Current Skin Care

It's been a really long time since I last posted about my skin care routine and because I'm really happy with the state of my skin at the moment, I think there is no better time for an update. A lot has changed and a lot stayed the same, but basically since I revamped my skin care, my skin is a lot more balanced, I'd say very close to normal with my T-zone being just a bit oily sometimes, however, the dryness I was experiencing before mostly in winter months is gone. 

Previous skin care routine posts can be found here, here and here.

 Make up Removers

Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water

A nice drugstore micellar water, definitely my favourite budget one. As all I've tried so far, it feels like water and leaves no residue. I don't find it as effective as Bioderma since I use more cotton pads and product to get my skin completely clean, but the final result is the same. I use Garnier and Bioderma interchangeably.

Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micelle Solution

A staple in my skin care since 2011. It's the best micellar water I've tried and I'll keep repurchasing it. It removes make up fast and leaves no residue behind - all in all it's a fantastic product for my skin. I buy it at a local pharmacy.

Maybelline Eye Make up Remover Waterproof

(Augen-Make-Up Entferner Spezial Waterproof) 

This is another product I've been buying for years. I wear only waterproof mascara because I have the most stubborn eyelashes that refuse to stay curled (and are a pain to get them curled), so I have to use oily removers. This one is a standard two-phase make up remover that removes waterproof mascara, but it does leave a greasy residue, though it doesn't make my vision cloudy.

Coconut Oil

I use it as a make up remover occasionally and I actually prefer it to Maybelline's remover because I notice how good my skin looks the next day, but it's a lot greasier and makes my vision super cloudy. It also works great as a moisturiser.

Cleanser 

balance Me cleanse and smooth face balm

I'm on my second tube so far of this balm cleanser with oatmeal exfoliating particles. It cleanses the skin while leaving it moisturised and I know that this is the main reason I'm dry patches-free, since regular gel/mousse cleansers left my skin super tight and dry, therefore dry patches appeared. This makes my skin look and feel nice, the only downside is the price.
I use washcloths to remove it.

Toner/AHA treatment

Clarins Gentle Exfoliator Brightening Toner

This is the product that keeps my skin, mostly forehead, smooth and clear. Though it contains gycolic acid, it's still moisturising, so it feels more like a lotion and it's super gentle (doesn't sting one bit, even if I have a small wound). Though, I'm a bit apprehensive about using AHA's so often, I haven't had a bad reaction, my skin did not become more sensitive and if I stop using it for a while my skin reverts to it's previous state with a bumpy forehead. I tend to apply it only on my forehead and chin, occasionally all over the face. I also cut the cotton pads in two and I only use a few drops per use. It's super expensive, but this is becoming a staple in my skin care routine. The only other product that made my skin look the same way is the much more expensive Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair.

 Moisturisers

L'Occitane Angelica Hydration Cream

My favourite moisturiser so far. It's sinks in fast, it's super hydrating, leaves a smooth, semi-matte finish and the skin feels almost velvety to the touch. It's the best moisturiser I've found for wearing under make up. The skin looks so healthy after using this and in general the skin improves over time in terms of hydration levels. My second favourite moisturiser that I've used up several tubes of is Eucerin Aquaporin Active Light.

Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse

If you're an old follower on my blog, you'll know that I've been using this every day for three years already. This is a staple in my skincare, much has changed, but this stayed. This is one of those products I can hardly imagine being without. It keeps my skin super, super soft, radiant and healthy looking. It's a dry oil, so it actually doesn't feel that oily and it sinks in in minutes. It's a multi-purpose oil, so I use what's left on my hair and it keeps it in good condition. 

Extras and non-every day items 
I don't use face mask that often because I can't be bothered. 

Queen Helene Mint Julep Masque

 This has a really high rating on Make up Alley and it's really affordable for such a massive tube. It's a standard clay mask that is super thick and it draws out impurities from pores, but I dare not apply it on my cheeks because it completely dries out my skin. If you have really oily, problematic skin you'll love it. 

Neutrogena visibly clear 2-in1 wash mask

I've been using this since probably around 2006, so I've gone through a lot of tubes of this. I try a different mask every now and then, but I always come back to this one. It's another clay mask with salicylic acid, however, unlike Queen Helene one, this one doesn't dry out my skin at all. It can also be used as a cleanser, but it feels odd to me. It's inexpensive for the amount you get, smells nice and it's widely available. 

