Foil Challenge

[ather]

I know we all talked about this but I need it in writing to hold myself more accountable! I have picked out around 28 foils that I am hoping to get through by the end of Feb. that’s 1 foil a day unless I decide to stack more than one! Here’s what I’ve picked randomly! 

 

[CookieGirl1]

@itsfi I've used the Moist Diane Extra Damage Repair shampoo and conditioner and I actually really like the shampoo because it's lightly hydrating without weighing my hair down and the lather is glorious (it's on of the shampoos in my shower now) but the conditioner oddly dried my hair out.  Ironically I placed another Asian haircare order and in it is the Moist Diane Fresh & Hydrate shampoo, which I have not tried before.  That order should be in on Wednesday so I'll try to remember to tag you after I've given it a fair shot.

[itsfi]

July 2024 Foils - we did good this month, folks; very good. 😊 But that's all thanks to being on vacation and being motivated to take a "use 'em or lose 'em" approach with most of my foils (more on that below). 

A small batch of foils used up during the first leg of my vacation. Stayed overnight at a hotel near the airport before meeting up with the rest of our group at the airport the next morning. While I prefer direct flights, I am glad we broke up our trip this way this trip, even with the fire alarm fiasco in the middle of the night 😬 - not a drill, folks; not a drill.  

Spoiler

All of these are loves ❤️, with the since discontinued Sephora Collection Caffeine Eye Masks and the Tatcha The Indigo Cleansing Balm Moisturizing Makeup Remover 1.9 oz / 54 g being 🐐🐐❣️ Tatcha The Dewy Skin Cream Plumping & Hydrating Refillable Moisturizer is a beautiful moisturizer for my normal-to-dry skin most evenings and especially in the cooler months when my skin leans more dry. I suspect this had or could have had GOAT 🐐 status at one point years back, but the combination of my skin type changing slightly as I've gotten older and more moisturizers being released (or more I've become familiar with) keeps from being the "Greatest Of All Time". Still, it's an outstanding moisturizer 😘 and continues to have a place on my Top Shelf.

All the foils I used up once we arrived at our vacation destination - it rained at least once every day but one while there, but that's to be expected when you're in a tropical rainforest. 

Spoiler

All except the IGK Best Life Hair Oil are tried-and-true products, and, as I look at the photo, all are skincare products except for the IGK. Two of the Tatcha products I've commented on already ⬆️. As for the other beauties here:

😘  Tatcha Pure One Step Camellia Cleansing Oil Mini 0.8 oz/ 24 mL (not sure why the full size doesn't come up for tagging) is a well loved oil-based cleanser. I have a few of these types of cleansers that I reach for often so it's a challenge to decide which is a 🐐 product. 

😘  Likewise with the Tatcha The Rice Polish Foaming Enzyme Powder Calming - gentle exfoliation and cleansing; a fabulous cleanser in the mornings, or as a follow up to an oil-based cleanser in the evenings. The AmorePacific enzyme cleanser has been my 🐐 product in the enzyme powder cleanser category for years, but this has been putting up a good challenge and other beauty brands are coming up with good formulations of their own as well.

👍  While not a new product in my rotation, Tatcha The Rice Wash Skin-Softening Cleanser is newer to me than the other Tatcha product. It's been well liked so far, enough so that I have a mini and deluxe sample of it. I just need to put it to use more regularly, which I will aim to do as soon as I make my way through a couple of second cleansers I'm currently incorporating in my routine.

🐐  My intro to the LANEIGE Radian-C Cream with Vitamin C 1.0 oz/ 30 mL was a mini/deluxe sample version from South Korea. Then it showed up at Sephora and it's been in my skincare collection in some size since then. It's my go-to and 🐐 as far as vitamin C moisturizers go - in fact, this was the product that lead me to go for moisturizers containing vitamin C - before this one, I was set on keeping them separate - but results have a way of helping to change one's mind. 😉

👍  IGK Best Life Hair Oil is one of those products that would receive a higher rating from me if I didn't already have several well loved or GOAT items in this category. This did a lovely job of keeping my tresses soft and smooth.  

