New in #21

 DIOR Addict Fluid Stick

479 Magique

It has been a really, really long time since I splurged on a high-end make up item, but man is it satisfying. I've been planning to get this since Sara raved about it in her excellent review and I was adamant on getting the same shade as her, but when I was in the shop, the lovely medium pink-coral shade Magique caught my attention because it's the type of shade that can be worn with everything. The formula is super pigmented and glossy, it lasts well for a gloss and even leaves a tiny bit of a stain behind. And just look at the stunning packaging! I'll post swatches. 

Müller, 31.79 €.

REVLON Colorstay Moisture Stain

020 Rio Rush

I had a choice of several colours and this bright pink one immediately caught my attention. Moisture Stains remind me more of liquid lipsticks, but with characteristics of a gloss. They are not like Dior's Fluid Sticks which are very pigmented glosses, rather the formula is somewhere between a mousse and a cream, but has a nice glossy finish. I'll post swatches.

*PR Sample: 10.89 € on Click2Chic. 

MAYBELLINE Color Tattoo 24HR 

35 On and one Bronze

Permanent Taupe is my favourite cream eyeshadow and I've been planning of getting this shade as well for ages to use as a base under warmer eyeshadow looks. It's a standard shimmery brown-bronzy shade, with a smooth, very pigmented formula that lasts so well on the lids. I still prefer Permanent Taupe due to the fact it's matte, but I'm glad I got this one as well because it works really well with colours like UD YDK and Smog. I'll post swatches.

Müller, 5.59 €.

 EBELINE Nagellack - Entferner Express

Nail Polish Remover

I've been loyal to the original Bourjois' version for years now, but I picked up this one instead based on Petra's recommendation to see if it's as good. These nail polish removing pots are by far the best invention in the nail cosmetics department, they make everything so easy and fast. Bourjois' version leaves an oily layer behind, which at times I find annoying, but it does nourish the skin around the nails. Well, Ebeline's version is just a regular nail polish remover and I actually prefer it because it means I don't have to run to wash my hands straight after removal while avoiding touching anything so it won't be greasy. It has the same sponge with a hole inside, so you just pop the finger inside, swish it around a few times and it's done. Brilliant.

DM, 1.99 €.

CATRICE Defining Blush

090 Mandy-rine

New Catrice stuff finally arrived and admittedly I raided the new shiny stands a bit. This is just one of the new blush shades that I've been patiently waiting for. Defining blushes are my favourite blush formula, but the shade range was small up to now. Mandy-rine is a matte, natural-apricot shade. I'll post swatches.

DM, 3.79 €

CATRICE Defining Blush

025 Pink feat. Coral

Another new shade and the one I've been anticipating the most. As you've probably gathered from the name it's a peachy-pink shade, though more pink and with only a hint of warm peachy tones. 

Müller, 3.79 €.

CATRICE Illuminating Blush

020 Coral me Maybe

When I swatched this in the shop it appeared that it has the weakest pigmentation of the three shades available, however, when I tried it at home it performed a lot better. Coral me Maybe is a proper coral, the perfect mix of pink and peach/orange with a yellow-golden sheen. It's a colour I really like in the pan, however, I'm not so sure about it when it's on the cheeks. That yellowish sheen clashes a bit with my skin tone, but the base colour is adorable and gives that cute, baby doll cheeks effect. I've only worn it yesterday and it lasted all day. By the way, the other two shades are gorgeous.

Müller, 5.29 €.

CATRICE Ultimate Stay Lipstick

120 Looks Like Coral

This is such a lovely everyday shade. It a very wearable coral that is not too bright on the lips, but still gives a nice punch on colour and it's one of the rare coral lipstick that doesn't turn orange on me.

Müller, 5.29 €.

CATRICE Ultimate Colour Lipstick

360 MATTraction

I love this shade. It's a deep rose colour, a shade that is a mix of red and pink - my favourite type of colours because they look so glam, yet fun and I feel most comfortable when I wear such shades. The formula is classified as matte, but to me it's a more creamy matte, which also means it feels very comfortable on the lips.

Müller, 4.29 €.

 KARDASHIAN BEAUTY Deeply Felt 

Precision Tip Eyeliner 125 Midnight Black

I adore this. Seriously. I think I like it more than L'Oreal's. It's a felt tip eyeliner with a super black formula and a slightly smaller, even more precise nib that L'Oreal, but what impressed me most is that the formula is more liquid than at other felt tip liners I tried, so the application is incredibly smooth and flawless. It dries in seconds and it doesn't transfer anywhere. I love it, but I shall see how long it'll take to dry out. I'll do a review.

