Monday, August 5, 2013

Almost Half Price ... Again

Following Priceline's 40% off all cosmetics sale in April, last Tuesday and Wednesday, they held 40% off all skin care. This kind of unprecedented sale rolls around rarely, so even though I just bought a load of skin care to qualify for their skin care goodie bag about a month ago, I simply had to take advantage of such a generous discount. It's almost embarrassing to enter my local Priceline these days, since I visit so frequently I'm sure the staff are judging me and my consumption habits. I hauled in two parts across consecutive days, first picking up Trilogy Age Proof Active Enzyme Cleansing Cream, Olay Regenerist Advanced Cleansing System, La Roche-Posay Anthelios XL Fluide Extrême SPF 50+ and Burt's Bees Lemon Butter Cuticle Cream, then the following afternoon, purchasing two Apivita Express Beauty Face Masks (Orange and Pomegranate) and the Sukin Cream Cleanser. I was contemplating buying a backup of Indeed Labs Hydraluron, but it was totally sold out. I was also keen to get my hands on this Trilogy pack with a bottle of their rose hip oil and a complimentary 30ml tube of their Vital Moisturising Cream (ideal size for travel, and good value considering the full size is 50ml and $39.95), but once again, sold out.


La Roche-Posay Anthelios XL Fluide Extrême SPF 50+
A conspicuous lack of SPF was pointed out to me by several people in my Winter Skin Care Routine: AM post. Naturally, this had to be remedied immediately, especially as I've started to use Alpha-H Liquid Gold every third night or so. I'm a happy camper now that a brand like La Roche-Posay is readily stocked at Priceline, though the Australian retail prices are (surprise, surprise) not cheap. This sunscreen is normally $25.99, discounted to $15.60 at 40% off. Scrutinising the ingredients, alcohol denat is fourth on the list, which I found a little surprising. You need to shake the bottle vigorously before applying the product. It comes out quite thin and liquidy, but absorbs easily into the skin and feels completely weightless.

Sukin Cream Cleanser
I was umming and ahhing over whether to repurchase this, now that I've finished the 50ml sample I was using. My main issue was paranoia over the shea butter in this (apparently something that acne-prone skin should avoid, at least in moisturiser), and the fact that while it was pleasant to use and worked perfectly fine, I wasn't enamoured with it enough to rush out to the shops to buy it again. In the end I thought, it's $6 for 125ml. Who cares. I would really struggle to find anything more affordable, functional, and packed with natural, nourishing ingredients, including sesame seed, rose hip, jojoba seed, avocado and wheat germ oils.




Olay Regenerist Advanced Cleansing System Specialty Cleanser
This was a totally unplanned purchase. There were about three boxes left at my Priceline, and the guy working there was telling me how it was under $20 after discount, and how he was thinking of buying one for himself. I remember reading about this "facial cleansing device" (also known as the poor man's Clarisonic) from Heather Honey ages ago, but I never expected it would eventually make its way to our shores. My curiosity won out in the end and I took home this oversized electronic toothbrush for my face.

When I opened up the battery compartment, there was this bizarre/gross greasy leakage in it, which I tried to clean up as best as I could with a tissue. Apart from that manufacturing defect, I've used it several times in the shower at night, and let me say, the novelty wears off real quick. There's two settings (one slower, one faster) and the brush head rotates (rather than vibrates) to clean and exfoliate your skin. It doesn't feel rough, scratchy or overly abrasive as the bristles are quite soft. The sensation is basically like a pressurised buzzing against your face. Because the head rotates, there can be a bit of resistance moving it around the various parts of the face. A major downside is that it's operated by batteries, meaning another ongoing cost apart from replacement brush heads. I'll wait and see how long two AA batteries last in terms of number of uses, but if it's anything less than 60, I'll be sorely disappointed.


Trilogy Age Proof Active Enzyme Cleansing Cream
I bought this mainly because of the fruit enzymes in it that reminded me of the REN Glycolactic Radiance Renewal Mask. Both contain papaya and pineapple fruit extract, said to help "break down and remove the build up of older skin cells and impurities which dull [the] complexion". On my second visit to Priceline on Wednesday, I saw that Trilogy recently repackaged this cleansing cream so it's in a fatter, darker-coloured tube (they also offered a free 20ml tube of the Line Smoothing Day Cream with it), but I'd already purchased it the day before in the older packaging. The blurb on the box says it has a "silky, mousse-like texture", but it's more thin and watery which I really don't like. I was hoping it'd have a delectable fruity scent but it just smells faintly sweet and chemical. I've been using this in the shower, putting a generous amount all over my damp face, then following up with the Olay facial brush for about 1-2 minutes, then washing it all off with my hands. It's not at all drying and my skin is left feeling very smooth, soft and thoroughly cleansed.


