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Asian Skin Care

November 20, 2019, 9:29 am
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I was first introduced to Asian skin care by watching some YouTubers that used Asian products in their skin care routine. At first I was skeptical, but as I researched a bit, I realized it's a cutting edge technology driven industry that actually sets up a lot of grounds for Western brands.



Their skin care products seem to claim only what they can deliver, which is exactly how I like it. On some Western creams you'll find claims that will make you think it will be paying morgage for you as well. 

In Asian skin care you'll find preferred ingredients that you'll come across in many different ranges and brands - like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, niacinamide and snail mucin. Their packaging can be either simplistic or super cute and almost childish looking. They're known for changing up not only packaging, but also upgrading formulas every once in a while, but some staples will stay untouched. You can read more about Asian skin care in one of my posts where I reviewed The Little Book of Skin Care by Charlotte Cho. 

If you start researching must have Asian skin care products, you'll find some basics that are popular across all skin care lovers and I feel like you can't go wrong with those, if the description fits your needs. 

Here are some of Asian skin care products, mostly Korean, that I have used in the past and that have been either descent or I have really loved and repurchased several times since. I'm basically mentioning those worth checking out, if you're new to Asian skin care market.



COSRX is one of my favorite Korean skin care brands. You really can't go wrong with their products. I've tried a few already and some have quickly become staples in my routine. 

Their low pH cleanser was my favorite cleanser for summer, when I was dealing with excessive sebum production - oily skin and lots of sweating. This is transparent gel type cleanser that creates soft foam once you mix it with water. It has strong tea tree scent. because of the tea tree oil in it. It's slightly acidic cleanser with BHA which will chemically exfoliate - clean out pores and get rid of dead skin cells. It was gentle enough on my combination skin in the summer, when I tend to produce more oil and therefore have more clogged pores. 

I used it mostly in the evening. It removes any last traces of makeup, makes skin smooth, cleans out pores well and almost feels refreshing and cooling.

Best for: combination/oily skin with uneven texture and clogged pores
Price: 8-13€


Hada Labo Rohto Gokujyn Hyaluronic Acid Lotion

Humectants like hyaluronic acid have gained major popularity, because they are excellent ingredients for keeping skin hydrated. Many Westrern brands have been including hyaluronic acid in their products as well. Hada Labo is Japanese brand very well known for their hyaluronic acid products and this lotion is one of their most popular ones. 

It's transparent, watery liquid that contains four types (sizes) of hyaluronic acid in order to penetrate all levels of skin. It's just slightly thicker than water, absorbs fast and you almost can't feel it on the skin. It didn't clog my pores and made my skin well hydrated. This is excellent for oily skins, because it feels so lightweight on the skin, but it will work for any skin really. It has no fragrance to it. I got mini size which actually lasted me three to four months. It's nice that you can buy smaller sizes before committing to a whole new product and formula.

Best for: all skins that need hydration
Price: mini around 6€

Cezanne Skin Conditioner High Moist

Cezanne is another Japanese brand with very popular hydrating lotion. It comes in a huge bottle that contains 500 ml of product, so you can pretty much use it all over your body as well. It contains several hydrating and skin friendly ingredients like ceramide, hyaluronic acid and amino acids.

This is another type of slightly more viscose  than water liquid product that has murky white color to it and a good slip. It's very lightweight and absorbs well, but this one leaves a bit more nourishing layer on the skin than Hada Labo. It sinks into the skin quickly, so you can definitely layer this. In the summer this was all I used on my face through the day (apart from SPF). If you want your skin to be even more hydrated, layer a few layers of this on top of each other.

It feels hydrating and slightly nourishing. Formula is super lightweight and I never had any clogging of pores or irritation, because it also doesn't contain any fragrance. It will work great for dry to oily skin, it just depends on how much you use it.

Best for: all skin that needs hydration, especially nice for sensitive skin
Price: around 15€


Secret Key Aloe Soothing Moist Toner

Usually, my routine was always filled with exfoliating toners, because I didn't really like any of the traditional toners. Most of them were full of alcohol and not much else. This was the first classic hydrating toner that I liked.

It comes heavily recommended because of its big size at an affordable price. It's watery lotion that is light on the skin, but feels hydrating and moisturizing. It feels almost soothing after you wash your face and apply this on top. There is some herbal sweet scent to it, so it won't be best for sensitive skin.

I mostly used this in the summer months when my skin couldn't handle any heavier moisturizers, because my skin was getting clogged by all that sebum production. It's a very basic hydrating toner and you'll appreciate it, if you don't need anything too hydrating or nourishing. If you want something more effective than go for Hada Labo or Cezanne instead.

Best for: normal skin that needs very basic hydrating
Price: around 9€



I must have used about three to four bottles of this already. It's one of my favorite chemical exfoliating toners. COSRX uses very simple no-fuss packaging, but their formulas are great.

It's liquid toner with slight yellow tint to it. It contains BHA and AHA as well as black bee propolis. It's meant for problematic, but formulated also for sensitive skin. From my experience many exfoliating toners are too harsh for sensitive skin. Acids are irritating in general, but this formula is the gentles I have tried so far. If you have very irritated skin stay always from any acids in general or choose gentler ones like lactic acid. 

I almost never notice any sting with this formula on my skin. It feels light on the skin and just a bit tacky, which almost creates soothing feel on the skin. Acids in it make my skin smoother and if I use it daily, I notice my pores look better - cleaner. When I am dealing with pimples, this calms them down and helps them heal faster. It has strong tea tree scent to it.

Best for: uneven texture, clogged pores and breakouts (gentle enough for slightly sensitive skin)
Price: around 13€



While we're on the topic of COSRX, here is another amazing product from their range that I have been loving. Snail mucin or slime is one of the most popular Asian skin care ingredients. It may sound disgusting, trust me, I get it, but once you try it in a skin care formula, you'll see it doesn't look or feel awful at all. Snail slime contains ingredients like glycoproteins, hyaluronic acid and glycolic acids. It's great hydrator, antioxidant and produces collagen. It's also one of the best ingredients for healing skin with blemishes or acne scars.

I imagine essences being more liquid, but this is quite viscose gel type of formula that has a bit of that slimy slip to it. It's very smooth and spreads well. On the skin it feels hydrating and nourishing, but in a lightweight layer. It absorbs into the skin well. It's unscented, but there is some natural scent to it.

This is one of those lightweight products that hydrates the skin well and also nourishes it at once. It's great for healing any scars or blemishes. I notice my atopic dermatitis on the back healed faster as well as some blemishes healed up much faster, when using this every day. This is almost that soothing multi-tasker that does a bit of all. If you use it regularly, you might even notice some added sheen to your skin.

Best for: damaged skin that need healing and nourishment, sensitive skin
Price: around 14€


Mizon Snail Repair Eye Cream

When it comes to eye creams, I'll admit, I am not very fussy, because I treat it like a lighter moisturizer and don't expect much more from it. Both eye creams that I mention here have come up in my search for affordable Asian eye cream.

Mizon snail eye cream is that slightly white gel type of cream that feels very lightweight on the skin and it has a smooth glide to it. It contains 80% snail secretion filtrate which regenerates skin and therefore reduces fine lines and wrinkles. I especially liked lightweight feel on the skin and the fact that it felt moisturizing enough, but didn't cause me any milia or clogged pores. It doesn't contain any fragrance and works great under makeup. 

I believe this must be a small size of the cream, which actually lasted me pretty long time, because you need the tinniest amount. I have already purchased two of these in the past.

Best for: all skins, also sensitive
Price: around 6€


AHC Ultimate Real Eye Cream For Face

This is the most popular Korean eye cream brand and this particular eye cream has won several awards. I stumbled upon it while researching good Asian eye creams. AHC has some serious claims attached to it backed up by science, so it sound very impressive.

AHC Ultimate real eye Cream has about 7 different types of eye creams and I chose Ultimate Real, because it seemed to be one of the best universal ones. It's sold as super absorbent anti-aging eye cream with thermosensitive polymers. It contains 18 types of peptides that improve antioxidation and elasticity, 5 types of plant stem cells to regulate moisture and pure biotics water also for moisture. It should also be brightening.

Texture is almost like a gel cream hybrid and it has a smooth glide. I find it to hydrate well, but not feel heavy or look sticky. It wears well under makeup and I liked it a lot. My under eyes aren't too wrinkly, so I can't say how good it is for that and I also don't have a lot of discoloration, but I find it to be very pleasant to you. And you need very small amount of it. It has sweet sort of herbal scent to it.

Best for: all skins, except very sensitive (because of fragrance)
Price: around 6€


Mizon All In One Snail Repair Cream

Because I was so satisfied with Snail Repair eye cream, I decided to try out mini version of all in one cream as well which should be, as the name suggests, for all parts of the body.

This formula also felt like a cream/gel hybrid, but with more of that typical slimy feel to it. It's very lightweight and absorbs into the skin fast. Behind it leaves almost matte finish, which leads me to believe this would be great for combination and oily skin types that don't want any added shine. 

It contains 92% of snail extract which is amazing for healing and hydrating. Despite light feel on the skin, it moisturized and nourished skin well. This would be my summer moisturizer. There is also no added fragrance. 

Best for: all skins, especially damadged and in need of nourishment
Price: mini around 5€


Tony Moly Panda's Dream White Magic Cream

Let's talk about cute, ha?! This is definitely the most cute skin care packaging I own. It's typical example of Asian skin care that has been packaged in a super cute format that just invites you to buy it. I actually bought it based on the testers that I got, but the packaging didn't hurt either.

It's a thicker looking white cream, but it feels surprisingly light on the skin and it's very spreadable. It's very white since it contains titanium dioxide, so it looks almost like a physical sunscreen, but without the heavy greasy feel. Niacinamide is also high on the list and brightening is one of its benefits. This cream will leave a white cast, but it will also even out skin tone. I was especially surprised by how this made my skin tone look so even, but also a lot lighter and brighter in tone. It's the main reason why I bought it. My skin around the mouth is sallow, but with this cream it actually looks all evened out.

It has a strong scent to it which smells sort of powdery and floral. 

You can use it as a moisturizer, but it's more appropriate for normal skin that doesn't need a lot of hydration, because it leaves sort of a velvet finish on the skin. You can also use it as a primer to even out skin tone and I feel like this is its best power. 

Best for: dull, light skin tone
Price: around 9€



My absolute favorite sunscreen for everyday that I have repurchased several tubes of. If there's one thing that Asians do well, it's sunscreen. And by that I mean that their sunscreens are always so nice to wear. Partly, because most of them use chemical filters which don't leave white cast on your face and are formulated in a much lighter way.

This is thin white cream that spreads with ease, absorbs quickly and leaves no white cast on your face. It leaves behind velvet matte finish with just a touch of sheen. It feels moisturizing on its own and I won't even use anything else in hot summer heat under it, apart from maybe Cezanne or Hada Labo. Cream has citrus scent which smells sort of refreshing, but doesn't feel irritating on me. It has SPF of 45 or PA+++ and isn't waterproof. 

It's so lightweight on the skin that I use it every day under makeup. It would also work great for all your men that hate sticky feeling of sunscreen on their face, because the finish is so velvet that no one will notice they're wearing it. If you have very sensitive skin, chemical filters may irritate you, so do some research.

Best for: All skins that deal well with chemical filters
Price: around 8€



OK, so this might look like makeup, but I think it belongs in skin care category as well. It's a true multitasker, being moisturizer, sunscreen and primer all in one. It's liquid white cream that spreads with ease and feels lightweight, but leaves slightly tacky layer which acts great as a primer. It contains chemical physical sunscreen filters and has high SPF of 50+ or PA+++.

It feels moisturizing and a bit nourishing on the skin and because it contains tiny pearl particles, it gives your skin beautiful luminous shine. It really is like a beautifying moisturizer, because it gives your skin a very healthy glow and it protects it from sun. You can just use it as a primer and put makeup on top as well. It has fruity scent to it.

If this wouldn't be as expensive, I would use it as moisturizer every day and especially on those no makeup days, because this gives skin such a healthy expensive sheen. Sometimes I also use it as liquid highlighter.

Best for: all skins, except very oily
Price: around 17€



This has to be one of the best products for anyone that deals with blemishes or acne. Let's face it, we all have those pesky days in the month where hormonal breakouts are inevitable or those weekends that we went ham on that pizza and cake. COSRX patches come in play here. 

It's basically a hydrocolloid patch that has a slight rubberized feel to it, but it's very thin. After looking up ingredients list, I really can't pin point which is the ingredient in it that would actually help with the healing, because it doesn't contain any active ingredient like salicylic acid and such. But it somehow works, probably because it isolates the blemish and keeps it moisturized.

In the pack are 24 patches of 3 different sizes, so you can apply bigger ones on bigger blemishes and smaller ones on smaller. Or do it like me and cut bigger one in half to get more uses out of this one pack. These patches come packed in an extreme hygienic way for something that is cosmetic. You may look like you're performing a surgery while opening these up, but hey, at least you know COSRX is not kidding with their products. 

I apply patch on a blemish and in time gel patch becomes whiter in the middle of the blemish and it looks like it sucked out all of the gunk from the blemish. I'm telling you, it looks magical and it works. My smaller blemishes tend to heal overnight with this. However, I can't not pick on them and those huge ones that look infected, they take longer to heal. You might need to use three of those patches on them. I find these patches to be especially good for those huge, deep rooted blemishes. 

I've tried similar patches from other brands and honestly, nothing comes even close to COSRX. 

Best for: problematic skin with blemishes and acne
Price: around 4€



This is one of those unnecessary products, but it works well and is great for pampering. It's a pot full of hydrogel patches that you can use around the eyes or lips to keep that area more hydrated. I like that it comes air tight and with a separate spatula, so you can scoop out each eye patch without touching the others. Very hygienic, again.

Olive green patches with apparently real gold sparkle in them have that elastic hydrogel feel to them. Patches are very moist and adhere to the face well. In the ingredients list you'll find many marine extracts - hence the name. 

