Showing posts with label Vichy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Vichy. Show all posts

Wednesday, December 31, 2025

Empties 2025

So what items did I use up during the year of 2025? Here comes the breakdown as well as the items I decluttered over the course of the year.

The big empties of 2025

Mostly skincare empties of 2025

Finished makeup items of 2025

Finished samples and a hand cream in 2025


Empties:
Lumene - Nordic bloom anti-wrinkle & firm v-shape serum (30 ml): I really do not remember how this performed, it had been in my stash for some time, so it was time for it to get used up.
Kérastase Paris - K genesis anti hair-fall fortifying shampoo (250 ml): This was a very nice shampoo, if it is worth the price tag, well that is another story, but when I bought it I was dealing with severe hair loss, so this shampoo, the Kérastase treatment and vitamins seems to have done the trick.
BioEffect - Osa water mist (60 ml): this is an amazing rehydrating mist, I usually used over makeup, sadly BioEffect is not carrying it anymore in it's lineup, something to do with the packaging I heard. The last remaining product turned out to be difficult to use, so I ended up cutting the corner off and putting the remaining product into a Muji spray bottle I purchased in in New York specially for that purpose. 
One Direction - Our moment eau de parfum (100 ml): This bottle was in my beauty goals for 2020 and my project pan 2023. Obviously I did not use it up in either of those missions, but none the less it has remained as my main fragrance since then, and I did finally manage to use it up. And finally I made room for a new fragrance purchase in the year 2025, after being on a fragrance no buy for years. 
Matas Natur - 2 in 1 rensemælk e-vitamin & aloe vera (200 ml): This cleansing milk was quite nice, but I still prefer micellar water for cleansing, but it was nice to switch it up. And I do believe I have a cleansing milk in my stash waiting to be used. 
Bioderma - Sensibio H2O micellar water makeup remover (250 ml): This apparently is the Rolls Royce when it comes to micellar waters. Yes it is really nice, and good for sensitive skin, significantly better than other micellar waters? I am not entirely sure, but I still like it.
Herbal Essences - Rose hips Shampoo (100 ml): This is an amazing shampoo and comes in the perfect travel size. Would 100% repurchase 
Guinot - Hydra fraicheur toning lotion (30 ml): This I was gifted with the Guinot advent calendar in 2022 - so it is about time I finish it. I liked it and did use it up.
Manufactura - Dead sea soft day face cream (50 ml): This cream I purchased in Prague a few years ago, and I did just manage to finish it as it was labelled to expire during the summer of 2025 - it was not the best cream for my perioral dermatitis, but ok to use a few times a month and I did manage to finish it exactly in that way, to take it with me on work trip overseas.
Vichy - Aqua thermal serum (30 ml): This was probably purchased in 2019 in Toronto, and in fact expired in 2020 - it did not have the same texture as the previous bottle I had of this, probably due to the fact it was expired. Further emphasizing the fact I really need to stop hoarding skincare products - and use the stuff I already have. 
The body shop - Aloe soothing toner (250 ml): Forever my favorite toner for sensitive skin. I rarely stray from this one, unless it is a sample or a gift. 
Ecooking - Primer (30 ml): This is a fantastic primer, and I will for sure repurchase, when I have used some of my backups up. 
Dr. Organic - Bioactive skincare - Organic Manuka honey skin lotion (200 ml): I have a good feeling about this brand, being clean and containing nice ingredients and it feels nice on the skin. Now it is onward to finish other lotions in my stash. 
La Roche-Posay - Kerium DS creme (40 ml): I did purchase this a few years ago, when I had peeling skin. I have not dealt with that for quite some time, still I decided to use this creme up as it has lived in my bathroom cabinet for some time.  
