Another month where I focused mostly on my skin care, while also testing out some new makeup from Colourpop which quickly became my favorite again. 

Colourpop Super Shock Shadow Mycelium

Colourpop Lux Velvet Liquid Lip Room Service

 

Schwarzkopf Gliss 7 Sec Express Repair Treatment Colour Perfector

I have tried the L'Oreal 8 Seconds Miracle Water and I've since find out that Schwarzkopf came out with their 7 seconds version. I wanted to compare both. Gliss actually has three versions - Ultimate Repair, Oil Nutritive and Colour Perfector. I was contemplating which one to get. In store I compared ingredients list and I knew I didn't wanted the oil one, because it could be too heavy. Between the other two ingredients were very similar and Colour Perfector actually had some more added ingredients, so I went for this one. It's viscose almost serum like texture, which is thicker than L'Oreal. This one has to be worked into the hair and then turns into a heavy hair mask like cream. While I was washing it off, it made my hair very silky and smooth. It acted like nicely nourishing and hydrating hair mask. I didn't notice my hair having that Joico sleek feel, but they did feel moisturized and soft. There was still volume left in ma hair, while with L'Oreal version my hair was extra straight and sleek. I find this more like a hair mask than a treatment and it's definitely different than L'oreal version. 

Catrice has again revamped their stand in the start of spring, but I just came around testing all of these products properly. Here are my thoughts on which products are worth a try, if you're considering getting any. I love Catrice as a brand in general, some of their products are my favorites that I keep rebuying while others are a fail. But you really can't go wrong at that price range.

Tint is suited for light to medium skin tones. If you are fair, this will look too dark on you. It looked too dark on me as well, but now that I already have some fake tan, I can make it work. It gives sheer warm tint that isn't orange. I actually like undertone of this, it works for me. Most such tints for light skin tone are way too pink for me.

Finish is natural with a lovely sheen. It's definitely fairly nourishing product and it's not suited for oily skin. It can be to heavy on my combination skin as well on a hot summer day.

True Skin Mineral Loose Powder 010 Transparent Matt

It comes in transparent plastic pot with a sifter that you swirl and close it. I love that, because it prevents product spilling all over the packaging. It's especially useful if you travel with it. In it is 4.5 grams of product and it costs 5.09€.

It's transparent mattifying loose powder with hyaluronic acid.

It's very fine powder that has smooth texture. It mattifies skin instantly. I find it more mattifying than most powders, especially as soon as you apply it on. It doesn't hold back sebum later in the day, at least not noticeably. Hyaluronic acid in it makes it look nice on the skin. It doesn't look cakey or overly drying. Because it's mineral powder, it has some of that natural sheen to it that doesn't look dead matte.

There is slight nude color to it, but on light skin tone it turns into nothing. This may look dusty on medium skin tone.

Catrice Glam & Doll Easy Wash Off Power Hold Volume Mascara and Eyeliner

The wand is curved in a C shape and has short silicon bristles. Formula is on the wet site. It gives nice amount of definition and length in one coat. Second coat adds more volume, but it can start to look a bit clumpy. I noticed my lashes dropped a bit right after first coat, but they still hold up descent through the day. I always use eyelash curler anyway. 

Eyeliner has the same formula that can be removed with just warm water. It's very liquid formula with precise sponge tip that is just long enough. It applies with ease, but dries very fast and once you start going over it again and again it can start to peel off. It dries to matte finish. 

Eyeliner can transfer on upper lid, if you have hooded eyes like me. It can also start to peel off, if you rub it and it looks cracked over any fine lines. For that reason I am not a fan of this formula. It removes with only warm water very easily and fast. 

Mascara wears good through the day, though I have noticed occasional flakes around my eyes. It's not as easy to remove as eyeliner which basically just peels off in one go. With mascara you have to rub a little for the tubes to completely get off lashes, but even then you are left with flakes of tubes all over your skin. It's not as easy removal as they say it, so I rather just go in with micellar water and save time. 

Lift Up Volume & Lift Mascara 010 Deep Black

It comes in coral soft matte packaging with short silicon bristles. The wand itself is pretty bulky. In it is 11 ml of product and it costs 5.09€.

There are two version, one is waterproof and this one is regular. It has sort of more wet formula and it gives a bit of volume with one application, but for more volume you really need to build it up. Several coats manage to look clumpy on me. There isn't really any added definition nor is their length. I am not a fan of the look that it gives my lashes. Because I always use eyelash curlers, I can't say how lifting it is. But it managed to hold my curl well. I would probably need to dry it out a bit for it to work better.

There was no problem with the wear time. It wore all day without any smudges or flakes and it removes easy. 

48h Power Stay Brow Gel 020 Medium

It's very pigmented product, so you need the smallest amount and it dries down fairly well. It gives the effect of sort of powder looking brows, if you blend it out well, but it can also look like colored brow mascara, if you apply it heavily. I find this fills in the brows very quickly in one go, because it's so pigmented and blendable.

Shade 020 Medium is grey toned medium brown. All these kind of shades look warmer on my skin tone, partially because I have very grey natural brows and because I color my brows with darker brown color.

It wears all day without fading or smudging. Catrice says this is supposed to stay on the brows for 2 days?! I don't wear product on my brows for two days. It washes off with cleansing products and I can't say if it tints the brows or not, because mine are already colored darker than this brow gel. It's waterproof formula for sure, but be aware if you produce a lot of oil around your brows, because if you rub some of it on the brows, it will come off.

This might be harder to work with if you are a beginner at makeup, but if you know how to work with such pigmented formulas, than this is one of the quickest ways to fill in the brows that stay all day. I just don't get the lip gloss applicator.

Power Full 5 Lip Care 030 Sweet Cherry

It comes in 5 shades, all very natural pink versions, and I have 030 Sweet Cherry which is the perfect medium mauve pink that gives you that kind of my-lips-but-better vibe and it will suit most skin tones. 

It doesn't feel sticky or heavy at all, but it's so moisturizing and it contains hyaluronic acids as well as cucumber, watermelon, goji berry and ginger root. This is again one of those ultra soothing and comfortable lip formulas that Catrice does so well. 

It's the perfect product for all of those that are afraid of wearing a proper lipstick, because this gives a bit of color, but is so easy to use and comfortable to wear. I also really like applying it over fuller coverage matte lipsticks to give my lips some more comfort and moisturization back into my lips.

Ultimate Stay Waterfresh Lip Tint 020 Stay On Over

It comes in 4 shades. Mostly versions of coral, red and pink. I have 020 Stay On Over which is a proper coral. Usually I am not a fan of corals, but this one doesn't have that heavy peach tone to it, it's actually more pink on me, so I kind of like it. 

It's absolutely transfer and kissing proof. It's supposedly waterpoof, but I definitely wore it off in the inner rim while eating. It doesn't give you any moisturizing effect and it feels like nothing on the lips, but if you have very dry lips you won't like it. It leaves a slight stain on the lips. I actually like this type of formula for summer, because it's so effortless looking and feeling on the lips, but there isn't much moisturizing effect to it. 

Watermelon Shine Glow Lip Balm 010 I Carried A Watermelon

It comes in only one shade and as mentioned, it should look a little different on anyone depending on your natural ph of the lips. On me this is that juicy medium, slightly cool toned pink. 

It doesn't stick to dry patches or emphasize them and it feels just ultra comfortable and soothing on the lips. It leaves tint even when the shine wears off. This is your new colored lip balm, if you have very dry lips and want something with color. It really gives you that proper juicy healthy youthful look that is so easy to use on the go. 

This is by far the most moisturizing and most effortless formula to use out of all these three lip products and I absolutely adore it. 

Express Spray On Base Coat 

It comes in glass bottle with spray that gives you fine mist. In it is 10 ml of product and it costs 3.99€.

This is supposedly spray on base coat that you spray on each nail from a distance and it dries in just 40 seconds. It definitely does that. Formula contains sunflower oil, vitamin E and glycerin to protect your nails from discoloration as well as nourish and moisturize the nail, but also your cuticles.

Right after application this definitely dries fast and looks like nothing on the nails. There is no stickiness to it. It's very thin base coat. I'm not sure what to make of it, as I've never had these kind of base coats, but I think it's a good quick option for those that just want something on their nails before applying colored nail polish to give them a bit of protection.

Express Quick Dry Drops

It comes in glass bottle with small dropper. In it is 8 ml of product and it costs 3.79€.

This is blend of almond, macadamia and kukui nut oil that you should apply one or two drops on your nail as soon as you have applied your colored nail polish. It supposedly dries your nail polish faster as well as provides nourishment and care for the cuticles.

In essence, you can do this step with any cuticle oil and just apply it all over wet nail polish. Oil gives it that layer which protects freshly applied nail polish from any finger or clothes prints. It gives it that initial barrier, but doesn't really make it dry all that faster in my opinion. I like that this step also provides you some nice nourishing ingredients for your cuticles all around the nail which is lovely. There only might be a problem with one drop completely covering your entire nail, if you have bigger nails. 

Catrice Stronger Nails Strengthening Nail Lacquer - 07 Expressive Pink

It comes in glass bottle with gold plastic cap. In it is 10.5 ml of product and it costs 3.79€.

I love this concept of colored nail polish containing mineral complex of zinc, magnesium, iron and copper that will make your nails stronger and less brittle. It should almost be used as nail treatment as they advise you to apply it, leave it on for three to four days, remove and then reapply it. 

It comes in 7 shades and I got 07 Expensive Pink which is coral base with golden shine. I actually hate coral nail polishes, so I didn't even try this one on. I would rather gift it to a friend that will wear it without me trying it just for the sake of it. They do have some gorgeous nude shades like 04 Milky Rebel and 06 Vivid Nude which I would much rather wear. I might go and actually buy one of these two, because I love those kind of shades. If you want review of the formula you can check what Mateja had to say about it. 

I've been experimenting so much with skin care lately. It's just one of those things you get more into as you get older. No makeup looks good, if you don't have your skin care in check. With age also comes the need for more active ingredients that can actually help with ageing signs and I've been exploring three different ranges from Uriage and SVR in the past months. I have to say all of the were a hit. 

Uriage Eau Thermale Barriederm-CICA Daily Serum

Packaging

It's blue glass bottle with glass dropper that lets you control the amount of product you want. In it is 30 ml of product and it costs 26,35€. 

Formula

Barriederm si range dedicated to sensitive damaged skin that need skin barrier protective ingredients. This is serum that strengthens, protects and repairs damaged and fragilized skin on daily basis.

