Marc Jacobs Velvet Noir Major Volume Mascara - 10 Noir

Formula

It's more of a wet formulation, but one that instantly coats your lashes and gives you volume from the start. 

Colors

I believe it comes only in shade 10 Noir which is a classic black.

Performance

With one swipe you get descent volume and thicker looking lashes. They also look longer. The more coats you apply, the thicker your lashes become, but it also means they get that clumpy fake eyelashes look. If that's you're thing, you'll love this mascara. I didn't notice my lashes feeling heavy or dropping down, but I don't usually have a problem with my curl anyways. 

Through the day I noticed some fallout under my eyes which I didn't expect. I also find the wand a bit clumsy, as I tend to get mascara on my upper lid, but I can clean it off pretty easily. 

Marc Jacobs Le Marc Lip Creme Lipstick - 216 Kiss Kiss Bang Bang

Packaging

Packaging of the mini version looks the same as full size. It's black plastic with silver round button in the front. Mini format is adorable and great to travel with. 

Full size costs around 30€.

Formula

It's creamy hydrating formula and they say it has amazing pigment that lasts up to 10 hours. Formula is definitely nicely creamy and with just one swipe you get fully opaque lips. There is just a tad of that creme sheen to it, but it's not too shiny. 

Colors

It's available in 32 colors. There is lots of nudes, mauves, reds and even black one to choose from.

I believe 216 Kiss Kiss Bang Bang is one of their best-sellers. I can see why. This is that classic slightly dusty rose mauve shade, but it's actually brighter than I am used to. I usually like even more muted mauves which look borderline brown. So I didn't find any similar shade in my collection. 

Performance

It feels very lightweight on the lips despite being very pigmented. You barely remember it wearing. It lasts well for creamy lipstick and fades off evenly. Formula also feels nicely soothing and sort of moisturizing in a way. I like this formula a lot. It's definitely very comfortable to wear.

I believe those two products came in a set, which Marc Jacobs usually does and I think the price is around 20€.

I love lipstick formula. This is definitely one of those comfortable creme finishes with great pigmentation. It feels so lightweight on the lips. I am more used to brown toned nudes, so this one is quite vibrant for me, but it will be perfect for more pink looks. Mascara is also their best-seller, but surprisingly it didn't impress me that much. It definitely gives you fake eyelashes vibes, but it can make my lashes look clumpy real fast. For that reason I prefer something with more definition. 

I would love to explore the brand more in the future, especially their Highliner gel eye crayons and maybe Omega Bronze bronzers which I also read some good reviews of. 

Here are my yearls favorites which sum up some of the products I have discovered in the previous year and that have impressed me enough to be mentioned here. Some of these, like skin care and mascaras I have already repurchased a few times. I try to include only those products that I really loved and used a lot.

Balea Vital+ Intensiv Serum Mit Calcium und Sojaöl

This is fairy new find for me, but I still included it in my past year favorites as I just really like using it every day and it's so affordable. It's serum with calcium, soybean oil and hyaluronic acid. I love to use this in the morning routine, because it acts as a great makeup primer. It's sort of thicker milky serum consistency which glides on the skin and makes it feel super smooth. It's nourishing and moisturizing enough, but doesn't leave any greasy or thicker layer on your skin. It's the perfect smoothing serum for everyday use on normal too combination skin. So far it hasn't broken me out or irritated my skin in spite of subtle creamy fragrance it has.

SVR Laboratoire Dermatologique Liftiane Creme

Rarely, I find moisturizers that work on my combination skin and that don't further irritate it. But then again, I haven't been trying much of them out anyway, I usually stick to what works for me. This is fairly lightweight cream which contains resveratrol and hyaluronic acid. It's one of those moisturizers you need little of as it spreads with such ease and gives you just the slightest sheen, keeps your skin moisturized and turns into a velvet finish which works good as a makeup base as well. It's scented, but surprisingly my skin isn't irritated by the fragrance. 

Noelle Foundation Brush No. 2 Base

I've been using it ever since I first got it. It's pretty much the only brush I used for my foundation in the previous year. There's just something about the perfect medium size and lightly rounded and tapered soft bristles that makeup applying foundation so nice with it. I don't get any streaky look with it and I feel it doesn't eat a lot of foundation, so you can apply it in a light layer as well. I try to wash my brushes at least once a week and it has withstand my cleaning well. Sometimes there is a stray hair here and there that falls out, but in general this is a really nice quality for the price.

Maybelline City Bronzer 200 Medium Cool

This is contour and bronzer product in one - or so they advertise it. I use it a s bronzer, but then I use most bronzers for warmth and a bit of definition under my cheeks as well. It's one of those buttery, almost creamy formula which applies evenly and gives you velvet matte finish. There is a slight sheen to it from a sparse shimmer in it, but you can't really see it with your eyes. I like color of it, which is particularly interesting. In general it looks warm, but it has that grey contour undertone to it which makes for the most interesting combination. It really is like a proper bronzer with a tad of that grey tone to it that can almost fool you for contour powder. It's light in color, but the more you build it up the darker it looks. I also like it's not too pigmented as you can build it up slowly. Packaging is crap, mine broke like one month into using it.

NARS Blush Orgasm

I usually prefer smoother more buttery formulas for face powders in general, so this formula is surprisingly dry for my liking. But it makes up for the amazing longevity and shade. It lasts for the whole day without fading. Color of it is a best-seller, though I suspect it's because of the name. It's one of those sheeny blushes with almost highlighter like sheen. Base is that perfect pink, but it has lots of gold shine on top which makes it look more peachy in general. If you avoid shiny blushes, this one is definitely not for you. But if you like that highlighter blush combo that sort of looks semi-transparent like it's part of your skin, you'll love it.

L.O.V. BLUSHment Blurring Blush 60 Be The Next She.E.O.

I've gushed about my love of LOV blushes so many times on my blog and I have always wanted to add more shades. Last year I added this one in shade 60 which is light pinky coral shade with lovely metallic sheen. It's the most reflective color out of all LOV shades I own, but it looks especially nice in summer. This would work on medium skin too. Formula of these is baked, but so soft to the touch that you really don't need to build it up. Pigments is there and it lasts on the cheeks all day. It's definitely the best drugstore blush formula I have tried, though sadly LOV isn't sold in our drugstores anymore.

Viseart Warm Edit and Paris Edit Eyeshadow Palettes

The best eyeshadow palette purchase from last year has to be those two Viseart palettes. These are mini formats of their usually bigger sized pans, so it's sort of good to buy, if you want to try out the formula or just don't like big pan sizes in general. I have depoted mine into an empty Nabla palette, because it makes it easier to see and use. Pan sizes are small, but if you get these on sale, they're worth it. There is still a lot more product in them than in some famous high end brands. Quality of eyeshadows is superb. They are all finely milled, blend out like a dream, have great pigment and have great lasting power. You can choose among different color schemes. I choose a classic warm and more romantic rosy one. You also get different finishes from satin to matte and metallic ones. I would love to own bigger eyeshadow palettes from Viseart in the future. 

Avon Distillery Shadow Shots 330

Apparently I was missing cool medium brown in my collection. Because ever since I got this one by Avon and have depoted it into my magnetic palette of nudes, I use it a lot. Mostly for brown liner and sometimes for darkening outer corners. This is surprisingly smooth, buttery formula and it has great pigmentation. Most eyeshadows from Distillery line I have tried out are really nice quality. Avon always does better mattes than shimmery shades and this one is a winner. Cooler chocolate brown is one of those universal shades that will suit many. I have been using it a lot in the past year. 

Inglot AMC Pure Pigment Eye Shadow Silver Dollar and Cosmic Glow

These are Inglot's best sellers and I probably wouldn't have ever tried them out if it wasn't for my cousin being in Poland and asking me if I needed something from there. Poland prices for Inglot are much cheaper than around other EU countries, so I said what the heck. These are part of some LE by J.Lo, but they have amazing choice of shades in regular range. It's loose powder and these have strong metallic sheen. Apply this with mixing medium and you get a proper foiled look. I like that they feel almost sheer, so there isn't that heavy opaque look on the lid. One is warm golden brown and the other is pale silver pink. They both have that duochrome sheen to them, one leans more green and the other more yellow green. These are proper statement pigments that paired with neutral matte colors in the crease give you the perfect glamorous look.

