Empties Since May

Empties and some more "spring cleaning"... Yeah, yeah, better clean slowly than not at all. I think it will be easier to see/finish what I can when the trash is out of the way (and in the future not let anything become trash again - I have difficulties letting things go).

Face

Lumene Invisible Illumination Instant Glow Beauty Serum in Universal Light

4 years old, I think? Used maybe 1/4. It doesn't look expired (maybe starting to separate), but I just will not use it anymore. It is sheer, natural, the shade is good, but it just works best on its own for me. Like nothing underneath... but it's a problem, because no sunscreen seems to agree with it and causes pilling! And it is definitely not a date/night time foundation because it is not covering enough (for me). 

Blistex Sensitive Lip Balm

Nice, basic lip balm, no fragrance. Works well, I've repurchased, it's affordable. Actually I used this one as my bedside lip balm and it lasted me over a year so great value for me, I guess!

Catrice Brow Colorist Semi-Permanent Brow Mascara in Dark Brown

Already threw away last time the lighter version of this brow mascara. This darker one has dried as well, so time to go. Good product, even though not very much hold!

The Body Shop Drops of Youth Essence Lotion

Extremely old! I have no idea. Used about 2/3. I actually do like the scent of this. Very slippy essence. Wonder why I never finished it. Tried using it on my legs as well in the end.

Skin1004 Madagascar Centella-Asiatica 100 Ampoule

Another very old thing! Tried to use this on my body too but bleh, it's useless. I felt it did nothing, maybe even made my face look worse. Not soothing or hydrating at all. Why I still have the bottle? Good question. It's half used.

The Ordinary High Adherence Silicone Primer

At least 6 years old and maybe half used! Not a bad primer at all. Clear on skin. A bit stuffy scent. But I don't think this primer made a huge difference to my makeup or skin, since I just stopped using it. If I really want to use it again, I can always buy a new tube...

Niod Sanskrit Saponins

Just never really got into using this. I don't know if I would like the cleanser now if I had a fresh one. This is from 2017! It smells like yeast and the texture is weird. When I tried using it a long time ago, I thought it was kinda ok but then I just stopped using it?

Fingrs Precision Lash Adhesive

Soo old, dried out! But if I remember right, it was an okay lash glue. (Yes, I used to wear lashes a lot back in time. My favorite glue used to be from Eylure, but suddenly it wasn't available anymore and maybe it started to irritate my eyes anyway. After that I just bought whatever.)

AHC Essential Real Eye Cream For Face Mini

From 2021 Lookfantastic Calendar. Very fragranced, light, easily absorbed cream. I did like it and it didn't seem to irritate my eyes. But I don't think it did very much. But I would use again if I got it for free or very cheap.

Paula's Choice Essential Glow Moisturizer SPF30 Sample

This is a tinted moisturizer. I really do like the shade, not orange or dark at all, very muted and not pink. Felt ok, no scent. Finish ok, not super glowy, more satin. But definitely leaves a white cast if layered or applied generously. Probably no white cast for very fair people. I would be intrigued to try a few more samples.

Body

Maria Åkerberg Foaming Wash Gentle

Used first on my face, but felt my skin started to look not so good after a while (2-3 weeks?) so switched to using as a body wash. Very herby smell, nice gentle foam, ok as a body wash. Felt cleansing enough as a face wash as well though and didn't dry skin! But my face improved immediately when I stopped using it!

Xen-Tan Fresh Prep Scrub

Got as a freebie with Feelunique order. Actually a very good gentle scrub. Smells like plastic sugar to me.

Rexona Maximum Protection Antiperspirant Sport Strength x2

My basics!

Bubble T Salted Caramel Bath Fizzies 

I don't have a bath tub, used one fizzie for foot bath and eh, not really a fan... these are very old too so better get rid of them. These came from Lookfantastic Calendar 2019!!

Hair

Head&Shoulders Classic Clean Shampoo

My staple!

Shopping from May to June

My shopping from May to June so two months. Altogether I spent 68 €. Which is not bad at all when you take a look how boring my purchases were!

Head&Shoulders Classic Clean Shampoo 1L

NoFo Shower Gel Exotic Flowers

Got2be 4 brows and edges Brow Gel Mascara

Rexona Maximum Protection Confidence Antiperspirant

Basics! The shower gel was only 0,50€ and I have already used a half! Very watery. Got2be Brow Gel Mascara is great. So much easier and better for brows compared to the Got2be hair gel (which is great as well btw). Rexona's scent in Confidence is really strong, sharp feminine. Not my favorite but the store only had this one, I had forgotten to pack my own antiperspirant to visit home. 25€

Rexona Maximum Protection Sport Strength Antiperspirant x 5

Rexona Maximum Protection Stress Control Antiperspirant

Rexona Maximum Protection Sensitive Dry Antiperspirant

From Notino, they had a free shipping campaign. 43 €. I was already getting worried, running out of antiperspirants! I really do seem to use one tube per month!

