Bioderma vs. L'Oreal Micellar Solution

I have been buying Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micellar Solution since 2011 and in all these years, I've never been without a bottle of it in my collection. I still believe it is brilliant, but I wanted to check out the (cheaper) competition and I purchased L'Oreal Skin Perfection 3 in 1 Purifying Micellar Solution (called Hydra Active 3 Mizellen-Technologie Reinigungsfluid in German speaking world). I've been using it for about a week now and it feels so similar, basically the same as Bioderma, so I wanted to see if it also performs the same and I did a little test. I set on removing a full face makeup by using Bioderma on one side and L'Oreal on the other. I wore Bourjois Healthy Mix serum foundation set with Givenchy Matissime powder (a combination that lasts all day thanks to the powder), a super pigmented Essence cream blush (from Ready for Boarding TE) and Pupa powder blush on top, plus a complete eye makeup with Essence gel eyeliner, Mac eyeshadows and Essence get big lashes waterproof mascara. 

Both Bioderma and L'Oreal feel the same - like water. There is no residue left, just clean and refreshed skin. None of them break me out or irritate my skin in any way. There was no difference between the two when removing the make up with the first cotton pad. The biggest difference was with the second cotton pad.

Bioderma's second pad was basically clean with only a bit of eye makeup on it. There were no traces of any foundation or blush any more. It removed everything, but there was still some waterproof mascara left (honestly, I don't expect from a non-oil based remover to do that anyway). 

L'Oreal's second pad had loads of foundation on, which proved the first didn't even remotely clean as effectively as Bioderma. I needed three cotton pads to have the face completely clean. Again as with Bioderma it did not completely remove waterproof mascara, however, it removed less of it. The biggest difference was in the morning when I noticed that on the side where I used L'Oreal, I had a panda eye with lots of black smudged under my eye, while the other one was fine. 

Bioderma is available in pharmacies and isn't difficult to get a hold of here. There's a pharmacy on almost every corner in the town that is closest to me, not to mention we have bunch of online Slovenian pharmacies, so availability isn't really an issue. I buy 250ml versions for about 11€, which I don't find too expensive, because I don't use it up fast (you can be frugal with it and have all the makeup removed). The packaging is a simple clear bottle with a flip top. A bottle can be opened for 12 months. It has no particular scent. Ingredients here.

L'Oreal is sold in every drugstore and 200ml costs 4€. The packaging is the stupid new renovated one with a square top that spills product everywhere. A bottle can be opened for 6 months. It has a faint chemical scent. Ingredients here.

As I said, the texture is remarkably similar, essentially a dupe. However, I don't find L'Oreal's nearly as effective as Bioderma. You will use a lot more product and pads to remove everything, but yes, it is cheaper. Having said that, I do think L'Oreal's micellar water is a really nice product and definitely worth the price. It's a great makeup remover if you can't get a hold of Bioderma or you find it too expensive. 

Bioderma is a clear winner for me. I've purchased numerous bottles over the years and I will continue buying it. By the way, Escentual did a blind trial of micellar waters with about a 100 people and Bioderma was a clear winner (I knew it was popular for a reason being a regular user myself for years). You can read the result here. 

Have a great day!

REN Resurfacing AHA Concentrate

REN Resurfacing AHA Concentrate is a product from REN's Radiance range which also includes the famous Glycolactic Radiance Renewal Mask. I was pondering whether to get the mask or the concentrate and choose the latter because I'm just too lazy with masks  (I'm getting better though). This is my third product with AHA's, the other two being Clarins Gentle Exfoliator Brightening Toner and Dermalogica Gentle Cream Exfoliant. 

The concentrate contains a complex of alpha hydroxy acids with glycolic, lactic, tartaric and citric acid, but also some hyaluronic acid. It claims to be a gentle exfoliator, making the skin more radiant, brighter, more even toned and smooth. It's supposed to reduce appearance of pore size, fine lines, improve moisture retention and promote cell turnover. Their website says you can use it one of two ways - use every day for 1 week and then wait 3 weeks to let the skin complete the renewal process or apply every other night. I tried both and I see no difference between them. I do find it gentle enough to be used everyday, but I follow the instructions.

