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!

Empties #9

  BATISTE Dry Shampoo Tropical

I must say that I completely get why Batiste is so popular and it has fast become one of my favourite formula of dry shampoos. It's not white (except if you apply it on one spot too close), it really refreshes the hair well and it doesn't leave too much of the powdery residue. I had the massive 400 ml can of Tropical version, which smells like coconut bread or coconut pastry and personally I'd prefer something more Rafaello like, but it's all right.

Repurchase: Batiste dry shampoos in general - yes (currently I have the Wild version). Tropical version: Maybe.

SEXY HEALTHY HAIR Soy Tri-Wheat Leave In Conditioner

I've often sang praises about this hair hero and for good reason. It has come to a point where the mere though of being without for a single wash is almost unbearable. I am being dramatic or what? But in all seriousness, I find it a brilliant product that nourishes my hair, keeps it hydrated longer, reduces frizz and it has made my hair a lot more healthy since I started using it - a fact even my hairdresser noticed. I should also note that it's extremely light-weight, so I would recommend this to pretty much all hair types. I've been using it after every wash without fail on damp hair and one bottle lasted me about a year - at about 12 € per bottle (on Beauty Bay) I consider this a bargain.

Repurchase: Already did.

KÉRASTASE Nutritive Bain Oléo-Relax Smoothing Shampoo

Now this is what every shampoo should be like. It's the one shampoo that I consider as being exceptional and well worth the price. My hair is dry, as I've often complained, and this is like a shampoo plus conditioner in one in a sense that it leaves my hair clean, yet nourished, untangled and smooth. The scent does become a bit annoying with frequent use because it is one of those that has a sharp, potentially headache-inducing note in it, but it's worth putting up with it. I currently have Elixir Ultime version and Oléo-Relax is much better for my hair type.

Repurchase: Without a doubt.

MORROCANOIL Treatment Original 

As I've said in my Hair Oil series, I find there is very little difference between this one, Macadamia oil and Orofluido. All three are seriously good and I believe the main difference is just in the scent as well as the price. This one has my least favourite scent out of the three because it's sort of a generic fabric softener type of scent and I much prefer the rich, oriental version of Orofluido (which is also cheaper). 

Repurchase: Maybe, but I prefer Orofluido.

 BALEA Carambola Lambada Dusche

A nice, simple and affordable shower gel that smells very lovely tropically fresh (I described it before as similar to a grapefruit scent, but sweeter). Out of all summer LE by Balea this one is my favourite so far. 

Repurchase: It is a LE and I have enough of shower gels at the moment, so I suspect not.

ALVERDE Aroma Pflegeöl Kokos

I love these Alverde oils and I use them for so many things. This is my second or third bottle of this scent, which is a coconut muffin type of smell and it's ok, but I've grown a bit tired of it. One of the best features of this oil is the packaging, which is just perfect due to the brilliant pump.

Repurchase: Already did, but a different version.

BALANCE ME Cleanse and Smooth Face Balm 

I'm quite sad I've used this up. This is my favourite cleanser so far because it just suits my skin so well and it looks its best when I use it. It's a balm with scrubby particles and it cleans well, removes makeup and leaves the skin moisturised, so the dry patches are the thing of the past. It smells wonderful, the texture is nice and I love that it comes in a tube, which makes it very hygienic. The only bad side is that it's expensive. I have three other cleansers at the moment and none live up to it.

Repurchase: Yes.

NIVEA Anti-Perspirant Stress Protect

I actually liked this one. It worked ok for a spray deodorant and it smells pleasantly generically fresh, but I've used up this little 50 ml bottle in about a week or two. Currently I have the Pearl & Beauty version.

Purchase: Maybe.

 YVES ROCHER Mango and Passion Fruit eau de toilette

I'm a huge fan of tropical scents, with Escada's yearly LE's being my favourites, but this YR version was the one I never truly loved. It's a very simple, fresh, yet sweet scent that doesn't last particularly long and it does smell like a tropical drink with a prominent note of mango, while the passion fruit is more subdued. Both mango as well as passion fruit are my favourite scents in products, but in this combination it just didn't really work for me. 

Repurchase: No and I believe it's not available any more.

KATY PERRY Purr eau de parfum

This was a blind buy for me because it was 50 % off at the time of the purchase. It was never my favourite scent, but it's still a lovely, everyday fragrance. It's a mix of fresh bamboo, juicy apple and floral notes (gardenia, freesia) with subtle sweeter notes of coconut and vanilla that get more prominent with time. I think the bottle is adorable and I'll keep it as decoration.

Repurchase: No.

