Empty Bottle 37: VS Love Spell Body Wash 🌸

Another day and another Empty Bottle Post. If you are wondering why most of my posts are about Empty Bottles because I'm currently on my project which will lead me into a minimalist home/life soon enough. I just don't know how soon is soon? ☺ Since 2016 came I stopped making trial and error with different brands of skin care products. And I stopped hoarding too. I'm just finishing off whatever stash I have at home. Of course I'm still a consumer and I get to buy new skin care every once in a while. But then I'm disciplined now as opposed to before. This post is about another bottle down. Victoria's Secret Love Spell Body Wash but as you can see in the first photo its together with Victoria's Secret Deep Softening Body Butter in Total Attraction. Another tub that I'm about to finish and will post one of these days.

Victoria's Secret

Love Spell Body Wash

Cherry Blossom and Peach

From VS Fantasy Line

Price: 70.00AED
Mix and Match: 5 pieces for 200.00AED
Made in USA

Purchased at Victoria's Secret Mirdif City Centre

Purchased on October 2015

Discontinued Product

Isn't it ironic?
I don't really like this scent and yet for this post I have way too many photos to share? Well if you walk into the Victoria's Secret Beauty Store the first scent any SA will offer you will be the LOVE SPELL. According to them this is the most popular variant in their Victoria's Secret Fantasy Line. And I'm reading the same thing from some forums in the internet. Well its them not me. This is their scent that I can't really stand.

I purchased this because of Cherry Blossoms. Who does not want the smell of Cherry Blossoms. But then mixed with Peach and I don't like the outcome. Floral and fruity scent but comes off to me as a medicine that has gone wrong. It has taken me ages to finish as I was putting it back and forth in the bathroom and the drawer. Decided to finish it off when I started uncluttering the room. And I know I must finish off whatever stocks I'm having. I managed to use at least 3/4 of it then the remaining 1/4 I mixed with the hand wash just so not to waste it. So when the bottle was finally empty there was a sigh of relief.

This is expensive. The scent just like the other body wash in the market no matter how expensive they maybe won't last long after showering. Because of this I don't think that a body wash should be a bloody expensive no matter how delicious they might smell. But then for sure I'll be trying out different scents every now and then.

This is the 37th bottle down for me for the month of May. More Empty Bottle Posts to come. Been watching YouTube videos about minimalism way of living and being inspired by them. And so everyday I'm finding ways how to organize the room. I'm discarding one clothing per day. As well as discarding a bottle per day. But does not mean I'm wasting those products as I'm finishing off to the last bit. Though it will take time for me. Perhaps it will go on until the end of this year.

And that's all for now.
Till my next Empty Post again.
I'm avoiding saying that I will be on a NO BUY BAN because I can't fully follow it. Its better to say that I'm no longer hoarding products like when I just started going crazy with skin care products. At least my hoarding moments are now over even though I'm still making purchases. The purchase that I can't totally avoid yet is buying jeans. 

Just another random post.. 🌸

It has been a year since I have written morning ritual since January 2016 and till this date I was able to managed only 6 items from the photo. 

Empty Bottle 36: VS Secret Charm Body Wash 🌸

When I started tidying up the place no one told me to do so. It does not mean that I'm such a lazy person as I'm cleaning the flat from time to time. But can't help for the flat to be messy because it is a small one and I have far too many items. Well whatever items I have I need them of course but my mistake was when I had hoarding moments in my life. Its possible for us to have one piece of every toiletries and skin care products but I was crazy enough to keep on buying and collecting them even though I still have stocks. Just one day I woke up and realized I've had enough. A clean and minimalist place equals to peace of mind as it is pleasing to the eyes. So here I am trying to finish off all the products I've accumulated with the hoarding phase of my life. In the month of MAY alone I finished up to 50 bottles/tubes/tubs and I'm sharing them over here.

Victoria's Secret

Secret Charm Body Wash

Honeysuckle and Jasmine

From VS Fantasy Line

Price: 70.00AED
Mix and Match: 5 pieces for 200.00AED
Made in USA

Purchased at Victoria's Secret Mirdif City Centre

Purchased on October 2015

Discontinued Product

Price ~ Expensive.

Scent ~ Floral

Scent is not long lasting.

Gel type so its not drying out the skin.

Will I repurchase when available again? No.