What cosmetics I packed for a week in Malaga

Just visited Malaga, Spain and stayed for a week in June. Sadly didn't have time to do cosmetics shopping but it's alright, I find Malaga a place where the main point is to just enjoy your surroundings! I definitely recommend enough time to just hang out on Gibralfaro and buying Bonobus card from a kiosk. It was only around 10€ for 20 trips incl the card itself! I have been trying to practise Spanish with Duolingo for a couple of months but failed to speak more than gracias, hola, yo bebo agua, cafe con leche por favor! Maybe next time? I must search for other material to learn... If I remember right, it took me closer to 6-8 years of studying before I felt confident speaking English! I must not let my fear of failure to stop me from learning Spanish.

Anyway, it was very warm and humid. The temperature was around 25 C, but the humidity and sun makes it feel hotter. For my oily skin, I did not need any moisturizer and no matter how much I powdered my face, the oils/sweat came through within minutes... 

Oh, my eye lashes looked great during my stay! It seemed like the humidity made them look plush and curled??? Also, my Depend Gel IQ Nail Polish stayed looking perfect all week and no nails have chipped/cracked. I also feel I lost less hair during my stay. So my body likes humid air even though it can feel suffocating.

I did not burn at all and did not even tan. So, modern chemical sunscreens are great, even though you would be sweating!

I bought Ifa Unnia Spray Protector Solar Niños Factor 50+ Resistente Agua to be my body sunscreen. It's a spray, and the nozzle got clogged almost immediately and just made a mess everytime I used it afterwards! Otherwise, it's a nice sunscreen. Not much scent. Cost about 4-5 € for 200 ml. Didn't feel disgusting on skin and no white cast. Easy to layer and no pilling.

Wanted to show you the gel polish as well... I have done Depend Gel IQ nails only a couple of times and it looks okay to me, you don't have to be a professional to get a decent long lasting result! Sparkle On Darling is such a delightful sparkly shade and can't wait to use it on top of other more opaque ones! After I started using nail oil (just a cheap one from Essence: The Nail Care Oil) my nails have significantly grown with less breakage as well... Took maybe two months? 

Products I packed (I might want to revisit this list the next time I travel):

Some of the products, not all the little decant bottles though.

Vichy Capital Soleil UV Clear Anti Imperfections Water Fluid SPF50+

Dior Backstage Face&Body Foundation

I am very happy with the combination of these two. They held beautifully together. I was oily and sweaty by the end of the day, but my base wasn't cracked anywhere! I applied first Vichy sunscreen in two layers to get adequate protection, then used a damp sponge to blend Dior foundation in light layers, concentrating on the T-area. I got a light, natural, dewy finish.

Lumene CC Powder

Innisfree Matte Mineral Setting Powder

I like both powders, I applied Lumene quite heavily first and a light dusting of Innisfree afterwards. I also later applied Innisfree again, because it is effective, light and applies nicely on top of sweaty skin. It's white so it will leave a cast if used a heavy hand.

L'Oréal Paris Life’s a Peach Blush Powder

L'Oréal Paris Back to Bronze Bronzing Powder

Good staples for me! Bought both for 5€ each, so not the end of the world if they get shattered during a trip (but they are sturdy so not likely to happen). The shades are great, multipurpose for whole face. 

Makethemake Tripeptide-1 Lash Lift Mascara 

Got2be 4 brows and edges Brow Gel Mascara

Nars Lipstick Rosecliff

I just took any mascara I had opened and works ok. Got2be Brow Gel Mascara is great! The hold is amazing. I just bought it before the trip. I must admit it didn't feel quite as strong in Malaga as it does in Northern Europe, but it did not fail me either. Nars Rosecliff is my perfect nude, also it is a slightly dry formula so it lasts for a bit on lips. It's also a good blush color, but I did not use it as a blush this time.