Beauty blender - Blender cleanser (90 ml): I got this a few years ago, and it is an amazing cleanser, quite liquidly and is excellent to clean sponges and brushes. 
Neutrogena - Norvegian formula hand cream fragrance free (50 ml): This is a great hand cream, thick and feels a bit like Vaseline, and keeps the moisture in your hands. 
Biossance - Squalane + omega repair cream (15 ml): A deluxe sample that definitely originates from Sephora. It is nice, not sure I would buy full size though. 
Zenology - Vitalising conditioner - sycamore fig (30 ml): This for sure comes from one of the hotels I visit every month, nothing to write home about, interesting spa like scent though. 
Clarins - Joli rouge satin lipstick in 711 papaya (3.5 g): It felt amazing to finish this one (although there remains a little bit of it left, as I mixed the remaining product that was below the plastic base at the bottom of the tube with my Sensai total lip gloss). But this bullet is completely finished. I do love the color, and have had several people complementing me on the fact it is a nice color that suits me well. I would consider repurchasing it later when I have fewer lipsticks in my stash, but it is really a nice summer color. But glad to have it done, as it is shamefully old.
Ilia - Limitless lash mascara - midnight (3 g): I love using these small mascaras, as if I get an eye infection (which has happened a few times in these last few years) as then I do not have to throw out a new full size one. The wand on this one is plastic, and has a comb on one side and bristles on the other. It was quite nice. 
Saie - Mascara 101 - black/noir (5 g): The wand on this one was plastic also, but quite short - and I prefered the Ilia wand over this one. 
Rare beuty - Mascara - black (8 ml): I tend to prefer plastic wands over bristly hairy wands. But this one was amazing for a bristly hairy wand. Plus the mascara itself was also very nice. 
Essence - All about matt fixing compact powder (8 g): I purchased this years ago on the recommendation from Miss budget beauty. Prior to using this powder I did use a loose one, and I do not really need a super mattifying setting powder, but it was nice to use it in a light way to set my foundation, and glad I was able to use it up. 
Diorshow - Maximizer 3D - triple action lash primer serum volume, curl & definition (10 ml): This mascara primer I do really like, I would have continued to use this tube, if I had not developed an eye infection - hence I did quit using this tube. 
Sigma - Sigmagic brushampoo - 100% natural liquid brush cleanser (7.5 ml): This product is much thicker than the Beauty blender cleanser. I did manage to get a few uses out of this, which came in handy after I finished the Beauty blender cleanser. 
Skinfix - Triple lipid-peptide cream (2 ml): I am very curious about this brand, so I was very happy to get it in Sephora, and I am likely to buy something from this brand in the future. 
Dr. Hauschka - Regenerating eye cream (1.5 ml): This eye cream is very consistent with the Dr. Hauschka brand - white and smells like all other items I have tried from the brand.
Abercrombie & Fitch - Authentic woman Eau de parfum (2 ml): I tend to travel with these mini fragrances for work, I just put on one spray and I am good for the flight back home to Iceland. And these small bottles last surprisingly long, until I finish one, and put another small sample into my travel makeup bag. I really like the smell of this one, and might purchase in the future. 
Biotherm - Aqua pure super concentrate (1 ml): I just used this for the sake of using it and get rid of it. The product itself, after testing 1 ml there is not a lot to say. 
Nature Republic - Avocado hand cream (30 ml): I do love the hand balms from this brand, and as can be seen on the picture, I cut it open to get to every drop. 
Milk Makeup - Hydro grip primer: This tester lasted perhaps for two applications, or three, I was not sold on it, but then again, I like more creamy primers vs. gel types like this one. 


