Wednesday, February 11, 2015

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.

37 comments:

  1. !!! I work at Priceline and I saw someone had returned a couple of the Moreish products due to a negative skin reaction! I'm not exaaaactly sure on the policy (I'm such a terrible employee and have never been in that situation before) but go into your store and see if they'll give you a refund, I'm pretty sure that's what we would do at our store. Definitely a turn off for me on the Moreish front though :/ I don't think we stock the Antipodes minis which is sad since I would've snapped them up in a heartbeat! I actually haven't heard of that Sukin mask before. It sounds amazing!

    Tasha // shiwashiful.

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    1. Thanks for the tip! I don't know whether I will return it to be honest, mainly because of laziness and the desire to minimise/avoid any unwanted social interaction, lol. I'm weird like that. I really should though. It's totally useless to me. That's unfortunate about another customer returning Moreish products - yikes! It would be interesting to see if it becomes a recurring thing. That's too bad you don't stock the Antipodes minis - I've seen them in many stores and it's such a great deal :)

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  2. Wow! Really want to try those Antipodes products. I agree with you on Biore strips, not sure if they're helping long-term but nothing does the job like 'em! Great reviews!

    Erin | Erin and Katherine Talk Beauty

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    1. I highly recommend the Joyous serum for dry skin, it really worked for me. And yeah, sometimes you just need a Biore nose strip!

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  3. I also went and bought a shocking amount of Avene water when Chem Warehouse had that 2 for $20 sale on because I honestly can't live without it either. It's just so versatile and I always fall back on it when I have a skin emergency.

    Haven't heard of Moreish before but the ingredients do sound impressive! Terrible what it did for your skin though =O

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    1. I use the Avene at least 3x a day, lol. I wish Chemist Warehouse would repeat their deal, I'd stock up in an instant.

      It is a bummer that it didn't work for me - I was pretty excited to try it actually.

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  4. Oooo...I think I would have done the same faced with such an amazing sale!!! I personally love biore nose strips, I use them all the time, at least once a week! I think that anitpodes set is seriously a great way to try more products!! I'm jealous of your skincare haul!

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    1. It is such an anticipated sale, I think they have it twice a year (they also do hair care and makeup) and it always causes a frenzy, haha :)

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  5. Well done for almost sticking to your list - it's hard when the offers look so good! I'm using up a small sample pot of the Trilogy Rosapene Night Cream at the moment and it's lovely stuff x

    Evelyn @ We Were Raised By Wolves

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    1. Hopefully next time I will be able to stick to the list entirely, lol :) It's one of my favourite night creams, probably second to only the Clarins Multi-Active Night Youth Recovery Cream.

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  6. I've wanted to try the Avene water in ages so I think it will be bought nearer to summertime! xx
    alicekatex ♥

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    1. It's just water in a can but there's just something about it. It's the only "toner" I find genuinely hydrating.

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  7. Great post! I really want to try the Avene thermal mist! x

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

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  8. There's nothing in the world that rivals the hideous act of staring closely at the stripped blackheads on a Biore strip. NOTHING.

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  9. 40% Off is a great bargain, kudos to you only ended up buying 'one' item outside your list ^^
    I am a fan of the Biore nose strip as I also have endless battle with black heads esp around my nose. We don't have Biore here but I always stock up everytime I go home on holiday :)

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    1. Oh no, I can't imagine not having access to Biore nose strips :p I think certain things work better than the nose strips (like regular exfoliation and cleansing), but they're great for a quick fix.

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  10. 40% is such an amazing sale! I wish we had that here in Toronto.
    This might be a little TMI, but I love using the pore strips on my fiance's nose and seeing all the blackheads that end up on the strip. And he has a lot of blackheads on his nose.

    blush and simplicity

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    1. Lol, totally understand the fascination. That's what they're there for :p

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  11. Oh nooo, talk about bad luck. Wonder which ingredient/s made you break out? And ditto on the pore strips. Everyone does that don't worry ahaha

    CJ
    From Manila with Love

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    1. I'm not sure! I just thought it would be very similar to the Sukin Cream Cleanser which I'm sure had some overlapping ingredients but there must be something materially different or perhaps the inclusion of particular ingredients that I just didn't get along with.