I'm sorry if I don't have much to say about the product description. And not much photos to post. I know Honeysuckle and Jasmine are flowers but I can't remember anymore how do they smell. But I know a floral scent when I smell one. I don't have complaints about this Victoria's Secret Body Wash except for the price. And it has been discontinued anyway. But even if it will be available again I will not repurchase just because of the cost.

About the scent not lasting after showering I think that is expected in any brand of body wash because how can they last longer if we still have to wash our body with water? They are just meant to clean our skin.

I'm writing this post as part of my Empty Post Series. Where I am documenting my progress with my current project. Where I'm using all the skin care products I own at home while trying not to buy anything new. I'm aiming my way to minimalism.

I'm no longer interested in Victoria's Secret Fantasy Line as it no longer carries body butter. But I'm still a regular customer of Victoria's Secret Beauty Store because of their new Body Care Line. But then it boggles me because I know Victoria's Secret is a popular brand but I can't find much write ups about this Body Care Line in blogs or social networking sites. As I also like to know the experiences of other people about this line.

I know that there are so many brands in the market but this year I stopped making trial and error. I'll just keep on patronizing the brands I'm currently using. I know everything are so expensive in the market so I'll just wait for the promotions. Because trial and error in the long run is much more expensive than sticking to the brands you already know. And that's all for today. Thanks for dropping by. ♥

Timeline of my Spending Spree

Just before I left Manila a decade ago I remember having only 2 mini skirts, around 3 jeans? And handful of shirts. Even the undies are just good for one week. And I'm washing clothes often in a week. Not using the washing machine but my hands. We have a hot weather back home that it will not take the whole day for the clothes to dry. And if I need a formal clothes I'll just go and borrow from my Auntie. We have the same size back then. The thing is I survived. And having less clothes was fine. But the young me was hoping for more. I was immature. Instead of planning ahead the future and aiming for more important things in life I was wishing for fleeting material possessions on earth. And so when I landed in UAE and got a little money well can't help but give in to the temptation.

2009 ~ Purchased myself a dozen mini skirts. Couple of shorts and some dresses. And those polo shirts too in different colors! I was happy while purchasing them. And I got them all on sale. But now looking back those were actually useless to me as I wore them only a couple of times and had been sitting in my closet since then. It is allowed in the UAE to wear those but the price is it can't be helped that there will be times that all eyes were on you. And since we have uniform at work I can use my other clothes only on weekends. I should have just kept the money I spent. Yes I need clothes but then what I'm saying is I need just few of it and those comfortable ones.

2010 ~ Finally I started wearing high heels and stilettos. I was not purchasing expensive ones usually the cheap ones and China made. But then again since we have a uniform at work what I need is black shoes. I was able to wear those high heels only on weekends and it was not a wise choice. As I have so many activities over the weekend as that's the only time to do those things. The crazy thing about high heels? They are so tall as if all the women would go to a party everyday. So I can't use them at work. When it comes to shoes either they are super flat or super high there is nothing in between. Crazy shoe designers and makers. In the end those high heels in different colors were worn only a few times. They can't even last for many years. I need shoes but I don't need a dozen of it. And I need those practical ones. This way I'll avoid wasting money.

2011 ~ If I'm not mistaken I was still into shoes by this year but then colorful shoes and I purchased some. Mostly were Brazilian brands of shoes. They were good. But the issue was I've got nowhere to use them. As I need black shoes in the office. Sadly it was a waste of money again for me and I ended up sending some shoes back home. Last time I went home they were just sitting on shoe rack as I'm the only one who has the smallest feet in the family. It ended up being a some sort of display. For someone so broke I love to waste my hard earned money. Tsk.

2012 to 2013 ~ This was the time that I started loving leather goods. How can I not as they can last forever? I was fed up with buying a bag or wallet on yearly basis. Because PU material items has a poor quality. They usually cannot even last for a year. First it was just a leather wallet. Then leather bag. Then finally leather shoes. I was into Timberland boots. Because Timberland has my size. And their boots and other shoes are mainly leather. When it comes to shoes by this year I don't have regrets at all as most of the shoes I got were on super sale. They are the same price as those shoes from China that I used to wear circa 2010. I have up to 10 pairs of shoes right now but mostly were gifts to me. So no regrets on that part as I did not actually waste money.