It is a very light serum and I apply it drop per drop on individual areas of my face. I use four-five drops in total, one on each cheek, another on my forehead and the rest on my nose and chin. I find that it doesn't tingle, it did only on two occasions and even that lasted a second or two, but my skin isn't sensitive at all. It leaves the skin dry to the touch, but moisturised and I don't feel the need for an additional moisturiser. Some people say they use a moisturiser afterwards, some claim it works better without putting anything else at all, I usually use a few drops of Nuxe oil and I see no difference in performance.

I've been using it for two months now and I can report that my skin is smoother, softer and a bit brighter. I can't really comment on radiance, because my skin has a healthy glow since I've been using Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse. I see the biggest improvement on my forehead which used to be uneven and bumpy, but now it's as smooth as when I was using Estee Lauder Advance Night Repair. Another huge improvement that I noticed is that moisturisers and serums work so much better now. My skin retains moisture far better and for the first time I can use powders without having flakes appearing immediately. The old red blemish marks I've had for years on the chin under my lips have significantly reduced to a point I don't really need to use concealer to cover it and a light BB/foundation covers it enough for my needs.

However, as far as congestion goes it did not help with clearing pores or help with any existing blemishes. I still get some and this doesn't help to either reduce them or heal them. I don't notice a considerable reduction of blackheads or in pore size. It did unclog a massive blackhead on my forehead that I had for years, but there is a little hole left behind that is healing very slowly. 

I like the scent, a lot of people say they can't stand and I can't see why. It's just a simple orange slightly alcoholic scent that isn't even that strong. Frankly, I hardly notice it any more. 

Bottle is made from frosted glass and though it feels well-made, I'm always super careful with it not to drop it on the floor (though, it has happened once, but luckily only the plastic lid that comes with it broke). The applicator is a glass pipette, again something you have to be careful with. 

In general I find the result are graduala nd I didn't wake up the first day to notice a massive change that some report (Dermalogica has faster results). But after using it for two months, my skin is more even, softer and I love the fact moisturisers work so much better now. This with combination of the Clarins toner significantly lightened the blemish marks, however, it did almost nothing to banish or help heal any blemishes. I find Dermalogica Gentle Cream Exfoliant performs better as far a spots go, but mind you it is also more expensive.

It is a really expensive product, but you do get results. I got it from HqHair for 30€ because I actually had a handsome discount code (It costs 56€ in Müller!). A bottle will last you quite a while and so far I've only used about a cm or two. Get it if you want to lighten blemish marks, get rid of dry patches and/or you want smoother more radiant skin. If you want something to help you with breakouts, maybe try something else.

Have a great day!

Unsung Hero: Shiseido Perfect Rouge Glowing Matte PK224 Sugar Babe

I've had this post ready in my to-post folder for more than a half of year now. I've actually talked about Shiseido Sugar Babe in several posts and there is even a picture of it on my All-time favourites page, but I never posted a picture of how it looks on the lips. Anyway, enough delaying, so here it it. I wore it loads, not just last year, but in general since I bought it. It became my everyday shade and I basically wore it everywhere until I my changed up my routine with Catrice Matt About Pink. It is my favourite nude shade that doesn't make me look dead, but has that hint of brightness to it.

The colour is just stunning. Sugar Babe doesn't look anything special in the tube or even swatched on my hand, but it looks gorgeous on the lips (strangely, I had the same experience with Catrice Matt about Pink). It's a light pinky coral melon colour that looks great on warmer skin tones. It might look a more plain pink on someone who has a medium skin tone, so test it on the lips before buying it.

As much as I love this colour, the formula is rubbish for a high-end lipstick. It is a lightweight matte formula and actually not at all drying which is a huge plus, but isn't smooth enough which makes the application look uneven. Even if your lips are properly exfoliated and smooth, it sort of clumps up and you're left with more colour/product on certain areas. I am a fan of matte finishes and some much cheaper brands made great quality light shades of lipsticks in a matte formula, so resent Shiseido for not making more of an effort, especially since they charge so much for their products. It's is semi-transparent and I need a few swipes to get the intensity going. It lasts well on the lips and even survives drinking, which is rare for paler shades. There is even some subtle stain going on after a few hours, but doesn't last long.

