest. To my surprise, I actually really do like Olympea and don't think it is too much - it is warm sweet and vanilla ridden but with a watery undertone, not heavy. I thought Juicy Coutures were all heavily candy sweet (or the ones I have tried in store) but the signature Juicy Couture is just weird scent on me. It starts soapy, then it transforms through different stages, but it still reminds me just of bathroom! Like a fancy room spray. Idk. I do admit I don't have a good sense of smell so I sense fragrancies in a limited way sometimes.

I do not believe that gua shas or facial rollers actually do anything. At least not what they promise, to get rid of wrinkles etc... But the reason I bought Sacheu Beauty gua sha is massaging my face and head when I am getting headache or migraine. It seems like it has a great shape and heaviness for that. And massaging really helps as my migraine starts from forehead, temples and eyes. Even my partner first mocked me for buying such an overpriced piece of stainless steel, but in the end said it is the coolest thing out of my purchases! It is really smooth and well made and just a pleasure to touch.

Clinique's Black Honey Pop Blush gives very natural look for me! It definitely looks better on my face than swatched on arm. Cheek Pops are so easy to blend and layer. Very pretty on eyes too as a super light wash (I usually can't do red near my eyes). Now if only I could find Fig Pop somewhere.

Rexona antiperspirants are my staples currently. Much cheaper to purchase from Notino. Should have bought a couple more since I am on my last bottle from previous lot. But I guess I can always do a new order.

Moisture Kick hair spray is also for my permanented hair to give it some easy moisture daily, on top of the oils and styling products that I have now learned to use. I have read good reviews about this one.

Everyone keeps talking about Estee Lauder's Double Wear so finally I gave in. I bought it in 1W1 Bone, which is described as "light with warm undertones". Originally I was looking at 1N2 Ecru which is described "light with neutral rosy undertones". But I saw some swatches where it looked very dark and reconsidered. Bone looked very light in swatches so I was worried that it would be too light. But actually it is not too light at all so truly fair people beware and maybe buy a lighter one.  And quite saturated in color, also orange leaning, especially when it dries down. But I can fix it with L.A. Girl's blue mixer when it turns more true yellow losing the orange edge. Then it is a very good match! I don't honestly know if I should have gotten another shade or if this is the best Estee Lauder can do for me.

I am not sure how I feel about the foundation otherwise yet! It does feel heavy after the more tint like ones I've been using lately. It also does feel slightly drying in "normal" +15-20 C weather but not badly, I have enough natural oils so that it doesn't look dry or cakey after a while. It also requires more effort to put on, I try to haphazardly blend it with fingers first, then I go in with a damp sponge, but I feel I have to work very quickly. It dries down nicely though... very soon after blending it in if I stroke my cheek nothing comes out and it doesn't feel tacky. I do feel I still have to powder to set it.

Now my probably different first impression opinion from others: no, Double Wear is definitely not as bullet proof as described and how everyone touts it to be. I don't know what I expected as oily people also sing the praises. It does melt down a bit in normal temperature and gets stuck on eyeglasses or anything else touching the face after a few hours. It doesn't stop oiliness (but also doesn't make it worse) and I do feel like I have to powder it down every 3-4 hours if I want to keep it neat all day. Because of its higher coverage, I do not get away with it wearing away/separating like I do with tints when it is not so obvious. I wonder what it would look like after a full day in proper heat and sweat. But! All things considered, it lasts ok and covers redness well and on a normal day doesn't melt off and seems to work well with most of my skincare and other makeup. I haven't tried it with primers or setting sprays yet, so maybe those will help too. Overall, I get quite a satiny finish, even dewy if I don't powder again, but I'll have to check more often e.g. my nose if the foundation has slided off like usual. I will keep experimenting!

Plus: Double Wear doesn't seem to break me out and is very easy to remove with a cleansing oil.

(Did a just write a novel about a foundation? Yes, yes I did...)

All the bottles ended up being pump bottles! 

