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Empties #8 – skin care & make-up

empties skincare

As mentioned on Monday, I split these empties into two parts so they are more manageable. You can read the first part about hair care and body care *here*, if you’re interested. Today, let’s start with the cleansers. I used up a whole bunch of cleansers. I can’t believe that used up the Biobaza 3in1 make-up removal and hydration cream – more than half a liter! It did a good job at removing my make-up. I would not purchase it again, because I prefer to try more different products (it took me more than 6 months to use this up!), but it’s really good value for money! I didn’t like the Neutrogena Hydro boost micellar water. It really burned my eyes and wasn’t all that successful at removing make-up. I talked about the Ole Henriksen African red tea foaming cleanser before *here* – it’s rich in antioxidants, smells amazing and leaves me feeling rejuvenated. A product I’d definitely repurchase. Last but not least, I tried the Real Chemistry Luminous 3 minute peel. Normally, I would try it on my face, but I tried it on my hand and it started peeling so terribly that I didn’t dare put it on my face. I don’t think I’d get this because it would scare me to death.

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Empties #8 (hair & body care)

It’s been almost six months since my last empties. The results are tragic – a full bag of empty product, so many that I cannot possibly fit them into one post. Today, you can read all about my hair and body care products. This post will be followed by skincare and make-up empties in the following week. Let’s jump right into it.

Empties: hair care

empties shampoo loreal elseve

I haven’t been very good when it comes to shampoos because I’ve been loving the L’Oreal Elseve Extraodinary Clay&Purifying shampoo and conditioner so much. Again and again, I’m amazed how clean, shiny and fresh my hair feels after use. I especially like the fact that it prolongs the time during washes for a day, if not more. I’m now on my fourth pack of these. On the other hand, I wasn’t too impressed with Precious Argan shampoo and conditioner. I didn’t like the scent and my hair got greasy very quick. Wouldn’t repurchase either of them.

empties shampoo nivea pantene briogeo

I was also relatively pleased with the Nivea Care & targeted care shampoo and conditioner for dry hair. My hair was soft and more manageable, but products for dry hair really shouldn’t be used by those of us who have problems with greasy scalp. I should have paid more attention to that. I also used up two samples of Briogeo Don’t despair, repair hair mask and didn’t find them to be revolutionary. In fact, they didn’t do anything that a regular conditioner can’t do. Last but not least, I also used up the Pantene Aqua Light shampoo which was good for my hair but made my scalp itchy and dry.

Empties: body care

empties shower gel nivea afrodita just

I generally forget to save up shower gels, but I really wanted to show you these two – Nivea Waterlily & Oil and Afrodita Sweet almond oil gel. They are similar in the sense that they both lather up nicely and have a wonderful smell. I would repurchase those but I need to get through my stock of Afrodita shower gels before that. I also used up what is probably my tenth bottle of Just Intimate Gel. It’s not irritable and I think that’s extremely important when it comes to personal hygiene.

empties deodorants nivea le couvent des minimes dolce gabbana

Last but not least – deodorants. All three have been lying in my empties bag for months, since I’m now a religious user of Mirta deodorant (you can read all about it *here*). I cannot many nice words about the Nivea Pure&Natural deodorant except for the fact it doesn’t contain aluminium salts. It didn’t fare well when it comes to body odor. I could probably say the same about the Dolce&Gabbana Light blue deodorant, but I only used this on special occasions and didn’t put it through as many paces. On the other hand, I have only nice words for the Le Couvent Des Minimes deodorant with essential oils. It did the job and I personally think it’s worth the money, since it took months to use it up.

If you used any of the product above, I’d love to hear your opinion about them. Until next time, stay beautiful!

L’Occitane revitalizing fresh cleansing scrub

L'Occitane revitalizing fresh cleansing scrub

During the summer I often feel like my scalp gets really messy, really fast – even faster than in the winter time. I can confirm that because I spent a week cooped up inside during a recent cold and my hair was still in reasonable shape after a week of not washing it. Otherwise, it gets greasy really fast. If we add the layers of hair oils and sprays, sea salt and other dirt into the mix, it’s instantly clear why a cleansing shampoo such as the L’Occitane revitalizing fresh cleansing scrub should be a staple in every bathroom.

Product that will change your hair care routine

L'Occitane revitalizing fresh cleansing scrub

This year, I chose the L’Occitane revitalizing  fresh cleansing scrub (150ml, 23,50 €). It’s a cream scrub with particles of sea salt. I apply it directly to the scalp and really rub it well in so that the sea salt can improve the microcirculation in the scalp. Then, I add plently of water so that the product foams and I wash the rest of my hair with that foam. It can be used before shampooing or instead of a regular shampoo.

Essential oils for a refreshing feeling

L'Occitane revitalizing fresh cleansing scrub

L’Occitane revitalizing fresh cleansing scrub contains five essential oils – lavender, thyme, grapefruit, cedar and mint. The latter can be “blamed” for the incredibly fresh feeling that remains on the scalp long after use. I can best describe it as pointing a fan directly at your wet head. I find the feeling invigorating, especially during these warm summer days.

