2022: A Quiet Year

 Not much posting going around for me this year and this might be the trend for a while since my current self has zero work-life balance and because of that I've been having 1) less time for self care therefore leading to 2) more skin problems.

It's a vicious cycle and because of that, I've been using a lot of prescription strength products that are very bottom shelf and I'm hesitant to tout because we all know that the internet is not the best place for medical advice.

I'll try to review the products I've finished this year that aren't prescribed since I've still managed to finish a few things despite my abysmal skin care habits for the year.

Here's hoping I can commit to that.

Yardley London Shea Buttermilk Moisturizing Bath Bar

Getting back into bar soaps since 1. I've run out of back ups of my favorite shower gel and  2. bar versions have become more popular lately because of the eco trend things.

This bar was given to me by mother and I find that it's halfway between a regular bar soap and a dove bar in terms of moisturizing, lathering and how long the bar lasts if kept in a moist environment.

Sadly, I will not recommend this in place of either since it somehow dries my hands like crazy despite being non-drying for other parts of my body. Lotion is a must after I use this soap, and that's a sign for me that it's a bit too harsh.

I know a lot of people like it and use it, I myself like the shea and chamomile-like scent but as something with "shea buttermilk" in the title described as a moisturizing Bath Bar, I'm disappointed with the performance.

I'll use this up for waste reasons, but in the future, if offered, I'd pass this on.

Cos De BAHA: PT M.A Peptide Facial Toner

This one never really took of to my knowledge, but for those who want to try less popular Korean brands, Cos De Baha may be something you're looking for if you're on a budget and want "The Ordinary" - like products: meaning good value for money with active ingredients.

As for me, I picked up their PT Ma. Peptide Facial toner with Hyaluronic Acid and 3 peptides ( Palmitoyl Tripeptide -1, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide -7 and Acetyl Hexapeptide -8. Picked this up because this was less than Php 600 (~$12) for a whopping 200 ml. This is not one of their more popular products. And after a few months of use I have my thoughts on why.

Thyra Lip Oil in Y07

 I've been dead and empty - and empty-less for a few months, but one I've almost finished (before my tragic loss of said product) is the Thyra Lip Oil I've been using for a few months.

This came as a recommendation from C, and I'm glad I bought it.

Repurchased AND Emptied 2021

AKA Old, emptied favorites.

A recent break-out has shown me the wisdom of repurchasing the good things in life. As such even though it's been a bit boring, I'm trying to do what's best for my skin. Here are the things I've been using like crazy AND emptied, starting with complete empties.

The Better Skin Project: Pimple Fighting + Lightening Bar

Given to me by C and I'm glad I got to try it. This is an empty but it was a green soap that would murder my face. However, it's excellent both for acne prone skin on the body and as a solution to prevent those nasty odors coming out from exercising. That is, if that is a problem for you.

This product contains coconut oil as a first ingredient. Then water, sodium hydroxide and fragrance before its touted extracts: bearberry, rosehip oil, papaya extract and mastic gum and rounding off with some preservatives and colorants.

Sofy Pad Comparison

 I did a menstrual pad review a long while back then semi-transitioned to reusable pads. It took me a while but I've finally run through my stash of Sofy pads and I can now form my thoughts about them.

Though I don't have pictures this time, I've been using:

1. Sofy Comfort Nite 35.5 cm

2. Sofy Comfort Nite 42.5 cm

3. Sofy Cooling Fresh 35 cm

And of the three, there's one I won't be repurchasing.

The Saem Cover Perfection Tip Concealer

I haven't used a foundation in a while. Because masking and the resultant acne has made me wary of using base products, it just doesn't seem worth it. So now instead of using a foundation, I've been heavily spot concealing since it's been needed because of my foundation use causing a previous break out. Cry.

Thankfully, while my current concealer isn't mask proof. It doesn't break me out. 100 points. And what have I been using for the past year? The Saem's Cover Perfection Tip Concealer.

But a warning for users.

Five Fails of 2021

I have officially ended my official one-month (October) no-buy for 2021. Because let's face it. November's 11.11 is something I probably won't be passing up. Or Black Friday. Idk. But before that, let's talk about things I should not have purchased this 2021.

There are only a few of them, thankfully. But I have all the regrets.

Fresh Formula The Daily Grind

 I was actually going to do a long post about this, but then I saw Fresh Formula is closing down!

Suffice to say, I've been loving their Daily Dose low pH cleanser, as you may have seen in my previous skin care routine.

L'Oreal Color Riche Matte in 214 or Raspberry Syrup

I've got a really lovely lipstick I’ve taken to wearing around the house: L’Oreal’s Color Rich Matte in 214 or Raspberry Syrup. It’s this bright cool, pinkish red that really makes my lips pop when I wear it. Youthful but still age appropriate for myself when I go out or go on video calls, night or day.

Betadine Natural Defense Body Wash in Pomegranate

 I think this is another thing that's being discontinued... thankfully, I have another in my stash so I won't be running out any time soon.

For gentle, exfoliating goodness, I recommend Betadine Natural Defense Body Wash in Pomegranate.

Minimalist Skincare

I've been travelling again and not seeing the sun so this has been my most minimal skincare routine that I've actually been pretty happy with.

Review to follow if ever but... if you're interested