I feel in love with it the minute I read its ingredients list. It's short and to the point. Uriage is known for its thermal water and this contains 10,5% thermal-biotic complex which is Uriage Thermal Water with inulin, prebiotic to rebalance microbial barrier. It also has Centella Asiatica, one of my favorite skin care ingredients, two types of hyaluronic acids and vitamin B5 (panthenol) which makes this ultra soothing and moisturizing serum that also promotes regeneration and evens out complexion. Formula is also enriched with dipeptides which help stimulate skin repair and prevent signs of ageing. 

It's unscented formula, but the natural scent to it is so lovely. Smells sort of soothing powdery and I love it. 

It's light transparent fluid that has the slightest viscosity to it which glides over the skin and absorbs in the matter of seconds. It leaves behind very light nourishing layer that feels super lightweight, but very soothing. There is the slightest amount of stickiness to it which means it's great for under makeup as well. Finish is natural.

Performance

I am a huge lover of anything with Centella Asiatica as it's just one of the best ingredients for soothing and repairing sensitive damaged skin. I've been using this serum day and night, because it's just such a  lightweight texture that also feels hydrating and soothing. It worked great on my skin. I've noticed it helps calm it down, soothes it and definitely helps to repair a lot faster, especially any blemish marks or scratches. 

I'd say this is a no-brainer serum for anyone that needs something that will soothe the skin, hydrate it and help it repair. I've not been holding back on this one that's how much I like it. I have about one quarter left of it and I already know I am going to repurchase it.

Uriage Eau Thermale Age Protect Multi-Action Intensive Serum

Packaging

It comes in plastic container with a pump on top. I have noticed that the product dries up in the pump which is a bit annoying, but it still works fine. There is just always that small ball of dried up product that comes out in the beginning. In it is 30 ml of product and it costs 25,31€.

Formula

Age Protect is range geared towards those that want to prevent signs of ageing and protect the skin against daily aggressors damaging the skin like blue light, UV rays, pollution, stress and fatigue. Serum should reduce appearance of fine lines and wrinkles,combat loss of firmness and lack of plumpness, help prevent darks pots and restore skin vitality and radiance. 

It contains Uriage Thermal Water, patent of Blue Light Barrier, AHA - lactic acid, hyaluronic acid, retinol, vitamin C and E and dragon's blood.

It's formula that has a bit of everything when it comes to anti-aging - hydrating hyaluronic acid, resurfacing retinol, brightening and protective vitamin C and lactic acid for better texture. I love the fact that I get a bit of everything in one formula.

It's scented and it has gentle creamy scent that isn't too strong. 

On contrary to what I think of serums formulas, this is actually more like a lightweight cream. In fact I have used this instead of moisturizer in the morning and just continued with SPF. It's lightweight almost gel cream hybrid formula that also has amazing glide to it. You feel smooth nourishing texture once you spread it and it gives the skin slight sheen, but quickly absorbs into the skin leaving behind slight stickiness of moisture.

Performance

It's like a lightweight gel cream that feels hydrating, moisturizing as well as lightly nourishing. This could be used instead of moisturizer on combination or oily skin. I like that it's so lightweight. My skin always looks plumper when I use it and I have noticed that it made my complexion slightly more even toned. Retinol in it must be at low percentage, because I don't notice any stinging or irritation and I am usually very sensitive to it. Fragrance in it doesn't irritate me either. 

SVR [Pepti]Biotic Regenerating Smoothing Matt Gel

Packaging

It comes in matt transparent glass pot with plastic top. I find the wide and low pot to be a bit odd, because it takes up a lot of space on the shelf and it's hard to scrape out every last bit of product. In it is 50 ml of product and it costs 29,89€.

Formula

Pepti is another anti-aging range from SVR that should strengthen and restore the skin with combination of pasteurised probiotics, stabilized vitamin C and hyaluronic acid. You can choose among four types of moisturizers. [Pepti]Biotic is peptide booster with mattifying effect. It's for sensitive skin that has problems with pores, blemishes and wrinkles. 

Formula contains three ingredients essential for regenerating skin's function and those are probiotics, vitamin C and hyaluronic acid. It's also enriched with peptides to make skin firmer, mattified and smoothed. It's water based formula that has high on list glycerin and squalane.

This is another lightweight gel moisturizer that has that amazing slip that all new moisturizer formulas seem to have. It spreads with ease and absorbs into the skin quickly leaving behind velvet matte finish. There is that moisturizing layer, but it feels so lightweight on the skin.

It's scented and I'd say it smells sort of powdery floral, but isn't too heavy.

Performance

It's the perfect moisturizer for combination to oily skin, especially great for summer. It feels hydrating and moisturizing, but sits lightweight on the skin and looks naturally matte. This on its own is enough for me through the day on a hot summer day, while in winter I would layer it on top of other serums. It definitely hydrates my skin and keeps it moisturized without feeling sticky or heavy and my skin feels extra soft after using it. It also wears lovely under makeup. 

I have to say all three of these products were just lovely. I have been using them together as well as separately and have almost used them up already. These have become my daily routine. 

Uriage Barriederm-CICA serum is an absolute hit in my book. I love everything about it, the packaging, formula, feel, performance as well as natural scent. I already know I will be repurchasing it. It's probably my favorite repairing and soothing serum I have tried so far.

Uriage Age Protect serum is another great formula, though I feel this is more like a moisturizer already. Especially for summer on my combination skin that gets very oily. I'm kind of intrigued how moisturizers from this range perform, because this one is just light enough and I love the fact that it packs such good amount of anti-ageing ingredients all in one formula. 

SVR is one of the brands that I have quickly fallen in love with, because of their Cicavit cream and seems like all the products I try from them I like. [Pepti]Biotic gel was no different. I am not fussy when it comes to moisturizers and the fact that this one has peptides in it makes me wanna use it even more, because I hear great things about their anti-ageing effects on the skin. In general the formula is perfect for summer, because it's matte, lightweight, but still moisturizes the skin. 

In Slovenia we got a new online store Beautypharmacy (there's also Croatian site) where you can buy all of these and many more other pharmacy skin care brands at much lower prices. They have some great discounts going on, so definitely check it out, if you are interested in any of the brands like SVR, Uriage, Sebamed, Lazatrigue, Vichy and CeraVe. I will definitely be exploring more of these in the future, so check back on the blog for future reviews. 

*PR products

I was trying out some new hair care and body care products this month, as well as loving my old eyeshadow palettes and some of my summer staples. 

This is one of my favorite foundations, because it's very affordable, it gives me that velvet satin finish, is lightweight on the skin and in general looks fairy natural for such a good medium coverage. I have two shades that I usually mix, 010 is lighter neutral and 036 has the best olive undertone I have found so far in our drugstores, but it's too dark for me on its own. So I like mixing these two to get the perfect tones. 

Essence Camouflage+ Concealer 020 Light Ivory

I chance my concealer choices according to my skin tone and since I have some fake as well as real tan already, I use a bit darker shade. This one from Essence is great concealer for everyday, if you like medium coverage that has slightly thicker formula and blends out lovely. It never sets into lines and gives me that matte finish that I like. There's just something about Essence and Catrice concealers that makes them one of the best at our drugstores and you can't beat the price. 

Viseart Eyeshadow Palette - Warm Edit and Paris Edit

I've gone back to this palette where I have deppoted two of my favorite Viseart smaller palettes. Warm and Paris Edit have everything I may need. It's a bit of warm and mauve tones in matte, satin and shimmery finishes. Their quality of eyeshadows is just amazing. Pigmentation is great and shimmery shades may look foiled, if you apply them with a bit of setting spray. They also blend lovely. Plus I love smaller pan sizes, because it's all you need to make you last for a long time and it's easy to travel with. 

L'Oreal Paris Elvital Dream Length Defeat The Heat Pre-Iron Spray Leave-In, No Haircut Cream Leave-In and Detangling Conditioner

I'm a bit confused why some of the products say Dream Length and some Dream Long, but I think it's all the same range, just named differently. I have tried their 8 Seconds Miracle Water already and since then I have been eying other products from this range, so I finally decided to try them out and I love them all. Conditioner is your usual very sleek, smooth drugstore formula that smells lovely and helps to detangle as well as moisturizer ends. No haircut Cream is leave in product with keratin that should help nourish and moisturize hair and I like that it feels lightweight on my thin hair, but it still makes them look hydrated and better. I also love Leave-In Spray which is actual thermal protection that I always use, because I blow dry and heat style my hair often and this one again feels like that nourishing milky spray that just coats my hair in moisturizing layer that is still lightweight. I have to use these a bit more, but my first impressions are very nice. All of them have that tropical powdery scent that lingers.

b.tan Love At First Tan Darker Violet Base1 Hours Self Tan Mousse

I remember this self tanner being popular among Slovenian bloggers a few years back and I was never really into fake tanning, but last year my skin peeled after severe case of eczema breakout and I had white spots all over my hands, because I had previous natural tan that got peeled off. Warmer weather came around and I didn't wanted to walk around like dalmatian, so I got this one in Müller. Turns out this is really nice. It says darker, but is pretty light color, if you apply it in a thin layer. It's mousse, which is my preffered texture for self tanning, because you can spread it in a light layer and is easy to blend out with a glove. I had a bit of patchiness around my foot, but nothing too bad. I mostly blame this on my unexperienced application. It has just a hint of purple tint to sort of tone down orange tone in it and I can say the color looked pretty natural. nothing orange, just a proper sun kissed tan. It has that burnt selft tanner scent that definitely lingers for a few days, but I didn't get any on my sheets nor clothes. It's a win in my book. I already have some natural tan, so I probably won't use it now anymore, maybe in autumn when I get paler again. I definitely recommend this one, if you want to try one. I figure this would last me pretty long since I apply it in such a thin layer. 

Pur Blanca Eau de Parfum

This is a very old perfume from my stash that I usually bring out only on really hot summers, like this one we're having right now. It's probably my "freshest" scent I own. I usually love sweet oriental heavy fragrances that I use all year around, but in the summer heat, those can quickly be too much. That's when I pull out Pur Blanca. It's such a gentle scent that isn't really floral nor citrusy, but it still manages to smell fresh in noninvasive way. It has base notes of musk, heliotrope and sandalwood. In the middle are water lily, peony and white rose. Top notes are freesia, water mint and ylang-ylang. It starts floral, but in a fabric softener kind of way and develops into such a fresh, yet cozy clean scent with a hint of powdery feel to it. I love it. It's not really long lasting, but it definitely makes me feel clean and fresh, which is hard in this heat when I starts sweating as soon as I peek through the door.