Garnier Micellar Wash (Decant)

Head&Shoulders Classic Clean Shampoo (Decant)

L'Oreal Beach Spray (Decant)

Banila Co Clean it Zero Cleansing Balm Purifying Mini

Exuviance Triple Microdermabrasion Face Polish Mini

Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream Mini

Rexona Maximum Protection Sport Strength Antiperspirant

Some basics! Can't fit too much in 1L bag. Didn't use much the Kiehl's cream, but took it because it was almost finished mini jar. Used the Exuviance scrub a couple of times, it was also small enough to not take too much space. But still enough to keep my face in check. Banila Co cleansing balm was nice to have for the first cleanse, but I could have done without it as well. Rexona antiperspirant worked for me also in hot Malaga! Granted I didn't actually go hike or anything super hard to test it. I felt I would have liked to have a scalp scrub or something on top of Head&Shoulders Shampoo. L'Oreal Beach Spray did help freshen up my flat hair a little.

Current Favorites

I choose my favorites whenever and however I like! Sometimes they are repurchases, sometimes an one-off mini size.

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

Wow, what a good sunscreen. I just opened&tested it a few weeks ago and haven't wanted to use anything else since... Cica Regen Vegan Sun (what a crazy name) is just like a moisturizer. No white cast, not greasy, only a little shiny, very moisturizing but not suffocating, also feels calming. I really like using this sunscreen when I have used something exfoliating beforehand. The scent is a bit like glue-herbal mix, but I don't find it very noticeable and it fades soon.

Ingredients: Water, Dibutyl adipate, Propanediol, Alcohol denat., Ethylhexyl triazone, Terephthalylidene dicamphor sulfonic acid, Glycerin, Niacinamide, Tromethamine, Polyglyceryl-3 distearate, 1,2-hexanediol, Diethylamino hydroxybenzoyl hexyl benzoate, Cetearyl alcohol, Caprylyl methicone, Pentylene glycol, Polysilicone-15, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Palmitic acid, Stearic acid, Glyceryl stearate, Bis-ethylhexyloxyphenol methoxyphenyl triazine, Potassium cetyl phosphate, Methylpropanediol, Polyether-1, Carbomer, Ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/vp copolymer, Acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer, Glyceryl stearate citrate, Rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary) leaf oil, Polyquaternium-51, Ethylhexylglycerin, Adenosine, Centella asiatica extract, Myristic acid, Butylene glycol, Actinidia arguta fruit extract, Madecassoside, Hibiscus sabdariffa flower extract, Madecassic acid, Asiaticoside, Nelumbium speciosum flower extract, Asiatic acid, Tocopherol.

Exuviance Triple Microdermabrasion Face Polish Mini

One more thing from my old Exuviance mini set! And again, wow, what a great "scrub" (the instructions tell you not to scrub, but gently massage for 30 secs, then leave on for 2 min). Makes me stupid I didn't try it before. So gentle and effective! And fast to use. Even my partner, who never knows/notices/doesn't care what I use, commented how silky soft my face was. Usually my skin doesn't like Glycolic Acid, but it seems a short contact like this is all good. The product has a bit strong fruity scent, not my favorite but not disgusting either.

Ingredients: Aqua/Water/Eau, Glycolic Acid, Alumina, Glycerin, Hydrogenated Polydecene, Isononyl Isononanoate, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Glyceryl Stearate, Ammonium Hydroxide, Arginine, Butylene Glycol, Stearyl Alcohol, Polyacrylate-1 Crosspolymer, PEG-100 Stearate, Lactobionic Acid, Papain, Cetyl Alcohol, Hydroxypropyl Starch Phosphate, PEG-75 Stearate, Dehydroxanthan Gum, Ceteth-20, Steareth-20, Carbomer, Caprylyl Glycol, Algin, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin, Parfum (Fragrance), Yellow 5 (CI 19140), Red 4 (CI 14700).

Paula's Choice Resist Anti-Aging Eye Cream Mini

Buttery eye cream that I actually missed when I misplaced it for a few days! This one immediately melts into skin, doesn't feel heavy at all despite the consistency. Haven't got any irritation or milia. Feels good during winter and summer! Moisturizing and smoothing. No scent.

Empties Since March

My empties from March to February 2023. And some spring cleaning. Not much though because I am a procrastinator and it hurts me to throw away stuff even though I know it's expired and I have barely used it. I should do an inventory again.

Also, it seems to be about 6 years since I created my blog! Never thought I would keep up with it. But, maybe it's because I have no rules for myself! Sometimes I post, sometimes I don't! :)

Face

It's Skin It's Top Professional Waterfull Highlighter Polish 02 Golden Vanilla

I bought this in 2017, back when k-beauty was easier and cheaper to get. I don't think I used it many times, I think it broke me out. I am unsure where I could find the ingredient list, though. Maybe it came in a box and I have a photo of that somewhere? (I try to photo boxes before recycling them.) It's definitely not a subtle highlighter. I find it very sparkly, lots of chunky-ish glitter, shows very well even without sun hitting my skin. I also thought it left kind of layer on skin that showed the tiny imperfections on skin, gathered into fine lines. I swatched it next to Essence The Highlighter Luminous Glow 01 Mesmerizing, which has a more subtle, wet look shimmer without the layer. I realized I really prefer Essence and so why would I hold onto another probably expired highlighter.