Speaking of regrets when it comes to leather goods the only one I have was instead of being contented in one letter bag; I wanted to have more. I now have 6 leather bags. And I don't use them often. I'm using only one of them. So somehow it feels like I wasted money again. Especially NOW that I feel like I'm getting weaker and a leather bag is too heavy for my weakening body. Yes it looks elegant and formal. But who cares about that? Why one should care how other people will perceive how he looks? What bag he is using? Or what shoes? Or what clothes? We are not models in a runway for crying out loud.

2014 to 2015 ~ I became interested into skin care products and make up. And so far these vices were the most expensive of them all as they drained my wallet big time. Even created so many mess in the room. So come 2016 when I decided to do my version of Konmari. I had been writing Empty Post almost every day and from those posts it reflects what were the items I purchased within this time frame. I'm tidying up everything in the room. It will take me a long time to finish but at least I already started. It has taken me a decade to finally wake up and break away from my shopping spree. Even though I buy only those that are in sale I was not really saving money as I was spending them instead. It would have been fine if I'm using those items everyday but using them once in a blue moon then its not worth it.

2016 ~ I will still buy. But the difference between now and then is I will not hoard and I'm wiser now. Though 10 long years is quite too long for this realization. Since April I was busy discarding items. Organizing my stuff. One thing is for sure I will not commit the same mistakes I have done before. Ever. ☺

Empty Bottle 35: Loreal Eye Makeup Remover 🌸

This is another product that I purchase maybe 4 or 5 years ago? Kept it somewhere until I have forgotten about it. Resurfaced when I was cleaning up my space. I got it on sale for only 20AED at Carrefour. And maybe it was easy for me to forget about it as I am not using eyeshadow or make up often that I don't have to use it much. Anyway I'm currently tidying up my place. And using up all my products and then posting them here in my Blog. To track down and see my progress as time goes by. And of course to note down my experiences with the said products. To remind me which to buy or avoid next time around.

It has been years since the last time I used it. And I can't finish anymore the remaining liquid in the bottle as this product has expired long time ago. I can't remember anything about it that I don't like. It seems like it is a combination of oil and water meant as eye make up remover. It was gentle as far as I can remember with that alone I'll call it a good product. I think that's what matters when it comes to any products right? They should be gentle.

And that's all for today.
More Empty Bottles post to come.
As I still have 6 bags full of goodies.
What I have done was I have taken away all my items from a 4 layer plastic cabinet then put them all in my available bags. SO it has taken 6 bags for me. I'm not sure until when I will finish them. Mostly are skin care products.

I've said that I will not buy anything new until such time that I finished everything. But then I broke that thrice in May already. So I guess the apt statement would be I will not hoard anymore. Buying an item or two is different from hoarding right? But if I'll go home for good then I will definitely have to hoard so I can take a stocks with me as the brands I'm using here are too expensive in Manila.

Empty Bottle 34: LRP Pigmentclar Serum 🌸

La Roche Posay Pigmentclar Serum
Price: 200+ AED
Made in France
Purchased at Aster Pharmacy
Purchased on October 2014

Purchased on 2014 and finished it sometime in 2015. Kept the bottle because I'm not sure if I should repurchase or not until I have forgotten all about it and find it again when I'm organizing and tidying up my dresser.

Back in 2014 I was vain enough to worry about the sun spots that appeared in my face. Well it just started so I was not yet used to it. And when it has been recommended to me by a pharmacist off I go and bought it in a heartbeat.

This is the most expensive facial product I ever had. Results? Lighten the spots a bit then stopped improving at all. Tried other brands to see if there really is a chance to banish the sun spots but alas nothing happened at all. I have given up and slowly started accepting that they are here to stay.

Nowadays I'm just not forgetting to use a sunscreen to prevent sun spots occupying my whole face. And I even started using sunscreen for the body too. Prevention is easier and cheaper than cure. For those who have enough budget then I'll recommend it and urge you to give it a try. But for those like me who don't then just smile and move on as it is part of our lives anyway.

Last month: I was in Boots Pharmacy in Dubai when they were having a promotion for their 10th year anniversary. I was chuckling as the SA tried to sell a product that has something to do with blemishes. I told her I tried already La Roche Posay and Bioderma. Among other brands I can't remember anymore. OMG. Does these people knows deep in their hearts that their products wont really work? But they have to sell it anyway as it is their source of living? Who decided that blemishes is a problem? Who decided that blemishes are ugly? Just so the companies can create and sell us products that supposed to treat that problem?

