No-Heat Curls with Sexy Healthy Hair Soy Tri-Wheat Leave In Conditioner

Have you ever woken up, looked in the mirror and exclaimed: "Holy cow, my hair looks gorgeous!" Well, it has happened to me. My hair has been suffering lately, with temperatures reaching as high as 39°, the heat hasn't exactly been beneficial to my locks and it dried out like a sponge. While Orofluido Sahara is an absolute god sent for dry hair, it is a dry oil, and I wanted a leave-in conditioner that makes the hair damp, I'll explain why later. I always turn to Makeup Alley when I'm researching products and Sexy Healthy Hair Soy Tri-Wheat Leave In Conditioner comes very highly recommended by so many reviewers. I've heard promises of less frizz and more hydration - honestly, how can I hair junkie like me resist such praises.

I'll start with the good hair day story, the actual review can wait a bit. I washed my hair with Kérastase shampoo (which is flippin' fabulous, I should repurchase it), conditioned it with Dove Nourishing Oil Care, used Kérastase Nectar Thermique (another hero) and then sprayed a very generous amount of Soy Tri-Wheat Leave In Conditioner. After blow-drying my hair still felt a bit dry and a bit frizzy, so I mixed Orofluido Elixir and some more Soy Tri-Wheat Leave In Conditioner to make it slightly damp again, put my hair in a high bun as I always do after blow-drying and slept with it. Once I took out the pins in the morning, I had the most amazing voluminous messy curls, I was literally gob smacked. They don't usually look as good and I've been using this technique for a long time. I have years of experience with (almost) no-heat curls, which can look great, but they have one massive fault - they last about a half a day. And that's if you use tons of hairspray or mousse. I prefer to use a curling iron as the curls last 2-3 days then, especially if I use all Kérastase products.

I took some pictures, but I had to make them smaller because they where really blurry:

Now granted, the Kérastase products are a freaking miracle for my hair and they probably contributed a lot to the general healthy look of my hair despite skipping the Masqueintense, however, Soy Tri-Wheat Leave In Conditioner definitely had a significant role in how well the curls formed. If only they hadn't dropped in the middle of the day. But then, I just put it in a high bun again, it's a cool look after all or just leave it as it is if i'm not that bothered.

This is my first proper spray leave-in conditioner in years. I used to use them all the time, but then stopped when I started styling my hair differently since as I mentioned before no-heat curls don't last long on my hair. I'm sure most of you has used such technique to get your hair curly and it doesn't even matter if you use just water to dampen your hair, but I prefer a spray conditioner (that makes your hair damp, of course. So no shine sprays or dry oils). I did this technique practically every day before I was using a blow-dryer and a curler, but now I do it on the days when I want an additional good hair day before I wash it and style it again. I just put my hair into a high bun (or two-three buns, depends how you want your curls to be) overnight and wake up with voluminous curls. Now, they can be completely heat free, but for better results, it's good if you heat up your hair with a hair dryer (still a lot less damaging than a curler). My choice of a spray conditioner for years was Gliss 19 Total Repair and I bought at least six of them in a row - it really is good, best available in our drugstores and it smells fantastic. A little tip I learned over the years, use bobby pins or hair clips to keep the bun in place. Don't use a hair tie because you'll end up with odd creases and kinks.

