New In #20

URBAN DECAY All Nighter Makeup Setting Spray

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

Feel Unique, 11.70 €.

BOURJOIS Cream Blush 

03 Rose Tender

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

Feel Unique, 10.39 €.

BEAUTYUK Posh Palette 

Eden

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

Kozmo (Croatia),  49.99 kn (6.5 €).

CATRICE Beautifying Lip Smoother 

020 Apricot Cream

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

DM, 3.79 €.

BOURJOIS  Volume 1 Seconde Mascara Waterproof

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

Müller, 14.25 €.

CATRICE Nude Illusion Foundation

010 Nude Ivory

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

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

DM, 7.69 €.

L'OREAL Color Riche L'Ombre Pure 

106 Breaking Nude (matte)

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

Műller, 8.99 €.

CATRICE Ultimate Nail Lacquer

59 First Class Up-Grape

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

DM, 2.59 €.

I <3 MAKEUP I Love Sin Palette

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

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

Makeup Revolution, £7.99.

AUSSIE Miracle Hair Insurance Lightweight Conditioning Spray

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

DM (Croatia), about 5-6€.

PHILLIP KINGSLEY Elasticizer

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

Feel Unique, 19.50 €.

REDKEN All Soft Heavy Cream

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

Feel Unique, €20.67.

Lavender Hydrolate

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

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

GATINEAU Melatogenine AOX Probiotics Youth Activating Beauty Serum 

Sample

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

CAUDALIE Vinosource S.O.S. Morning Eye Rescue 

Sample

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

EBELINE Pinzette 

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

DM, 1.99 €

Molecule 01 Iso E Super

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

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

Me: But would you say it smells nice?

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

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

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

Invisibobbles dupes

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

Chinese shop, 1.5 €.

Have a great day!

New in #16

MAX FACTOR Facefinity All Day Primer SPF20

I've heard several bloggers say good things about it, so I grabbed myself a bottle in Müller. It's a face primer with SPF 20 that promises to prolong the wear of make up. So far I like it a lot, it really does what it promises and it also keeps oil at bay, but I'll do a review once I properly test it.

By the way, I find it works great as an eyeshadow primer as well.

12.99 €, Müller.

BOURJOIS Rouge Edition Velvet 

02 Frambourjoise and 05 Olé Flamingo

I bought two more shades after being seriously impressed by the formula of Velvets. These two have a much better formula to work with than 08 Grand Cru and again have that perfect velvety matte finish. Frambourjoise is a beautiful rose-pink and Olé Flamingo a super bright hot pink. There will be a review with swatches.

12.99 €, Müller/DM.

MANHATTAN Eyemazing Liner

My L'Oréal Super Liner Perfect Slim eyeliner is on its last legs and I was planning on repurchasing it, but then I saw Paddy mentioning Eyemazing in one of her reviews as her preferred choice for a liner. While I love L'Oreal's version, since it's not sold in Slovenia and Manhattan is more accessible to me as well as cheaper, I didn't hesitate in tracking it down. It has a very similar design with the thin felt tip that allows a lot of precision. I've only used it once and while it's a nice cheaper alternative, it's not as good as L'Oreal's. I'll do a quick comparison of the two soon.
5.99 €, DM.

REFAN 34 

Imitation of Lancôme La Vie Est Belle

This is a spectacular scent! It smells like an expensive box of pralines with a fruity filling (black currant and pear), but not completely gourmand because of the floral notes (iris, orange blossom, jasmine) and patchouli. The combination of the latter with the sweet notes reminds me of a much sweeter version of Paco Rabanne's Black XS. It's a strong scent with a fantastic staying power and one of my favourites at the moment. If you like sweet scents (like these), give the original a sniff when you see it.

Notes and reviews of the original on Fragrantica.

5 € for 15 ml in Refan.

Christina Aguilera eau de Parfum and Shower Gel

Though it's been out for years and many people adore it, I never paid much attention to this scent. I was very pleasantly surprised when one of my friends gifted me a set with a small 15 ml bottle and a shower gel as a thank you for helping her. I honestly did not expect to like it as much as I do. It's brilliant! I would describe it as a very expensive smelling soap, an oriental-floral scent and in general very feminine and warm. It sort of reminds me of a warmer vanilla version of Chanel N°5 as I find it has the same soapiness in it with jasmine standing out. The shower gel is fabulous as well and it has the same scent, so it makes a regular shower a more glamorous experience.