Peripera Ink Airy Velvet 05 Elf Light Rose

Bought in 2018! From the get go, I found it looked way too pink on me instead of MLBB that it was marketed as. I blind bought lip products back then because I had no idea what I would like or how they would look like on me. The liquid formula was very exciting. Peripera's Ink Airy Velvets weren't quite as amazing I thought that they would be, they weren't all that long lasting, didn't fade gracefully - they turned into bright pink no matter the shade and were drying. But I liked the two other shades more (Celeb Deep Rose and Glimpse Brick Brown), and I am not ready to throw them out yet! Maybe in couple of months!

Pixi by Petra Set Glossy Lip Plumper

Wasn't a fan of the minty scent and feeling on lips, but I actually liked the look and shimmery lips! I thought I was maybe too old or basic for this sort of gloss, but it actually was flattering. This one came from Lookfantastic Advent Calendar 2017!!! Back then I wrote: "I'm not that much into lip products and this one seems like it can be a catastrophe for someone who doesn't know what they're doing." Safe to say I never would have bought the shimmery gloss myself and now I do want to buy another similar one!

Paula's Choice Azelaic Acid 10% Booster Mini

I think, this helped me with my hormonal chin acne. I found the formula pleasant to use as well.

Shiseido Ultimune Power Infusing Concentrate Mini

I was suspicious when I got the serum from Lookfantastic Advent Calendar, it has a great amount of alcohol and it's very expensive, so how can it possibly be worth it? But actually, it is a very good hydrating and calming serum. It even smells of alcohol when you apply it, but I find it pleasant, it's very similar to a toner I used to use when I was a teenager. I would definitely use more but I am not ready to pay closer to 100€ for full size bottle!

Exuviance Soothing Toning Lotion Mini

Ok toner, but a bit weird, as it wasn't really super hydrating, but wasn't purifying either.

Exuviance Gentle Cleansing Creme Mini

Too gentle and mild for me, doesn't remove makeup and leaves some film on skin, doesn't feel clean at all. But, it seems I am not a fan of creme cleansers anyway.

Exuviance Sheer Refining Fluid SPF35 Mini

Slightly greasy, otherwise quite nice. Didn't break me out! Been discontinued and reformulated as SPF40 I think?

Dermalogica Clearing Skin Wash Mini

Herbal scent, not exactly pleasant but not too strong. Felt very effective and purifying, but not drying. My skin looked good! Been contemplating on repurchasing for weeks but it's not exactly cheap, 35-45 €/250 ml depending on a sale. Would be a great cleanser for summer though...

Caudalie Vinosource Hydra SOS Intense Moisturizing Cream Mini

Nice, soft cream, moisturizing without being greasy. When my skin was very dry, it was ok, but when normal, I thought it was too much and was maybe breaking me out. 

Garnier Ambre Solaire Sensitive Advanded Super UV Fluid SPF50+

Great fluid sunscreen! I think it's been renamed... reformulated... and repackaged into a smaller size! Called serum something. Nevertheless, I am going to pick up the new version at some point. I hear it is less shiny. 

De La Cruz Sulfur Ointment 6g

Sulfur it great. Had this tiny jar since 2020. I used it as leave in treatment during night so I had to apply veryyy little at a time. I have repurchased the jar with 73,7g and I will have to make a note to throw it out after a few years, as the amount would last me almost a life time otherwise... 

Etude House Collagen Sheet Mask

Funny thing, I can't even remember how the mask was. Probably ok then! Old and expired. I am not really into sheet masking these days but sometimes my face gets so painfully dry (hormonal) that the only relief is masking.

Innisfree My Real Squeeze Mask Rice

Very old and expired as well but still calming and moisturizing! I think oatmeal and rice were my favorites from My Real Squeeze Masks.

Catrice Lash Brow Designer Shaping and Conditioning Mascara Gel

Very old, bought in 2019 or so. My first brow gel mascara? No hold whatsoever, but did leave my brows more shiny&conditioned, so it was great for beginner who was lost what to do with brows. Made me less scared of colored brow gels!