All right, enough rambling and onto actually reviewing the Soy Tri-Wheat Leave-In. It says it should be used on towel dried hair, but I also used dry hair and it helps to keep the dryness at bay, but it's not as effective as Orofluido Sahara. It is among heavier spray conditioners and spraying it too much might weight down the hair, especially if it's not as dry as mine. This doesn't take the place of a regular conditioner and it works best if you use a regular conditioner beforehand, topping it with this spray for extra hydration, but I have heard people use it instead of a conditioner. I've had it for a couple of months and I can say it works best as it is recommended by the company, used on damp hair before blow-drying. I also like to use a bit on dry hair after as it gives the best results. However, for use on dry hair during the day, I like Orofluido Sahara more. So onto claims:
Provides lightweight moisture: Yes and no. It provides moisture, but it's not that lightweight, a fact I as a person with mega dry hair, don't mind, but it could be too much for some, especially if you use it on dry hair every day several days in a row (which if you follow the instructions, you won't do). Even my hair felt a bit coated after a few days, but I have been very liberal with it. Moderation is the key word here.
Helps prevent static electricity: When I'm blow-drying my hair, I don't notice that big of a difference when it comes to taming frizz, especially compared to Orofluido Sahara. But if I put my hair in a bun after drying and let the hair cool down, then yes, there is a lot less frizz than if I hadn't used anything.
Detangles hair: It'd be a pretty rubbish and pointless conditioner if it wouldn't. So yes.

It has a weak and a bit sweet scent, but it's no aromatherapy session like Orofluido Sahara or even Gliss Kur Total Repair 19. It sprays an even, thin mist so that's a plus.

As far as helping fight dryness, it won't knock Orofluido Sahara off the throne, but it is pretty damn good and I rate it very highly. Besides, I consider them completely different products, more like cousin really, I can't use Orofluido for creating no-heat curls. I got mine on Feel Unique for 14€.

Have a great hair day!

Favourite products from DM

DM is my go-to shop for essentials and basic product that I use in everyday life. I've recently repurchased a ton of stuff that either ran out or are about to and I realised that most of these basic products I buy are DM's and not Müller's. I meant to do a post with Müller's products as well only to find out there are hardly any in our house. I don't even know why, as both have a comparable quality of products. Maybe it's because DM has more intriguing and fun LE's? Or maybe because they have a great website with all of their products, which I will admit I love checking out now and then, making a list of the things I might be interested in. Most of the products are so affordable and you can have some great guilt free shopping there, but it can be a trial and error experience. Since I have so many things at this moment, I decided to do a post of my favourites and things I repurchase again and again.
If you're not familiar with what DM is, in short it's a German version of Superdrug (and Műller is something like Boots or Ulta). Their shops are in most countries of central and south east Europe. They have several of their own brands, with loads of affordable products.
Blue text are links to individual reviews and you can try labels for Balea, Alverde and Sun Dance.

Balea shower gels

Just simple, generic shower gels, not particularly moisturising nor drying, but they have a great selection of scents and so many nice LE's. Most cost only 0.85€. Currently I have only LE's.

Fiji Passionfruit LE - a fresh passion fruit scent.

 Hawaii Pineaaple LE - a very authentic pina colada scent.

Brazil Mango LE - a sweet fruit candy scent.

Sweet Wonderland LE - an amazing cocoa scent.

Balea's Traum Geschöpft LE - best peach scented shower gel so far. Already discontinued.

Balea creme soap peach&nectarine

A peach and nectarine slightly soapy scented hand soap. I adore the scent and refuse to buy any other, much to annoyance of others. I've bough at least six refills so far.

Balea deosprays

Performance-wise they are as average as they can get, however, their scents are lovely and there are always new intriguing LE's. I layer deodorants anyway, use roll-on first and then top it with a deospray that I respray during the day to freshen up the scent. They cost less than a €.

Cocos & Nectarine deodorant - a soapy version of creamy coconut and nectarine scent.

Balea Hawaii deospray LE  - a candy papaya and frangipani scent. My second favourite and my second can so far.

Sweet Wonderland LE- cocoa scent. I have the full size and the travel version.

Balea's Traum Geschöpft LE - best peach scented deospray and my favourite. Sadly, I only have the travel version and it's already discontinued.

Alverde coconut oil

  It's an essential item in my bathroom and I use for so many things - body, hair, as a makeup remover and for shaving, because it leaves the skin crazy smooth and moisturised. It smells like a coconut creamy dessert or a coconut muffin, basically a mix of coconut and vanilla, but not too heavy or excessively sweet.  It comes in a glass bottle with a pump and costs 3.95€ for 100ml. I'm on my second bottle.