Decluttered items and samples in 2025


Declutters:
Inglot - Beautifier tinted cream in shade 102 (1.5 ml): This was in my project pan 2025 - the color was way too dark and I ended up throwing it away. 
Inglot - YSM cream foundation in shade 45 (1.5 ml): This was also in my project pan 2025, also too dark, I mixed it in with another foundation a few times, but ended up not reaching for it, and in the end threw it away. 
Sunday Riley - Good genes lactic acid treatment (5 ml): Since I got this I used it perhaps two times, and as I have sensitive skin I am a bit hesitant to use acids, so this I am decluttering. 
Lancome - Galatée confort - Cleansing milk (50 ml): This I had in all honesty forgotten I owned and came across in my bathroom cabinet, it had turned from white color, to a yellowish brown and smelled strongly, so now this is being decluttered. 
The body shop - Brow and lash gel (10ml): This was in my project pan 2025, but I had to stop using it, as it left white colored clumps in my eyebrows when I used it. 
Becca - Backlight priming filter (15 ml): I think I have perhaps used half of this tube. I was planning to use it in my project pan for 2026 after I finished my Ecooking one, but after giving it a few goes, I am sure it breaks me out, as after each time of using it my skin gets red and bumpy so it is time to declutter it. 
Becca - Under eye brightening corrector (2.3 g): I had a full size backup of this one, which I decided to open, and it turns out that jar is much creamier compared to this one. So this one either had a different formula to the full size one or it has dried severely out since I purchased it. Also it had started to develop quite the waxy smell, almost like a box of Crayola wax colors, and I could not smell the same scent on the new one, so it was due for a declutter.
Maybelline - Eye studio gel eyeliner in brown (3 g): This I probably purchased in Florida in 2015 and I have not used it for years so it was about time to let go of it. It was surprisingly soft though when depotting it to recycle the glass. 
´
In the year 2025 I did manage to finish seven color cosmetics, and I have at least managed to finish color cosmetics for the amount of 16.200 ISK, or about 130 USD. And that is only the amounts for the items I have information about and then I do not have the price of any of the skincare. That would be an interesting thought though - how much do the cosmetics + skincare cost we use throughout the year?

Tuesday, December 31, 2024

Empties 2024

So how did I do in 2024 on using up stuff? Let's take a look..

Skincare, cleansers, spf and facial sprays

Skin care, concealer, gloss and more

Items used up on holiday

Facial soap, powder and lip balm

Sheet masks and skincare samples


Items I used up:

