Trash Stash: June and July 2017: Part 1 (Skincare and Sample / Travel Sizes)

~ stashy

Since I skipped June’s Trash Stash, I’m breaking up this post into 2 parts instead of overwhelming you with a monster post. 😛 Here’s about half of what I used up in the past 2 months:

The first part will be solely focused on skincare and sample / travel sizes, and part 2 will be on the remaining beauty products.

Skincare


Sekkisei Clear Cleansing Oil – $45 for 250ml
I have had my eye on this cleanser for a while since it’s well reviewed online, but it’s quite pricey (Sekkisei is the higher end skincare line from Kose). I noticed that some Shoppers Drug Marts started carrying the Sekkisei line and was tempted to redeem my Optimum Points for this. But as luck would have it, I spotted this at Winners for $30, so I scooped it up. And here’s where sometimes I need to do more research instead of falling for the hype.

This oil cleanser is not olive oil based – it is mineral oil based – I personally prefer olive oil based oil cleansers from the many types I’ve tried. This also has a runnier consistency than what I like. It also has a perfume-y smell that I don’t care for. Lastly, this isn’t effective for removing eye or waterproof makeup. I’m glad I got this discounted or else I would have been more disappointed.
Stash worthiness: 5/10     Repurchase: No

The Face Shop Chia Seed Moisturizing Toner – $27 for 145ml
I think this might be my new favourite toner. Before this, I was smitten over The Body Shop’s Vitamin E Hydrating Toner. While they’re both hydrating, I found The Face Shop one to be better to removing all remaining residue from my face. It has a light fresh scent that is very subtle. The bottle of The Face Shop is also lovely: it’s made of glass and features a pump nozzle which I felt made for more consistent amount per use.  I use 6 pumps per use and this bottle lasted me 3 months with nightly use.
Stash worthiness: 10/10     Repurchase: Yes

Yves Rocher 3 Detoxifying Teas Micellar Cleansing Water
This is my favourite micellar water and it’s discontinued! It’s effective and soothing and smells like tea.  One bottle lasts me about 2 months.  I stocked up on this and the countdown is on – I now have 4 bottles left.
Stash worthiness: 10/10     Repurchase: No (not because I wouldn’t, because I can’t!)

Daiso Detergent for Puff and Sponge – ¥100 in Japan but C$6.50 from Ebay, for 80ml
This isn’t skincare but I didn’t know where to stick it. 😛 This is the BEST cleanser for makeup blending sponges. It keeps my sponges in tip top condition and it is cheap as chips! A bottle like this lasts me months because it only takes a few drops to thoroughly clean a sponge.
Stash worthiness: 10/10     Repurchase: Yes

Holika Holika One Solution Anti-Wrinkle Ampoule – $17 for 30ml
I reviewed this and compared it to the Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Recovery Complex II in this post. This serum was hydrating but didn’t yield any noticeable results. This bottle lasted me about 6 weeks with daily use.
Stash worthiness: 6/10     Repurchase: No

Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Recovery Complex II
I had to stop using this with about 1/3rd of the product left, after I discovered it contains Triethanolamine which isn’t very good for your skin. Read more here.
Stash worthiness: 4/10     Repurchase: No

Clarins UV Plus HP Sunscreen Multi-Protection Tint in Light – $42 for 50ml
I reviewed this here.
Stash worthiness: 8/10     Repurchase: Maybe

Consonant Skincare Ultra Firming Organic Eye Cream – $36 for 15ml
I like this but don’t love it. I use this as an under eye serum / base for my actual eye cream. I do find it creates a lifted and smooth base for other products to sit on top. On its own, I do not find it to be hydrating enough. It also takes a while to absorb into the skin so this is only used at night time.
Stash worthiness: 7/10     Repurchase: Maybe

MUJI Cut Cotton White – $3.50 for a pack of 165 pcs
Detailed review here where I compare it to Shiseido’s crack cotton. It’s a dupe!
Stash worthiness: 10/10     Repurchase: Yes