Balea shaving gel

 I've been buying these since forever, because they are really good and affordable. 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. My favourite LE was the Kiwi one.

Regular one has a floral-powdery scent.

 Caribbean Dream LE - an artificial coconut scent.

Milk n' Peach - (not in the picture) a sour pear scent.

Balea bodycreme sunny peach LE

A huge 500 ml tube of a light body moisturiser with a fantastic peach scent for less than 2€. There is also a coconut version in permanent assortment.

Alverde hair oil with almond and argan oil

A light hair oil with no silicones, just argan, almond, soy and walnut oil with some vitamin E. The one in the picture is almost empty, but there are two more lying around the house. I use it every time my hair feels dry. A great product for about 3€.

SauBär lavender room spray

The original name is Gespenster-Schreck spray and it claims to banish all the scary ghosts and monsters, which is just so adorable and is one of the coolest product for children. It's basically just a mini spray with a very calming scent of lavender and a bit of camomile. I have two actually. I spray my pillows with it and just enjoy the calming aroma before I fall asleep (and I've seen no ghosts or monsters when I used it. It must work then). It's very affordable for 100ml bottle, but I don't recall the exact price.

Sun Dance mattifying sun fluid SPF 30 

Ignoring the ingredients, which are basically a nightmare for anyone who is more into such stuff, it's the most comfortable sunscreen for face I've tried. It's light and doesn't leave my skin too tacky, works great under foundation, but the finish is still suncreen glowy, however, nothing like with regular sunscreens. 50ml costs only 2.95€

Balea eye makeup removing pads waterproof 

Admittedly, these are the oiliest pads I've used. However, I did get used to that, but I need to use a cleanser to get rid of the mess the oil leaves. They remove waterproof mascara completely, so if you need something effective, but really cheap, they're fine. Maybelline eye makup remover waterproof is much better, though. However, it costs twice as much.

Das gesunde plus tea tree oil

Basic tea tree oil that can be used for so many things. I use it as a spot treatment and adding it to shampoo to treat dandruff. 30 ml bottle costs 2.75€.

 Ebeline bobby pins/hair grips 6 cm wavy in black

You'd think you can find such basic stuff everywhere, but the last time was buying them, I nearly lost it. Müller has only some really weird ones and H&M was out of stock (but theirs are just like this ones, only slightly more expensive), I finally found exactly what I need and want in DM. They come in different colours and sizes. The fact that the plastic end doesn't fall off, which makes the pin super scratchy, is a sign of quality for me. They cost 1.85€.

Ebeline hair claw clips in black

Such a basic product, but I swear the Ebeline ones in a six pack for 3.29€ are the best around. I mean the ones with smooth sides and rounded square top, the other ones with a more rounded top which are smaller are not as good. I tried others from other brands (Y.e.s. from Müller, H&M) and they break after a few uses. I was literally tossing one per day away, it made me so angry. These are the best I've found so far, but it's so hard to get them sometimes because they are out of stock so often.

Ebeline round ionic ceramic brush 60 mm

This wasn't cheap, but it is really good. The orange strip turns yellow when it's too hot for your hair. I use this every time I blow-dry my hair for a sleek result. It was around 10€. They have some good hair brushes in general and they come in so many sizes and shapes. Müller's brand Body&Soul has a similar brush.

Ebeline cotton pads

Such an essential, but these are the best ones I've tried. I had a few other brands and they were just awful compared to these, I couldn't wait to use them up. I buy the biggest packaging.

Ebeline cosmetic cotton buds 

A staple for any makeup application. Müller's brand Duchesse has similar ones, but they didn't have them when I was buying them.

Balea foot file

The ones from Müller and this one are virtually identical. It's a basic foot file and I've bought over a dozen of them through the years.