Kiehl's - Creamy eye treatment with avocado (14 ml): I did like this eye cream, the only annoying thing about it, is the fact that the formula always separates from time to time, oil away from cream, so you have to shake it back together. 
Lancome - Hydra zen anti-stress moisturising cream (30 ml): This facial cream is super light, and worked well over the summer. It was not moisturizing enough for me in the winter. 
Clinique - Take the day off cleansing balm (125 ml): This was a part of my project pan for 2024 and I do really like it, even though I promised myself not to repurchase I already fell to temptation at TJ Maxx. 
Lumene - Pure arctic miracle micellar cleansing water (500 ml): This item I purchased years ago whilst in Finland visiting a friend, it had started to get a bit yellow in the bottle, and I could see like floating oil on top of the liquid inside the bottle, so it was about time for it to be used up. 
The body shop - Aloe calming toner (250 ml): This toner has remained my tried and true toner for a few years. 
Nivea - Care & orange shower cream (250 ml): This I purchased while on holiday in Greece years ago. It was an average shower cream.
Supergoop - Zinc screen 100% mineral lotion SPF 40 (50 ml): This bottle is labelled at the bottom to expire in April 2021 - finally it is finished. I now already have two sunscreens going. 
Evian - Brumisateur facial spray, moisturizes, refreshes, tones (50 ml): This was gifted to me from one of my airlines passenger, and as it comes in a small bottle, I kind of swapped the toner I intended to pan in 2024 out for this one, and moved it into my work purse and aimed to spray it once per flight. There is a tiny bit left in the bottle, but I can not spray it out. So it is pretty much done, seriously doubt I would buy it though. 
Rudolph care - Acai facial mist toner (30 ml): If I remember correctly I purchased this one in the duty free at CPH airport a while back. I ended up putting it in my travel bag, and that way it was used up quickly and I am sure I will use the bottle for something else in the near future. 
Dr. Organic - Organic snail gel (50 ml):
Biossance - Squalane + omega repair cream (15 ml):
Five vits - Daily shampoo (40 ml): This and the conditioner is in one of our hotels we stay at in the US for work. It is the perfect size for travel and was used up either on a trip or when I go to the gym. It is a decent shampoo.
Five vits - Daily conditioner (40 ml): Decent conditioner, I have dark colored hair, and am not in particular fuzzy about shampoos or conditioners. And usually find them to be of an ok quality, the same goes for this one - the scent I love in particular, it does not smell like any conditioner I have smelled before.
Vichy - Aqualia thermal rehydrating cream light (50 ml): This I purchased in Canada summer of 2019 - so it was way past it expiration date (8/21). And the fact that the serum remains in my stash seriously has made me rethink about buying so many items that they keep on expiring in my closets before I get around to using them.
Abercrombie & Fitch - First instinct eau de parfum (2 ml): I really like the scent of this perfume. I do not smell after I apply it, so I guess it suits me well. I might even consider purchasing it as I seem to have developed a sensitivity to fragrances in the last few years, and many of the scents I try spraying on in store, and wear throughout the day tend to give me a headache or I can smell them through the remainder of the day (and I mean not in a good way).
Clarins - Mascara supra volume in 01 intense black (3.5 ml): I really loved this mascara, and that even for a natural bristle brush wand (I used to love plastic wands). This I believe came in a gift set I purchased for myself. Would consider repurchasing if I did not have a backup stash of 4 or 5 mascaras or more. 
Rimmel - Wonder'full brow 24hr waterproof brow mascara with fibres (4.5 ml): This I won in some online game, and got it for free. It is actually amazing! I am not sure what the color is, I assume it is 002 and I love it in my brows! Will repurchase for sure when I get through the clear gels in my stash. 
Crabtree & Evelyn - Pear and pink magnolia hand therapy (25 ml): A nice hand cream, not amazing though. 
Drunk Elephant - Beste no. 9 jelly cleanser (30 ml): This I got as a part of a Sephora birthday gift a few years back. Since it has lived in my gym bag, and now just got finished.
Ecooking - Night cream (50 ml): I loved this night cream, and as a matter of a fact, I think it is the first night cream I ever purchased or tried. It smells a bit herbal, but I believe it is a clean brand and has good ingredients. 
Bio effect - EGF day serum (2 x 5 ml): I have no recollection on where I got these from, gift with purchase or what, but they were nice, but happy I got to use up a few samples/testers this year.
The body shop - Aloe soothing toner (250 ml): Another empties of my favorite toner, it has since last empties bottle been reformulated and now is in a different packaging. Thank god the formula has not changed too much and is gentle enough on my sensitive skin. 
Taramar - Night treatment (10 ml): Me and my crew were gifted this from one of our passengers who worked for the brand and was going abroad for a meeting. It has a BBF date: June 2022 - so glad I got to use it up, even a bit after it's BBF date. 