Catrice Brow Colorist Semi Permanent Brow Mascara 

I think this one is discontinued, the shade is Soft Brunette. I also bought it in Dark Brown or something similar. I really did like it! Great neutral color and tiny precise brush. It has dried out a long time ago and I am thinking of cleaning and saving the brush. Soft Brunette is definitely closer to my natural coloring, but I dyed my hair dark brown so I was able to give my brows a bit moore oomph as well as a result. I am still dyeing my hair dark brown! It gives some contrast to my face.

Body

Rituals Ritual of Sakura Body Scrub

I used the scrub maybe twice, but disliked it very much, so it's time to throw it away finally. It was oily, not very scrubby, left skin slimy and difficult to get "clean" feeling afterwards, plus the fragrance is insanely strong! My bathroom stank for a while. I can see people with dry skin and strong nose perhaps like it...? But it's a definite no from me. I got the scrub from Lookfantastic Advent Calendar.

Rituals The Ritual of Ayurveda Foaming Shower Gel

Ok, I really do like foaming gels! There's something very pleasing about the soft foam. I think the scent wasn't for me though, so artificial somehow. Weird that I liked Sakura foaming gel scent more, even though the Sakura scrub I hated...

Rexona Maximum Protection Sport Strength Antiperspirant x2

My staple antiperspirant! Have repurchased several bottles. Should buy more. Usually I've gotten these from Notino, but Notino's prices have gone up significantly (now 8,8 €, used to be 4,8 €) so it's probably cheaper to find deals in my country at this point.

Verso Body Peel Mini

I actually really did like this body peel! Was gentle and effective and didn't smell bad. Not ready to pay 60€ for a full size though. 

Espa Positivity Bath&Shower Gel

I felt like I was a cured salmon everytime I used the shower gel. It smelt exactly like dill/herby mix that is used with fish. Could just be that my scent of smell is broken... Or I got a bad batch. The gel is supposed to smell like "Positive Signature Blend using a combination of Jasmine, Gardenia and Rose Geranium for a burst of joy while the confidence and vibrancy of Bergamot and Sweet Orange are a fragrant reminder to focus on the positive".

Hotel Shampoo x2

Found these in my box. Must have taken/my partner took them from hotel so I used them as shower gels because I still haven't bought more shower gels despite running out. They were ok, too runny for my taste.

Fair Cosmethics Body Cleanser (from hotel)

Also a hotel cleanser I reckon? Actually pretty good! I thought it was good cleanser, I felt clean, it also had a nice scent.

Masque Me Up Foot Peeling Mask

Ok mask, and for the price, about 4,5 € I will repurchase. Usually the peeling socks are around 12-15 €. I used the Masque Me Up mask quite soon after another one (2 months in between), so the peeling effect was quite mild. My feet were softer afterwards anyway.

Hair

None!

Shopping from March to April

All my beauty shopping from March to April.

Well, March was an expensive month for me even though I didn't accumulate much new products. I went both to the hair stylist (162 €) and lash/brow lift combo (115 €) appointment. Hair fix was long overdue and we chopped all the leftover permanent bits off and now I have a short, straight dark brown bob and some lighter brown highlights.

Lash/brow lift on the other hand I wanted to try a bit ex tempore. To see if I get an allergic reaction, how the results look on me, and how long they will last.

I believe I had InLei lash/brow lift, because the cosmetologist said it was an Italian brand. When I later took a look at beauty salons around me, most seem to be doing Yumi lashes, which I understand to be French and one of the first lash lift brands. For me it was all the same as I don't have experience to have preference. My cosmetologist was well recommended and had been long in the industry so I chose based on that.

The treatment took 1,5 hours. It didn't hurt or sting at all. It was slightly uncomfortable of course, and at some point I felt a panic rising due to having my eyes basically glued shut. I had to keep repeating to myself  "remember to breathe". But once I got over that, the time went pretty quickly. But I find it's pretty important that the cosmetologist has their own room or otherwise closed space and concentrates on you. It would have been very distracting if they would have answered phone, had another client, had coffee or whatever at the same time.

I must say, it felt weird then someone combs your lashes and she did it several times over and over. I think I have quite dense lashes, so they grow on top of each other. She did say it makes the lash lift last and look better if everyday I comb my lashes as well so they don't clump. My lashes are long-ish, but wouldn't say long.

The permanent solution smells bad but that I knew already. Not bad like making you sick, just generally unpleasant smell. 

After doing the lifts, she dyed my lashes&brows and that makes a huge difference as well. The tips of my lashes are very light.

Because I have oily skin (she could tell immediately) she said the lifts might not last as long, the oiliness helps to grow/shed hair faster. But everything depends on individual. The lifts should last 4-8 weeks.