Balea gel heel shields

There are not nearly as soft and comfortable than Scholl Party feet ones, but I have two pads on the back of each of my shoe because I have very narrow heels and most shoes without straps just slide off my feet. I have these cheap ones under the Scholl ones. 

Denk Mit disinfection line

A great line with several different products for disinfection. I buy the spray and wet wipes. I've bought so many over the years and there are several sprays of this disinfectant in our house.

Denk Mit screen wipes

Just your basic wet wipes for screens. Cheap and effective.

I like their cleaning wipes in general, there are so many versions, and I also buy the all-purpose wipes in blue packaging and their dust cloths, but I don't have any currently. When I was living alone in Ljubljana, I bought most of the cleaning supplies in DM, simply because their shop was so close to my then-home and they're brand is really affordable.

Of course, there have been some disappointments, I just bought one a few days ago (Sundance Getöntes Fluid mit Soforteffekt LE), but most of the products are really good for the price. I'm not a fan of their hair products, Alverde hair oil being a notable exception and also their Power volume mousse is quite nice, but the rest didn't leave a memorable impression. Their hair stuff is just too basic for my needs and doesn't do anything for my hair. I find their makeup line S-he boring and their Jessa line is pretty much rubbish, at least the stuff I tried (worst glue on pads ever). Skin care is also a bit of a hit and miss, I haven't really bonded with any of the products, but my mom likes the Q10 anti-aging daycream SPF 15 and has used up several pots. I'm also not a fan of the Ebeline nail polish remover because it is very drying.

Honestly, I've been shopping there since my early teens and I've probably tried less than half of their products as they are so many. I have found some fantastic affordable staples that I just keep repurchasing and there are so many things I have yet to try. I should also try more of the Müller product, I don't know why I haven't so far.

And some blog love:
Summer posted about her favourites from Balea on her blog here.
Posts about favourite Balea and Alverde product on Makeup&More here, here  and here (in Serbian).
Snow posted her Balea favourites here.
Also Erika from Fatalna.si and Taya speak highly of Balea Aqua Serum. Taya has tons of short reviews of DM's products. Just search for labels Balea, Alverde,...

So that's my selection. I'd love to hear your recommendations or if you already did a similar post you can link it (but no shameless excessive self-promotion).

Have a great day!

Sun Dance Mattifying Sun Fluid SPF 30

Honestly, I feel a bit uncomfortable writing a review for this sunscreen. The thing is that ingredients-wise it pretty much a disaster, however, it is the most comfortable sunscreen I've had to date.

It was released this year and Müller's brand Lavazon does a similar product, but I believe it is slightly more expensive. It is very light for a sunscreen and very runny. It blends easily into the skin and there is not much of a white cast (but then I'm pale as a ghost, it might just not show on my skin). It doesn't feel tacky or sticky, it's almost dry to the touch and feels very comfortable. Of course, it feels a lot heavier if you apply a recommended amount of one teaspoon/5ml, which I'm sorry, but I'm not prepared to do (not only that it's unbearably greasy no matter what sunscreen you use, it's also expensive since I'd use it up in weeks. Judge me all you want). It's not a matte finish and it still has that sunscreen glow, but it is a lot less intense that at regular sunscreens. I just use powder over the top. It works great with all foundations I own and doesn't flake. It doesn't dry out my skin at all.

I don't spend much time in the sun, mostly less than 15 minutes a day and I'm not planning to go on a holiday, so I will use it up. For the exposure I get, it's good enough me. The scent is quite a strong chemical sunscreen one. Personally, I don't mind it, I actually like it. The packaging is a nice sleek tube and very travel friendly. 

What can I say. If you have a problem with octocrylene, alcohol and heavy fragrances, give it a pass. But if you're desperate for an inexpensive light sunscreen, it's not bad. The SPF could be higher, though. I'm not aware of any decent light sunscreens for such an affordable price. 50ml costs only 2.95€ in DM's.  