Inglot Duraline

This is probably the most famous mixing medium. It's silicon based liquid which you mix with any powder or cream products and it prolongs its wear as well as makes it waterproof. This is perfect for mixing with pigments or any powder eyeshadows to create your own colorful cream liners. It's such a multipurpose product which can be used with pretty much any product, but I like it best for pigments and eyeshadows. It gives you that fool proof longevity and prevents anything from creasing or transferring. You just need to let it dry properly and use as little of it as possible. 

Catrice Brush Ink Tattoo Liner Waterproof 010 Black Waterproof

So I don't think I have found my perfect liquid brush liner yet, but there have been some solid ones that I have been trying out for the first time. Catrice's version of a brush liquid liner impressed me. It has fine tip, fairly thick formula that doesn't spill and in general it wears well. I didn't have problems with transferring. The only thing was that it sometimes looked crunchy, because of the thicker formula and I needed to go over the line a few times to make it completely opaque. I still think this is a good affordable drugstore choice, if you're on a lookout for one.

NYX Epic Ink Liner  Black

After Catrice came this brush liquid liner by NYX. I've heard rave reviews of it and at first I like it a lot. It has good liquid formula which is well pigmented, it applies smooth, lasts all day and doesn't transfer at all. When I stored it upside down and the more I used it, the more it seemed to have been liquid and it started to spill into my fine lines on the eyes. It might be the problem with storing it upside down, I can't say, but it sort of put me off from applying it. However, this one stays more saturated and for longer than Catrice version. I still think this is a good brush liner, it just isn't perfect. 

Catrice 24h Brush Liner 010 Ultra Black

After two brush liners, I got the chance to try out regular liquid liner with a brush applicator. Thin brush applicator is a bit harder to work with, but it is quite precise. I find this one spills in between eyelashes, so it's harder to remove. However it gives you completely matte finish which I love. It also doesn't transfer and stays put all day long. So this is another great drugstore choice with completely matte finish and a slightly different regular liquid liner brush applicator. 

Catrice Professional Brow Palette 010 Light to Medium

Brow palettes are usually not as interesting for drugstore brands as the regular user doesn't use more than one brow color. But that is why I love that Catrice made this palette, two in fact. I have both, but on myself I use lighter colors. Colors are really nice, you have good tones of grey ash colors to slightly darker warmer browns. I like to chance up my brow color with my hair colors, so this is very useful. Formula is nicely smooth and it has just enough pigmentation that you don't need to build it up, but also doesn't look too stark. Ash is my favorite color combo as it's one of rare cooler grey tones that match my natural brow colors well. This is great drugstore brow palette.

Benefit Gimme Brow+ Volumising Eyebrow Gel 03

I love me some brow products. Especially ones that can work on its own and give you impact without too much effort. This brow gel quickly became one of my favorites and surprisingly this mini size lasts for so long. It's one of those brow gels with fibers in it so it makes your brows look thicker, it colors them in and helps them to stand a bit more up though it's not the best hold brow gel, if you're looking something just for that. I like color 03 which is that perfect medium brown with a bit of grey undertone. On no makeup days, when I want to look put together, I love concealer and something for the brows. This gives me color, makes my brows evenly thicker looking and brushes them up which is all I want. On most days though I use this for that basic shape and then I fill in with some brow pencil on those sparser areas. 

Avon Euphoric Volume & Length Mascara Brown Black and Black

One mascara that seriously impressed me is this Euphoric one from Avon. In fact this is currently my favorite and most used mascara. This one has that slightly drier formula which gives my lashes exactly what I like - volume, but with good definition. I don't mind thicker looking lashes, I just don't like them to look clumpy. I want definition, but also volume and this one does just that. I only dislike that it dries up faster and you need to build it up when it's not as new anymore. I also love that it comes in dark brown color. It's such a nice change from the usual black. It holds curl on my lashes as well and there isn't much crumbling under my eyes - only some when it gets drier. I've repurchased it already and probably will more in the future. 

NYX Slim Lip Pencils

NYX has been one of those brands that I have explored a bit more in the past year. There I also found one of my favorite lip pencil formulas - their Slim Lip Pencils. NYX has the best nude lip colors in general, I love their Soft Matte Lip Creams as well. In the range you'll get a pretty basic creamy lip pencil formula that isn't too creamy, but also doesn't tug on the lips. It's fairly classic, but it works. I love their shade range which offers so many nude versions from pinks, to mauves, to browns and peaches. I have accumulated quite a few shades and love them all, but my favorite is Natural. It's the perfect nude for my skin tone. If haven't been able to find the perfect nude pencils, I'm sure you'll find the right shade with NYX.

Catrice Plumping Lip Liner + Maxi-Lip

Another great lip pencil formula that I've fallen in love is this one by Catrice. Catrice and Essence were always my go to drugstore choices for lip liners as the formulas were always great and the price very affordable. Catrice came out with their new lip plumping formula with mint in it, but it doesn't really linger on the skin or feels irritating, it's just a bit of that mint feel that lasts a few seconds right after application. Other than that this is so nicely creamy and there is also nice choice of nudes to choose from. I find I can wear it almost instead of lipstick, because it has good pigmentation. So far I have two nude shades, but I might get more. 020 What A Doll is a more pink mauve nude and 010 Understated Chic is more peach brown nude. 

Bronx Colors The Legendary N°2 Lipstick Nutmeg

This is such a comfortable creamy formula of lipstick. Heavier metal packaging makes it seem more expensive than it is. Formula is creamy, applies like a dream and doesn't emphasize any dry patches. It's nicely pigmented and wears lovely on dry lips. Shade is sort of a coral pink, it's not my typical kind of shade, but surprisingly I like it. It brightens up any boring everyday look and doesn't look too much.

Avon Creme Legend Lipstick Iconic

Another classic creamy lipstick formula that I have fallen in love is this one by Avon. Creme Legend is creamy lipstick formula that applies super smooth, it's well pigmented and feels so comfortable and soothing on the lips. It's again one of those great formulas for dry lips. Iconic is that dirty mauve that will look good on many skin tones and is one of my favorite nudes. Avon does amazing lipstick formulas anyway, so it's no surprise this one is just as great as their others.

Revlon Ultra HD Vinyl Lip Polish Date Night

Contrary to other two, this is actually liquid lipstick. It's one of the most comfortable formulas which almost feels like nourishing lip balm, but has full opaque pigment of a proper lipstick. It leaves sheen on the lips, but isn't as shiny as lip gloss. Date Night is another one of those brownish mauves that is so wearable with any look. It can feel just a tad sticky, but that makes it last longer and as it's wearing off it still leaves that nourishing layer on your lips which feels like lip care. I just wish they had more nude shades to choose from. 

Avon Artistique Parfumiers Iris Fetiche Eau de Parfum

This is one of those fragrances that I have already used up so much, which is rare for me. I usually have multitude of fragrances in my rotation, but when I got this one I didn't use anything else and I have about one quarter left. It's Avon's first attempt at niche perfumes and they got it right with this one. It's oriental fragrance with kick of pepper, some florals and powdery creamy vanilla, amber and sandalwood base. I absolutely love how creamy powdery this wears and the oriental base notes make it so chic and elegant. It's probably one of my favorite scents of Avon of all time. Bottle is heavy feeling and well made. The price is ridiculously cheap. I find a lot of Avon fragrances underrated and this one is definitely one of their best ones.

A-Derma Exomega Control Emollient Cream Anti-Scratching

I am finishing with a few boring skin care products that I have repurchased multiple times in the past year. This is cream rich in glycerin and niacinamide perfect for atopic prone skin and irritated skin. I use it to moisturize my hands and back where I have atopic dermatitis and eczema. There is no added fragrance to it. I have had lotion version as well, which is slightly lighter and thinner in consistency, but I prefer cream version as it feels just a tad more nourishing and I like light nourishing layer which stays on the skin. It helps my dry skin and keeps it protected from outside aggressors. 

SVR Cicavit+ Creme

I bought this also for my eczema, when it was even worse and I had lots of open wounds. I heard that this cream helps to heal skin faster and I definitely noticed that too. It's another soothing formula with nice nourishing and moisturizing ability and it helps to heal skin faster. I have applied it over blemishes and it helped to heal those up faster as well. This is sort of my go to for whenever I have scratched or wounded skin. I have repurchased multiple tubes already.

Cien Sun Sun Spray Sensitive SPF30

You wouldn't believe how hard it is to find good unscented body sun screen on a budget, when you have dermatitis. I was so happy to find this one in Lidl. It was cheap, yet effective. It has that milky white texture which also feels nourishing and moisturizing on the skin, but doesn't feel too heavy or greasy. It has fairly high SPF, which is for me enough for my body. It's unscented and in general it didn't further irritate my skin and I felt protected outside. I hope Lidl has it again next year, because I haven't find any good affordable alternative in other stores. 

