Some of you who follow me on Instagram or who are following the MWS Facebook page may remember me showing you a picture of my latest skincare empty. It was the Yves Rocher Hydra Vegetal Gel Cream and I’d scraped out every last bit of it. Its been a while since I’ve done this so its a great achievement for me 😀
It got me thinking however as to why I’d managed to make such big inroads into this one when I usually have a few half used tubs of cream here and there. Bad habit, I know. I’ve been doing this for years, even way before blogging 😛 But when I thought about it, I realised why I managed to finished this one so I’ll tell you why 😉
Have you finished any skincare lately and if you did, how and why did you manage to finish this one and perhaps not another?
For me, I narrowed it down to about 3 reasons:-
- It suited my skin. This gel cream was hydrating and fit my skin well. It felt comfortable and I didn’t feel the need to switch around to accommodate picky skin.
- It was handy. I kept this one within easy reach and it became almost routine for me to reach for this cream day and night. I behave almost like a robot sometimes, reaching for oft-used products without even thinking about them. Sometimes, halfway through my routine, I “wake up” and wonder what stage I’ve reached – am I supposed to put on serum or moisturiser next? Uh-oh!
- I got lazy. I have to admit this played a big part 😛 I just got tired of switching around and of trying new things. So I stuck to this cream and before I knew it, uhoh! I’d cleaned it out! LOL Not too bad when I think about it. At least now I can move on.
How about you: Have you finished something recently and if you did, did you have any reasons for sticking to that particular item?
I know its a bit of a strange question but if you just think about it, I’m sure you too will have your reasons for finishing up one product and not another 🙂
Paris B
Cynthia says
March 12, 2013 at 9:10 amI managed to finish most of my skincare products I used everyday. Mainly because it works and I felt so lazy to switch and try out a new one. The only time I didn’t managed to finish was when the product doesn’t work on me halfway through. But somehow I always tell myself I need to finish it up so I can throw them away. It’s space-consuming. Haha!
Paris B says
March 12, 2013 at 3:10 pmGood on you 🙂 I am too fickle for my own good LOL! I find that some products start out nice and then just get stagnant halfway through or after 2 weeks or so, start feeling drying on my skin and then I’ll just put them aside. Can’t bring myself to finish something that doesn’t work 🙁
Lily says
March 12, 2013 at 9:42 amI usually use up my skincare. The only reason I don’t is because it doesn’t suit my skin. I guess that’s the only thing I can boast about my habit. Hahahaha!
Paris B says
March 12, 2013 at 3:12 pmHaha good on ya! I’m more loyal to a lipstick than I am to a jar of moisturiser 😛 Well, unless the 3 criteria here fit of course then I end up with an empty pot 😀
Victoria says
March 12, 2013 at 9:47 amI usually try my best to finish all my products since I do not want the money spent on purchasing the product going to waste. Would you be repurchasing this moisturiser? I recently bought the gel cleanser and quite like it and have been using it on my travels since it is convenient to carry.
Paris B says
March 12, 2013 at 3:13 pmI may repurchase the cream, Victoria but not in the short term because I’m using the Origins for now. But if I need something quick and affordable that works, this cream will get top billing 🙂
Parita says
March 12, 2013 at 10:03 amI have been using Vichy Normaderm range for skin since last couple of yrs n always manage to finish..i recently finished their night cream and already have a back up of it..not comfortable in experimenting with new products for face since i have sensitive skin and break out easily
Paris B says
March 12, 2013 at 3:14 pmAhhh Vichy! I miss them ever since they pulled out of here 🙁 They had such good quality products and the Normaderm range is really good! I still use their gel cleanser to keep spots at bay – one of the best I’ve ever used 😀
Tracy says
March 12, 2013 at 10:18 amI’m like you too-I tend to have a few open jars around and I used to dip into what I felt like. BIG mistake though. My skin suffered. Now, I’m back to my original routine before I started blogging and my skin is so much better. I only use 2 products now (unless I’m testing something) and it makes such a difference.