Which sunscreens do you use? Feel free to drop your recommendations for a light sunscreen with more decent ingredients in the comments. Have a great day! 

Balance Me Cleanse and Smooth Face Balm

This is my first cleansing balm and I don't have a habit of buying expensive cleansers, but I did splurge this time to see how much better they perform in comparison to cheap cleansers that I tend to use. I've been using it for about a month now and the answer is much, much better. My face always felt so tight after cleansing and I had tons of dry patches appearing everywhere until I first started using L'Oreal Miracle Cleansing Oil (which I adore, but sadly it's clogging my pores) and now this one. Now my skin feels much better. 

It has a very runny texture, like an oily gel of sorts and I have to be very careful when opening the lid or it gets everywhere. I want everything clean and perfect like it just came out of a shop, so this bothered me a lot from the beginning, but I learned how to get the desired amount without spilling the product everywhere.
Edit 29.03.2014: I'm on my second tube and I'm not sure whether the first tube was faulty or the change in ingredients is the reason, but the texture is different, in fact better. It's a thick balm and not runny as the first one, but it still has the oatmeal scrubbing particles inside. How it performs is still the same.
It comes in a basic tube with a flip top, which makes it not just practical, but also more hygienic than those in a pot.

It feels like a thicker oily cream when applied to the face. I massage it on dry skin for about 30 seconds. When water is added becomes smoother, though doesn't emulsify like the L'Oreal oil and I massage it for a few more seconds. It has oatmeal scrub particles in it, which are not too coarse, but still do their job. I remove it with a damp flannel that I soaked in warm/hot water. It needs to be wiped off with something, otherwise it will leave a film on the skin. It leaves the skin feeling clean, soft and moisturised, the effect is very similar to L'Oreal oil. There are no dry patches, my skin doesn't get tight and it feels very comfortable. After cleansing, I continue with my regular routine.

It doesn't sting my eyes and I can open them while the product is on my face. It also doesn't make my vision cloudy, for comparison the L'Oreal one does.

To do a proper test, I used it for removing a full face makeup with Estee Lauder DW Maximum Cover and waterproof mascara. It removed all but mascara, so I use a separate oily remover for eye makeup before cleansing.

The scent is not particularly strong and it's quite sweet. If you're from a country where Kraš candy is sold, you'll be familiar with  Kiki candy,  this smells very much like it.

You get a muslin cloth with it, which is rubbish. It's like one of those cloth handkerchiefs and so odd to use with this cleanser. I don't like it one bit. I just use my flannels. For those who aren't familiar with British English, flannels are mini "glove" towels, in American English called washcloths  I have them pictured here. (Confusing, I know. I guess most people think of shirts or fabric when they hear the word flannels). When I run out of flannels, I just wet the end of a regular towel. It's the same thing, so you don't need to buy flannels if you don't want to, but they are easier to use.

It's not cheap at 20£ (23€/30$ at the moment) for a tube and I'm still not a fan of flushing my money down the drain, though technically this doesn't exactly wash off completely, so I do forgive it a bit. I got mine on Look Fantastic and you can also get it on Naturisimo. Both have free worldwide shipping. If you want something cheaper and don't mind mineral oil, L'Oreal Skin Perfection 15 Seconds Miracle Cleansing Oil is nice as well.

This is a wonderful product and it's the first cleanser I'd repurchase after they discontinued Nivea Toddies gel (I bought over a dozen of those in a row). However, I'd still like to try some more cleansers as I don't want to just settle on the first balm I tried. I've been checking reviews on makeupalley and Clinique Take the Day Off Cleansing Balm is first on my list, because it supposedly removes waterproof mascara. I'd also like to try Clarins Pure Melt Cleansing gel, the famous Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish, L'Occitane Immortelle Precious Cleansing Foam and Origins Clean Energy Cleansing Oil. Oh, I'm so modest...

Have a great day!