H&M Pure Radiance Powder Blushers are one of my all time favorite blush formulas. I've been slowly collecting more shades and whenever I get one, I use the heck out of it. Most of them still look like I haven't touched them. It's just one of those gorgeous soft powdery formulas that blend like a dream and they have the most beautiful shades to choose from. 

Packaging

I'm not sure what happened to these blushes, but it seems they've upgrated the packaging. It's black plastic packaging all around, while older ones had gold on the bottom. Now there is also small mirror inside, which older versions didn't have. I find it too small to be useful. 

I like the fact that this is very slim packaging, easy to travel with and store. Plus it's durable, I've dropped these multiple times and none broke. 

In it is 5 grams of product (which goes a really long way) and it costs 9.99€. You can often get them on sale. Mine was 3.99€.

Formula

It's super soft powder formula which leans wet and picks up with ease. It has slightly sheerer pigmentation, which can be build up to look more opaque. Finish is satin/luminous. It's not completely matte, there is a very subtle natural sheen to it. 

Colors

They have quite a few shades to choose from and I love their shade range. You can get pale, light, neutral, muddy shades or opt for a really bright, darker colors. I am particularly fond of their muddy brownish undertones and the fact that they have light shades that don't look too obvious on my skin tone.

Cameo Pink is light neutral muddy pink. It looks almost a little cool toned with grey undertone, but there is that hint of warm brown to it. It's one of those neutral pink tones that will work on cool and warm skin tones. 

Comparison

H&M Pure Radiance Powder Blusher Cameo Pink - the lightest and most cool toned pink.

Catrice Blush Box Glowing + Multicolour 020 It's wine o'clock - brighter and darker pink with more warmth to it.

L.O.V. BLUSHMENT Blurring Blush 30 Beautiful Minds Empower Other - darker pink with similar muddy undertone, but slightly more warm.

Pure Radiance Powder Blushers

I now own four shades of these and I thought I would swatch them side by side. 

Brown Sugar - one of my all time favorite blush shades. It's light peachy brown shade. I love to pair it with looks where I want my cheeks to look natural - not compete with any other colors.

Apricot - light apricot shade which is great for pale and light skin tones. It matches perfectly with any warm tones.

Rosy Brown - slightly darker than other shades, it's like a mix of peach, pink and brown. It's like warm muddy peach shade with some rose to it and it gives you those real flushed cheeks look with some warmth to it.

Cameo Pink - the lightest shade of these and the most cool toned. It almost looks a bit greyish in the pan, but on the cheeks gives you those wearable flushed cheeks that are still muted enough for it to not look too much. 

Performance

These blend with ease. You can start building them up slowly with just a hint of color or apply more and have opaque look. They last on me for the whole day, though the shade fades a tiny bit, but nothing I can't live with. They never look dusty, muddy or patchy. 

I already had this formula, so I knew I will like it. I choose Cameo Pink only based on online swatches and I don't regret it. It's the perfect pink that is light enough for my taste and I love muddiness to it. It wears nice, applies evenly and lasts well. I used to prefer peach toned blushes, but now I wear pink ones more. 

This month has been pretty boring and to be honest, I didn't apply much makeup as I just didn't go anywhere and I had lots of other things to occupy my time. So in this month I am focusing more on skin care part as this is one of those months when my skin needs more care. I usually don't share as much of these products anyway.

SVR [A] Ampoule Lift - Soothing concentrate, retexturizing, anti-wrinkle

My skin has been acting out this month and I've had to deal with lots of pesky blemishes that just didn't want to go away. So I was excited to introduce retinol back to my routine. Previously I've had The Ordinary retinoid, a milder version of vitamin A. This is not my first try at this SVR formula, but this time I get to try it out properly with a full size product. Testers turned out to be lovely. It's milky white serum which has quite a nourishing consistency. 0.3 % retinol isn't going to feel irritating at first apply, it does however start to irritate the skin, when you use it every single night and you have sensitive skin like me. I used this for few nights in a row and it definitely helped with my blemishes. Healing process was faster and I know finally have less of them popping out. However, I've noticed my skin started to feel irritated and dry, so I know this isn't for my everyday use, but more 3 times a week. It's still one of the most nourishing and soothing formulas I have tried that contains pure retinol. 

COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence

Whenever I have blemishes, I resort to this essence. It's mostly snail mucin which is known for its quick healing abilities and it always helps my blemishes to heal faster and leave less marks behind. This is slimy viscose transparent essence. Some may get put off by the texture, but I find it quite interesting. It nourishes the skin in a very light manner and sort of creates light layer on top of the skin. If you have problems with snail mucin clogging your pores, then I would probably stay away from it. If you don't and you have regular problems with scarring and blemishes, this might work for you to help them heal faster.

Primark Alex Steinherr Maximum Moisture Moisture-Locking Everyday Moisturizer

This is that basic moisturizer that you can almost put on any skin type and mix with all other skin care products. It's that thicker texture which applies smooth on the skin and almost becomes more lightweight as you massage it in. It moisturizes your skin, but doesn't feel or look greasy. It's very basic and I like it on top of other hydrating serums and essences to lock moisture in, but also prevent my skin from further clogging it with any more occlusive formulas. 

Bepanthen Mazilo

I think this is registered as a drug in our country, so you can buy it at pharmacy. It's very basic all-around thick occlusive white cream with main ingredient dexpanthenol. There are also some vasaline and oils in it, but it's basically good for giving your skin that occlusive sticky layer which will protect it from further moisture of loss. I use this as a lip treatment/lip balm. This is my go to for every night before I got to sleep and sometimes I even use it through the day. I've pretty much forgotten about usual lip balms as those are just completely ineffective when you have very dry irritatin lips. I lips haven't been severly dry this season yet, but they can get dry and Bepanthen is the best cream that helps with that. Plus you can get bigger 100 g tube and this will last you for a year.

Balea Med Ultra Sensitive Touchmaske

I've seen this sheet mask on some blog, though I can't remember which. Since I am a huge fan of Balea Med body care range, I knew I would probably like this as well. So I used it after my irritated retinol phase and it really helped. It's your regular cotton sheet mask with white creamy essence. It's quite viscose to the touch and it left almost glazed sheen on my skin when I took it off. There is no scent to it and in general this feels soothing. With ingredients like glycerin, panthenol sunflower oil and hyaluronic acid this makes for lovely hydrating, moisturizing and above all nourishing treatment. This will be perfect for dry skin and if you have sensitive or irritated skin, it might work for you too. I will definitely buy more of these. It's fairly cheap, simple, yet does what is says.

Avon Creme Legend Lipstick Iconic

I am a creature of habit. Once I get something new, it's always at my hand's reach and I tend to forget about other products. But it's also because it's such a nice formula. Creme Legend is that creamy lip formula which feels so well on the lips. Iconic is that perfect mauve toned nude with brownish muddy undertones. It goes with every look. Sometimes I like to apply it just buy pressing on with fingers to give my lips some more shape and color. 

Avon Euphoric Volume & Length Mascara Brown Black

I got another tube of this mascara. It has quickly become my favorite. This is slightly drier formula which coats every lash, gives you volume, but most importantly, still leaves your lashes defined. I don't think I know of a similar formula. L'Oreal Paradise is similar, but that one gets clumpy looking on me and it never gives me as much definition as Euphoric. I also really like this brown black color which matches so well with my dark brown eye color. I find it more subtle, sexy, yet not overpowering like black. I am sure I'll be repurchasing it many times.

Head & Shoulders Classic Clean Shampoo

In the winter I sometimes get dandruff. I even got what looked like atopic dermatitis on my scalp last year, but this time it's just dried white dandruff. Since I don't have these problems often, as I have naturally very greasy scalp, I opt for Head & Shoulder and it always saves me. Piroctone olamine in it just helps my scalp to feel its normal again and I usually get rid of my dandruff after 5 uses of this. So I keep it at hand, but don't use it every single wash. They have several scents and options, but classic one is good enough for me.

A-Derma Exomega Control Emollient Cream Anti-Scratching

I've mentioned this cream on my blog before, but this is basically my usual routine to keeping my hand eczema and atopic dermatitis at bay. It's one of those greasier creams which still spreads with ease and isn't too occlusive. You can apply it multiple times during the day and it gives your skin protective layer, but doesn't feel heavy or extra greasy like you can't do nothing with your hands. It's got all the basic ingredients to help with dry and irritated skin like glycerin and niacinamide. It's also unscented. I have another cream that I will be testing for my hands now and I'll report back if that is another good option for atopic dermatitis. 