Origins Drink Up Intensive

Since my battle with dry patches is over, I don't use this much. In fact, I don't even find it all that good. It just feels like a thick, sticky moisturiser that smells like canned fruit salad (not peaches as most people say), which does moisturise very well, but my skin doesn't feel amazing after use as though I've applied something really special. Actually, I did have an emergency when Queen Helene mask really dried out my cheeks and made them rough, but this wasn't enough to fix the dryness.

REN Resurfacing AHA Concentrate

This serum is nothing revolutionary, but it does help those pesky blemish marks to fade faster. It doesn't remove them overnight, but long-term this is very effective. Also if I get a few spots this sometimes helps overnight, then sometimes it doesn't.

Sun Dance Mattierendes Sonnenfluid SPF30

(Mattifying sunprotecting fluid SPF30)

I barely spend a few minutes outside a day, so I don't wear sunscreen every day and I mostly wear BBs or foundations with SPF anyway. I like this one because it's really light, not greasy and it's really affordable.

Avene Cicalfate

This is just a basic antibacterial repairing treatment for any cuts, wounds, etc. I don't use this a lot on my face as I don't need to, but if it just happens that I squeezed a zit, I apply this to make it heal faster. 

Balea Soft & Clear Anti-Pickel Gel

This is rubbish, but it's the only spot treatment I have. I don't get a lot of spots and if I get them, I'm not that bothered. It's one of those on-spot gels with tons of alcohol and salicylic acid that in theory should make the spot dry out faster, but this one doesn't work.

Labello Fruity Shine Peach

Not the most moisturising lip balm, but it smells divine and the colour it gives is cute.

Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula Swivel Stick

I don't suffer from dry lips at all and I think the reason for this also comes down to this swivel stick. I've been using it for years and it's my absolute favourite lip balm. I apply it as the last part of my routine and I wake up with my lips in perfect condition. I almost never use a lip balm during the day simply because I don't need to. I also love this for treating any rough, dry areas. 

Bio Beauté by Nuxe Lip Balm wit Apricot Butter 

This is another great lip balm, but with a more glossy finish. It smells great (pears), moisturises enough for my needs and the tube contains a generous 15 ml. 

And this is it. Basically I use balance Me cleanser, Clarins toner, L'Occitane moisturiser, Nuxe oil and Palmer's lip balm (or Nuxe lip balm) every night, and balance Me cleanser with L'Occitane moisturiser in the mornings. I'm looking for a morning cleanser that is quicker to use and I'm still missing Estee Lauder's Night Advance serum which is amazing.

Have a great day!

Empties #6

It's been only a month since my last empties post and again I managed to accumulate a double post worth of products. Again this will be in two parts otherwise I might lose your attention somewhere in the middle. As always blue text are links to either original reviews, additional information like prices, ingredients, more pictures and swatches.

 Holika Holika Peach Girl BB Cream SPF 37 PA++

I had the shade number #2 which was a bit too dark for me if I wasn't self-tanning. This is a very rich and thick BB with medium to full coverage that is fantastic on dry skin. If you're the one with parched skin and dry patches, this is great. Applied with a big buffing brush such as E.l.f. Powder brush it makes your skin look flawless. The staying power of this BB is really good, it pretty much lasts all day, in this respect it's bested only by Estee Lauder Maximum Cover in my stash of foundations. It also has a mini beautiful cream coral blush in the lid and a mini mirror. I like light-feeling foundations and I dislike ones that take more than a minute to dry/set like this one, so that was my main complaint. I did like it because of the coverage, staying power and it was great in colder months, but tackiness is a turn off.

Repurchase: Perhaps.

Maybelline Instant Anti-Age the Eraser Eye

I used up both tubes of my absolute favourite concealer for under the eyes. It feels light and looks like skin while still covering enough to hide my under eye redness. Some may not like it because it has more of a medium coverage or they may find it too creamy, but I truly love every bit of it. I even love the sponge because it really cuts down the blending time.

Repurchase: Yes. I already went to Croatia in search of it only to find they don't sell it there any more, so I'll have to resort to eBay. 

L'Occitane Brightening Cleansing Foam

Normally I don't like cleansing foams at all, but this one is seriously good. It feels so soft and it's absolutely lovely to use, however, the floral scent is too strong for my liking. So far this is my preferred choice for a morning cleanser, however, I'd like to find something cheaper and better smelling.

Repurchase: Perhaps.

Balm Balm Frankincense Deep Cleansing Balm

Wonderful product. My skin loves this cleanser. It's gentle and feels rich, it cleanses the skin while leaving it really balanced. The texture is perfect as far as my preferences go, my complaints are that it only comes in a 30 ml version and the frankincense-churchy scent mixed with D&G Light Blue, but scents are subjective and my cousin informed me I was out of my mind and that it smells fine.