If there's one product from Colourpop that is legendary, it's their Super Shock Shadows. Creamy mousse like formula that becomes powdery on the skin and great choices of colors is something that anyone can use in their collection. I tend to buy new shades whenever Colourpop has free shipping and recently I added two to my collection.

Mycelium is part of collaboration between Colourpop and Raw Beauty Kristi, so it has sort of limited edition packaging which is lovely green shade with mushroom design on the lid. This shade is unfortunately no longer available as I was trying to find it, but there are other shades from this collaboration. 

In each pot is 2.1 grams of product and it costs 6$. You can buy them on Colourpop.

Formula

Super Shock Shadow is unique formula that feels like mousse when you touch it, but is creamy and once it goes on the skin it turns powdery. There is multitude of finishes available from matte to satin and ultra-glitter, which are the ones that I tend to prefer. 

Ultra-glitters have more of a transparent base with lots of small shimmer particles that reflect light and almost give you that wet look effect. The more you apply, the stronger the base color is and the more it looks opaque.

Ritz

Ritz is one of their most popular shades. It's nude beige brown base with silver glitter. The base is light and transparent so you almost can't notice it, if you apply it lightly and it has very reflective silver glitter which almost leans a bit blue toned, because it's so stark. 

This is the perfect shade to apply in light layer over any eyeshadow or on bare lid and it will give you wet look that is so chic and looks very dimensional.

Mycelium

I think this must have been limited edition as most of their collaborations are not available for a long time. I was in search for that perfect light gold, because most of the ultra-glitter shades I have from Colourpop all have silver or more neutral glitter.

Mycelium is pale peach gold base with gold, silver and pink glitter. It gives off almost light peachy gold tone, but it's definitely the warmest shade of Super Shock Shadows I have so far. It's also less reflective than most. This is perfect for day to day wear, if you love shiny lids. 

Comparison

Here are all those nude ultra-glitter shades I own, though some aren't available anymore. I think I love Mycelium so much, because I was in love with shade Birthday Girl which was limited edition and I've been looking for a similar shade for a while. Mycelium is pretty close, but a more peachy version with more intense glitter. 

Mycelium - peach gold with gold, silver and pink glitters.

Ritz - nude beige brown with silver glitter.

Ladybird - nude with intense silver glitter.

Birthday Wish - nude beige with pink and purple glitter that gives pink sheen.

Birthday Girl - beige brown with gold and silver glitter. 

Performance

If you apply these over eyeshadow primers, they don't crease and they stay on the lid for the whole day. Obviously, there is no fallout because of the creamy formula. They apply best with fingers, but you can apply them with dense synthetic brush as well, though you won't get that opaque look with it. 

My favorite way is to apply matte powder eyeshadow in the crease and then apply Super Shock Shadow all over the lid. You can also apply it over any eye makeup to add a bit of shimmer and shine. If you lightly tap them, you get just small shimmery particles, but if you apply it more dense, you get opaque look with stronger base color and almost foiled effect. 

I love that even thought they say ultra-glitter formula, the glitter in it is actually more like small shimmer and it looks so classy, not chunky or cheap at all. 

I always recommend ultra-glitter finishes from Colourpop as these are prefect to apply over any matte eyeshadow to instantly elevate the look and give you a bit of shimmery shine or even wet look effect. It's perfect to be applied with finger and you can play with intensity depending on how much you apply. However, if you prefer intricate, detailed eye looks with opaque powder formulas, this probably won't be your style. I still think this is foolproof formula that you can work with in so many ways and and the color choices are great as well. 

My favorites list is getting shorter every month, because I'm just not experimenting as much as I used to with makeup. I've been testing lots of new skin care, but there is more body products in this months favorites. In the summer I always go back to my favorite fragrance combo as well.

I've been a fan of Colourpop Super Shock Shadows for years, particularly ultra-glitter finish shades. Mousse like creamy formula that turns into powder is very easy to apply with fingers. I treat these almost as eyeshadow toppers. Apply any matte shade in the crease or all over the lid and tap some of Super Shock Shadow on the center to get that tiny shimmer that gives the eyes almost wet look. Ritz is one of those nude shades with cool silver shimmer that gives you that expensive shiny look. I have been using it so much this month. It's the easiest makeup look that looks like you've put a lot of effort in it, when your didn't.

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

Another one of my absolute favorite formulas are these L.O.V. blushes. Baked formula that has amazing pigmentation, blends like a dream and has very wearable shades. 60 is the most glowy shade with tiny shimmer in my collection, but I love the tone of it. It has a mic of peach and pink marble design. Once you swirl it up you get that perfect summer coral shade that looks like you've been sitting out on the sun for a bit too long. I love this shade for the summer and it lasts all day. 

Essence Pure Nude Highlighter - 10 Be My Highlight

This isn't sold in Slovenia anymore, but I think I've seen it still being available in US and in many more shades. This is one of those underrated formulas that was so cheap and looks so good. I can only make it work when I have some tan, otherwise it's too dark for me. It has a bit of that beige undertone, but it gives you the most natural looking champagne sort of cooler sheen to the skin with no visible shimmer. That's what makes it so special, it gives the sheen, but isn't shimmery. It's perfect for summer when I don't like too intense highlighters as it can quickly look very oily and greasy on my combination skin that gets pretty oily. 

Yves Rocher Malaysian Coconut Eau de Toilette and Victoria's Secret Coconut Passion Fragrance Mist

This is my staple summer fragrance combination that I go back to every summer. I am all about intense sweet and oriental fragrances, but in the summer I like something more summery and what is more summery than coconut?! Yves Rocher probably has the best creamy coconut scent I have tried so far. Whenever I smell it, I think of coconut milk. It's just sweet enough, not artificial and almost a bit powdery. Coconut Passion is anything but coconut. To me it smells like sweet vanilla with a hint of tropical sweetness. But it lasts so long on the skin. I mix these two together for that perfect combination of sweet tropical vanilla and coconut that makes it my perfect summer fragrance. Plus I have these for so long and I still haven't used them up, because you really don't need a lot.

Neutrogena Anti-Pickel Tägliches Waschgel

It's daily wash gel for the face with some salicylic acid, but I use it for the skin on my armpits. In the summer, when I shave my armpits a lot, I tend to get ingrown hair and I've heard BHA products can help with that dead cell removal so that hair can come through. I've also heard it helps with odor as it helps to kill bacteria that give you the smell. I didn't notice any help with that, because I still get very sweaty and smelly, when it's hot, but at least I don't have as much problems with ingrown hair now. Sometimes I also use it on my face, when I have problems with blemishes. It has citrus orange scent and gel formula that foams well. 

I believe this has been renamed, though I am not sure to what exactly. But it's still in paper box with the same plastic packaging that looks very similar to La Roche-Posay Shaka Fluid which is also the one that it gets compared to the most. 

Packaging

It comes in small pocket sizedplastic packaging which looks very similar to the La Roche-Posay Shaka Fluid and I'm guessing it was intentional. Small nozzle lets you control the amount you want, though it sometimes spills it as well. 

In it is 40 ml of product and it costs around 11€.  La Roche-Posay has 50 ml and costs around 18€, so costs wise Garnier is still cheaper. 

Formula

It's liquid and white, but it has great spreadability and it soaks into the skin fairly fast leaving no white cast. I'd say finish is satin matte, but depending on what skin care you use under it or how oily your skin is, it can look more satin and less matte. 

It has chemical filters as well as glycerin and hyaluronic acid. Thee formula worked over most of my skin care products, because it's so nicely liquid. 

I remember Shaka being full of alcohol which I suspected broke me out and I hated the heavy alcohol scent. This one also has alcohol denat in the beginning, probably for better spreadability, but it doesn't smell nearly as alcoholic as Shaka, which I liked much more. There is no added fragrance, which is a big plus as well.

Performance

I have combination skin that can get very oily in the summer and this performed great. I liked how lightweight it felt on the skin, but it still gave me good protection with SPF50+ and I didn't notice any clogged pores while using it. It doesn't get too shiny through the day either. 

I will say that 40 ml is very little, when you use the proper amount daily, so it doesn't really last a long time and it's not the cheapest either. I hear it costs around 7€ in US. 

This is probably one of my favorite daily SPFs that I have tried in a while. I liked Shaka before, but has noticed it clogged my pores badly and I also had some stinging on my face because of the heavy alcohol. This one felt gentler and was just as lightweight, but without the heavy alcohol. I only wish there would be even more product in it or that it would be cheaper. I will probably buy it again and I think it's a great option, if Shaka isn't working for you. 

August has been the most summery months so far. I had a short getaway to the sea, spend most of my time in summery dresses and simple summer makeup as well as had some family time and expanded my knowledge of beauty treatments. Here are some of products that I loved in this summer heat.

Uriage Eau Thermale Uriage Thermal Water

Uriage is known for its Thermal Water from French Alps and it's more than just a regular water in can with spray. This water contains lots of mineral salts like calcium and magnesium so it's great for moisturizing, soothing in reinforcing skin's barrier. I received this, because I normally don't buy such waters myself, but I've been loving it especially for those hotter days. I sort of treat it like a toner, apply it first all over the skin to give it some moisture and slip and then apply other skin care ingredients on top. It feels sort of soothing and refreshing. I also believe it helps with moisture as it sort of gives water to the skin that I can lock in with other skin care products on top. It's a nice treat, but definitely not necessary.

Caudalie Vinosource-Hydra S.O.S. Thirst-Quenching Serum

Caudalie Vinosource range in general feels so lightweight on the skin which is the main reason I like it so much as someone that has combination skin and hates heavy products especially in the summer. Caudali is known for its grape water as the main ingredient and this is a very lightweight, almost watery gel like serum with squalane and hyaluronic acid. It's moisturizing formula that glides on like a dream and offers some softening of the skin as well as antioxidants. I love it on its own on hot days or under moisturizer. It has subtle fruity green scent to it.

Caudalie Vinosource-Hydra Grape Water Gel Moisturizer

If you hate heavy moisturizers and want something that absorbs into the skin, feels super light, but still gives you that moisturizing layer on the skin without any greasiness, you would love this formula. It's a proper gel moisturizer with gylcerin, squalane, hyaluronic acid and aloe vera, so it feels very fresh on the skin, but moisturizes it. I absolutely love this formula, because it never feels heavy. Squalane in it must be the one that gives you that very smooth texture and feel on the skin that gives you moisturizing layer without stickiness or greasiness. This one also has that herbal faint scent. 