The Library of Fragrance Baby Powder Cologne Spray

This is niche fragrance and one that I actually got gifted. It's described as baby powder and it smells exactly like that. It's that soothing powdery scent which reminds you of a fresh baby wrapped in a blanket on a cozy winter evening. Sometimes it can get overwhelming, almost a bit stuffy to some, but I like it. It's perfect for cold winter months. For summer it would be too stuffy. It's one of the most unique scents I have in my collection and one that I only get use of in the winter, because it's too strong for any other season.

Equa Bottle Mismatch Ginkgo

My lovely friend got me this Equa bottle which has been on my wishlist for a while already. It's Slovenian brand that makes glass water bottles. They have simplistic designs to choose from and I wanted this Ginkgo which is muted gold design with metallic gold cap. You can also make yourself custom engraved caps to personalize it a bit more. This one is the biggest one, it hold 750 ml of water. I though go big or go home. I have many smaller bottles at home, but when it comes to having big one for summer, there isn't any. Plus I have to start drinking more. Now I'll have something pretty to push me. 

Handmade Wooden Entryway Table

I have a very gifted man, which is always full of ideas and a very crafty mind. Ever since we bought an old house and started to renovate it, he's been doing lots of so called DIY projects. One of those is also this custom made wooden table which is in our entryway. I've seen similar tables on Pinterest and since we had some old wooden door and steel fence, he created this. I am beyond happy with it. I'll be adding more decor items once the world normalizes and I can get to stores.

Sample Beauty is British indie makeup brand. I think their eyeshadows and pigments are what they are most known for. I'm not familiar with the brand, but their pigments always looked fun and are more affordable than for example the ones I have from Inglot. 

Packaging

Pigments come in glass pot with tin cap. There is also plastic that protects pigment from spilling out. I tried to find how much product is in each pot, but they don't have it written anywhere. Price on Beauty Bay is 6.50€, I got it on sale for 3.90€.

Clio

Salma

Formula

It's loose pigment, so you'll need some sort of base or mixing medium to stick it too. I usually mix pigments with Inglot Duraline mixing medium, but you could put it over glitter primers or creamy sticky eyeshadows. I tried it over NYX Glitter Primer and it grabbed perfectly. It's vegan formula. 

Pigmentation depends on how you use it. If you apply it dry, it will look sheerer, but wet it and you can get fully opaque foiled look. 

Colors

Sample Beauty has matte, sparkly, neon, pastel and duochrome finishes to choose from and many different shades of each.

I got two sparkly shades, because I like these shades in the center of the lid paired with mattes to give my look that extra glam. 

Salma is copper bronze shade with gold and silver glitter.

Clio is redish brown with turquoise sheen and gold glitter. Clio has bigger sized glitter.

I love both shades. Salma is that gorgeous warm bronze that I love and can pair with any matte brown eyeshadows. It gives my lids such a nice sparkle. Clio is more intense, darker shade and it has that gorgeous almost duo chrome feel to it where it looks kind of warm brown, but then it has that tuquoise sheen on top. It has more chunky glitter particles.

I applied both pigments on the center of the lid, while I also used some matte eyeshadows in the crease and for eyeliner. 

Salma

Performance

With Duraline these last on my eyes the whole day. I get some fallout while applying them, because glitter particles fly around, if you don't use it very carefully. There is no fallout during the day. They stay in place, don't transfer and don't loose intensity.

I can only compare them to my Inglot pigments which are a bit less glittery almost a bit more finely milled. Even so, these from Sample Beauty look gorgeous on the eyes. They give you fun color, lots of glittery shine and dimension. I love glass packaging and for the price it seems like there is quite enough product in it. I'm probably going to order more when these are back on sale. Pigments are one of those makeup products that will last you a long time and you can use them in so many ways, not just on the eyes. 

MAC Paint Pots are one of those products that have stood the test of time. I remember Soft Ochre being one of the most popular eyeshadow primers back in the day when I started to get interested in makeup and I still see professional makeup artist using them as eyeshadow bases. I knew I will want to try this at some point. 

Performance

Usually eyeshadow primers have a certain stickiness to them, but this is like a proper matte cream eyeshadow. Eyeshadow sticks to it, but doesn't look patchy and you can blend it out with ease. Plus it makes your eyeshadows stay on the lid for the whole day. I haven't experienced any creasing with it, but I haven't tried it in summer heat either, so I can't say how it works on extremely oily lids.

The fact that it's so well pigmented means you can use this almost as a concealer as it conceals most of redness or discoloration. That is probably its main selling point - providing even opaque color.

My only concern would be using this on very textured and dry skin. I feel like it can grab onto drier patches and on mature skin this could look heavy, because of high pigmentation. You also have to spread it well, because it's thick and sets fairly quick.

This is great eyeshadow primer, if it matches your skin tone and if you want something that will cover those little veins and discoloration on your lids. It has fairly high pigmentation, sets matte and prolongs the wear of your eyeshadows. I like to use this on those occasions when I want perfectly unified clean lid space to work with and when I want my colors to pop on a neutral base. It can look heavy sometimes and you have to blend it out well, if your skin isn't especially young anymore. 

I was all about cream makeup and pampering in February. It's one of those winter months that is finally starting to get a bit sunnier, so I am sort of resetting my skin again with some actives and nourishing it in the process. 

Max Factor Miracle Touch Skin Perfecting Foundation - Bronze 080

Colourpop Super Shock Cheek - Flexitarian

This is the best cream to powder highlighter for pale and light skin tone. It has amazing reflective shine which isn't shimmery at all. Color is champagne based, but with a cool silver sheen. It's got that putty creamy formula which blends best with fingers and can be sheered out or build up to proper opaque look. You can apply it over liquid or powder products and it applies evenly. I absolutely adore it and have a backup already. However, it's so light I can't use it when I have a bit of color or tan, because it's has such a cool sheen. 

Look by Bipa Matte Camouflage Concealer - 010 Light

In winter, this is my go to concealer. It has good medium coverage, never looks cakey, I don't need to keep building it up and it has sort of a natural matte finish. Plus the color 010 Light is actually light enough for my winter complexion. I keep coming back to it, because it's just fool proof for what I am looking for in a concealer. It's sadly available only in Bipa, which I have to go to Austria to buy and now I can't do that either. 

Colourpop Ultra Satin Lip - Aquarius

For my cheeks I've been using liquid matte lipsticks. I apply tiny bit on a palette and work it into the brush then apply it on my cheeks. It's one of the most long lasting blushes which also looks very natural as far as texture goes. Aquarius from Colourpop is one of those brownish pink nude shades that I love so much. It's that muddy muted undertone that goes with pretty much any look. 

Uriage Xemose Lipid-Replenishing Anti-Irritation Cream 

It's nourishing and protective cream that soothes irritation, so it's pretty much perfect for allergy prone and atopic skin. In fact, I have read several rave reviews from atopic sufferers, so I was very intrigued to try it. It's thicker white cream, but one of those that has very smooth, silicon feel to it. It's mineral oil based with nicely moisturizing ingredients like glycerin, squalane and shea butter. It also has some oils, among which is borage oil, which is supposedly very good for giving the skin that barrier that atopic skin lacks. It leaves the skin with a slight sheen, but doesn't feel heavy, just moisturizing and nourishing enough that it doesn't soak in all at once, but still gives you that barrier to protect from external aggressors. I use it on my hands, where I have eczema and on my back where I have atopic dermatitis. So far, it turns out to be nicely moisturizing, nourishing and I love that it feels soothing. There is no added fragrance or any other unnecessary ingredients that may be irritating. 

Redken All Soft Heavy Cream Super Treatment For Dry/Brittle Hair

I forgot how good this hair mask is. I have about one use left, since I have been saving it for so long. It's way past due date, but I don't care. It still does its magic. It's like a slightly thicker cream which sticks to hair well. It makes my hair super soft. I have naturally fine hair, so this masks makes it even softer than it usually is. It makes my hair look moisturized, well nourished and it doesn't weigh them down. I can't stop touching my hair, that's how soft it is after using this. Plus it has lovely sort of woody sweet fragrance to it which lingers on the hair for a day or two. It's expensive, but worth a treat every now and then. 

I think Adjusting Beauty has officially become my longest standing hobby. I've been writing this blog since my student years and for some reason I haven't gotten completely bored with it yet. It has brought me some great opportunities for working with companies as well as meeting fellow beauty lovers that have created fun beauty community.