Repuchase: I would, but I get more bang for my buck if I buy Balance Me Cleanse and Smooth Face Balm.

Clarins Gentle Exfoliator Brightening Toner

I don't think I can go without it in my skincare. It's a toner with glycolic acid that keeps my skin, mostly forehead, smooth and clear. Even at the "delightful holy women's days" (can you detect the sarcasm?) my skin is pretty much always clear. It feels moisturising despite the high alcohol content due to the glycerine in it. This has become a staple in my skin care routine.

Repurchase: Already did.

Eucerin Aquaporin Active Light

I love this moisturiser, this was my third tube so far. It's light, yet really hydrating, it sinks in fast and it's a great base for makeup. The scent is very gentle, a typical pharmacy cream one. 

Repurchase: Of course.

Nair Cire Divine Monoi de Iles a.k.a Divine Wax

Quite an attractive sight, isn't it? This massive 400 ml pot only lasted me two "sessions". I love the idea of a wax that hardens and you just rip off, but unfortunately this isn't very effective. Ever if I went through the same area several times, it only removed about 1/3 of hair. Also there could be more spatulas included. The scent is a bit weird burnt-plastic-like, but nothing too annoying.

Repurchase: No. I'm wondering if there are better versions or is this as good as it gets?

Part 2 a.k.a. Empties #7 will follow soon.
Have a great day!

New In #11

Bourjois Rouge Edition Velvet 08 Grand Cru

I've known for a few weeks that Bourjois is launching their version of matte lip creams, but I didn't expect to see them so early in the shops. It looks like Croatian girls are the lucky ones this time and have the chance to try them out first. I got mine in Zagreb, where they are on displays in Müllers as well as DM (I was in Slovenia's DM on the same day, but we didn't have them yet). There are 8 colours in total, I tested all and decided on the darkest red, but another pinker shade caught my eye as well (02 Framboujoise). Despite that I decided to test one first. Honestly, I was a bit shocked in the shop when I saw how sheer they swatch, which means two coats are needed for full coverage, but they dry to such lovely velvet finish and don't budge after that. I'll do a review.

89.90 kn (11.75 €) in Müller.

Bourjois 123 Perfect CC Eye Cream 21 Ivory

My favourite concealer the Eraser from Maybelline all but ran out, so I went to Croatia to get a new one because that's where I bought mine and to my utter shock they don't sell them there any more. So I grabbed this one on my way home in our DM (I couldn't find any in Zagreb's Westgate shopping centre). I tried it once so far and it looks like a nice medium coverage, but a very light-feeling concealer. The silicone applicator is quite interesting and unique. There will be a review.

I also plan to get the CC cream of which I grabbed a sample and tried it at home. It is one of the best foundations (I'm not calling it CC cream) I've tried. It looks gorgeous on the skin - medium coverage with a satin finish. I just have to use up one of my foundations before I buy something new.

Concealer was 7.99€ in DM.

Catrice Luxury Lacquers  Holomania C01 Holo Manolo

I stumbled upon a full display of Luxury Lacquers limited edition and I decided on this one which might be the most boring choice, but that's how I like my holographic polishes - plain silver. I'll try do a swatch soon since it's a limited edition, I just hope my camera can capture the holographic effect well.

28.90 kn (3.79 €) in Müller.

Rimmel Space Dust Aurora

A rose gold glitter polish which I already reviewed. Just click on the name(^) to forward you to the review.

5.60€ on ASOS.

Catrice Made to Stay Smoothing Lip Polish 060 Mission PINKpossible

I received this from my cousin who regretted the bold colour choice. I expected to hate this, but dammit I really like it. It's a lip gloss/stain hybrid, basically two things I dislike, but in this case it really works great. The review is already written, I just have to press post.

5.19€ in Müller.

 L'Occitane Angelica Hydration Cream

I got this as a birthday gift from my cousins (thank you girls!) after it was on my wishlist since last summer when the sales assistant treated me with a big sample of this cream that lasted me a month and that was when I fell in love with it. I had many moisturisers in my years and this is my favourite so far, it's been in my all-time favourites picks even since I tried it. There will be a full review.

They bought it on Salma.si, but it took an age to arrive, though it was a lot cheaper than in L'Occitane shops where it's 37€.

Garnier Perfect Blur

I bought this after trying it just on my hand when my cousin bought it and she raved about it. I expected it to be more effective when it comes to giving the illusion of smaller pores, but it mostly just gives a smooth surface to work on. There will be a full review.