They actually nourish the skin very well. Gold shimmer in it will transfer onto skin - be aware. These kind of products are a bit of a gimmick in itself, because you can just use a good moisturizing cream around the eyes and it feels the same, but I kind of like using them. It's that quick fix for tired or dry under eyes. It works great under makeup, because it makes the skin look nourished and moisturized plus it acts as a shield for eyeshadow falldown while you're doing your eye makeup. 

Best for: dry under eyes 
Price: around 20€


Sheet Masks

One of the most popular Asian products have to be sheet masks. They have become popular in Western world as well. I've done a whole post about Asian sheet masks in the past and you can read reviews of some of my favorites there.

I'll include list of type of masks that I have tried from different brands so far and all of these were nice and I would recommend. 

Etude House 0.2 Therapy Air Mask - Manuka Honey, Snail, Ceramide, Hyaluronic Acid,

Innisfree It's Real Squeeze Mask -  Ginseng, Green Tea, Bamboo

Missha Pure Source Cell Sheet Mask - Rice, Honey, Pearl

My Beauty Diary - Black Pearl

Papa Recipe - Bombee Whitening Honey Mask

Mizon - Enjoy Vital-up Time Calming Mask

Prices: 2-5€/piece

Where to buy?

So you've got some ideas on which Asian products might be worth trying out and adding to your routine, but where would you buy them?

In Slovenia you can buy Asian skin care on Missha (they also have physical store in Ljubljana BTC), All4skin, Skintrick and Healthyskin (not sure, if this is still available).

International readers can get it on Stylekorean, Soko Glam, Yes Style, Jolse, Beautynetkorea or Ebay.

If you already use any of Asian skin care products and they are your favorite or must haves, I would love to hear about. In the future I might also do the same post about Asian makeup products.
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Review: Essence Stay 8h Lipliner Waterproof - 03 so default

November 26, 2019, 8:20 am
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Essence constantly changes their assortment and I sometimes wonder, if it's even worth writing a full review, since it might get discontinued soon. Essence Stay 8h Lipliners Waterproof have been added in the range at the end of this year, so they are fairly new.



Packaging

Pencil comes in a matte plastic packaging in the color that represents inside shade. Tip is pointy and it comes out by swirling the bottom. It also has small sharpener on the end with which you can always sharpen up the tip. 

In it is 0.28 grams of product and it costs 1.99€.



Colors

It comes in 8 colors, mostly just nudes, a red, pink and burgundy. 

03 so default is light medium warm brownish pinky nude that will go with most looks and skin tones. It may look cooler and warmer depending on your skin tone. On me it looks warm. It's that very wearable slightly darker nude with just enough pink to it.

Formula

This is supposedly high pigmented formula that withstands breakfast, lunch or coffee break. It glides on the lips with ease and stays in place for 8 hours without feeling dry on the lips. 

It's creamy, but feels thicker and it sticks to the lips really well. It applies smoothly and there is no patchiness. Pigmentation is very good. With one swipe you get intense color and you can actually almost use it on its own as a lipstick.

Finish has a bit of sheen in the beginning, but it becomes completely matte on my dry lips as soon as it dries down a bit.


Performance

It feels a bit sticky, because it's that thicker formula that really grabs on the lips, which makes it very long lasting. If you apply lipstick on top, the stickiness won't bother you, on it's own, it can be annoying. I tried it under a running water and it's definitely waterproof as well as transfer proof.


Formula actually reminds me a bit of their old Longlasting Lipliners, but it's definitely more long lasting. This really sticks to the lips and it will stay in place well. Pigmentation is great. Shade selection could be better. I think staying power has to be its best feature and for that reason alone, I might get some more shades. I just wish there were more nude versions available. 
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November 2019 Favorites

December 2, 2019, 10:12 am
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This November was all about skin care. As the weather gets colder, skin needs become higher plus add atopic dermatitis to this and it seems like all I have been buying lately is new skin care to manage my skin. Hence why there is so much of it in my favorites. My makeup is yet again very minimal, because I just don't have time for anything more complicated.





The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 2% in Squalane

Since it's that time of year again, when the sun doesn't hit my face anymore, I've started using retinoids again. This is a good cheaper and mild alternative for those of you that have a bit more sensitive skin. This is a pretty oily formula that actually sinks into the skin well. It doesn't feel too greasy, but I find it just nourishing enough for this time of year. I also don't get any stinging or irritation from it, but my skin appears clearer, smoother and more even toned, when I use it regularly.



These cream eyeshadow sticks are quite popular for Kiko lovers and I too have once invested in many shades, but for some reason forgot to use them. Now I have started to use them again, sort of as a colorful creamy eyeshadow base for powder eyeshadows. I apply this all over the lid and then apply shimmery powder eyeshadow on top to set it. It's very quick and easy eye makeup look for in the morning when you don't have much time. Plus, because you have a cream base, it sticks to the skin well and stays on, especially now in colder months, when my lids don't get that oily. This shade is that neutral bronze shade that will suit everyone.



This is one of my favorite eyeshadow palettes in my stash. Color range is just right up my alley. Subtle Blend is one of those perfect shimmery bronze shades that I use all the time and now put on top of that Kiko eyeshadow. It's flattering color that looks good with any makeup and it's so easy to achieve. This is that perfect basic warm palette that features such flattering shades. Mattes are perfect for the crease and shimmers for the lid. Quality of eyeshadows is also nice, pigmented and stays put well. 


Inglot Freedom System HD Sculpting Powder 505

I can see why everyone raved about this particular shade as being the best for fair skin. It's that grey toned, but very light, contour shade that will suit fair to light skin tones. It's so light that this would be too light for me in the summer. For the winter this is very subtle contour that I can build up a bit, but in general can't overdo, which is one of the reasons I like it so much. I can pick up a brush and apply it without the worry of it being unblended or heavy looking. It's smooth formula that blends out well and looks very natural matte. 


I've talked extensively about Flexitarian in many posts, so I'll be short. This is actually one of the most reflective highlighters with invisible shimmer and since it's very stark and on the cooler side, I wear it mostly in the winter, when my complexion is the palest. It gives the skin such a reflective sheen that I have to use it sparingly. It's one of the best highlighters I have in my collection. Formula is creamy to the touch, but it acts like powder on the skin and you can apply it on top of powders. 


Benefit Gimme Brow Brow-volumizing Fiber Gel

This came in a set with their Roller Lash mascara and Hoola bronzer. I bought the set, because it was the same price as if I bought only Hoola bronzer and I thought it was a better deal. I got one full size mascara with it and one mini brow gel. Gel turned out to be better than I thought. Shade 3 is actually more of a medium brown and because it has tiny brush, you can really coat every single lash. I usually use softer and lighter pencils and this brow gel coats my natural brows and makes them darker. It adds texture to my otherwise flat brow and more dimension. I really like this product. 



I've talked about this lip oil many times as well and this is my second tube of it. It's more like a thicker lip gloss with a very smooth glide on the lips. It's not oily, rather nourishing and soothing. It sticks to the lips so well and stays on. Plus it has a nice sweet scent and it definitely nourishes my lips so I think of it more as a nourishing lip balm, but in a more liquid form. I use it through the day instead of a lip balm, because it stays on the lips longer. You can get it in two shades and one is shimmery, but I prefer this transparent glossy look.


SVR Cicavit+ Creme

I came across this brand when someone mentioned it in one of Facebook beauty groups, I can't remember who it was. But they talked about this cream and how it sped up healing process of the skin. Since I am currently dealing with atopic dermatitis on my back and severe eczema on my hands, I am constantly on a search for super gentle moisturizers that would hydrate and heal the skin. SVR is a French Pharmacy brand (and in general I have great experiences with those) that caters to very sensitive skin type. Their ingredients are formulated in a way to give just what the skin needs without unnecessary irritation and for all age groups. Cicavit+ is a cream for soothing and healing damaged and irritated skin. It should accelerate skin repair, reduce redness and promote healing without lasting marks and scarring. I love that this has no mineral oil in it - paraffin, which most occlusive creams have. It doesn't smell like anything either. It's spreadable white cream with just the right consistency. I have been applying it on my chapped and scratched hand skin and this definitely healed it faster. Obviously, it wasn't just that, because I also changed my diet and added some supplements, but so far so good. This seems to heal my skin well and I have already repurchased more tubes of these. 

SVR Topialyse Baume Intensif Anti-Recidive

That was another products by SVR that caught my eye, because it had no mineral oil in the ingredients list. This is lightweight and gentle moisturizer for sensitive skin. In fact it says it's for extremely sensitive, inflamed, eczema-prone skin. It should soothe dryness and itching. Its formula is made of only 20 ingredients to soothe irritation, strengthen skin's barrier and reduce scratching for up to 48 hours. If you ever had severe eczema, you'll know, there's nothing that helps with the itching, except something cold. This definitely didn't make me itch less, but it feels nicely moisturizing, without feeling suffocating on the skin and I love that it has a bit of that coconut feel and smell to it. One of the star ingredients is cotton seed oil as well as niacinamide, which I've grown to love for sensitive skin. I am truly impressed with these two SVR products and I might try some more from this brand in the future. 


Brush for Dry Brushing

My atopic dermatitis on the back and layers of clothing combined with dry air from central heating usually result in a very itchy skin. Dry brushing is the answer to a better blood flow as well as instant itch relief. Usually, you'll hear that scratching is bad for your sensitive skin and I completely agree, but dry brushing gives you almost the same relief, but without the damage. I love taking the brush before going into the shower and gently removing dry dead skin cells off of my back. It usually just flakes off, because it's so dry and it feels so ah-mazing! It gets your blood flowing as well and in general works well for your whole body. 



I've actually came up with my own cocktail for treating atopic dermatitis on my back, which is slowly moving up down my arms now. I swear, this cold weather is nothing but trouble for me. My cocktail includes combining three skin care products to hydrate, soothe and promote healing. I've actually healed my back really well and now I have only problem with my arms. With a diligent skin care routine, I hope I can keep it manageable as well. I use Cezanne lotion first, because it's the most liquid. It contains lots of ceramides which strengthen skin barrier and hyaluronic acid which hydrated the skin. Then I apply niaciamide which actually soothes the skin and gets rid of the redness. It's a milky serum that is very spreadable and it is combined with zinc. Zinc is also used in many moisturizers for sensitive skin as it can be soothing and calm irritation. I will say, on wounded skin, this may sting, so use it at your own risk. 


After niacinamide, I apply this snail mucin by COSRX which gives my skin another lightweight nourishing layer that feels ultra comfortable. Snail mucin is known for its healing properties and I definitely notice my skin healing up faster with it. I've also used it on blemishes and it worked wonders there too. This cocktail of those three products seems to be working for me currently. I might add some more occlusive balm on top, if my skin gets even drier in the future. 


Avon Far Away Glamour Eau de Parfum Travel Size

I was eyeing this perfume in Avon catalog, because notes sounded like something that I would love - black currant, orange blossom, Madagascar vanilla, praline and black musk. So I bought a travel size to test it out and I like it. It's that slightly more subtle version from my punchier sweet and oriental scents. This one feels a bit lighter, in that it's more fruity in the beginning, but the creamy notes give it that subtle elegance and almost powdery feel. I would say it's a creamy sweet vanilla fruity scent. Nothing revolutionary, but comforting and just sweet enough and cozy. 
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Review: Inglot Freedom System HD Sculpting Powder - 505

December 9, 2019, 10:00 am
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My cousin was in Poland for a short trip and I seized the moment to ask her to get me some Inglot products, because I know they are half cheaper there. Inglot is in general harder to get in Slovenia, because we don't have it in any stores, I usually just buy it online.


Packaging

Freedom System by Inglot allows you to buy shades, finishes and products that suit your needs and combine them in an empty magnetic palette. I love this kind of system, because it lets your personalize your palettes. 

Sculpting powder comes in a rectangular metal pan and you can put it in any metallic palette. 

In it is 5.5 grams of product and it costs 8€ (Inglot Poland). I believe Inglot is only available on Beautybay in EU, apart from physical Inglot stores.


Formula

It has a smooth formula that seems to be finely milled, but isn't super wet to the touch like some other formulas. Pigmentation is good, but the shade is so light, that I have to build it up to get more intense color.

Inglot says that it's an HD formula, which means it's meant for HD filming and will look good in high definition imagery too.


Colors

HD Sculpting Powder comes in 16 shades. I believe some are more of a highlighting/brightening powders and others are contours/sculpting powders. 

505 is a pretty iconic shade as its always mentioned as one of the best contour shades for fair to light skin tones. I have been waiting to try it for a while, since it's hard to find a good shade of contour on a budget. I can see why this one is so popular.

It's fairly pale grey toned taupe shade that actually mimics natural shadow, because it's grey enough, not muddy looking and doesn't look too intense on fair skin tone.


It's appropriate for fair to light skin tone. On my skin tone, it's almost too light, but I actually prefer it that way, because it means I can't really overdo it. If I want a more intense shade, I apply more and it looks slightly darker. If you apply it lightly, this will work on fair skin tone as well.


Comparison

I compared it to all my so called contour powders and none of the shades I compared it too were that perfect of grey undertone than Inglot. Inglot definitely has the most grey toned and pale enough shade to contour with.

Deborah Milano Trio Contouring Palette 01 shade 1 - lighter medium grey brown
Deborah Milano Trio Contouring Palette 01 shade 2 - pale almost pink toned grey brown
Inglot HD Sculpting Powder 505 - pale grey taupe
E.l.f. Contour Palette Light/Medium Shade 3 - light warm yellow toned brown
E.l.f. Contour Palette Light/Medium Shade 4 - medium grey chocolate brown

Performance

It stays on the skin well and I still have it on at the end of the day. Obviously, staying power of products also depends on the base you have on, but in general I find it long lasting. It doesn't look patchy and you can blend the edges fairly easy.

On the last photo I contoured my cheeks, nose and eyes with it.