Another batch of new products. I haven't posted a new in in a while. Here are also some PR packages from December as well as some Black Friday purchases. 

Molash Lash Serum

This is repurchase. I still have older bottle, but I think I need to throw it away, because it's way overdue. This is one of the cheapest lash growth serums here on the market and it's just as effective as more expensive ones. I like that it doesn't irritate my skin, even if I use it every day. This is new packaging, which I approve. It's a much more grown up design. I noticed I haven't posted a review of the older one, but I hope I get to do with this bottle. There are some visible results - longer lashes and they tend to grow more curved, which is also very nice.

H&M Pure Radiance Powder Blusher - Cameo Pink

I have few of these blushes already and they are one of my favorites in the drugstore price range. Cameo Pink is muddy pink that is so neutral and perfect for any makeup look. I absolutely love it and already have full review of it. 

Sample Beauty Pigment - Salma and Clio

Pigments are one of those unnecessary makeup products, but they can be the most fun as well. This was my first time trying Sample Beauty ones and I really like those two shades. One a more bronze one and one duo chrome brownish turquoise. They have larger glitters than I am used to with pigments, but look great all over the lid. 

Avon Euphoric Mascara - Blackest Black

Avon Lucky Me - Mini Version

Balea Milder Reinigungs Schaum 

Mateja has recently started usin it and loves it. I was willing to try it as well, because my skin can get dehydrated at winter. Thought I've noticed that's mostly when I go hard on acids and retinol. Anyway, I have tried it and after using it some time I got breakouts. I am not sure if it was related to this washing foam, but I stopped using it. I will reintroduce it now. Otherwise it's a fairly nice foam, which is very enjoyable to use. It leaves just the slightest layer on my skin. It definitely feels a bit more nourishing than my usual Balea Erfrischendes Wasch Gel which doesn't feel drying on my combination skin either. So I feel like if you have combination or oily skin, you'll love wash gel more and the foam might be for you, if you have drier skin. 

Balea Hydrogel Gesichts Maske Glowing Moments

This sheet mask was a gift from a friend and I didn't get the chance to try it out as well, but I definitely will. I post mini reviews of such products on my Instagram stories, so if you're interested in it, check back there. I think I still saw it in DM the last time I was there. I know DM changes these sheets masks often and some are more limited editions. It has some glycols, glycerin, niacinamide and hyaluronic acid right on the top of the list, so I have high expectations. 

Revlon Photoready Candid Antioxidant Concealer - 015 Light

Skintegra Infrared

Infrared is liquid serum which soaks in fast and leaves no noticeable layer on the skin. It's very lightweight with some amazing ingredients like azelaic acid, niacinamide, panthenol, Centella asiatica, madecassoside and many more. It's basically calming serum for skin prone to inflammation. Azelaic acid and niacinamide are great for brightening and calming down any redness and other ingredients help to nourish and calm down skin from any irritations or blemishes. This is perfect for anyone that has problems with blemishes, acne, rosacea or any other irritation. You can use it morning and night. I really like this for blemishes and keeping irritation levels of the skin low. I was amazed at how good this is at calming down redness. You apply this on a red spot and it immediately gets less red. This is perfect for preping the skin for makeup as well. Sometimes I get a bit of sting from azelaic acids, so I'm not sure if this would be appropriate for those with very sensitized skin.

Balea Men Augen Roll-On

I also saw this eye roll-on at Mateja's and since I used up my eye creams, I decided to get this. It's a very liquid refreshing almost serum for the eyes. This soaks in very fast and if you have dry skin around your eyes, you'll need to go in with a cream as well. This is water based with lots of glycerin and niacinamide. There is also some caffeine, hyaluronic acid and some oils. It's definitely something very lightweight which men would actually use. I like it, but I think it would suit me more in summer, because it's so light. I like to prep my skin with more moisturizing creams in the winter, even though my skin is combination, it can get dehydrated as well. 

Ikoo Infusion Thermal Treatment Wrap Color Protect & Repair Mask*

In December I received a lovely package from Ličila.si and I've already tried most of the products. Ikoo has a few different masks. This one is for colored damaged hair. It's like a sheet mask, but for your hair. Pink thicker mask is inside a foiled turban which you put on your hair and leave it on to really soak in. This one has interesting herbal scent to it from lavender and juniper oil as well as basil extract which makes it smell sort of spa like. I wasn't sure how the mask would spread evenly on my hair, but it actually did. I have shorter hair than most though. It felt nicely soft while washing it off, but my hair didn't feel extra soft. I only noticed that the second day, after I hair dried it. The second and third day my hair felt lovely soft and seemed to be well moisturized. Lovely herbal scent of essential oils also lingers on your hair which makes for a fun experience. I wouldn't say the results were outstanding, but it definitely did something and my hair liked it. 

Lovely Curling Pump Up Henna Effect Mascara*

I haven't tried this yet, because I have many other mascaras currently open, but I will report back.

Catrice More Than Glow Highlighter 020 Supreme Rose Beam*

This one I already had before, so there is a full review of it already. But it's a nice drugstore highlighter.

Glov Moon Pads Reusable Makeup Remove Pad*

Reusable makeup remover pads are good for removing your eye makeup. They say you can use it with just water, but it takes time to remove it all, especially if you have long lasting makeup on. It takes some rubbing and even then it doesn't really impress me. I prefer my Bioderma with a cotton pad. I guess this would be better for someone on the go to remove makeup and change it or for any touch ups.

Wet n Wild Coloricon Lip Liner - 717 Berry Red*

I already own this lip liner and it's definitely one of the longest lip liners I own. It's got that modern creamy texture which glides on the lips with ease and stays fairly well. It's also very affordable and I like it.

Wet n Wild Mega Last Matte Lip Color - Red Velvet*

I have so many red lipsticks and since this is matte formula, which can get drying on my lips, I decided to give it away to someone that will get more use out of it. You can read review of the formula here.

NYX Matte Finish Long Lasting Setting Spray*

I was most excited for this when I received the package. NYX is one of those brands that I like a lot of products and I feel like most have good quality. This is matte setting spray which has one of those basic mists. It isn't super fine, but you also don't get droplets all over your face. It has somewhat of an artificial scent, but it locks in makeup well and definitely prolongs the wear of it. I've noticed I don't get as shiny with it, but it also doesn't completely block out my sebum. I'll have to test it a bit more to completely makeup my mind, but so far I like it. 

Revolution Beauty Finding Balance Scented Candle*

Bronx Matte Lip Tint - Cashmere*

I already have this in the shade Naked. It's one of those very liquid lipstick formulas which dries down to a completely matte finish which is drying on my already dry lips. Pigmentation is great and this lasts on your lips like crazy. Naked is a more cooler pinkc shade which actually doesn't suit me at all. Cashmere is that kind of shade that I really like. It's brownish nude with a hint of warm peach to it. I love the shade and I might use it as liquid blush, I am not sure yet. 

Wet n Wild lipstick and lip liner are the same as the package from Ličila.

Hair Wonder Hair Repair Conditioner Daily Care*

It's daily conditioner that can be used on all hair types. It's thicker texture, but it feels lightweight. Scent is fairly natural, not added fragrance. I actually liked it. It seemed to be a bit too lightweight at first, but it definitely made my hair softer, easier to comb through and I felt like it moisturized and nourished them well too. It's a descent conditioner. 

SVR [A] Ampoule Lift Smoothing Concentrate, Retexturizing, Anti-wrinkle*

Uriage Xemose Lipid-replenishing Anti-irritation Cream*

Xemose is Uriage range for very dry and atopy-prone skin. It contains emollient products to give your skin that long lasting comfort. As atopic skin sufferer I was immediately intrigued by this cream as I have read so many comments saying it helped others with their dermatitis. I know a cream is the last step at helping with your skin problems, but findig one that suits you can also be hard. This is lovely white cream which seems tick at first look, but is very easy to spread. It leaves a bit of shine and nicely moisturizing and nourishing layer on the skin which doesn't feel heavy or super thick, but it still stays on for longer time and protects your skin. It's mineral oil based with shea butter, glycerin, squalane and oils liek borage seed oil which is great for atopic skin. It's that basic barrier protecting cream that will protect your skin from further drying out which also means your skin won't get as easily irritated. I love this cream and will definitely repurchase it.