I paid 6.95 € in DM with a discount while the regular price is 9.95 €.

 Clarins Gentle Exfoliator Brightening Toner

An expensive repurchase, but I need it in my skin care routine. I really notice the results of this exfoliating toner and it keeps my skin (mostly my forehead) clear and smooth. 

It's 33.95€ in Müller, but again I had a discount.

Balance Me cleanse and smooth face balm

Another repurchase after I ran out of Balm Balm Frankincense balm cleanser. It think they changed the formula slightly. There is a new list of ingredients taped across the original ones on the box and it's not runny any more even in my perpetually warm bathroom, but solid enough to keep its shape when squeezed out of the tube. This new change makes me like it even more. It also smells a bit different, slightly less sugary and more fresh.
I got another one of those rubbish muslin cloths that is included and I use them for dusting (don't laugh at me. They included something so lame).
I got it again from Look Fantastic for 22.50 € (I had a discount code, regular price is 25 €).

Labello Fruity Shine Peach

A slightly tinted, peach smelling lip balm, that I already reviewed. ^Just click on the name for a full review with swatches.
1.85€ in DM.

 The Body Shop Vineyard Peach Body Butter

This was the second part of my birthday present. I can't believe my cousins got me another one of my absolute favourite body product! This is the best smelling product ever which smells just like ripe peaches. It has a very hard consistency, but it's still easy to work with and it's definitely one of the most moisturising body products I've tried so far.
Vineyard Peach was a limited edition that is already gone I believe, but they found it in a small "duty free" shop in Metlika, which apparently has a small selection of The Body Shop products (which are more affordable than in Gradz where I buy them). Just so you know my dearest Slovene and Croatian readers, you can get TBS in Metlika.  

 Balea Badestick Kokos

I got this after seeing Zlatana's post about it on her blog make up and more. It's an oil bath stick that has coconut oil and shea butter as the main ingredients. Straight from the packaging it smells like a very fresh version of a coconut scent, but once dissolved in a bath I didn't smell anything. It might be because I only used a half a stick in our huge bathtub, I don't know. I dissolves slowly, but it fizzes very, very gently due to baking soda in it. You can see the oil on the top of the bathwater and it leaves this moisturising oily filter on the skin. It says that you don't need to use a shower gel and a body lotion after your bath, and I can say it really moisturises the skin, but the skin is oily for a while once you get out of bath, though after some time in sinks in completely. 

It was less than 2€ in DM and there is also a lemongrass version available. One stick should last one or two baths. 

Picture of ingredients here.

This was originally a much longer post, but I decided to do it in two parts. Second part will have mostly hair care products, so keep your eyes peeled for that. I just got one parcel in the mail and I still have some writing to do, but I'll post it as soon a possible.

Have a great day!

Cleansers Comparison: Balance Me, Clarins, L'Occitane, Liz Earle and Dove

It's all about cleansers today. I have a selection of five that I've been using/testing in the past months, so this post was long in the making. You can find a review of another lovely cleanser that didn't include because the post would be too long here -> L'Oreal Skin Perfection 15 Second Miracle Cleansing Oil. 

Clarins Pure Melt Cleansing Gel

Texture: Pure Melt has such a unique texture that starts off as a thick gel which when massaged into the skin turns into a thick oil and when water is added it emulsifies. You can see all three steps on the picture. The concept is a bit similar to the L'Oreal's Skin Perfection 15 Second Miracle Cleansing Oil, but Clarins Pure Melt is much, much thicker.

Performance: It does the best job at removing make up, especially when it comes to waterproof mascara (it is an oil based cleanser after all). There is a slight filter left when just rinsed off with water, so I prefer using a washcloth to completely remove it. As most oil-based cleansers it makes my vision very cloudy.

Scent: A nice pharmacy type of scent and very pleasant.

Price: My 50 ml tube was 12€ on eBay. The price of full size (125 ml) on Clarins' website is 33$ (24€).

Verdict: I like it because it removes makeup very well and has a unique texture, however, my skin didn't look as good as when I used other cleansers and my forehead became bumpy again. The cloudy vision bothers me a bit as well.

Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser

Texture: A rich, thick cream that is easy to massage into the skin.

Performance: It removes most of the makeup, even waterproof mascara, but only if I'm not wearing a lot of it. Thicker coats of mascara just pose to much of a challenge for it. The muslin cloth that comes with it is a much better quality than the one with Balance Me cleansers, but I still prefer washcloths.

Scent: Minty and very similar to Airways bubble gums. Not particularly strong, but noticeable.

