Forever Repurchased #3

AUSSIE 3 Minute Miracle Reconstructor Deep Conditioner 

I'm fickle with my conditioner choices, I admit, but it's because my hair is so dry and thick, also pretty much never soft because of the coarse texture that rare conditioners, especially from the drugstore, get my seal of approval and Aussie's 3 Minute Miracle is at the very top of the "best of drugstore" list. It has a similar effect as much more expensive products, it nourishes my hair well and even manages to make it somewhat silky. The bubble gum scent it has is addictive and I've purchased several other product from their line just for the smell, though those, unlike this one, fell short of leaving me with a lasting impression.

L'OCCITANE Almond Shower Oil

I can be very loyal to a product I like, but rare gained my loyalty so long ago. I've been repurchasing this shower oil since before iPhone and Windows Vista made their first appearance and during this time I think I've never been without a bottle of it. This is my luxurious, pampering product that I use on special occasions. As the name suggests, it's an oil, which then transforms into this thick, rich foam with an almost a lotion texture that is intensely moisturising. I never need to use a moisturiser afterwards, though the accompanying oil as well as the cream from the same line prolong the staying power of the gorgeous scent. It is the scent that is exquisite as well, I can't really describe it otherwise as luxuriously sweet, but I haven't met a person that would dislike it yet. By the way, I buy eco-refills.

NEUTROGENA Visibly Clear 2-in1 Wash Mask

Another product that I've been loyal to since my teens and I've repurchased numerous times. When I first started properly researching what I'm putting on my face, Neutrogena's mask was all the rage and came heavily recommended by average consumers. I remember when I first used it, I was astonished at how healthy a 10-minute session made my skin look. It's just a simple clay mask with salicylic acid, but one that is not drying and comes in a huge tube for a pretty decent price. It can also be used as a cleanser, but I'm not too fond of using it that way.

BOURJOIS Healthy Mix Serum

How long have I been raving about this foundation? Sometime since I started blogging I believe. It's a wonderful foundation that genuinely looks like skin, feels weightless and is immediately dry to the touch (meaning it sets fast). The finish is has is a dewy, healthy one and the foundation offers light to medium coverage, which is just the right amount for my taste. The only problem is the shade range with prevailing strong yellow undertones (I'm neutral, so I mix it with a pink toned foundation), but all in all the formula is pretty fab. 

Have a great day!

New In #20

URBAN DECAY All Nighter Makeup Setting Spray

I finally managed to get a hold of the travel size of the famous setting spray. Hailed as the best setting spray that truly keeps your make up in place, I desperately wanted to try it, however, since I've never tried any setting sprays before, I didn't really want to splurge for the full size without testing it. It certainly works, however, although supposedly 88% of women claim it's the best thing to prolong makeup, actually I find that Max Factor All Day Primer perhaps works a bit better. The combo of the two is of course unbeatable. There will be a full review.

Feel Unique, 11.70 €.

BOURJOIS Cream Blush 

03 Rose Tender

I bought another one of these, since I absolutely adore 01 Nude Velvet. These are without a doubt my favourite cream blushes because they apply so easily and have a lovely velvet-matte finish. 03 is a classic pink blush - the kind that gives that adorable i-just-came-from-the-cold flush. There will be a review with swatches.

Feel Unique, 10.39 €.

BEAUTYUK Posh Palette 

Eden

Oh, how I wanted to love it. My heart skipped a beat when I saw it the first time and it has precisely the combination of colours I love, featuring matte and satin shades. But damn the pigmentation! It's so poor, especially the mattes, actually almost all the shades I really like are of poor quality. I'm so tired of these cheap palettes, I'd rather buy UD's Naked than faff around with these wannabe dupes, but that's just my humble opinion. I'll do a review with all the swatches.

Kozmo (Croatia),  49.99 kn (6.5 €).

CATRICE Beautifying Lip Smoother 

020 Apricot Cream

I didn't really plan to get this as I already owned Clarins Instant Light Natural Lip Perfector in the past until someone nicked it (may your foundation always look cakey, whoever you are!) and I never thought of it as being anything particularly special, but when I saw these in DM, I just instinctively grabbed one. I actually really like it. It's such a wonderful, creamy and balmy lip gloss, it feels quite luxurious on the lips. My only issue with it is that it gets a bit odd when it's wearing off, like it's peeling, but I just wipe it off and apply it again. The colour is very nude for my liking, but pretty nonetheless. I'll do a review.  

DM, 3.79 €.

BOURJOIS  Volume 1 Seconde Mascara Waterproof

Wow it took me forever to buy this. I set upon finding a more affordable waterproof mascara that would hold the curl well. Based on my first use, it's a mascara that gives a lot of definition and some volume, however, not so much length. It's still pretty wet and prefer mascaras when they are a bit drier, so when that happens I'll give you a full report, but so far its curl holding abilities didn't not impress me.