Japanese Baked Cheese Tart 🎌

I no longer visit Dean's Fujiya. The only Japanese grocery store in Dubai. Because if I do I know I will never be able to control myself in spending money without thinking much. And its leaving a huge dent on my pocket. Last year it was my favorite. Japanese Baked Cheese Tart. I so love it even though it was a frozen good. But as you can see it costs 10AED per piece. And you'll be surprise how little this piece is. I can consume it in less than 5 minutes. If you happens to be in Dean's Fujiya better give it a try. WARNING: So delicious that in can be addictive.

Daiso Product #15: Shoe Boxes

Shoe Box
Price: 9.00AED
Purchased at Daiso Dubai Mall

Just when I thought I have taken clear photos and now posting them only to see that no they are not. And the camera was on Automatic Mode. But then moving on.. I checked the available plastic shoe box at Carrefour and Tati Department Store both shops have but pricier than Daiso. So I went back to Daiso and purchased shoe boxes from them only. As I have said I'm cleaning up the room. And part of that cleaning up is letting go of so many item that's creating a clutter and mess in the room.

These shoes of mine are still all on fine condition so instead of throwing them away I'll just send them back home. For sure one of them can still use it. And to prevent any damages to the shoes I decided to put them individually in shoe boxes. At least it looks organized this way. My younger version wanted too many shoes even though I only have 2 feet. And now that I'm old all I'm seeing is a messy room and empty pocket. And so time to change before it becomes too late.

Daiso products that might be useful to you (but some where bad products for me):
Makeup Pouch
Eyeshadow Makeup
Creamy Blusher
Facial Plate
Aloe Makeup Remover
Charcoal Nose Strips
Ellefar Waterproof Mascara
Charcoal Cleansing Cream
Charcoal Face Mask
Clear Mascara
Sole Sap Sheet
Ellefar Water Pack Jelly
Blotting Paper

Goodbye #6: Hang Ten Pedal ⭐☀︎

Here I am again with another post for my Goodbye Series post. I'm writing down the items I'm letting go. Whether I'm discarding them or just handing them over. Posting them helps me a little bit. At least I can see that somehow there's an improvement with how I organize and declutter my earthly possessions. I haven taken out at least 5 items from the closet the other day. And this was one of them. Well the remaining 2 I did not take photos anymore.

I purchased this Hang Ten pedal pusher between 2007 to 2008. So long that I don't remember how much it cost me or from which branch I got it. In fact I don't see Hang Ten around anymore. I was not able to use it much because those years we were working longer hours than now. So there's no way that I will still go out at night or even at weekends. And we have a uniform at work. And when 2009 came I became interested in shorts, mini skirts and dresses that the need to wear it became zero. And here I am after almost 8 years finally taking it out from the closet. If its any consolation it still fits me well. But if I will hold on to it for that reason then I'll never be able to decrease the number of my apparels.

And that's all for now. More post to come about my 365 Days Of Decluttering.

Japanese Snack 🎌

Another rice cracker sweets available in Dean's Fujiya a Japanese grocery store in Dubai. Bought it last year. Kept it as I don't want to consume it all immediately. Then forget about it. Remembered it but its past the expiration date already. So anyway just sharing it now to say that this is worth trying out in case you visit Dean's Fujiya. Actually you better try out all the snacks and noodles they are offering.

I think the only thing Dean's Fujiya don't have is SAKE. Maybe the price to pay for them to be able to sell sake is too steep. I wish to taste Japanese food products but they are not available. Maybe someday if I get a change to visit Japan. That's all folks!

Goodbye #5: Grab Shorts ⭐☀︎

As I have said yesterday I have taken out 5 items from the closet to keep it and include it in the cargo I will be sending to Manila this coming June or July. If you're wondering what I am doing ~ I am organizing and decluttering the room. I realized now that when it comes to clothing I only need a few items. And not a 500 and more items. To avoid wasting these clothes especially if I have never wore it or worn it only a few times I'll just be handing them over between my sister in law and younger sister. One or few items a day so it will not be overwhelming for me. I'm taking my sweet time. And I'm confident that at least before the year ends my closet as well as the whole room will be totally mess free just like what I intended to do.