Delon+ Premium Cotton Rounds – approx $1.60 for 100 count
A staple in my skincare routine. I like how these are lint-free and have a meshy exfoliating side.
Stash worthiness: 9/10     Repurchase: Yes

The Face Shop Konjac Cleaning Puff – $4
Another staple. I use a konjac sponge every morning on my face, in the shower. I’ve strayed away from The Face Shop version for a while to try others but this remains my favourite!
Stash worthiness: 9/10     Repurchase: Yes

Life Brand Soothing Face Mask with Lychee and Black Tea – $1.67 for 15ml
This was a cream mask that was anything but soothing! It was so strongly fragranced (like laundry detergent) that the fumes irritated my eyes. And when I applied it on my face, it stung my skin especially around my nose and on my cheeks. I noted that this mask contains lactic acid (AHA), which might be the culprit. One good thing (or bad thing) is that the pouch contained a lot of product, nearly enough to do 2 full masks – but no thanks! I must admit that my skin felt smooth afterward but it wasn’t worth the pain. Also, this mask is made in Canada (sorry!)
Stash worthiness: 3/10     Repurchase: No

Indeed Labs Hydraluron Moisture Boosting Sheet Mask – $5 for 20ml
I’ve used the Hydraluron serum before but I wasn’t a fan (I found it sticky and not that hydrating) but it’s a wildly popular serum.  I guess based on its popularity, Indeed Labs decided to jump on the sheet mask bandwagon. The mask construction is interesting – the eye flaps and side / chin slits are only perforated – the user needs to rip them apart. There is a slight tingle on the skin. The serum is slightly slimy and the sheet material is very thick – it adheres fairly well on the skin. This mask is made in Japan – the first sheet mask I’ve noticed that I’ve tried made there. I didn’t notice any improvements on my skin after using this.
Stash worthiness: 6/10     Repurchase: No

The Face Shop Real Nature Face Mask Calendula – $3 for 21ml
The serum is slightly gooey and the face mask shape fits my face perfectly. The smell is a bit off though – like waxy wilted flower petals. It’s supposed to be smoothing. My skin did feel soft after but no major improvements.
Stash worthiness: 6/10     Repurchase: Maybe

Etude House 0.2 Therapy Air Mask Collagen – $2 for 20ml
This has a milky serum that feels very soothing. Similar to the other Etude House 0.2mm masks, this fits snugly on my face and adheres exceptionally well. My skin felt quite smooth and plumped afterward.
Stash worthiness: 8/10     Repurchase: Yes

Sephora Rose Sheet Mask – $8 for 22g
This mask comes folded up with a light pink mesh backing that needs to be removed before application. The material of the mask is very thin but has a sturdy feel to it. The size and shape of this mask fit so well to my face, it was as if I was the fit model! 😛 The scent is quite a strong rose which lingered the entire time I had the mask on. There’s a tiny bit of tingle on the skin.  This is supposed to provide deep moisture and be brightening but the next morning my skin felt dehydrated and was slightly blotchy. Not a good look! For $8 per mask, I expected more of this. I do have the Green Tea version which I hope performs better.
Stash worthiness: 4/10     Repurchase: No

Montagne Jeunesse Glacial Clay Spa Mask – $1.50
This is a unique mask in that it’s a hybrid of a clay mask and a sheet mask. The sheet itself is made of a very thick paper material, which is soaked with a watery clay liquid (similar consistency as calamine lotion). The mask shape fit my face pretty well, if not on the long side on the forehead.  The smell is a bit overwhelming – like an aqua / ocean-y scented air freshener.  As the mask dries, the sensation is not unlike a plaster of Paris cast. But, this mask really works! My skin felt supple and looked really clear the next day – my pores look less visible too. I really like the convenience of a clay mask in a sheet form – I’m curious if any other brands offer this style of masks, especially Korean ones.
Stash worthiness: 9/10     Repurchase: Yes

And of course, the 30 face masks that I used up as part of my 30 Day Masking Challenge! Read all about each mask here. 🙂

Sample / Travel Size


Skin79 The Oriental Gold BB Cream – yet another Skin79 BB that I love! This one provides great coverage with a slightly more glowy finish. I think this would be great for those with a drier skin type.