BBIA Last Blush in 09 Macadamia Blossom

Peripera Ink V-Shading in 3 Hazel Gray

ETUDE HOUSE Soon Jung 10 Free Moist Emulsion

MISSHA M Perfect Cover BB Cream in 21 Light Beige

Innisfree Anti-aging Serum Sunscreen SPF50+ PA++++

It's been a while since I've properly ordered Korean products! Not because I have lost interest in them, but because of availability and shipping issues during the last year and half... But, Jolse had a free shipping campaign (if you order 50 usd or over) so I thought, maybe I should. So my order cost about 54 usd, 48 eur. Plus customs and other handling fees, about 14 eur. I actually would have ordered even more stuff, but I still feel unsure about shipping times and other problems so didn't want to risk a big order.

It took quite a long time for Jolse to ship, 5 days. Package took 5 days to arrive including the weekend. They used express DHL. I got lots of notifications from DHL throughout the process, about the delivery time, destination (home or locker etc) and instructions on customs process that I always do myself as DHL charges about 30 € if they do it for you. I am not a huge fan of DHL but it is fast and secure, I'll give them that.

Everything was well packaged like usually with Jolse. 

Etude House's Soon Jung Emulsion has been on my to-buy list forever after using the sample. So has been a bigger tube of Missha's BB Cream that I use by mixing 21&23 usually.

For new things, Innisfree's new sunscreen looked promising so it was an impulse purchase... I do like trying out new sunscreens as they are never perfect. Macadamia Blossom and Hazel Gray I will try for contouring and bronzing, I think they will not be too orange at least!

Dermatica Prescription Treatment Tretinoin 0.025 % + Niacinamide 4 %

About 27 €, my usual Dermatica subscription, and as usual, it got stuck at customs, et cetera... good formula though so I am just putting up with this inconvenience. Dermatica has some new pre made products, like azelaic acid cream, a cleanser and moisturizer. They are tempting me for sure.

Garnier Ambre Solaire Sensitive Advanced Face UV Face Fluid SPF50+ 

Head & Shoulders Classic Clean Shampoo 1L

NYX Professional Makeup Sweet Cheeks Creamy Powder Blush Glowy in So Taupe

NYX Professional Makeup Sweet Cheeks Creamy Powder Blush Glowy in Fig

Invisibobble SPRUNCHIE SLIM True Golden

Comb

About 35€, I am including the basic hair comb and clip as well... and Invisibobble's sprunchies. What a cute name! I bought them because I got a permanent and for the first time in my life have curly hair and I will try to protect the curls (/damaged hair, the process did make my hair noticeably more dry). I absolutely love them. So much better than my straight natural hair.

I love NYX blushes! Such a great formula, easy to work with, great colors... I wonder why I don't see people mentioning them more often. Maybe because they are not a new release anymore. I wanted Fig and So Taupe in matte originally but glowy versions were on a good sale so I settled for them. Fig is absolutely great and beautiful and unique, while So Taupe is very neutral, somewhere between a contour, bronzer and blush, and also a pretty eyeshadow. It has some very random gold flecks though that I do like on my eyes and gold suits me but still... I think they should be smaller or more refined.

IT Cosmetics Celebrate Your Brush Essentials Set

Anastasia Beverly HillsSAMPLE - Lash Brag Volumizing Mascara

Drunk ElephantSAMPLE - Protini Powerpeptide Resurf Serum

About 65 €, I was drooling after IT Cosmetics brushes for a long time and finally snapped when I saw this set on Cult Beauty. I wouldn't call them affordable or anything close, but the set is at least better value than buying them individually. Also, ordering from Cult Beauty is too easy, no need to handle the customs process in EU and shipping is fast (a week). I do like browsing their website as well, they give lots of information about the products and I don't have to google ingredient lists separately for example. 

As for the brushes, they are soft... softest that I own, I think. The eye brushes certainly feel nice on my eyes. But the face brushes, I actually don't notice much difference when actually used on face. Ha! Only my eyes are sensitive enough to require softest brushes. 

L.A. Girl Pro Color Foundation Mixing Pigment in Blue

Finally bought this pigment many neutral and olive and muted people rave about! And it works. But it is a bit difficult to get the right amount, despite the pump being actually quite good. But when I get it right, the blue absolutely cancels the orange hue/vibrancy and suddenly almost all my foundations just disappear better into my skin without endless blending. And the pigment is only around 10 € for 30 ml!