I bought this GRAB shorts from Safeer Mall some 8 years ago the time that I wish I can understand myself why I wanted to have more of everything. As an end result just because I have too much that I was not able to use them all after all these years. And they just keep on piling up in my closet every year. I am also not sure which country the Grab brand came from as it is no longer available in Safeer Mall. I can't even remember anymore how much exactly I paid for this short. If you are not wearing a clothing for over a year chances are you don't need it anymore and no need to hold on to it. If you want to keep a memento of it better take a photo. And save the photo into USB. Keep the memories but not the things.

Goodbye #4: Forever21 Skirt ⭐☀︎

I never forget to mention how dirt poor I am. That I'm living a hand to mouth kind of life. I'm always blaming others and the system for me being a poor. Yes those factors play a part. But I never blame myself. That I have a big part on it too why I'm still a dirt poor after years of working. I may have mentioned that I THINK I have up to 400 clothing. But since I'm organizing and decluttering the room I'm always taking out my items from the closet too often. I'm taking away one item at a time. Dividing those items between my sister in law and younger sister. As I have taken out this gray skirt I counted the clothes from where I got it from.

My closet in the room is the same height as I am. Its 5 feet. Right side has 3 layers. While the left side has no layers at all. One layer on the right side alone can contain up to 100 clothes. If folded properly. In short my closet alone contains up to 500 items. Not yet included those clothes under the bed. And those that are in my plastic drawer. And since I started this decluttering thing I have already kept (as I will be sending them in cargo at the end of June or start of July) up to 60 items. And counting. As I have taken out this gray skirt it was along with other 4 shorts from yester years.

I can't even remember anymore which month or year I acquired this gray skirt. I purchased it because it was on sale. Thinking I saved money on buying it. But in reality I did not saved anything, but instead I spent 10AED. And since the day I purchased it I never got a chance to wear it. Instead it has taken up a space on my closet. So maybe I'll not be this much poor if since day 1 I had been smart on how to handle my money no matter how little it is.

And now that I'll be a year older soon enough I regret those times that I spent my little money recklessly. I regret acquiring this much clothing. The older I get the more it dawns on me that I don't need much in life. Having little means having more. Doing things I love is more important than acquiring little earthly possessions.

Empty Tube 33: Daiso Ellefar Water Pack Jelly 🌸

Daiso Water Pack Jelly
Price: 7.00AED
Made in Taiwan
Purchased at Daiso MCC
Purchased on March 2015

Have you ever heard the Cure Aqua Gel from Japan? Its a gentle exfoliator which main ingredient is water. And says to be sold every 5 seconds across Japan. There were some online sellers last year with a very steep price. But I heard by now Cure Aqua Gel is very much available in UAE market through some shops like Sharjah Coop. But I haven't check it out. And some says even the shop in Sharjah called Megamart. I wish to visit that too as soon as there's a chance. Anyway Cure Aqua Gel is expensive and I just want to see it for myself as well as the other items.

Daiso Ellefar Water Pack Jelly is the poor man's version of Cure Aqua Gel. Its inexpensive and unscented. And colorless if I may add. Gel like and composed mainly of water. Very gentle on the skin. I can't think of anything not good on this product. How can I complain if its dirt cheap and works wonder on my face? I mainly use it to clean up my face and clear my pores to prepare the skin before using nose strips/nose pack/face mask. Its safe to use on other parts of the body as well. I'll be using it soon enough to give some TLC on my armpits as well. To clear the pits from the deodorant after a long day of wearing one.

Daiso Ellefar Water Pack Jelly in short is a good deal but then it has taken me a year to finish off one bottle. As usual I am using far too many products in between. And that's what I'm avoiding now. By not buying anything new until I cleared off the room from all the stash I accumulated from 2014 to 2015. I finished it off for the month of May 2016. But I don't have much time to write a post altogether. So I'm writing one day at a time.

Not too sure how many more hidden products of mine at home that I have to consume or how many more items I have to discard. Sometimes I'm growing impatient. But just by looking at my posts I know somehow there's an improvement even though a slow one. It's actually better than before. The space under my dresser has been cleared off. Yes there are some products in there now but those are household items. And its organized and not a mess.

Thanks for dropping by!
That's all for now.