Notes and reviews on Fragrantica.

GARNIER Hautklar Fruit Energy Peeling-Gel

a.k.a.Pure Active Fruit Energy Daily Energising Gel Scrub 

I bought it as a more quick-to-use cleanser to include in my morning routine, since Balance Me needs to be removed with a washcloth. My skin hates gels because they dry it out and patches appear, so this is my first gel cleanser in a really long time.  The formula feels pleasant due to a more thick texture and the exfoliating beads in it are very gentle, while the pomegranate scent is lovely and refreshing. I haven't been using it for long and I want to thoroughly test it before I write a review, but so far I'm sad to report that despite being pleased with it from the start, I have noticed my skin getting drier. 

5.19 €, Műller.

DAS GESUNDE PLUS Panthenol Schutz- und Pflegesalbe

Panthenol protective ointment 

This is just a run of the mill panthenol treatment for cuts, dry patches and other problematic areas. It has the same super thick texture as Bepanthenol and Avene's Cicalfate, except that I think this version isn't antibacterial. The tube is much bigger than the two and it's much cheaper. I plan to use it regularly on my legs because I have a lot of damage there and I want to speed up healing. It should also be good to use on old spots.

2.29 €, DM.

GARNIER Deodorant Neo Fresh Blossom

I am disappointed with this deodorant. I don't sweat much, but this just does not work on me. A not so funny anecdote: I wore this to my graduation ceremony held in a stuffy hall on a hot day and I could just feel a drop of sweat roll down which never happened to me with any other deodorant. Good thing that I was wearing black! Fresh Blossom version smells like you'd expect, florally fresh. I like the applicator and the fast-absorbing cream formula that doesn't leave traces, but what does that help if it's rubbish. Rexona Clear Pure is miles better despite white marks. 

3.49 €, DM.

NIVEA Anti-Perspirant Stress Protect

I bought a travel size to try in DM after being disappointed by Garnier's Neo. I actually like it for a spray deodorant, though I usually go for roll-ons. It's almost instantly dry to the touch after application and the scent is very freshly clean. It's definitely more effective than Neo.

1.49 € for 50 ml, 2.99€ for 150 ml, DM.

SUN DANCE Transparentes Sonnenspray mit Tropicduft SPF 30 LE

Transparent spray sunscreen with a tropical scent SPF 30

It was the tropical scent that got me. As the name suggests it's a transparent sunscreen with the texture similar to a dry oil, so it gives that shine to the skin, but also doesn't sink in completely. The application is a breeze and it's a great sunscreen if you don't have anyone to do your back. It smells like papaya and oranges, so sourly-juicy sweet or for anyone that's familiar, it smells really close to Mango Mambo shower gel (or last year's Brazil Mango). 

4.49 €, DM.

BALEA Trend it up Lovely Berries Dry Shampoo

Limited Edition. It's temporarily replacing their original formula.

This is so white! It's one of those dry shampoos that leaves a lot of fine powder in the hair which you can feel when you run your fingers through it, however, this also means that it absorbs oils well and gives tons of texture/volume. It smells like strawberry sweets and the scent lasts decently on the hair. It's nice, but only if you're blond or you have light hair especially if your hair gets very oily and you need to spray a lot of dry shampoo. I use it only to refresh the hair, so I spray small amounts and from very far away to avoid it looking too white. Do not spray this close because it's very, very hard to blend in and it leaves a matte, grayish cast.  

2.49 €, DM.

ESSENCE Studio Nail 4in1 Profi 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.

1.59 €, Müller.

*GREEN LINE Micellar Cleansing Water

Micelarna čistilna vodica

Another micellar water is joining the drugstore ranks with Green Line launching their version. Green Line is a Slovene brand, so I'm not sure how accessible it is apart from here and probably in the Balkans. I've only used it once and so far I like it. It works great, but it's heavily fragranced (I like that, though). There will be a review once I properly test it.

I was sent this before its official release, so I don't know the price yet.