 L'OCCITANE Almond Shower Oil

Since 2007 there hasn't been a day when I was without this shower oil. I keep repurchasing it and I buy these eco-refills with 500 ml (that's two regular bottles) with which fill my old bottle. It's a fantastic shower oil and it provides a true pampering experience in the shower due to a super luxurious oil texture that transforms into a thick, creamy foam when water is added, not to mention that it smells bloody fantastic. It is a great product for those with dry skin as I find I never need to use a moisturiser afterwards. You should try it at least once in your life.  

Repurchase: Yes.

AVENE Cicalfate

This is just a simple, super thick ointment with panthenol (B5) for treating any type of damages on the skin from cuts, grazes and wounds. It was fine, nothing more to say about it.

Repurchase: I found something cheaper, so probably not.

ESSENCE 4 in 1 nail file

I buy these all the time. It's just regular nail file with four different textures that vary in roughness. It does its job and it does it well.

Repurchase: Already did.

BADGER Cuticle Care

I never liked this for it's original purpose as I find it not moisturising enough for my cuticles and I am not a fan of the strange herbal-lemon scent, but I did love this for my very dry soles.

Repurchase: Probably not.

BALEA Hygiene Reinigungstűcher

I bought a few packs of these before even trying them out first and I'm not a fan of them. They are nice and thick, but they have a strong hospital-disinfectant scent and Preven's don't. They do their job, but I probably won't repurchase. 

Repurchase: Probably not, I prefer Preven's ones.

 MAX FACTOR Khol Eye Liner Pencil

20 Black

I used to like this one and before the gel/khol hybrids such as Supershock by Avon came on the market, it was one of my favourite khols, but now I find it not black enough, too smudgy and not long-lasting. It has nothing on my favourite black eyeliner UD's Zero.

Repurchase: No.

Things that are discontinued:

TIGI Curls Rock Curl Booster

After years of collecting dust, I'm finally tossing this away. I never got this product. Is it a hairspray that's just super wet or is it like a replacement for mousse? I tried using it in so many different ways and it did nothing. Curls Rock Amplifier, on the other hand, I loved and I've gone through several bottles (if you'd like to define your natural curls, try it). 

BALEA Body Spray Aqua

I used this on hot days as a refreshment and it worked a treat. I also sprayed this on my face, when my foundation/powder looked cakey. I really liked how the spray did a very fine mist and it never just dripped. However, I'm still not sold on the whole water in a can fad, so I've refrained from purchasing the more expensive version from pharmacy brands.

BALEA Hawaii Deospray

I really liked this version of scent and I've owned several cans, but it's now discontinued. These Balea ones are, as described, just deodorants, so fragrance in a can, rather than actual antiperspirants such as Nivea's, but they always have some nice scents.

BALEA Bodycreme Sunny Peach

I loved the scent of this - it was a good peach scent, but I didn't find it moisturising enough for my legs as the skin was dry again in the morning. It was simply too light. I presume the still existing coconut version is similar.

After almost four years of blogging and more that a million views, the day has finally come and I have created a Facebook page, Instagram as well as decided to finally start using my Twitter account (which is also four years old). If you'd like to follow me on any of these social media, feel free do to so and if you decide to check them out on a later date, the links are also in the side bar. I can't promise you I'll be particularly interesting, as the tittle of my biography could be named: The Unexciting Life of the Unremarkable Woman,  but you might see new posts faster than now. Out of all social media, I still love Pinterest most and I'll probably be most active there.

Have a great day!

Products Worth the Splurge #1

I've had brainwave and decided to do yet another series of posts, so just like with Forever Repurchased, I have several posts ready that I'll post sporadically. They will feature products that are high-end(-ish), but nonetheless worth spending your pennies on them.

 Lancôme Hypnôse Mascara in Waterproof Formula

Regular and Star version

I know most people, even if they use a lot of high-end make up, still stick only to drugstore mascaras and how I wish I could as well, but my incredibly stubborn lashes are not just difficult to curl, they also refuse to stay that way if I don't use an amazing waterproof formula. Hypnôse absolutely delivers when it comes to holding curl and it lasts pretty much all day, though this means it's a pain to remove. It gives plenty of length to my lashes as well as some volume, basically it just does all I want from a mascara.
You can see both versions I own in action in my How to Curl Stubborn and Difficult-to-Curl Lashes post.

 L'Occitane Angelica Hydration Cream

I've used many different moisturisers through the years and this one comes close to perfection as far as the needs of my skin are concerned (combination-normal type). It's a light, yet intensely hydrating cream that sinks in fast and leaves a smooth velvety finish, which makes it perfect to use under foundation. It really suits my skin and keeps it in top shape. The fact it's in a pot is not ideal and it would be better if it were in a tube, but it's what's inside that counts.
L'Occitane is generous with samples, so I suggest you drop by the nearest shop and ask for a few if you're interested.