Lily Lolo - BB cream in light (40 ml): This is a nice and clean formula, and did not irritate my skin at all. It also is a light weight formula, which is perfect to apply with my fingers, and blends out nice - which I usually prefer vs. a fussy formula. 
Bio effect - EGF body serum (7 ml): I have a full size of this product, it is really nice. But a tester of 7 ml - I can not remember how much skin that covers...
Dior - Diorshow Maximizer 3D triple action lash primer-serum (10 ml): This I stopped using after I got an eye infection, but omg it's AMAZING - I love it. Have already repurchased an updated new formula.
Guinot - Nouvelle Vie cream first signs of aging (15 ml): Another Guinot item from the Guinot calendar I got for Christmas 2022 - I ended up putting it in my work bag for when I stay in the US or Canada for work - perfect size for travel.  
Yves Saint Laurent - Gloss volupte probably in shade 30 (6 ml?): This gloss I have had for years, and as you probably can see on the picture, it is completely empty, removed stopper and all! The sticker underneath it has lost all it's writing, so I am guessing it is the shade 30.
Collection - Lasting perfection concealer in Fair 1 (4 ml?): Almost all the writing on the packaging has rubbed off, so I am not sure how much product was in this concealer, but the packaging sold now from the brand contains 4 ml, so I am guessing it is the same amount. This has lived in the last years in my travel makeup bag I used for work abroad. I did remove the stopper and used it up - or at least to the point I am not getting any usable product on the wand. 
The body shop - Cool cucumber softening body butter (200 ml): This was a part of my project pan 2024, and was used up whilst on holiday in Greece, where I made it my mission to finish a few items up to be able to keep my checked in luggage under 14 kg on my flight leg from Rhodes to Athens. This body butter I had not used a lot before starting my project pan, and to my surprise it was in fact cooling, and gave a cool sensation after using it - which made it perfect for holiday in Greece. As I did not prefer to use it just before bed at home in Iceland. 
Five vits - Body lotion (40 ml): This had lived in my travel cosmetics bag for work, and ended up with me on holiday to Greece, where it was used up. 
Peter Thomas Roth - Mega rich body wash (27 ml): This I got in a hotel years back, and took with me on holiday to Greece. And used it up
Proganix - Cherry blossom + (Vitamin B5) Anti-fade weightless argan oil + uv protection (100 ml): This I am sure I bought about 9 or 10 years ago whilst on holiday in the US. A hair sunscreen, I only tend to use this on holiday, so of course it was thrown into my suitcase for a holiday in Greece, where it was finished. Ideal to use for a day at the beach or for sight-seeing. 
Hawaiian Tropic - Sunscreen lotion sheer touch spf 30 (236 ml): This is an excellent sunscreen, this I bought in the US and I am sure it differs a bit from the Hawaiian tropic sunscreen they sell in Europe in regards to ingredients. I tend to use zink based sunscreens for my face, and chemical sunscreens for my body - and this one did not irritate my skin. 
Shea Moisture - African black soap with shea butter (99 g): This still remains my go to facial cleanser or facial soap. I discovered it a few years back as it was recommended for perioral dermatitis. It does not aggravate my skin, does not strip it too much. As it is a piece of soap bar it is difficult to keep track of when I finish it, plus I keep one bar at home and one in my travel bag. But I know for a fact that I did finish the bar I had in my travel kit for work. So I am sure this is under-represented in the last few years empties.  
Milani - Prep + set + glow illuminating transparent powder in shade 02 (8.5 g): This item was a part of my project pan 2022, I did not finish it that year, and ended up using it at the end of 2024. I used it as a setting powder and it worked very well as such, did not dry my skin out, and not too glowing. 
Villimey - Varagaldur (15 ml): This remains my favorite lip balm, and will be repurchased for sure some time in the future. 
The Face shop - Real nature Olive face mask with olive extract (20 g): This I purchased in Toronto a few years back, in my stash it as a matter of fact expired in 2021 - I still decided to use it, once as a sheet mask, and then a lot remained in the packaging and I was able to slather it all over my face probably three times after I used the sheet mask. It is a nice face mask, but I did not notice any miracles. but sure it boosted moisture in the skin. 
Nature republic - Real nature mask sheet olive (23 ml): This is the same face mask as the previous one, just in a new and seemingly rebranded packaging. This my friend gifted it to me who went to Korea. And happy to report that this one had not expired yet. 
Caudalie - Vinoperfect radiance serum complexion correcting (10 ml): This bottle I did use up on my project pan 2024 - but it is missing in the photos, as I seem to have misplaced the bottle. I really loved this serum and would consider repurchasing. 
Caudalie - Vinoperfect radiance serum complexion correcting (3 x 1.5 ml): These are small samples I got at Sephora, of the same product as mentioned above.  
Tatcha - The indigo cleansing balm (1.5 ml): Another sample I got from Sephora. It was nice, would I consider buying it after trying it in a single use packaging? In one word; no.