I definitely don't regret buying it, because it's actually one of the best shades of contour for fair to light skin tone I have tried so far. It looks natural, has enough grey tone in it and isn't too pigmented, so you don't fear it looking too harsh. It stays on well and blends fine which is all I can ask from a powder contour product. It also makes for one of the best nose contour shades, because it's so light. 
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Review: Avon Distillery Vegan Skin Care

December 18, 2019, 10:22 am
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First there was K-beauty and now there's a vegan skin care range. Avon seems to be expanding on different areas of beauty and skin care lately. Cleaner skin care products are so "on trend" (the word I'm not very fond of) and are becoming more widely available.  Bigger brands are jumping on that bandwagon as well.


Distillery is vegan, eco-conscious and allergy tested skin care range by Avon. It's their version of clean beauty and pure ingredients. Their products are allergy, dermatologically and clinically tested as well as fragrance, alcohol, chemical SPF filter, mineral oil and essential oil free. The range consists of 5 products - cleanser, day cream, night cream, vitamin C powder and facial oil.


Packaging

All of these products have transparent glass bottlesor pots with bronze plastic tops. It's minimalistic packaging for clean approach. Apparently packaging is recyclable wherever possible. It looks well made and sturdy, however, I hate glass packaging for traveling.


Clean Break Cleanser

It's supposedly super-hydrating cleansing balm that contains apricot oil, mango butter, cocoa butter and cucumber extract. It's suitable for all skin types and should gently melt off makeup and other impurities. 

In it is 50 ml of product and it usually costs around 23€.


Formula

It's a solid balm, slightly yellow tinted (naturally from the oils), that is just soft enough so that you can scoop it out without too much effort. Once the heat of your hands massages it into the skin, it melts a bit and creates thicker oily feel on the skin. It doesn't have as much movement as cleansing oils, because it's a balm.

Scent of it is natural and to me somewhat unpleasant. It sort of smells of plastic to me.


Performance

Because it isn't as runny as an oil, you'll need to apply quite a lot of it in order to really melt off all of your makeup. It doesn't have that slip on your skin, so you have to warm it up well. Once the water hits it, it become milky white and washes off. However, you can definitely feel that balmy residue on your skin left behind. That doesn't bother me, because I always go in with another second gel cleanser, but it's something to consider, if you don't have that double cleansing routine going on.

It won't remove anything long lasting or waterproof, which was surprising to me, because usually, balm or oily cleansers clean waterproof makeup well. But I found myself scrubbing with this one and having hard time to remove every little bit of it, like tons of mascara - and I wear regular formula. I use a separate cleanser for my eyes, so that didn't affect me much, but you would think, it would remove makeup well.


My main complaint would be that there isn't enough product. It comes in such a small pot. I must have used it up in about three weeks. This won't last you a long time, if you have piles of makeup to remove each day as I have.


Shade the Day Day Cream SPF 25

It's a mattifying moisturizer for sensitive skin with 100% mineral sunscreen and 100% plant-based glycerin. It also contains rose extract and should be gentle on the skin.

In it is 30 ml of product and it costs around 25€.


Formula

It's a white cream that isn't too thick and it contains titanium oxide as well as zinc oxide for your mineral SPF protection of 25. It has good amount of glide to it, but it looks very white at first. You have to massage it into the skin to get it as transparent looking as possible. It makes my skin tone a bit ashy, so I can't imagine this working on darker or medium skin tone. It's physical  or mineral sunscreen which always leaves a bit of a white cast on your skin and I am not used to it anymore, because I prefer chemical filters for my face.


Performance

It absorbs into the skin quickly and dries down to a comfortable matte finish which is kind of unusual for physical sunscreens - or at least that was my experience with most of them. It still feels a bit thicker than most moisturizers and slightly nourishing, but it doesn't feel greasy or slippy at all, which I like. You can wear it under makeup with no problems. It might just be not enough moisturizing for very dry skin.


Sleep Potion Night Cream

This is night cream with niacinamide, 100% plant-based gylcerin and sodium hyaluronate. It should shrink your pores and moisturize the skin for 48 hours. It's suitable for all skin types. 

In it is 30 ml of product and it costs around 25€.


Formula

It's a very light, clear gel type of cream that feels ultra lightweight and almost watery. It soaks into the skin and leaves it moisturized looking. Formula of it sort of reminds me of Avon Nutra Effetcs Hydration Gel Night Cream, which is one of my favorites.


Performance

It's lightweight, which means it will be perfect for normal/combination to oily skin types. I feel like very dry skin will need to layer something on top or bottom. It feels moisturizing and hydrating, but not in a heavy nourishing way. I can't claim my pores looked smaller, because they don't look any different. I liked this cream a lot. It would be perfect for summer, but it works for me now in colder months as well, because I layer it up with other skin care. 



C Shot Powder

This is pure potent vitamin C in a powder form, which they say should be most effective. It also contains some vitamin E. You should add this powder to your regular moisturizer to get brighter and luminous skin. It should be suitable for all skin types. 

In it is 5 grams of powder and it costs around 30€.



Formula

It's a dry loose powder in a white color. Powder is finely milled and you can mix it with most creams. It sort of melts into a creamy base and spreads on the skin evenly. I usually mixed it with night cream and it made it a bit murky looking. 


Performance

I put two scoops of itin a cream as Avon suggests and I didn't have any irritationor stinging on my skin. It's pure ascorbic acids, so I expected some tingle, but it actually worked fine on my skin. I didn't notice any major brightening, but my skin tone looked more even toned, although I can't say if it was all because of this product.

You would think that 5 grams is small amount, but if you only use two scoops of it in a cream once a day, it actually lasts a really long time. 



Purify Facial Oil

It's an oil for revived and brighter skin. It's made of 99% jojoba oil, vitamin E, phytol and cloudberry extract and is suitable for all skin types. 

In it is 30 ml of product and it costs around 30€.


Formula

I only received few testers of this oil, but I got a good first impression out of them. To me it feels like a regular oil formula, which tends to be a bit heavier and greasier than dry formulas. It has transparent look to it and spreads fairly well. 

Performance

It obviously gives you that oily look and shine to the skin, but it layers well on top of other mentioned products. I am not very fussy about face oils, but this one feels a bit heavier and it's not as cosmetically pleasing to use as some other formulations I have tried. However, it didn't clog my pores or added to my sebum production and there is no scent to it, which I like. 

Conclusion

These products are advertised as cleaner formulas and I think you can feel that as you start to use them. Formulas feel pretty basic and straight to the point. Some are not as cosmetically pleasing to the touch as some more refined formulas, but it wins in the fragrance department for me as I don't like my skin care products to have strong artificial scent to it. Prices are too high, if you ask me, since formulations are made of pretty basic ingredients and there isn't all that much product in the packaging. 

Out of all the products I liked the most night cream, which is so lightweight, refreshing, but gives just enough moisture to the skin. I also love using day cream, especially now in the winter, since SPF 25 is enough for me as I don't get almost any direct sunlight on me. It might be a bit too heavy for me in the summer and white cast will be a problem for most darker skin tones. Cleansing balm was ok, but I couldn't get past the fact I used it up so quickly and I know residue on the skin and hard to remove logn lasting makeup would be a deal breaker for most. Vitamin C is fun to mix in with creams, but I didn't get the feeling it's as potent as they say it is and I prefer my oils to feel a bit more lightweight, so the oil was good for winter, but wouldn't work for any other season on my skin. 

*Products were sent to me. 
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My Go To Party Makeup Look

December 27, 2019, 8:31 am
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Party season is here and although I am far from a party animal, my family celebrates quite a lot of birthdays in December, so I get to dress up as well. I've decided to share my go to party look with you, which is basically my usual routine of makeup for when I get ready for special occasions and want to look really put together. What can I say, I love makeup and I rarely get the chance to make up and the whole shebang, so when I do get the chance, I do more than just a daily routine. 


I always go for a neutral eye look with some shimmer or glitter on the lid to add that oomph. False eyelashes also help to make my eyes look bigger for when I want a bit more glamour. I started this eye makeup with a neutral light brown in the crease which I deepened with a more medium warm caramel brown. In the outer V I always go darker and I used medium red toned brown as well as chocolate brown. 



On the lid I used one of the Inglot AMC pigments I bought recently and I mixed it with Inglot Duraline to make it stick to the lid better. It's a pinkish gold pigment with a slight green gold sheen to it. You can use whichever sparkly shadow or pigment you own. Shimmer always makes everything look more glamorous and fun. 

For the eyeliner I mixed Inglot Duraline liquid with matte chocolate brown eyeshadow and winged it out. I applied a bit of mascara and finished with cluster lashes in short and medium style. I love using cluster or individual lashes, because they are not as noticeable and the band is usually invisible.


This is my go to style of eye makeup anyway, I just define it a bit more and add sparkles when I want something that looks more festive or like I put an effort in it. Adding false eyelashes also always amps up your eye makeup anyway.


When it comes to face makeup, I often change it up. Sometimes I like something more covering and other times I prefer to mix high coverage foundation with something more natural and luminous like I did here. If my eyes are all made up, I like the skin to look more natural.

I applied mix of two foundations, a bit of concealer and loose setting powder. I also used contour to define my feature and correct some. I contoured under my cheek bones, around my hair line, jaw line and nose. Bronzer is always it for me, since I am pale and I like adding some warmth, especially in the winter. I use it on the outer part of my face. 

For highlighter I like my basic champagne colors that aren't too metallic, but give me enough sheen to catch the light well. As for the blush, I have my trusted favorites that give me a bit of sheen and just enough color that lasts all day. I used a mauve colored shade here, because it blends well with the neutral tones on the eyes. 



With this kind of neutral makeup you can go either way, nude or bold and colorful. I love to pair it with a red lip, but sometimes I go for the nudes, for convenience sake - it's less maintenance. I've recently started to define my outer lip line a bit more with a slightly grey toned lip liner which almost casts a shadow around my lips. For the lipstick I used a neutral pinky nude that is matte and you can use to cheat your lip line with. 



This is my go to party makeup look for when I want to look like I put effort in it. I usually use neutral tones on the eyes and mix it up with colorful lips. I love using my tried and trusted products, because the last thing you want, is to try a new foundation for a party and realize you look like a grease ball half way into the party. False lashes are another thing that I never wear, except for special occasions and as such are reserved for my party looks. It makes my eyes look bigger and bolder. 


Products used
Face:
Make Up For Ever Ultra HD Foundation Y225 + Revlon Colorstay Foundation 150 Buff
MAC Pro Longwear Concealer NC15
RCMA No Color Powder 
Inglot Freedom System HD Sculpting Powder 505
Benefit Hoola Bronzer
Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed Moonstone
L.O.V. BLUSHment Blurring Blush 30 Beautiful Mind Empower Other

Eyes:
Colourpop Wake Up Call
Coloured Raine Gingerbread
Nabla Petra
Coloured Raine Chocolate
Inglot AMC Pigment J401 Silver Dollar
Colourpop Chocolate + Inglot Duraline
Benefit Roller Lash Mascara
Primark Cluster Lashes - short and medium

Lips:
NYX Lip Liner Nude Beige + NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream Stockholm
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December 2019 Favorites

December 31, 2019, 8:05 am
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My last monthly favorites before I gather all my favorite newly found products from 2019 in one post. My December was eventful - lots of birthdays, baking cakes and even moving to our own place. I am in that phase of wanting to use up some products, but I also got some new ones to try out and some were love at first try. 




I know, I would have hated this in the summer, but for right now, it's great. It's a thicker cream that has a lot of white cast, but gives the skin nice glow and nourishment. I love using it under foundation, because it makes foundation glide on better and stick to the face well. It has no scent, but contains SPF 25. I already used up half of it.


This has to be one of the best products by Te Mana that I have tried. It's a liquid type of essence that has that nourishing smooth texture which gives your skin such a good healthy looking sheen. I love this essence for that particular sheen, because it makes my skin look so good even when I don't wear any makeup. I almost used it up as well and I know I'll miss it in my routine. 


Revlon Photoready Candid Foundation 150 Creme Brulee

I have this foundation in 120 Buff, but I bought another shade since 120 wasn't available in Tuš drogerija. 150 is a bit more yellow warm and 120 is slightly peachier, so 150 suits me better. It is however a bit darker. I like to mix it with Missha BB cream anyway. It's a good medium coverage foundation that has that semi-matte finish with some reflection to the skin. It sets really quickly, but feels quite lightweight for the coverage that it has. 


RCMA No-Color Powder

It's a loose, finely milled powder in white color, which is actually transparent as you apply it on the skin. I wouldn't say this is anything revolutionary, but it's a good powder for setting makeup, not so much sebum control. You also get a huge amount of it which comes very cheap per gram. It's most makeup artist's staple, because it's a good setting powder and doesn't sit into pores or looks drying on the face. I started using it, because I finished all my previous powders and for some reason I prefer loose formulas over compact ones right now. 



This is one of those highlighters that I always go back to when I want something that makes an impact, yet still looks tasteful, meaning the shimmer is fine enough. It's a classic champagne shade that will fit most light to medium skin tones. Shimmer in it is super fine, but the pigmentation is great and you really don't need much for a proper sheen and glow on the skin. I love using it for special occasion, not daily, because it's quite expensive. You can see, I've used up quite a lot of it already, which says a lot knowing how big my highlighter collection is.


I believe this would be crowned as my favorite blush this year. Or at least my most used. It's one of those wearable dirty mauve shades that looks good with pretty much any makeup. This one also has that slightly cooler sheen to the skin in a form of fine shimmer which makes your skin look so healthy. I love how it wears as well, because it stays on for the whole day. This is truly one of the best blush formulas. 


Ebelin LE Winter Romance Powder Brush

I'm not sure, if this is called powder brush, I just assume it is, but it was part of Ebelin's limited edition called Winter Romance. I've had a few Ebelin brushes with that same tapered shape and loved them all, so I got another one. Their bristles are always so soft and pick up product well. I love the shape, because it allows me to build up bronzer slowly and blends it as I go along. This silver and gold metallic handle is gorgeous as well.


