Ah you lovely (and dangerous!) lot... It took me ages to catch up on the AC thread after a very busy December month with work. Then trying to keep on top of this series (from, probably, two threads ago). Then my app stopped working, I can't log in. I tried to use the website version of mumset on my phone which is utter shite and really frustrating. I have, finally, managed to login to my account on my desktop computer. I don't like the web version but it's a lot better than the website version on my phone.
Anyway... what I really, really wanted to say it:
Thank you for keeping this thread going, it is gold. Very informative not just on offers but skincare and makeup in general. Also re-assuring to know I'm not alone with my skincare obsession and ridiculous spending.
I also wanted to say thank you very much to @MrsBnow12 for the offer of Payot product from months ago. I might try their AC next year from Notino as it is skincare I am more interested in much more than bodycare. But you were incredibly kind to offer at the time.
I am in a very fortunate position of having zero interest in makeup and fancy haircare so, as much as I love looking at all the pretty makeup offers from here, I managed not to order anything. I was tempted for the pretty factor but would have been wasted on me. I have a few basics I use regularly and amp up my makeup for special events but my existing collection covers current requirements. Obviously some very old stuff in there but they still seem to work fine and that will do.
I find it very overwhelming seeing this constant stream of offers from all websites and I often don't understand them. By the time I seriously consider placing an order, the deals are gone. So I have not ordered any skincare edits whatsoever for such a long time. I have terrible FOMO (is this the term?) but I tell myself I am being sensible.
The annoying thing has been that I and a lot of big real life bills since the start of the year. Some expected (tax return, annual insurances but unexpected house repairs and vet bills). It's never ending at present. I am still setting aside my 'play money but am scared on using any of it until house repairs are out of the way. So, so, so boring!!! I have only bought what I use regularly and created a safety stock of things like Midik8 and Skinceuticals on offer or form Vinted finds. I am suspicious of a couple of Vinted purchases but there is always a risk there. So I have been on an un-intended and un-planned beauty buying ban.
My existing extensive beauty stash doesn't seem to reduce much in a way that I can see it with my own eyes, but I am trying my best to use what I can, when I can. I will, hopefully, not add too much to it this year.
Quite a while ago I developed an unexplained interest in Argentum products. A wise mumsnetter advised I try brands like Aurelia or Korean beauty instead to satisfy my interest in 'natural' effective beauty or gentle and effective skincare.
I haven't progressed much on the Korean beauty front. Too much to learn and my heart is still with French products. Aurelia didn't really work for my skin.
Against better judgment, I have, very, very slowly, build up an entire collection of Argentum products. I even tried all the fragrances (which I didn't like). But the skin care and their body lotion are very nice. I even have the brushes. Stockpiled enough to see me through using this brand a long time.
But, but, but ... there is something strange in that their website has been out of action for a while, they branched out to hotel supply and there has been a change in ownership, their Instagram has not not been updated for a long time and their shop in Notting Hill appears to have closed as well. Too much curiosity led me to do a bit of googling and that's what I make of the current situation.
Are they disappearing? Does anyone know? I like everything about them, from packaging to products and, especially, the ritualistic and calming process of using the products.