NUXE Huile Prodigieuse Dry Oil
Collector's Edition

A repurchase of course. If you're a regular on this blog then you know how much I adore this oil and I've been using it every day as a face moisturiser for the past three years. I'm so happy that I got such a good price for it and I adore the limited edition packaging. I still have my old bottle, so this is going to the back of the shelf until I use that one up.

24€, Feel Unique (it's still on offer).

Actually this is only part one of my New in. I still have a couple of packages coming and I didn't feel like waiting any more, besides it's a too long post already. The second part should be posted soon and it will feature my Boots purchases.

Have a great day!

5 Fragrances to Try if you have a Sweet Tooth (and are also a bit Broke)

I'm the one who enjoys smelling like cupcakes, lollipops and sweets. How very mature of me, right? But hey, I wear fragrances for myself and not to please others. Celebrity scents are notorious for being gourmand fruity-florals and despite not being a fan of pop princesses behind the scent, many of their sweet smelling fragrances have a place in my collection. All of these can be found for less or around 30 € for 100 ml, so unlike designer fragrances they don't break the bank and yet, they still have plenty of sillage and staying power.

 Can Can eau de parfum by Paris Hilton

On Fragrantica

The first in line of fragrances to satisfy your sweet tooth, Can Can, opens with a sweet syrupy combination which is considerably toned down by amber, woods and musk making it a more sensual candy scent that I consider more grown up than the rest of my selection. The absence of vanilla is the reason that this isn't the typical cupcake scent, yet it still manages to evoke the warm, cosy feeling. It's a stronger scent that I love wearing during the colder months, though I still use it in the warmer part of the year.

Top notes: clementine blossom, black currant, nectarine

Heart notes: wild orchid, orange blossom

Base notes: soft musk, amber, precious woods

Currently cheapest 12.52 - 22.49 € on All Beauty, 16.30 - 24.60 € on Salma.si

 Fantasy eau de parfum by Britney Spears

On Fragrantica

I wouldn't be much of a blogger if I didn't include Fantasy in this post, wouldn't I? The silage of this is amazing. It's the most long lasting fragrance I own, I've been using it for years and I can still smell it on myself at the end of the day, even if I use just one spray. I call it the quintessential cupcake scent with strong puffs of vanilla and white chocolate tickling my nostrils throughout the day and cheering me up. The opening is fruity with tropically sweet kiwi and lichee notes, but the dry down reveals the warm white chocolate-vanilla-cupcake mix. I adore wearing this scent no matter the season and I would go as far as to call it my favourite scent ever.

Top notes: litchi, golden quince and kiwi. 

Heart notes: jasmine and white chocolate. 

The base notes: orris root, musk and woods.

Two flankers were released this year called The Naughty Remix and The Nice Remix. The Naughty has a stronger emphasis on orris root, which to me makes the scent too sharp, however, the Nice Remix is bloody fantastic, essentially a fruitier version of the original and is gracing the top of my wishlist.
Currently cheapest 16.22 € - 20.67 € on All Beauty, 18 - 29.70 € on Salma.si

 Pulse eau de parfum by Beyonce

On Fragrantica

The notes description sounds so forcibly exotic, but it's just a simple sweet orange candy scent that unlike the rest develops into a floral-powdery scent rather than into vanilla-amber snugness. Foreign reviewers describe the opening as orange creamsicle like, but for my more local readers I'll describe the scent as the childhood-memories-inducing scent of orange Fru Fru candy. I believe it's the scent of curacao liqueur that provides the candy sweetness, but throughout the day its intensity diminishes and you're left with a gentle, more grown up powdery scent.

Top notes: pear blossom, frozen bergamot, curacao liqueur.

Heart notes: Bluebird orchid (used for the first time in a fragrance), peony, jasmine.

Base notes: Madagascar vanilla, musk, precious woods.

Currently cheapest 13.34 € - 16.47 € on All Beauty, 30 ml is 10.01 € on Fragrance Direct, 13.90 - 21 € on Salma.si

 Vanilla eau de toilette by Yves Rocher

On Fragrantica

Scents don't get more vanilla-like than Yves Rocher's version. It's exactly like spraying yourself with vanilla extract, so you basically smell like a batch of freshly baked cookies or cake. Due to being a one note fragrance,  it's ideal for mixing with other scents when you want to add or emphasize vanilla note. Personally, I love mixing it with another fragrance by Yves Rocher Noix de Coco for a coconut crescents scent.
I actually have/had two, but either my mom or cousin nicked one since they both gushed over how much they love it (cheeky!). This is the LE packaging from Christmas (that the awesome and fellow fragrance lover Živa sent me for my birthday), though the juice inside is the same as the regular version which comes in 20 ml and 100 ml version both for a very, very affordable price (100 ml is about 10 €, 20 ml about 5 €). 

