Wishlist #1 January 2018 ~ skincare and make-up

beauty wishlist january 2018

Today, you’ll be reading the first of 12 wish lists I will post in 2018. I get a lot of PR e-mails and follow many brands, meaning I’m usually lusting after quite a few products. It doesn’t mean that I’ll necessarily buy everything on the list, but a girl can dream, right?

beauty wishlist january 2018

1 Bobbi Brown Extra Repair serum promises to refresh and calm the skin, giving it the extra hydration our skin needs in these cold days with the dry air. Apparently, it also helps with redness, dry spots and breakouts – issues that I know too well. It’s super expensive, but based on all of the reviews I’ve read so far it’s worth the money.

2 The Body Shop Metal Liquid Lipstick – Russet Copper. I’ve tested The Body Shop matte liquid lipsticks (review is waiting for you *here*) and now, I’ve got my eye on the metal liquid lipsticks. They are available in six shades and this one in Russet Copper is my absolute favorite of the bunch.

3 Catrice California in a box bronzer & blush palette. This brand has a big launch coming in January as a preview of their permanent collection for the SS 2018. I think that after years of matte, matte and matte, it will be fun to dive into metals, holographics and shimmers. I love the idea of being able to use all of the products matte or simply top them off with some shimmer for added BAM!

4 Natura Siberica Northern Soap for Deep Facial Cleansing. When I first saw this product, my jaw dropped. I’m currently using (and loving!) the Natura Siberica Moisturizing Foam Eye Make Up Remover – I promise the post is coming really soon. As I’m really trying to make a nice transition to natural brands, I’m always on the hunt for something new. Northern Soap is made with active charcoal and promises, among other things, to increase elasticity. It’s also a natural antiseptic and toner. So basically, you’re getting 3-1 for the same price.

5 Avon Mark Concealer. As a big fan of the Avon Mark line, I’m always on the hunt for new products from the line. It’s secretly one of my goals in life to own enough Avon Mark products to be able to do a full face of make-up only with those. So adding a concealer is a step in the right direction. View Post

The Body Shop Matte Lip Liquid (review & swatches)

The Body Shop Matte Lip Liquid

The Body Shop finally made it to Slovenia which means that we can get to know more of the brand over here as well. I’ve tried a lot of their skincare before, but I’ve never tried any make-up. Consequently, I was really excited to receive my first matte lip liquid (for all purposes, a liquid matte lipstick) at the Beautiful Bloggers Conference. I wore it throughout November and December and I really liked it.

The Body Shop Matte Lip Liquid

Then, I received another package from The Body Shop Slovenia as a X-mas gift – their House of Holland set with another three lippies – all of which you can find sold separately as a part of their regular line as well. Here are my thoughts and opinions on them.

The Body Shop Matte Lip Liquid – shade range and price

The Body Shop Matte Lip Liquid

There are currently 13 shades available in Slovenia, but looking at foreign online stores, the number of shades can vary from country to country. The shade range is great – it covers everything from complete nudes, to pinks, reds and deeper tones. I think that everyone can find a shade for them in the range.

In Slovenia, each of the matte lip liquids costs 8,90 € which is comparable to many other drugstore brands like Bourjois or Maybelline. You can usually get some discount or promo code if you follow The Body Shop on Facebook or sign up for their newsletter.

The Body Shop Matte Lip Liquid – packaging

The Body Shop Matte Lip Liquid

Each matte lip liquid comes in a simple tube with a matte cap, which is a nice touch. I really like when brands separate their matte and regular lipsticks by doing this. The cap has a velvety feel to it, sort of like NARS packaging. Each lipstick contains 8mg of products, which is plenty. They expire 18 months after opening, which is a reasonable time frame to get through a lipstick that you like. The name is written on the top of the bottle along with the code.

The applicator is simple doe foot, small enough for precise application. It is a bit fluffy, but nothing like the Avon Mark Lip Lacquer applicator which drove me crazy. I can get a really nice application with this lipstick.

