Sticking to the List ... Almost

Priceline's latest 40% off skin care sale came earlier than expected, but I sure wasn't complaining. The last one was in August, and this time around I promised myself I would STICK TO THE LIST. I knew in the moment, browsing the store with everything being almost half price, I would be tempted to shop impulsively and potentially make some regrettable decisions. Or if not regrettable, then unnecessary. For the most part, I succeeded in bringing home only what I'd planned on purchasing, with one exception (which yes, I ended up wishing I hadn't bought).

Trilogy Rosapene Night Cream
I wanted to buy this last time 'round, but it was out of stock. Luckily I managed to grab one before the shelves were emptied. Previously featured in my March 2014 Favourites, I'm looking forward to cracking the tub open when I've finished with my current night cream, Grown Alchemist Regenerating Night Cream Neuro-Peptide & Violet Leaf Extract. I really like the scent and texture of the Rosapene Night Cream and how hydrating, calming and nourishing it feels. It's fairly thick but not greasy at all (unlike the Antipodes Avocado Pear Nourishing Night Cream), and while it's packed with "natural" ingredients that have sometimes been problematic for me, my skin seems to get along well with it.

Sukin Purifying Facial Masque
Probably the only mask I've repurchased. I'm almost done with my el cheapo Formula 10.0.6 Deep Down Detox Ultra-Cleansing Mud Mask Orange + Bergamot, so really, I'm practically adhering to a one in, one out policy. Progress! This is an excellent, affordable mask and my favourite product from the Sukin range. It's cooling, soothing and truly effective at neutralising any angry flare ups from adverse product reactions. Though clay-based, it's not one of those masks that immobilises the face when it dries on the skin. It is a bit of a pain to wash off completely, but the results are worth it.

Iluka by Natalie Imbruglia Hydrating Toner Mist
I saw this a few days before the sale started and was intrigued, but wasn't overly keen on handing over $20 for a 60ml toner I've never tried. The ingredients list did look promising and the frosted glass bottle reminded me of the luxurious Omorovicza Queen of Hungary Mist. I have to say I'm not the hugest fan. Firstly, don't get this anywhere near the eyes because it stings. It still very mildly stings (a slight burning sensation) when I spray it on the rest of my face. I'm not sure why that is, but I suspect it could be the eucalyptus leaf and lime oils in it. It's one of those toners that I find more drying/tightening than calming, skin-plumping and hydrating. I'm not too bothered that I took a punt on it since it was only $12, but it's definitely not instant love.

Antipodes Anti-Ageing Minis
Yes, I bought this again, even though I also purchased it in the last skin care sale. I'll allow it, since the value proposition is just too good. Even if it didn't include 15ml of the Avocado Pear Nourishing Night Cream, I'd spend the $12 for the 10ml mini of the Joyous Protein-Rich Night Replenish Serum alone. It's basically the same cost per millilitre as the full size 30ml bottle (which is $35.40 with 40% off). If anything, I prefer the miniature since it's easier/quicker to use up, better for travel, and keeps the contents fresher.

Avene Thermal Spring Water (300ml can)
I wasn't really planning on buying this, but I'm more than halfway through my existing can and I simply can't be without this in my life. Seriously, I use it for everything. I bought my last four 300ml bottles from Chemist Warehouse (taking advantage of their unbeatable 2 for $20 promotion they had a couple of years ago), but I haven't seen them repeat the deal since. I figured I might as well buy a backup now in case I don't come across a better offer.

Moreish Superfood for Skin Euphoria Cream Cleanser
My one impulse buy. Definitely not on the list. The ingredients appealed to me (manuka honey, coconut oil, argan oil, papaya fruit extract, grape seed extract, carrot root extract), it was cheap, the packaging was enticing. I've almost run out of my morning cleanser, Avene Gentle Gel Cleanser, and was hoping this would be a good substitute. One small problem ... it causes my skin to freak out. We're talking ugly, alarming, red splotches resembling bruising all over my face. The funniest part about all this is I looked up reviews of Moreish and particularly this cleanser before buying it, and the only thing I could find was one blog post that mentioned the product caused a negative reaction. I tend to view my skin as fairly hardy, so I dismissed their experience as the consequence of sensitive skin rather than a formulation issue. To make sure it wasn't just a one off thing, to be certain it really was the cleanser that was the culprit, I tried it THREE times. Each time, the same splotchy mess. I wanted to return it but wasn't sure if Priceline would let me. I never received an answer on Twitter, so I guess not. In any event, it was $9 so I'm not exactly weeping for my wasted money, only kicking myself for deviating from my list.

Bioré Deep Cleansing Pore Strips
I'm at the point where I'm almost certain nothing will ever rid me of my blackheads. It's an ongoing issue requiring constant intervention. These strips won't do anything long term and I've heard frequent use actually exacerbates blackheads, but they do serve their purpose. Namely, a quick fix for accumulated gunk. There's still something perversely satisfying in ripping one off and scrutinising the surface of the strip. Gross, I know, but results you can see.