A variety of masks for use on vacation.

Spoiler

The Sephora Collection Caffeine Eye Masks (🐐) and the spa life Nourishing Finger Masks (👍) are both lovely, the latter working beautifully for some TLC to the fingernails and cuticles. I was gifted this mask from a dear friend 🤗, and it, along with the heel mask ⬇️ came in handy this trip.

👍  The VT Cica Collagen All-In-One 3-Step Mask (counting this as 3 foils?) performed wonderfully as a pre-makeup skincare treat, leaving my skin hydrated, supple and plump, with a bouncy dewiness that primed my skin for makeup and gave my complexion a soft radiance underneath. I'll include more details on this mask when I post my July masks to on the masking thread (probably in the next few days depending on my schedule) and will update this post with a link after it's been posted. 

Emoji Key:

Spoiler

🐐 = GOAT = Greatest Of All Time (have gone through at least two of the particular product (with one being a full size) and other comparable items)

😘 = Chef’s Kiss = Outstanding

❤️ = Love

👍🏼 = Like

🫤 = Okay; “It’s fine.”; “meh”

🔬 = Undecided = “Still looking into it”

🙊 = Not for me / my skin type

🙅🏻‍♀️ = ❌ = “No, non, nein, nyet, …”

Foils Dashboard:

• Month-To-Date = 22 foils (I used another Sephora Collection Caffeine Eye Mask the night before my flight back home but that was included in an empties photos)
• Year-To-Date = 70 foils

Use 'em or Lose 'em: 

I'll be working on a "use 'em or lose 'em" approach to foils from now until the end of September @ather - I've donated a handful of foils already to local shelters. I'll do the same with the foils that fall under the "lose 'em" camp. Basically, other than for a few exceptions, whatever foils currently in my stash that I don't use by the end of September will be donated. What are the exceptions? (1) Foils I have or will pick up this year; (2) foils of tried-and-true products that I regularly use for travel; and (3) foils that are part of a multi-day trial set that I know I will put to use before year end. 

[caitbird]

@itsfi  great foil use, you went through so many! I love the idea of keeping foils of favorite products on hand for travel! I would really love to try that Tatcha cleansing balm, it's been on my loves list for a while (not that I need any more cleansing balms for a while, of course 😅). I applied for the sample GWP with my most recent Sephora order, so fingers crossed I will actually receive it! I like your "use 'em or lose 'em" approach to your foils stash - I really need to inventory my own foils and take stock of which ones I'll realistically use in a reasonable time frame, and which should be donated.

[itsfi]

@caitbird, I lost track of how many foils I had and it got a little out of control, but I've pulled and set aside items I don't see myself getting to this year (I figure I still have time to test products better suited for warm weather and the end of the year will be good conditions for the cooler seasons), or foils that will not work for me and plan to drop them off at a women's shelter this or next month. 

[caitbird]

@itsfi  thanks for the reminder about donating items; I have been setting aside samples and products for donation for a while now, but hadn't actually figured out where to donate them yet. I have just now reached out to a local women's shelter and they said they would be happy to accept them, so that's that problem solved, at least. I will have to go through my unopened products one more time to see if there's anything else I can donate, before making the trip over there to drop them off.

[CynthieLu]

Fantastic foil use! @itsfi I hope you had a beautiful vacation. A tropical rainforests, that's so cool! 

I have had similar feelings about my foils. ( and mini, GWP trials etc..) I want to use them or donate/give them away if I don't think they fit. My stash is of too healthy a size to have so many. I took that approach on vacation and I think I'll follow suit and try to keep it up this month as well. 