CCS Foot Deodorant

Impulse purchase because it was so hot and my feet felt disgusting after workdays. I don't know what I expected, but this antiperspirant actually does work and my feet felt at least 50 % better. It doesn't stop sweatiness of course when your feet are in closed tight shoes for 8 hours and the aircon is crappy and you are standing all day - but, it made the situation much better so I started to apply everyday after a shower in the evening and in the morning. So it is worth the 8-10 € I paid.

Current Favorites

Wet'n'Wild Color Icon Blush in Apri-cot in the Middle

I am shopping my stash regularly and picked up this blush again. And afterwards, used it everyday for a month! The formula and shade are both beautiful, don't let the cheap packaging trick you... The shade has been discontinued and I don't think the new Nude Society is the same. I feel tempted to buy Nude Society though, as WnW is affordable. 

Apri-cot in the Middle is a very natural shade, brightens up my face but doesn't stand out too much. It is easy to blend, buildable and very hard to f*ck up. Everytime I use it, I look great, no matter how much I am in a hurry. Usually I layer it 2-4 times, I tend to dip my brush very lightly into the pan. 

I also have Rose Champagne (also discontinued) and as a shade, it's very nice, but Apri-cot in the Middle is just miles better so in comparison Rose Champagne is blah.

I couldn't photo the swatches properly no matter how I tried... they look similar here, yet they are so different on face. Rose Champagne is clearly rosier. It disappear into skin more. I don't get the same brightening effect.

De La Cruz Sulfur Ointment

I don't know what I expected when I purchased the tiny tub of  sulfur ointment. But it actually works! I didn't like it as a wash off mask and it can burn the skin when applied generously. But as a spot treatment for night it makes wonders. I apply it a tiny bit before or after moisturizer depending how I remember and I am able to clear some stubborn weird stuff in a few days, near my hairline and on my nose where eyeglasses touch, also around my mouth where I sometimes get this "acne" that is not really acne because other treatments can make it just worse.

Sulfur smells really bad just in case you didn't know. And it lingers. And lingers. But it is worth it. If I felt headache or possible migraine coming, I would definitely not apply sulfur on my face!

Oskia Renaissaince Cleansing Gel

I am very pleasantly surprised by this cleansing gel. I got the mini from Lookfantastic Advent Calendar and "forgot it" (as usual). But it is a good one! It glides well on skin without tugging, it feels like an interesting mix of gel and oil and rinses off fairly well. Takes off daily light make up really well. Doesn't even irritate my eyes. It does leave residue on skin but I follow up with tiny bit of a regular cleanser (currently again Garnier Micellar Cleansing Gel). Has rose scent as well but I don't find it to be too much - I wonder if it is because my tube is getting old and even fragrance has deteriorated.

The price of Renaissaince Cleansing Gel is steep though. Around 18 € for the mini 35 ml, 40 € for 100 ml and 68 € for 200 ml. However I think the mini will last me around 3 months when used once daily (I think a small blob is enough at a time) so I am not too mad in case I want to repurchase some day.

Bioderma Hydrabio Gel Cream 50 ml Review

 Ingredients:

Aqua/Water/Eau, Glycerin, Isododecane, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dipropylene Glycol, Niacinamide, Squalane, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, C14-22 Alcohols, Hdi/Trimethylol Hexyllactone Crosspolymer, Ammonium Cryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, C30-45 Alkyl Cetearyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Carbomer, Pentylene Glycol, Tocopheryl Acetate, C12-20 Alkyl Glucoside, Steareth-21, Disodium EDTA, Salicylic Acid, Sodium Hydroxide, Mannitol, Xylitol, Hexyldecanol, PEG/PPG-18/18 Dimethicone, Rhamnose, Malachite Extract, Pyrus Malus (Apple) Seed Extract, Brassica Campestris (Rapeseed) Sterols, Tocopherol, Fragrance (Parfum).

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:

- Doesn't seem to work for my skin too well during winter, even if I layer products to bring more moisture, almost seems like makes my skin texture worse or breaks me out. Strictly summer time product for me (or for a hot country trip that is not happening for a while)

- Medium strength fragrance in case you dislike scents

- Price varies a lot and must be ordered online - stressful to acquire



+ Leaves a soft, silicone-y smoothing film on skin, feels very nice if you like that sort of thing!

 
+ Good under makeup, no pilling so far

+ Smells fresh, fragrance strength I would say medium, it doesn't seem to linger on me. I appreciate the scent not being strong floral etc.