Empty Tube 32: LRP Effaclar Duo 🌸

La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo
Price: 110.00AED
Promotion: Buy 2, Take 3
Made in France
Purchased at Aster Pharmacy
Purchased on November 2014

Price ~ Expensive
Moisturizing ~ Yes
Does it work ~ No
Will I repurchase ~ Maybe, it depends

Another batch of bad and unclear photos as I have taken them for a few seconds over my lunch break. But then the back story: late 2014 when I started my skin care regime and I was first drawn to French skin care products. Their women looks elegant, don't they? So who wouldn't want to look like them? Earlier brand I was into was La Roche Posay. And this La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo seems to be popular among beauty gurus. Seems like it is a miracle cream. And so I was swayed to try it out for myself.

It's being marketed as a product to prevent your face from having a pimple or acne. Some says it is good as a make up base. Now based on my experience while using it, it was not able to prevent me from having a pimple. So I was disappointed on that area. I did not use it as a make up base either as I barely use make up. I used it solely as a moisturizer. La Roche Posay seems to make the best moisturizer in the market. If only they would stop making claims that does not deliver. And they don't need those false claims either.

This is basically the 3rd moisturizer I've had from La Roche Posay and I think I've said it numerous times that I honestly cannot find faults in their moisturizers (just don't make outrageous claims to sell) and the only issue I have why I have not repurchase from them is their price in the UAE market. La Roche Posay Efflaclar Duo is a thin and gel like cream that melts easily into the skin. Does not irritate the skin. You'll really feel that its gentle. Moisturizes too well. And works well with other facial products because there are times that I'm layering skin care products at night. Together with other brands. Sometimes I'm doing the Essence, Emulsion and Serum thing.

And that's all for now.
So far I don't have any new moisturizers. I'm trying to finish those I have. Especially the samples I got from Aster Pharmacy ages ago. Aside from trying to finish all my stash of skin care products I'm also trying out to empty out my closet. Of course I have to leave a few clothes to wear as being naked is not yet the norm. Honestly I don't know how many clothing items I have. Maybe it's between 300 to 400. Including socks and underwear. But I wash clothes twice a week. And I'm not using all those items. For more than a month of discarding clothing I think I have done so around 50 items. But my closet still looks like a mess and overflowing.  

Japanese Snack 🎌

In Dubai near Lamcy Plaza there's a Japanese shop called Dean's Fujiya. I think this is the only Japanese grocery store in UAE that sells authentic Japanese goodies. There was a time last year during my shopping spree and hoarding moments that I hoarded Asian food just like in the photo. It is a good and sweet Japanese rice crackers. That I kept and forget about as I don't want to consume it too quickly. No plans yet for me this year to make any purchase even snacks and sweet. I'm on a purchase ban.

Whatever goodies I'll be posting on the following days were purchased last year when I was crazy. And not thinking twice on how will I spend money. Those crazy moments left me broke but at least I learned my lesson. And my taste buds were able to enjoy something new. That's all for now. Thanks for dropping by.

Belgium Speculoos @ Carrefour UAE 🌸

After seeing Lotus Biscoff Speculoos at Carrefour Express... I went to Mirdif City Centre and saw this! Another brand of Speculoos Paste. Belgian Treasure. It really is a treasure. It retails for 18.00AED at all the branches of Carrefour I think. At least now I won't be missing Speculoos anymore. I just have to go to good old Carrefour whenever I crave for one. It does not matter now that it has taken them 4 years or 3 years to bring it to UAE market. Go ahead and try them out.

Fashion Statement 🌸

PHOTO Credits to the owner

Lotus Biscoff @ Carrefour UAE 🌸

After years of waiting..
Finally Lotus Biscoff is very much available now in UAE Market. Since April 2016. This retails between 20AED to 22AED. There is a price difference between the Carrefour Express and the Carrefour in City Centre. I remember tweeting about it at them a few times in the past. But alas, the long wait is over. After the hype died down all over the world. I don't know what has taken them so long to bring it over here. But it doesn't matter now. Better late than never.

Responsibilities

PHOTO Credits to the owner

Goodbye #3: Byphasse Cleansing Lotion ⭐☀︎

This post is still a part of my Goodbye Post Series. As I'm decluttering the room. I'm organizing which items I have to give away. And what are the items I can use and finish.

For today's post it is about Byphasse Cleansing Lotion. I got it during sale last year at Tati Department Store in Mirdif City Centre. A bottle of 500ML costs only 11.00AED. Well I'm not sure what 'cleansing' part means for this lotion. But I can assure you that it works as body moisturizer. I have taken at least 2 bottles of it. And now I'm handing them over to my niece who happens to also love lotions. Byphasse products smell good ~ but in a short span of time I've grown out of it.