The packaging is really well-made and probably the best quality in my collection. It feels a bit heavy, but the lid stays shut even after being tossed around in my bag. Though it has that classic feel to it, the design is unique with a rounded square profile. 

So yes, the formula is not the highlight of this lipstick, but it never stopped me from wearing it. The colour is just too beautiful to be ignored and I have searched far and wide to find this precise colour. When I use it up, I will repurchase it. I bough it in Müller for about 25€.
If you're looking for something similar, but not matte, try Maybelline's Colour Whisper in Coral Ambition (it's less pink).

Have a great day!

Product of the Week #12

I wasn't particularly thrilled by this mascara when I used it the first few times. I found it very decent, but too clumpy for my taste. I didn't use it for quite a while, it was my back-up mascara and was sitting in my drawer untouched. I started using it again about a week ago and I've been reaching for it every day since. I guess time has made it a lot better. As a result of becoming drier, it's far less clumpy. It still gives more length than volume, but it makes my lashes look just the way I want - big, long and defined lashes that still look natural. Basically, the look I'm striving for is like my natural lashes are pretty and not plastered with a ton of mascara. I still think the packaging is so "high school", but it's prettier than that hideous yellow tube of my preferred Maybelline's the Colossal.  It's a worthy competitor to the Maybelline one and I'll probably repurchase it in the future, but leave it open for about a day, so it will become drier.  The original review is here.

Have a great day!

Clarins Gentle Exfoliator Brightening Toner

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

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

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

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

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

Have a great day!

New In July

Balance Me Cleanse and Smooth face balm

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

Diorskin Nude BB Creme in 001

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

Balea Shaving gel

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

Alverde Coconut oil 

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

 Balea Cocos & Nectarine deodorant

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

Maybelline Eye makeup remover special waterproof

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

Balea eye makeup removing pads waterproof

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

L'Occitane Repairing Shampoo for Dry & Damaged Hair

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

A sample of Angelica Hydration Cream

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

A sample of Immortelle Precious Serum

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

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

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

La Roche-Posay Nutritic Intense

This is quite a new product by La Roche-Posay and there is another moisturiser in the Nutritic line in pot form, which has a thicker, more balm like texture. Nutritic moisturisers boast with a new generation of lipids, called MP-Lipids and are designed to comfort dry and sensitive skin. I love pharmacy moisturisers and this another nice one, however I have discovered it's clogging my pores. 

The texture is a medium thick cream that I find it similar to Nivea Soft cream and it applies like a dream. It feels lighter on the skin than I expected from a moisturiser for dry skin, but it also feels very moisturising. Though it sinks into the skin fast, it leaves some sort of a film on the skin. I had nasty patches appearing on my nose and cheek because I used a harsh cleanser and this completely healed them overnight. It really helps keeping my foundation from flaking throughout the day. Even though it's a nice base for make up, I'm not liking the tacky feeling it leaves (my pet peeve), which never really disappears during the day, however, I doubt many people would mind it. I prefer Eucerin's Aquaporin light because it just vanishes into the skin within minutes, yet leaves my skin perfectly moisturised and prepped for foundation.

The scent is quite strong and very pleasant. I can't describe it, but I wouldn't call it a typical pharmacy cream scent (I latter found a product with an almost identical scent which claims to smell like jasmine, but it's not that strongly floral). People sensitive to fragrance might find it too strong. I had zero irritations, but my skin isn't sensitive at all and can handle just about anything. The spots put a damper on my experience with this cream and they also appeared on my neck and cleavage.  

This is a lovely moisturiser for dry skin and were it not for the spots, I would repurchase it, because I have a feeling it would be the perfect moisturiser for winter when I get the most dry patches. I got it in a local pharmacy for 16€. I might try their other moisturisers, but for now I'll repurchase Eucerin Aquaporin light.

edit (24.02.2014): I gave this to my mom and she absolutely loves it. She's not the one to pay a lot for a moisturiser (I'm fairly certain 5€ was her limit before finding this) and now she's already repurchased it two times in a row. This doesn't clog her pores as it does to me and she says it's the best moisturiser she ever used and it's totally worth the money.

Have a great day!