 
+ The moisturizer seems to work for my skin well during this unusual hot summer, just enough moisture but not too much that it would get disgusting

 
+ Absorbs immediately, not greasy or shiny

+ Pump bottle works very well

+ Consistency is like a gel, as promised

* I bought Bioderma's Hydrabio Gel Cream because I wanted to try something lighter and something different! Also it was on sale. I kind of hoped it would be instant love or something. I really do like the packaging and the tube, very convenient and informative.

* I don't remember trying any Bioderma products before. But I am open to try more in the future! The availability has gotten better compared to only a year ago.

Price: 

12-25 € / 50 ml, I paid 14 €, look out for sales

Bought from: 

Lookfantastic

Buy again? 

Maybe? For summer?

Worth the money? 

I feel a bit undecided! Bioderma Hydrabio Gel Cream is an ok moisturizer, especially for super hot, sweaty weather. I can see oily skin types liking this one a lot. At least I do when I am oiliest, usually though I am a combination skin and during winter Hydrabio Gel Cream just didn't seem to work me. But I kind of think I could go with a regular Neutrogena Oil Free Moisturiser as well and save money, especially if in a pinch (6,50 € vs 12-25 €). Except that old favorite of mine seems to be discontinued/reformulated - I think Clear & Defend Moisturiser is the new one?

Empties since March 2021

I was on a roll with using and finishing old products so I decided group together a longer timeline of empties rather than the 2 months I use as a baseline for shopping. I think I need to be more mindful with buying new things so I have to check-in more often with that. And when it comes to empties, I get pleasure in seeing how the trash pile accumulates so I didn't want to get rid of them in case I jinxed myself! Superstitious much?

So let me present you 4 months' worth of empties, from March to June.

But before that let's have a quick look of my skincare inventory picture from December -20/January -21, just to remind me that yes, I have a lot of stuff and I should not buy more experiments before most of it is finished (picture doesn't even include everything, e.g. products from shower, the new advent calendar stuff, makeup):

Face 

Dermatica Prescription Treatment Tretinoin 0.025 % + Niacinamide 4 %

I think Dermatica's product itself is very good! Very drying though. And more irritating than Differin. The only problem with their service is shipping as they are located in the UK and I am in the EU. And the short expiration time which forces me to use their product 1-2 months after expiration date. 

Caudalie Vinosource SOS Thirst Quenching Serum

Ok serum, but nothing super moisturizing SOS about it! Basic serum, I feel. Could use more, but also could be without.

Filorga Sleep & Lift Mini

It was ok moisturizer, nothing ground breaking really. Even though it is a cult classic. Felt nice though, like all Filorga products I have tried!

Filorga Lift-Structure Cream Mini

I could say exactly the same about this Filorga moisturizer! They are ok but for the price? I would really have to think about it.

Lumene Kirkas Clarity Radiance Boosting Toner

Wasn't for me... oldie. Bought on sale. I think sales are my Achilles heel! Broke me out and had strong fragrance. I used it to wipe my neck and back, and I thought it even broke me out in those places and left me feeling a bit slimy. 

Tosowoong Apricot Cleansing Oil

I had a good run with this cleansing oil! It has been discontinued and this was my last backup bottle. Great stuff. Will mourn until I find something as nice. It smelt nice, washed off well, removed makeup well, I liked the consistency for massaging face. Good slip, didn't tug, didn't have to use a lot, didn't break me out. 

The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA

I like it! One of my cheap and safe staples. A tube of 100 ml seems to last about 10 to 12 months because I am using other moisturizers as well! I have a backup but can't find it and now I am upset. Even though I have many other moisturizers! I wasn't planning on ordering from Deciem until November again.

Garnier Sensitive Advanced Face UV Fluid SPF 50+

Good sunscreen. Already have another bottle in use (back up). Absorbs well, sometimes "burns" slightly when applied. Doesn't pill at all, zero white cast, not oily but leaves shine. Doesn't seem to break me out and hasn't burned my eyes yet (but I do not apply sunscreen near eyes, sometimes chemical sunscreens burn my eyes badly despite me being careful not to get it near eyes).