Decluttered items of 2024


Decluttered items:

Sunday Riley - A+ high dose retinoid serum, 6.5% retinoid blend, CoQ10 + honey (5 ml): I have had this sample since 2019 and was about to give this a whirl early this year, but when the product came out, it was all separated and runny - so down the drain it went. Not sure my skin would tolerate a high dose retinoid anyway. 
Maybelline - Color Tattoo 24 hr gel cream eyeshaddow in 35 On and on bronze (3.9 gr): This I have owned for years, and it was a part of my project pan for 2019. I have made some small progress on this since 2019, but it is very thick, stiff and difficult to use. As I have plenty of newer creamy eyeshadows in my stash, it makes more sense to use them rather than this one. 
W7 - Brow grip (13.5 gr): My friend was decluttering a few items from her stash, and gifted this to me, it turned out to work out the same for me as for my friend - it leaving whitish clumps in my eyebrows so it was only used about 2 times, and now ends where it belongs in the trash. 
Unknown brand - Double liner (? gr): My mom gave this to me a few years back, it was a gift with some magazine she bought. Light champagne pink on one side and vine red on the other. I have perhaps used it 4 times, and now it needs to move out. 

So this in all amounts to the fact I used up 25 full items, 11 small sized items and 8 samples (44 in total). Compared to last year I used up 49 items in total, but fewer fuller items and more samples. So for sure using more samples, takes a toll of your full sized items. Of the decluttered items in 2024 I decluttered 3 full size products and one sample. Compared to 2023 I decluttered 3 full size items and no samples.

Sunday, June 30, 2019

April-June haul

A part of my beauty goals for 2019 was no-buy January and no-buy March, which was very successful. And in February I managed only to buy 3 items.
Well from there things have been quite down hill... and here comes my haul for April, May and June:


An accumulated haul - replacements, backups etc.


I purchased two palettes

Two brushes and Inglot duraline

Vichy - Aqualia thermal hydrating serum (30 ml): As I am over half way done with my previous botle, I decided to pick up a backup, as I have really fallen in love with this product. Even though I was planning to go "stock free", but I guess I have to accept the fact that is really not my style at all.
Vichy - Aqualia thermal rehydrating cream light (50 ml): As I am getting so well along with the serum from this range I decided to grab the moisturizing cream also to use in the nearest future.
The body shop - Aloe calming toner (250 ml): as the Lumene toner did not work for me I decided to buy something tried and true, that does not irritate my perioral dermatitis so I went with this toner from The body shop.
Cutex care - Non acetone nail polish remover with coconut oil (200 ml): After I started working as cabin crew, my nails have become very soft, and tend to peeling. I have tried a few types of nail-strengthening nail-polishes, nothing showing any remarkable results. So now I decided to try a non-acetone nail polish remover, and I bumped into this one in Canada with coconut oil, so I decided to give it a try.
TanOrganic - self tan oil (100 ml): I have not tried any self-tanners for the body before, but I had gotten a tester for this oil last year, and as a matter of a fact I did like it. So I decided to jump on the o so popular self-tan train, and give this a try. Have I used it so far? No not really.
Drunk Elephant - Protini polypeptide cream (15 ml): This I got as a part of the Sephora birthday gift for 2019. I have tried it a few times and it works great for sunburned, dry and flaky skin.
The body shop - Vitamin E overnight serum-in-oil (28 ml): As the Inika rosehip oil turned out to be quite irritating for skin, again I decided to purchase something tried and true, and was this serum in oil the one I chose. I had already finished up a bottle of this product with good results for my perioral dermatitis, so I went with that again. 
Nuxe - Honey lip balm (15 g): As I decluttered the Laneige overnight lip balm, I decided to go for something more organic and sensitive skin friendly, and as a friend of mine has raved about this product I decided to give it a try.
Drunk Elephant - Beste No. 9 jelly cleanser (30 ml): This I also got as a part of the Sephora birthday gift for 2019 and am I quite excited to give it a try.
Inglot - Eyeshadow in 164 (3,3 g): As Inglot in Iceland was closing and hosting a 40% discount on everything I decided to go on a lookout for a dupe for my favorite pink eyeshadow. My favorite is from Boots, this is not a 100% dupe, but comes quite close, the one from Boots is a bit brighter and was I choosing between color 164 and J301 the pink satin color from the JLo line. But that was a bit too peachy compared to the one from Boots. It didn't take me long after I got the color home, I got a big buyers remorse. In retrospect I fell into the pit of discount offers, which was one of my goals not to fall into. Well you live and you learn.
Clinique - Chubby stick, shadow tint for eyes in 04 ample amber (3 g): This shadow I had been eyeing for over a year, or ever since Meg says raved about it in her duty free haul. It is a beautiful golden/copper color, and can be sheered out to a beautiful sheen of a color. Still I am a bit overwhelmed of the cream eye shadow products I have in my collection, which now adds up to three pencils and two pots, one of which is a part of my beauty goals for 2019
Becca - Becca X Khloé Kardashian & Malika Haqq Bronze, blush and glow palette - Made with love by Khloé (12 g): It for sure was not a planned purchase to buy this Becca palette, but when I saw it was on a 40% discount in Sephore, I just could not resist, and even managed to tempt my friend into buying one. But hey when a Becca face palette with 4 shades retails for 26.40 USD it is just too good of a deal to pass up, especially when you do not own any Becca products. It contains a highlighter, two blushes and a bronzer and so far it performs beautifully, not too pigmented at all.
Tarte - Maneater eye shadow palette vol 2 (9 g): This had been on my wish list for a few months. But I had not tired any Tarte eyeshadows, or any Tarte product before I purchased this palette. But with the manageable size and everyday colors, it can be the perfect everyday palette. It has a faint sweet chocolate scent to it, and have I used this as my main eye shadow palette for the month of June. It might be a bit drying on my eyelids, as after a few day wear I started to get flaky skin in my crease, but I am now trying to use an eye shadow primer first and then the shadows, so I will see if that is not working better, than applying it straight to my eyelids. 
Zoeva - 100 Luxe face finish: I had heard so many good reviews about this brush online, and as it is a mix of natural and synthetic bristles I decided to buy it. As I tend to prefer natural bristle brushes for powder products. And I intend to use it for my hourglass powder trio.
Zoeva - 230 Luxe pencil (rose golden): I opted to grab this brush also, at the same time from Beauty Bay with the other Zoeva brush, as the 100 brush didn't fulfill the minimum for a free shipping, so I actually broke one of the rules for my Beauty goals for 2019 - which included only buying two brushes this year.
Inglot - Duraline (9 ml): This I also bought as Inglot is closing in Iceland, and had all of their products on 40% off, but I have heard so many good things about this product, as it can revive dried up liquid eyeliners and creams. So I snatched one up to have on hand.