However, the end results were great! Both lashes&brows. I definitely look like I would have applied mascara and curled my lashes. For me, mascara is the most important make up item after foundation. I look more awake. After that comes brow gel.

Brows look good too, but if I wanted to save, I would skip brows and take only lash lift. I can dye my brows at home and style them pretty well, both shaving and plucking. Of course having brow lift makes them easier to brush/style at home in the morning. I have a good amount of hair so brow lift didn't really make a difference in that sense.

Together the lash&brow lift cost 115 €, separately lashes are 75€ and brows 65 € at that salon. The prices are similar elsewhere as well. I think I'd like to try Yumi lashes too, just to compare. 

Interestingly, she did not recommend any lash/brow serums even though she applied serums and conditioning butters at the end. I might purchase a lash serum at some point anyway, my lashes do have potential to be even greater on their own.

I do not count beauty salons in my yearly cosmetics budget, yet. Because I have never done it in the past either, I rarely go anywhere except hair salon every two years, lol! But I will keep them in my bonus budget and maybe will merge them at some point.

EDIT: More about the lifts after 3-4 weeks! I can see some lashes growing more downturned but I haven't lost all treated lashes yet. However, my left eye with originally more down turned and sparse lashes didn't respond to treatment as well as my right eye so they look a tiny bit mis matched. But the lifts didn't make my lashes/brow hairs any weaker and I didn't lose them faster than usual! My brows were a bit dry for a while though. 

After 5 weeks, I think my brows are completely new hair. Can't comment on lashes, probably almost all new as well. Maybe the fact I can't tell means, that my natural lashes are quite ok as well! What a pleasant discovery.

Anyway, back to the purchases. Quite boring repurchases and basics mostly this time! Altogether 75 €. 

CCS Cracked Heel Repair

Vichy Capital Soleil UV Clear Anti Imperfections Water Fluid SPF50+

From a pharmacy. Been using the foot cream for a month, maybe? I think it does work. It uses a combination of 25% urea and some lactic acid. Something to keep my feet soft between foot peeling socks. 

I actually haven't used the sunscreen yet, but it was just too tempting! Gah, I am not a diligent sunscreen user even though I'd like to be. (I just counted, last year I finished 4 facial sunscreens.)

Blistex Sensitive Lip Balm

Garnier Micellar Gel Wash

Four Reasons Color Mask Toning Treatment Chocolate

Essence The Nail Care Oil

Masque Me Up Foot Peeling Mask 0% Perfume

Altogether about 29 €. I actually did need a new lip balm by my bedside, so I repurchased the same one from Blistex. I actually needed a new face wash, so I repurchased Garnier's Micellar Wash that is my affordable staple product. 

I haven't used nail oils before, so I opted for something cheap to try them out - Essence's cost only 2,5 €. Now I just should get into habit of slathering it on every evening before bed! I've been using it for a few weeks now 1-3 times a day and honestly I am not sure if I see any difference. It is fragranced and the scent lingers for a while. It does absorb quite quickly, 5-10 minutes.

The hair mask I bought from the hairdresser to keep up the color. Haven't actually used it yet at all. Wonder if it was an unnecessary purchase after all. 

But I did use the foot mask already! It was from Normal (a chain store selling a bit of this and that in Scandinavia) and cost only about 4,5 € maybe? It was ok and it took 3-4 days for my feet to peel a little (I kept them on for 40min). But I wasn't expecting anything crazy, since I had just used 2 months ago Dermosil peeling socks and they were very effective! And afterwards I puchased CSS Cracked Heel Repair cream and had been using that. 

 

De La Cruz, Acne Treatment Ointment with 10% Sulfur, Maximum Strength

My skin does love sulfur. It is affordable and attacks both bacterial&fungal acne, but it smells soo bad! Worth a shot if you struggle with weird acne. This is a repurchase. From iherb.

Exuviance Mini Set Review

The Exuviance mini set is a couple of years old, I bought it at the end of 2019. I am procrastinator and just a while ago started to use the products. Nothing seems to be expired however. I still haven't tried everything from the set! I'll add things when I get to it...

Exuviance has already renamed the products and renewed the packaging, but they say the formulas are unchanged. I think they also discontinued some products. 

I have already repurchased Evening Restorative Complex/Overnight Transformation Complex and Vespera Bionic Serum/Radiance Serum. They are really good and my skin loves them!

Exuviance Soothing Toning Lotion

Ingredients: Aqua/Water/Eau, Butylene Glycol, Polysorbate 20, Gluconolactone, Sodium Hyaluronate, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Laminaria Saccharina Extract, Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract, Althaea Officinalis Root Extract, Glycerin, Propylene Glycol, Caprylyl Glycol, Arginine, Sodium Hydroxide, Disodium EDTA, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin, Parfum (Fragrance), Yellow 5 (CI 19140), Red 4 (CI 14700).