Müller, 14.25 €.

CATRICE Nude Illusion Foundation

010 Nude Ivory

This is a brand new foundation by Catrice and I've already mentioned it in my recent wishlist post. It feels like a typical old school foundation with that thick texture and a lack of silicones that would provide slip, however, it still applies nicely and gives a matte finish. Actually the bottle says luminous matte finish - that's exactly right. None of that heavy, my-skin-can't-breathe mask finish, but light, healthy matte skin-like finish. What most impressed me about this foundation based my short time of owning it, is how fantastic it holds on the skin. Even after seven hours my skin looked matte (without any powder on top!), but in a healthy way and it just looked like my skin is flawless because the pores weren't so visible. I need more time using it, but there will be a full review. 

By the way, the lightest shade is similar to Healthy Mix 51, maybe a hint darker, but neutral.

DM, 7.69 €.

L'OREAL Color Riche L'Ombre Pure 

106 Breaking Nude (matte)

No one in the drugstore can make an eyeshadow quite like L'Oreal. After the Infallibles, they've scored again with L'Ombre Pures. This particular shade is soft, super pigmented, blends well and has good staying power - a dream texture. The colour is just stunning and perfect to apply in the crease. I completely adore it! I think I might pick up some more matte shades. I'll do a review with swatches.

Műller, 8.99 €.

CATRICE Ultimate Nail Lacquer

59 First Class Up-Grape

It is very rare that a nail polish catches my attention in the shop, but this one certainly did. The colour is stunning, a dark purple with red tiny shimmer giving it a very warm undertone, however, I finally get why everyone dislikes Catrice nail polishes - the formula and the brush are awful. I'll post swatches. 

DM, 2.59 €.

I <3 MAKEUP I Love Sin Palette

Hmmm… When I got this, I was immediately put off by all the bright colours. I'm very much a neutral girl at heart and one that just barely got into eyeshadows, so a neon pink is not something I'd wear (actually, I though this is such a Taya palette). I <3 Makeup is a subsidiary brand of Makeup Revolution and why exactly did they feel the need to create another brand is beyond me, as they have very similar products in their standard line. I Love Sin palette has 18 eyeshadows ranging from matte to shimmery, most are bright colours and there is a handful of neutrals. The quality differs from shade to shade - the neon yellow-green is absolutely rubbish, while the bronze shade is just lovely. I'll post swatches.

I was sent this by Ličila.si. Cena: 10.95 € (trenutno 7.45€).

Makeup Revolution, £7.99.

AUSSIE Miracle Hair Insurance Lightweight Conditioning Spray

I'll openly admit, I bought it purely for the scent. It has the same bubble gum scent as the Miracle Moist shampoo and the 3 Minute Miracle - divine! Based on one use I can say this has no frizz control whatsoever, but hydrates the hair well enough. Still, Sexy Heathy Hair leave-in is miles better. I need more time using it, but I'll report in time with a full review.

DM (Croatia), about 5-6€.

PHILLIP KINGSLEY Elasticizer

This is a very popular pre-wash treatment for damaged hair that helps reduce breakage. It is ridiculously expensive, but so many people rave about it, so I ordered a small size to try it out first. You're supposed to apply it on damp hair before washing your hair and conditioning. I've only used it once and so far I can say it's a good treatment, though, I'll have to use it longer before writing a review (here is a picture of my hair the first day after using it). By the way, this has no scent whatsoever.

Feel Unique, 19.50 €.

REDKEN All Soft Heavy Cream

I got this based on a recommendation from Petra from Adjusting Beauty and it's been on my wishlist forever. Haven't used it much yet, but so far I can report that it suits my super dry hair. It's not as good as Joico Intense Hydrator, but it's definitely one of the better treatments available. There will be a review in time.

Feel Unique, €20.67.

Lavender Hydrolate

I wanted this because I expected an intoxicating lavender scent (I love lavender), but much to my disappointment it smells like something's gone off. Lavender hydrolate  is supposed to be good for problematic skin as it is antibacterial, but it can be used on all skin types and it's said it's good for itchy scalp as well. I've been using it on my face for the past two weeks and my skin looks pretty good at the moment. I just wish it smelled better.

Random souvenir shop in Zadar (Croatia), 50 kn (about 6.5 €).

GATINEAU Melatogenine AOX Probiotics Youth Activating Beauty Serum 

Sample

I quite liked this serum. It's a light, milky white serum that absorbs quickly and I definitely needed something on top as my skin felt a bit tight after it absorbed, however, during the short trial my skin looked quite good. It smells very inoffensive and nice. Ingredients here.