Price: 100 ml starter kit 17.75€ on Liz Earle site (plus delivery for Europe 7.25€, rest of the world a whooping 22€. Seriously, why? Though, I hear they have excellent service, include generous samples and super pretty bags).

Verdict: This is my second favourite so far. It feels luxurious and removes makeup nicely (I still use a separate eye makeup remover), however, my skin doesn't look as nice as when I use Balance Me. I love the mint green packaging.

L'Occitane Brightening Cleansing Foam

Texture: I generally dislike foams, because they feel so watery and leave my skin dry, but this one was a pleasant surprise. It's so soft and almost creamy, quite a luxury to use. Ingredients here.

Performance: It's quite a gentle and comfortable cleanser. It doesn't take off all of the makeup, but I find it nice for the morning cleanse. It leaves my skin nice and fresh without getting tight after a few minutes.

Scent: Strong floral, like wildflowers. I'm not a massive fan of it, but it's not unpleasant.

Price: 50 ml 9.20€, full size 150 ml about 20€, eco refill 300ml 28.50€

Verdict: Nice for mornings (or nights after you've removed the makeup), but the scent is too strong and even after months I haven't got used to it. Still, it is my favourite foam cleanser and I would consider repurchasing it to continue using it as a morning cleanser.

Dove Pure & Sensitive Beauty Cream Bar 

Texture: The same creamy bar feel of the regular Dove soap. These are my favourite bar soaps.

Performance: This is pretty hyped up on MUA, so when I saw this version in DM I didn't hesitate to buy it. It's so easy to use, gentle, doesn't irritate my eyes and doesn't leave my skin too stripped, however, the next day I noticed a dry patch on my nose. I used it a few more times, but then stopped, because it turned out to be too drying for my skin. I also noticed my skin started getting oilier.

Scent: Unscented, but if I really put my nose to it an almost non-existent typical Dove scent

Price: 1-2€

Verdict: Really easy to use, but too drying for my skin. I like that it's unscented and really cheap. I'll use it for the rest of my body where my skin doesn't tend to get dry.

Balance Me Cleanse and Smooth Face Balm

Full review here.

Texture: A liquidy balm with small oatmeal scrub particles. It's meant to be applied on dry skin, massaging it for 30 seconds, then water is added with makes it smoother, but it doesn't emulsify. The scrub particles aren't abrasive at all. It comes with a muslin cloth, which is absolute rubbish and I use a washcloth to remove it.

Performance: It's similar in performance to the Liz Earle one. It removes most of the makeup, except heavy layers of waterproof mascara. It doesn't sting my eyes and doesn't make my vision cloudy.

Scent: Sweet, similar to Kiki candy. The smell of childhood.

Price: 22-23€ on Look Fantastic and Naturisimo.

Verdict: My favourite cleanser so far. My skin looks and behaves best when I use it.

So Balance Me wins in my books (my skin looks really good since I started using it) and I like the L'Occitane foam for mornings, but I'll still test a few more cleansers. There are still some on my list to try and I already have Nubian Heritage African Black Soap coming my way.

I hope this was helpful and have a great day!

New In #6

Xen-Tan Dark Lotion and Tanning Mitt

A repurchase. This one and St. Tropez are my favourites, so I just went for the one that was cheaper. I did a comparison review here. Xen-Tan's mitt, on the other hand, is better than St.Tropez's.

L'Oreal Ever Rich Shampoo and Hair Mask

I heard quite a lot of praise about L'Oreal Ever Rich line recently and I can't resist a hair product with a good feedback. I had the shampoo from the Ever Pure line (for coloured hair) and I really liked it. Ever Rich line is targeted for dry hair, but the shampoo it's very, very similar to the Ever Pure one. It's really creamy, foams nicely, is sulphate-free and doesn't leave my hair dry. The only thing that is different from the Ever Pure one, is a better scent. It is kind of a sweet caramel one (It reminds me a lot of a old DM's Reell'e products for brown hair) and it is strong enough to last even on my hair. Some say the scent is too sweet, but I don't think so. All in all, it's a really nice shampoo and one of my favourite drugstore ones.

L'Oreal Ever Riche hair mask is a really good mask for a drugstore range. It's medium consistency and has the same sweet caramel scent as the shampoo. It's definitely one of the better ones from drugstore, but maybe not as good as Dove Oil Repair 1 Minute and I would highly recommend you try it if you have really dry hair. Both the shampoo and the mask aren't cheap for drugstore products, they are about 8€ each, but great drugstore hair products for really dry hair are rare as diamonds. Ingredients for the shampoo here and for the mask here.