The Body Shop Matte Lip Liquid – formula

I really, really like the formula of these matte lip liquids. It’s a bit sheer which comes across more with the darker shades, but you can simply give it a swipe more to make it opaque. It also reapplies nicely, isn’t patchy at all. It does take a bit longer to dry down completely matte – I would say you’ll have to give it about five minutes. But after that, you’re good to go.

On the lips, they are super comfortable and not drying at all. They feel sort of like a satin lip, but have that complete matte finish which I love about them.

They have an interesting scent to them, almost flowery. It’s not too strong, but if you really don’t like your lipstick to smell like anything, you best stay away from these. The scent does linger for almost 30 minutes after application – at least I can still smell it. The smell is probably not a coincidence, since all of the shade names are connected to different flowers.

The Body Shop Matte Lip Liquid – Windsor Rose (032)

The Body Shop Matte Lip Liquid Windsor Rose

The Body Shop Matte Lip Liquid Windsor Rose

The Body Shop Matte Lip Liquid Windsor Rose

The Body Shop Matte Lip Liquid in Windsor Rose is a completely nude shade without any undertones. It looks nice on people with light complexion but if you’re a bit on the dark side, it might match you face. In that case, I’d stay away from this one.

The Body Shop Matte Lip Liquid – Nairobi Camellia (034)

The Body Shop Matte Lip Liquid Nairobi Camelia

The Body Shop Matte Lip Liquid Nairobi Camelia

The Body Shop Matte Lip Liquid Nairobi Camelia

The Body Shop Matte Lip Liquid in Nairobi Camellia is a light pink shade with a bit of mauve in there, which is perfect for everyday wear. I think it would look nice on everyone, as it’s that perfect your lips but better shade. It also gives you the look of fuller lips.

The Body Shop Matte Lip Liquid – Mauritius Dahlia (017)

The Body Shop Matte Lip Liquid Mauritius Dahlia

The Body Shop Matte Lip Liquid Mauritius Dahlia

The Body Shop Matte Lip Liquid Mauritius Dahlia

The Body Shop Matte Lip Liquid in Mauritius Dahlia is a deep burgundy shade. I usually steer clear from shades like this but I gave i a go for one of the Christmas parties and got so many compliments I might just consider such shades more in the future. It looks stunning paired with darker eye make-up as well.

So these are my thoughts on these lipsticks. I must say that this was a really good introduction to The Body Shop make-up and I’m really excited to try more stuff out from them. What would you like to see a review on next? Let me know in the comments below! Until next time, stay beautiful!

 

Blogmas 2017 #11: Simple hair care routine and best products of 2017

simple hair care routine

My bathroom and cabinet are filled with skincare and make-up but for some reason, I manage to keep my haircare products in check. I don’t have a very sensitive scalp or any particular hair issues so I can afford the luxury of constantly trying out new products that enter the market.

Simple hair care routine – shampoo and conditioner

simple hair care routine L'Oreal Elseve L'Occitane

I always start with shampoo and continue with conditioner. For a while, people were saying to apply conditioner beforehand and I tried that a couple of times. Honestly, I didn’t see any difference. I try to wash my hair with lukewarm water whenever possible. This year, my #1 choice of shampoo and conditioner was the L’Oreal Elseve Extraordinary Clay purifying shampoo and conditioner. I’ve gone through three bottles of each and couldn’t bring myself to use many other shampoos instead of these. They have a great smell, the shampoo really felt purifying and the conditioner left my hair super soft and less frizzy.

Once every few weeks, I also apply the L’Occitane revitalizing fresh cleansing scrub – I wrote a whole post about it *here* for those of you who want to know more. In short, it’s a cleansing shampoo to really get rid of all the build-up on your hair. I’d definitely recommend the investment since you’ll be hard pressed to use this 150ml bottle in 12 months.