Apivita Revitalising & Radiance Mask with Pomegranate, Apivita Revitalising Mask with Orange
I've tried a few Apivita face masks (Aloe, Cucumber, Carrot, Cereals) and found them uniformly good (with the exception of Cereals, which smelled sickly sweet and broke me out), so 40% off these pricey sachets was something I couldn't pass up. These are normally $8 for 2 x 8ml packets, which is fairly steep on a cost per millilitre basis ($50 per 100ml). Since it takes a long time to use up an entire tube of face mask, and I can get at least 2 uses per sachet, these Apivita masks are an enjoyable and convenient way of experimenting with different face mask ingredients and properties. The two I bought seem mostly to be hydrating masks designed to add some vitality, nourishment and plumpness back to the skin.




Burt's Bees Lemon Butter Cuticle Cream
I've been meaning to pick this up for the longest time, but wasn't prepared to shell out $15 for a 17g tin. I was thinking of purchasing LUSH Lemony Flutter instead (not so bad at $16.50 for 50g), but felt content with my Sally Hansen Radiant Hands, Nails & Cuticles Creme. The Burt's Bees smells deliciously lemony but has a hard and waxy texture, so it's a bit difficult to get any product on your cuticles and nails. Unlike the LUSH, it doesn't have shea butter or lanolin in it, so it's not as soft and greasy. You definitely have to warm up the product with your finger to melt it with your touch before applying it. The small tin is cute and portable and because you use so little each time, it'll last an eternity.

40 comments:

  1. I would really like to try the La Roche-Posay SPF.
    I need at least two different SPF's.
    I already love my Clarins UVA/UVB one but it would be nice to have another so I can stop trying to find my Clarins in the AM haha.
    xx

    Velia | Cocoamourr

    ReplyDelete
  2. So many nice products!
    I've been eyeing a clarasonic for me...We only recently got them at our Sephoras and for now, there are no duper (except the one from Sigma...which I would get just because of the silicone heads!)
    Now reading this I'm thinking about the huge amount of Skin Care that I should get this month (I'm obsessed with skin care, and it's something I realllllyyyy use everyday...it's what I finish quicker (besides shampoo and shower gel! )

    Can you please do Review's later?
    Kissu*

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I agree - I finish skin care much faster than makeup!

      I might do more indepth reviews of some of the stuff later on, but usually if something is just okay (or worse), I don't mention it again (unless it's truly horrid then I like to rant LOL) :p

      Delete
  3. Great haul! A shame about your Olay thingo leaking... eek!
    xx

    ReplyDelete
  4. the sukin cleanser seems really interesting, I haven't tried any skincare that has germ oils? pretty unique and would want to try it soon! ^_~

    ReplyDelete
  5. That's such a good deal! I love the lemon butter cuticle cream and I've been really wanting to try that sunscreen especially since you said it feels weightless!

    http://itsjessicachoy.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  6. Such good products, and at such amazing prices !

    Madeline | Its a Mads Mads World

    ReplyDelete
  7. I've been wanting to try the Burt's Bees Cuticle Cream too! I'm not sure if I should get it or not. I'll give in sooner or later. Haha :)

    ReplyDelete
  8. I really hope you learn to love that Olay brush because I absolutely ADORE it!! I honestly can't imagine the horrendous state my skin would be without it. And hopefully yours has the same battery life as mine; I've only had to replace the batteries once and I've had it for a year now :) The cuticle cream is also a favorite of mine... feels so good to slather it on before bed at night! And while it is annoying that you have to warm it up with your fingers to use it you get used to it and learn to love that quirk haha.

    ♥Cassie
    thriftthick.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh wow, that is quite amazing battery life! I was thinking it would last 2 months minimum, though to be honest I'm more for 1 year :p

      Delete
  9. This is the first time I read of Sukin, and even though it contains shea butter, looks like a perfect choice for my next cleanser! :)

    MyMakeUpCompulsion

    ReplyDelete
  10. Have to try the Burt's Bee cuticle cream some time. I have the Lush Lemon Flutter but want to try out a new one. It is nice but find it sometimes a bit too greasy. La Roche Posay sunscreen has been on my daily routine for 2 years. Before I never like to put on sunscreen since it feels so sticky but this one is so lightweight that I don't mind applying daily.

    ReplyDelete
  11. There are so many online sales right now it is ridiculous! I have to let my boyfriend make the executive decision on all my purchases for the rest of the year because I am out of control lol! But that's disappointing you didn't like the olay "clarisonic" type wand. I've always wanted to try the clarisonic. I also really love the Burts Bees cuticle cream because it forces you to really massage the product into your cuticles since it is so hard, and it isn't as greasy as other creams i've tried.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Great products! Your photography is gorgeous :) ♥

    http://abeautyromancee.blogspot.co.uk/
    http://abeautyromancee.blogspot.co.uk/

    ReplyDelete
  13. I love the Apivita masks. The Trilogy cleanser looks great too x

    ReplyDelete
  14. You always find the best bargains! I've had a travel size tin of that Burt's Bees Cuticle Cream on the go for ages, really does last a long time x

    Evelyn @ We Were Raised By Wolves

    ReplyDelete
  15. I love the La Roche Posay sun screen too, it's perfect for wearing under make up! I also have the Burt's Bees cuticle cream and you're right it lasts ages. Smells amazing too!