Aveo Nail Polish Remover Pads

They smell really nice, kind of lighty fruity and they are a bit oily, therefore moisturising, but the remover is so weak. I need a lot of rubbing to get the nail polish off as it so slowly (or barely) dissolves anything. 

L'Occitane Brightening Cleansing Foam

I really dislike cleansing foams, but this is so highly recommended on Makeup Alley that I decided to try it out anyway. I needed something for the morning that simply washes off, but usually gel and foam cleansers dry out my skin. I got the 50ml version to trial and I'm planning to do a cleanser comparison post, so a proper review will be posted then, when I thoroughly try all of them out.

Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser

The lovely Slovenian blogger Maja from Pink Mascara had a giveaway recently and I won. She speaks so highly about it, so I really wanted to try it out and I was chuffed to bits, when I saw that she also included the bag. I know, what about that silly GWP bag? Well, it's mint green, which is my favourite colour, and I just briefly mentioned in one of the comments on her blog that I like Liz Earle's bags, I didn't even know she remembered and she just gave it to me. Thanks again! And go check out her blog. I will do a proper review in that cleansers post.

Clarins Pure Melt Cleansing Gel

Another small size cleanser (50ml) to trial. As the name suggests, it's a gel cleanser, but it first turns to oil on dry skin and then when water is added, it lathers into a foam. Again, review will be posted with other cleansers.

Origins Drink Up Intensive Overnight Mask

I only got the 30ml size of eBay, but I have a feeling it will last me quite a while. It's a super moisturising mask for dry/dehydrated skin with a fruity scent (some say peach, but I have a basket of them next to me and such claims only make me wonder if they ever really smelled a peach before). My skin is feeling really comfortable at the moment, so I think I will be able to test it's full potential in winter, but so far I really like it.

 Origins Make a Difference Plus+ Rejuvenating Treatment

I got a sample of this moisturiser which lasted me a few applications. It's a thicker gel consistency and leaves a slight sticky finish making it not the best choice for under makeup. It has quite a strong herbal-ish/citrus scent and is all in all a nice moisturiser, but I probably won't purchase full size.

Catrice Ultimate Nail Lacquer 20 Meet Me at Coral Island

It's similar to the Bourjois 10 Days #25, but less pink and with a slightly better formula (there is still room for improvement). Comparison swatches will be in another post. I plan to get the Essie Cute as a Button as well, so I might wait with the swatches until then.

Lancôme Hypnôse Custom-Wear Volume waterproof mascara

Oh, I how like this. It is remarkably similar in performance to my HG mascara Helena Rubinstein Lash Queen Feline Black Waterproof , but it's easier to find. I'll do a proper review of course. Currently, all mascaras in Müller are 20% off (until 24.8.2013) and also Feel Unique has a sale. If you need a good volumising mascara that holds curl all day, go grab yourself one.

Bourjois Shine Edition 21 Rouge Making Of

This is sooo lovely. An amazing orange based red that is actually properly pigmented for a shiny lipstick. You can tell you really like a lip colour, when you wear it every day two weeks in a row despite having a massive collection of other shades. Bourjois does not disappoint with their lipstick formulas, their Rouge Edition is my favourite one. Review soon.

 Cosmopolitan Beauty Expert Blend Perfection Sponge

I was never really into these sponges and while I'm certain it won't replace my Real Techniques brushes, I decided to try one out to see what the fuss is about. I didn't go for Essence one, because just about every one complained about them tearing, so I went for a Cosmopolitan version, because I am not paying over 20€ for the original Beauty Blender. I tested it once and it gives a fantastic skin-like finish, but it soaks up too much product, plus the staining will bother me. I doubt I'll ever get over the fact I need to use twice as much product and the finish is hardly any different than with RT brushes. I washed it once and when it was drying, it broke. Just greeeeaat. I was being gentle, I swear. Oh well, it's still useful and you can't see it when it's damp. I'll continue using it and if I happen to love it, it should pop up in some favourites post one day.

Body & Soul Massage& Glätte Styling (Massage and Sleek Styling brush)

I never owned such a brush before, but she used it this and this video, so I decided I should invest in one. It's such an essential, I really don't know why I haven't bought it years ago. I really like it, it makes the hair sleeker and properly detangled. It was about 8€ in Müller and I only latter noticed that a very similar brush is about a € cheaper in DM.

 Sun Dance Getöntes Fluid mit Soforteffekt (Wash Off Instant Tan)

Oh, the disappointment. I'm ghost pale and this did nothing. Not a hint of colour, nada. It's a tinted light cream with a strong chemical smell that applies nicely and evenly. I haven't noticed any staining on the clothes, but I'm still not a fan of it.