Elizabeth Arden All Gone Eye and Lip Makeup Remover – this is an excellent eye makeup remover and a contender as one of the top removers I’ve ever tried. It’s effective, gentle and does not leave a film on the skin. This 50ml bottle lasted me a while too. I will definitely get a full size bottle of this ($25 for 100ml).

Smashbox Photo Finish Luminizing Foundation Primer – this was a lovely glowy bronzy primer. This sample lasted for a long time since so little product is needed with each use. I would consider buying this or something similar.

Cetaphil Gentle Skin Gleansing Cloths x2 – Still working through these samples. I took these with me on my weekend away to Kingston. I saved the empty packaging and brought them home so I can photograph them for the blog! 😆

Consonant Skincare Ultra Moisturizing Organic Face Cream – this is a good cream for the summer months. I’m using the full size of this right now.

REN Radiance Perfection Serum – I quite like this. It made my skin look bright and provided decent hydration. The full size is $68 for 30ml which is pricey.

Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion + – this is a staple in my skincare stash. It’s a very basic no frills moisturizer but it works well under makeup and with other skincare. I especially rely on this if I’m using a lot of serum treatments and need something that won’t interact with them.

Davines Momo Shampoo and Conditioner – the SO brought these back for me from the hotel he stayed at when he went on a work trip to Palm Springs (must be nice eh?). They’re just ok hair products – the scent is very musky and off-putting. BUT, I kind of dig the little bottles and they’re quite good quality, so I’m keeping them to refill for travel.

Fekkai Shea Butter Moisturizing Shampoo and Conditioner – I have a bunch of these to use up. Makes my hair soft and smells nice (shea and jasmine).

Lancome La Vie est Belle Fragrance Body Lotion – this is so stinky. I used it once and could not bear to use it again. The only way I can describe the smell is if a garbage bag of caramel was allowed to spoil in a humid, damp environment, then wrapped in a dirty dog blanket for a month. Voila!

Skintimate Moisturizing Shave Gel in Raspberry Rain – I got this in one of those Back to School beauty sets from Shoppers or Rexall ages ago. I don’t need to shave my legs often since I’m pretty much a hairless mole. 😛 This smelled fruity and was very moisturizing.

Dove Go Fresh Cool Essentials Cucumber & Green Tea Scent Antiperspirant – I bought this for a trip ages ago and kept it in a drawer at work for emergencies. It’s nice but I wouldn’t seek it out (but it’s normally what’s available at the dollar store).

The Body Shop Shea Shower Cream – not my favourite. I like things that foam up as my body wash.

Dr Sholl’s For Her Jelly Soak – I got a few of these from a friend to try and it’s weird. It’s silica powder that you add to warm water and it expands into little bits of jelly in the water. I don’t know if it really helps with my feet but it was a change from using just soapy water.

Tocca Giulietta Nourishing Body Scrub – not a great scrub but it smelled nice; the notes are described as pink tulip and green apple.

Mary Kay Satinhands Satin Smoothie Hand Scrub – I never remember to use this but it feels so nice to use a scrub on the hands. Try it next time you’re using a body scrub, use it on your hands, especially on the palms. 🙂 This one isn’t terribly unique but it did smell like apricots – I showed this product in my post about how I do my manicures.

And that concludes part 1 – stay tuned for part 2 which includes hair and body care, plus makeup – coming up later this week!  I’ll also reveal the final tally in that post.  Have you used any of the items shown here?