CAUDALIE Vinosource S.O.S. Morning Eye Rescue 

Sample

Another thing that I liked and I don't even use eye creams. It moisturises well, yet it is light enough that I would apply makeup over it.

EBELINE Pinzette 

I have the most rubbish tweezers on the planet that I bough a million years ago and I've been avoiding buying a super expensive pair, though I'm aware it pays to invest. Taya recommended Essence tweezers and for the life of me I cannot find them (looked in three countries no less), so I settled on Ebeline's. These look similar to Tweezerman's with the sharp slanted edge and I've seen three different colours (aside from the hot pink also a baby pink and I think a navy or black). I have to report that I find them clumsy, too big, not particularly precise and they rip the hair. I need something smaller, perhaps the mini Tweezerman's version.

DM, 1.99 €

Molecule 01 Iso E Super

Me: (shoving my wrist under their nose ): Hey, do you smell anything?

Every-person-I-asked: "What? Erm..No. Well, maybe. A bit. Why?

Me: But would you say it smells nice?

 Every-person-I-asked: (shrugs shoulders): Meh.

Remember that fragrance by Escentric Molecules called Molecule One? The one that every British blogger was raving about forever and then some more because it supposedly attracts compliments? Well that famous molecule is called Iso E Super and it's not spectacularly rare or so exceptional that it might justify a 80 € price tag for 100 ml. There are a lot of these Molecule 01 dupes on eBay, which are just a dilution of Iso E Super in perfumer's alcohol. I didn't quite know what to expect as it's a fragrance that's supposed to smell different on each individual and you yourself can't smell it, but you smell nice to other people. I ordered a small bottle, so I wouldn't be too disappointed and so far I am a bit disappointed - it smells like, I don't know, almost like nothing. It's such a weak scent that smells like water, earth and wood, like walking in a forest or similar to the oris root note in Britney Spears' The Naughty Remix, but super gentle and it lasts just a few seconds. It's a bit too masculine for me and I guess my chemistry does not comply with this scent because I read tons of favourable reviews, but no one can smell anything on me. I'll try mixing it with other scents and if my opinion changes, I'll give you an update.

 I bought it from a Slovene seller on eBay for 13 € (50 ml, seller's name is Tributes 8 and he offers free shipping worldwide)

Invisibobbles dupes

These look so silly to me. I just don't get why anyone would want to wear telephone cable in their hair, but curiosity got the best of me and I picked up a pack of 5 in a Chinese shop. They hold well, but look odd on the hair. They supposedly leave no trace in the hair, but that never really posed a problem to me. Personally I prefer the soft elastic ties, the ones I make myself and the ones from O'Twist (they started selling these hair ties everywhere, even Eveline has their own version).

Chinese shop, 1.5 €.

Have a great day!

Aussie Miracle Moist Shampoo

I am terribly picky when it comes to shampoo, which may sound strange since it is just shampoo, but when you hair is as dry as mine, you can't really afford to buy rubbish things. I've already fallen in love with the 3 Minute Miracle Reconstructor and I find it one of the best drugstore hair treatments, so this alone encouraged me to try more things from Aussie. Miracle Moist shampoo is quite praised as being good for dry hair, so it was the first on my list.

Texture: The shampoo is creamy and easy to work with, I especially appreciate how well it foams as even on the first wash it forms a lot of thick foam.

Performance: It cleans the hair well and removes most of the dandruff that is stuck on my scalp but not all. The hair is left almost squeaky clean, so it's not moisturising (or moisturising enough for my hair), but that also means it leaves the hair very light and airy. I wouldn't be surprised if someone with oily hair liked it. The fact it's not nourishing results in the hair being a bit difficult to comb through after washing, which is something I'm not fond of.

Scent: The scent is just divine. It has the same sweet, bubble gum scent as the 3 Minute Miracle and it lasts so well. Love.

Ingredients:

Packaging: Just a simple bottle, but made from softer plastic than most, meaning it's easy to squeeze.

Price: I paid 6 € on Feel Unique. It's also sold in Boots and some DM's across Europe. I hear Aussie is now sold in Slovene Müllers.

It's an average shampoo, but the good kind of average, so it's not amazing, but decent. The scent won me over, although, if it weren't for the bubble gum scent I wouldn't like it as much. However, I love this in conjunction with the 3 Minutes Miracle, since for some reason the combination of the two works amazingly well. This shampoo should work for most people and you'll probably like it a lot, but if you have super dry hair and expect moisture, look somewhere else (I like Fructis Oil Repair 3 from the drugstore selection).

Have a great day!