Nivea Effective Cleansing Gel

Found this old bottle in my stash! It has been discontinued already. Nivea still has similar cleansing gels but ingredient lists are not the same, maybe the closest is Daily Essentials Purifying Wash Gel (green tube). I used to go through so many of these gels&toners from Nivea! They really did work for my skin. And it still worked for my skin, it takes longer to wash off than Garnier Micellar Gel and it's not as effective for make up removal, but it doesn't sting eyes like Garnier and my skin feels more "purified". I could use Nivea's cleansers again.  This bottle lasted me at least 4-5 months with daily use so it was great value.

Pladerm Dual Sun Cream SPF 48

I'm again surprised how long this tinted moisturizer/BB/sunscreen hybrid has lasted me. I've had it for about 3 years?! I feel I had all sorts of problems with it despite using it at different times with different skin conditions, it was never quite right... but the yellow, sheer shade was a good match for my skin and it didn't break me out. But it always seemed to turn patchy, uneven, and transfer.

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

I just finished one already opened, expired tube of this same stuff in the beginning of the year, and I still had an unopened backup I had bought a long time ago. Well, the backup is expired by now too of course. So this is why going crazy and buying everything and their backups is not smart! This is a good product though and I like the familiar scent! Sometimes I feel it is breaking me out though. I used it as a moisturizer and "indoors sunscreen" (god I hate that term but it suits the use here) meaning that even though it is expired it probably still has like SPF4 left because filters do not just instantly die one day, they deteriorate constantly. And I am fine with being inside and going outside for a little walk with something like SPF4 (blocks 75% of UVB rays). Just not for several hours in middle of the day. I am so done with "sunscreen obsession" and sun avoidance, I just want to live, sunscreen or not. Missha has discontinued this particular line up but I wonder if any of the new sunscreens is similar to Time Revolution White Cure formula.

Skinfood Aqua Grape Mist Toner Sample Bottles x3

Bought these samples a long time ago because I thought Skinfood was such a cute brand and "Aqua Grape" was a cute name! Been saving the samples for travel but it's time to let go of expired stuff. The toner actually feels quite nice! I wouldn't mind using more. It has a sweet scent that I actually like, and it doesn't linger. Feels purifying but gentle. Maybe my skin agrees with sea water and this toner has 40 % of Sea Water and 20 % of Caulerpa Lentillifera (Aqua Grape) Extract.

ModelCo Instant Brows Brow Pencil Light/Medium

Got from Lookfantastic Advent Calendar, again, I think 3 years ago?! Ahaha. This probably tells you enough. It wasn't my favorite and actually it was one of the first eyebrow products I owned so I have just practised with it. I have no idea how other people just fly through eyebrow pencils. But yes, I am learning. I think the formula was quite waxy and it wasn't long lasting. It didn't really stick to skin and  I had to sweat only a tiny bit and it was a mess and transferred to sun glasses etc, generally I looked a bit dirty on my eyebrow area. Maybe I am just too oily. It was too warm as well but I got away with it when applied lightly. I can't believe Lookfantastic used to sell this pencil for almost 16 €! I would never, ever pay so much for this product even though it is ModelCo's bestseller based on what they say on their website.

The Body Shop Tea Tree Skin Mattifying Lotion

Super old tube again, but decided to use the rest. It is exactly as mattifying and drying as I remember. Quite amazing actually. Doesn't break me out! Could consider repurchasing! Strictly only summer time/oil problem product though. Doesn't work with all my foundations/other skincare though... sometimes just starts to pill.

Body

Natura Siberica Alladale Scottish Wild Thistle Nourishing and Repairing Natural Hand Cream

Took over a year to finish. I am clearly lazy. Even with dry hands, I just let them be until they have micro wounds and hurt so badly... Anyway! I liked this hand cream and I could repurchase.

Rexona Maximum Protection Antiperspirant Sport Strength x2

Still my current staple antiperspirant and I have backups. Works well! One tube seems to last about 2-3 months if I am not using other antiperspirants much. I have a few less effective ones I am using up when just laying around at home and also still have some left of super strong, irritating Absolut Torr that I can apply only once a week if I do not want too much armpit itchiness or rawness!!!