63 thoughts on “Trash Stash: June and July 2017: Part 1 (Skincare and Sample / Travel Sizes)”

  2. Sorry to hear the YR micellar water stash is shrinking. I really don’t understand why companies discontinue awesome products. Are they making too much money?! The stupidity…

    OMG all those masks again! I’m glad you liked the Glacial Spa fabric mask. I love it for the same reasons – it’s really effective and it fits reasonably well.

    That Life Brand lychee mask sounds scary!

    About trieth… have you considered checking the ingredients of all your cosmetics? I’d love to, but I’m too scared!

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    1. Yes, I think YR was sick of all the money they were making off that micellar water and they said NO MORE, we can’t possibly handle this much money. UGH.
      I took a short break from sheet masks after my 30 day spell but I do really like how the masks make my skin feel (in general). I remember you liking that Glacial Spa mask – when I read your review, I thought, what an odd concept but it just somehow works!

      I have thought about retroactively checking all my makeup products for Triethanolamine but I am scared to as well. I did the next best thing and did a search on the beautypedia site:
      https://www.beautypedia.com/skin-care-reviews/?Ntt=Triethanolamine
      And I was shocked to see how many The Ordinary products contain that ingredient! And mascaras too… 😮 Products that rinse off aren’t as worrisome since the ingredient is approved for skincare that isn’t meant to be left on… but mascara? Why!

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  3. Ah! I love to read your post so much! Kosé toner is very famous, it can be used as mask too! Soak it with Muji compressed mask and put on face for 15-20 minutes. My friend told me it can tighten the pores and even out skin complexion.

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    1. That’s a good tip! I will try it. I know both Shisedo and MUJI promote how to use their cotton as a mask but I’ve never tried it like that before.

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  5. Another huge trash stash! Albeit it’s for 2 months 🙂

    Ugh, sucks about the Kosé and the triethanolamine. I am not religious about checking for ingredients, but I’ve had to recently since something made me break out and I can’t figure out what it is. (Might just be a lack of sleep thing, but I’ve stripped down my skincare products to bare minimum.)

    Yves Rocher are forever discontinuing wonderful things. I don’t know what their problem is!

    I think I have a Rexall brand face mask sitting in a drawer, and I’m afraid to try it now that your Shoppers “Life” brand mask was so terrible!

    The Montagne clay mask thing sounds really cool!

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    1. Lack of sleep might be a culprit for your skin issues. Something about sleep just heals everything. Also water. But mostly sleep! 😉

      I often suspect YR is just repackaging their products to keep things looking fresh. I wouldn’t be surprised if they launched a new tea-based micellar water in a few months. 😛

      The Life Brand masks are usually benign! This is the first one that I’ve suffered actual pain. I’ve not tried the Rexall ones yet – might have to try one.

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    1. Haha, no not crazy. If your serums and treatments are working to keep your skin in check, I see no point in supplementing your routine with masks if you don’t need them!

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    1. I know people slag it for being so basic but sometimes that’s what I need when I’m using BHA or AHA or retinols.
      Yes, I’ve been on a sheet mask kick!

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  9. Hahaha at the description of that La Vie Est Belle lotion! I generally steer clear from lotion versions of perfume – it’s just unnecessary IMO.

    Agree with what you said about the Clinique moisturiser!! It’s so nice to use on top of many serums, and underneath makeup. I have a sample but I’m saving it for my travels. 🙂 BUT – I can’t wait to get my hands on a full-size moisturiser from them again.

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    1. I have used perfumed lotions when they correspond back to a perfume that I wear to layer the scent. But this Lancome one I received as a sample – have never smelled the perfume and I’m sorry I ever slathered this one my skin!

      I just found another half used sample tube of that Clinique moisturizer – I must have brought it on a trip with me and forgot about it. My friend gives me them because she doesn’t like it – score for me!