Simple hair care routine – hair luxuries

simple hair care routine Avon leave in conditioner

My all-time favorite hair-care product is the Avon Advanced Techniques Quick Touch leave-in conditioner. I swear that I have been using about 3 bottles of this for the past five years at least, perhaps more. It’s definitely not the most luxurious product based on ingredients (perfume and alcohol are very high up there) but for some reason, this makes my hair look like silk. I can apply it all over my hair and scalp without having to worry about any greasiness or weighed down hair. A product I absolutely adore and costs next to nothing.

simple hair care routine L'Oreal

Another product I discovered this year (year of oils, remember?) is the L’Oreal Professionel Mythic Oil. This is a mixture of silicones and oils and, when applied sparingly to the roots, makes your hair look soft and silky. I use it on my ends whenever I’m late with a hairdresser appointment and it really masks the fact that my ends are already split.

Simple hair care routine – new products for 2018

simple hair care routine Olaplex

In the following year, I’m very excited to try out some new products. First is the Olaplex #3 for home use. I always get Olaplex full treatment in my hair salon, but I’ve actually never tried their products on my own. Somehow, the idea of Olaplex always seemed super professional to me and therefore something that you cannot attempt on your own. Turns out, it’s really as simple as any other conditioner, so I can’t wait to give it a proper go!

simple hair care routine Vichy Dercos Densi-Solutions

I’m also really excited to try the new Vichy Dercos Densi Solutions thickening balm, shampoo and concentrate. This new Vichy line is promising visibly stronger and denser looking hair that also looks softer. I’m excited to see how it will work for my hair.

What were your hair care favorites of 2017? I’ll be happy to find out about them and perhaps add some more to my wishlist! Until next time, stay beautiful!

Blogmas #8: best make-up 2017

The post you’ve been asking for over the last couple of weeks – best make-up of 2017! This year, it’s exclusively drugstore (although some prices are pushing over to the high-end side) and to be honest, I’m really happy about that. I don’t think that things we enjoy should cost and arm and a leg so I’m happy if I can find inexpensive products that are awesome. Enjoy (and also, get yourself some wine and popcorn, because it’s a long one).

Best make-up 2017 – great base

best make-up 2017 foundation

It was easy to choose my favorite foundation for the year 2017. It’s Paese Liquid Powder Double Skin Aqua – lightweight and moisturizing foundation (mine in the shade 20A). Their foundations have 4 squares on the side. This particular foundation has 3 filled up which means medium coverage, so I’m guessing all four would mean full coverage. Easy way to find the foundation you’re looking for. The application with the doe-foot applicator is easy and although it tends to oxidize on me the tiniest bit, it’s nothing compared to other foundations. I’d say this one would be great for almost any skin type.

best make-up 2017 foundation Paese

It’s primer galore in my house and I’ve tried many great primers this year, but again, I have to go for the same brand. Paese mattifying make-up base (for oily and combination skin). It’s a silicone primer which will make your foundation look beautiful. I don’t think it would do any favors to super oily skin though – silicones tend to slide right off it. In combination with the foundation mentioned above, it looks stunning.

I’m not a big believer in  BB creams but Vipera BB Cream (02 natural) that reduces redness and evens out the complexion totally changed the game for me. To be quite honest, I don’t even see it as a BB cream but a medium-coverage foundation which covers up all imperfections quite well. I enjoy using it when I don’t want to worry too much about my foundation. I’d definitely recommend it if you’re still on the hunt for a good BB cream.