DM Sun Dance Teint Selbstbräuner Konzentrat Gesicht & Dekolette

Even though I have fairly light skin tone all through the year and I am pretty pale in the winter, I seem to have more of a Mediterranean olive skin tone in the summer as I catch tan fast without sunburn and I tend to get quite a few shades darker than I am in the winter. I always use SPF on my body when I am working outside or on the beach, but obviously I don't apply too much, so I get tanned. My face on the other hand is always applied with heavy amounts of SPF 50+, so I usually look very pale in my face even in the summer. These self tanning drops of serum for face and decollate are the best thing to even my skin tone on the face to match my body. It's almost gel like serum that I always mix in with moisturizer as it helps me to spread it more evenly and the next day I always look great. You have to use very little and build it up slow, otherwise it can look patchy, but the color matches well with my warm olive undertone. It doesn't look orange.

MAC Face & Body in C1 and C5

I depoted this in small plastic bottles, because I have full sized products in my makeup kit. This is by far the best transfer proof foundation I have ever tried. It has liquid texture that is best applied with fingers. Once you start to massage it into the skin, it sort of creates that grip that sticks to the skin well and it doesn't move through the day. I notice this is the only foundation that doesn't transfer on the frames of my glasses and it's definitely the most long wearing and transfer proof for hot weather. However, I am not a huge fan of the finish, as it's natural with a bit of sheen and on my oily T zone it can get quite shiny. I always set this foundation with lots of loose powder and this way I can ensure that it will look natural through the day without becoming greasy on me. It's also one of the best foundations for mature skin as it doesn't settle into fine lines, gives light coverage, but can be build up to medium and holds in place. It was obviously meant for the body as well.

Catrice Liquid Camouflage High Coverage Concealer in 020 Light Beige and 036 Hazelnut Beige

I have used up my old darker concealers and I when I was deciding which one to get to match my tan, Catrice was the obvious choice. This is probably the best drugstore concealer formula I have tried. It has medium coverage, is just thick enough, spreads well and doesn't look too matte on the skin. I bought it in two shades to mix and match as my tan fade. 020 is my usual summer shade and 036 is for darkening, when I have some tan as it has that nice yellow warm undertone to it that matches my skin tone well. I always set my concealer with powder to prevent any creasing and prolong the wear.

Avon True Euphoric Volume & Length Mascara in Blackest Black

This is still one of my favorite mascaras to date. It has natural bristles wand and the formula is a bit drier than usual for non-waterproof formula. It gives the lashes volume as well as definition and a bit of length. It's all I can ask from a mascara, that makes my lashes look like there is more, that they are thicker, but don't look clumpy or spidery. I have repurchased multiple tubes of it and probably will in the future, hoping that they don't discontinue it.

Colourpop Super Shock Shadow in Mycelium

I am very basic with my makeup in the summer and this year was no different. My usual makeup routine looked like that - a bit of bronzer in the crease and shiny creamy eyeshadow on the lid with lots of mascara. Mycelium was probably part of LE made with Raw Beauty by Kristi and I think it's no longer available anymore, but it's the perfect light peachy golden shade with pink, gold and silver shimmer that gives the lid that sparkle that is very wearable, but looks so good. I have been using it a ton this month.

Revlon Ultra HD Gel Lipcolor in 710 HD Desert

This is a very recent discovery, I think I got it last week when it was 40% off in one of the drugstores and I loved the feel of the formula in the store plus I could finally find a shade for me. This is one of those ultra comforting creamy formulas that feel like a good lip balm on the lips, but gives you quite intense color payoff. It's one of those formula you chuck into the bag and apply it on the go plus it makes the lips look so sheeny and juicy. I chose shade 710 HD Desert which is the perfect warm nude as it has a bit of brown, a bit of peach as well as pink tone to it. I can see this is one of those lip products that I will love. Revlon has amazing lip products anyway, I just miss more of the nude shades and warm tones in their collection, they always have lots of pinks and reds, not so much bricky brown shades. 

Afrodita Cosmetics Feel...Joyful Beauty Body Milk

I received this as a gift, I think last year, it was probably limited edition, but I just came around to actually using it. For some reason I was sure this would smell floral, but it has such an amazing scent. It's very lightweight body milk which almost feels like thicker serum or gel. It quickly soaks into the skin, doesn't feel heavy or greasy, but is moisturizing enough. It's the perfect moisturizer for summer and fall. I am most excited by the scent of it, it's such a powdery classy fragrance that almost reminds me of expensive spa scent. I wish Afrodita would make more scents like this in their permanent ranges. 

Avon Attraction Desire Eau de Parfum Mini

At first I wasn't sure this will be my new favorite as I had so much love for the previous version Attraction Sensation, but it quickly grew on me so much that I am seriously contemplating buying it. I think it has more character and sweetness than Sensation version. It has notes of cherry, saffron, mandarin orange, iris, jasmine sambac, lily, amber, tolu balsam and sandalwood. First birst is that sweet cherry which quickly becomes faintly floral, but it dries down to that sweet amber and oriental sandalwood that make it almost a bit powdery. For me this is the perfect mix of fruity sweetness with elegant powdery sweet oriental vibes of amber and sandalwood that is just perfect for this weather now when we are transitioning into fall. 

Lash Filler and Brow Lamination

I believe I haven't mentioned on my blog yet, but I have a beauty studio where I do makeup on clients and I have expanded my portfolio by offering lash filler and brow lamination as two new beauty treatments. I am one of those people that would never get into a treatment unless I believed in it and I was so happy to see beauty trend leaning more towards "natural" treatments with just enhancing what you already have instead of adding "fake" stuff on top. I was very glad that I could expand my knowledge and work by doing treatments that I myself also love.

So let's talk about lash filler. It's treatment that sort of acts like lash perm as it breaks the bond in your lashes and reinforces it back in a curved shape so you get curled lashes that last you 5 to 6 weeks sort of like with lash perm, the difference being product that lash filler has gentler formulation, so it's gentler on your lashes. There is also treatment serum that is applied at the end which is made of peptides like those expensive lash growth serums and it nourishes the lashes and makes them grow thicker through several uses. I've noticed this on my clients. You can also dye your hair with black color. At the end of the treatment lashes look nicely lifted, curved, defined, thicker because of the color and in general they look longer, because they are curled up and not growing down. I love lash filler on me as well, because I can forget lash curler and my lashes look thicker, because they are colored.

Brow lamination is one of those treatment that you either love or hate. I have come to realized that brows are a very personal thing and everyone has opinion on what is pretty and what is not. It's all biased obviously. Brow lamination came along the "soap brows" trend where everyone started to look bushy, upward brushed thicker looking brows. Brow lamination is sort of similar to lash filler as it also breaks down your natural brow shape and softens it so you can manipulate the shape of it. With brown lamination brows are fixed into a position that is brushed up so the individual brow hair is laid flat on the skin, sits next to each other instead of over each other which gives this look of naturally thicker brows without adding anything. Brows can also be dyed. Misconception is that you have to have those extreme upward brushed brows, when in fact after brow lamination brows are easier to manipulate. You can brush them upward or more in a straight line and they don't sit flat on the skin, this is just for one to two days after the treatment and then they become fluffy again. It lasts 4 to 6 weeks. I love brow lamination on myself because I have fairly straight brows, they are light in color and I don't have a lot of hair. Brow lamination makes my brows stand up which naturally gives a lift to my entire eye (as someone with hooded eyes this is great), my brows look thicker in general which makes me look younger and it looks like I have more brows than I actually have. I can also manipulate my hair in a way to hide bold parts, plus dye saved me time in the morning as I only fill in certain spots. I just love this look that it gives to my other poor brows, but I know it's not everyone's cup of tea. Some just prefer thinner and straighter looking brows. 

Vinosource range from Caudalie has been recently revamped with new design and more recyclable packaging. I have to say the new pink design is lovely. Caudalie is known for grapes as one of the main ingredients in their ranges. I remember their Beauty Elixir water being iconic back in the days and every makeup artist used it. 

Packaging

New modern pink design definitely catches your eye and I would dare to say their Vinosource range had younger population in mind when creating the design as it's rage geared towards moisturizing. Most of the products have glass bottles combined with plastic pumps and tops. Because of its weight it makes it feel luxurious. Every formula has according packaging that works with it. Serum has nice pump, moisturizer is in a pot, sorbet has squeezable tube and oil has glass dropper. 

S.O.S. Thirst-Quenching Serum

I'll start with my absolute favorite from this line and I believe it's also their best seller. It's vegan formula with 97% ingredients of natural origin. It contains organic grape water, glycerin, squalane and hyaluronic acid which are all great hydrating and moisturizing ingredients. 

It's scented with mandarin blossom, lemon tree leaves, cucumber water and fresh mint which gives it gentle fresh herbal fruity scent. 

In it is 30 ml of product and it costs 31€.

It's super lightweight formula that feels like watery serum with that squalane slip that gives it that moisturizing layer. It soaks into the skin quickly, feels super smooth on the skin and looks like nothing, but still feels moisturizing. This is one of those serums that would work for pretty much any skin type, because it's so light on the skin. I love it on its own in the summer or under moisturizer in colder months.

It definitely hydrates and moisturizes the skin, but in a such light way that feels like you have barely something on your skin. It's amazing for layering and makes the skin feel super smooth.

Grape Water Gel Moisturizer

Another one of my favorites, because of its light formula as well. It contains glycerin, organic prebiotic grape water, squalane, hyaluronic acid and organic aloe vera with 98% ingredients of natural origin and completely recyclable packaging. 

It's also scented with that same fresh scent.

In it is 50 ml of product and it costs 29€.

This is proper gel moisturizer formula that feels so refreshing on the skin, almost like you've applied a splash of cold water on your face. It soaks in fast and leaves almost no trace of it on the skin. Another amazingly light formula with that great slip and smoothness.

It feels just moisturizing enough and light. This is perfect as summer moisturizer or for anyone with normal, combination or oily skin. In the summer you can layer it up with heavier products on top. You can't overapply it, because it doesn't feel heavy at all.

Moisturizing Sorbet

Another lightweight formula like all previous ones with grape water, glycerin, squalane, hyaluronic acid, chamomile and tetrapeptide which is another moisturizing formula, but it should also soothe the skin and reduce redness. 97% of ingredients are of natural origin. 

It has the same scent as other products.

In it is 40 ml of product and it costs 28€.