Have a great day!

Clarins Gentle Exfoliator Brightening Toner

About two months ago, when I set out to revamp my skin care routine, I bought this toner that so many people rave about. I declared war on dry patches (my nemesis) and this gentle, hydrating toner with AHA's ticked all the boxes when it came to my needs. I've been using it for almost two months now and I can honestly say that I notice a visible change in the state of my skin (by the way, you can read my first impression here). It contains glycolic, tartaric and salicylic acid, however, it is amazingly gentle. It says to use it 1 or 2 times a week and to avoid the eyes, but I use it everyday as a part of my night routine (to lower the pH) and it never felt like I was over-exfoliating. 

It differers so much from other toners I used, compared to this they all feel like overpriced fragranced water. It's like a really gentle lotion and I never felt any stinging, even if the skin was broken. Despite the high content of alcohol, it is not at all drying. In fact, I find it really moisturising, and in these hotter months, I could easily skip moisturiser (but I don't). It is definitely gentle enough to be used everyday. I have used it over the eyes once to see the reaction and it was absolutely fine (keep in mind my skin in far from being sensitive).

I notice my skin is brighter, clearer and smoother (especially the forehead. It's been a long time since it was this smooth). The red patch under my lips from old blemishes has significantly faded. It was probably the combination of REN's Resurfacing AHA Concentrate with this that made it happen, but I don't need to use a concealer anymore because a light foundation/BB covers it now. The only problem area remaining are the blackheads on and around the nose.

The packaging is a simple off-white plastic bottle and is ok, but it could have a more practical lid that flips rather than the screw-off one. The scent is a gentle, medicinal one.

It is a lovely, exfoliating, hydrating toner and I really enjoy using it. The price is step, however, I've been using it for two months now and there is still well over 3/4 left. I paid about 30€ in Müller for it (regular price is 33.95€), but it is worth it.

Have a great day!

New In #4

I decided to do something that might not be the best idea and almost completely revamped my skin care routine. Well, it was more like added steps and kept my favourites. I kept Nuxe Huile Prodigeuse obviously, because it's the only thing I can rely on, and Bioderma stayed as did Maybelline waterproof remover. I'm really bad when it comes to skin care because I want it cheap and simple, but it's time for a change - I only have one skin. I read so many reviews/skin care routine posts that my head was spinning and narrowed down to all these products (I still have a few back-ups on my wishlist). I didn't focus too much on ingredients, I decided to stop doing that because I find it oversimplifying, especially when it comes to mineral oil and alcohol. I chose to just go with the positive reviews and recommendations. 

Neutrogena Visibly Clear 2-in-1 wash mask

An oldie, but a goodie. I don't recall ever being without a tube of this since I first bought it when I was 17. It's a simple clay mask, smells nice, is gentle and the tube is huge for 6€. It draws out impurities and leaves my skin looking clearer. The only thing is that I forget to use it often enough.

L'Oreal Skin Perfection 15 Second Miracle Oil

It's not sold in my country yet, so I ordered it from HqHair. I needed a new cleanser as my old one wasn't working for me because as soon as I washed my face, it got really tight with dry patches everywhere. This one is quite nice, it's basically a light oil that emulsifies when I add a bit of water and rub my hands together. I massage it into the face and then remove it either with a wet flannel or just rinse it off with water. I must add that it doesn't irritate my eyes at all. It smells nice, a bit fruity and slightly like a beach (for some weird reason it reminds me of it, even though it's not a typical beach scent). It removes makeup decently, but not waterproof mascara. My skin feels fine when I use it, it doesn't dry it out one bit, moreover I think it's a bit moisturising. It wasn't my first choice, but it was the cheapest and it turned out just fine.

I haven't used a proper toner since they dramatically changed the ingredients of Garnier Fresh toner (which felt like nothing anyway, so I stopped using toners all together with the exception of homemade aspirin one). Now, I'm using two toners - an exfoliating one and a hydrating one:

L'Oreal Age Perfect toner with Vitamin C 

A simple toner for dry skin with vitamin C (ascorbyl glucoside). The packaging is stupidly impractical and the product gets everywhere, so I moved most into a spray bottle and I use it after cleansing or whenever I need some refreshment. It's ok, definitely more moisturising than the old Garnier Fresh toner, but sometimes the skin around the eyes burns slightly when I use it (It's really not a big deal though). I got it in Müller for about 5€.

