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!

Mac's Impassioned Dupe? Bright Coral-pink Lipsticks Comparison

Bright pink lip colours with warm coral tones are some of my favourites, especially in the hot summer months. These watermelon-fuchsia shades, as I like to call them, are fun statement shades that get you noticed. I have a few variations of such lip colour and only two of them I'd describe as dupes.  

Catrice Ultimate Colour 250 Matt About Pink 

(matte)

Just like me to start with the odd one out. Matt About Pink is in the bright coral-pink family except it's lighter and more of a bright peachy-pink. This shade's matte formula is not ideal due to the lack of smoothness which can result in an uneven application, though it's not impossible to apply it nicely. It's one of my favourite and most worn shades in my collection. 

Maybelline Color Sensational Vivids 910 Shocking Coral 

(cream)

This shade as well as the rest of the Vivids range are much loved in the beauty community. A bright statement shade, it's the pinkest choice in the bunch since the coral tones in it are much more subdued that in the rest. The formula is lovely with a superb pigmentation and a comfortable creamy finish. Though, I have to say that it's not one of my favourites because even though it's a stunning colour in the tube, it somehow manages to look a bit off on my skin tone, so I prefer other more coral choices.

Catrice Ultimate Shine 210 Kiss Kiss Hibiskiss 

(glossy shine)

Old formula. The new version is in the Ultimate Colour range with a creamy finish called 320 Kiss Kiss Hibiscus

I have the old shine formula that is one of the most sensitive formulas to heat I've ever tried and it melts so fast, which you can surmise from the state of my lipstick. It's a super bright watermelon shade with a glossy finish that is very similar to Impassioned with the finish being the most obvious difference. I'm not a fan of the glossiness which also means the staying power is not the best, but I do love the colour. 

Revlon Colorburst Matte Balm 210 Unapologetic 

(creamy matte)

My most recent addition to my lipstick collection and the subject of my latest review. On my lips it's pretty much an exact dupe for Impassioned in terms of colour and finish. It's a lipstick in a twist-up pen with an easy-to-work-with superbly pigmented creamy matte formula. Staying power is not its forte, but it's one of the easiest bright lip products to reapply, so it would be my choice to carry in a bag on the go.

MAC Impassioned 

(amplified creme)

MAC describes it as bright fuchsia, but in my opinion it's too coral for a fuchsia and I'd call it a bright watermelon fuchsia. It has a creamy, comfortable formula and it is all in all a wonderful lipstick to work with. MAC lipsticks are expensive, particularly in Europe, but they are worth it. I have the sample size from The Body Needs.

MAC Relentlessly Red 

(retro matte)

Another bright coral-pink but with stronger red tones and a gorgeous matte finish. This is my favourite lipstick currently both in terms of colour and finish, though the formula is dry. I think this shade looks best on me and it's a lipstick I'd love to have in full size.

Beauty UK Lipstick 10 Passion

(cream)

The darkest in the bunch and my first bright shade that I bought years ago. Passion is a fuchsia shade that is leaning to rose and is not as bright as the rest. The formula is a very lightweight creamy one that is easy to apply and feels comfortable to wear, however, it's my least favourite due to how it starts to look after a while. The light formula migrates on the lips and it creates darker ridges giving an appearance of wrinkly lips, however, it's the most affordable in my selection, so it's probably not that surprising that the formula isn't the best. Just as Revlon's matte balm, it has a minty scent.

Unapologetic looks a bit more coral toned swatched on the skin compared to Impassioned, however, on my lips I honestly see no visible difference. I'll go as far to say it's a 99.99% dupe on me in terms of colour and formula.

The next closest one is Catrice's Kiss Kiss Hibiskus with exception of the glossy formula, however, since this version is discontinued and I don't own the new creamy version, I can't say for sure it's as similar as well. Relentlessly Red has a matte finish, is deeper and leans more towards red on the lips. Beauty UK's Passion is darker, less bright and more rose toned. Maybelline's Shocking Coral is lighter and less coral. Catrice's Matt About Pink is matte, lighter and peachier.

You can see all the lipsticks I've ever swatched in my swatch gallery which is regular updated for more comparisons. 

Are you a fan of such shades?
Have a great day!