Notes: vanilla bourbon extract

Wonderstruck Enchanted eau de parfum by Taylor Swift

On Fragrantica

A sweet and cosy fragrance with the opening that features an excellent mix of berries with sugar and an occasional whiff of passion fruit that gives it a slight tropical twist, but the most dominant note throughout is warm vanilla that makes the fragrance feel like a snug jumper. It's only bad side - poor staying power, though this fault can be attributed to my body chemistry, since I hear people rave about its superb sillage and staying power. I have to admit that this scent grew on me more than I ever expected it to when I first tried it.

Top notes: wild berries, pink poppy and passion fruit

Heart notes: peony blossoms, sugar-glazed champaca petals and white freesia

Base notes: White musk, vanilla and blonde woods

Currently cheapest for 15.85 €- 33.76€ on All Beauty, or 29.40€ (100 ml) on Salma.si.

And some homemade cupcakes for the end:

Have a great day!

New In #12

 Kérastase Forme Fatale Voluptuous Blow-Dry Gel

I bought a few Kérastase products as a treat for myself. Nobody talks about this product and it's not like I need volumising products, but Forme Fatale caught my attention and after watching this video (just look how shiny her hair looks!) and days of pondering, it landed in my shopping cart. The number of reviews of this from someone who actually bought it for themselves it pretty much zero, so this was really a blind buy. I liked the idea of a styling product with good hold and heat protection in one, and I'm hoping that this will have a better control of my frizz compared to got2b Volumania mousse. I just got it in the mail, so I hadn't had the chance to try it, but there will be a full review.

21.40 € on HQHair.

Kérastase Elixir Ultime Sublime Cleansing Oil Shampoo

I wanted to try this shampoo for at least a year, basically ever since I slowly fell in love with Elixir Ultime. I still have a bit of Oléo-Relax shampoo left (the best shampoo ever!), so I won't use this one yet, but there will be a full review once I test it thoroughly.

19.28 € on HQHair.

 Kérastase Chroma Sensitive Caressing Cleansing Balm

There is this hair trend called co-washing, where you use a conditioner (preferably a silicone free) instead of a shampoo. This brought a new form of hair cleansers on the market, Wen being the most known, and Herbal Essences recently launched their affordable version (which is not available in my country of course). Kérastase has their version as well in their line for coloured hair. It's a cleansing balm that is sulphate, paraben and silicone free, and it's supposed to be used alone every other wash. The idea is that it has no harsh cleansers and it conditions the hair at the same time. It doesn't foam, which reduces frictions of the hair fibres, therefore the hair colour should stay last longer. I haven't tried it yet, but there will be a full review. 

I got it as a gift with purchase, but a smaller 200 ml version with a pump costs 19.69 € on HQhair.

 Lee Stafford Dehumidifier

Does anyone like mini sizes as much as I do? I love how Lee Stafford has these sample sizes to try out or keep in the bag. I decided to try dehumidifier which is supposed to help prevent frizzies and other hair disasters in humid weather. I already tested it, however, I still have a review to write, but just as a preview: Dehumidifier = got2b Öl-La-La Styling Öl-Spray. 
Mini size is 2.79€.

Lee Stafford Dry Shampoo Original

I don't use dry shampoo for it's intended purpose since my hair almost never gets greasy, but I do like using them for refreshing the hair. This one has a super strong scent and in general hasn't wowed me, but more about it in a future review.
Mini size is 2.45€.

 Lee Stafford Hold Tight hairspray

I ran out of the mini version and all of the rest of the hairsprays I had (well most of them), so I purchased the full size version of it since it's my favourite so far. It has a nice flexible hold without being sticky and doesn't feel crispy or stiff at all. The scent is a bit strong, but I can tolerate easier than Elnett's.
250 ml is 7.49€ in Müller.