This is the only formula that comes out thick looking, almost like baby food - slightly grainy, but it quickly melts into that gel-cream moisturizing formula that just sinks into the skin and gives the skin light velvet smooth layer.

It feels just a tad heavier than both previous formulas, but it's still fairly light on the skin and feels nicely moisturizing. I actually prefer to use this in the evening, because it feels slightly heavier than gel moisturizer, which is better for the day time. I haven't noticed any soothing effects, but my skin also hasn't been sensitive, so I can't comment on that. In general it locks in previous serums and moisturizes well.

Overnight Recovery Oil

Oil is formulated with 99% natural origin ingredients and certified organic. It has that dry oil feel with the combination of plant and essential oils which are organic grape seed oil, organic sesame oil, organic jojoba oil, rose essential oil and organic palmarosa essential oil. It's suppose to repair skin's barrier, nourish and soothe skin. It's another completely recyclable packaging. 

It's unscented, but the oils give it that fresh herbal scent.

In it is 30 ml of product and it costs 29.50€.

It definitely has that dry oil feel, because it feels "dry" on the skin, not heavy, but nicely nourishing and it leaves a bit of sheen on the skin. 

Even though this is an oil, is still light formula as with all other products from this range. I use oils mostly at night and only in colder months, because otherwise it can be too much for my combination skin. This one feels just nourishing enough and it definitely makes the skin softer. The scent isn't bad either, but I am just not a huge fan of oils, though this is definitely nicer one that I have tried. 

You can buy all Caudalie products online on Vivaderm. 

Moisturizing, lightweight and super smooth are the words I would use to describe Caudalie Vinsource-Hydra range. All the products have surprisingly lightweight formulas that apply extra smooth almost better than some makeup primers, so they are great for under the makeup. All formulas are nicely moisturizing, but in a light way, which makes me think this would work for many skin types. I am still the biggest fan of serum as well as gel moisturizer. Sorbet is nice as well, but it's already slightly heavier than gel moisturizer. An oil is a nice blend of different oils, but I am just not a huge fan of oils as I use them rarely. It's high end skin care range, but I would say the price definitely shows in the elegance of formulas and ingredients list is nice as well.

*Products were sent to me. 

I think I found another favorite lip formula from Revlon. I have very few lip products from them, but all are very loved and very comfortable to wear. This is another one of those ultra comfortable formulas that I always have in my bag on the go.

Packaging

It comes in sleek long thin packaging with plastic cap and the color outside should represent the actual color. In it is 20 grams of product and it costs 11.49€. I usually buy Revlon products in Tuš drogerija, because they often times have offers on 40% off on Revlon. 

Formula

This is very smooth gel like creamy formula that has good amount of pigment to it, but definitely needs to be build up with at least two to three swipes for opaque intensity. It has creamy finish with lovely sheen that makes the lips look healthy.

Colors

It's available in 15 colors, but I don't think we have all of them in Slovenia. There are mostly pinks, reds and some nudes. 

710 HD Desert is the perfect warm peachy brownish pinkish nude. It has that warm peach base on brownish beige shade, but the sheen on top is almost slightly muddy pink. To me this is the perfect nude for my warm light skin tone. 

Comparison

HD Desert - warm peachy brown-pinkish nude.

Revlon Ultra HD Matte Lipcolor HD Forever - more dusty pink shade compared to Desert and not as warm. 

NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream London - warm brown with peach undertone. If you mix London with Revlon's Forever, you would get Desert shade. 

Performance

It's one of those ultra comfortable formulas that glides over any dry patches, doesn't emphasize them and makes lips look healthy and moisturizer. I almost feel like it nourishes them as I never have that dry feel after removing it. 

It's creamy formula with lots of sheen, so obviously it's not long lasting and you need to reapply it every few hours or after a meal, but that is fine by me. It usually wears off on the inside first, but in general looks ok, because of the nude color that matches the lips. With darker colors this could be more of a problem. 

I have to say there isn't any Revlon lip product that I have tried so far and didn't like it. Revlon just knows how to do good lip products. This is another ultra smooth, nicely creamy and healthy looking lip formula that will be loved especially by those that like effortless formulas for on the go that feel comfortable even on dry lips. I like it even more, because I finally found warmer nude in Revlon range with the color Desert that is just my kind of shade. 

L.O.V. X Laetitia Lemak Dream Glaze Sculpting Duo

I am a huge fan of some of L.O.V products, especially their blushes which are one of my all time favorite. When I saw them make a collaboration collection with Laetitia Lemak, I was very excited. Laetitia's makeup style is so fresh and chic looking. I knew she must have made gorgeous products. Out of blush, highlighting and sculpting duos, I felt sculpting one would compliment my kit best. It's a very soft powdery texture with one more cooler sculpting shade and one warmer bronze shade. I have to say contour can sometimes look to warm on my skin tone, I personally prefer something more grey toned. However, bronzer shade is just gorgeous. More on the warm yellow tone and you can build these two up or apply them sheerer. As far as blending goes, it seems to be fine so far, though it really depends on how well I blend foundation underneath. I have noticed that they don't last all day, but I still have to test it further. I put this in my favorites manly because of that bronzer shade which fits my skin tone so well and looks very natural. Plus it has the pigmentation, but can also be blended out well. Unfortunately, we can't get L.O.V products in Slovenia which is a shame. 

Catrice Blush Box Glowing + Multicolour 030 Warm Soul

I already have 020 It's Wine O'clock shade which is just lovely, that perfect mauve pink. They've added 030 Warm Soul which I was very excited for. It looked a bit brownish to me in the pan, however on my warm skin tone it turns more pinkish coral. I though it would look more coral or peachy on me, but it's actually warm pink. It goes with pretty much every look, has great pigmentation, gives a bit of that sheen without shimmer and it lasts very well. It's probably one of the better blushes in the drugstore. 

Catrice Lash Changer Volume Mascara Waterproof

Another new product that has been added to Catrice range recently and another love for me. It has that natural hair brush, but it's slimmer and thinner which coats lashes well. Formula is on the wet site, but it doesn't make the lashes look clumpy at all. In fact I love separation that it gives me as well as volume. It's definitely easy to remove, but not waterproof. I wore it when it was raining on me and this smeared all over my face. Plus sometimes it can crumble down through the day, but it's not too bad. 

Revlon Ultra HD Matte Lipclor 645 HD Forever

Revlon lip products are one of my favorite formulas I own. All of their products have one thing in common, they are all very comfortable to wear. I love Ultra HD Matte formula and Forever is one of those perfect pinkish brownish shades. It's a creamy formula that need a long time to dry down to matte finish and even then it gives me this very comfortable velvet finish that never feels drying or looks crusty on the lips. I haven't been wearing a lot of lipsticks these days, as there is no point with wearing face mask everywhere, but on special occasions I usually reached for this one and the new Gel Lipcolor. 

L'Oreal Elseve Dream Long No Haircut Cream Leave-In

Since I only use Joico K-Pak Reconstructor leave-in every once and a while and since I don't have any other leave-in products anymore, I realized this one isn't bad at all. I feel like all Dream Long products have this amazing fruity summery scent that lingers on my hair and makes me feels so nice. Plus this cream sort of hydrates my hair and I feel like they look smoother as to when I don't use it. It's a descent drugstore products, though it's no Joico for sure.

Bath & Body Works Fine Fragrance Mist Twilight Woods

Seems like this is my official autumnal scent for years now. It's just such a huge bottle and I don't use fragrances every day, so I don't use it up as quickly. But it's one of the best woody sweet oriental scents I own. For a fragrance mist this has amazing staying power. I swear I still smell it on my hair at the end of the day. I bring it out as soon as summer ends and cooler weather kicks in and this year is no different.

Glamping Mountain Fairy Tale

At the end of September we went to a short gateway to Glamping Mountain Fairy Tale near Tržič. We've never been to this part of Slovenia and it turned out to be such a nice stay. Glamping includes small mobile homes made of natural wood material which are actually very well made. You also get private hot tub which is made of wooden barrel just like they used to use for wine making. It's an experience on its own. We spent two days hiking around the beautiful nature and I can definitely recommend you to visit Dovžanova soteska and Blejski vintgar, if you ever come to those parts of Slovenia. I was also very impressed by mini house cakes from Firbc' okn restaurant. They were gorgeous looking and not too sweet. Any change is always nice, but spending a few days without TV and in the nature, was much needed. We both enjoyed it very much.

Beautypharmacy is new online store that has a lot of pharmacy skin care and hair care brands and they always have great deals and discounts. They have become my first stop when I want some of the brands that they have as they always have best pricing, much lower than in our physical stores. I had the chance to try a few of their products out and here are my short thoughts on those.

Uriage Eau Thermale Uriage Thermal Water

It comes in metal can with fairly fine mist. In it is 150 ml of product and it's currently on sale for around 5€.

It's skincare water for daily use. It's not just an ordinary water, it actually contains mineral salts similar to skin's natural moisturizing factors that help restore skin's barrier. There is calcium and magnesium in it to soothe the skin. 

I actually had this thermal water once already and I especially liked it in the summer for refreshing up the skin and calm it from the heat. You can treat it almost as a toner and apply it right after cleansing to moisten the skin and prepare it for other skin care products. 

Mist isn't as fine as with some setting sprays, but it's fine enough and the water feels soothing and refreshing on the skin. I don't think this is essential product by any means, but it's and additional product that you may consider, if you have very reactive and easily irritated skin as this may soothe it further. I actually love it in the summer for refreshing and I use it at night right after cleansing. It lasts quite a long time, I am just coming to an end with it. 

Sebamed PRO! Active Protection Cream 

I like that Sebamed has plastic pots, because they are super light and great to travel with. In it is 50 ml of product and it costs around 17€.

It's moisturizing and nourishing cream with probiotic ingredients and pH of 5.5 to help restore skin's barrier, keep it moisturizer, nourished and prevent premature aging with UVA protection. It's fairly basic moisturizing cream with some glycerin, oil, rosemary extract and some lactic acid. 

Formula is slightly thicker and you have to massage it in good to get rid of those white stripes on your face. I would say this is nourishing formula, because it leaves that slightly thicker, almost a bit greasy feel on the skin. They say it's for sensitive skin, but I would say dry skin would like it best. On my combination skin this was too rich and thicker creams tend to clog my pores more, so I usually stay away from them unless I experience dehydration. It's scented, though it's a very subtle almost noticeable creamy scent.

SVR Cicavit+ Creme SPF50+

There's nothing better than a cream in a tube with small nozzle so you can really control the amount you want and formula stays intact. In it is 40 ml of product and it costs around 26€.