10 Current Drugstore Picks

Are you feeling uninspired and want some cheap trills? I've got you covered. I selected 10 products from the drugstore range that I find fabulous at the moment and worth checking out. 

Sundance Getöntes Sonnenfluid SPF 30 

Tinted Sunscreen

My favourite sunscreen for the face that is so light, not at all sticky and literally feels like nothing on your skin. It's also lightly tinted which means there is none of that ghastly white cast. I'm in love with it at the moment.

3.69 € in DM.

Bourjois 123 Perfect CC Cream 

I find this perfect for warmer months because it has a light formula with a matte-satin finish. It has a nice level of coverage despite the thin consistency and it makes the skin look better without being obvious you're wearing make up.

14 € in DM/Müller/Asos/Boots.

L'Oreal Lumi Magique Pure Light Primer

I know, I keep banging on about this being my favourite highlighter, but I can't help myself. I'm a fan of a natural looking glow and this delivers. It's a warm toned liquid highlighter which gives a subtle radiance to the skin that won't make people ask you why there is shimmer on your face (which has happened to me, I'm afraid). It can be used as a primer under make up, mixed with foundation or on top of make up on the high points of your face. The formula is very light, not greasy and also a bit mattifying in a sense that it blocks natural oils and the only dewyness is from the product.
About 10 € in Müller/DM/Boots.

 Bourjois Rouge Edition Velvet

08 Grand Cru. I haven't done a review for 02 Frambourjoise yet, but Taja swatched Pink Pong, Petra from Adjusting Beauty did 01 Personne ne rouge and Sanja from Sparkle with laughter 07 Nude-ist.

When it comes to dark or bright shades, I say go matte or go home and Bourjois has got you covered. These have the best matte finish and are not at all drying. They need a bit more work because the first layer isn't fully opaque, but the final result is stunning once it dries. My favourite at the moment is Frambourjois, a gorgeous rose-red-pink that is a perfect mix between a fun and a glamorous colour (why does nobody talk about this shade? I know it looks boring in the tube, but on the lips it's fantastic). I plan to get more of these (Olé flamingo, you will be mine!).

12.99 € in Müller/DM/Asos/Boots.

 Real Techniques Blush Brush

Lets be honest, it could be any RT brush here, but I am absolutely in love with this one at the moment. I never liked finishing powders because they made my foundation look so cakey and obvious, but this brush is so soft and fluffy that it deposits the perfect thin veil of product. I just can't stop brushing it on my face, it's so lovely! It also works great for applying a touch of bronzer (especially if you're pale and fear you'll over-apply) and pigmented blushes.

Prices vary, but you can get it cheapest for 9$ on iHerb, Slovenes can get it on Moja Drogerija for 12.95 € (currently 15% off code: 12000).

Catrice Defining Blush

040 Think Pink and 020 Rose Royce

I'm calling it - these are the best powder blushes I've ever tried. The texture is perfect, so smooth and not at all chalky (though they swatch chalky, but they don't look like that on the cheeks). They are so easy to apply and blend, the pigmentation is superb and they actually last on my cheeks. My favourite shade is Rose Royce which is an amazing rosy-neutral shade that goes with everything. I just wish the shade range was bigger.

3.79 € in Müller.

 Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water

Dubbed as the Bioderma dupe, but only in texture since I find that when it comes to how effective it is, it isn't quite there. At the moment I like using this in the morning before applying a moisturiser, but I also use it as a make up remover at the end of the day. It feels like water and leaves a clean feeling on the skin, though, I hear it irritates some people's eyes. It's a big 400 ml bottle for a super affordable price.

5.29€ in DM/Müller.

Neutrogena Visibly Clear Wash mask 2 in 1

This has been a staple in my skin care routine since the long gone year of 2007. It's a clay based cleanser-face mask with salicylic acid that I use mainly as a face mask when my skin feels congested and spotty. It's one of the rare clay masks that doesn't dry out my skin, but still manages to clear up my pores and make my skin look that bit better. I love that it comes is a big tube and it lasts a long time.

Price revolves around the 5 € mark in DM.

Garnier Oil Beauty Scrub 

Not so much a proper scrub, but more of an every day wash and a very luxurious feeling one at that. It's so nourishing and the foam is so creamy that there is no need for a lotion afterwards, though it pairs wonderfully with the corresponding Ultimate Beauty Oil. The scrub particles are too sparse for my liking, but that doesn't mean that it doesn't do its job.

4.99 € in Müller; 5.59 € in DM; currently £4.77 in Boots; 9.3 € on Feel Unique.

Aussie 3 Minute Miracle Reconstructor

Drugstore hair treatments rarely get so good as this one. A favourite of many for years, but a new-ish discovery by me, it has fantastic results on my super dry hair and has an effect that rivals much more expensive products. The lovely bubble gum scent only adds to the brilliance of this treatment. 