Revlon Colourburst Matte Balm 210 Unapologetic

I was terribly excited when I first heard that Revlon is launching a matte version of their pencils and I patiently awaited their arrival in our neck of the woods. Swatches were popping up all over and Unapologetic caught my eye, so I had my mind set on getting only this shade, however, when they arrived in our drugstores, a very limited shade range was offered with my chosen shade missing. You know what happens in that case - I take my money elsewhere and this time it was Boots international where I even got this one for "free" since it was a part of the 3 for 2 offer. As soon as I opened the box, the pretty bright coral-pink pencil appealed to me.

Texture and finish: It's a very smooth and creamy matte lipstick that glides on the lips with ease.  The application is very comfortable and fast due to the shape. The finish is not completely matte, it's more of a creamy-matte, which will appeal to those who usually find matte lipsticks too drying.

Shade and pigmentation: It's a bright, coral-toned pink, though, it's a strange shade on me, since on my lips it can look either warm or cool toned. I think it screams summer. It's very easy to get full opacity and it mostly takes just one swipe.

Staying power: I was disappointed by the staying power of this product. Most matte lip products I've tried are some of the most long lasting products, but due to the creaminess this one wipes off so easily that it doesn't survive eating or drinking and it fades completely by itself in about 3-4 hours. At around 2 hour mark I already feel the need to reapply because it's too faded. It also doesn't wear off evenly and leaves a ring of colour. Having said that, it one of the easiest bright shades to reapply due to the shape and creaminess.

Packaging: A fat pencil with a twist-up mechanism. It's easy to use and apply precisely, however, I have a feeling that when the tip gets blunt, it'll be much harder to get a crisp line.

Scent: A strong minty scent upon application and it has a slight cooling effect on the lips.

Price and availability: I got mine on Boots international website because our drusgtores don't carry this shade. It was £7.99, here Colorburst mattes costs about 10€.

It's not amazing, but still a nice drugstore lipstick-pencil, especially for those who like matte finish and wish to avoid the unpleasant dryness. The colour is cute, in my opinion the cutest in the Colorburst matte bunch, however, I actually prefer MAC's Relentlessly Red when it comes to these bright pink-coral shades. It's a nice shade to wear in the warm part of the year and it feels very comfortable on the lips.

 Have a great day!

New In #15

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

Real Techniques Blush Brush

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

£9.99 (12 €) in Boots.

Revlon ColorBurst Matte Balm 210 Unapologetic

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

 £7.99 (10 €) in Boots.

Bourjois Java Rice Loose powder 

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

 £9.99 (12 €) in Boots.

Essie Nail Polishes Spin the Bottle

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

 9.90 € in DM. 

Panasonic EH2351AC Heated Eyelash Curling Wand

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

18 € on eBay from this seller.

Shiseido The Makeup Eyelash Curler

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

Regular price 24 € on Feel Unique.

Garnier Miracle Cream

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

11.99 € in Müller. 

SunDance Getöntes Sonnenfluid SPF 30 
Tinted sun protecting fluid

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

3.69 € in DM.

Aussie 3 Minute Miracle Reconstructor 

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

 £4.99 (6 €) in Boots.

Batiste Dry Shampoo Wild

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

 £2.99 (3.6 €) in Boots

VO5 Give Me Texture Dry Texturising Spray 

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

 £3.79 (4.7€) in Boots.

Garnier Fructis Oil Repair 3 Shampoo

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

Ingredients here.

2-3€ in Müller.

Aussie Miracle Moist Shampoo

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

6.10€ on Feel Unique.

Balea Rasiergel Summer Garden 

Mango scent

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

 1.99 € in DM.

Tesore d' Orientare Orchidea deodorant

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

 3€ in Interspar.

Garnier Ultimate Beauty Oil Beauty Scrub 

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

Riffi Body Brush

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

5.49 € in Müller.

Ulala! Detangler Hair Brush

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

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

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

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

2.99 € in Müller.

Have a great day!

Revlon Parfumerie Scented Nail Enamel Bordeaux

I known I'll end up sounding very shallow, but I bought this nail polish mostly because of the packaging, so would keep it displayed in a decorative plate I have placed on my vanity. I was also intrigued by the idea of scented nail polishes.

Bordeaux is as the name suggests a burgundy wine shade, so a deep red with a bit of purple hues in it. I love this type of shades, I think they look so classy. A similar shade I own is Essence 113 Do you Speak Love, it just lacks the purple undertones.