Paris B says
March 12, 2013 at 3:16 pmI’ve cut down to just a serum (sometimes) and a moisturiser and I do see the benefits too! That said, I am probably a bit less fickle these few months than I have been my whole life when it comes to skincare. Horrible aren’t I? 😛
Firn says
March 12, 2013 at 10:21 amI always finish my derm’s serum, moisturiser and sunblock. I do have other skincare in rotation, but I always end up going back to what works and doesn’t give me a rash/pimples!
Whenever I stray from my essentials, I feel like I’m cheating on my routine haha.
Paris B says
March 12, 2013 at 3:18 pmI’m finally learning this in my dotage i.e. use what works and stick to it (as best I can or until I finish it up whichever comes first) LOL! 😀
chsilvi says
March 12, 2013 at 10:56 amI jst finished my Origins White Tea cream. Luv that product. now jst open a new one 😀 I always finish my cleanser (any), SKII essence, and eyecream (EL lift eye cream). the rest is just another experiments wth lotsa unfinished ones 🙂
Paris B says
March 12, 2013 at 3:22 pmMmm the name White Tea cream sounds so… delicious! LOL! 😀 I totally feel you about the “experiments” Sometimes they can really suck eh? 😛
Nikki says
March 12, 2013 at 11:00 amI finished up my Neutrogena Lip Balm because it is unscented and I have been suffering from morning sickness for good 5 months! So it was like a “no choice” thing 🙂
Paris B says
March 12, 2013 at 3:23 pmYay for unscented lip balms to help mothers-to-be with morning sickness! 😀
Catherine says
March 12, 2013 at 11:08 amI finished my Guerlain night cream recently, I started using it along with day cream but I much more prefer moisturising properties and thicker consistency of night one so Im left with 1/3 of day cream left.
I also spilled Lancome serum so it finished but unfortunately on the floor… 😛
Paris B says
March 12, 2013 at 3:25 pmOoh which Guerlain night cream is that, Catherine? I’m quite interested to try their skincare because I’ve heard quite a lot of good things about them. I was using the Abeille Royale range once which was pretty good! and yikes! Sorry to hear about your Lancome serum. Your floor must be nice and smooth now yes? 😛
Catherine says
March 13, 2013 at 12:43 pmHahahah Paris 😀 Unfortunately I didnt notice any positive effect on the floor! 😀 I used Super Aqua, loove it. I probably will want to use their Abeille range one day when I will get closer to 25, for now Super Aqua is enough for me.
Paris B says
March 14, 2013 at 5:14 pmGrr I really really want to try Super Aqua, especially the serum! Maybe I’ll suck it up and get it 😉
beeromperzlaila says
March 12, 2013 at 11:40 amI am an avid fan of Hada Labo Super Hyloronic Moisturising Milk.. finish everything and bought more…constant using of this product do clear my face that has a lot of pimple marks and at first it was sticky like UHU white glue….. but then gradually it just dissapear…..avid fan of Vitamin E body shop moisturiser also..apparently I seldom get sun burning because I use this before putting up my make up
Paris B says
March 12, 2013 at 3:31 pmHey, that’s great to know that the Hada Labo is working well for your skin and I laughed at your description of it like UHU glue LOL!! No kidding! 😀
karla says
March 12, 2013 at 12:06 pmmy advanced night repair eye serum has been almost empty since a few months ago that i stopped using it due to my laziness so i decided to finish it up because im having a baby this month and a lot of sleepless nights are coming so im kinda preventing the huge dark eye bags, so i finished it a few days ago and im now using the time zone anti wrinkle eye cream
Paris B says
March 12, 2013 at 3:34 pmHaha Karla you just reminded me I have to go finish up my ANR Eye cream too! I haven’t been using it as diligently as I should so when I start developing lines I only have myself to blame 😛 Congratulations on the coming baby and I wish you lots of joy and happiness (aside from the sleepless nights) your little bundle of joy will bring you 😀
rachel says
March 12, 2013 at 12:59 pmI have this sense of achievement when i finish up a product, say a bottle of toner and moisturiser. This is followed by excitement when i am opening up a NEW brand / bottle of moisturiser, excited to see how it feels on my skin. =)
Paris B says
March 12, 2013 at 3:36 pmYou’re right you know, Rachel! That feeling of accomplishment is quite wonderful especially when you have been struggling for a while to finish something LOL! So what have you finished up lately? Anything exciting?