About 8 € in DM, Croatia; £4.77 in Boots.

I'm actually thinking of doing a series of such posts because honesty, I have more than 10 favourites. I might do them every few months or something. Fancy that?

Have you got any cheap trills recommendations for me?

Have a great day!

Empties #8

Balea Tropische Früchte Badezauber

I haven't got the foggiest who actually used this up (thieving bubble bath fairies?), but here it is even though I only used it a couple of times. It's a bubble bath with a piña colada scent, however, the bubbles are pretty pathetic. The scent, on the other hand, is lovely exotic and it makes you feel like you're bathing in a massive piña colada cocktail. It's inexpensive for a big bottle, but I prefer more bubbly products.

Repurchase: Probably not.

Balea Dusche & Creme Cocos & Nectarine

One of my favourite shower gels ever! It smells divine - like peach flavoured bubble gum and it's only a €. Love it!
I hear they released a passion fruit version recently, which I obviously need and I have my eye on the strawberry one as well.

Repurchase: Already did.

L'Occitane Honey Foaming Gel

Another lovely smelling shower gel, except this one smells like sweet honey. It had one of the best honey scent ever and a gentle, jelly-like texture formula. Unfortunately, it was limited edition, so I was super frugal with it, but sadly it had to run out one day.

Repurchase: I would if it weren't a LE.

 Balea Rasier Gel

A boring empty. It's a staple in my bathroom. I love the powdery floral scent and the quality is fantastic for the price.

Repurchase: Already did and I got the Summer Garden version as well (which smells amazing).

Victoria's Secret Love Spell Body Butter

Another product I was very sparing with since VS isn't available in my country. The scent is a winner at this body butter. Love Spell is one of the most delicious tropical scents I've ever tried and layering the body butter with the body mist made me smell like a fizzy tropical drink. The texture is almost like a body butter meets gel and feels strangely wet, but it's super moisturising.

Repurchase: Yes.

Bioderma Sensibio H2O micelle solution

Yes, I'm getting boring again. I used up another one of these. You know I love it and there is nothing more to say.

Repurchase: Yes.

Maybelline Eye Makeup Remover Waterproof

The same story as with Bioderma, this is my staple and it excels at removing waterproof mascara. I recently purchased Nivea's version because DM doesn't carry Maybelline's one and it just made me appreciate it more. Fantastic product for a reasonable price.  

Repurchase: Yes.

 Tigi Bed Head Spoil Me

It is great defrizzer in a spray that smells like lemon candy. I used this before I found Healthy Sexy Hair Three-Wheat Leave-in conditioner, which also defrizzes very well as well as provides my dry hair with extra moisture. Spoil me is a super light product that feels like nothing on the hair and yet it works. It's great for those who have hair that gets weighted down or greasy easy and need a light taming product. The bottle is massive and it lasts long, however, it appears that perhaps gas escaped from mine, since there is still product inside, but it won't come out.

Repurchase: No. Since I discovered Three-Wheat Leave-in conditioner I don't need it any more. 

Vichy Dercos Anti-Dandruff Sensitive Treatment Shampoo

Another dandruff shampoo that I gave a try and it failed. It's a very gentle sulphate, silicone and paraben free formula that doesn't clean the scalp well which is essential if you have dandruff. It's also a bit stripping and it leaves my hair tangled. Basically, I didn't like it at all.

Repurchase: No.

Aussie 3 Minute Miracle Reconstructor

I have to say with each use I love it more and it's fast becoming one of my favourite hair treatments. I literally repurchased it the day I used it up (and I haven't repurchased the Dove Oil care one yet). It hydrates my dry hair well and performs similar to much more expensive products. Not to mention it smells amazing like bubble gum. A winner.

Repurchase: Already did.

Tigi Oatmeal & Honey Intense Nourishing Mask

I have mixed feelings about this one. It's undoubtedly a good product, but is it really so good that it deserves that extra few euros when there are very similar performing products in the drugstore range? It just lacks that bit of oomph that something from Joico or Kerastase has. The pot contains only 200 ml of product which didn't last me many treatments and though the scent is very cinnamon-clove-Christmas-y, it is strong and only appeals to me in the winter months. I also noticed a very unattractive crust on the top when I didn't use it for a few weeks. It's not bad, but for the price there are better.

Repurchase: Probably not.