The formula is nice as at most red nail polishes. One coat can be enough, but I apply two coats for an even and opaque application. The brush is smaller than I'm used to, though I don't find that fact annoying since my nails are quite narrow. I know a lot of people find the round handle impractical, but I have no problems with it and it's easy to work with.

I heard that these nail polishes have a very strong scent that lasts, but at this shade I barely detect any scent at all. You have to wait for the nails to dry for the scent to appear. It's a very nondescript scent, maybe they tried to imitate the scent of Bordeaux wine, but it's a bit too fruity sweet for a wine scent (then again I'm from Dolenjska. The only wine scent I'm really familiar with is of Cviček, so what do I know). In the scent department this is a disappointment, I was looking forward to lovely smelling nails as strange as this idea may sound. 

Parfumerie nail polishes cost 6.99 € in Müller.

Have you tried any of the Revlon's Parfumerie nail polishes?

Have a great day!

New In #13

 Lancôme Hypnôse Star Waterproof mascara

Müller had a 20% off some high-end mascaras and I couldn't pass up the chance to repurchase one of my favourites. This time I got the Star version of Hypnôse which is in a glamorous shimmery packaging and has a different wand, however, the formula is the same as the original waterproof one (I actually wanted the Doll version, but the only one there was already opened, used and put back in a box. Who does that!?). I'll do a post where you'll see the difference between the original, but so far I'll say I prefer the original wand. 

Regular price in Müller is 33.99 € (27.19 € with that discount).

Bourjois 123 Perfect CC Cream 31 Ivory

The lightest shade is a bit dark for me, but the formula is very similar to Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum in terms of coverage and how almost invisible it looks on the skin, but the finish is different, it's more satin/matte. There will be a review, but you can read a review of the CC Eye cream here.

It's priced probably around 14 €, I'm not sure because I bought it with a coupon.

H&M Lip Tint Raspberry Red

I grabbed this at the registers in H&M because I liked the colour and I was curious about the formula. There are several shades, I remember a couple of pinks and a red, this one is a warm, pink-raspberry shade. These are like liquid lipstick that are very pigmented, but staying power is not that impressive. Review with swatches will be posted.

Priced 3.95 €.

Revlon Parfumerie Scented Nail Enamel Bordeaux

Look at that adorable packaging! It's supposed to be scented and after reading a few reviews I expected a heavy scent, but I barely smell anything at all. The colour is beautiful and the quality of the polish is nice. I'll post swatches.

6.99 € in Müller.

 essence Cookies & Cream TE shimmer pearls

I've been on a search for a new powder and I'm considering maybe taking a plunge and buying the famous Guerlain Meteorites. Whilst researching online, I found a review comparing essence pearls (not sure which TE was it) with Guerlain's (not is a sense that they are dupes) and the reviewer said that it's a lovely highlighter, so I picked them up also to see how I get along with the concept of powder pearls/balls. I only purchased them a couple of days ago, but first impressions are good. It's a very subtle highlighter, nothing exceptional, but cute and nice to have if you manage to still find them. I'll post a review with swatches soon.

3.59 € in DM.

Maybelline Colorama Bleached Neons 242

This shade immediately caught my attention in the shop and I have nothing similar in my collection. It's a bleached (muted) neon coral-pink that is quite a statement shade. I'll post swatches. 

2.49 € in Müller.

essence all about matt! fixing compact powder

I'm so fed up with my Mac Mineralize Skinfinish Natural and as I said, I've been researching online for my next powder. Honestly, I'd never even look at essence powder in a shop, but a lot of people seem to love it and it's cheap so when I had a discount in DM I just tossed it in the shopping basket. It's has a high rating on Make up Alley, but I suspect it's more due to the affordable price than it being absolutely fantastic. First impressions are ok, I like it better than MAC's, but I've only been using it a few days. I'll update you on how I like it in time, I think I need to get through the top layer first to see how good it actually is.

3.29 € in DM.

 Pantene Expert Collection Anti Age conditioner

I haven't bought anything from Pantene in about a decade. I never liked the brand and their ridiculously retouched advertising campaigns make me angry, but I heard good things about this conditioner and I can't resist trying a supposedly nice drugstore treatment. I've only used it once and I need a bit more testing before giving my assessment, but so far I'm not impressed.

7.49 € in Müller.