Avon Creme Legend Lipstick - Adore

Avon Planet Spa Aromatherapy - Beauty Sleep Pillow Mist, Calm Body Mist and Energise Body Mist

Avon Planet Spa Radiance Ritual - Liquid Gold Face Mask, Foil Face Mask and Rose Luminous Face Serum*

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

I love to use this, because it's very light in color and I usually mix other foundation into it to get more of a neutral to warm tone, because this is very grey toned. I already have one mini size and I have repurchased it. It's just big enough to last me one or one and a half seasons, because in the summer I get some tan and use darker bases. It's one of my favorite formulas of all time. 

Benton Aloe BHA Skin Toner

While I was in Missha store, I also wanted to get my favorite COSRX BHA Skin Returning A-Sol, but they were sold out. So I saw this one by Benton at a cheaper price and just got it on a whim. It's basically aloe vera water with hyaluronic acid, snail mucin and salycilic acid. I expected it to be liquid like a proper toner, but it's actually like a very liquid serum. Basically, like if you would mix classic toner with snail mucin. There is no sliminess to it, but it has a bit of grip that isn't just liquid. It's slightly muted colored and feels a bit more nourishing than a classic toner. I guess aloe vera gel texture is the one that actually moisturizers the skin and lingers on it. As far as comfort goes this is lovely formula, it sits well on the skin, doesn't feel stripping and is actually quite gentle. I fear though it's too gentle for me. I am used to the COSRX sting and I have a feeling like it works better, but I haven't use this long enough to say that, so I'll report back. It's definitely one of the more gentle versions of BHA for anyone that is afraid of a proper acid toner.

*PR products or products that were sent to me.

I feel like all I write these days is favorites and I promise I'll get back to writing more other posts as well. I tried to gather a few products, though honestly, I could copy my January and February favorites in this post as well. I don't get to go anywhere, so I also don't do much of colorful makeup anymore. It's all down to basics. I have some fun scents to introduce to you as well. 

A'Pieu Pure Block Daily Sun Cream SPF 45

This is one of my favorite daily SPFs for the face. I love it, because it has that thin, lightweight Asian formulation that gives you a bit of sheen, but wears so comfortably. It has citrus scent to it, which is quite pleasant compared to the usual floral powdery sun screen scents. There is barely any of it left and I have to order it from Asia, which is a bummer. I have Garnier to try next, but I'll definitely repurchase this in the future.

Bourjois Healthy Mix Foundation 51 Light Vanilla

I'm not one of those people that applies one foundation, I always mix at least two and sometimes I add color correction to make it more olive and match my skin tone better. I've been notified that Bourjois has finally added some lighter shades to out drugstores, so I decided to use my old one up. I have it in 51 Light Vanilla which is just a tad too dark for me. It's one of the best drugstore foundations that I especially like recommending to those that want medum coverage and have normal or dry skin. This never accentuates dry patches and in general looks natural on the skin. My only problem with it is that my skin gets oily fast, but that's just on my combination skin. For dry skin, this is amazing.

NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream London

Recently I've switched to more cream/liquid makeup and I prefer to use matte liquid lipsticks as blushes. This month I've had a few tried with NYX London which is one of my favorite nude brown shades and this one is great to apply on the cheeks when I have something bright and colorful on the lids to make it more toned down. I also love it on the lips. It's just that perfect nude brown for light to medium skin tones.

NYX Matte Finish Setting Spray

While we're on the topic of NYX, I've also been trying out their matte setting spray and so far so good. It has fine mist that doesn't drip, doesn't feel tightening on the face and in general I notice my skin doesn't get as shiny as quickly as without using it. I still get my natural sebum coming through, but it's delayed. I will try it out more, but so far I really like it.

Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara

This is the most hyped up mascara right now, thanks to Tik Tok. I always liked the original Lash Sensational, so I thought I'd like this one too and I do. It will give you very long and defined lashes. There is some volume to it, but if you build it up too much, it can look clumpy. I really love the fact that the lashes still stay soft and lightweight. It holds my curl and I haven't noticed any fall off. Silicon wand is very bendable and has those shorter bristles that really comb through the lashes. One thing that really bugs me with it, is the fact that it's hard to remove. I don't use waterproof mascaras neither waterproof makeup removers, so it takes me a while to completely remove it with Bioderma micellar water. But that also means it lasts on your lashes the whole day.

Avon Creme Legend Lipstick Adore

I have this in shade Iconic already and since the formula is so nice, I wanted a more nude option as well. Adore is light nude brown with grey undertone. Its fairly neutral shade leaning a bit grey. This can look a bit dead on medium skin tones, but it's perfect neutral brown for fair and light skin tones. Formula is lovely cream with that natural sheen and it's so comfortable to wear. Obviously, it won't be super long lasting, but the wear is more important to me. 

Avon Far Away Rebel & Diva Mini Perfume

Avon does mini version of their full size perfumes which is a great way of trying out a scent without the need to buy full size. I love buying these minis. Rebel & Diva has top note pink pepper, middle note jasmin sambac and base notes popcorn and caramel. It's what I would say oriental sweet scent as it has that spicy kick of pink pepper, but then a very sweet base. As with other Rebel scents, this is also very powerful scent which is sweet, but not girly. It's that strong pink pepper that makes it so much fun, but I'd say it's definitely more for the evening or colder months, because it's quite strong. There is also fairly musty base as it's drying down which to me almost smells a bit male like. I like the scent, but am not sure I would get a full bottle.

Avon Eve Confidence Eau de Parfum

I have many Avon perfumes and I am slowly rotating them, while still mostly using up just ma favorites. So I decided to use up older ones as well. This is that warm fruity sweet scent perfect for spring as you're transitioning into less heavy and more fun fragrances. It has top notes of whipped cream, pear, black current, middle notes of frangipani, red fruits jasmine and base notes of vanilla, musk oak. It's got a bit of depth to it with oak sort of grounding its fruits and vanilla sweetness. It spritzes heavy in the beginning, but slowly becomes more sweet in an elegant way.  It's also one of the more long lasting scents by Avon as I can smell this on my clothes the next day as well. 

Avon Planet Spa Aromatherapy Calm With Chinese Eucalyptus and Mint Essential Oils Body Mist

I love this as a room spray and for some reason I always spray it in the bathroom. It just gives it that spa like scent. This is that fresh eucalyptus minty scent that is mixed with something very clean and sort of creamy. It's not just one note scent you would except from description. Dry down is sort of very comforting. I really like this and would recommend if you like room sprays. You need one mist to make the whole room smell lovely. It's quite strong. 

I have been dealing with atopic dermatitis since I was four years old. When I was little this meant being allergic to pretty much everything, dealing with cracked, scratched, dry, flaky skin that never properly healed and insufferable itching. My journey continued with the use of corticosteroid cream and then just when I stepped in my thirties I decided to go on a lifestyle change and approach the problem more systematically. Thankfully, my break from corticosteroid creams has now somewhat normalized. I am still taking very good care of my skin and maintaining it with some of the creams that I'll be mentioning in this post and I still have certain periods when my skin gets worse.

I feel like this is the new L'Oreal Lash Paradise. It has gained some major popularity on Tik Tok. I was a fan of the original Lash Sensational, so I thought I might like this one too and I do. 

Left: curled lashes, Middle: One coat of mascara, Right: Two coats of mascara

Performance

Silicon wand and bristles are able to catch all the lashes, but because they are a bit sparser, they can make lashes look a bit clumpy. It's all about how much you build it up. One coat gives you massive length and definition. Second coat makes the lashes thicker, adds some volume, but it can quickly look a bit clumpy, though I must give it thumbs up for still keeping lashes fairly defined - at least more than some other mascaras. 

I feel like this would be amazing for shorter lashes, because it would give you that length and definition which will make the lashes look almost wispy like that false lash effect. It's also going to be nice for naturally thicker lashes that just want some color, length and definition with one coat. 

It holds my curl, which I love, and my lashes are still lightweight and soft to the touch. There is no flaking or smudging even though this isn't waterproof version. The thing I hate about it is how hard it is to remove. I have to use double the product to get it off, so it's very long lasting, but also a pain to take off for somebody that doesn't wear waterproof versions for that reason alone. 

Based on the situation in the world and times we are in, there has been a lot more natural makeup looks going around than previously. They say that after every depressing season comes a new revival with excess. Until that happens, we are going to enjoy some spring weather and fresh natural makeup. Here are a few of my tips how to get that natural look that enhances what you already have and doesn't look too made up.

Adding Dimension

Foundation and concealer gives you even skin tone, but that also means there isn't much dimension to your face. If you can, don't add foundation everywhere. Play with your natural discolorations like on your lids to have "natural" shading or tan on your forehead, freckles on your nose...this all gives your skin that natural look. The biggest giveaway at cheating natural look is when you apply concealer very close to the lash line and you cover all natural redness around your eyes.