nani says
March 12, 2013 at 1:34 pmI used to do that, keep on venturing new products to try and eventually they will just sit at the top of my dressing table to gather dust. Sob..sob.. Talk about wasting money. 🙁
Nowadays, I try to make sure that I finished my current one before opening a new one. So far so good, especially when it comes to middle to high end skin care. Not that I am a brand snob. It’s just that somehow my skin loves it better.
Paris B says
March 12, 2013 at 3:38 pmHey, use anything your skin likes, Nani 🙂 I’m a believer of that because not everyone is made the same and sometimes, although the lower end stuff can be more affordable, some of us can’t handle the ingredients in there. Also, I believe that you pay for what you get, so although it may have similar ingredients as a higher end product, it may not have as much so its all relative – no need to feel bad about using mid-high end skincare 🙂 So, what have you used up lately then?
Yue rain says
March 12, 2013 at 3:50 pmi will usually leave the other skincare product half way if i find the new product works on me better. =( it will usually end up as my leg lotion(my poor leg, have to receive whatever my skin doesn’t like.
Paris B says
March 12, 2013 at 4:45 pmYou sound like me Yue Rain 😛 We just keep experimenting don’t we? But I wouldn’t say your leg is a “poor leg” it must be the most well moisturised leg in the world! 😀 😀
Yue rain says
March 12, 2013 at 5:47 pmhahaha. cause my face is acne prone and even when everyone rave about certain products, some just end up irritating my skin.so my leg which has harder skin have to be the receiving end cause i don’t want to waste them. unless i found the Holy Grain, i think i will still continue experimenting. As for makeup, the more the better right? hahaha
Paris B says
March 12, 2013 at 6:52 pmHaha more makeup the better indeed 😉
Laura says
March 13, 2013 at 5:55 amYour poor leg? Your lucky leg! You’re probably using stuff on your legs that’s way better than standard body lotion, right? I bet you’ll have the youngest, softest legs around in a few years haha!
Yue rain says
March 14, 2013 at 5:29 pmhahaha.thanks for the compliment ^^. I am so happy to hear that but unfortunately mosquitoes just love to bit my leg so my legs aren’t that attractive actually.hahaha. I think that is my way to finish things unsuitable for my face. i got picky skin.
casey23 says
March 12, 2013 at 4:08 pmI finish cleansers and toners more frequently than moisturizers due to my very fickle nature 😀 I always try to find something better or more suitable so I have quite a few moisturizers at hand and my skin concern changes frequently so I have all kind of moisturizers in hand to use for.. Sooo when it comes down to what I finished most recently it was Clarins alcohol free toning lotion. I used it frequently because 1) It is alcohol free (hence the name :)) 2) It didn’t dry up my skin like most toners for oily/comb skins but also cleared up very nicely! I probably would buy it again but right now I have 2 other toners
Paris B says
March 12, 2013 at 4:47 pmI’m like you Casey 🙂 I can quite easily go through cleansers and toners but not moisturisers. Somehow, although its just 50ml, it seems to take forever and a day to actually finish a tub! So now what I do is put my moisturiser du jour in a prominent spot on the table and then just use that one and nothing else. It does help me stay a little more dedicated, but as you say, when skin concerns change (skin is just as fickle as I am!) then I have to use something else! I’ve heard that the Clarins toner is a good one to have. Maybe I’ll try that next time. See! How will I ever finish anything?! LOL!
uniquedaisy says
March 12, 2013 at 5:01 pmI recently finished Bobbi Brown cleansing oil, Clean and Clear cleanser and Hada Labo gokujyun moisturising lotion. Not that I really like them, but these are the only products that my skin can handle. I would love to try other products if my skin isn’t so sensitive.