 Xen-Tan Dark Lotion

It's tanning season and since my skin can produce any significant tan to speak about, I use one from the bottle. Xen-Tan has been my first choice for the past two years or so. With one application it gives me a nice, natural tan that lasts about a week. I really suggest you get a mitt since it makes everything much easier. As far as the scent is concerned, straight from the bottle it's a sweet marzipan scent, but after a few hours on the skin, a faint selftan scent appears. However, I should say that the older the bottle, the stronger the scent.
If you're wondering whether paying more for fake tan makes much of difference, the answer is yes. The scent is not so obvious and they last a lot longer without fading patchy. I like both St.Tropez Bronzing Mousse and this one, but I repurchase Xen-Tan due to a less drying formula. Both have their pluses and minuses which I discussed in my review.

 Kérastase Nutritive Line

BEST.HAIR.PRODUCTS.EVER. Yes, the caps are necessary. I have very dry, rebellious hair and nothing works on it as well as these. They are expensive and I use them only on special occasions when my hair needs to look its best (which is a bit sad because I want to use them all the time). Bain Oleo-Relax puts all other shampoos to shame and they feel like you're using a bar soap compared to this. Masqueintense Epais-Thick makes my hair feel like normal people's hair and Nectar Thermique is perfect for those who suffer from dry hair that needs heat styling to look decent. These work amazing on dry hair and are worth the investment if you have problematic hair like me, but if your hair is any other type, you don't need them.
I cheekily added the Elixir Ultimate, which is very, very expensive and there are plenty other silicone-oils on the market that do the same job (lets be honest, right). But I love it. It smells absolutely divine (I want a fragrance with that scent) and its light texture is great for taming the frizz and giving shine. I keep a travel size in my bag.

Which high-end products do you love?

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!

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 #7

 L'Occitane repairing shampoo
dry and damaged hair

 I bought this after a very positive experience with a sample and I never posted an actual review for this, so here we go. I had a 500 ml bottle, which comes with a very handy pump, but surprisingly it didn't last me nearly as long as I would have wanted. It's a sulphate, silicone and paraben free shampoo and a lovely one at that, but the lack of soap shows in terms that I needed to use at least five pumps of product to get it to lather. It also didn't help that the pump doesn't dispense much product in the first place, so I ended up using over 10 pumps per wash for my hair that is lower-back-length. The product itself is very liquid and light, it cleans the hair well, leaves it very light and fresh. However, I felt at times it wasn't moisturising enough, I don't want to say it's stripping, but it doesn't have that creaminess like most shampoos for dry hair do. Actually, I would say it's appropriate for all types of hair, even oily. It was very gentle on my scalp and I particularly loved using it in combination with baking soda as a sort of a cleansing shampoo to get that dandruff and flakes that are stuck on my scalp off at least temporarily.The scent is something I never got used to. It's the second L'Occitane product I've had with this particular strong herbal, slightly sharp scent and I honestly don't like it at all.  It's a lovely gentle shampoo and one of the best out of SLS free ones, but my two gripes are that you need to use a lot of product and the scent. 

Repurchase: No.

Dove Intensiv Reparatur 1 Minute Kür-Spülung
a.k.a. Intensive Repair

A lighter sister of my beloved Oil Care treatment. I have really dry hair and due to coarseness and thickness of it, the only way most (drugstore) products work for me is if I use a lot and I leave it on for about 20-30 minutes to get the maximum effect (for someone with thin hair 5-10 minutes is enough). Used in this way it leaves my hair sufficiently moisturised and feeling nice, however, I once left it on for only 15 minutes and the effect was minimal, moreover my ends were still dry. I'll stick with Oil Care version, but it's a nice treatment for moderately dry, thin hair. 

Repurchase: Probably not.

Balea Power Volume Hairspray

This is just bad. It has no hold whatsoever, especially for a hairspray that claims to be extra strong. The mousse from this line is good, though.The scent is nice, a bit fruity, but that's the only positive thing about it.

Purchase: No.

Lee Stafford Hold Tight hairspray

My favourite hairspray so far. It has a nice hold without feeling crunchy, in fact I can't even feel it on the hair. It's similar to Elnett, but with a more tolerable scent, even thought this one has a pretty strong oriental scent itself. By the way, I noticed that on thin hair, this has a tendency to make it feel stiff, but again this is not the case on my thick hair.