If you're like me and have pale to light skin tone, you'll want to add some "color". Here comes the fun part. You can use too dark foundation as a light bronzer. I love using dark cream foundation, because it has that natural finish on the skin. I apply it on my cheeks, sides of the forehead, around the hair line, across the nose and down the neck. Because it's a foundation color, it looks natural and isn't too pigmented. 

You've added shading, now you can also add highlights. If you like highlighting, go for creamy or liquid textures as those can look more natural and avoid any big shimmer or glitter particles as well as unnatural colors. It's best to find shade of highlighter that suits your skin tone the best, whether it be cooler silver, warmer golden or neutral champagne tone.

You can add the same colors that you used on your face on your lids. Use bronzer as cut crease shade, highlight to highlight inner corners and center of the lid and add cheek color to the lids.

Add Color

Some might argue adding a blush isn't natural, but I disagree. You have to find the color that matches your natural flush. I would again go with creamy or liquid texture. For a unified look use the same product on your lips as well as cheeks. Think of what your cheeks look like when you've been out on the cold. Mine are pink, so I opt for that very natural sort of berry pink and apply it sheer on my cheeks to get that natural flush look. 

I'd say use a fluffy brush, apply some liquid lipstick or blush on the back of your hand, rub it in the bristles of your brush, take most of it off on your hand and then lightly tap it on your cheeks without disturbing any concealing you did under it.

Enhance Eyes

You may not even need to add anything on your eyes, if you have naturally full brows and long lashes. I don't, so I like to add some minimal effort for big impact. Brows are my thing that I always love to do up. It makes the most difference, because it sort of frames your face. I like using super slim creamy eyeshadow pencil to just lightly fill in any bold spots. I would say add a few lines where you have big bold spots and make the tail of the brow sharp, but keep the front more fluffy and sparse for that natural look. 

I also go in with tinted brow gel, because with it I can brush my brows up for a more fluffy thicker look without adding too much color under them. It also makes them stay up better. If you have thicker brows, you may be fine with just transparent brow gel to groom them in place.

If you have thick and long lashes, you don't need to add anything. I am a firm believer in eyelash curlers. Curling your lashes will make them look so much longer and it will open up your eyes, if they are naturally straight or down turned. Trust me on this, it's a game changer that so many people don't use. If you'll be adding mascara like me, you can play with more natural colors like brown, but I actually used black. The key to making your mascara look natural is by applying more right at the roots of your lashes and less on the tips. Because your natural eyelashes are also thicker at the roots and they go thinner towards the tip. Don't overapply mascara. If you find it to look clumpy, use eyelash comb to comb them through and take off the excess. You can also use clean mascara wand to go through them.

Left: no makeup, Right: fresh natural makeup

Lips

Some people have intense lip color that looks like they're wearing lipstick, but mine look like they are barely there. I have a very pale color, so I like to use some sort of lipstick. Here I used the same liquid lipstick that I used as a blush. Instead of going straight from the bullet or applicator on your lips, use your fingers or fluffy brush. Use thin coat of lipstick and really work it in your lips. It creates natural stain like look and the edges look much more natural. Matte or satin finishes will look more natural than shiny gloss, but that is also an option, if you want your lips to look juicy. 

Assess

At the end assess the situation and see what you need more or less off. If you've applied too much blush, use foundation brush and tap slightly over it to tone it down. If you feel you need more lip color, add some. In the last step I like to see how my skin looks. I have combination skin tone which naturally produces sebum, so I wouldn't even need highlighter, because I have enough sheen from my skin care. 

Adding powder can quickly make your look made up and unnatural, but if you look too shiny, just add it where you need it. For me this is around the nose, on my chin and in the center of forehead. By leaving naturally shinier parts without powder, I finish of the skin that I would naturally have. The same goes for oily skin, add less product, especially where you get a lot of sebum, because that way you avoid foundation or concealer breaking down and looking very obvious. 

Obviously this is the way I like to do a very fresh natural makeup, it doesn't mean you have to do the same. Any of these steps might be skipped, it's all up to your preference. These are just my tips on what I do to have my makeup look as natural as possible. It takes me about 15 minutes to do this kind of look, so I often opt for it when I don't have time. I also love wearing it when my skin isn't acting up and it's looking especially nice.

Products used

Face

Heimish Artless Glow Base

Missha Perfect Cover BB Cream 13 and Bourjois Healthy Mix Foundation 51

Look by Bipa Matte Camouflage Concealer 010

Max Factor Miracle Touch Skin Perfecting Foundation 080

Colourpop Super Shock Cheek Flexitarian and L.O.V. LOVglow Highlighting Drops 020

NYX Lip Lingerie Exotic

RCMA No Color Powder

Eyes

Essence Micro Precise Eyebrow Pencil 02

Benefit Gimme Brow 03

Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara 

Lips

NYX Lip Lingerie Exotic

I decided that I will do a few posts focusing on one brand and my favorite products from them. I think this is especially useful for brands like Avon, because you can't try out and see their products in person. Avon was one of the first brands that started working with me as a new blogger and it's also one of the first beauty brands that I started buying from, when my interest of makeup started growing. Most people hate their selling strategy and I don't like it either, but they have some amazing products that I always recommend to others. 

Spring is in full bloom and my makeup choices reflect that. I have been loving pinks and lighter makeup to match my mood to the outside. I am featuring this gorgeous Japanese Dogwood on today's photos to bring you some of those spring vibes.  

This is one of those multipurpose products that is skin care, primer, tint and SPF 20 all in one. It's like those BB creams that I remember from L'Occitane. Formula is white cream which has small beads of tint in it that burst color as you massage it into your skin. I like the fact that the tint is pretty natural looking, leaning more warm, definitely not orange neither pink. It very sheer tint, so light to medium to medium skin tones will be able to wear it. However. if you have fair to light skin tone this will be too dark. I can make it work in a very sheer layer or by mixing it with something lighter. There's just something about this lightweight, but sheeny texture that I love on the skin.  It gives me just a hint of color, slightly more even skin tone and nice sheen that doesn't look too greasy. It also has amazing powdery scent that I love. 

Catrice True Skin Mineral Loose Powder 010 Transparent Matt

I am not a fan of True Skin foundation, but mineral loose powder I actually like. It's pale nude colored powder that is very fine and gives the skin a hint of sheen with its natural pigments, but the finish itself is completely matte. I find it to be more matte than my other loose powders like RCMA No Color Loose Powder. It makes the skin look matte and gives it sort of velvet feel. I don't notice any major blurring effect, but I'd say it's definitely mattifying. It comes with a nice sifter that can be closed off so you avoid any unnecessary spillage. Universal shade will work for light to medium skin tones. On dark skin tones it will look ashy. 

Colourpop Super Shock Shadow Ladybird

This is my no-brainer-to-go-shadow that I can apply on the lid for instant effect of almost glossy shimmery lids that give my eyes dimension with a swipe of one finger. I love Super Shock Shadow formula that is so creamy, but turns powdery on the skin. Their ultra-glitter finishes have the most incredible just big enough shimmer that gives you that lovely sparkle. Ladybird is sort of a nude beige base with cooler silver shimmer. It looks amazing on the lids.

NYX Lip Lingerie Exotic

If you're looking for that perfect, just slightly muddy pink shade that will mimic that cold flush of your cheeks, than this is it. It's probably one of the most natural looking pinks that still gives you color and doesn't look to pale. I use this as a lip stain to give my lips some color. By applying it with a fluffy brush it makes the lips look naturally flushed. It's also amazing as a blush. I apply a bit on the back of my hand and lightly tap it on the cheeks with fluffy brush. It's got matte finish that doesn't feel too drying, if you apply it in a light layer.

Catrice Power Full 5 Lip Care 030 Sweet Cherry

I have to say I am loving this new trend of lip care products that Catrice has come out with. It's all sort of lip care and color hybrids. This is lip balm infused with skin care ingredients and it gives you a bit of color that is almost like a sheer creamy lipstick. Sweet Cherry is that everyday wearable pink mauve shade that will suit most skin tone. It has that lovely nourishing formula that feels lightweight on the skin.

Catrice Watermelon Shine Glow Lip Balm

Another lip balm formula, but this one is even sheerer that Sweet Cherry and it has even more comfortable nourishing and soothing lip balm formula. There is a hint of color to it that actually tints your lips. On me it looks like a watermelon pink color, but it's very sheer to it gives me just enough color. Formula is just so ultra comforting that you'll want to keep reapply it, but it actually sticky to the lips well, isn't sticky at all, feels lightweight, but also nourished the lips well. 