Paris B says
March 12, 2013 at 5:32 pmI remember I tried a sample of the Bobbi Brown cleansing oil and it was nice 🙂 Its great that you’ve found products that your skin can handle. No real necessity to go hopping around 😉
Amanda says
March 12, 2013 at 5:33 pmI always finish up my skin care products 😉 I always stick to what works for my skin. I always stock up when I’m travelling because we can’t get Kiehl’s and Origins here.
Paris B says
March 12, 2013 at 5:35 pmI have to learn to be more like everyone else here who are so good with their skincare hehe… I find though that sometimes I stick to something I think I like and then my skin gets bored and throws a fit. Its lucky then that you travel a lot I guess? 😉
Laura says
March 13, 2013 at 5:53 amWow, I remember reading your review of this product! I was interested in trying it, good to know you enjoyed it so much it’s now empty!
I use so few products that I generally finish them eventually, but I struggle because I’m so lazy with my skincare routine (so bad, I know!). I often skip steps or forget to use certain products because I’m not diligent. On the other hand, some products, such as my daily moisturizer, I actually strongly dislike, so there is the dilemma – do I buy a new product I might actually use, and risk ending up with even more duds to use up, or stick with something I find really lackluster and try to finish it up (but really, just never end up using anything at all, because it’s awful)?
Paris B says
March 14, 2013 at 5:11 pmHaha yes I surprised even myself, Laura! The day I hit the bottom I was all “OMG! I hit bottom!” and when I actually had nothing left, it surprised me even more! If its a moisturiser I dislike or that breaks me out, I stop it totally. It gets really really hard to use something you dislike you know, unless its expensive of course, then I’ll stick it out. Otherwise, new hand cream anyone? LOL!
Jamie says
March 13, 2013 at 2:33 pmHmm … I am also one who has half pots of this and quarter tubes of that lying around but I lately I’ve been a good girl and banned myself from buying or starting new skin care products until I finish the ones I have.
So, just last night I officially declared my bottle of Skinfood Milkshake Point Makeup Remover empty, again. It’s my third bottle and I’ll be starting on my fourth tonight – the formula just works in getting all the paintjob, erm … I mean makeup off my face. I sometimes can’t wash/tone/moisturise immediately and this formula doesn’t dry or irritate my skin while I tend to the kids first.
Right now I’m hankering on finishing my HUGE bottle of Skinfood moisturizer so I can start on my Caudalie by ways of cheating – after applying it on my face, I pour out more than I should and slather it on as body moisturizer :-p
Paris B says
March 14, 2013 at 5:17 pmHahaha its like you’re reading my mind Jamie! When I’m not too crazy about something, I tend to “overuse” it too 😛 So a face cream I’m not too hot on, I’d pout a little extra then use a lot on my neck. Gotta keep the neck looking young too right? LOL!! This is also part of the reason I’ve decided not to get skincare in supersizes anymore. I’m just not as loyal as I should be oops 😉
Melissa says
March 14, 2013 at 5:12 amI too like you doesn’t like finishing my products and have great pride when I finally did. I guess too am fickle-minded. So much as to the extent that I had to throw away lots of unfinished skincare that are way pass their expiry dates. Wasteful. =( To make sure I finish my products, I kept an “inventory” of my list of skincare. Hahaha, I think I am the only few that does that. Anyway, just to let you know I enjoy your blog very much. I always check on your blog whenever I am interested in a new product, to see whether you had blogged about it and your opinion on it. =)
Paris B says
March 14, 2013 at 5:32 pmThank you Melissa, for sharing your thoughts and for dropping by my blog 😀 I am trying to be less wasteful too. Its like throwing money down the drain, if I keep tossing out half finished creams right? So if I really really get bored of them or if they don’t work on my face, I use them on my neck or on my hands. Its not ideal but at least they don’t go to waste 🙂 Hope to see you around again soon!