Purchase: Already bought the full size version.

L'Oreal Elnett Extra Strong

A very decent hairspray that doesn't feel crunchy at all and has a nice hold, but it's not extra strong, actually I'd say it's closer to medium. I know a lot of people hate the strong granny scent of it, I find it a bit like a more annoying version of Chanel n°5, but I don't find it horrible, just too strong and sometimes suffocating. 

Purchase: Not sure, but probably not.

Yves Rocher Vanille Collect'Or shower gel

A nice, thick shower gel with lots of glitter which washes off. I believe it's the same thing as their regular vanilla shower gel and this was only a glittery limited edition version for Christmas. The scent is like vanilla extract for baking, great for those who like gourmand scents.

Repurchase: Maybe.

Soap and Glory Righteous Butter

One of the more whipped and creamy body butters, yet still deeply moisturising. The heavier texture means it takes a bit more time to sink in, so I preferred to use it right before going to bed. It smells like Miss Dior Cherie, so the same super sugary, but sophisticated young lady-like scent. Great product for colder months.

Repurchase: Yes, if we had Soap and Glory around. Currently, I have no desire to track it down on eBay again.

Aveo nail polish removing pads

(Nagellack-Entferner-Pads)

Hated these. They removed nothing as the remover is disappointingly weak. They feel moisturising due to some oil inside and they smell lovely, like a classic tropical fruit scent they put in cheap products. Honestly, don't bother with these.

Repurchase: No.

Herbalife Hand and Body Gel

I really liked this. It's nice even for dry skin due to a lovely creamy texture, the ingredients are nice (SLS free, has glycerine and loads of extracts) and it smells lovely, like apples. I don't know if you can get this without joining their programme, which I not wiling to do anyway.

Purchase: I can't, beside even though it's good, it's not worth tracking it down.

Balea Sweet Wonderland Shower Gel

Yes, I know it's pointless to put a shower gel that is not available any more here.

This smelled amazing like Nesquick cocoa and I really wish it were they'd make it permanent.

Repurchase: it was a LE, but I would if I could.

Cien Shower Cream with Almond Oil & Apricot

A super nice shower gel that is very cheap. It's creamy and similar to Dove versions that are three times the price. The scent is generic, but nice for something that cheap. It's sold in Lidl.

Repurchase: Yes.

Le Petit Marseiliais Peche Blanche & Nectarine Shower Gel

A nice peach scented shower gel. Though marketed as hydrating shower gel for dry skin, I find the runny gel texture too light for dry skin.

Repurchase: I don't know, but most likely not.

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!

L'Occitane Angelica Hydration Cream

Meet my favourite moisturiser. Last summer the lovely sales assistant at L'Occitane treated me to a generous sample (generous even by their standards) of this moisturiser, which she put in a mini pot. It lasted me quite a while, so I had a good chance of testing it out and I feel absolutely in love with it. I've been very loyal to Eucerin's Aquaporin Active Light moisturiser, but this one is even better. Due to the eye-watering price, this persisted on my wishlist since that summer, but my birthday came along a couple of months ago and I finally got my hands on it.

Texture and effect: I adore this moisturiser - it's so light yet really hydrating. It feels like a standard cream with a lighter texture. I think it should work for almost any skin type, even oily, only really dry skin might need something more. It sinks in the skin in under a minute and leaves a smooth, semi-matte finish and the skin feels almost velvety to the touch. Due to that it's the best moisturiser I've found for wearing under makeup. The skin looks so healthy after using this and in general the skin improves over time in terms of hydration levels.  

Scent: I've really grown fond of the scent. It's a herbal fresh scent that is not too strong. I don't know why, but it reminds me of summer, though it's not a summer scent. 

Ingredients: 

Packaging: That's my only real gripe. Sure the pot is really pretty and looks expensive, but I would prefer a squeezable tube since it's annoying to put fingers inside the pot and then the moisturiser is stuck under the nails, something I don't like. The pot is made of heavy, matte glass and the lid is metal. 

Price and availability: At 37€ per pot in L'Occitane it's definitely not the cheapest moisturiser around, but I truly love it. However, if you want a cheaper alternative try Eucerin Aquaporin Active Light (15€), which is also absolutely brilliant.

This is my favourite moisturiser so far for my normal/combination skin. I love everything about it, from texture, effect and scent, my only complaint is the unpractical packaging, but I can live with it. I suggest you try a sample first, they are ever so generous at L'Occitane if you ask them and I have found some brilliant products due to that.
By the way, if your skin is very oily and you need something mattifying in the morning, I also love their Angelica Ultra Matte Fluid of which I spoke here.

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!