Rexona Clear Pure Crystal
Deo stick antiperspirant
This is the first deodorant ever that didn't stop working on me and I've used every bit of it! I was quite shocked when I hit the plastic bit at the bottom as I didn't expect to use it up and not toss it before that. It's a stick deodorant that smells nice (fruity) and works well enough on me by keeping BO at bay. The only bad thing are the white marks, however, I can forgive that. I actually bought a different deodorant out of curiosity, but I don't like it nearly as much.
Repurchase: Rather surprisingly yes.

lee stafford POKeR STRAiGHT DeHUMIDIFIER
The so called "invisible umbrella" that promises to prevent curling due to the moisture and fight frizz. It should work in theory, but in real life situations it didn't quite cut it. Actually, it's pretty much the same thing as got2b Öl-La-La Styling Öl-Spray and it leaves the same same light oily-siliconey feeling as well as gives loads of shine. And that's what I've been using it for, as a shine spray and a tamer. It has the typical Lee Stafford scent, a heavy oriental one with flower notes and patchouli. I would recommend only girls with dry(-ish) hair should use it as it is oily.
(Re)purchase: No. I prefer Öl-La-La because it smells nicer.

 lee stafford Dry ShaMPOO ORiGiNAL
Not my favourite dry shampoo since its oil absorbing properties are not the best and it doesn't refresh the hair as effectively as for example Batiste, however, it doesn't leave that powdery, gritty texture as most dry shampoos do. It has a very strong parfumey scent, again the typical Lee Stafford one, but a very intense version which can be headache inducing for more sensitive people.
(Re)purchase: No.

Have a great day!

New In #15

Did you know that Boots started shipping to Slovenia and some other European countries? We can finally get Collection 2000 concealer, Seventeen's Mirror Shine lipsticks, Origins, aerosols and all the light shades of foundations importers refuse to sell on our market. I jumped at the chance when they were running the famous 3 for 2 offer and placed my first order there. They accept Paypal and shipping is expensive at 10€, but it's through the DPD service so packages are tracked. My order arrived in four days and I'm really happy with my purchase as well as Boot's service. 

Real Techniques Blush Brush

It took me way too long to buy this considering it's such an essential tool. It's a fantastic brush - a really fluffy tapered brush that is not too big, which I'll use for pigmented blushes, bronzer and powder. 

£9.99 (12 €) in Boots.

Revlon ColorBurst Matte Balm 210 Unapologetic

Unapologetic is one of the many shades that are not sold in Slovenia and the only shade I wanted from the matte range (we have five shades. Disappointing). It's a super bright pink with coral undertones. I just got it, so I haven't worn it yet, but there will be a full review.

 £7.99 (10 €) in Boots.

Bourjois Java Rice Loose powder 

I got this based on a recommendation from Sara (Passing Fancy). I was looking for it in our drugstores, but I guess it was sold here only for a limited time. I heard it's a lovely, illuminating setting powder that is a bit similar to the Hourglass Ambient powder. There will be a full review once I thoroughly test it out. 

 £9.99 (12 €) in Boots.

Essie Nail Polishes Spin the Bottle

I've official found the most perfect nude nail polish for my skin tone and the formula is not too difficult to work with. If you're in the market for a nude nail polish, go check it out soon because it's a LE. Post with swatches will follow within the next couple of days.

 9.90 € in DM. 

Panasonic EH2351AC Heated Eyelash Curling Wand

I finally got it. It actually didn't take that long to arrive from Korea, only two weeks. First impressions are all right - it's not that hot that it would burn the eyelids and as I read from all the reviews, it really only works after the lashes have already been curled and mascara was applied, so it only makes a slightly better curl and makes it last longer. If you want I can do a more in-depth review.

18 € on eBay from this seller.

Shiseido The Makeup Eyelash Curler

I wanted to try a high-end lash curler to see how it compares to my Tana's (which I can't find in Müller any more, so I guess they no longer sell it). This one is almost as popular as Shu Uemura. I need some more time to really test it, but so far I can say it's good, I'm just no convinced it's that much better than Tana's which is/was half the price. However, both are miles better than Manhattan's or other cheaper versions and are best I've tried. I'll do a comparison one day. 

Regular price 24 € on Feel Unique.

Garnier Miracle Cream

This was on my wishlist since British Beauty Blogger raved about it and later I heard that this is a dupe for Origins Vitazing. It's a white face cream that releases a sheer tint when rubbed into the skin. I've only tried it on the hand and it starts of looking scarily almost orange, but sheers out and gives a natural looking touch of colour/tan. It also has SPF 20. There will be a review once I test it out.

11.99 € in Müller. 

SunDance Getöntes Sonnenfluid SPF 30 
Tinted sun protecting fluid

After the last year's mattifying version, which I really like, Sun Dance made a tinted version. The shade of it is actually quite light and the tint is sheer, so the shade doesn't matter much, but it does mean there is not fear of leaving a white cast. I also liked it because this version is alcohol free and it felt light when I tried it on the hand. Haven't tried in on the face yet, but there will be a review one day. 