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  10. That’s a lot of skincare! I’ve used up so much in June/July too just got to post my empties at some point. It’s a shane Sephoras rose mask didn’t work for you. My skin is dry full stop at the moment. Nothing is working! The Lancome body lotion sounds nice😂 Nice description of its smell x

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    1. I do wonder if my skin was just dry lately because of the summer heat. But I expected a pricey mask like Sephora’s to help my skin, not make it worse! Have you tried using facial oils? I’ve been rotating them twice a week (I use Clarins’ Lotus oil).
      Haha, that Lancome lotion stinks so badly, I don’t even think my description did it justice!

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      1. That’s true. A lot of masks I’ve been trying have done the opposite too and made ny skin drier. I used to use oils but my skin is combination. When my skin was greasier before oils would make my skin oilier. Now my skin is dry I should try some. X

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  11. Some interesting products here for sure! Not gonna lie, I’m not a fan of anything Montagne Jeunesse mainly because their Dead Salt and Spearmint mask gave me a massive allergic reaction it burned my face! Agree on the Estee Lauder ANR so many people rave about it and it was disappointing to me, I much prefer the Lancome Genifique which is amazing! xxxx

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    1. Oh yes, I can imagine how the minty masks would not be great for the skin. I don’t tolerate mint in my skin well so I avoid.
      I have a sample of Lancome Genifique somewhere, I should find it to try out!

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    1. It was the first Sephora branded sheet mask I’ve tried but I’m going to give the Green Tea version a try – lots of people seem to like that one.

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  14. You’re so trashy stashy! Lol and that’s a lot of products again. My skin would probably cry if I use this much.. I can’t wait for the part 2!😊

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  15. Heh, the Sekkisei Cleansing Oil sounds up my alley! I know you prefer oils with a thicker consistencies while I like the thinner consistency.

    Re: the Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair containing Triethanolamine…umm, what? I read the link you provided and that’s terrifying. I am not super careful when it comes to looking at ingredients, so that scares me knowing that crap like this goes into my skincare.

    Oooh, the Smashbox Photo Finish Luminizing Foundation Primer looks seriously pretty. Did it make you look like a bronze summer goddess? haha!

    Maybe you got a bad batch of the Lancome body lotion? From what I remember, the smell to me is too florally, but I don’t think it should be downright STINKY! Your description of the scent is rather…unpleasant. Haha!

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    1. You know, when I was using the Sekkisei cleansing oil, I was thinking that you’d probably like it! 😛 Maybe you can find it at Winners. Or redeem points at Shoppers for it.

      I did a search for that ingredient and I saw that The Ordinary has quite a few products that includes triethanolamine! I did a search on beautypedia so you can see what else contains this ingredient:
      https://www.beautypedia.com/skin-care-reviews/?N=4294966879&No=0&Nrpp=96&Ns=p_num_days_published%7C0&Ntt=Triethanolamine
      Obviously it’s not an exhaustive list but it has a lot!

      That Smashbox primer did give a pretty bronzey glow – it was especially good with foundations that were a bit pale for me in the summer months. And, it did prime my skin nicely. 🙂

      I assumed the Lancome lotion would be florally but all I smell was candy sweet super musky mildewy YUCK. I did a search for what the key notes are and the top note is PRALINES? What! 😮

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      1. I’ve never noticed this brand at Shoppers before! I’ll definitely have to keep my eye out there and at Winners.
        That is actually terrifying how many products contain triethanolamine. All those mascaras! And who knows how many items are NOT on that list…PLUS all of the other potentially harmful ingredients in our skincare we aren’t aware of yet. Why do we do this?!
        What are pralines supposed to smell like?! I suppose if we can have almond-scented skincare, then we can have praline-scented skincare too…how odd!

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  16. That’s a lot of skin care finished, good destashing, if that’s a word! I don’t think I’ve finished that much all this year. It’s so annoying when a favourite gets discontinued, I always forget to stash them and then spend ages trying to find a replacement. I’m impressed with how many face masks you’ve used. I feel I may need to use face masks more, I put all of mine in a pile and I have way more than I should, and may have bought more recently.