I've gushed about SVR skin care products, especially Cicavit line. Their Cicavit Creme+ has become my staple for when I have blemishes as it helps to moisturize, nourish and repair the skin faster. This is SPF sister of that one with SPF of 50+. Now you get intense soothing treatment with repairing properties and sun protection to protect from brown red and brown marks. It targets all types of rays - UVA and UVB+ and has antioxidants to protect against visible and infrared light.

Polysaccharides and prebiotic sugar form protective film to prevent bacteria from sticking to the skin, reduce redness and heat and stimulate growth of beneficial bacteria to optimize repair of the skin.

It's thick formula, but has great spreadability and on my light skin tone I don't get any white cast. It soaks in to look transparent with shiny finish on the skin. It feels almost oily on the skin, but in a thicker nourishing layer that doesn't move or slip around. This is the perfect SPF for damaged dry skin or dry skin that deals with acne as the cream itself is very nourishing, but ingredients in it help to repair it and protect it from external aggressors. 

I used it while the weather was still warm when I was dealing with breakouts and blemish marks and it definitely helped speed up healing process, but for my combination skin it can quickly be too much, especially under makeup as it just looks too shiny. However, it sticks to the skin so well that my makeup didn't slide, it just looked very glowy. If you need something highly nourishing and repairing with high SPF, this is the best formula wise as well as finish wise, plus it's unscented so perfect for sensitive skin.

Uriage Eau Thermale Bariesun Ultra-light Fluid SPF50+

Pocket sized bottle is perfect for on the go. Because of the liquid formula it spills a bit around the nozzle, but thankfully doesn't drip out. In it is 30 ml of product and it's currently on sale for around 8€.

It's suited for sensitive skin with with fluid water-resistant texture and no fragrance. They say it's light and has dry finish. It has broad-spectrum protection of UVA and UVB rays with chemical filters. It's formulated with their thermal water as well as vitamin C and E. 

This is very liquid white formula that drips off. You have to shake it well before applying. It's definitely greasy under the fingers, but it spreads with ease and actually absorbs into the skin well. There is no white cast, but it leaves quite shiny finish on the skin. It's definitely not for oily or combination skin, though I wore it in summer as well. I had to extensively powder my face, because I looked shiny. It's ok for chores outside, though I wouldn't wear this on daily basis over makeup. Dry finish they claim refers to the fact that it doesn't feel sticky to the touch, it feels dry, though the formula is quite heavy. It would be perfect for dry skin that doesn't like sticky sunscreens, but still wants that nourishing layer that gives your skin that protecting layer.

Lazartigue Nourish-light Light Nourishing Shampoo

It comes in dark green squeezable plastic packaging with pop up top. In it is 250 ml of product and it's currently on sale for about 15€. Packaging is recyclable.

I wasn't familiar with Lazartigue as a brand before. It's French high end hair care brand established by hair dresser that focuses on botanical ingredients and vegan formulas with no silicones or sulfates. Their fragrances are combined with precious oils and it has almost aromatherapy or spa like feel to it. 

Shampoo is for dry and fine hair. It contains soybean oil to nourish the hair, but not weigh it down and retain its natural volume. 

It's liquid creamy formula that doesn't lather as much as your typical drugstore shampoo. That's the thing you really have to get used to with natural hair care products. I always use more product in hopes of bigger lather. It has that very natural feel on the hair, since there are no silicones to give you that smooth slip.

I've noticed after washing my hair with it that I always have to use some sort of conditioner or hair mask, otherwise I have a hard time combing them through. It definitely leaves the hair with that natural volume and it feels very refreshing because of the luxurious scent that they describe as floral and woody. It's almost aromatherapy experience and the scent lingers on my hair for a few days.

I am one of those that just loves smooth silicon slip or shampoos and conditioners, so I have hard time getting used to this formula. However, if I want that volume in my hair, then this is shampoo to go to. It definitely gives my hair texture and grip that all those smooth silicon formulas don't.

Lazartigue Volumize Volume Hairspray

Another squeezable plastic bottle with spray on top. In it is 100 ml of product and it's currently on sale for around 21€.

It's volumizing spray that strengthens hair and coats it with protective film, reduces static electricity and gives hair volume. It's meant for fine hair to give hold with rice proteins, a densifying styling polymer that coats the hair with protective film to give it more volume. It's sulfate free formula.

It's transparent liquid spray that actually gives the hair that texture and grip that fine straight hair usually lacks. I use this around my roots and through the length of the hair and my hair definitely has a lot more volume. It's as they say more of texturizing spray. This is great for when I want to curl my hair and still give it that volume that my natural hair never has. I use it on those special occasions and for that I love it. You can't expect smoothness, when you want texture and grip and for that this formula is great. It has tangy citrus note on a floral background as they describe the scent of it. Another very spa like scent, though I prefer the smell of shampoo more. 

In Slovenia you can buy all of the products on Beautypharmacy. I hear other countries also have their Beautypharmacy online stores with the same good discounts. 

*Products were sent to me. 

There isn't a lot of products in this month's favorites. I have been trying out some new products, but mostly just using up my old favorites when it comes to skin care. 

I recently received Caudalie Vinopure collection and I've been testing a few of the products out already, but then I had a huge breakout and resorted back to my usual routine to heal them up. I will start testing these products back, but so far I really like this gel cleanser. The range is geared towards those with combination and acne prone skin as most of the products contain salicylic acid. There is also famous grape water and lots of essential oils which I was never a fan of, but I have to say I love the aromatherapy experience of them in this product. I'm not a fan of using 5 scented skin care products on my face at once, but just using one can sometimes have that spa experience. It's clear gel that lathers well with water and almost gives the skin a bit of cooling sensation. Scent is herbal, sort of spa like and I love it for those days when I want a pick me up. 

SVR [B3] Ampoule Hydra

This is mini travel version that I received as a gift with purchase and I have to say this mini version is just lovely. You get enough product to properly try it out, plus it's great to travel with. Hyaluronic acid is one of those ingredients that I didn't have much luck with. Previous The Ordinary version made me break out and I have since stayed away from, but this version is actually better. It didn't break me out, plus it doesn't pile off of my face, so I can use it during day time as well. It has no scent, just three different types of hyaluronic acids and only 12 ingredients, among which is also niacinamide, so it makes it great for those with sensitive skin. It has that viscose texture that remind me a bit of COSRX snail mucin. It spreads well and absorbs, but still leaves that moisturizing layer on the skin. It definitely hydrates it well and I love how lightweight it is.

COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence

It's my go to product for when I am dealing with lots of breakouts that just won't go away and I need something to heal my skin faster and calm it down. It works every time. This is transparent, viscose, almost a bit slimy texture that sticks to the skin well and absorbs fast. It has great healing capabilities and no scent. This is now staple in my routine and I usually tend to save it a lot, because it's not the cheapest. However once of these bottles lasts me a long time.

Catrice Ultimate Camouflage Cream 010 N Ivory

I am not sure, if this was reformulated or just repackaged, but I had it in old version as well and I like this one just as much. It's a thicker creamy concealer similar to MAC Studio Finish Concealer, that you have to warm up with your fingers, before applying it. I actually wore it under my eyes without any problems of creasing or looking dry, but I have combination skin. This is actually more suited for any problem areas that need high coverage like blemishes or red patches. Because it's thicker, it can look a bit obvious and you need to warm it up on larger areas or it can be harder to blend. I really like this, because it's cheap, has great coverage and lasts well on the skin.

Essence Soft & Precise Lip Pencil 203 My Advice

Essence often times repackages their products or adds them to a new line and I feel like this is one of their regular lip pencil formulas that they always have in their range. I love their lip pencils, because they are so affordable, have that classic slightly drier formula and usually last well under lipsticks. They also have nice basic nude colors to choose from. My Advice is light warm peachy brown nude that I love. It's definitely my kind of nude that goes with most of my nude lipsticks. Formula makes it easy to apply precisely and I sometimes love wearing these on its own with just a lip balm on top.

Essence Hydrating Nude Lipstick 302 Heavenly

This is probably one of my new favorite drugstore formulas for dry lips. It's like smooth lip balm that has good color payoff to it with shiny finish. It's a bit sheerer than a proper lipstick, but oh my god does it feel good on the lips. Like a proper lip balm. It's not heavy nor sticky, just comfortable. Shade Heavenly is that light warm brown nude that will go perfectly with My Advice lip pencil, but it's slightly lighter than pencil and a bit more neutral toned. I've been carrying this with me and applying it on the go for a quick color. It's just such a comfortable formula.

Schwarzkopf Gliss Hair Repair 7 Sec Express Repair Treatment Colour Perfector

As my expensive hair treatment are running out, I am using more of my drugstore ones and this one is lovely. It's one of those miracles waters, but this one actually feels more like hair mask. It goes on the hair like water, but once you massage it into the skin it turns like a rich cream that leaves my hair nourished and soft, when I wash it off. I love how convenient it is, because I don't have to leave it on my hair for longer than 7 seconds and it feels about the same as if I would apply a mask and leave it on for half an hour. Efficient and quick, what more could I want from it. Plus it has a nice scent. 

Another season is around and Catrice has again revamped their regular stand with new products for upcoming season. I have been testing some of them out. Here are my quick reviews.

Catrice Holiday Skin Luminous Bronzer - 020 Off To The Island

Packaging

It comes in plastic packaging that's quite flimsy. Those kinds usually break on me fast. In it is 8 grams of product and it costs 4.19€.

Formula

It's fairly smooth powder formula, but on the slightly harder side. It's definitely not as buttery to the touch as for example Physicians Formula Bronzer. It definitely has luminous finish which makes it slightly sheerer and has that luminous shine to the skin that looks very natural. 

Colors

It's available in two shades, one light and one more medium. I got the medium one called 020 Off To The Island, because I wanted something darker for my summer tan and this one was actually dark enough for me than. Now it's a bit too dark. It's one of those medium cool bronzer shades with that grey undertone that makes it almost like a contour shade which I love. 

Comparison

Catrice Blush Box 020 It's wine o'clock - medium mauve.

Catrice Blush Box 030 Warm Soul - medium warm coral pink.

Catrice Holiday Skin Luminous Bronzer 020 Off To The Island - medium cool grey toned bronze.

Physicians Formula Butter Bronzer Bronzer - light warm bronze with grey undertone.