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  12. I have a dream team that have been fantastic for clearing up my blackheads and clogged pores, my skin texture is smoother than it's ever been. Holika Holika BB Deep Cleansing Oil and Lotree Cereal Foam Cleansing. I only use cleansing oil as a makeup remover to be honest, never done the proper OCM thing, but it dissolves all my face makeup (I always use a separate eye makeup remover because I hate rubbing at my eyes) and doesn't need emulsifying because I apply it with damp hands. Rinses away completely clean, no oily residue. The cleanser is a cream and I only need a pea size to wash my face, neck and ears (because ear blackheads are gross). It leaves my skin so squeaky clean but not irritated or dying for moisturiser as soon as I've dried off. I'd never felt that before: with other cleansers, I thought stripped = clean! I also like to keep a tub of Tonymoly Red Appletox Honey Cream around for the times my skin feels raw from excessive climate control or wind burn, or a bad reaction to a new product. It really calms and soothes the skin. Anyway, I hope you'll give my Korean dream team a go!

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    1. Thanks so much for sharing, I'll keep those products you mentioned in mind! I've been using the DHC Deep Cleansing Oil and I do think it's been helping. Regular exfoliation (occasionally physical but mostly chemical) has also gone a long way to alleviating my blackhead issues. The problem I have is when I slack off, the blackheads return swiftly with force. It is a problem that requires constant action! That cleanser you mention sounds amazing though. I get what you mean by "stripped = clean", and it's funny I've never thought a product could leave the skin feeling completely cleansed but still not dry/tight and needing moisture ASAP.

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  13. I kinda wish Priceline had the same easy returns policy as in the US like people return makeup there all the time right? Oh man, all the money I could've saved...
    Thanks for the skincare reviews! I'm keen on the Sukin mask now.

    Sheri | Behind The Frames

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    1. Agreed! It's even more amazing they get to return makeup they've used/tried. Why even bother asking for a sample, lol. If only huh?

      The Sukin is excellent - truly one of my favourite masks!

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  14. Ahh that's not good about the cleanser, but everything else you got sounds pretty amazing! Love the Avene water <3

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    1. I am pretty happy with everything except the Moreish cream cleanser. Glad you're a fan of the Avene too! :)

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  15. I had the EXACT same reaction the first time I used that cleanser, and immediately threw it away. My skin is also usually pretty fine, not sensitive at all, so I don't know what ingredient causes the reaction but I haven't gone near Moreish products since!

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    1. Wow - thanks for letting me know. That's at least 4 anecdotes of Moreish products causing unexpected skin reactions I'm aware of now ... hmmm. I'm definitely not keen to try anything further from the brand, especially since skin care is so competitive now and there are a lot of great things out there.

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  16. I'm really interested in trying Antipodes but after a rather large French skincare haul, I think I'll have to wait!

    http://missjulziez.blogspot.com.au

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    1. Sounds like a good idea! I guess use and enjoy what you've purchased first, and when you've run out of something, you can consider Antipodes :)

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  17. Bummer on the Morish. I've been eyeing that brand since it popped up, but now I'm hesitant to give it a go.

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    1. Yeah, it was a bummer! I was hoping it would be something pretty good. I would've continued using it even if it was very ordinary, but if it causes an actual skin reaction each time? I don't know what I'm going to use it for ... I don't even want to give it my mum in case her skin has the same reaction. Maybe to clean my feet haha

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  18. I bought myself too a bunch of things at Priceline then, the 40% off sale was insane! Never seen so many people crammed into one beauty isle. It was like boxing day sales.

    www.under80s.blogspot.com.au

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    1. Haha yeah, they certainly know how to whip up a consumer frenzy!

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  19. Thanks for sharing the love of Antipodes Scientific Organic Beauty #lovethelove

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