I'm clearing away one item at a time. As I'm too busy at work. Actually almost all my time goes to work. Wakes up early in the morning. Go to work. Go home. Cook and have dinner. End of the day. Weekends eat and take a swimming for an hour. Go to grocery. Go to a shop if you have something to purchase. End of weekend. Back to work again. Yes I am the LIVING DEAD.

Hell

PHOTO Credits to the owner

Goodbye #2: The FaceShop Hair Gel ⭐☀︎

Goodbye Post Series is part of my project. The decluttering of my room until this year end. Meaning finishing off all my stocks. Then those that are no use for me I should discard. This Face Shop Hair Gel was purchased last January 2016 during the sale. I purchased this big bottle for only 18.00AED. But my mistake was this is a GEL. And I have mistaken it to be a hair softening product. As an end result it has  been sitting under my bed since I can't return it anymore. And so to avoid wasting the product I'll hand it over to my younger brother who uses hair gel. So another one less clutter in my tiny room. And lesson learned: read items carefully next time around.

Middle Class

PHOTO Credits to the owner

Goodbye #1: Grab Shirt ⭐☀︎

I have this Grab green shirt since 2009. This is one of the shirts I love. But this no longer fits me. Baby steps as it may seem in my decluttering goals but at least it is better to start from somewhere than nothing at all, right? This is still in a good condition. But this has to go. One item a day. One step at a time. And actually for more than a month I have already discarded at least 2 dozen of clothing. Clothes that does not fit me anymore. Clothes that I used once. Clothes I never used. Will hand them over to my younger sister and sister in law. And I'm not yet done raiding the closet. So even if I'm letting go of just one item in a day its a big help in the long run. I just don't have that much photos to share. ♥

P.S. I'll try to take a photos and post those clothes I'm discarding. I'll call the posts as Goodbye Series. If there is a will, there is a way. Admittedly I don't know how many pieces of clothing I have but I know one day it will be reduced to one luggage.

Walk Away

PHOTO Credits to the owner

Bank Account

PHOTO Credits to the owner

365 Days of Decluttering ⭐☀︎

I had been thinking about decluttering for the longest time but I never really got around into doing it. Imagine when I landed here in UAE a decade ago I only have one small luggage with all the things I need and I never had a problem with that. And now here I am with an almost hundred clothing and shoes. And another almost another hundred of little things. Little things like skin care products, cosmetics and far too many tidbits  only a woman would have. 

Only this year when I have seriously taken decluttering. First of all it is taking a toll on my bank account. My salary is not getting high but the cost of living wont stop in doing so. I must go back to the days that I was extremely frugal. I must stop spending money. I must use whatever I have. And organize to see all the things I own. Second, if I were to lose my job tomorrow or get lucky enough to get a job overseas? It will take me days or weeks to arrange my earthly possessions. And lastly if the room is such a mess it is a depressing sight and harder to clean.

One of the ways I'm doing in order to clean up the room was I keep on using the skin care products that I own and stopped on buying a new one. And so I started writing about an Empty Bottle post per day if possible. Because I believe that no matter how small it is but if I will be able to dispose an empty bottle per day then it will be a big help in the long run in decluttering my little space. While I'm trying to use up all my skin care products as well as make up I'm not buying anything as much as possible. And actually in the process of doing it I realized that make up is not really my thing. And using my make up everyday to finish it off is making me hate it for life the make up I mean.

And slowly but surely there are items that I'm giving up. If it is totally useless then it goes to garbage bin. If it is still usable then it goes for my younger sister. I'm currently preparing a cargo for here anyway. There are far too many small things that creates a huge mess in the room. And so in the days to come I'll be posting about the items I am talking about. This online blogging also helps me to track down my progress with my decluttering. ♥

Bills

PHOTO Credits to the owner

Morning ritual since January ⭐☀︎

When 2014 came I hoarded skin care products. Because that was the year I decided to fight off the white heads on my nose. Take care of my skin. And try to banish then sun spots that appeared on my face due to me not taking care of my skin properly. After skin care products I got a bit addicted too with Korean Make Up. Hoping I would have the same skin like them in the process. Then lucky for me whatever obsession I am having does not last long. Especially if I don't see any improvements. Or the improvements are minimal. And so come 2016 because of those obsessions and experiments here I am with lot of stash at every corner of the room and a huge dent on my back account.

