This month, I did the most. Thankfully, I barely spent much money because a $100 Amazon gift card came through, Sephora’s VIB 20% off sale happened and not all the things I bought were expensive (yay, me!).
Anastasia Beverly Hills Modern Renaissance Palette – first timer. Cute story.
My hard earned money well spent. I have been obssessed with this palette for a minute because of IG. Nearly every beauty blogger has this palette and raves about it, so I had to buy it because FOMO, duh. So, when I finally decided to close my eyes and make the purchase, I discovered the palette was nowhere to be found. I searched for months and months, but my efforts were futile. It was completely sold out. Then November XX happened. I was browsing sephora.com and decided to ‘heart’ all the things I wanted to buy. When my eyes fell upon this palette, I nearly lost my mind. It was in stock! I was about to purchase it on sight when I remembered there was a Sephora right downstairs from my office. On the move to Sephora, I decided to call the store just to see if they had the palette in stock. There was no need for unnecessary disappointment. When the sales associate returned to the line and told me they had the palette in stock, a huge smile took over my face. Complete bliss. My day was going well. It was the last palette left. Dare I say it was meant to be. There could have been more in the drawer, but that’s really none of my business. I’m just going to assume I snatched up the last palette. #Blessed.
Bioderma Sébium H2O – first timer
Amazon came through. Micellar water is the new facial cleanser, but I’m not really about that life, so I use it as a makeup remover and an eyeliner corrector. It’s especially good for the latter. Instead of using coconut oil to correct my newbie cat eye mistakes, I use this. It saves my life every time.
Trader Joe’s Natural Facial Cleansing Pads – first timer
Hard earned money. This was like three bucks at TJ’s, and it’s been worth it, too. It’s especially nice to use after a long day’s work in the city. I swipe it across my face, focusing on my t-zone and any pimply areas. It downsizes pimples the very next day. I also like the fact that it has tea tree oil in it. It’s a natural antibacterial and so bomb for oily skin, read: drying out pesky pimples.
The Ordinary – first timer
Hard earned money. I bought the Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% serum and Hyaluronic 2% + B5 serum. I’m enjoying them so far. They’re extremely inexpensive, which intrigued me. The Canadian company prides itself on “clinical formulations with integrity.” They’re selling us honesty in a bottle that will treat our various skin conditions at a price that’s unbeatable. These serums were five and six dollars. I’m in!
Maybelline New York – repurchases
Forty percent off all Maybelline products. I love a promotion, so – of course, I had to get my Lash Discovery and Great Lash mascaras.
Nelsons Pure & Clean Acne Treatment Gel – first timer
Amazon came through. I heard this is what a lot of makeup artists use backstage on models when their skin isn’t on fleek. It’s supposed to cast away pimples.
Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant – first timer
Hard earned money. I was looking for something that would make the texture of my skin smoother, and Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA) is the thing because it’s good for exfoliating, getting rid of dead skin and allowing new skin to grow, minimizing blemishes and much more. It’s particularly good for those with oily skin. The most common BHA is salicylic acid an it’s typically used for treating acne. I don’t have much of an acne problem, but I do have a texture situation that I’m not too fond of. Aside from the bumpiness that I sometimes see and the occasional pimple, my skin and I don’t have any issues. You’re probably thinking I’m crazy for rubbing acid on my face, but nah. BHAs are organic acids that can be found occurring in nature.
Murad Anti-Anging Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 – first timer
Sephora 20% off. I was in the market for new sunscreen. I’ve been using Coola, and although that’s a fine product, I was over it and wanted to try something new. Perhaps I’ll circle back to it once summer decides to say hi again.
Origins Clear Improvement Active Charcoal Mask – first timer
Sephora 20% off. I read somewhere that it is an effective charcoal mask that’s suitable for oily skin, so I decided to give it a try. I bought the travel size, just in case. I currently use the Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay Mask.
This was a great month in beauty and skincare. So much joy. I’ll see you all in December. 🙂
-Genevia
bare with me. 