NYX Lip Liner Nude Beige

I bought this pencil purely because of the shade. Nude Beige is one of those grey nudes that is perfect for outlining your lip line, if you want to achieve that shadow effect and make your lips look larger. This shade is actually fairly light, so it looks good even on my light skin tone. I love pairing it with nude lipsticks as it gives me more definition and structure to the lips. It was also pretty cheap, but I can't find this shade online. I bought it in Bipa in Graz.


Catrice LE Kaviar Gauche Mini Lipstick Set C01 Les Petits Bisous

This was sent to me as PR from Dominur. It was part of limited edition, so you can't get it anymore. Set includes four mini lipsticks, which are just the cutest. I fell in love with two nudes. One is a more mauve pinky nude and the other one is warm peachy nude. Pinky one seems to be very sheeny and the formula is super soft, so I already broke it a bit. But it feels so good on the lips. Peachy one has that same creme finish as well, but isn't as soft. I can't remember Catrice having such nice lipstick formulas, but  then again, I haven't tried much of their lipsticks in a while. I love that these are minis, because they are perfect to throw in the bag and take with me. 


Molash Eyelash Serum

I've had Dermalux lash serum in the past and loved the results. Molash is another brand of eyelash serum that some Slovenian bloggers were raving about and since it's much cheaper, I decided to try it out. It's a runny liquid formula that applies with a liquid liner like applicator. It doesn't seem to be running in my eyes and I didn't notice as much stinging as I did with Dermaluxlash in the beginning. I use it in the evening. It's been something around two months since I started using it and I already notice my eyelashes being longer, so it works. I'll report back in a separate review. 


Balea Duschöl (shower oil) and Balea Med Duschgel Mit Allantoin (shower gel)

This is my go to winter shower routine. I mix a bit of Balea Med shower gel with Balea shower oil to get something that actually cleans skin and coats it in a nourishing layer. It doesn't feel as stripping as regular shower gels. It's also much more sensitive for my skin, since I do get some atopic dermatitis on my back in the winter and am trying to control my hand eczema.   


Joico K-Pak Luster Lock Multi-Perfector Daily Shine & Protect Spray

Joico K-Pak is my favorite hair care range at a more expensive price. It's the best range for damaged and colored hair. This is milky spray that coats your hair with a moisturizing and nourishing layer. My hair always feels super smooth, silky and shiny after I use it. Plus I can't get over the smell of it. It has that typical sort of oriental hair salon scent which lingers on your hair. 

Moving to our own place

We finally moved to our own place which is one of those life goals that was on my list for a while. I call it a micro apartment, but it's actually a small part of an old house that was renovated. We plan on renovating the whole house, but all in right time. For now, we have our own nest and that is all I can ask for and a huge backyard that I plan on taking advantage of when good weather comes along.


Baking cakes

I always avoided backing cakes, because I was just never good at it. I loved backing muffins, cupcakes, cookies and other sweets, but never cakes. So I sort of made it my mission to bake cakes more and maybe get got at it. I reached a level of decency. My hat goes off to all the cake bakers, because this is an art in its own. I baked white chocolate and raspberry cake for my mom, red velvet cake for my niece and chocolate caramel cake for my dad. As a visual creator, I obviously enjoy decorating the most, not actually baking, although I want flavors to work as well. There was a lot of trial and errors, but I made some prettier than others. 
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Review: Make Up For Ever Ultra HD Invisible Cover Foundation - Y225 Marble

January 7, 2020, 5:33 am
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In the past year I have researched for new foundations, especially ones that makeup artist's love and recommend and Make Up For Ever Ultra HD Insivible Cover Foundation always comes highly rated and recommended. It was hard to get a hold of it and choose the shade only based off of internet swatches, but I did and it didn't necessary blew me away as I expected it to.



Packaging

It comes in a plastic transparent bottle with a black pump. Pump works fine, you can control the amount of product you want to get out. 

In it is 30 ml of product and I bought it on Escentual for around 36€, but I've since noticed, they don't sell Make Up For Ever anymore. In Slovenia you can buy it on Allu-makeup. 


Formula

It has a more liquid formula that has that very smooth, almost greasy base to it which is very spreadable. I usually don't like those kind of foundations that have too much movement, because it means they don't stick to the skin well. 

It gives me a natural finish with some dewy/luminous look to it that has a good amount of sheen, but doesn't look greasy. Coverage is light to medium and you can build it up to a lighter medium. It mostly just evens out skin tone, but won't cover blemishes or red patches.


Colors

Make Up For Ever is a professional makeup brand and as such includes variety of skin tones. This foundation comes in 52 shades.

I got shade Y225 Marble based on my internet research (never saw shades in person) and it works for me in the summer, but in the winter it's about two to three shades too dark. It's light to medium warm yellow toned shade. It almost turns a bit olive on my skin tone which I like, because it doesn't look too yellow.



Comparison

Make Up For Ever Ultra HD Foundation Y225 Marble - light to medium yellow warm
Make Up For Ever Ultra HD Foundation Y315 Sand - lighter medium yellow/olive warm
MAC Studio Fix Fluid NC13 - light yellow warm 
Revlon Colostay Combination/Oily Foundation 150 Buff - the lightest yellow to olive tone
Bourjois Healthy Mix Foundation 51 Light Vanilla - light warm peach to neutral tone



Performance

It doesn't sit in pores, which is good. In general it looks fairly natural on the skin with a good amount of sheen. It needs a bit of time to set down, but even then it's not transfer proof. It doesn't seem to emphasize dry patches, but it also won't make you look all airbrushed. It's a very natural looking foundation and the sheen that it gives the skin looks well. It also photographs good, which is to be expected.

It will work especially well on normal to dry skin as well as mature skin. If you want something to cover, minimize pores or keep sebum at bay, than this won't be for you. At the end of the day my T zone looked greasy. It stays on well though, except on very oily parts. 


This foundation looks natural and it's called Ultra HD which means it will look good on camera for sure and that must be the reason why most like it so much (especially makeup artists), but it doesn't perfect your skin that much. It won't blur pores and make you look airbrushed. Plus I prefer something with more coverage. I think my skin is a bit too oily for this formula on certain parts and that might be the main reason I don't like it as much. This is truly for those that don't need much covering and like a lighter, natural look to the skin. If you want something similar in a drugstore range at a more affordable price, I recommend Bourjois Healthy Mix Foundation. 
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Search

2019 Favorites

January 14, 2020, 9:37 am
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One year has come around yet again and I've gathered all of the products that I've tried out in 2019 for the first time and that have seriously impressed me. I'm talking skin care, hair care as well as some makeup. It's all in here. If you'd like to see more products that I have been loving in 2019, not just the new ones, you can go to Directory and scroll to the bottom to my monthly favorites. 




Cezanne Skin Conditioner High Moist

This has to be my favorite skin care find of 2019. It's Japanese brand called Cezanne. This is almost water like, bust slightly more viscose murky white essence that soaks into the skin well, but leaves behind a slight nourishing layer that tends to hydrate the skin through the night and all day. It comes in a huge bottle of 500 ml and I've already ordered my third bottle which says a lot. I started using it on my face as a hydrating essence under serums and moisturizers, but now I also use it on my body - especially where I have dry patches and atopic dermatitis. It contains various ceramides, hyaluronic acid and amino acids which all help hydrated and protect skin's barrier. It also has no scent and would work for sensitive skin too. 



I am convinced this was the main product that in combination with others helped me heal my atopic dermatitis faster. COSRX is one my most trusted Korean brands, as everything I have tried from them until now, has impressed me. This is basically just snail mucin or slime combined with some small percentage of other ingredients. Snail slime is known for its healing properties and that's exactly what this did to me. It healed my skin faster whether it be dermatitis or blemishes. Plus it feels hydrating and helps to produce more collagen which in turn helps your skin regenerate better. It's got that slimy feel to it, but I actually don't mind the texture at all. It sticks to the skin well and almost forms a protective layer on top. I also love the fact that it contains no added fragrance and it doesn't smell bad either. 


Te Mana is a natural brand from New Zeeland and I sort of coincidentally stumbled upon this brand while it was still available in Slovenia. It was one of those brands that helped me realize, natural skin care can have refine and enjoyable formulations as well. They sell this serum on firming and smoothing claims, but I think its main power is the pure glow that it gives the skin. It's the best skin care product for healthy sheen or that glow that I've tried so far. This looks so good on the skin on its own. It definitely makes your skin smooth looking and plumps it up, but the glow is just incredible. This would be my go to product for that glow from withing when I don't want a lot of makeup on my skin.  


Heimish Artless Glow Base SPF50+/PA+++

While we're on the topic of glow, I can't go past this multitasking product from Heimish. It's another Korean brand that introduced me to its jewel. It's that sort of a skin care and makeup hybrid that does multitude of things to your skin. For starters it has some nice skin caring ingredients that actually moisturize your skin and nourish it. It has high SPF of 50+ and contains chemical as well as physical filters. It works great under makeup as a primer, since it leaves a bit of tacky layer behind and it has the most beautiful pearly shimmer in it which gives your skin such a gorgeous glow that you can just use it as a highlighter too. This is that type of product that you would impress neighbors while going out with only wearing this, because your skin looks amazing with it. It's also that type of product that I desperately use less of, because I want to save it for as long as possible. 

Revlon Photoready Candid Natural Finish Anti-Pollution Foundation 120 Buff

Everyone knows how much I love Revlon Colorstay foundation. It has been one of my all time favorite foundations for a while and I still use it a lot. But this year it got a slightly sheener sister called Candid. Candid is that semi-matte foundation, which sets even a bit quicker than Colorstay, gives good medium coverage and that healthy natural sheen to the skin. It wear more lightweight on the skin than Colorstay, but doesn't stay on as well on my skin, since it's not as matte. Revlon is one of those brands that makes good base products and I really like this foundation. Often times I mix it with Missha BB Cream. 

Revolution Conceal & Define Concealer C1

My favorite concealer is still The Saem Perfect Cover Concealer, but this year I've also found a good high coverage drugstore version. Revolution is not one of those brands that particularly impressed me in the past, but this was one of those products that surprisingly worked. It's got a very smooth application formula and the coverage is medium to high. It has matte finish and may look a bit more obvious on the skin, but it wear fairly lightweight. It doesn't emphasize fine lines and it's not as long wearing as The Saem, but it also doesn't look that bad despite having good coverage. I was most impressed with the shade range, because there are some really pale shades in the range. 



I was much more conservative with buying new eyeshadows and eyeshadow palettes as I have a good range of shades already and am just slowly adding shades that I know I wear and use most, which are mostly neutrals. Coloured Raine proved to me that their eyeshadow formula is as impressive as most say it is. I've only ordered a few single eyeshadows, but the formula is just buttery enough and they blend so well, the best I have tried so far. Especially their mattes. They have amazing pigmentation and last all day on the lids, if you use eyeshadow primer. If I had the chance, I would definitely order one of their palettes in the future. So far I only have a couple of neutral mattes like Gingerbread, Moments and Chocolate as well as two shimmery/metallic shades - Who, Me? and Glamour. Those are the shades that I always grab when I want something neutral and that blend quickly without much effort. I have been using them a lot this year. 



This is pretty much my go to shade when I really don't have time to do much and I just use bronzer in the crease and put this all over the lid for that sparkly sheen that looks like I put some effort in it. Colourpop Super Shock Shadows are one of my favorite formulas, but I usually just buy the ultra glitter finishes, because these perform especially well in that creamy base. Glitter is fine enough and strong that it looks almost glossy over the lid and there is no fallout. Ladybird is that classic ivory shade that has multi-colored shimmer that mostly just looks silver. I use it with a finger and apply it over any boring matte eyeshadow to give me shine and sparkle. 


If Colourpop Super Shock Shadow is not glittery enough for you, than try this one by Holika Holika. This is that type of Stilla Glitter & Glow liquid glitter formula that applied on the lid easily with applicator and gives you slightly larger glitter particles which don't have any fallout, if you use primer underneath it. It gives that ultra metallic glittery finish that I wear for special occasions only, because it's really reflective. Stella Dust is that fairly neutral copper silver shade. 

Inglot Duraline

This is a mixing medium that you can use to mix with any sort of makeup to create a creamy waterproof version of it. I mostly just used it with powder eyeshadows to create cream eyeliners. It's so easy to use and works amazing. You can mix either loose eyeshadows, like glittery ones and add a drop of this for a liquid consistency or you can apply some of it on the brush and dip it into a pan eyeshadow to get it creamier and of course make it waterproof on the skin. This gives you countless colored eyeliner possibilities and no fallout with glittery or shimmery eyeshadows, plus it stays put for the whole day. I've hear it can revive mascaras and eyeliners as well. I've tried putting it in a drier mascara and it works fairy well, but seems a it wasteful since you have to use more than just one drop to make it all creamy and liquid again. 


BH Studio Pro Brush 30 Angled Liner/Spoolie

I bought this in 2018 already and this year I've grown to love it. It's that basic angled brow brush on one side and a spoolie on the other, but I find it great, because the brush is actually small enough and not too wide, so I find it more precise than other such brushes. Spoolie is nice as well for brushing through the brows and spreading product around. I use this with my powder products and it works really well.


This deserves its place in this post, because it's probably one of my most purchased products of 2019. I can't even remember how many of these I already bought - 20?! There is a lot of thin eyebrow pencils on the market and they all have their advantages. This one is my favorite for one, because it's so cheap and two, because of the pigmentation. This formula is the most creamy, which also means it gets used up faster, but it also means you get a lot of color payoff in one swipe. Sometimes I use it on its own and sometimes I combine it with powder products to just outline the edges better and make them look cleaner. It stays on well as well, but the pigmentation and color is what gets it for me. 