Description: This gentle alcohol-free toner contains a PHA/botanical blend to tone, moisturize and soothe.

* Yellow liquid

* Light scent, not sweet or pungent, pleasant enough so that I barely notice it

* At the same time a bit hydrating and a bit purifying, but also not very much hydrating or very purifying - I know, weird!

* Doesn't feel drying for me though

* No tingling or irritation

Exuviance Gentle Cleansing Creme

Ingredients: Aqua/Water/Eau, Isododecane, Propylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate, Gluconolactone, Cetyl Alcohol, Stearyl Alcohol, Ethylhexyl Isononanoate, PEG-100 Stearate, Glyceryl Stearate, Triundecanoin, Polyacrylamide, Octyldodecanol, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract, Althaea Officinalis Root Extract, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Glycerin, C13-14 Isoparaffin, Laureth-7, Dimethicone, Propylene Glycol, Caprylyl Glycol, Polysorbate 20, Sodium Hydroxide, Disodium EDTA, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin, Methyldihydrojasmonate, Cyclamen Aldehyde, Dimethyl Heptenal, Methylenedioxyphenyl Methylpropanal.

Description: Soap free formula gently dissolves makeup and impurities.

* Very creamy, lotion-y, white

* Light scent, barely noticeable for me

* No foaming

* Ok for morning cleanser, but not effective otherwise, doesn't remove makeup or much anything

* Leaves a creamy film on skin, I am not huge fan of cream cleansers because of this

* Definitely not drying, definitely moisturizing, but would not recommend for oily skin

* I prefer Kate Somerville's Goat Milk Cleanser, it doesn't leave the film, if I had to choose a cream cleanser

Exuviance Deep Hydration Treatment Discontinued?

Ingredients: AQUA (WATER), CYCLOPENTASILOXANE, GLUCONOLACTONE, GLYCERIN, CYCLOHEXASILOXANE, PROPYLENE GLYCOL, LACTOBIONIC ACID, AMMONIUM ACRYLOYLDIMETHYLTAURATE/VP COPOLYMER, DIMETHICONE, OENOTHERA BIENNIS (EVENING PRIMROSE) OIL, CUCUMIS SATIVUS (CUCUMBER) FRUIT EXTRACT, SYRINGA VULGARIS (LILAC) LEAF CELL CULTURE EXTRACT, BETAINE, SODIUM PCA, SORBITOL, SERINE, GLYCINE, GLUTAMIC ACID, ALANINE, LYSINE, ARGININE, THREONINE, PROLINE, BIOSACCHARIDE GUM-1, BATYL ALCOHOL, DIMETHICONOL, AMMONIUM HYDROXIDE, MALTODEXTRIN, ACRYLATES/C10-30 ALKYL ACRYLATE CROSSPOLYMER, DIMETHICONE/VINYL DIMETHICONE CROSSPOLYMER, POLYSORBATE 20, POLYGLYCERYL-3 METHYLGLUCOSE DISTEARATE, CAPRYLYL GLYCOL, BHT, SODIUM SULFITE, PHENOXYETHANOL, CHLORPHENESIN, PARFUM (FRAGRANCE), CI 19140 (YELLOW 5), CI 42090 (BLUE 1).

Description: PHA/Bionics strengthen skin barrier, Prodew refills deep moisture reserves.

* Thick gel consistency

* Surprisingly strong scent

* Leaves skin a bit sticky, but is easy to slather on

* It is hydrating, but somehow the description made it sound even more amazing than what it is

* Discontinued?

* Maybe breaking me out, I'm not sure

Exuviance Evening Restorative Complex

Ingredients: Aqua/Water/Eau, Gluconolactone, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Propylene Glycol, C13-15 Alkane, PEG-100 Stearate, Lactobionic Acid, Glycerin, C12-15 Alkyl Ethylhexanoate, Octyldodecyl Myristate, Dimethicone, Cetearyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Stearate, Ethoxydiglycol, Palmitic Acid, Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil, Stearic Acid, Butylene Glycol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Retinyl Palmitate, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract, Anthemis Nobilis Flower Extract, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Laminaria Saccharina Extract, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Echinacea Purpurea Extract, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Phospholipids, Hydrogenated Coco-Glycerides, Sodium Hyaluronate, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Extract, Caprylic/Capric/Myristic/Stearic Triglyceride, Phosphatidylcholine, Octyldodecanol, Myristic Acid, Ceteareth-20, Steareth-2, Polyacrylamide, C13-14 Isoparaffin, Sodium Hydroxide, Laureth-7, Magnesium Aluminum Silicate, Caprylyl Glycol, Xanthan Gum, Disodium EDTA, Disteareth-100 IPDI, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin, Parfum (Fragrance), Hexyl Cinnamal, Blue 1 (Cl 42090), Yellow 5 (Cl 19140).