I decided to take on my problem with dry patches head on with AHAs. Honestly, since I stopped using Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair my skin hasn't been acting ok. Though it looks fine, because of the Nuxe oil which really helps with radiance and softness, the stupid dry patches are still my nemesis. They appear especially around the eyes and on the forehead. The latter used to be completely smooth when I was using EL ANR, but has since become uneven and bumpy. Also, I have a problematic spot on my chin under my lips that I've had since my teens, where the pores are constantly congested and most impurities appear. I want it to finally fade, hence the purchase of AHA products. 

Clarins Gentle Exfoliator Brightening Toner 

A toner with glycolic, tartaric and salicylic acid that provides gentle exfoliation. Despite the alcohol it's not drying, in fact I find it quite moisturising. The scent is very gentle and clean. So far I've only used it twice, therefore I can't say much about the result yet. I plan to use it a few days a week. I couldn't find it cheaper online, so I got it in Műller for 33.95€, but I had a discount, otherwise I wouldn't splurge so easily. I'm hoping it will help me get rid of the dry patches and make my skin more even.

That little pot is a sample of Dior Nude BB cream in 001. It's the lightest shade which is pink toned, but suits me very well. The finish is semi-matte and it holds oiliness at bay, however, it has some radiance to it. Actually, it looks like healthy skin and is not perceivable on the skin at all. It blends in so easily, just melts into the skin and doesn't leave it tacky at all. The coverage is light and it evens out the skin really nicely. It reminds me a lot of Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum, but is less radiant. If you find HMS too radiant and you want something more matte, you should check it out. I would buy full size if it weren't so darn expensive.

REN Resurfacing AHA Concentrate 

Another AHA product, but more potent than the Clarins toner. I was choosing between this and the infamous mask. I decided to get the serum, because I am really lazy when it comes to masks. It's a very light serum that has glycolic, tartaric acid and hyluronic acid. I find that it doesn't tingle, but my skin isn't sensitive at all and it smells nice, like orange vodka. I've been using it the last couple of days and my skin is definitely improving in a sense that it's clearer and more even. As with the Clarins toner, I plan to use it a few times a week. I got it from HqHair for 30€ because I actually had a handsome discount code (It costs 56€ in Müller!)

La Roche Posay Nutritic Intense

I'm not sure about this one. I ran out of Ombia Hyaluron Gel which was a really lame product (sorry to anyone who likes it), so I needed something new. Originally, I wanted the Eucerin Aquaporin light again, because I really liked it, but I asked my mom to go to the pharmacy for me and the pharmacist recommended this one instead. It's definitely nice, light yet very moisturising, a great base for makeup and smells lovely, however, I think it might be clogging my pores (I've had it the longest out of all the new products). Though, I don't recall any product ever clogging my pores and it could be a result of something else. I'll keep using it and report later.

Sun Dance Mattierendes Sonnenfluid SPF 30 (Mattifying fluid) 

I like it. I'm not sure about the filters, but it's light and doesn't leave my skin too tacky (I try to use a much as possible, but not the recommended 1 teaspoon. Have you any idea how much product that is!). It's not a matte finish, it still has a bit of a shine, but nothing like regular sunscreens. The bottle is nice, sleek and easy to carry in your pocket if you want to. 50ml costs only 2.95€

Balea Fiji Passionfruit (0.85€)

I finally found the third shower gel from this year's LE. I was most excited about this one from the start because I love passion fruit. It is a fresh version of a passion fruit scent  opposed to Fructis Fruity Passion shampoo which is sweeter. I reviewed the other two here.

Aussie 3 Minute Miracle Reconstructor

Not the latest news from our neighbouring country, but Croatian DM's started selling Aussie (as did German DM's). My cousin was kind enough to get it for me. Before Slovene girls get excited, according to DM Slovenia facebook page, there are no plans to sell Ausie here. I was surprised to learn it costs 9€ (70kn), which is really expensive for drugstore. It smells like Hubba-Bubba fruit fantasy bubble gum tape. It's a nice conditioner, but I find the Dove 1 Minute Oil care better and cheaper (for really dry hair, of course). 

Washcloths or flannels

I had a few already, but now I saw they have mint ones. I adore mint green can you tell? I wet the flannel with hot water and use it to take off the cleanser. This provides gentle exfoliation. I used to use just regular towels, but this is easier. Btw, we don't use fabric softener when we wash towels in our house and I like my towels rough (and it's a free exfoliator).

So yeah, a lot of new products in my skin care routine. It might backfire or it might turn out great. I'd like to hear your recommendations for products that work well on dehydrated combination/dry skin, especially some nice toners and moisturisers. Have a great day!