As some of you may know, I’ve been on a skincare no/low buy this year. Prior to this challenge I’ve generally not been posting my hauls, as I think they can be triggering for some and be seen as promoting buying skincare over using skincare, but I thought it might be worth it to share my approach.
I track my current routine, and my skincare stash, in a spreadsheet, so I know what I’m using and what I have next to use. Because, up to this year, I allowed myself a budget of $100/month and generally have a bent towards kbeauty, which can be quite affordable, this means I’ve built up a fair bit of a stash through the months (and years).
Since we just bought a new house, i wanted to focus on putting my money towards paying down that mortgage extra fast (it really counts at the start!) rather than buying some more skincare that would sit in my stash until I’m ready to use it. So my low buy/no buy rules was simply this:
I must be on the last product within a category before I buy another in that category. No backups can remain for me to buy another item in that category.
Now, granted, I have A LOT of categories — propolis serum is one, for example, and ceramide serum is another. I, without a doubt, have a long routine. But it works for me and my skin.
Recently I was feeling like a “stressed depressed lemon zest”, in a term I learned from one of my reports this morning. Thankfully, this coincided with spring sale season and with my need for some replacements. So here’s what I got in my haul from Missha and Soko Glam, and why:
Chogongjin Geumsul Jin Emulsion (from Missha): a replacement for my emulsion. In this case, I consider an emulsion to be any sort of milky essence. Right now, for example, I’m using the Mary & May Vegan Blackberry Complex Cream Essence. This is arguably where I’m fudging the most, as I actually have a mini of the old Laneige Cream Skin in my stash — but I’m saving that one for travel, and it’s a mini.
Super Aqua Ultra Hyalron Toner Pads (from Missha): a replacement for my toner pads. I’m currently using the Soo Good Feel Soo Calm toner pads. These are definitely a luxury, but I love them for a morning wipe down, since I don’t wash my face in the morning.
Axis-Y Dark Spot Correcting Glow Serum (via Soko Glam): a replacement for my antioxidant serum. I like having a dedicated one for that antioxidant support (yay living a mile high) and brightening oomph. I’m currently using the Banobagi Milk Thistle Repair Serum.
Mediheal N.M.F. Intensive Hydrating Cream (via Soko Glam): a replacement for my PM moisturizer. I have actually had this in my stash before and it SHOULD have been what I am using currently, but I gave it to my SIL when she was in Colorado and her skin was struggling, so instead I’m currently using the Cocokind Resurrection Polypeptide Cream.
I’m From Honey Mask (via Soko Glam): a replacement for my moisturizing mask. I have a few mask categories and don’t actually have anything in this mask category currently. My other two categories of mask are “shower mask”, for masks that I like to wear before hopping in the shower to protect my skin, and exfoliating masks. I like having a moisturizing mask after the exfoliating masks, but because of the exfoliating mask I’m using currently (Naturium’s Half Step Flash Facial, which is intended to be used between a first and second cleanse), it hasn’t been relevant. For those wondering, my current shower mask is Beauty of Joseon’s Red Bean Refreshing Pore Mask, and its back up is the Peach Slices Snail Rescue Mask.
Some By Mi Beta Panthenol Repair Serum (via Soko Glam): a replacement for my ceramide serum. I’m currently using the RNW Der Ceramide Serum, which I swear by, but this inci list looked like a lot of fun and I’ve been eyeing it for a while. Plus I love the brand’s propolis serum.
The rest, admittedly, are splurges, GWP, or not skincare. Sheet masks are where I let myself get wild (especially if needed to qualify for free shipping, AND on sale, which these were). The mini I’m From Rice Toner was a GWP from Soko Glam due to $75 in spend. And the Missha BB Cream? Well, quite frankly part of why I’m so into skincare is because I don’t know how to do makeup, but I thought maybe I could give it another shot.
Lisa Loves Skincare 