[itsfi]

Yep, yep, the downside to having a healthy collection - what to pass on? I have bins for products to be donated and one for items to gift/rehome. That helps but I have to remind myself to be consistent about dropping it products in those bins @CynthieLu. Capsule Makeup Collection Challenge helps with makeup products and I'll use this thread and the Show Me Your Declutters! Thread to keep me accountable, with maybe posts to the latter every 2-3 months. 

Vacation was very nice, relaxing. I miss it even more now that it's been about a week since I've been back. 😂 I finally got around to posting about it on the Re: The Travel Beauty Thread and it made for a great way to reminisce.

[ather]

@itsfi  Wow! Great job!!! A tropical rainforest sounds exciting. I hope you had a perfect trip!!! 

I love that you have so many Tatcha products in this! That is so amazing! Really show how great the line is! 

I love the use ‘em or loose em approach. It’s perfect! You have a month to use them up! Donating is also great! 😊 I may need to use a similar approach!!! Can’t wait to see next month!! 

[ather]

So my June wasn’t as good as I hoped. But I am getting through my foils and I don’t have a ton left! 

I have used Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Framboos™ Glycolic Resurfacing Night Serum #but I used a sample a week and it really dried my skin out. I can still feel some texture from it. I will stick to SEPHORA COLLECTION Gentle Exfoliating Peeling Serum with Niacinamide + Lactic Acid 1 oz / 30 mL 

The other were good but not enough that I would purchase it. 

[itsfi]

That's awesome that your foils stash is on the small size @ather! Impressive and inspiring. I had a setback with reducing the number of foils in my stash - I blame foils included in gwp bags 😅 - yes, yes, I don't have to take those gwp bags or I can let go of those foils or other items sooner than I do. It's all a work in progress. In any event, I'm aiming to be back in better form soon.

Oh, yes, that Sephora Collection peel is such a good one - gentle and effective. There's so much product in the bottle. I contemplated including it as part of the pan it! challenge; maybe for next year's challenge. I can only imagine how long it will take me to use it up, at least using it just on my face. I may put it to use as an all over, from head-to-toe peel. Hmmm... 🤔

How did you like the Laneige? Or do you need more product to test before commenting?

[ather]

@itsfi  Thank you!!! 😊 I know what you mean. I found a hidden gwp bag in my closet full of foils. Oh no!!! 😬 but that’s ok! 

The Laneige I don’t think I had enough to really test. I didn’t get sensitive from it which is a plus for sure. Some products I need more time to really develop a good conclusion on!

Oooo head to toe peel!! That’s a great idea!! 

[peculiarzmakeup]

I absolutely love this idea for a thread @ather 💕

I plan to start July 1st and take it week by week

I hope the picture doesn’t get cropped out 

Monday- #MAKE UP FOR EVER primer (it sells the 3 in the samples separately I believe 

Tuesday- MERIT The Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Foundation and Concealer Stick Khaki 

Wednesday- MILK MAKEUP Matte Cream Bronzer Stick Blaze 

Thursday- ILIA Lip Sketch Hydrating Lipstick + Lip Liner Crayon 

Friday- Tower 28 Beauty ShineOn Lip Jelly Hydrating Non-Sticky Lip Gloss 

Saturday- Clarins duo 

Sunday- Marc Jacobs Fragrances Daisy Eau de Toilette 

I love these samples I’ve never tried these products before! I actually think I could probably do a full face of makeup with these products, this is so much fun, I will post the experience and the completed foils as a reply at the end of the week! 
very much looking forward to it 😊🫶❤️

[ather]

@peculiarzmakeup  Yay!! So happy you are joining us!!! And I love your approach on this. I may need to take some notes from you!! Can’t wait to see all your progress! 