*PR Sample: 15.54 € on Feel Unique.

KARDASHIAN BEAUTY Whip Lash

Curl & Nourish 401 Coal Black

This is a mascara that also supposedly nourishes the lashes and makes it longer, healthier as well as darker in time. It's a non-waterproof mascara, so I didn't expect much from it, since my lashes drop like a stone if I use a regular mascara and the brush as well as the packaging look straight from the 99 cent shop, but I was actually kind of impressed and the "Great-Lash" type of brush works well. It's a very decent mascara, I actually like it more and more the more I use it. I'll do a review after about a month of use because I'd like to see if it really helps the lashes be healthier.

*PR Sample: 14.95 € on Click2Chic, 15.45 € on Feel Unique.

KARDASHIAN BEAUTY Nail Polish 

Perfection 806

Just a basic coral-apricot shade. I haven't worn it yet, but I'll post swatches.

*PR Sample: 9.96 € on Click2Chic.

ESSIE Nail Lacquer

Sole Mate

A gift from my cousin for my Name Day (thank you). I wanted a deep red/berry/purple/bordeaux shade that is similar to Chanel Rouge Noir and I hope this is it. I can't wait to wear it, it looks like the perfect autumnal colour.

9.90 € in DM.

MODELS OWN Scented Nail Polish Gumballs

NP217

I've only tried one scented nail polish so far, Revlon's, and it was a bust, but this actually does smell like gumballs. I love that scent, it smells of childhood. The scent lasts about a day and that's enough for me. The colour is an adorable Barbie pink.

*PR Sample: 5.95 € on Click2Chic.

MODELS OWN Scented Nail Polish Fizzy Cola Bottles

NP215

A taupe shade with gold shimmer. This one smells exactly like cinnamon on the nails - I love cinnamon!. I'll post swatches.

*PR Sample: 5.95 € on Click2Chic.

SECHE VITE Dry Fast Top Coat

My staple top coat, I can't live without it. It dries the nail polish super fast and that what's most important to me.

6.01 €, Destination Pretty. 

SECHE RESTORE Thinner

My old Seche Vite thickened in to a complete mess, so I bought this to save it. I don't find it works particularly well or my Seche Vite is just too far gone. I tried adding it gradually, a few drops at a time and it's still thick no matter how much thinner I added. What am I doing wrong?

6.55 €, Destination Pretty. 

DOVE Damage Solutions Intensive Repair Regenerating Treatment Mask

This is a self heating hair mask that has two components: 15 ml of hair mask in a satchel and 5 ml of self heating liquid/gel. You're meant to apply the mask first and then add the self heating liquid later. 15 ml was a bit little for my hair but I made it work. The thermo part heats up between the hands during application and it is kind of cool for those 5 seconds until it cools, so I don't quite get it. It didn't feel particularly special. It was good, but not exceptional for a special treatment that wasn't exactly cheap for one application. My hair felt well nourished, but it didn't last long, however, I did feel it helped a bit with the damage. In general, I don't think it worth those 2€ for one application.

Müller, 2 €.

10 Spiral Hair Pins

I recently found one of my spiral hair pins that I bought ages ago in Műller, where a pack of two costs 5 €. You basically screw them into your bun and two should hold it securely all day. However, on my thick, long hair, two aren't enough, so I bought a pack of ten on eBay for a ridiculously small price. These aren't as good as those from Müller as the ends are very scratchy due to not being filled well, so they can damage the hair, but for one euro they're fine.  

eBay, 1.07 €.

And last but not least (as if there aren't enough pictures in this post already), I sneakily took a few pictures of the newly set-up Catrice stand a.k.a. my new personal heaven. I'd just look at it all day. 

 Have a great day!

Products worth the splurge #2

 DIOR Diorskin Nude BB Creme

I am a fan of bases that give that skin-like finish and Dior's BB does exactly that. The coverage is light and it looks like you have no foundation on your skin, but it still blurs imperfections as well as somewhat diminishes the circles. My favourite bit is that it's immediately dry to the touch meaning it sets super fast to a semi-matte finish. It goes on so smoothly and blends so well that it's one of the best products to apply in hurry. Rather surprisingly the lightest colour is actually pale enough for me, which is a rarity especially when it comes to shades selection in my country, although 001 is pink toned. Basically, this just is the best BB I've tried.

 NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer

Snow Whites like me know how ridiculously hard it is to find pale shades of foundation and concealers. Chantilly is the lightest shade I ever found and it's actually neutral, so it fits me perfectly when I'm at my palest. The formula is super creamy and the coverage is almost full, so it can be used under the eyes as well as on spots. It's no wonder it's one of my favourite concealers.

BALANCE ME Cleanse and Smooth Face Balm

Whatever is in this stuff is just amazing, since out of all cleansers I've tried so far, this is the one that makes my skin look its best. Since I started using it, I had zero dry patches and before they were my perpetual nemesis. It's a balm cleanser, but one with small oatmeal scrub particles that provide gentle exfoliation, and it removes all but "industrial strength" waterproof mascara while leaving my skin feeling clean yet moisturised.  I'm currently trying some more affordable cleansers and I'm already missing this one.

 OROFLUIDO Beauty Elixir

This was the first silicone-oil that I tried and despite trying loads of the competition, it still remains firmly at the top of my favourites. What I love about it is that the texture is quite thick, which really works well for my thick, dry, coarse hair and I need to use only a small amount, so the bottle lasts me ages. I use it on damp as well as on dry hair and it tames flyaways, gives shine and in general makes the hair more manageable. It also smells bloody amazing, I'd describe it as a rich oriental vanilla-amber scent, but I have notes of the fragrance posted in my original review.

 THE BODY SHOP Body Butters

My love for TBS body butters began at 16 when I visited the shop for the first time during my stay in Berlin. I remember feeling very overwhelmed at the bountiful selection of differently scented products and I quickly grabbed one of the premade gifts for Christmas that included bits from the Shea butter line. Since then I may have developed a sort of an addiction and I've tried quite a few scents. They really are so good. I haven't come across a scent I wouldn't like, the texture of them is so lovely (though it depends on the version) and they are so moisturising. My favourite is Vineyard Peach, which I bang on about all the time. Also currently in my stash is the one from the Honeymania collection, which has a spectacular texture. I highly recommend you try one the next time you're around their shop.

Have a great day!

Diorskin Nude BB (plus Guerlain's Lingerie de Peau BB)

I am a fan of foundations/BBs that give that skin-like finish and Dior's BB is exactly that. A while back, I had a sample of this BB cream which really impressed me. So as soon as I found a nice offer I snatched  a tube for myself.

It is a medium thickness BB cream that blends into the skin so well. I find it looks best applied with a brush, I like Real Techniques buffing brush the most for applying this BB, but fingers work ok too.

The finish is semi-matte and there is some healthy radiance to it. It looks like skin and you can't really see that your wearing anything, it just sort of melts in. It reminds me of Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum, but less radiant and Bourjois BB cream. Much like Bourjois HM serum, it leaves the skin (almost) dry to the touch, which is a huge plus for me. I set it with powder in this hot weather otherwise my T-zone gets shiny, but I probably won't have to in colder months. It looks fantastic in combination with Mac Mineralize Skinfinish natural. My skin doesn't get flaky during the day and it wears off nicely. Staying power is nice, there is a lot left on the cotton pad when I take my makeup off at the end of the day. I also find it works fantastic if you reapply it over existing makeup to freshen up.

It has light coverage, even lighter than Bourjois HM Serum and less than all other foundations/BB's I own. It doesn't cover circles and my freckles are still visible, but you can build it up a bit with more layers. Basically, it just makes the skin looking more even, like you have naturally great skin. For any imperfections, I use concealer as would with any other foundation/BB.

Every time I find a really light shade sold in my country, I get really excited. 001 is a very light, pink-toned shade that is a nice match for me and blends very well with my skin tone. I have more or less a neutral skin tone and Bourjois 51, which is yellow toned, also matches me nicely because it has low coverage. But as far as undertones go, my absolute best match is Missha Signature Real Complete BB in 13, which is neutral. There are tree shades of Diorskin BB available, 002 might be most universal.

The packaging is great. A sleek tube with a great pump that dispenses the desired amount. This is how it should be done. I always use quite small amount of foundation and one pump is enough for my needs. The BB has an SPF 10, which is shamefully low, but it works nice with the sunscreen I use, so it's not a deal breaker.

I got mine from Feel Unique for 31€, when I had a discount. Regular price is around 37€.
If you're a fan of light coverage with skin-like finish, give it a go, but I suggest you get a sample first. 

I'm wearing only the BB here:

Since we are on a subject of high-end BB's, I had a sample of Guerlain's Lingerie de Peau BB when I was deciding whether to get Dior's one or Guerlain's. I did a swatch of the shade and took a picture of how it looked on the skin.