That's when I started my so called 'Pan Project', a term I got from Instagram users where they are finishing off whatever products they have. And they are on a no buy stage. And posting their empties as to track down their progress. Except for me I don't post it in Instagram. I write it here on my online diary. In the long run aside from saving money and not wasting products it is also uncluttering of my tiny space. I'm also trying to reach some level of minimalism in my life. I want to go back in owning less. Just like the way it was when I came here to UAE a decade ago. To be able to finish off my stash I had been religiously using them at the start of January. I'm leaving them at work. So in the morning I really have to get up of my seat and put them on my face. Here are the products that I'm trying to finish:

There are times that I am not in the mood and I wanted to shout and throw them all. But of course I can't as that would mean losing my cool and wasting my hard earned money. Anyway let's start shall we? And mind you this is another post with photos overload. I have taken a few minutes over lunch to take this photos. Muji Sunscreen SPF40 is the first product that goes to my face every morning. This is to protect my skin against the sun. I cannot undo the sun spots on my face but at least now I can control them from spreading.

After the sunscreen the next product that goes to my face every morning is the La Roche Posay Hydraphase Moisturizer. It does not have an SPF because if it has I would not mind skipping the sunscreen. This is one of the best moisturizers I ever tried. But very expensive. And it is taking me forever to finish this one. But since January this is already the second moisturizer I'm using. I managed to finish one La Roche Posay bottle. I like that one better because that one has an SPF. I think that post will be on my Empty Bottle post. 

And after moisturizer the third product is Essence All About Matt! Oil control make up base. The only oily part of my face is the nose. And to be honest I don't feel the need to use it anymore. I just got excited during the time that I was making an Essence haul. And I got greedy that I purchased all the stocks of it that I have seen in Exquisite Ajman. So now even if I don't need it anymore I am still using just because I don't want to throw it away. 

Alternately I am using this Innisfree Smart Makeup Blender because I'm trying to finish it off too. I purchased it last February 2015 during the time that I was still crazy over Korean make up. I don't like it then and I don't like it now. And as I have repeatedly saying I'm using these products just to avoid throwing them. And because I'm not really enjoying it, I don't find it fun. Really.

And after the make up base, I'm using Skinfood Peach Sake BB Cream. Well this is a good BB Cream. Skinfood is a good South Korean brand. I love it. But I don't love putting on a BB Cream on daily basis. I purchased this at the time that I thought there is still a solution for my whiteheads on the nose. Or I can at least try to conceal them if there are any during that day. But to no avail.

Alternately I am using another Korean brand of BB Cream called Missha. This is another good brand as the coverage is good. Sometimes I am even combining the two bb creams just to finish them off immediately but I think it will take another year. Because I just need a little dab for the whole face. I think now I should start using them on weekends too. To finish them as quickly as possible.

And after the bb cream/s I am applying make up. But my make up is very minimal and simple. I am currently using Une Eyeshadow and Une Cream Blush. I have known this brand since January 2015. And yes it has been a year since I purchased them and until now I haven't finish them off. Because somewhere in between I got attracted with other blush ons. And I rarely use eyeshadow. It is just a waste of money for me. And may this post remind me to stay away from make up for good. For life. Forever.

After eyeshadow and blush on here comes the Essence Soo Glow Highlighter. I purchased it last year during the time when strobbing was the thing. This is a good product but this is not my thing. I also have this in white. Which I haven't touch yet and it will be one year since I purchased them. I will be handing it over to my sister. Maybe she might want it and finish it off for me. As I'm really done with it. I had been putting on make up since January that sometimes I feel like I'm going to go crazy at the thought of having to wear make up as long as I live!

Last touch would be the lipstick. The Une lipstick was a purchase from January 2015. And after more than a year I haven't finish it yet. I'm going crazy trying to finish it off. Imagine me having a retouch every hour. At least I learned a lesson out of this all. 

As of using the skin care products like the sunscreen and moisturizer I don't have any issues as I believe it is a must. I have tried living without them but what happened to my skin? I got sun spots. And my face became as dry as the desert. But as of the make up? Since I never really was the make up person I am no longer enjoying it. Especially the part when I got home and I have to remove them all from my face. Thinking about the 'time' I'm spending removing them. PLUS the money I spent in buying make up remover. May it be my last batch of make up..