Sebastian Professional Potion 9

One of my readers alerted me that there was a 20% off code on Look Fantastic (thanks Sunshine!) and I couldn't pass on buying Potion 9 and Bumble and bumble Pret-a-Powder. Potion 9 is a leave-in conditioner and styling product in one. I am very, very impressed by it and it's my favourite thing out all the stuff I bough recently. I was so pleasantly surprised when I saw the ingredients and it's fantastic for my super dry hair even though it feels almost weightless. There will be a review.

Regular price 11.75 € for 50 ml on Look Fantastic. There also a larger size available.

Phyto 9
Nourishing day cream with 9 plants

This is a very hyped up moisturiser for hair that is silicone free and after reading a ton of very favourable reviews I expected a lot, but I was disappointed. I'll do a full review, however, I can say that this is not enough for my dry hair and it feels weird, like applying a face/body moisturiser.

15.85 € in Leposana (Leclerc), which is a lot cheaper than online. I love that shop!

 Bumble and Bumble Pret-a-Powder

I don't know why, but I really, really wanted this. It's an interesting concept of a dry shampoo, volumising powder and style extender in one that really appealed to me, even though I use dry shampoo only occasionally, usually on the 3rd or 4th day after I washed the hair and only to make it smell nice and refresh volume, not because it's greasy. There will be a full review with more details, but I'll just say that is smells absolutely divine and gives a lot of volume. 

I paid 21.16 € with a code on Look Fantastic, regular price is about 26 €.

Redken diamond oil shampoo and conditioner samples

Shampoo: I had a 10 ml sample that I used up in one wash. It smells so lovely, it reminds me of something, but I think it's something tropical. The texture is somewhat creamy, but not hydrating. I find it leaves my hair too squeaky clean, but I can comb through it after washing. I wouldn't market this as shampoo for dry hair, but it should work for other types of hair.

Conditioner: A bit too thin and runny for my liking. It has the same scent as the shampoo. 10 ml was not enough for my hair, so I couldn't properly test it, but it certainly wasn't moisturising enough for my hair.

Ingredients of both shampoo and conditioner here.

 Balea Summer 2014 LE Carambola Lambada and Mango Mambo

Like last year, Balea released a tropical inspired LE that includes shower gels, body lotions and a deodorant.

Carambola Lambada shower gel - I think this is my favourite out of all tropical scents by Balea. It's fresh like a grapefruit scent, but with some sweetness. Lovely!

Mango Mambo shower gel - the same mango scent as last year. Super sweet, like a cocktail or candy (Haribo bears).

0.99 € in DMs (Did anyone else notice that they are 14 cents more expensive than last year?).

 Balea Dusche & Creme Cocos and Nektarine

I repurchased one of my favourite shower gels.This smells so flipping amazing, it always makes me smile.

0.99 € in DM.

Garnier Ultra Doux Honey Treasures Reconstructing Shampoo

An average drugstore shampoo with a creamy formula. It doesn't strip the hair nor nourish it and it leaves the hair quite tangled. It foams a lot, which I'm really enjoying because I've been using sulphate free shampoos for a long time now and I've developed this contempt for them. It smells very generic, soapy clean but a bit sweet, though nothing like a proper honey scent. It's a shampoo for those who just grab something at the drugstore and don't really put much thought into hair care because they don't need to. I'm disappointed, but what can you really expect from a shampoo this cheap.
Ingredients here.

2.89 € in DM for 400 ml, there is also a smaller size available.

Nivea Double Effect Auger Make-Up Entferner

I couldn't find my regular Maybelline remover in DM, so I picked up this one. It's the same concept, a two-phase oily make up remover that I use for removing waterproof mascara. It's less oily than Maybelline's and this one doesn't make my vision blurry either, but it's less effective and it takes a lot more rubbing to get the mascara off, hence why I'm not impressed. I like the packaging of this one more because it has a flip lid. 

Ingredients of Maybelline's and Nivea's side by side here.

4.29 € in DM.

Macadamia Natural Oil Deep Repair mask

I've said on several occasions that I genuinely dislike this hair mask and I still do. However, my mother adores it (go figure) and I bought it for her as a Mother's Day gift after she ever so "subtly" implied with an empty pot in her hands that her favourite mask had run out. It usually happens this way, I give her something I don't quite like and then I end up repurchasing it for her because she loves it (I bought three of Deborah lipsticks in a row). The bow is the maximum extent of my decorating abilities.

15 € on eBay from this seller (much cheaper than elsewhere).

Have a great day!