Fresh scalp and clean hair

L'Occitane revitalizing fresh cleansing scrub

I was impressed with the L’Occitane scrub after the first use. The hair felt really clean (so clean it was “squeaking” under my fingers) and stayed soft and shiny for a longer period of time. I can now extend the time between washes to every four days which saves me quite a bit of time. Naturally, I didn’t use it while on vacation because I was washing my hair every day as it was, but now, sitting in the hell-hole called Ljubljana, this scrub is a staple that cannot be missing from my haircare routine. If you haven’t used this or a similar product yet, I’d highly recommend you try it out. Until next time, stay beautiful!

*I purchased the product myself. All opinions are mine and mine alone, the brand cannot influence them in any shape or form.

 

New L.O.V products – Summer 2017: liquid lipstick and highlighting drops

L.O.V Summer 2017

L.O.V is a sister brand of Essence and Catrice and a brand right up my alley – luxurious, elegant and sophisticated. It’s true that not every product sits well with me, but that is true for most brands – I think it would be weird if I just liked everything, don’t you? This time, I had a lucky hand and got to test two really good products.

LOVglow highlighting drops

L.O.V Summer 2017 glow highlighting drops

The first one immediately caught my eye and I knew that I had to test it right away. LOVglow highlighting drops (Muller, 10,99 € for 9ml) are available in two shades – pink-gold Moonlight dreams and gold Sunlight glow which I tested myself. The bottle looks stunning with the golden webbing, but I’m even more impressed by the dropper. It’s incredibly precise so you won’t waste any product when applying.

L.O.V Summer 2017 glow highligter drops

The drops can be applied as a regular highlighter to the cheekbones, mixed into liquid foundation or primer, but personally I liked them the most applied over the primer and before liquid foundation. As you can see from the swatch, the drops become almost invisible once blended, so they’re very appropriate to give the effect of a healthy and glowing skin all over the face. If you only want to highlight certain parts of the face, you should blend them out with your fingers rather than with a sponge – you’ll waste less product that way. I would highly recommend them as a good alternative to powder highlights.

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August Wishlist 2017

august wishlist

It’s been a long time since I last shared my wishlist with you. Today, I was browsing through my PR mail and decided to write a post like this every single month – as a reminder for myself not to buy products on a whim, but also to assist you in making better purchase decisions for yourself.

august wishlist Essence Cubanita

This month, my wishlist is overflowing with skincare, so let’s start with make-up items as there are only a few of those. First on my list is the Essence Cubanita highlighter in the shade Mi corazon. I’ve hit major pan on my The Balm Mary-Lou Manizer and I think that this will be the perfect replacement for everyday makeup. I admit that I don’t get very excited for Essence summer collections (they seem a bit too childish for my taste), but I’m willing to make an exception for this gorgeous highlighter.

august wishlist Balm Contour palette

The other make-up item on my wishlist is The Balm Highlite n’ Con Tour palette (love the name!). It’s been a year since I added the last contouring palette to my collection (Kat Von D Shade&Light Contour Palette – review *here*) and I believe the time is ripe for a new one. I really like The Balm since they dare to do things differently and always surprise me with their packagings while retaining the quality.

august wishlist L'Occitane shower gel

Summer is the time to pamper my skin, so here are the skincare items I’ll be purchasing this month. Let’s start with the L’Occitane Citrus Invigorating shower gel. I love refreshing scents in the summer to wake me up and fill me with energy. I’m well acquainted with the Citrus line and I’m yet to meet a product I don’t like. I assume this shower gel won’t disappoint.

august wishlist Caudalie

Next up on the list is a moisturizing mask for my face that’s constantly a bit dry from abundance of SPF products and air-con in my car and at work. I’ve got my eyes on the Caudalie Cream Mask for intense hydration with grape-seed oil. I’ve also had many good experience with Caudalie products. Not only are the formulas great, they also get extra points for looking wonderful in my bathroom.

august wishlist Clinique take the day off balm

I’ve been using the Pixi & Caroline Hirons Double Cleanse for a month now and I must say it’s working great, but I’ve also heard great things about the Clinique Take The Day Off Balm. The concept is quite similar – the cleanser needs to be massaged into the skin to gradually remove make-up without any tugging or pulling. I use this time to give myself a short face massage, then use a muslin cloth with lukewarm watter to take it all off. I find this concept of make-up removing much more pleasant and effective then using cleansing cloths or micellar water.

august wishlist Nuxe

I already wrote a few posts about the Nuxe Oil, but it’s been a repeat purchase for quite some time now as I’m slowly getting to the bottom of my third bottle. I use it all over my body and occasionally apply it to hair as well. I like its scent even though I’m usually not the biggest fan of perfumed body products. Nuxe says they’ve improved on the formula so I’m looking forward to testing it out.

august wishlist BiodermaI won’t repeat myself about the importance of sun protection throughout the year – I’m sure I’ve mentioned it at least ten times this year alone. I’ll be using Bioderma Photoderm Spot 50+ SPF cream to protect my face in August. My skin is extra sensitive because of all the acids I’ve been using in my skincare, so I’m really intrigued by the promise that this cream protects against hyperpigmentation. I’ve tried several Bioderma products for my body, so I’m curious as to how I’ll like this one.

This is my August wishlist – I think it’s neither too short, nor too long. Is there something that impressed you recently and that should be on here? Let me know in the comments and, as always, stay beautiful until next time!