  L'Oreal Studio Line #TNT Excess Volume Texturizing Spray

This recently landed in our Műllers and I was a bit surprised when I found it was sold here. It was on my wishlist since I read this post (doesn't she have fabulous hair?), where it says it's a more affordable version of Bumble and Bumble Thickening Dryspun Finish. I really wanted to try a texturising spray since every one seems to have one, either Oribe or Bumble and Bumble. I must admit I don't really get along with it (perhaps yet?) and I'm not impressed. I'll keep trying to make it work and report again in a proper review.

I paid 6.29€ in Müller.

 Vichy Dercos Anti-Dandruff Sensitive Treatment Shampoo

This is a sulphate, paraben and colour free shampoo for treating dandruff. So far I can say that it's ok, but really nothing special and I don't like the fact it's sulphate free in this case because it hardly foams. However, I've only been using is for a couple of weeks, so I'll report in a while how I get along with it.
13.05€ in a pharmacy.

  Toni & Guy Hairdressing Sectioning Clips

I didn't expect these to be as good as they are for something I got off eBay. They feel so professional with the matte rubberised texture. I've been looking for something like this for ages in our drustores, but they only sell individual ones for some idiotic prices. Now I have twelve fantastic sectioning clips, which I use so much, mostly when drying my hair (I do it like this, if anyone is interested).
3.08€ on eBay from this seller.

I bought a few samples of fragrances from Salma.si and Mexx's were free. Two of them aren't sold in our drugstores, but I really wanted to test them, so I like the idea of having samples available to buy.
I know it's weird to buy samples, I actually don't mind paying for them (and I love samples), it's not like they are given here happily (in Slovenia, obviously). I feel like most sales assistants think of it as some form torture to give actual samples (L'Occitane being the notable exception. I bought most of their stuff based on my experience with a sample). 

Aquolina Pink Sugar eau de toilette sample

This is ridiculously popular abroad, but not sold in Slovenia. I smell a mix of caramel and licorice notes, but mostly cotton candy and there are also some fruity notes in the background. It's nice, however, a bit generic, as if someone tried to make a shampoo that smells like cotton candy. I much prefer Fantasy, Can Can and even Wonderstuck Enchanted.

Ellie Saab eau de parfum sample

This is super floral. To my nose the loudest note is jasmine which hits you like a truck and not african orange flower as most say. There is also a bit of honey in the background that gives it some sweetness and I detect patchouli as well. It reminds me of Lush's Lust, but classier.

Juicy Couture Viva La Juicy sample

I wanted to try this since forever (it's not sold in Slovenia to the best of my knowledge). It's a lot softer than I expected, gently sweet from the caramel and praline notes, but with a larger emphasis on floral notes particularity tuberose which is similar as in Britney Spears Radiance. It's quite a warm scent also because of a hint of vanilla, but nothing like in Fantasy for example. It reminds me a lot of Gucci's Gorgeous Gardenia. It's nice, but I don't get the hype. It smells kind of generic to me - floral, sweet and warm, but I wouldn't not call it a gourmand scent

Mexx Woman eau de toilette sample

I like this. It's soft and feminine, a bit citrusy sweet, but mostly woody-floral. It's strangely comforting, despite the lack of vanilla.

Mexx Fresh Woman eau de toilette sample

I like this as well. It's freshly sweet and floral, generic, but in a nice way. The staying power is very weak.

Have a great day!

Wonderstruck Enchanted

I am not a fan of celebrities in any way, however, I have a lot of their fragrances. Taylor Swift's Wonderstuck Enchanted is the latest in my collection and it follows the same gourmand fruity-vanilla formula as most celebrity juices.

I tested her original fragrance called Wonderstuck when I was in Austria and it's nice, but nothing particularly original. It's a mix of berries with a hint of vanilla, pretty much like someone mixed Escada's Ocean Lounge with Britney Spears's Radiance, so very sweet, however, weak and with minimal projection, though it did last a few hours.

Wonderstruck Enchanted, her second fragrance, is very much like putting her original fragrance together with Paris Hilton Can Can plus adding a touch of Britney Fantasy's and Lancome La Vie est Belle's vanilla note in the mix. I get crushed berries topped with sugar, an occasional whiff of passionfruit and loads of vanilla.  This sugar-berry mix is excellently done, much better than in Radiance or the strawberry jam version in Escada's Ocean Lounge. I detect no flowery notes, even though the notes include poppy, freesia, peony and champaca. The vanilla note is strong and makes it smell more warm and cosy. It's a great autumn/winter fragrance for sweet scents lovers.