[peculiarzmakeup]

Thank you so much @ather I’m very much looking forward to participating 😊❤️

[CorgiMommy]

@peculiarzmakeup great foils.  I did this challenge a few years ago and used up a ton of foils and GWPs.  Good luck

[peculiarzmakeup]

Thank you so much! @CorgiMommy  I think it will be fun and I always forget to try them or utilize them at times so this will be great accountability for me. I love it ❤️

[itsfi]

@peculiarzmakeup, those are fantastic foil samples you have!! 🤩 Nicely done! 👍🏼 

Just a heads up, there’ll be a samples makeup capsule theme in August for the Capsule Makeup Collection Challenge (more info on August themes will be posted next month), so if you end up accumulating enough for another full face (or even a partial look since having just one product fit in the theme works beautifully) with foils,  think about that for August. Two challenges done with one or more foil samples. 

[peculiarzmakeup]

Thank you so much! And thank you for letting me know I will keep that in mind for August, I never thought about it like this until now but shopping my sample stash! I love it. I can’t wait to participate, that’s a fantastic idea 🫶 @itsfi 

[itsfi]

June 2024 Foils

How are we almost at the end of June? 

Product Details: 

Spoiler

🫤  amika The Kure Strength Repair Shampoo​ is fine - my hair felt lightly hydrated but there are other nourishing, bond repair type shampoos that work better for my hair.

👍  The amika The Kure Strength Repair Conditioner​ performed better for me. While there are similar products out there that work just as well, if not better, for me, this amika conditioner was a nice treat. My hair felt lightly moisturized, without feeling heavy and this performed nicely as a detangler, too.

🐐  Don't love that I have to reach for the Peace Out Salicylic Acid Acne Healing Dots but these deliver results time and time again when I do need them. So long as I suffer from breakouts, even the occasional ones, I will have a pack or sample pack like this one on hand.

👍  Argan oil can be too heavy for my face, but the Josie Maran Whipped Argan Oil Face Butter (discontinued) has a light consistency that would probably be fine, but I ended up using this packet on my hands and it did a lovely job of keeping them hydrated and moisturized without looking or feeling greasy.

🔬It's hard to say how these Vegamour GRO Biotin Gummies for Thinning Hair 30 Gummies worked - there are only 3 in the foil packet, but I didn't experience any breakouts from them (which can sometimes happen for me when I take biotin orally) so that's a good sign. @ather, I know that Vegamour products have worked well for you; have you tried these gummies before?

Emoji Key: 

🐐 = GOAT = Greatest Of All Time (have gone through at least two of the particular product and other comparable items)

😘 = Chef’s Kiss = Outstanding 

❤️= Love 
👍= Like 

🫤 = Okay; “It’s fine.”; “meh”

🔬 = Undecided = “Still looking into it”

🙊 = Not for me / my skin type

🙅🏻‍♀️ = ❌ = “No, non, nein, nyet, …” 

Foils Dashboard:

Month-To-Date = 5

Year-To-Date = 48

Ordinarily, I'd look at these stats and think, "oh, maybe a stretch goal of 100 foils would be something to strive for by the end of the year." I'm not sure if that is a practical goal, even for a stretch goal. I've been slowing down with my foils usage and am considering gathering all of the foils of which I have just one foil, culling through and setting aside the ones I'm very interested in trying or seriously thinking about purchasing in the next few months, and then donating the rest to a womens' shelter. My goal would be to work through those foils and the ones of which I have multiple foil packets by year end. I'll need to think this through a little more but I'm sorta inclined to go for it. 🤔 Will aim to make a final decision by the end of the 4th of July weekend. 

[CookieGirl1]

@itsfi sounds like a worthwhile strategy for addressing your foils in the future :).  

And I felt the same way about the Amika the Kure line; they actually made my hair feel really dry.

[itsfi]

@CookieGirl1, a few of my more recent uses of shampoo samples have left my hair feeling straw-like; the amika shampoo didn't go that far, which I appreciated but I have bond shampoos that leave my hair feeling more hydratd while still cleansed and strengthened. Have you tried other amika shampoos and conditioners? I've tried some from a couple of their other lines and I may just not be finding the line that works for my hair. Their nourishing hair mask, however, is a good fit. That and their Triple Rx Mask, which has sadly been discontinued for years, are ones that my hair likes.