Performance

I always have problems with Catrice bronzers as most of them just don't blend nicely and this one is the same. It's very pigmented for being medium toned, so I have to build it up very slowly with soft fluffy brush to avoid patchiness. It can look patchy otherwise and sometimes it almost sticks to the base weirdly. It's not the most long lasting and it can wear off patchy as well. I wish their bronzer would have the same blendability and longevity as their blushes usually do.

Catrice Blush Box Glowing + Multicolour - 030 Warm Soul*

Packaging

It's plastic packaging with transparent lid. In it is 5.5 grams of product and it costs 4.19€.

Formula

It's soft to the touch powdery formula that applies like a dream. Pigmentation is nice, so you don't need to build it up a lot to get color payoff. It has luminous sheen that is visible on the skin and I feel like it's more luminous than the shade 020 which I own from before. 

Colors

There are 3 colors available, two were in the range before and 030 Warm Soul was added just now. It's medium warm coral pink.

Performance

On contrary to bronzer, blush applies like a dream. You almost don't need to blend it and it has great pigmentation in just one swipe. The more you build it up the more opaque and more luminous it looks. It wears all day with minimal fading and never looks patchy. 

 

Catrice Lash Changer Volume Mascara Waterproof - 010 Ultra Black Waterproof*

Packaging

Waterproof version comes in a long blue and black plastic packaging. In it is 11 ml of product and it costs 5.09€. It has long slightly cone shaped natural bristled wand. The bristles actually coat each lash well in spite of being quite short.

Formula

It's on the drier side of mascaras, but for a waterproof formula it's still quite wet, if you get what I mean. It's easy formula to work with in my opinion. 

Colors

It comes in regular formula and waterpoof.

Performance

One coat gives me some volume and length and the second coat gives me even more volume, but what I love about it is that it doesn't clump up my lashes. Even with several coats lashes still tend to look wispy and fairly defined which is exactly how I like my mascaras to be, so this one is a win in my book. It can crumble down a bit through the day and it's definitely not waterproof. I was caught with it under the rain and it smudged like crazy.

Catrice Peppermint Berry Glow Lip Balm*

Packaging

It's metal packaging. In it is 3.5 grams of product and it costs 5.09€.

Formula

I actually haven't tried this one, because I still have the Watermelon Shine Glow Lip Balm which to me looks the same, that balmy lip balm formula that reacts to your pH and colors your lips, but this one also has added peppermint which I dislike in lip products, so I will rather gift it to a friend. 

Catrice Volumizing Extreme Lip Booster - 030 N'Ice Bonbon*

Packaging

It comes in plastic packaging with ice blue metallic design. In it is 5 ml of product and it costs 4.19€.

Formula

It's one of those thicker balmy lip gloss formulas that sticks to the lips well and has icy blue shimmer in it to give it that supposed teeth whitening effect. It has exact scent as those Ice Fresh hard candy, sweet, but pepperminty. 

Colors

It's actually available in three different versions, one with chili, one with spicy ginger and this one with teeth whitening effect. 

Performance

I dislike these kind of peppermint lip products, because they sting the skin on my lips and don't make my lips any bigger looking, just more irritated. I am just not one of those that wouldn't like this effect, so I am probably giving this one away as well. 

Catrice Nail Repair Strenghthening Ridge Filler*

Packaging

It's glass bottle with 10.5 ml of product and it costs 3.09€.

Formula

Thinner transparent formula can be layered up to a slight hue of nude. It should fill in any ridges on the nails, but I had none, so I can't say how it works.

Performance

It lasted on me average, so for about 3 to 4 days before it started chipping off without top coat.

Catrice Iconails Gel Lacquer - 112 Dream Me To NYC*

Packaging

It's glass bottle with 10.5 ml of product and it costs 2.89€.

Formula

Formula is regular, not too thin, more on the thicker side. One coat can be enough to cover the nail, but for more even application, two layers are best. 

Colors

There are several shades available in this range. Some are solid colors and some have shimmers in it. 112 Dream Me To NYC is classic medium cool taupe color, perfect for fall. 

Performance

Catrice nail polishes usually last on me for 3 to 4 days without top coat, which is sort of average for me. I like their wide brushes, because it makes it easy to apply nail polish on my entire nail and very quick as well.

Catrice More Than Nude Translucent Effect Nail Polish - 03 Dancing Queen*

Packaging

It's glass bottle with 10.5 ml of product and it costs 3.79€.

Formula

Another sheerer formula that can be either layered up or applied with just one coat for a very romantic shimmer shine. I almost prefer this with one coat as with two it can look almost metallic because of small shimmer in it.

Colors

Catrice has one More Than Nude formula with different colors and then there is Transluscent version with transparent bases and shimmery finishes. In this range there are 3 shades. 03 Dancing Queen is shimmery rose gold. The base is sheer rose, but gold, pink and silver shimmer makes it more of a golden hue. 

Performance

Because of the shimmer particles it actually is more longwearing, but it doesn't feel textured on the nails which is nice. I can wear it for about 3 to 4 days before it starts chipping. 

Out of all the products concealer, blush and mascara are my favorites. Concealer was always a staple in Catrice range, because it has amazing coverage. Catrice always does blush well, it's blendable, pigmented and wears good. Mascara is also really nice, except for the occasional fallout and I wouldn't get it for waterproof abilities, because there are none. 

I didn't like matt foundation nor the peppermint lip products, but that's just personal preference. If you like these kind of products, you would probably love these too. Nail polishes are all lovely, though I can't say any of the shade is revolutionary or new to my collection. Bronzer disappointed me with blendability. It just looks patchy and is hard to work with. 

*Products were sent to me. 

I have been a lover of single pressed powder shadows from Colourpop ever since I started buying products from them. It's so convenient to choose just the shades that you want and putting them in an empty palette to create your own color scheme. Plus they are very affordable while still having great quality. I have added two new shades to my collection Ringer and Snake Eyes. 

Ringer is light metallic warm champagne peach shade. For light skin tone this is actually lovely bridal shade, because it's light and gives beautiful sheen. On medium to dark skin tones this would be highlighting inner corner shade. 

I can't find it on their site anymore, so I think it's already discontinued. 

Snake Eyes

Snake Eyes is one of Colourpop best seller's and it's light neutral taupe with some pinkish mauve undertone to it. It's one of those shades that you can apply over the lid and it gives you amazing almost glass sheen similar to shade Glass Bull, though Glass Bull is much sheerer and has duochrome sheen to it. 

Performance

I think Colourpop single eyeshadows have amazing quality for that price. They have great pigmentation and blend easily. Most of them last on me the whole day without any noticeable fading. 

Metallic shades are more creamy to the touch and I find they blend better than mattes.

Kathleen Lights X Colourpop Empty Palette Large

Whenever I buy from Colourpop I also love to buy their empty large palettes, because they have magnetic bottom and allow you to store any single eyeshadows with metal pans in it. I already have one and I got this one as well. It was part of collaboration with Kathleen Lights and it's already discontinued, but there are still some from other collections that are available. 

You can store 24 single shadow from Colourpop in it and it has magnetic closing. It costs 10$.

Eyeshadow palettes are nice, if you find one that has all the shades that you would actually wear. But, if you want to build your own with different shades that suit your style, then I think buying single eyeshadows and putting them in an empty magnetic palette is your best choice. I always prefer getting new shadows that I actually need in my kit and are missing from my other palettes. Plus Colourpop's are very affordable, but good quality. 

Some of my favorite products that I have been using in November and short descriptions. Some are my old favorites that I am trying to use up as well as some brand new products that grew on me. All very affordable choices this month.

REN Clean Skincare Ready Steady Glow Daily AHA Tonic

I got this tonic in a mini size as a gift with purchase on Sephora. REN is one of those skin care brands that is very well known, but I haven't tried anything from them before. I love acid toners, so this was right up my alley. It says to be AHA tonic, but it contains lactic acid as well as salicin (BHA) from willow bark. It works on surface to exfoliate it as well as cleans out pores to make this look glowy, brighter and smoother. I have definitely noticed that using this a few evening in a row has made my skin texture much smoother and it gives you a bit of that healthy glow. I think it's quite strong, because I often feel stinging sensation while applying other products on top.  Which makes me feel like it actually works and this mini 50 ml size will last me quite a long time.

Primark Alex Steinherr Maximum Moisture Moisture-Locking Everyday Moisturizer

This is such a nice basic moisturizer that would suit every skin. I love going back to it, when I have problems with my skin and I want something very basic to lock in previous products and give me nice moisturized and nourishing feel on the skin. It reminds me a bit of those Cerave moisturizers or even La Roche-Posay. It has lots of glycerin, squalane, urea, hyaluronic acid, allantoin and even some acids as well as peptides. It's one of those firm creams with great spreadability and soft velvet finish on the skin. It wears good under makeup as well. 

Makeup Revolution Liquid Highlighter Liquid Champagne

When I am getting paler in winter time, but I still have some color to my skin, I like to use champagne shade of highlighters as golds can look too dark and more starkly silver ones can look too ashy. This one in Liquid Champagne is the perfect shade. Base is sort of peachy gold, but sheen in it is more stark silver to light gold. It has small shimmer in it, but they give great almost metallic sheen. It's liquid thicker formula that blends lovely and sits nice on the skin. Once it sets it doesn't move, but you get a good amount of play time.

Essence #pinkandproud Wonderful Baked Blushlighter 01 Believe In Yourself!

This is blush/highlighter all in one from the latest Essence limited edition. It's baked blush, which are my favorite as they always have amazing pigmentation and staying power and this one has it too. It's sort of pinkish peach shade with golden sheen. It reminds me of blushes like Nars Orgasm where you have one base color and different sheen on top. It definitely gives you both in one, blush and highlighter and it makes the cheeks look flushes, but kind of golden. It also has amazing staying power.

Colourpop X Raw Beauty Kristi Super Shock Shadow Mycelium

When I hit the pan, it's clear I love the product. This was I think limited edition with Raw Beauty Kristi and it's the perfect peachy golden shade with gold, silver and pink glitter. Super Shock Shadows feel like mousse, but once they are on the skin they turn into powder. It's a very easy formula to just slap all over the lid for that sparkling effect that looks like a million bucks. I love their shadows and always buy their glittery finish to apply on the lid for a quick glamourous look.

Avon Mesmerize Eau de Parfum

In winter time I pull out my more sweet scents which are too heavy to wear in hot summer days. This is one of those oriental based fragrances, but it has sweet fruity peach note on top that makes it sweet, but also a bit elegant because of the woody notes in the base. It's not just fruity sweet, which is why I like it so much and it almost gets a bit creamy on the skin. 

