Recent Skincare Tosses
Unfortunately, the most wasteful part of blogging is not being able to use up products before they expire, which is the main reason I’ve been accepting a lot less PR lately. Today I wanted to share a few of my recent tosses and also briefly touch on why these products didn’t work out for me.
1 // La Roche-Posay Rosaliac AR Intense Face Serum ($39.99) – AR in the name stands for ‘anti-redness’, and this serum was designed to deal with just that. I kept it in a special corner in my skincare cabinet with a few products for skin emergencies like Aquaphor, Neosporin, Tatcha Indigo cream, and others. It saved my skin many times when it was irritated from all kinds of skincare experiments and peels gone wild, but I had to finally let it retire. By the way, it worked great!
Why I’m tossing it: This serum is way beyond its expiration date, and for a product that I plan to put on my skin when it at its worst, that’s a risk I am just not willing to take.
2 // bareMinerals Complexion Rescue Defense Radiant Protective Veil SPF30* ($39) – It’s the perfect base for mineral makeup, especially for – shocker! – bareMinerals loose foundation. The formula contains mineral UV filters and botanical extracts that provide broad-spectrum sun protection and anti-pollution benefits. However, the main marketing schtick of this cream was its ability to also protect from blue light emitted by cell phones and computer screens. I’m not 100% sold on the idea that it’s harmful though, but I figured it was worth a try. It doesn’t leave me with a white cast either, instead, my skin looks more radiant with a healthy rosy tint to it, probably from all that Zinc Oxide.
Why I’m tossing it: I had this sunscreen primer for about a year and a half and sadly didn’t reach for it often enough. Unfortunately, it changed texture and smell before I could use it up.
3 // Supergoop! City Sunscreen Serum SPF30 ($42) – One of my favorite Western sunscreen products, this milky serum is a dream to apply and it completely replaces the need to use an additional moisturizer during the day. I believe it can work for all skin types, except maybe oily, because it does have a few nourishing ingredients in the formula. It comes in a different packaging these days – an upside-down tube with a pump nozzle.
Why I’m tossing it: I literally don’t even know how old this bottle is, and I can’t believe I still had it sitting in my drawer.
4 // 3LAB Perfect Cleansing Foam ($60) – I used this foam a lot before I knew how ‘imperfect’ it actually was. Don’t believe the 5-star reviews online: despite all the beautiful plant extracts, butters, oils, and nourishing ceramides in the formula, this cleanser is highly alkaline and will most certainly dry out your skin.
Why I’m tossing it: I thought I already have, which is why I was surprised to find it in my cleanser drawer. It’s simply too alkaline, we’re talking like pH 10 or 11 when mixed with my tap water. I will never again use a cleanser this harsh on any part of my body unless I’m drenched in motor oil or something.
5 // Peter Thomas Roth Potent-C™ Vitamin C Power Eye Cream* ($65) – I have a favorite anti-aging ingredient combo and this cream has them all: 10% stable form of Vitamin C, 3% of Vitamin E, and 2% Ferulic Acid! This holy skincare trifecta is very effective for addressing pretty much all signs of skin aging [fine lines, wrinkles, dull complexion, loss of elasticity, hyperpigmentation, etc], and even helps prevent future damage. The only thing I don’t like about it is the smell, and the older the cream is, the stronger it gets.
Why I’m tossing it: I just can’t use it anymore. That rusted iron scent is overbearing and I almost feel like everyone in the room can smell my eye cream. There’s still about ⅓ left in the bottle, but I’d rather toss it than continue using a product that makes me uncomfortable, even if it’s super effective.
6 // GLAMGLOW SUPERMUD Clearing Treatment* ($59) – This used to be my go-to treatment for acne, hormonal breakouts, and clogged pores in the t-zone, but I haven’t felt the need to use it in ages. Nowadays I prefer antibacterial Salicylic Acid peels and toners paired with hydrating and soothing ingredients to address troubled skin more gently. I use BHA, CICA, Hyaluronic Acid, Tea Tree, and Aloe Vera with barrier-strengthening fatty alcohols and ceramides as a complex treatment to moisturize, protect, repair, and fight localized inflammation all at once.
Why I’m tossing it: I can’t see myself using this mask again, and I can’t imagine giving my half-empty jar to someone else either.
7 // Le Metier de Beaute Classic Flawless Finish Loose Translucent Powder ($50) – I believe this powder has been discontinued, but it was a very good one. It was very finely milled and had an ethereal, dust-like finish – definitely made my makeup look flawless. However, it’s been a few years and even powder products tend to expire one day.
Why I’m tossing it: It makes my skin itch.
P.S.: I decided to count tosses toward my empties goal this year [which I’m probably not going to reach at this rate, lol], so we’re at 32 out of 100. I do have quite a few products that are almost empty, and I’ll definitely finish them by the end of the year.
Your turn to share! Have you tossed any skincare or makeup products recently? Let me know in the comments below!
*Indicates PR samples.
