Haul: Repurchases for 2019

It's the end of the year, meaning... next year is just around the corner. And funnily enough, for the first time in a long time, I'm back to buying things I know work for me instead of new products I want to try. What's somewhat surprising is that I've already stashed for 2019 instead of buying as I go since I've previously been trying my best to de-clutter. But then my favorite Safeguard cleanser was discontinued this year and I'm having anxiety issues that the same thing will happen to some of my favorites, unlikely though it is. So here we are.

While not all HG status, here's a list of some of the things I've found worth stashing for 2019:

Alba Botanica Acnedote Deep Pore Wash

Life has been crazy lately, but here's me trying to blog. Today will be about Alba Botanica's Acnedote Deep Pore Wash, as I've been using lately.

I've used around half a bottle of this liquid cleanser and this is what I've found:

St. Ives Green Tea Gel Cleanser

Life, for the past few weeks, has been super crazy. It's winding down again but I know it's gonna happen a lot in the future. How crazy? I've considered it a luxury when I am capable of washing my face and brushing my teeth twice in one day.

My skin has been faring poorly from a month previously because of this, but it's not as bad as I've been expecting. One of the reason's why is St. I'ves Green Tea Gel Cleanser.

St. Ives Green Tea Gel Cleanser

I originally bought this since I already foresaw that my current cleanser, while great for my everyday life, wouldn't be able to keep up with turbo mode. I needed something that would keep those big zits from coming out even with a super hectic lifestyle. Thus, my choice was an oil-free salicylic acid cleanser.

Review: Clinique Acne Solutions Spot Healing Gel

For someone as acne prone as I am, there will always be a need for a spot treatment. Spot treatments are basically the precision attacks you use to kill zits when they are already there. I've tried several spot treatments and this is one of those I favor. Clinique's Spot Healing Gel's active ingredient is 1% Salicylic Acid.

It's actually my second bottle of this stuff. The first bottle I had had a green cap, which I like more than the white one. There was also some spill-over when I first opened this one, which was a bit of a waste of product. Fortunately, you only need a small amount, being a SPOT treatment (don't put it all over your face), so my previous bottle lasted me 2 years.

This product leaves a clear film over the zit. It is best used on newly formed zits (hit 'em while they're young). There is a stinging sensation when applied to the face, though it is not as bad as Eskinol Dermaclear-C Overnight Pimple Gel (that burnt my zits so bad, I had brown spots where my zits were when I placed it on overnight). I prefer to apply this after I wash my face in the morning and at night. Baby zits are gone in one day.


On zits that have already come to a head, this product initially makes the zit look works. It then takes a few days to work. DO NOT worry your face while this is happening. GROSS ALERT!! One day, the film will peel off with the hardened pus inside, in my experience.


I like that I don't have to use a cotton swab or even my fingers. When placed, it leaves behind a film, and should not be used under make-up. I prefer salicylic acid over benzoyl peroxide because of the carcinogenic and bleaching properties of the former. Of course, this product is not the only spot treatment I use as it has shown limited effectivity.

Pros
-clear
-effective on baby zits
-quick dry
-lasts a long time
-easy to use


Cons
-stings slightly (may not be good for sensitive skin)
-can't be used under make-up
-not effective on all zits


Buy Again? Maybe. Yes, unless I find a better clear spot treatment in the next 2 years.