L.O.V. BLUSHment Blurring Blush 10 Be The Game Changer and 30 Beautiful Minds Empower Other

This year I have discovered my all time favorite drugstore blush formula. It's this one by L.O.V. This is one of those baked formulas that will last your forever. It's slightly drier to the touch, but pigmentation is definitely there. It has marbled design with a highlighting shade going through it and it gives cheeks the most natural looking fine shimmery glow. I absolutely adore both of these shade. In fact, I was certain I had shade 030 in 2018 already, because I felt  like I was using it for much longer time. So there's another photo added in for that shade. 010 is that perfect warm rosy cheek color that almost mimics that cold flush and 030 is the most neutral dirty mauve shade that works with any look. I adore them both and they stay on like no other, for the whole day.

Catrice Blush Box Glowing + Multicolour Blush 020 It's wine o'clock

This is another great drugstore blush formula that is so good as well and you cans till get it in Slovenia. This one has a more wet formula tot the touch, but it applies just as nicely as L.O.V. It stays on well too and gives my cheeks gorgeous sheen. This shade is another one of those really wearable mauve shades, but slightly on a warmer side and not as brownish as L.O.V. 30. Catrice has alaways had great blush formula, but the newer ones seem even better. 


Catrice Luminice Highlight & Bronze Glow Palette 020 Feel Gold

Catrice has just been surprising me with good quality products this year, but then again, their highlighters always were superb for a drugstore brands. This is a palette that contains three shades with different sized shimmer. Formula of all is wet to the touch and pigmentation is amazing. My favorite shade is the second one, which is the most golden one and it has fine enough, but very reflective, almost metallic, sheen. It gives such a powerful glow and yet doesn't look glitter. It also stays on the skin well. Catrice finally started including their amazing highlighting formulas in a standard range and not just in their limited editions. 




I've pretty much been living in lip glosses half of this year, which is pretty much all summer and winter. This is lip oil, but it actually feels like a very nourishing, slightly thicker lip gloss or lip balm on the lips. It has that high shine and good sticky base which means it stays on the lips for a long time. I was most impressed with the very soothing and nourishing feel on the lips. It looks pink in the tube, but actually applied sheer on the lips. I've been using it through the day instead of a lip balm and I already ordered my second or third tube. It also has nice faint vanilla scent. 


Whenever I wanted something comfortable, but with a color and whenever I didn't use Catrice Dewy-ful Lips, I used this lip gloss by L.O.V. I am pretty sure I am scraping last bits of it and I rarely finish a products. It's again one of those thicker, sticks well to the lips, lip gloss formulas. I think the shade is just perfect, a warm pinky brown nude that just has the best combination of both shades. This goes with everything and it feels so good and comfortable on the lips. It won't emphasize dry patches, so you can use it even on drier lips. 


Avon True Matte Lipstick Nude Nude Suede

My favorite nude lipstick from 2019 is this one by Avon called Nude Suede. I already know their matte formula and have loved for years. It's that slightly silicon based formula that glides on well, gives you matte finish, but doesn't feel too drying. They came out with a range of nude shades that are right up my alley and Nude Suede is one of those universal light brownish pinks that I can grab whenever I'm in a hurry, because it matches well with various looks. 


Whenever I have to choose a more colorful option for my lips, I usually go with the red. There is a variety of red tones in my collection and whenever I wear those I always get compliments. Red is just such a classic and I have discovered quite a few good new formulas and shades in 2019.

Bourjois Rouge Fabuleux Lipstick 11 Cindered-lla is amazing drugstore formula. It's the most butter like formula that I've tried as it just glides on the lips and you're sort of afraid to apply it, that'w how easy it is. Pigmentation is amazing and it has a creamy finish, but on my dry lips it always dries down to a semi-matte finish which is lovely to wear. This one is not as transfer proof as matte formula, but it's that much more comfortable to wear and this shade is a classic neutral red which turns more warm on me and that will suits most skin tones. 

Lisa Eldridge Plush True Velvet Lipstick Velvet Ribbon is one of my most luxurious purchases from 2019 and is sort of a treat for me. It's a classic neutral red as well, but I mostly bought it because of the formula and love of Lisa Eldridge. Formula is matte, but doesn't look obvious on the lips or too dead. Apart from a good lipstick formula it also features amazing true velvet like bullet and metal packaging with magnetic closing. It's a luxurious high end makeup and since the shade is so neutral I already wore it on many special occasions. 

Avon True Perfectly Matte Lipstick Sunbaked Red is another one of those Avon matte formulas that I've talked about a lot in the past, so I won't anymore. Avon added not only Nudes but also Reds in their range and I loved all the shades. But my favorite has to be this one which is a more warm brick red that just looks amazing on yellow warm skin toned and Avon True Perfectly Matte Lipstick Rose Red which is a more classic neutral to cool shade, but with a slight pink undertone to it. It really looks like a proper velvet rose and I've adored it this year. 



Ebelin Powder Brush is one of those universal powder, bronzer, blush brushes that you'll find in Ebelin limited editions often times. I believe they differ only by the shape of the bristle, which are sometimes more rounded and other times more tapered. I've actually bought three of these already. I like them, because the bristles are so soft and the shape is good for many uses like powder, bronzer and even blush. I like to use it for bronzer the most, because tapered shape makes it easy to blend the product and it doesn't apply too much of it. 

Ecotools Tapered Brush was part of their Define & Highlight Duo. It might have been placed in this duo as a contour brush, but I love it for blush application. It has less dense bristles than most blush brushes and I like that they don't pick up a lot of product, because it makes it easier to apply pigmented blushes. It's always best to build up blush slowly and this brush lets me do this,

Zoeva 102 Silk Finish Brush is currently my favorite foundation brush. I've steer clear of makeup sponges and fingers, since they both require messy hands and cleaning. This kind of brush is very dense and the bristles are soft enough that it spreads the product evenly without too much effort. It's also just big enough to apply foundation quick enough.

Zoeva 110 Face Shape Brush is a smaller sister to Zoeva 102. This has that same rounded shape, but the size is much smaller. I love to use it with any kind of cream products. At first I used it with concealer, but now I find it best for either cream contour or cream blush. The size is just perfect for applying product only where you want it and by stippling it, you can blend the product out nicely. 



I haven't worn a lot of nail polish this year and half of it I actually didn't wear any at all, because my hand eczema got so bad, I didn't want to draw further attention to my nails and nail polish remover stings around broken skin. But there were two nail polishes which bought me with their color this year. Devil Wears Nada is the most perfect nude for my skin tone I have found so far, because it's light enough that it still stands out and it has beautiful latte brown undertone. Plus Sally Hansen formulas just seem to last really long on my nails, even though they are usually thicker and not as easy to apply as some more gel formulas.


I've never before tried OPI formulas and when I realized this one has a fairly thick formula that just feels so not modern, I was kind of doubting why everyone loved this brand back in the day. But I realize it must have been the shade range. They always had the most unique shades and this one is no exception. It's that yellow with a dirty sort of mustard undertone and it's one of those unique shades in my collection. I've worn it quite a lot this year and it looks even better on darker skin or skin with some tan. 



There is usually no justification for me to buy another fragrance, because I have so many at home already and always feel guilty buying new ones. But this was just one of those that I knew I'll love and since it was being discontinued and on sale, I grabbed it. It's that stronger woody sweet scent that is perfect for colder months, but because this is fragrance mist, it isn't as strong, so you can use it during warmer months as well, if you're into that kind of scents. Coconut, musk, vanilla and woody notes sold it for me. It's just such a unique fragrance that has just the perfect blend of strong woody oriental and sweet notes. 


I've always loved Avon fragrances and some have been my all time favorites. I think this one deserves its place up there as well. It's definitely my favorite out of their Attraction range. It's another sweet fragrance, but this one kicks it up a notch with its leather note. I feel like it gives it some sass. It has pretty fruity sweet notes, but the leather base grounds it and makes it much more sexier and oriental like. It's one of those fragrances that I have used up the quickest. It may not be the most long lasting ever, but the scent makes up for it.


Joico K-Pak Color Therapy Luster Lock Multi-Perfector Daily Shine & Protect Spray

Joico K-Pak is my favorite high end hair range and all of the products that I have tried from them have seriously impressed me. I've had their products for year and just recently I've added this spray to my routine. I've had the one in the gold packaging for a while. I honestly can't say what's the difference between these two, but I like them both. This one is that milky spray that coats your hair in a nourishing and moisturizing formula. It smooths out your hair and makes them look shinier. I adore the scent, because it smells like a high end hair salon mixed with some coconut like sunscreen. It always makes my hair look so much prettier and tamed in a sleek way. 

Pantene Pro-V Hair Superfood Conditioner

Pantene has been a drugstore hair discovery of this year for me. If there's one brand that comes close to high end ones like Joico, it has to be Pantene, but for a fraction of that price. Their products are so affordable and so good. Superfood conditioner was the first product from them that really impressed me with its thick texture that made my hair super soft and nourished. I have since bought several shampoos and conditioners and they all worked out great for me, so this is a brand that I'll definitely explore more in the future. 
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Review: Inglot AMC Pure Pigment Eye Shadow - Silver Dollar and Cosmic Glow

January 16, 2020, 9:59 am
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I had the chance to get some of Inglot's pigments straight from Poland, which meant the price was much more affordable than buying online. Their AMC Pure Pigment Eye Shadows are one of their most known products and everyone seems to rave about them. I was never a fan of pigments before, but anything shimmery always sounds interesting. 


Packaging


These come in plastic transparent pot with a velvet black plastic cap. There's JL on the cap, because these two were part of Jennifer Lopez collection. I'm not sure, if it's still available in the stores, but they have a wide range of shades in their regular line. 

Pigments come in a loose powder form and there is no sifter, which means you have to be careful how you open them up. In each is 2 grams of product and it costs around 10€ in Poland. Inglot is now available also on BeautyBay. 


Formula

I believe formulas are different depending on the finish. These two are loose pigments with lots of metallic shimmer particles that are quite big. I've heard most of their regular pigments have a finer shimmer. It's made out of 90% pure pigment. Under fingers it feels sort of dry and you'll definitely need some sort of creamy base underneath to stick to or mix it with Inglot Duraline, like I do, which turns it into a metallic creamy shadow. 


Colors

J409 Comic Glow is light warm golden brown pigment. It contains small gold, green and pink shimmer. 
J401 Silver Dollar is pale silver pink pigment. Shimmer in it is pink, silver and green gold.

They both have a duo chrome sheen to them. Silver Dollar has a more of a pale green sheen and Cosmic Glow has more of a warmer yellow green sheen. 


Performance

Mixed with Duraline liquid this lasts on my lid for the whole day and it's waterproof. It may crease a bit in the beginning, because it's so creamy, but once this sets, it stays on. Because it's a pure pigment, make sure to use it with a glitter primer or something like Duraline or dry shimmery particles may fall off. By mixing it with a liquid, it turns these pigments in a very high shine foiled metallic finish. 


J401 Silver Dollar 







J409 Cosmic Glow





These are more like a shimmery or glittery eyeshadows in my eyes, but they come in a form of loose pigment, so I mix them with liquid Duraline to create foiled metallic finish. To be honest, I prefer something glittery to already come in a liquid or cream form, but these are not bad. Shimmer is super reflective and it gives off such a fun duo chrome sheen to your lids. It also sparkles like nobody's business under an artificial light. If that sort of formula appeals to you than definitely check these out, but they are essentially just loose shimmer pigments and you may find some cheaper alternatives too. 
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Review: Avon Mark Prism Lipstick - Orbital Lust

January 22, 2020, 9:05 am
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Avon Mark Prism is a new range of Avon's lipsticks. I've had the chance to try out shade Orbital Lust. It's one of those creamier formulas that contains small shimmer which should give it that prismatic sheen on your lips.


Packaging

It comes in a violet plastic packaging with pink shimmer which gives it a warm purple shine and makes it looks almost like galaxy. The bullet has Mark engraved in it.  You get 3.6 grams of product and it usually costs around 4.60€. 



Formula

Avon says it has prismatic finish which means it reflects light for a multicolored shine. Color should be rich and give medium to full coverage. It applies smoothly and will last for several hours.

It's definitely a very smooth and creamy formula that effortlessly glides on the lips. It contains small shimmer which gives you that slight gritty feeling when you're smacking your lips together, but it's nothing too bothering. Pigmentation is good. 

Finish is creamy with a bit of luminous sheen which isn't metallic, but also doesn't look glittery. I am not a fan of shimmer in lipsticks in general, but with this sort of nude color it still looks tolerable. 

I don't smell any added fragrance, but there might be some slight fruitiness to it. 




Colors

Prism lipsticks come in 15 shades. The range includes some nudes, some pinks and reds and a lot of mauves and violets. 

Orbital Lust is light warm brown with a tint of orange to it. It's the most brownish nude in the range, but has a very warm orange tint to it and the shimmer in it gives it even more golden warmth. It's one of those nudes that I love, but will make your teeth look yellower. 



Comparison

Avon Mark Prism Lipstick Orbital Lust - light warm brown with an orange tint to it and gold shimmer. 
Avon True Supreme Nourishing Lipstick Silky Peach - light warm dirty peach with gold shimmer.
Avon 3D Plumping Lipstick Cantaloupe - light warm muted brick peach with a slight more red undertone to it.

Performance

Because it's so creamy, it feels lovely on the lips, but won't be long lasting. You'll need to reapply it. It wears off fairly evenly, but leaves behind gold shimmer which looks almost a bit glittery after the creamy base has worn off. I dislike that look and it's the main reason why I don't like wearing those kind of shimmery lipsticks. 


I had no doubt that the formula would be great, because Avon's lipsticks always feel great on the lips. I am just not a fan of shimmers in lipsticks. They feel unnecessary to me. If this would be just a regular creamy formula I, and probably many more, would like it much more. Other than that, it's a good creamy lipstick that feels nice. The range is sort of on the purple spectrum and I would obviously love to see more nudes, especially with this sort of creamy formula.
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New In (27)

January 30, 2020, 10:34 am
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It's been a really long time since my last New In post and I've accumulated quite a few new products. Especially over the holidays, when I treated myself with new products and I also got sent some packages from brands. I've already tried all of these out and loved most of them.





