I now announce that 2023 will be a low buy for me on beauty products. Every month, I will reflect on my finished products by completing a simple review.
In January 2023, I completed… 12 products that came to an estimated $169.77 CAD.
When it comes to makeup, most of my products are high-end. That is due to inflation and Canadian drugstore prices. For example, a brand-new L’Oréal mascara at Shoppers Drugmart costs $21.99 pre-tax. I would instead buy a mini-size mascara at Sephora for $16.00, wear it for three months, and then buy a standard-size version of the mascara or try another mini-size.
Due to using all my beauty products to completion, I’m not too fond of the risk of spending $21.99 pre-tax on a drugstore product out of the gate, especially when I can buy a mini-sized one at Sephora and use their return policy if necessary.
Skincare
Drunk Elephant B-Hydra Intensive Hydration Serum
My favourite hydrating gel serum that I always re-purchase. If you are interested in learning more about this product, please read my blog post – The Only Drunk Elephant Product I Use
Re-Purchase? Yes. | Price & Size: $63.00 (Standard-Size, Sephora)
The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5
My favourite hyaluronic acid serum that I always re-purchase. If you are interested in learning more about this product, please read my blog post – What is Hyaluronic Acid?
Re-Purchase? Yes. | Price & Size: $8.20 (Standard-Size, Sephora)
L’Occitane en Provence Verbena Body Lotion
If you enjoy lemon-scented products, you will love L’Occitane’s Verbena line. I will not purchase this body lotion because L’Occitane is now harder to find in my area. However, taking these samples home after a trip was a treat. This body lotion also worked well as a hand cream.
Purchase? No. | Price & Size: $0.00 (Sample-Size, Hotel)
Schick Intuition Advanced Moisture Skin Moisturizing Solid
I have been using Schick Intuition Moisturizing Solids for over ten years. I have tried other shaving products but continue to re-purchase these Schick Intuition Moisturizing Solids because they are quick and effective in my shower routine.
Re-Purchase? Yes. | Price & Size: $5.16 (One Solid, Shoppers Drugmart)
Nivea Nourishing 48H Deep Moisture Body Milk
I was influenced to buy this body lotion from a TikTok influencer, and I will not re-purchase it because I am not keen on the recognizable Nivea scent and how this body lotion creates an oil-like sheen on the skin.
Re-Purchase? No. | Price & Size: $13.49 (Standard-Size, Shoppers Drugmart)
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Dermo Cleanser
My favourite facial cleanser that I will always re-purchase. If you are interested in learning more about this product, please read my blog post – What to Look For in a Facial Cleanser
Re-Purchase? Yes. | Price & Size: $32.95 (Value-Size, Shoppers Drugmart)
L’Occitane en Provence Verbena Shower Gel
Like I said about the body lotion, I will not purchase this shower gel because L’Occitane stores are not close to me.
Purchase? No. | Price & Size: $0.00 (Sample-Size, Hotel)
Makeup
Hourglass Vanish Airbrush Concealer (Crème)
After hearing everyone rave about this luxurious concealer from Hourglass – I picked up a mini-size version of it. It was hard for me to conclude that I also loved it. It’s a full-coverage pigmented concealer with a satin finish that doesn’t feel dry on the undereye. I’m now using a mini-size of the Tarte Shape Tape Contour Concealer and would say the Hourglass Vanish Airbrush Concealer is a more elevated version. Please consider buying a mini-size before investing over $45 on the standard-size.
Re-Purchase? Yes. | Price & Size: $23.00 (Mini-Size, Sephora)
Other
Gucci Bloom Eau de Parfum
I received a sample of this perfume in a Sephora order and loved how professional it smelt. It would be an excellent workday perfume with notes of white floral and tuberose, and I am not purchasing it because I have other fragrances to finish in my collection.
Purchase? No. | Price & Size: $0.00 (Sample-Size, Sephora)
Crest Pro Health Advanced Anticavity Flouride Mouthwash Enamel Care (Fresh Mint)
I always re-purchase this mouthwash because it checks all my boxes, and it is gentle enough on my teeth to use it twice a day with no sensitivity.
Re-Purchase? Yes. | Price & Size: $7.49 (Standard-Size, Shoppers Drugmart)
Essie Strong Start Basecoat
I re-purchase this Essie drugstore basecoat for my nails because it includes a nail strengthener in the formula.
Re-Purchase? Yes. | Price & Size: $13.99 (Standard-Size, Shoppers Drugmart)
Delon + Premium Cosmetic Cotton Rounds
I used to buy cotton rounds at Shoppers Drugmart all the time before getting a Costco membership. I wouldn’t say I like these Delon + cotton rounds as much as the Quo ones at Shoppers Drugmart, but the price and quantity are hard to beat.
Re-Purchase? Maybe. | Price & Size: $2.49 (Per Package, Costco)
How Many Products I’ve Finished in 2023: 12 Products
Estimated Total: $169.77 CAD
What products did you finish in January?
Let me know!