Dermosil Hand Cream Kaura/Oat

Got this freebie hand cream from my mom because she couldn't handle the fragrance. Didn't particularly like it either but it was ok. Not very moisturizing or hydrating cream but seemed to dry down quite quickly so used this during the day. Sometimes pilled when applied too much or too often. Not effective for dry hands. Definitely will not purchase. I have another freebie Dermosil hand cream I also got from my mom! Time to crack open Sea Buckthorn Hand Cream.

Yves Rocher Shower Gel Lily of the Valley

Nice shower gel! Bought it last summer. Soft, non offensive soapy lily of the valley scent. Lily of the valley scents are so difficult to replicate, they never feel like the real thing. Anyway, could repurchase at some time. Lily of the valley is my weakness and I use shower products so slowly so I think I can splurge on them too.

Skin Treat Pure Clarity Shower Peeling

Discontinued, I believe. It was ok, I think. Sometimes I thought it smelt bad, sometimes I thought it was ok. Sometimes I felt it was peeling, sometimes I thought it wasn't. Who knows! At least it was a scrub with some crumbs in it so it felt like a scrub. Wouldn't repurchase even if it were still available.

Hair

Head&Shoulders Classic Clean -Shampoo 1 L

Nice, basic shampoo that comes in a big bottle for now. I like having less bottles in the shower and also I need to buy only two bottles a year!

Redken Beach Envy Volume Shampoo

I do usually like Redken's products a lot but I felt that this shampoo caused me lose some hair. Also, it made hair ends dry, but didn't cleanse scalp. Weird thing! My partner used the rest after I was fed up trying to make it work for me. But I do think it did give some volume, for a few hours maybe, lol. Then my scalp just looked greasy again.

Nizoral Ketoconazol 20mg/ml Shampoo

I think I am always going to repurchase Nizoral just in case... nice for flare ups. Because I use it sparingly I can make it last, it is quite pricy compared to how small the bottles are. But it is a treatment shampoo, not an everyday product.

A-Derma Dermalibour Repairing Cream Mini 15 ml Review

 Ingredients:

WATER (AQUA), MINERAL OIL (PARAFFINUM LIQUIDUM), CAPRYLIC/CAPRIC TRIGLYCERIDE, GLYCERIN, HYDROGENATED VEGETABLE OIL, ZINC OXIDE, PEG-30 DIPOLYHYDROXYSTEARATE, PROPYLENE GLYCOL, PEG-22/DODECYL GLYCOL COPOLYMER, AVENA SATIVA (OAT) LEAF/STEM EXTRACT (AVENA SATIVA LEAF/STEM EXTRACT)*, COPPER SULFATE, MAGNESIUM SULFATE ZINC SULFATE.  

*Rhealba(R) Oat from organic acriculture

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:

- Does leave a bit of an white cast

- Leaves a feeling on skin, leaves a film, not good under makeup

- Zinc oxide can clog my skin but it is not too bad with this product, also I don't use it daily, but I believe daily use would be clogging. For some people mineral oil is clogging, but actually I haven't found that to be the case with my skin!



+ Very occlusive, includes mineral oil

+ Calming on red or irritated skin

+ I think for calming and dryness, Dermalibour Repairing Cream is actually better than La Roche Posay Cicaplast, at least for my skin (LRP Cicaplast irritates my eyes too, Dermalibour doesn't)

+ Includes oat, just like other products from A-Derma

+ Quite affordable

+ No scent, no fragrance

+ Even though the cream is thick, and you need enough not to tug your skin while massaging it in, it still feels somewhat soft and even luxurious to me!

* I got A-Derma Dermalibour Repairing Cream for free because I purchased another product from A-Derma. I never would have purchased this cream on my own, but I really ended up liking it!

* I wouldn't say these calming occlusives are must haves, but they are nice to own, just in case I get a flare up.

Price: 

50 ml / about 8-12 €

Bought from: 

I got mini free with purchase, available at pharmacies

Buy again? 

Yes, I think so. EDIT: Have repurchased!

Worth the money? 

Yes. If you need or want a product that is thicker occlusive with oats, zinc oxide and mineral oil.

This is 100 ml tube of La Roche Posay and 50 ml of A-Derma.

A-Derma is yellow-y and La Roche Posay is white.

Similar texture but A-Derma is thicker, more difficult to spread.

Both leave some white cast, depending how much you apply. Not bad, but it is there.