It's an absolutely wonderful fragrance, however, it doesn't last more than an hour. I have no idea why since projection is strong. It just fades away. There is nothing left at all even if I put my nose close to the skin. This is a complete mystery to me, since I heard it has excellent silage and staying power. I though that maybe I was the problem, but my cousin had the exact same experience. We both pretty much drenched ourself in the fragrance and in an hour it was completely gone.

I don't like the bottle. It looks cheap and boring, I dislike the charms and don't I find the holographic effect all that interesting. But that's just my personal taste. I just feel that something with such a great name like Wonderstuck Enchanted could be in a more fairytale like bottle, such as Lolita Lempicka or Nina L`Elixir.  I get that it's targeted at teenage boppers, but the gold paint has already chipped from the cap and around the nozzle. I'd at least expect a more quality job.

It's a scent that'll appeal to anyone who loves La Vie est Belle, Can Can and Fantasy. But honestly, though the scent itself is gorgeous, the staying power on me is extremely weak. I find Paris' Can Can even lovelier and it has a fantastic staying power. I'm glad a got this in 100 ml, because I've already used up 1/3 due to the bad staying power and I use it more like a body spray.

I paid 23.49 € for 100 ml on All Beauty.

Have you tried it yet? Have a great day!

New In #9

Mac Samples from The Body Needs 

I got more Mac lipstick samples since they released some new shades that I really wanted to try. I got Peach Blossom, Sunny Seoul, Full Speed, Relentlessly Red and Dangerous. I'll post swatches in the next post.
I also got samples of Prep + Prime BB cream in Extra Light and Face&Body Foundation in N1. Neither really impressed me, but more about them in full review.
They also included a generous sample of their Pink Lemonade Lip Lustre, which I swatched bellow.
Lipsticks samples were 3.79$, Face & Body 2.99$ and Prep + Prime BB 2.79$.

Sample of The Body Needs Pink Lemonade Lip Lustre

Pink Lemonade looks like a lovely bright pink-coral in the pan, but on the lips it barely shows up. I tried to get the intensity going, but the most I got was a gentle blush of colour and multicoloured shimmer. It feels like those lipstick/lip balm/lip gloss hybrids which means it's nicely hydrating and has a lovely glossy shine (I must admit that the shimmer in it is nice). It smells like cherry candy which I love. They have a massive selection of shades and I hope their darker shades are more pigmented because judging from this shade the formula and the scent are nice.

Rimmel Match Perfection Foundation in 010 Light Porcelain 

I'll start with venting my frustration at the discovery that some hateful imbecile opened my parcel and took off the top part of the pump. Why would anyone do that?! Luckily, I keep some old empty bottles for such occasions and I just replaced the pump with one from a L'Occitane serum.
I ordered it because I heard it is one of the lightest foundations. Honestly, this shade is nothing new in my collection as it is virtually identical to Dior's BB cream. I hoped it'd be lighter, something like Missha's BB #13. I've only worn it a few times and it's nice, but I don't really love it (yet?). There will be a full review after I test it properly.

It was 6.07 € with a discount on Asos.

 Maybelline Colorama Nail Polish 103

I wanted a dupe for Essence's Deep Blue Sea and this is not it. It looks close enough in the bottle with a similar shimmer/frost effect and it is a pretty colour, but that frost doesn't show on the nails, plus it has greyish hue. The quality is nice, though. I'll post a swatch one day.

It was 2.49 € in Müller.

Catrice Defining Blush 040 Think Pink

This is brilliant! I never owned a Catrice blush before, but after trying this one I will get more. It's super pigmented, soft, matte and actually lasts on my skin (which is unheard of). And the colour is adorable. Great product! I'll do a proper review and a swatch.

These cost 3.79 € in Műller.

Taylor Swift Wonderstruck Enchanted

Such an absolutely wonderful fragrance, but it lasts less than an hour despite being a strong scent. It'll appeal to anyone who loves La Vie est Belle, Can Can and Fantasy. I'll do an in depth review.

I paid 23.49 € for 100 ml on All Beauty.