3.69 € in DM.

Aussie 3 Minute Miracle Reconstructor 

I ran out of 3 Minute Miracle and I immediately repurchased it. I love this, probably more than the Dove's Oil Care one that I always rave about. You know I'm really fussy about conditioners because my hair needs more than average person's do and this one is a drugstore gem. It gives great results on my super dry hair and it smells amazing like bubble gum. 

 £4.99 (6 €) in Boots.

Batiste Dry Shampoo Wild

My massive 400 ml can of Tropical version is running out and I wanted to try a different scent of Batiste since there are so many. I picked up Wild because I heard it has a nice oriental scent. I'd describe the scent as chocolate-vanilla-musk-woody one in a perfume version, not the gourmand kind. Lovely! The closest scent I can think of is Black Star by Avril Lavigne once it develops if I remember that scent correctly.

 £2.99 (3.6 €) in Boots

VO5 Give Me Texture Dry Texturising Spray 

I picked this up quite randomly, though I did hear some good things about it. It's supposed to give texture and body to the hair. I've literally just tried it and I can say that this is how I imagined texturising sprays to be (very different from the L'Oreal's #TXT and far better). I'll report back when I use it a few times.  

 £3.79 (4.7€) in Boots.

Garnier Fructis Oil Repair 3 Shampoo

Damn, this is good! I didn't expect anything much since it's a drugstore shampoo, but Garnier meant business with this one. It looks like an average Fructis shampoo that has that lovely, typical Fructis apple scent, however, the formula is fabulous. It transforms into a dense, creamy rich foam and leaves the hair nourished, while still cleansing very well. After rinsing it off there is no dryness or that awful über squeaky clean feeling that I hate, however, it's only small fault is that the hair is left a bit tangly. If you have dry hair and you want something on a budget, this is a great shampoo to try.

Ingredients here.

2-3€ in Müller.

Aussie Miracle Moist Shampoo

Since I love the 3 Minute Miracle, I decided to try one of Aussie's shampoos as well. I'll do a separate review once I've had enough time using it. It smells divine, just like 3 Minute Miracle, so that yummy bubble gum scent.

6.10€ on Feel Unique.

Balea Rasiergel Summer Garden 

Mango scent

This is my favourite version of Balea's shaving gel ever. It's smells like candy in mango flavour. Yummy! And it's teal, one of my favourite colours. The quality is again excellent. I should stock up on this version because it's LE. Balea make it permanent please!

 1.99 € in DM.

Tesore d' Orientare Orchidea deodorant

I randomly grabbed this when I needed a new deodorant. It smells like soap - very clean and a bit floral (I just read on Fragrantica it's supposed to smell like J.Lo Miami Glow. Really?!). I'm not loving the scent, but it's not annoying either (yet). It performs like your average spray deodorant, so it's more about preventing/covering body odour than stopping the sweat.

 3€ in Interspar.

Garnier Ultimate Beauty Oil Beauty Scrub 

This is new on the market, but I already heard a few raves about it. I've only used it once and I already love it, but I'll report back when I use it a few more times. It smells the same as the Body Ultimate Beauty Oil.
4.99 € in Müller. 

Riffi Body Brush

Another blogger inspired purchase, this time by Jana from Small Bits of Loveliness. I've been planning on buying this for ages, but always forgot. I bought the smallest one I could find to fit into my hand and I really like this one. The bristles are just prefect - soft, but not too soft. This dry body brushing business feels really nice and I've been doing it before almost all my showers (it only takes a few minutes). It's kind of addictive. It exfoliates the skin, assists in improving vascular blood circulation and lymphatic drainage, but you should google it you want to read more about it because that is all I know. 

5.49 € in Müller.

Ulala! Detangler Hair Brush

I've had my Tangle Teezer for about 7 years and it still serves me well, but it is falling apart. I wanted something with a handle because I have small hands and TT is a bit big to hold, but instead of buying something online I just took one in DM. This is just a generic version that I've seen in several places, only someone put their name on it (Beauty Bay has pretty much the same version). The bristles aren't quite as soft as at TT, but that doesn't really matter on my thick hair, though it might on fine hair (I'd get a TT in that case. Macadamia's version is nice as well I hear).

8.75 € in DM. There is also a pink/black version.

essence show your feet super soft shoe insoles
EU 36-38

I've been looking for these for a while and they finally arrived in our neck of the woods. These are padded insoles that you can put in any shoes to make them more comfortable and have a sticker on the bottom so they won't slide out. I'm a size 36/3(UK)/5(US) and these fit perfectly in all my shoes. They feel nice and soft, however, they make the shoe 1/2 or 1 size smaller, so these are nice if you have shoes that run just a bit big, but if they fit well, it can get a bit pinchy. There is a violet or pink version that is bigger (fits 39-41).