So am I planning a no-buy month coming July? No but am for sure going to keep my purchases in check, maybe, max buy 1 item. Will keep you posted.

Sunday, September 16, 2018

USA + CAN Haul

So in the last few stops I have had in N-America I picked a few things up

USA + CAN Haul


John Frieda - Brilliant brunette multi tone revealing moisturizing shampoo (750 ml): This shampoo I have used from time to time, I really like the brand, but it tends to be way too expensive in Iceland. So when I saw this at 9.99 CAD in Marshalls, it jumped into my hand and to the register.
Vichy - Aqualia thermal hydrating serum (30 ml): this I picked up in a Shoppers Drugmart in Toronto, in spite of me planning to go "stock free" as my friends motto is. Not to have a big stock of backups waiting to be used, rather buy when you are out, or couple of days/a week of running out. I wish to go more towards that direction, but given the price difference of French pharmacy skincare products between Canada and the States, I decided to pick this serum up as a backup for the one I am using now from Lumene.
La Roche-Posay - Micellar water: the lovely shop assistant at Shoppers Drugmart, who suggested the Vichy serum for my skintype, kindly gave this to me as a bonus with that purchase. An absolute perfect travel size.
Shea Moisture - African Black soap, acne prone face and body bar: I am not acne prone, but love this soap for my skin, and it seems to keep my perioral dermatitis at bay. And as long as it works, I am reluctant to try anything else, and when I saw this small bar, I thought it would be a perfect replacement, when I run out of the last pieces of the rest of my original bar - which now live in a small soapbox in my suitcase.
Sonia Kashuk - precision concealer makeup brush: This I picked up in Target (see here) intended for use with my Soap and glory - kick ass concealer, which has two concealer colors, one more of a yellow tone which works perfectly on the face, blended in with your finger. But the pinky/salmon tone of the concealer I have never been able to get to work under my eyes to color correct dark circles. It always ended up to thick, dry and impossible to blend in under my eye. I really hoped that this brush would work with that concealer, long story short; it did not help it at all, still too dry and difficult to blend out under the eye. Maybe I should even return the brush, as I do not really have any other use for it?