Avon Care Enriching Moisture With Yoghurt & Honey Hand Cream and Jolly Holly Berry Bath & Body Wash*

I got some packages from Avon for the holidays, hence festive packaging. Their hand creams are always nice, usually glycerin based, nourishing enough and they don't stay greasy. This one also has a nice sweet yoghurt scent to it. I've always loved their bubble baths and this is a sweet berry scented one in a festive packaging great for gifting. I currently avoid scented body products, so I might try this once my skin gets better or gift it to someone. But their bubble baths always produce enough foam and make your skin smell great.


Avon Be My Highbrow Brow Set*

It's a brow set that came in a box with four products. Unfortunately, shades are darker brown, so it's too dark for my current hair color. I might  use it once I color my hair darker or actually gift it to a friend. It's a set that contains brow powder with a wax, brow marker, some highlighting under eye concealer and a tweezer with a brush on the other side. 


Avon Mark Supreme Playbook Eyeshadow Palette*

It comes in a book format that folds in three places and actually gives you two sides of eyeshadows with a pretty big mirror. I will have a separate review of this palette on the blog, because I think the formula is quite nice. It includes different finishes and all very natural colors with some pops of metallics. Mattes perform surprisingly well, I especially like how easily they blend.



I am in love with this galaxy like packaging of new Prism lipsticks by Avon. The formula is creamy and very comfortable, but I am not a fan of shimmer in it. It's not the look I go for, when I reach for a lipstick. If this was a regular creme formula, I would love to wear this warm brown nude color.


Benefit I'm Hotter Outdoors Set

I've been eyeing Benefit products for a while, so when I got a code for some discount, I decided to buy this set, because it cost me the same as if I only bought Hoola bronzer, which is what I initially intended on doing. I can't complain, because I actually like both other two products as well. Hoola is a bit too warm and too dark for my current skin tone, but it might work better for me in the summer. Roller Lash is one of those mascaras that gives me definition and length. It reminds me a lot of Maybelline Lash Sensational mascara. Gimme Brow is a surprising find for me. I was sure that shade 3 would be too dark for my brows, but it works perfectly with lighter brow powders as a base and I love mini brush that it has. 



Joico K-Pak Stars of Joy Shampoo and Deep-Penetrating Reconstructor

Joico K-Pak is my favorite high end drugstore range. I've had many products from the K-Pak range and I've loved all of them. Their shampoo always makes my hair super soft, well nourished and smooth. I haven't had their reconstructor in a really long time, but it's one of those treatments for damaged and colored hair. It makes your split ends look so much better and nourishes the hair to make them look so much healthier. It has a funny almost baby food like consistency, but smells sort of like a hair salon and banana. Joico often times has sets of two for the holidays and the price is always better than buying them separately. 


Ebelin LE Winter Dream Powder and Blush Brush

Ebelin had these two brushes as a part of their winter limited edition and since I already own a few of their brushes, I knew the quality was nice and I like the shape, so I got two more. Powder brush is one of those shapes that Ebelin constantly brings back. It's tapered and perfect for applying powder or bronzer. I use it mostly for bronzer, because it blends product out so well. Blush brush is more straight cut and not as fluffy, denser, so it's perfect for cream or liquid products, because it doesn't spread them all over. I like applying lipstick as a cream blush with it. Silver copper handles are super pretty and Ebelin brush bristles are always super soft which is one of the reasons I keep buying them. 


MAC Face And Body Foundation - C1

If you're a MAC fan, you probably own this foundation already. I wanted to try this out, because I've heard it's one of those versatile foundations that you can layer on for a full coverage and it also works for the body and doesn't transfer. It's a very liquid and thin foundation. In my opinion this isn't the best for oily skin, because it gives quite a natural finish to the skin. It's definitely buildable and sets surprisingly well, but still looks very natural. If you like that cake up, this is not for you. I still can't decided, if I like this or not, but it has a place in my routine, when I want a certain look. It also works great on mature skin.



I've already reviewed most of these in separate reviews. Duraline is the only one that I still have to write a review for. It's a mixing medium that turns any texture into a liquid cream and makes it waterproof. Their AMC pigments are part of J.Lo limited edition. It makes for a lovely sparkly metallic lid color when mixed with Duraline. I can't believe how much I've already used up their Sculpting Powder in 505. I already hit the pan. It's a very light grey based contour shade that is surprisingly light for my skin tone, so I layer it on more. But it gives just enough of a realistic shadow without too much pigment. 


SVR Cicavit+ Creme and Topialyse Baume Intensif Anti-Recidive

These two are repurchases. I use them on my atopic dermatitis and hand ezema. Cicavit I use for healing scars faster and Topialyse I use to make my dry skin nourished, moisturized and not further irritate as this one has no fragrance and gentle ingredients. I also like that it contains coconut oil, because it smells naturally of coconut and coats my skin in a nourishing layer that lasts longer than most creams. When your skin is very dry, you want it too look less dry for longer and creams that soak into the skin faster, make your skin look dry quick again - but not this one.


Revolution Skincare X Jake-Jamie Feed Your Face Avocado Face Mask*

This mask is a part of a package I got from Ličila.si. I haven't tried all of the products yet, so I'll feature other in another New In post, but I have tried this mask and immediately disliked it. It looks like a proper guacamole, because it contains small particles which give me food vibes. It looks like I put on one of those DIY home made masks on my face. Soon after I put it on, my skin started to sting and I can't say which ingredient's fault was that, but it just didn't agree with my skin. I have sensitive skin, but my face can tolerate quite a lot, so I knew this mask wasn't for me from the start. I'll probably pass it on to someone that doesn't have sensitive skin. It also didn't seem to make much for my skin. I honestly didn't notice much of exfoliation (apart from a very mild physical exfoliation from those larger parts in the mask) and my skin didn't look particularly smooth or more even toned either. But I obviously haven't tried it much, so I can't really say much more about it. It just doesn't agree with my skin.


 


Make Up For Ever Ultra HD Invisible Cover Foundation - Y225 Marble

I've tried another one of those cult favorite foundations and it didn't impressed me as much as I thought it would. Don't get me wrong, this is a good foundation, but it's just not perfect for my skin. This is more for those that have fairly normal to dry skin, very little imperfections and are looking for something natural looking. Shade is a bit too dark for my winter complexion as well, but the shade range is great and you will definitely find your match, if you try it first in person, not order it online, like I did.


Molash Eyelash Serum

I've had Dermalux Lash serum in the past and loved it, but it's expensive. Since I've heard only good things about Molash from my fellow bloggers, I decided to try it out and it didn't disappoint. My lashes definitely grew longer and it makes them look multiplies. I finally enjoy non-liner eye makeup looks, because my lashes are so long that I don't need to darken my lash line. I will have a separate review of this serum and a comparison of results.


The Ordinary 100% Organic Cold-Pressed Borage Seed Oil

I believe The Ordinary promotes this products for hair, but I actually got it for my skin to help with atopic dermatitis. Apparently borage seeds have those essential gamma linolenic acids that are lacking in skin of those with atopic dermatitis. I started to use it in the evening as a last layer on top of other moisturizers to seal in moisture and help with nourishment. In combination with other products I have definitely seen some good results, although there are many factors that need to be taken into consideration when trying to heal skin problems like atopic dermatitis and I can't say for sure how effective is this oil on its own. I cans say that I absolutely hate natural scent of it. To me it smells like vomit and it always makes me sick, when I smell it, but I'm slowly getting use to the scent. 


Essence LE Makeup Brushes*

I also got a very lovely package from Dominur and I believe these two makeup brushes were part of an Essence Limited Edition from the past, I just don't know which one. One brush is angled brow brush and has a spoolie on the other side. The other one looks like a highlighter brush, but I use it for contour. I actually really like this last one, because the bristles are so soft, it's tapered and just big enough to fit in those cheek hollows. I've been using it ever since I got it and so far, the bristles are in good condition.


Catrice LE Kaviar Gauche Mini Lipstick Set C01 Les Petits Bisous*

This was also part of that Dominur package and it was part of a previous Kaviar Gauche Limited Edition. It comes in a metal gold box and in there are four mini lipsticks. I absolutely love the idea of minis, because it means I'll finally be able to finish a lipstick and the size is perfect to carry around with. Formula surprised me. I didn't know Catrice has such a good lipstick formulas and I kind of want to explore more lipstick from them now. 



In the set you get one of those perfect four shades for every occasion. My favorite is the pinkish nude which has the most creamy and oh-so-comfortable formula that wears like a dream. It's one of those muted pink shades that will look good on every light to medium skin tone. The second one is a much warmer, almost peach toned brown, which is again exactly my kind of color. It's also very creamy. Than there's another more coral shade, which is almost like a satin finish, not super creamy like the other two, but it makes sense, since it's a more vibrant shade and you don't want it to move as much. Then there's also a classic cool toned medium red, but in a matte finish, comfortable matte though. This one is another classic that will look good on most skin tone. I am so sad these are not available anymore, because I find the formula as well as shades just one of the best I've tried in a while. 



*PR products or products that were sent to me. 
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January 2020 Favorites

February 4, 2020, 8:34 am
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January may be one of the most depressed months, but it's one of my favorites, because it's my birthday month. And to me it always resembles sort of a new start, since it's the beginning of a new year. I have received quite a few new makeup products and some made it into my favorites and I've been using them a lot. 





I sort of used up most of my favorite concealer and since I had this one in my collection, I started using it again. Part of the reason I like it so much, is that C1 is a very light shade which matches me perfectly in the winter. It's a nicely creamy concealer that has fairly good coverage. It can look a bit more obvious than some others, but I forgive it, because it lasts well on the skin. This is one of those rare Revolution products that I really like and actually bought again.


Catrice Triangle Artist Contour Stick - 020 Ashy Brown

Catrice just discontinued this product recently and since it was half off, I decided to give it a go. I don't think it's flawless, but it works reasonably, if you apply it with a brush. If I apply it straight on the face, it blends patchy. So I prefer putting it on a small dense brush and use it as a light shadow under my cheeks. I find it gives me just enough definition under my other powder products like bronzer. Shade is surprisingly grey toned, which I love for my winter skin as well, but the formula could be more pigmented and less creamy. 



This is definitely my favorite winter bronzer, because it's the only one that's actually very light in shade and has a bit of that redish undertone to it, so it looks very natural, almost sun burnt like. It's amazing for fair to light skin tones. I can't ever overdo this, because it's light enough and I can build up intensity of it. Finish is matte which is what I prefer for bronzers anyway. As you may notice, I am finishing the last bit of it and I already repurchased another one. 


theBalm Mary-Dew Manizer Liquid Mary-Lou Manizer

theBalm Mary-Lou Manizer is still to this day one of my favorite highlighters and I think it's well worth the money still. This liquid version was on my wishlist and my friend got it for me for birthday which was so nice. I actually quite like liquid and creamy highlighter, because powder ones can sometimes look too much, especially, if you use a lot of bronzer and have heavy eye makeup. This is exactly as it says - a liquid version of the powder one. It has the same shimmer in it and gives you that champagne gold sheen. I find it to be a bit less intense in sheen, but as you build it up, it becomes more metallic looking. 


Skindinavia The Makeup Finishing Spray Bridal

I already had Skindinavia oil free primer version and loved it. I actually use it as a finishing spay as well. But after reading up on more Skindinavia products, I decided to get the bridal version as well because it promises to keep at bay any moisture and last up to 16 hours. I've already use it on a couple of special occasions and I can agree with the claims, at least in this winter weather, I'm not sure how it will work in a summer heat. It prolongs the wear and intensity of makeup as well as keeps my face from looking oily. Their sprays always have a fine enough mist which is another thing I like.


Avon Supreme Playbook Eyeshadow Palette

I wasn't sure, if I should include this in my favorite, but I actually liked matte shades in this palette, so I did. I don't like this palette as a whole, but matte shades surprised me, because they blend out so effortlessly. But then again, Avon has proven to me that they can do matte eyeshadows well. Their shimmery and metallic ones are much harder to the touch and just don't have the intensity that I like. But the matte are great and therefore this one deserves a place in this post. I mostly just used lots of neutral tones to pair with my other shimmery shades on the lid. I don't particularly like that the two sides come together and have protective foil on them, because it gets dirty and I have to hold it up whenever I want to use eyeshadow. 



I used these pigments a lot in January. It's a loose pigment that is fairy chunky and crates foiled or glittery look depending on how you apply it - with a liquid or dry on top of a primer. They both have a sort of green golden sheen to them, but the base is pink at one and a more bronzer brown at the other. I love mixing these with Inglot Duraline, which is a liquid mixing medium that creates almost a paste and makes your eyelids look foiled and very metallic. Apply any matte eyeshadow crease and these two on the lid and you have yourself a very glamorous look, perfect for any special occasions. I would love to get some more, but I see Beauty Bay isn't selling them anymore. 


Kiss Natural Flourish Blooming Lash - Camellias

I have a couple of styles of Kiss Blooming Lashes and so far I like them all. These ones in style Camellias are just long enough and they look so fluttery, especially at the ends. I prefer a more natural, less dense lash. These also have two rows of lashes, so they look more natural and have more dimension. I have used these a few times already and they are still in good condition. I also love that they have invisible bend and are so light to wear all day long. 


Benefit Gimme Brown Volumizing Eyebrow Gel - 03

I am sure I features this Benefit brow gel in one of monthly favorite already, but I just like it so much more than I thought in the beginning and use it often. It's a mini version of this brow gel and it has super small brush, which is one of the reasons I like it so much. I coats each brow and makes it look so much fuller, darker and gives it more dimension, especially if you use it on top of a powder or pencil product. It also lasts very well. 