Description: Contains a high-performance complex of Vitamins A, C and E, Botanicals and a PHA/Bionic blend, to transform skin.

* Green-ish color, light cream

* A bit weird, fresh scent I didn't originally care for, but I have gotten used to it already

* Absorbs well

* I like this as all-in-one in the evening! Fast skincare routine, but still extremely gentle and effective

* Not very moisturizing so dry skin people will probably have to use another cream on top/serum underneath

* Must say this is a bit magical cream, when my skin plays tricks this one seems to calm it immediately

Exuviance Vespera Serum Sample Packet

Ingredients: Aqua/Water/Eau, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Gluconolactone, Lactobionic Acid, Polysorbate 80, Triethanolamine, Mandelic Acid, Arginine, Tocopheryl Acetate,Retinyl Palmitate, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Chondrus Crispus Extract, Citric Acid, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Disodium EDTA, Propylene Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin, Methylparaben, Parfum (Fragrance), Limonene, Linalool, Citral.

Description: Concentrated, powerful serum dramatically diminishes visible signs of ageing, bringing new life to dull stressed skin

* Yellowish, thick serum

* Probably not much scent, I can't remember any! (I haven't opened the repurchased full bottle yet.)

* One sample packet was enough for 4-6 applications

* Absorbs well, but leaves skin tacky

* Doesn't disrupt other products on top

* Maybe a bit drying, even, not badly though and ok for oily skin

* Feels gentle and effective on my skin! But this observation was made during one week only, very short time

Exuviance Sheer Refining Fluid SPF35 Discontinued?

Ingredients:Active: Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate (Octinoxate), Ethylhexyl Salicylate (Octisalate), Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane (Avobenzone), Inactive: Aqua (Water), Acetyl Glucosamine, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Cyclopentasiloxane, Glycerin, C12-C15 Alkyl Benzoate, Dimethicone, Butylene Glycol, Glyceryl Stearate, Octyldodecyl Neopentanoate, Cetyl Alcohol, PEG-100 Stearate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Tocopheryl (Vitamin E) Acetate, Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract, Arctium Lappa Root Extract, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Extract, Lecithin, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Propylene Glycol, PEG-75 Stearate, Xanthan Gum, Disodium EDTA, Ceteth- 20, Steareth-20, Carbomer, Ammonium Hydroxide, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol, Chlorphenesin, Sodium Bisulfite.

Description: Controls oiliness, Reduces signs of aging

* Discontinued, I believe, there is now a product called Sheer Refining Fluid SPF 40

* Quite greasy if you ask me

* Very moisturizing, no need for a separate moisturizer 

* No white cast

* Didn't seem to break me out

* Used during winter, didn't notice that my eyes would water, but I sweat a lot more during summer

* Exuviance has a different daily moisturizer/sunscreen now, SPF50

* I am not against trying their new formula but it is very expensive

Exuviance Retexturing Treatment

Ingredients: Aqua/Water/Eau, Glycolic Acid, Butylene Glycol, Gluconolactone, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Dimethicone, PEG-100 Stearate, Glyceryl Stearate, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Ammonium Hydroxide, Lactobionic Acid, Magnesium Aluminum Silicate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Arginine, Caprylyl Glycol, Disodium EDTA, Xanthan Gum, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin, Parfum (Fragrance), Yellow 5 (CI 19140), Red 33 (CI 17200).

Description: Resurface dull, rough skin and restore silky softness to arms and legs with this potent treatment.

* White cream

* Barely any scent

* PHA/Glycolic Acid

* Used on my feet and elbows, I wouldn't say that my skin was especially rough, but after a few days I did notice my skin was smoother - not silky soft like it says on the packaging, but maybe it takes a bit more time

* Felt gentle

* Absorbed nicely, overall felt pleasant

* I could purchase a full size to be used as a full body cream for myself, I am not into body moisturizers because I find them usually icky, disgustingly scented and I have oily/normal body skin so I never feel dry unless I scrub myself to death or wax my legs - but I did not find this cream disgusting (doesn't sound like a compliment but it is!)

Exuviance Triple Microdermabrasion Face Polish

Exuviance Bionic Oxygen Facial