L'Oreal Elvital Dream Length 8 Seconds Wonder Water

This is targeted towards long hair, which mine isn't, but it's actually lamellar water that you rinse out and should transform damaged hair in 8 seconds. You're suppose to apply this only on the lengths of your hair, leave it on for 8 seconds, rinse and then you can continue with normal conditioner and blow dry your hair. On the back you have lines that show you where 20 ml is which is one dose that you're suppose to use on normal thin hair. If you have thicker, longer hair, you'll have to use two doses of this and use up the products even faster. But it should last me 10 uses as there is 200 ml of product in it. It's like actual water, but as soon as you apply it on your hair, you feel instant heating effect that is over in a about 2 seconds. While washing it off my hair felt incredibly soft, but when I blow dried it, it just looked nicer, not necessarily super sleek. It did feel very soft under my fingers and the softness continued a few days after that use. I straightened it with a hair straightener and after that my hair was extra sleek which also means there was no volume left in my hair. So I am sort of on the fence weather this is even a product for my type of hair. I love how soft and nice my hair looks, although that isn't that nourishing shiny feel that I get from Joico K-Pak products, but I kind of don't like that my hair looses all the texture and volume. I feel like this is perfect for thick, dry hair that wants something that will make the hair look super sleek. It has sort of a peach ice tea scent mixed with something burnt like a hair dye. I am curious to try it more times to see, if I really like it or not. 

Avon Attraction Desire Eau de Parfum Mini

I was kind of anticipating the fact that I will probably love this as I love most of Attraction perfumes. It has notes of cherry, jasmine and amber. I'd describe it as chic sweet scent. I notice cherry in the beginning. Later is evolves into that floral note and at the end it kick back with sweetness, but a much more likable amber sweetness that to me is much more sophisticated than musk and vanilla combo. I love amber in general and I can definitely smell it in this fragrance. I'd say this is a great choice for you, if you like those sweet fruity celebrity fragrances, but want something that is just slightly more amber sweet, not too sickly sweet and corny. This is definitely going on my wishlist. Attraction range has come out with some of my all time favorite scents like their Attraction Rush and Sensation. Desire comes close to those two for sure. 

It might be that I am in my thirties or the fact that the past year just didn't gave us much opportunities for wearing makeup, but I am getting a lot more interested in skin care. Particularly investing in products with active ingredients, those that actually make a difference on your skin in the long term. I've been introduced to SVR while shopping for eczema creams, but I've since tried a few of their face products as well. SVR Amouple [A] Lift was one of those products that I immediately liked, because I could feel results the day after I used it.

Maybelline Superstay Ink Liquid Lipsticks have gained a lot of love, when they first came out. I remember many loving them as one of the more long lasting formula that is readily available in drugstore. I wanted to try it out and it turns out these are nice for when you want something that lasts, but don't want your lips to suffer too much.

Formula

Formula is very pigmented and sort of creamy, not particularly liquid. It dries in the matter of seconds to a proper matte finish. Right after application these are sticky so avoid pressing your lips together in the mean time as it can create patchiness.

They have sort of sweet vanilla scent to them.

Colors

Maybelline constantly adds new shades and some are limited edition, but there is a huge range of standard shades as well. I believe all together 41 shades. 

I chose mostly nudes as well as some pinks, but I also mix these up to create in-between shades without buying all of them. 

05 Loyalist - warm pale peachy brown nude. 

65 Seductress - neutral light mauve brown nude.

70 Amazonian - warm medium caramel brown.

175 Ringleader - warm medium muted pink.

15 Lover - cool medium purple pink.

Secutress is my favorite shade out of all of these. It's that perfect light neutral nude that will suit most light skin tones. Amazonian is definitely the most unusual shade, because it's quite warm and very brown. Ringleader and Lover are both great to mix with neutral shades to get a pinkier warmer or cooler version. Loyalist is pretty pale, so I love it for toning down other shades. 

Performance

As I've mentioned, I apply these with a separate brush. Use fluffy one to get the lightest layer. I feel that with applicator these look too heavy and sometimes paler shades can further emphasize any texture. 

In general these are proper matte liquid lipsticks and they are transfer proof. They are also very long lasting, you'll need to remove them with cleansing oil. They'll survive most things except greasy food. I also like that when applied in light layer, they don't feel heavy or overly drying. It's not moisturizing by any means, but it also isn't deadly drying and I can handle wearing these on special occasions when I want that staying power. Lipstick will emphasize any dry patches you may have. I notice some stickiness even as it dries down completely, but I try to tap it down with tissue. 

I also love to apply these as liquid blushes, because they last well. I apply them with a fluffy brush to get light layer and you have to be quick before it dries down. 

If you know me than you know I have fairly dry lips and I don't particularly like matte liquid lipsticks. Most can feel very heavy and drying on the lips. However, I feel like Maybelline Superstay Matte Inks are good option, if you want that lasting power, something transfer proof and that is still comfortable enough to wear. Apply these with a brush in lighter layer for lighter feel and look. I also like that the shade selection is fairly big and the fact that you can get these in most drugstores. The only thing I don't like is that slight stickiness that lingers on the lips, it can be annoying. 

Skintegra is one of those brands that I got introduced to through my fellow skin care bloggers. They've been raving about their formula. It's Croatian skin care brand that offers vegan and cruelty free products. They believe in mild and consistent skin care. I was ordering some other products and decided to try one from Skintegra as well. When it comes to skin care I love serums as I feel they contribute the most and is where I like to invest my money in. So I got Skintegra Infrared serum. 

Formula

It's calming serum for inflammation prone skin. It's supposedly for all skins, but especially sensitive  skin prone to inflammation and irritation. It calms inflammation, hydrates and corrects skin imperfections. 

They promise you light, hydrating texture that is easily incorporated in your routine that doesn't leave any oily or heavy residue. You can use it twice a day. They say you'll see results of your skin having less imperfections, less redness associated with inflammation, stronger skin barrier and overall more luminous skin with improved resilience.

One of the main ingredients is azelaic acid which hydrates, elasticizes, calms, softens and brightens the skin. High on the list is niacinamide or vitamin B3 as well as panthenol or vitamin B5 which both strengthen skin barrier and regenerate it. Niacinamide is also good for brightening. Formula is supported by plant extracts like oat, grapeseed, liquorice, Centella asiatica and madecassoside which are great for antioxidation and further support of the skin's imperfection.

I initially bought this based off of ingredients, because they all read so good. I haven't tried azelaic acid before, but always wanted to plus I love niacinamide, Centella asiatica and madecassoside, especially last two which are great for healing the skin. Formula is water based and has glycerin as well as citric acid and lactic acid low on the list. There is no added fragrance which I love. 

Formula is almost water like with the slightest viscose slip to it that is barely noticeable. You'll need at least three to five drops, if you want to completely cover your face and neck, so I feel this will get used up fairy faster than other serums. 

Performance

It's very lightweight on the skin and it absorbs in the skin fast. Behind it leaves the slightest hydrating layer that you can feel under your fingers once you touch the skin. I sense slight sting, but not always. It's something to consider, if you have very sensitive skin, because there are acids in even though it's recommended for sensitive skin. 

I have been using it for over four months now. Mostly I have been interchanging this serum with retinol one, every other day in my night time routine as well as sometimes in my morning routine, but I haven't been using it every day. I have also tried it on other people and one thing I noticed is that this takes off redness immediately after its being applied. It's an instant effect that slowly wears off, but with prolonged use it can definitely help with rosacea.

My skin definitely benefited from it as I noticed it looked more even toned, it helped with my skin looking clearer as well as not being irritated as easily. I think Centella asiatica definitely helped with healing blemishes faster and in general it helped with hydrating my skin paired with other skin care products. 

This is great serum for those that would like something that will repair skin barrier, brighten the skin and help with imperfections, but mostly with any redness. I've read many times that azelaic acid is the golden standard for rosacea and I feel like it's gentle enough acid for anyone just getting into it. If you have highly reactive skin, I can't say how acids in this formula would be tolerated, but I find this formula in general to be gentle. 

I would love to try out more of Skintegra products as I feel like their ingredients lists are always straight to the point. Good active ingredients paired with nicely soothing and hydrating ones. Based on ingredients I might try next Architect, Nectar or Hydra B. 

I loved Revlon Photoready Candid foundation, so when they came out with concealer I gave it a try, even though I didn't find my perfect shade match. It turns out I don't share the same love for both.