The Library of Fragrance - Baby Powder

I used the heck out of this fragrance last year and I am on the same roll this winter. It's one of those very cozy, almost a bit stuffy, scents that smells exactly like baby powder. It's fairly strong and lingers on the skin for a while. Fragrance is quite strong and oh so powdery that it can be too much for some, but I love it for those colder days. It makes me feel cozy and reminds me of my little niece - she always smells so baby like. 


My Birthday and Unicorn Cake

This month was my birthday and my fiance was so sweet and he made a cake for me, a unicorn cake which I once saved to my Pinterest board. It wasn't just good looking, it also tasted amazing. Sort of like a white chocolate raspberry coconut cake. It was a small family party which is just how I like it. 
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Review: Benefit I'm Hotter Outdoors Set (Hoola, Roller Lash, Gimme Brow)

February 10, 2020, 7:12 am
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I came upon this cute tin set of three Benefit products called I'm Hotter Outdoors and it was actually on sale. It costed less then the Hoola bronzer itself, which was on my wishlist for so long. I way eyeing it and this was the perfect opportunity to finally get it. 




I believe this was a holiday gift set and it came in this tin box in shape of an orange trailer. I find it super cute and am currently using it to store my tea bags in it and display it in my kitchen. In it were three products, two full size and one mini. Benefit Roller Lash mascara and Hoola bronzer are full size and Gimme Brow gel is a mini size - half of the original.

Set was on sale for 24€ on Lookfantastic, but it's worth around 70€.

If you buy products individually the prices are these:
Benefit Hoola Bronzer 8 grams, around 32€
Benefit Roller Lash Mascara 8.5 grams, around 26€
Benefit Gimme Brow Mini 1.5 grams, around 14€



Benefit Hoola Bronzer

Packaging 

It comes in one of those paper boxes, which makes it light to travel with, but I'm not a fan of the packaging, when it comes to using it. Box is small and deep, so sometimes it's hard to get the brush in it. There is a small mirror inside, but I can't do face makeup with it, it's too small.

You also get a small flat brush which conveniently fits into a box. It's narrow and looks deceivingly rough, but it's actually quite soft. You can definitely apply bronzer in a more structured contoured way under your cheek bones. It fits great on the jaw line as well as a nose contour. I prefer my usual brushes on long handles, but it's not bad at all.  


Formula

It's a fairly soft powder formula, but it feels a bit dry to the touch. Physicians Formula Butter Bronzer for example is definitely much more buttery and wetter. Pigmentation is good on my light skin tone, but you might need to build it up more on a medium skin tone. 



Colors

Hoola was the original shade to fit them all, but they've added a darker and lighter version since, which makes sense. Hoola is a light medium bronze shade that has a bit of grey undertone in its warm base tone. It sort of gives you that warm sunkissed bronzed, but also a bit sculpted look - if you skin tone is medium. On a light skin tone like mine, it will look warmer and darker. I have to apply it very lightly to make it work on my winter complexion.


Comparison

Benefit Hoola Bronzer - matte light medium warm bronze shade with grey tone to it
Physicians Formula Butter Bronzer Bronzer - luminous light warm (yellow) bronze shade
The Body Shop Honey Bronze Bronzing Powder 01 Light Matte - matte pale red based bronze shade


Performance

I find it to last a long time on my skin and it doesn't fade down unevenly. I expected this to apply effortlessly, since so many rave about it, but I think the hype is mostly about the color and lasting power. Sometimes, it can apply a bit patchy, so I have to make sure to set base makeup well and then apply it. I honestly expected a more buttery texture, if I may say so, and the Physicians Formula Butter bronzer to me applies much more effortlessly. 



Benefit Roller Lash Curling Mascara

Packaging

It comes in a plastic black tube with a rubberized peach top. The wand is fairly small and the silicon bristles are short. It has shorter bristles on the inside and longer on the outside. Wand is curved in a C shape to fit the eye shape better. Wand is very similar to Lash Sensational by Maybelline, but it's a bit longer. It coats the lashes well and separates them. 


Formula

This is a more wetter formula, but it doesn't feel that way on the eyes and doesn't stick lashes together. It gives nice blackness to your eyelashes as well.

Colors 

It comes in black.



Performance

This is a mascara that will lengthen and define your lashes. The more coats you apply, the thicker your lashes will look, but ultimately, they will still look very separated, long and defined. It reminds me so much of Maybelline Lash Sensational, the effect is pretty much the same, but one is a more drugstore option. It also holds the curl well on my eyelashes and doesn't weigh them down. 

In the beginning, when it's even wetter, layering it up, can lead to a more spiky lashes, but just make sure to not over apply it. 



Benefit Gimme Brow+ Volumising Eyebrow Gel - 03

Packaging

This is the only mini sized product in this set. It comes in a plastic silver packaging and has a tiny wand which has cone shape. The bristles are natural and fluttery. 


Formula

It's a creamy gel formula that with this small wand coats each individual brow hair so well. It gives it color and thickness, because it contains small microfibers which give it texture. 



Colors

It comes in 8 shades which is impressive for a brow gel. I have shade 03 neutral light brown. I personally think it's more of a lighter medium brown and it has a bit of cool grey undertone in it, but can in fact pass as a neutral shade. 

L: natural brows, R: Benefit Gimme Brow gel in 03

Performance

You can brush brows up to create that fluttery almost soap like brow and it gives the lashes nice brown color and makes them look thicker as well as more textured. I really like how fuller brows look with it, but I always use either brow powder or brow pencil underneath it to give it that shadow base. If you have thicker brows, you can just use this brow gel and be good to go.

Benefit Gimme Brow gel in 03 and Essence Micro Precise Eyebrow Pencil in 02 light brown


I initially bought this set for the Hoola bronzer and it's not bad, but I just expected a much more refined and buttery formula. It lasts really well and that grey base gives it dimension, but it's a bit too dark for my usual pale complexion. I think this one is best for a light to medium skin tones. Surprisingly enough I absolutely loved Gimmie Brow gel. Tiny wand, microfibers, texture, color and the hold it all works out great. I would definitely buy this one again for a certain price. Roller Lash mascara is a good one and I would have loved it even more, if it gave a tiny bit more volume, but I feel like Maybelline Lash Sensational does pretty much the same and it's cheaper. 
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Flushed and Rosy

February 14, 2020, 8:10 am
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I'm posting it on Valentine's Day, because it's a very romantic flushed and rosy makeup look. I had this very flushed sheeny cheek in my mind and I created the rest of the look around it. There's just something romantic about this look to me and I feel like it would work for many skin tones and eye color.


For this look I started my eye makeup with a pigmented warm purple eye pencil base. I smudged it out on the top line and went over it with a matte purple shadow. For defining the crease I used light mauve shade. I picked up darker mauve berry shade to shade outer corner of the eye. On the lid I used metallic shimmery eyeshadow and applied it lightly, so it gave the look subtle sheen and shimmer making it look almost wet like.



I did the same on the bottom lash line, expect for metallic shimmery shade. In the inner corner I applied shimmery pink pigment to give it more light. For mascara I used a very volumizing one and build it up to make my lashes look almost a bit fake. Since I started using Molash serum, they have grown quite long and I like making them look even fuller with a few coats of mascara.


For a more romantic and girly look, I really wanted to make my cheeks look super flushes, yet still sort of natural - almost like I was blushing. I applied a bit of liquid matte lipstick as a base and went over it with a shimmery pink blush to give it even more sheen and dimension. I also used a very light amount of contour under the cheek bones and around my nose. For highlighter I opted for another liquid product with a pearly pink silver sheen to give me that angelic glow.  


Whenever I want my look to feel more effortless, I apply lipstick with an eyeshadow brush and blend out the edges to make them look softer and more diffused. It makes it look much more natural and you can cheat your natural lip line without it looking fake. I mixed two shades, one a lighter brownish pink and one more mauve to give it some dimension.  


I called it flushed and rosy, because that's the vibe I went for. Everything is defined, but in a soft manner and it's all in that pink mauve family. Call this Valentine's Day makeup or a romantic date look, but you can wear it for whenever you feel like going a bit more pink and girly. 




Products used

Face:
Revlon Colorstay Combination/Oily Foundation 150 Buff
Missha Perfect Cover BB Cream 21 Light Beige
MAC Pro Longwear Concealer NC15
Kiko Radiant Fusion Baked Powder
Kiko Freedom System Sculpting Powder 505
NYX Lingerie Liquid Lipstick Exotic
Wet n Wild Hello Halo Liquid Highlighter Halo, Goodbye
L.O.V. BLUSHment Blurring Blush 10 Be The Game Changer

Eyes:
Essence Longlasting Eye Pencil 29 Berry Fantastic
Colourpop She Palette - Missy
Colourpop Eyeshadow - Made to Last
Colourpop She Palette - Dear and Coloured Raine Eyeshadow - Moments
Essence Melted Chrome Eyeshadow - 01 zinc about you
Essence Pigments - 11 cotton candy and Inglot Duraline
L.O.V. Confessioneyes Kohl Pencil 120 Veil of Nude
L'Oreal Paradise Extatic Mascara Black

Lips:
Bourjois Rouge Velvet The Lipstick - 02 Flaming'rose
NYX Lingerie Liquid Lipstick - Exotic

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Review: Inglot AMC Eyeliner Gel Matte 77 Black and Duraline

February 18, 2020, 9:03 am
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Inglot is one of those brands that I didn't hear a lot about before I started to get more into makeup. Back in the day on YouTube everyone seemed to be using their gel eyeliner and since then I've always wanted to try out some of their products. I already reviewed some of their pigments and contour powder and now I'll talk more about two of their most popular products - AMC Eyeliner Gel and Duraline.




Inglot AMC Eyeliner Gel Matte - 77 Black

Packaging

It comes in a plastic transparent pot with black plastic lid. In it is 5.5 grams of product and it costs around 16€. I got it on Beautybay, but it seems they are cleaning out their Inglot products and I don't think they'll be selling them anymore. 


Formula

This is a cream gel eyeliner, but it has quite a lot of glide to it, although I wouldn't say it's greasy. Most of gel eyeliners I've tried so far had harder texture to it, but it also meant they dried out quicker. Pigmentation is descent and there is color payoff, but I wouldn't say it blew my mind. I had to go over it a few times to get it super opaque. 


Colors

I believe it comes in many colorful shades, 33 in total, from mattes to more shimmery ones, but usually you'll find basic brown, taupe and black in most online stores that sell Inglot. 

77 is matte black color.



Performance

I've always heard that this is the blackest black gel eyeliner out there and that it stays in place like nobody's business. Well...that wasn't my experience. I was severely let down by this eyeliner. It creased and transferred so bad after just a couple of hours on my hooded eyelids that I was seriously contemplating, if I got a faulty one. Did they change the formula? Because this one has way too much movement. Even gel eyeliner from Maybelline stayed in place better. 



Inglot Duraline

Packaging

It comes in a glass transparent bottle with a black top with a dropper attached to it that lets you push on top to get that one drop of product out. Dropper is very precise and you can in fact get out only one drop, which is already a lot, since you need the tinniest amount.

In it is 9 ml of product and it costs around 11€. I also bought it on BeautyBay while they still had it. 



Formula

It's sort of a mixing medium that can be used for multitude of purposes. Transparent liquid is mostly made of silicons that you can mix with any makeup product to prolong its wear and make it waterproof. It can also be used to restore liquid or cream consistency of a dried up eyeliner, brow product or mascara. 



Performance

My favorite way of using it is with loose pigments or powder eyeshadows to turn them into gel or liquid eyeliner. It gives you endless possibilities, since you can turn pretty much any eyeshadow color into a pigmented liquid liner. 

You need the tinniest amount possible to do that, because one drop goes a long way. I would prefer to use only half of drop to do one eyeliner on both eyes, but you can't drop out less than one drop. 

It definitely turns any powder product into a liquid or creamy consistency with just one drop. It also makes any makeup product waterproof and very long lasting.

If you apply Duraline directly on powder eyeshadow expect to see that silicon film stay on it, so either use it only in one corner or scrape it out on a plate to prevent eyeshadow from being ruined. 

I've also tried it with liquid products and it definitely made them last longer on the skin, but it can sometimes get a funky consistency, especially with shimmery or glitter formulas. I've also used it in a dried up mascara and it didn't make much difference, but I think mascara was mostly used up and not just dried up, so there wasn't much product left in the tube to be turned back into liquid. 

On the photos you can see it being used with Colourpop eyeshadow palette to create matte dark brown eyeliner. It applies like a dream. I also mixed it with Inglot AMC Pure Pigment Eye Shadow in Silver Dollar.




I put my high hopes into Inglot AMC Eyeliner Gel, but it disappointed me so badly. I am seriously considering reselling it to someone else, because on my hooded eyes it's a disaster. It doesn't stay in place, transfers and looks horrible after just a few hours. However, their Duraline mixing medium is game changer. It's one of those products that any makeup artist or enthusiast will find so helpful. It turns any makeup product into a long lasting, vibrant and waterproof formula. I especially like it to create cream eyeliners and apply pigments and glitter on without a mess. 
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MAC Studio Face And Body Foundation - C1

February 24, 2020, 6:43 am
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MAC is one of those staple makeup brands, because it has been on the market for a while and they were one of those brands that always had a wide range of shades. I often get a bit disappointed with their products, because my expectations are too high. Their Face and Body Foundation is one of those staples that a lot of makeup artists swear by and I too wanted to see, if it will impress me that much.


Packaging

It comes in a plastic bottle with a black plastic top. There is a small opening on top and the bottle is squeezable. In it is 50 ml of product and it costs around 32€.


Formula

It's a very liquid formula that has good slip to it and slides on the skin. You have to shake it before use. Once you start to buff or massage it into the skin, it turns from liquid to a more sticky texture that eventually settles, but stays slightly tacky.

It has light coverage, but you can build it up to a medium by applying more layers. Finish is very natural looking with a bit of sheen, so satin. It's too shiny for my personal taste and I always powder it down.



Colors

I actually bought a few shades to mix and match, but for my skin tone I went with C1. C1 is a light yellow warm shade. One light layer matches me perfectly. If I apply a second layer, it becomes slightly darker than my winter complexion.