Essence's newest limited edition called Pink & Proud is part of their campaign that is all about acceptance, dealing with bullying and about individuality that young people can struggle with in times of social media and pressures to look perfect. This is collection to celebrate each individual, be proud and make a bold statement.  

It has that natural bristles wand that looks hourglass shaped. It holds a lot of product and it's on the wet side. You can build volume very fast. The more coats you apply the thicker your lashes will look, however I don't have a problem with it looking clumpy which I like. It still gives good amount of separation. It comes in black.

I have lash filler - so my lashes hold a curl without a problem and I can't say if this mascara helps with that or not. But judging by the wet formula, I think you may have problems with it, if you don't have naturally curled lashes. I notice little crumbles and patches of mascara at the end of the day around my eyes which is a bummer. 

Soapy Brow Styler

It's metal tin with soap in it and small pink spoolie to brush the brows through. In it is 17 grams of product and it costs 3.59€.

This is transparent soap in tin container. I actually have a whole post on how to do soap brows where you can read all about the technique. There I used regular semi-transparent soap for hands and actually put it in old candy tin that looks just like this one. This one also comes with mini spoolie, so you have all the tools you need. Soap brows are a great way to fake laminated brows which I have, so I didn't use this soap as my brows stand up anyway. But this is a great package to get, if you've always wanted to try soap brows as it's so neatly packaged and easy to carry.

Glitter Lipstick - 01 Sorry, Not Sorry!

It's regular plastic lipstick packaging with vibrant magenta pink color. The bullet has almost that velvet looking texture, but with glitter in it, similar to the look of Lisa Eldridges' Velvet lipsticks. The glitter makes it look so festive.

In it is 4 grams of product and it costs 2.49€.

It's cool medium magenta pink with pink glitter that reflects cool blue shine. It looks metallic on the lips and very bold. Pigmentation is good, but you need to do at least two swipes to get it opaque. This is lipstick that will make you stand out.

It doesn't feel particularly gritty because of the glitter in it, but it feels a bit dry on the lips. I would almost treat it as a matte lipsticks. The more you apply the heavier it can feel on the lips. Because of the cool magenta color, it will stain the lips. 

Wonderful Baked Blushlighter - 01 Believe In Yourself!

It comes in transparent plastic packaging that looks like a cube of ice. Packaging is bulky, I would prefer something slimmer. In it is 13 grams of product and it costs 4.29€.

It's baked blush and highlighter all in one. Because it's baked, it's a drier formula, but the powder is very soft and is easily picked up with brush. I would use a light hand, because it's very pigmented. Shimmer in it is tiny, so it just gives you lovely golden sheen that isn't too metallic or glittery.

It comes only in one shade and it's medium warm almost red based peachy pink that will lean either more peach or pinky depending on your skin tone. Sheen on top is a proper warm gold shade. It reminds me of Nars Orgasm, but that one is much more pink. Formula is also similar to their sister's brand L.O.V Blurring Blushes. I have comparison of the few shades.

Essence LE Pink & Proud Wonderful Baked Blushlighter - 01 Believe In Yourself! - medium warm redish peach pink shade with golden sheen.

NARS Blush - Orgasm - light warm pink with golden sheen.

L.O.V BLUSHment Blurring Blush - 60 Be My Next She.E.O. - light vibrant warm coral peachy pink.

This is very long lasting blush. In fact, it might be one of the longest lasting blushes in my collection. Base of it almost looks like stain that doesn't fade through the day at all and the sheen is there as well. It looks the same in the morning as well as in the evening after a whole day of wearing it. It's very pigmented, so you have to build it up slowly and it's fairly easy to blend. It looks even on the skin.

There is also some nail polish, body highlighter in a spray as well as some hair accessories in this collection. I think the blushlighter is amazing. Baked formulas are known for its great pigmentation, it's easy to blend, has lovely sheen and dimension and lasts all day. I can only wish Essence would do these kind of blushes in their regular range. Mascara is great, if you like volume and affordable price. Lipstick is very bold and more for special occasions. I am not a huge fan of the formula, though the finish is very festive. Soap for the brows is worth it in my opinion, because you get it in a very easy to use packaging with the spoolie. It's just big enough to lasts you a long time and soap is transparent, which is crucial. Lovely collection all together. It caught my eye as soon as I saw PR for it.

Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb Universal Lip Luminzer is probably one of the most famous lip glosses right now and everyone seems to love it. It's just a gloss, but I think the formula is so comfortable to wear and shade Fenty Glow is just one of those universally flattering shades, so it really caters to all shiny lips lovers. I always though it was too expensive, but it was on sale and I decided to finally try it. 

Packaging

It comes in short, but bulky transparent plastic packaging with silver metallic top that acts like a mirror. Doe foot applicator is quite thick and big and it holds enough product to apply all over the lips. 

In it is 9 ml of product and it costs 19.95€. You can buy it on Fenty Beauty site or in Sephoras. I got it from Sephora Germany (they don't deliver to Slovenia).

Formula

It's a proper shiny lip gloss formula that feels so nourishing and comfortable on the lips due to shea butter it has. It's not sticky at all, but at the same time feels thicker than most glosses. 

It's lip gloss, so it's sheer, but still gives your lips that hint of color to just amp them up a bit. Finish is very shiny, it gives you those juicy reflective lips.

It has lovely peach vanilla scent that is sort of sweet, but not sickly intense. 

Colors

It's available in 8 colors and Fenty Glow is the most popular, because it's one of those shades that suits all skin tones. 

Fenty Glow is described as shimmery rose nude, but it's actually more of a warm brownish nude, I'd even say it leans more peachy rather than pinky. It has that tone that will look good on probably any skin tone. Shimmer in it is tiny and it gives the lips that lovely shine. 

Comparison

Maybelline Lifter Gloss in 007 Topaz is definitely a dupe when it comes to the shade as well as formula. They both have that warm brownish base to it and even the small shimmer in it has same multi-colors. The only difference is that Maybelline is sheerer in the color, but once you apply them both on the lips, you almost can't see the difference. 

They even have similar bulky packaging, thick doe foot applicator and the formula on both is also very comfortable, non-sticky, but still very nourishing. Maybelline has more of a caramel sweet scent.

The main difference between the formula is that Maybelline one has that warming tingling effect, similar to those lip glosses with peppermint plumping effect, but this one is warming rather than cooling and it's not as intense as some. It lingers on my lips for about 15 to 20 minutes after application, though for some reason it's not annoying. It's something to consider, if you don't like that. Formula also contain hyaluronic acid, so your lips never feel dry after taking it off.

Fenty has 9 ml of product and it costs around 20€, while Maybelline has 5.4 ml of product and it costs around 10€. 

Performance

Because it's that thicker formula it actually sticks to the lips well and is quite long lasting for a lip gloss. It feels almost like a nourishing lip balm and is generally very comfortable to wear. It's one of those formulas that any lip gloss lover will like and perfect for dry lips. 

Here are my final thoughts. Fenty Gloss Bomb has amazing comfortable formula, great packaging, a lot of product and universally flattering shade. It's definitely an amazing lip gloss. Is it worth 20€? It is, if you're going to wear it every day and you have the budget for it, but you can definitely get a good dupe in drugstore at a more affordable price. Like the one from Maybelline. It has the same color, looks pretty much the same on the lips, there is a bit less products, but it's also cheaper. The main difference between them is Maybelline has that warming tingling effect and is a bit sheerer in color (but it's not noticeable on the lips). If you don't have the chance to get Fenty Glow, try 007 Topaz from Maybelline. 

I am finishing yearly posts with December favorites which I always do. I'll also have my favorite finds from 2021 in one upcoming post. 

Bipa Matte Camouflage Concealer 010 Light

I've brought back one of my all time favorite concealers. This is nicely pigmented formula with natural matte finish and a color that is fairly neutral and light. It's one of my favorite drugstore concealers as it just sits well on my skin, lasts good and has nice color. I hope it's still available, though I haven't checked it in Bipa for a while. 

NYX Lift & Snatch! Brow Tint Pen Ash Brown

I have finally found the perfect brow pen. It has super precise brush tip that is actually very thin, always well saturated and doesn't leak. It allows you to actually draw on hair like strokes. By interchanging the pressure you can create very light strokes or more pigmented and thicker ones. It's perfect for those of us that have bold spots and want to create real hair like strokes. Ash Brown is a proper grey toned medium brown without any weird undertone. I love it and hope it will last me a while. 

Kiko Radiant Touch Creamy Stick Highlighter 100 Gold

This is creamy highlighter that I've already owned in the past and it was one of my favorite formulas to apply when I don't have any or very minimal makeup, because it looks so natural. It's sort of champagne shade with gold tone to it that is very neutral. This is that basic creamy formula with natural sheen that isn't shimmery or metallic. It looks best applied over creamy products. You can mix it with other cream products as well. 

Kiko LE Lost in Amalfi Baked Blush 02 Silky Sand

I believe this is part of limited edition, but it was on sale and the color looked perfect for my taste. SIlky Sand is warm brownish peachy shade that looks very natural on warm skin tones. It has lovely cooler sheen that reflects light and gives your face some dimension. It's baked blush, so obviously it has amazing pigmentation and it's actually very long lasting. There is fairly strong perfume like fragrance to it. It's more oriental or woody than anything else. 

Maybelline Lifter Gloss 009 Topaz

Lip glosses are one of my favorite lip products for summer or winter, as it always feels so comfortable and nourishing on the lips. This one contains hyaluronic acid and has that warming tingling feeling, but isn't too bad as those peppermint ones. It's universally flattering warm brownish nude shade that looks good on its own or over any nude lipstick. Tiny shimmer in it gives you that lovely glossy shine. It smells sweet and is a bit thicker, but not sticky at all. 

Schwarzkopf Gliss Kur Hair Repair Ultimate Repair Express-Repair-Conditioner

This is leave-in liquid conditioner for very damaged hair to help repair it. I was never a fan of Gliss Kur products, but I've heard others love it. After reading ingredients in the back and seeing it has hydrolized keratin in it, I thought I'd give it a try and I actually love it. It's milky liquid with some nourishing feel on the hair, but it doesn't feel heavy or weigh my thin hair down. Fragrance smells sort of oriental, but for me personally, it leans more masculine. I prefer L'Oreal sweeter scents, but I got used to this one as well. For some reason my hair always feels much smoother, softer and looks less damaged when I use this in combination with some other products as well. I think this is a nice drugstore leave-in product.