L'Oreal Skin Perfection Serum

I expected a lot and so far I'm disappointed. It has a great texture and it's hydrating, yet I see no positive long term results whatsoever. In fact, my skin got worse since I started using it. It's certainly less smooth and even spotty. I'll give it more time and then write a review.

 15.99 € in Müller.

 got2b Sprüh Kleber a.k.a Freeze Haispray

I expected great hold and this proved too weak. You know those lovely no-heat curls I make that I say last about an hour (picture here)? Well, I wanted something really strong to hold them in place. This unfortunately didn't and I used tons of it. It does leave the hair stiff, yet not particularly sticky, however, I did notice that it dried out my hair. It's not bad, but since it does about the same as the Lee Stafford one, which should obviously have a lighter hold (and feels weightless plus is just overall fantastic), I obviously prefer that one. This one smells lovely sweet fruity-candy-ish and the scent really lingers in my hair.

It was 5.59€ in Müller

Essie Nail Polishes: 
Turquoise & Caicos, Really Red and After School Boy Blazer
I had a 50% off coupon, what more can I say. I've only tried T&C so far, which I heard it's supposed to have an awful formula, but I was pleasantly surprised. All will be swatched here at some point. ASBB may look similar to the Colorama polish that's higher up, but in the bottles they don't look dupes. I'll try to do a comparison.

Sample of LCN Marry me Berry Hand & Body Cream

The texture is somewhere in the middle and feels like it has a lot of silicones in it. It takes about 2-3 minutes to sink in and moisturises ok. The scent is artificial berry yoghurt like. It's nice, but I won't be buying a full size as I rarely use hand creams.

I got this in that new pharmacy in E.Leclerc (Ljubljana). Have you seen than awesome place?! It's like a proper Frech pharmacy brimming with all the pharmacy brands and even samples. Paradise.

Cien Shower Cream with Almond Oil & Apricot

I just grabbed this in Lidl and discovered at home that it is actually good. For about the same price as Balea's shower gels, 0.85€, you get a very decent creamy shower gel. It smells pretty generic, but it feels like poor man's Dove shower gel which is good enough for me.

 Sweet Gold Sugar Hair Removing Paste

It's one of those sugaring pastes that some people make at home and I hate this thing. Profoundly. First you have to scoop it out from the pot where it isn't much product to begin with, then form a sort of a strip on the skin and pull it off. The problem is that as soon as it gets a bit warmer because of the body temperature (which is in like a minute or two), it get ridiculously sticky and sticks to everything. It's impossible to work with from that point on and the paste is ruined. In that one take you do get, it doesn't take all the hair off rather it only removes about a half. At least it washes of easily, but I just don't like it.
It was 6.49 € in Müller.

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

This is a hair removing wax that requires no strips, rather when applied to the skin it hardens and then you just pull it off. It comes with several A4 pages of detailed instruction and warnings (Slovene version, of course), which would scare off quite a few people, however, I find them grossly over exaggerating. It's actually relatively easy to use. It says to put in the microwave for 2 minutes, but I find that is not enough and it needs another minute. You get only one wooden spatula, which is not enough, with which you need to stir the wax to get a honey like consistency. It says that it can be messy, but I don't find it so, you just get a lot of strings. You apply the warm wax on the skin, which dries/hardens really quickly in about 20-30 seconds and then I pull it off. I find it super easy to take off, but removes only 1/3-1/2 of the hair. It's pretty much painless for me, but I have a really high threshold for pain that surprised even my doctor. It says not to use it in the same place twice, but I find that's just an another exaggeration. I went several times over the same spots, but it was never hair free. I used about a half of pot, but then gave up because it would take forever. I had no irritations, redness or anything and I didn't even need to use the towelettes that are included as all the wax easily comes off.
I'd love it if it were more effective, but I won't repurchase.

I got in in E. Leclerc for about 8 € (don't quote me on that price).

 Ebeline Thermal Ceramic Round Brush Small

I got another Ebeline brush, this time a smaller one for my fringe. I use the big one all the time. The orange strip turns yellow when exposed to temperatures that are damaging to the hair.
 8.45 € in DM.

L'Occitane Samples
I got tons of L'Occitane samples which I'm really looking forward to using as I have very rarely been disappointed by this brand. I'll do short reviews in my next empties post.

Have a great day!