I’ve tried perhaps a dozen concealers this year – both high-end and drugstore – and haven’t been impressed at all until I bumped into Catrice Liquid Camouflage high-coverage concealer. My first one – I don’t know how I’ve never come across it before. I don’t apply it directly on my under-eye circles directly because it’s quite fair and would make them stand out even more. First, i cover them up with a concealer closer to my skin tone and then I apply this concealer to brighten up the area. Also use it to carve out my eyebrow when I feel like it. Great full coverage concealer for less then 5€? Sold!

best make-up 2017 finishing powder

For finishing powder with some extra coverage, I can’t say enough good words about Bell Hypoallergenic Mat Powder (I think 04 – I’m a bit annoyed it doesn’t say anywhere on the packaging itself). I’m on my second one, and I’ve got a back-up as well. It’s not exactly lightweight, but applied over a light weight foundation, it gives you that extra coverage and makes your skin look beautiful. Low Maintenance Beauty approved! Read more about it *here*.

best make-up 2017 finishing powder

2017 was definitely a year of translucent powders. Out of all I tried, the price-performance ratio was the best with Avon Mark Magix HD Finishing powder. Why yes, I do also pay attention to the price. If I’m going to recommend something for 40€, it better be  worth it (which it usually isn’t in my opinion) and the same way around – if I’m going to find a powder for a couple of Euro that works (almost) just as well as the one for 30€, I’ll recommend it to you. The Avon Mark magix powder is very finely mild and will definitely keep the shine at bay! You can read more about it *here*.

Best make-up 2017 – adding some color to the face

best make-up 2017 contouring

 

Powder highlighters are my nemesis as I’m drawn to them like a moth to a flame. My absolute favorite this year has been Essence Cubanita Jumbo Highlighter
(unfortunately, LE but perhaps you can still find it somewhere). A beautiful golden shade and powdery formula, this highlighter is super simple to work with. The size promises at least a couple of years of use so I’m in love.

Liquid highlights are also tempting, but I’m hard pressed to find ones that show up well and are at the same time not difficult to blend out. L.O.V LOVglow Highlighting drops meet both criteria. I like that they aren’t too difficult to work it and not over-pigmented, so I can easily control the level of shine on my face. They come with a great easy to use dropper which is perfect for liquid products. Don’t forget to always apply liquid products before you set your face, otherwise it will look unnatural! I did some swatches *here*.

best make-up 2017 contouring View Post

Blogmas 2017 #7: A peek into my Christmas home

Today, I’m offering you a rare glimpse into my home and my Christmas home decoration. I don’t have any particular theme going on since I’m a rather impulsive shopper. I do the main bit of decorating in the living room and the dining area, but occasionaly I put decorations in other rooms as well. Naturally, I’m not showing you everything, but enough to satisfy those of you who’re more curious by heart.

Christmas home decoration centerpiece

Christmas home decoration centerpiece

This is our dining room centerpiece this year, made by the incredible Marjan Lovšin. The flowers are real and waxed so I’m curious to see how it will dry out. I love the little Christmas house in the center as well.

Christmas home decoration reindeer

This is Clarence. He doesn’t exactly fit the theme but Baby M loves him so we put him up besides  the window.

Christmas home decoration Woodwick

I love candles. Normally, I’m a big fan of Yankee Candles and have quite the collection, but last winter I discovered the WoodWick candles which cracle as they burn and smell amazing. I’m half way done with my second one so I’m hoping that Santa noticed I need a new one.

Christmas home decoration christmas tree

Christmas home decoration snowman

There’s always an overload of presents under the Christmas tree and since they’re mostly for children, the wrappings are in numerous colors and prints. Therefore, I like to keep the tree more minimalistic as most people. I really love this little snowman and I hope that Baby M doesn’t get any weird ideas with the tree because I’d be sorry to see it go. He’s been acting nice so far so fingers crossed we have no accidents this year.

Christmas home decoration

Christmas home decoration

A poinsettia is a must in our home and I usually go through at least two of them. This year, this one is holding up incredibly well so hopefully, she’ll be with us for a long time. The bowl next to pointsettia sometimes holdes tangerines and sometimes candy – depending on my mood.

Christmas home decoration

I have this beautiful lamp on the piano and normally it doesn’t get much love. Since I really like this corner of the living room, I decided to put some small lights on it to make it stand out a little bit more.

Do you like anything in particular? Do you decorate more or less? Let me know in the comments below. Until next time, stay beautiful!