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    1. I do tend to go through skincare more often now because I made a rule to only have one of each item open at a time. I used to have 4 or 5 different moisturizers open and they never seem to get finished! 😛
      I realized that my sheet mask stash was getting out of hand so I made an effort to use them more. I really felt my skin benefited from all the moisture. 🙂

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      1. I have four or five cleansers on the go because I can never find just one that does what I want. They take forever to finish but they always seem to all go at once so it looks great with empties then 😆 I looked at my sheet mask stash and I think I have almost enough for a mask a day for a month, I keep forgetting I have them, I’ll have to up my mask using to a few a week rather than once a week at the moment. Good to hear your skin benefitted from it.

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  18. Great empties, mine are still ticking over to September I think, I haven’t had chance to do them yet and it’ll be halfway through the month before I can tackle the pile. Luckily it’s not grown that much this month as I’m starting afresh on a lot of products! and I swore I’d never do this again!
    Bummer on the YR Micellar Water, at least you still have a few more! And I’m very jealous of you being a hairless mole. I can’t be bothered to shave my legs very often, luckily we’re having the most horrendous rainy summer so I’m wearing jeans or black tights permanently so no one has to see it, apart from Ben, but hey we’re married now so I can let myself go haha.

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    1. Haha, I guess you didn’t learn from your last massive pile of empties! 😛 I keep telling myself to get on with posting the empties because “I don’t want to be like that slacker Rachael!” 😆 😉
      Sometimes I do wish I had body hair as a layer of insulation! My SO has a nice layer of hair on both his arms and legs and he’s always warm whereas I am cold! Haha, how is married life any different than how you two were before! 😛

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  20. Daiso has a new sponge/brush cleanser now. They maybe discontinuing this one 😩 okay, you are right, your trash stash is stressing me out 😋🤗

    You’re so right on the cleansing oil. I was soooooo pissed off that I bought it full price in Japan. Seriously, DHC is so much better and cheaper. Even my super cheap biore one did better 😤

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    1. Oh no! Why would Daiso do that?!! That is absolutely sacrilegious. Well, I stocked up on a few bottles of this type so I am ok for a bit. Ugh, why.
      All the reviews online rave about that Sekkisei cleansing oil but it’s not effective! Yes, so many other cleansing oils perform better – the cheapo Softymo one is better (which is also mineral oil based and also owned by Kose!)

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  21. The Face Shop Chia Seed Toner you mentioned intrigues me! They usually have decent prices and I have tried an emulsion from them before. I did notice their packaging is very sturdy and nice, albeit plain.

    Also, for some reason I never thought about using a konjac sponge in the shower! Maybe I should start 🤔

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    1. I don’t even remember what possessed me to pick up that particular toner from The Face Shop but I’m glad I did. I don’t mind the plain packaging if it means the prices isn’t high.
      Try the konjac in the shower – so convenient!

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  23. I hate it in when they discontinue good products! I wanted to try the Yves Rocher 3 Detoxifying Teas Micellar Cleansing Water. The Face Shop Chia Seed Moisturizing Toner sounds amazing!

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    1. I swear they do it to mess with us. I’ve tried Yves Rocher’s other micellar waters and they aren’t nearly as effective as the 3 Detoxifying Teas version! I am now worried The Face Shop will discontinue that toner… just because I like it so much! 😛

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  24. gniihihi your descrption of the LVEB body lotion is so spot on! I mean I never had a lotion sample, but that’s totally the smell of the perfume. and so many ladies overapply it, too. XD

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  26. That The Face Shop toner bottLe makes me crave some meLons..
    I don’t have much success with Yves Rocher cLeansing geL, but I’ll see if they stock this miceLLar water in Indonesia :p

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    1. Haha I didn’t even think about melons when looking at that toner bottle but I see it now!
      Yves Rocher sells a bunch of micellar waters – I’ve tried them all and none of them are as good as this tea one!

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