July Favourites 2013

Dior Diorskin Nude BB Creme 

I just did a review for it, so I won't go into much detail, but it is a lovely, light coverage BB with a skin-like finish. I wore it on most days this month. 

Balance Me Cleanse and Smooth Face Balm

My first cleansing balm and I have to admit, I really like it. It removes all but mascara and leaves my skin feeling clean yet moisturised. I'll do a review soon.

Clarins Gentle Exfoliator Brightening Toner

A lovely, exfoliating, hydrating toner that really made a difference in how my skin looks. My skin is brighter, clearer, smoother and those few red marks I have, have significantly faded. I really enjoy using it.

L'Occitane Angelica Hydrating Cream
I only have a generous sample, but I've been using it for two weeks now and I must say, this is flipping gorgeous. Truly an amazing moisturiser. It's so light, yet really hydrating and it leaves my skin so supple and nice with a semi-matte finish. I think it's the best moisturiser I've ever used, better than Eucerin Aquaporin light, which I just repurchased and also works based on aquaporins (sort of a plumbing system for cells). It works so well as a base for make up because it sinks into to the skin instantly and leaves a very smooth, almost velvety finish. I am bothered by the extortionate price though. At 37€ for a pot, it is not the most affordable product, while Eucerin's is 15€, plus it comes in a tube.

Essence Stay Matte Lip Cream 02 Berry Smoothie

These lip creams are so good! The formula is my favourite out of all the lip creams I own, because it's so pigmented, applies like a dream, doesn't dry out my lips and smells so nice. Amazing quality for the price. I have three so far and I wore Berry Smoothie this month most as I was inspired by a picture on Pinterest.

Rimmel Apocalips Lip Lacquer Stellar

This shade is stunningly beautiful. It's such a bright, fun colour, sort of a mix between coral and pink. The quality of these lacquers is great, because they are so pigmented and wear off to a nice stain, but the scent is horrible.

Revlon Matte Lipstick Pink About It

I wore this shade the most this month. Revlon had one of the best, if not the best, matte lipstick formulas I've ever tried. Obviously, they had to discontinue this line and make a bunch of glossy-lip balm-lipstick thingies instead *sighs*. Pink About It is one of the prettiest medium pink-corals and a great everyday shade. 

Tony Moly Petite Bunny Gloss Bar Juicy Orange 

Not my usual choice of colour since it is orange, but the formula is so nice and the scent is divine. Plus I love the grumpy bunny packaging,  which is just so adorable. I use it as a chapstick, even though it is quite pigmented. 

Garnier Body Ultimate Beauty Oil 

I called this in my review: the ultimate lazy girl's moisturiser. It's so easy to use - just spray it on, there really is not much need for rubbing it in and you're done. It gives that nice sheen to the skin, which looks great in the Summer.

Healthy Sexy Hair Soy Tri-Wheat Leave in Conditioner

The heat is drying out my hair, so I keep them in shape with this leave in spray conditioner. I just quickly spray a bit in my hair every day and it keeps the dryness at bay. I'll do a proper review soon.

Lady Gaga Fame eau de parfum

I just adore this fragrance, with each day I like it more. It's the most amazing honeyed apricot with smokiness of the incense. Truly a wonderful mix of notes. It is quite heavy scent for the heat we're having a the moment (it peaked at 37.9°C/100.2°F where I live), but I wore it constantly in the middle of the month.

 Essence Season of Extremes nail polish Did Someone Say Nude?

This is my absolute favourite product this month. I rediscovered it in my collection and I've had it for quite a while, but rarely used it. It was part of a LE years ago and I also love another shade from that LE, a bright neon coral, called Bright Alert! It is the most gorgeous mint shade ever. And yes, it is prettier than Essie Mint Candy Apple which is less green. I'm not aware of any dupes, but if anyone knows about one, please let me know.

Have a great day!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I'm wearing only the BB here:

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

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

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

Have a great day!

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!