    Emma x

    ReplyDelete
  16. I picked up a Models Prefer face brush when they brought them out briefly last year and it's awesome! Haha I'm also worried that the staff at my Priceline recognise me! It's literally 2 mins from where I live, so I'm in there far too often ;)

    life-etcblog.blogspot.com.au

    ReplyDelete
  17. These products sound lovely and they are natural really want to try some of the brands mentioned <3 x

    www.krystelcouture.com

    ReplyDelete
  18. My mom has that cuticle cream, and I agree that it is hard to get product out of the tin. I never knew how expensive that small tin is!

    ReplyDelete
  19. Lovely products you got! I wish I was more adventurous with my purchases. I need a good SPF, that LRP one sounds really good!
    xxx Kat
    http://katnesslifeandloves.blogspot.com.au/

    ReplyDelete
  20. Missed the sale because I'm happy with my skincare stash atm. I'm not really a forward thinker haha. If anything I might have looked for Indeed Labs Eyesilix because I don't use eye cream atm. The Apivita masks sound ideal for winter-weary skin! And the Olay scrubbing brush doesn't sound well-designed- you'd hope the battery compartment was watertight!

    ReplyDelete
  21. Nice to see you took advantage of the skincare sale! Wish I did!

    ReplyDelete
  22. This sale was really good :) that's weird that your olay brush had funky stuff on the inside? I have been using mine for a few days now and I love it so far! Can't wait to see if it makes any lasting result on my skin.

    ReplyDelete
  23. I have a Clarisonic and the novelty wears off quickly with that, too. Maybe because I didn't have bad skin to start with, but I haven't noticed a huge difference personally. I use it a few times a week (otherwise it feels like overkill) and I do love how clean my skin feels after, but I'm not really sure that feeling alone is worth the money.

    ReplyDelete
  24. God, it was chaos at my local Priceline. It was like Doomsday! All the La Roche-Posay stuff was gone with only a few tubes here and there from Avene. People were carting huge bottles of Cetaphil! Madness!

    I've yet to try the La Roche-Posay sunscreen but I've heard so much good things about it already! Does it leave a white sheen?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. A little bit, it's kind of slightly white and dewy, but nothing too noticeable :)

      Delete
  25. That lemon butter looks really good!

    Love,

    Rowan

    Personal Style Blog www.redreidinghood.com

    ReplyDelete
  26. So much beauty products, im in love looking at them

    ReplyDelete
  27. Looks like a good selection :) good discount as well, love finding a good discount :)

    Katie xx | Katies World

    ReplyDelete
  28. Hey not sure if you know what the Liebster Award is but I've nominated you and your tag is on my blog :)p.s I love your blog

    ReplyDelete
  29. That Trilogy stuff sounds promising! Might have to give that a go at some point.

    I LOVE APIVITA MASKS! I love the Propolis one for my oil-face. Kicking myself that I didn't think of stocking up during the 40% off. Damn it! haha

    ReplyDelete
  30. I didn't make it to Priceline during this sale, and was quite gutted about it really. I was wanting to stock up on some LRP and buy the sunscreen you purchased, but I guess I will just wait until the next sale rolls around.

    ReplyDelete
  31. Man, when you guys get deals, you get super good ones. I rarely see 40% off sales! Anything LRP is good and I hope that Olay brush works wonders. I had the BB cuticle balm but can't be bothered to touch up cuticles and gave it to a friend, haha.

    ReplyDelete
  32. I have the Olay Cleansing System too - I posted a review of it recently :) The cuticle balm you picked up looks lovely too! xx

    jasminecara.blogspot.com.au

    ReplyDelete
  33. Wow, $15 for the cuticle butter, cray cray.I really love that stuff though. I always use it after a mani & whenever my tips feel dry. Think I should try the Lush one.. I heard it's lovely, too! x

    ReplyDelete
  34. I got the Olay brush too and mine also had the weird leaky greasy stuff in the battery compartment! Was really weird.
    So far I like it and I am also worried about the battery life.

    Loved your blog forever

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm so glad you commented about that - at least I'm not alone. I wonder if they were made in the same batch or something? How long have you had yours?

      And thank you :)

      Delete
  35. If you ever run out or looking to find French skincare products, come visit my online boutique~ I've just opened up an online French skincare boutique where I stock many cult favorites; all at competitive prices and worldwide shipping~
    I'm always adding more products; I'd love if you came by and had a look around~

    www.frenchcares.com

    ReplyDelete

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...