Unfortunately, the lightest shade is a bit too dark for me. Though it wasn't the worst match, it was dark enough for me to notice. I would have to self-tan to be able to wear it. The coverage is much higher than Dior's BB, I'd say medium (medium-full  if you build it up), and I didn't need to use concealer under the eyes or around the nose, only on blemishes. It has an SPF 30, which was the thing that draw me to it. The texture is thicker and heavier than Dior's, but the finish is the same semi-matte. It's a lovely BB cream and I would buy it if they had a shade that suits me. There are only two shades available.

Again I'm wearing only the BB here. See how much better it conceals circles.

Have a great day!

New In July

Balance Me Cleanse and Smooth face balm

I don't have a habit of buying expensive cleansers and I paid 22€ for it, so that's the first. It's a cleansing balm in a tube which means it's fluid compared to other balms which mostly come in a pot. I've been using it for a week now and I quite like it. I will do a full review in the future. More about it and ingredients list here.

Diorskin Nude BB Creme in 001

I was given a generous sample of this in June and after trying it for a few days, I took the plunge and bought it when I had a discount code on Feel Unique. I love light foundations/BBs with a skin-like finish and this is exactly that. I got the lightest shade which is a great match for me (it's pink toned and lighter than Bourjois HM Serum). I wrote about my first impressions here, but I will do a proper review.

Balea Shaving gel

 I've been buying these since forever, because they are such good quality and cheap. The Isana ones (Müller's brand) are so bad compared to these. Balea's are proper gel ones that transform into a really thick foam and they have some good conditioning agents in it, because it leaves the skin so soft with a similar effect that silicones in a hair conditioner have in a sense that it gives a false effect of hydrated and silky skin. I usually buy the LE ones, I wanted the Caribbean Dream LE that smells like coconut, but they'd run out. This one smells floral-powdery.

Alverde Coconut oil 

A repurchase. It's an essential item in my bathroom and I use for so many things - body, hair, as a makeup remover and mostly for shaving, because it leaves the skin crazy smooth and moisturised. I did a review here.

 Balea Cocos & Nectarine deodorant

Everything with peach or nectarine gets me excited, especially when the packaging is so pretty. I expected it to be something like the Traum Geschöpft LE, the peachy goodness it was, however, though it has that similar nectarine note in it, it's a lot fainter and creamier due to the coconut. There is also a shower gel with this scent, but I couldn't find it in my local DM.

Maybelline Eye makeup remover special waterproof

Another repurchase. I don't even know how many bottle of this I've used up (or Bioderma. Both are my essentials). It's inexpensive and an effective makeup remover that I use it everyday to remove waterproof mascara and it does it's job.

Balea eye makeup removing pads waterproof

These are so oily! Honestly, I never had pads or wipes that would be so soaked. They feel very greasy and it is like putting vegetable oil on my face plus they smell like it too. They do remove waterproof mascara completely, however, I need a separate remover to get rid of mess the oil leaves. I'll use them up, but the Maybelline remover is miles better.

L'Occitane Repairing Shampoo for Dry & Damaged Hair

 I had a sample of this a while back. The conditioner and the mask didn't impress me so I didn't even plan to use it, but when I did, I remember feeling such a noticeable difference that I was genuinely impressed by it. I remember drying my hair and thinking holly smokes what did I use because my hair felt so nice, so it was on my wishlist ever since. It's meant for dry hair and it has 5 essential oils in it (angelica, lavender, geranium, patchouli, ylang-ylang). Ingredients here. 

A sample of Angelica Hydration Cream

This is soo lovely! The perfect moisturiser for Summer. I have combination skin and this feels amazing. It's light, yet super moisturising and sinks into the skin in a minute leaving the skin fresh, moisturised with a radiant semi-matte finish. I find it a perfect base for makeup up. The scent is flowery fresh. I would purchase it, but I'm a bit bothered about the price and that's in a pot.

A sample of Immortelle Precious Serum

 It is marketed as anti-ageing product and it is a super, super light serum that sinks into the skin in seconds. The scent is a bit wild-flowery annoying and strong, but I can get past it. I would have to use it longer to really talk about results, but it does leave the skin hydrated. Ingredients here.

A sample of Vanille & Narcisse Eau de Toilette from the La Collection de Grasse

It's a lot more flowery than I expected it to be. From the beginning I smell mostly a strong flower note, daffodil in this case, mixed with vanilla. In a few hours only the sugary, warm vanilla remains. It is quite strong and lasts a long time. I'm not a fan of it, I much preferred their old Vanilla, but my mom loves it.