Comparison

MAC Face and Body C1 - light warm yellow toned shade
MAC Face and Body N2 - light cool pink toned shade
MAC Face and Body C5 - medium warm yellow toned shade
MAC Studio Fix Fluid NC13 - fair to light warm yellow toned shade
MAC Studio Fix Fluid NC45.5 - medium to dark warm yellow toned shade
Revlon Colorstay Combination/Oily 150 Buff - light neutral/olive to yellow toned shade
Catrice HD Liquid Coverage 010 Light Beige - light neutral to warm toned shade

Performance

From afar this looks amazing, very natural and skin like looking with a nice healthy sheen. I've noticed sometimes it can settle into my fine lines and pores a bit - I've seen worse though - and it can stick to textured parts of the skin.

I heard praises how long lasting and transfer proof this foundation is. It stays on the skin well for sure and there isn't any weird patchiness or fading, but it's definitely not transfer proof on me (I apply it on top of my skin care and sunscreen) and it gets shinier looking on my oilier parts of the face through the day. I'll admit it still looks very nice, just a more shiny natural look which is tolerable.

It also feels lightweight on the skin. This is one of those foundations that won't make you look like you're wearing a ton of makeup.

It's a face and body foundation and I haven't tried it on my body, because it hasn't been warm enough for me to show some skin, since I bought. I've always heard it's amazing for the body and transfer proof, so I'll definitely test it in the future, but my main goal was to use it on the face, so I decided to post this review anyway. 





Out of all MAC base products I have tried so far, this one looks most natural for sure. I can see why so many like it, because it's one of those light coverage foundations that feels lightweight on the skin and wears, as well as looks, natural. I also tried it on mature skin and it works great. This evens out skin tone and manages to look natural with a bit of that sheen to the skin and it doesn't make the skin look cakey or dried out. I believe those with mature, dry or normal skin that don't like much coverage will love it.

Products used

Face
MAC Face & Body Foundation C1
MAC Pro Longwear Concealer C1
Kiko Radiant Fusion Baked Powder
Inglot Freedom System Sculpting Powder 505
Nars Blush Orgasm

Brows
Catrice Brow Palette

Eyes
NYX Lid Lingerie Shadow Palette - shades 1, 4 and 5
Catrice Brush Ink Tattoo Liner Waterproof
L'Oreal Paradise Extatic Mascara
Marcc Jacobs Lipstick 216 Kiss Kiss Bang Bang
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Review: Catrice Brush Ink Tattoo Liner Waterproof - 010 Black Waterproof

February 27, 2020, 6:08 am
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I almost never get excited about drugstore eyeliners, because I in general dislike felt tip and regular liquid formulas. So when I saw Catrice was coming out with a brush tip, I knew I had to try it out. I am always trying to find European version of my beloved Clio Kill Black Liner, because it's a hassle to get it from Asia. I think this one might be a good enough replacement. 




Packaging

It's a black plastic pen with rose gold writing. It has a brush tip which is supposedly made out of 270 hairs. I personally prefer brush tips over felt tips, because brush usually has sharper tip and it's more flexible and easier to control. 

I've noticed that the very tip on this brush got a bit fuzzy looking, but it's nothing too bad. I probably just need to cut the very tip off to make it sharp again. In general it works well. It's flexible and you can draw precise thin lines with it.

Brush tips can get dirty, so you have to clean hairs every once in a while and I've noticed that you definitely need to store this one upside down, because otherwise tip doesn't get saturated enough. 

I'm not sure how much product is in it, but it costs 5.09€.


Formula

It's that perfect combination of being liquid enough, yet having some creaminess to it that it doesn't feel like marker or bleed into lines.

Pigmentation is good, but not amazing. Black color could definitely be more opaque, although it's better than most drugstore eyeliners I've tried and it doesn't bother me personally. Finish is matte.


Colors

It's only available in black. 


Comparison

I have to compare it to my absolute favorite brush liquid eyeliner and that is Clio's Kill Black Waterproof Brush Liner. First thing that is different is the brush tip. They are both flexible and you can draw thin lines with it, but Clio's tip is sharper and let's you get that ultra thin tip on the wing. 


There is also a difference in color. Clio's is definitely blacker and more intense. It also feels thicker in formula which means it stays in place better (less bleeding) and it looks more opaque in one swipe.

Clio's is also more water resistant than Catrice's.  


Performance

I was pleasantly surprised by the quality, because so far I didn't notice any descent brush tip liner in our drugstores. The color is not as opaque in one go as I would have liked it to, but I always go over the line several times to perfect it and that makes it opaque enough. Sometimes it can look a bit crunchy, if you apply too much of it, but because it's black, it doesn't look obvious. I think the tip could be sharper, but it moves well over the skin. 

Formula is also nice to apply and I like that it sets quickly so there's no fear of smudging. It lasts all day long, doesn't flake or smudge which is all I want from an eyeliner. It's waterproof, if you run it under the water, but don't start rubbing it. I would say it's more water resistant. 





I have to say this is probably my favorite drugstore eyeliner that I can get in our country. I wasn't expecting much, because previous felt tip liners let me down. But this brush version is actually really nice. There's still room for improvement like more opaque color, sharper tip and actual waterproof lasting power, but it's precise, it glides well on the skin and on me lasts well all day long without smudging or transferring. It's also a lot more accessible and cheaper than my current favorite by Clio, so I think I'll definitely repurchase it in the future. 

*PR product
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February 2020 Favorites

March 2, 2020, 8:48 am
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I am so predictable in my makeup ways. Whenever I get something new, I have to test it out and if I like it, that's all I'll use for a while. Here are some of my favorites that I've been using a lot this month. 




The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 2% in Squalane

This is one of those retinoid versions that it fairly gentle on the skin and I almost don't feel a thing on my skin. It's gentle, yet effective, if you use it regularly. I personally prefer something gentler, because I don't like further irritating my sensitive skin. It makes my skin smoother and I feel like it helps to regenerate my breakouts quicker as well. This one has that oily feel to it, so I use it almost on its own or over a hydrating essence, because it feel enough for my combination skin. I obviously use retinoids in the evening and make sure to apply SPF the next day. Since I am running out of it slowly, I might consider getting slightly higher streinght in the future. 


Missha Perfect Cover B.B. Cream - 13 Bright Beige

I usually use shade 21, because it's easier to get online and I get it much cheaper from Korean than buying it here. But I got a shade lighter in a physical store, just to see what the shade would be like, and it's surprisingly good. 13 Bright Beige is the closest to my winter complexion, if I try to match it perfectly to my neck, which is always the lightest part of my body. Since in winter, you don't show as much skin, lighter foundations that match my light neck work great. This one also doesn't seem to have that typical obvious grey undertone. Probably because it's so pale. Formula is my absolute favorite, as it looks like skin, has a bit of sheen and still has great medium coverage. 

Essence All About Matt! Fixing Compact Powder

This one might have been a part of some limited edition, but I feel it's just their regular all about matt formula. It's a fine enough powder that looks white in the pan, but is in fact transparent once on the skin. It definitely mattifies my skin better than some other drugstore powders and it keep my skin matte for longer. I like that it's compact, because I can carry it around, although the packaging is flimsy. 


Wet n Wild Megaglo Hello Halo Liquid Highlighter - Halo, Goodbye

I was so pleasantly surprised by the glow that this highlighter has. It's that liquid formula with doe foot applicator that has good slip to it, but the pigmentation is there, so once you blend it, it doesn't become too sheer. It's that gorgeous pale pink shade with a champagne sheen that isn't too cool. It reflects light so well and you can build it up or sheer it out. It looks almost metallic on the skin. I've been wearing it a lot this month. 


Nars Blush - Orgasm

Nars blush in Orgasm is probably their most popular product and I always thought that it was purely because of the shade name and the hype was overrated. I finally get it. It's such a pretty shade of blush. Base looks kind of that cool to neutral medium pink, almost like that natural flush on your cheeks when the cold hits you. Over it as a golden sheen that makes it look warm on my skin tone. Formula is another thing that is great, it has pigmentation, but it almost applies sort of sheer and there's no chalky powder base to it. It blends like a dream and I am currently obsessed with it. It just looks so gorgeous on the cheeks and gives you sheen that almost makes you want to skip highlighter. 


Catrice Professional Brow Palette - 010 Light to Medium

Considering how new this products is to me, I've already made a mess out of the packaging. It shows I use it every day. Catrice recently came out with two brow palettes, one for lighter tones and one for darker. I actually have both. I love the fact that there are different shades in one palette, but I know this is not a plus for the average consumer. I personally like to have options depending on my hair color. Currently, I love using both shades in the Ash section. They are that perfect grey undertone, not too dark nor too light shades. It matches my natural brows so well. Pigmentation is great as well and it lasts on my brows for the whole day. I usually use pencil with it, just on the edges as well.


Rimmel Wonder'Swipe 2-in-1 Liner to Shadow - 010 Cool AF

I already have this one in another shade called 001 Slay which is a silver shade and I recently got another one in shade 010 Cool AF which is that rich sapphire blue. Blue eyeliner is one of those shades that I love, when I want a statement with minimal effort. It's that metallic sheen of this rich blue color that makes it so special. Felt tip is fairly precise and has a good point and the formula is not too liquid. But you do need to build it up to get it fully opaque. I absolutely adore this shade and have worn in a couple of times this month.


There is already a full review of it up. It's the closest I have found to a good drugstore brush liner. Formula is easy enough to work with, brush tip is precise enough and it lasts well. There are things that could definitely be improved and I find Clio's formula still better, but this is such a good quality for drugstore. It's cheaper than Clio and more accessible to me which is another plus. I will always go for a brush liner over any felt tip or regular liquid formulas. It's just so much easier to use. 



Since my eyelashes have grown so much longer with the help of Molash Eyelash Serum, I can finally enjoy piling on volumizing mascaras and making my lashes look like fake ones. I know, it's not for everybody, but I love it. Maybelline Lash Sensational mascara was my preferred choice for a long time, but when I want that proper volume, L'Oreal is the way to go. My initial review of it was that it was to expansive for how little product is in it and I still agree with it for sure. But now, I can often times get it on sale for 40% off or buy it in a bundle 1+1 which is doable for me. I would never pay a full price for it. But it's worth it, if you want something that makes your eyelashes thicker, voluminous almost fake like looking.


Avon Her Story Eau de Parfum

This is the newest Avon fragrance that is described as oriental floral. It has top notes of bergamot, peach blossom and bourbon pepper, middle notes of immortelle, rose and iris and base notes of patchouli, vetiver and benzoin. With the first spritz I get that floral burst with a pinch of spiciness to it. Later it evolves into a sort of fresh floral, but also deeper oriental fragrance. I like it more than some others I have tried from Avon, but still can't decided, if it's my kind of fragrance. When florals are dominating, I always wait for the stronger base to develop, because I in general don't like floral fragrances. This one is a nice balance of floral and oriental which makes me like it. However, I feel it doesn't really last that long on me. 
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Review: theBalm Mary-Dew Manizer Liquid Mary-Lou Manizer

March 9, 2020, 9:59 am
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Mary-Dew Manizer was on my wishlist for a while. My lovely friend got it for me for my birthday. I've had it on my wishlist, since I've always loved the shade and sheen of Mary-Lou Manizer, which is pressed version and this one is the same, but in a liquid formula. Liquids always tend to look more natural, but I love that this one still packs a punch of shine, if you apply it heavier. 




Packaging

I am used to theBalm vintage packaging and I find their highlighters quite cute, other products not so much. This is a liquid version of Mary-Lou Manizer - pressed version. It comes in a plastic transparent packaging with silver top. 

It has doe foot applicator which is very soft and fluffy and it holds just enough product.

In it is 5.5 ml of product and it costs around 15€. in Slovenia you can get it in some Müller stores and online on Ličila.si or Notino.si. 



Formula

It's a liquid formula that spreads evenly and has a good amount of slip to it, so it makes it easy to blend and spread on the skin. It actually sets fairly quickly and you don't get any slippy feel or movement from it after that. Pigmentation is good. Opacity depends on how much you apply on. You can sheer it down or make it look almost metallic. 

I wouldn't apply it straight from the applicator, because it can look heavy. I personally prefer to either apply it on with my fingers or small fluffy brush. But in my opinion, fingers work best. 



Colors

I believe it comes in two shades Mary and Bonnie-Dew Manizer. Bonnie is a darker version. I've seen more shades in sets, but not sold separately.

I have Mary-Dew Manizer which is literally as it says on the packaging a liquid Mary-Lou Manizer. Mary-Lou Manizer is one of my favorite highlighters that I've had for a while and still love. Naturally, I had a liquid version on my wishlist as well.

Mary-Dew Manizer is warm light golden champagne shade. It's got enough of that champagne base to it that it doesn't look too yellow. Shimmer is fine and it gives off that lovely noticeable sheen that can be build up to an almost metallic look.



Comparison

Obviously the shades of Mary-Dew Manizer and Mary-Lou Manizer are the same. I feel like you can make Mary-Dew Manizer look even more reflective, if you apply it heavily. Applied in a sheer manner the two are more similar in shine intensity. 



Performance

It stays in place and doesn't move. It's long lasting. I can wear it all day without fading or disappearing. I don't feel the need to set it, but you can apply powder highlighter on top for extra shine. 

Applied sheer, it looks like a really good dewy skin care or natural shine, but in a more gold version. Applied heavier, it looks almost metallic, but the liquid formula still makes it look much more natural than powder highlighters. 


I love that there is no compromise on the sheen with this liquid formula. Sometimes liquid highlighters applied sheerer, don't have that pigmented base in them and can look just greasy. But this one has the color, it has that beautiful sheen and can be applied in a very high shine or subtle way. Golden champagne color will suit most skin tones. It's one of those highlighters that I would wear on its own, without makeup. It looks natural, yet packs a punch of shine and stays on very well. 
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