2.99 € in Müller.

Have a great day!

Top 5 Drugstore Conditioners

I'm more of a salon brands buff myself, but that doesn't mean I don't use drugstore conditioners. I've tried so many and not a lot actually impress me, but these are the five I think are some of the best drugstores have to offer. These are for those with dry(ish) hair or ends, who don't want to track down salon treatments, but just grab one in a shop and go, of course not spending much. However, if your hair is really dry like mine, I would highly recommend using a leave-in conditioner since these are not as moisturising as salon brands, especially when it comes to how long the hair stays hydrated. From my personal experience, I highly recommend Healthy Sexy Hair Tri Wheat Leave-in conditioner. It has fantastic long term results and it makes a massive difference by itself (apparently Lauren Conrad loves this. I didn't even know that before as I'm not a fan of any celebrities, really). 

John Frieda Brilliant Brunette Moisturising Conditioner 

This is a very old favourite of mine and actually out of these five, it's the one I've been buying the longest. I've repurchased it numerous times and there have been rare occasions that I didn't have a tube of this in my bathroom. It feels quite light and is runnier than the others, yet it is moisturising enough for my dry hair. It leaves the hair feeling very silky when I rinse it off, but there are two other things that it excels at: shine and scent. It gives by far the best shine out of these five, but I should mention this is JF's line created for brown hair. The scent is divine, like a mix of coconut and caramel, but not sweet rather a bit more sophisticated. This is the only conditioner/mask after which my hair smells nice for days as normally my hair never retains the scent of the conditioner or shampoo I use for more than a few hours.

Price: 8.49 € for 250 ml in Müller and DM (also available on Feel Unique for 6.36 €/5.09 £). Picture of the ingredients here.
Best features: shine and lasting scent.

Aussie 3 Minute Miracle Reconstructor Deep Conditioner 

This has fantastic results for a drugstore treatment. It leaves my hair feeling really soft and nourished - a similar result as if using a high-end mask. The effect of the conditioner lasts a few days and my ends look surprisingly well for quite a while, which doesn't normally happen when I use drugstore stuff. It has quite a unique texture, something like a medium thickness gel-cream hybrid and feels slippiest out of the five. It smells quite strongly of Hubba-Bubba fruit fantasy bubble gum tape. The packaging is awesome, no screw off or flip lids, just squeeze and the product comes out. Of course, I leave it on longer than 3 minutes, like any other conditioner/mask before rinsing it off, but that's just me.

Price: 70 kn in Croatia's DM (about 9 €) for 250 ml. Widely available in the USA and UK for much cheaper. It's also available in some DM's in Germany and Slovakia, but I don't know about other countries.
Best features: longest lasting results and best effect. 

Dove Oil Care Nährplege 1 Minute Kur-Spülung a.k.a. Nourishing Oil Care Express Treatment Conditioner

This is the thickest drugstore treatment I've tried. It's almost like toothpaste and it even looks a bit like it because of the two colour stripes, white and yellow, when you squeeze it out. As with John Frieda, I bought countless of these and there is always a tube of this in my bathroom. It's a great drugstore find for dry hair for an affordable price. The scent is again very pleasant, along the lines of a typical Dove scent, but a bit better.

Price 3.99 € for 187 ml. I buy them in Müller.

Best features: a thick and rich hair treatment for an affordable price.

Herbal Essences Bee Strong Conditioner

A recent find for me and the most affordable out of the five. For the price it is actually quite good. It's thicker than the Hello Hydration mask (another HE product that is really nice) and moisturises well even my dried up hair. It smells fruity-floral with a hint of honey, which is nice albeit a bit generic. My only gripe is the packaging. I've used about 2/3 already and it's getting really hard to squeeze out the product. I'd prefer it in a pot, which in fact does exist, it's just not sold here. 

Price: 2.45 € for 250 ml in Müller.

Best features: best value for money. 

L'Oreal Hair Expertise Ever Riche Mask Pot 

It's not the cheapest in the bunch, especially for the amount you get, however, it's a great drugstore treatment for dry hair. It's medium consistency, which doesn't make it too heavy, though in the conjunction with the shampoo from the same line, it could weight down your hair if it's not that dry. The scent is a sweet caramel one (it reminds me a lot of a old DM's Reell'e products for brown hair) and it's quite strong. I love it comes in a pot because I can get every bit of it out. Ingredients here.

Price: 7.99 € for 200 ml in Müller (also available on Feel Unique for 8.74 €/6.99 £).
Best features: nice results and best packaging.