Catrice Archives – Maša M blog

My top 5 Catrice

Lately, I’ve been noticing I’m being really unfair to the products I use all the time and love the most. These mostly only come up in my monthly or yearly favorites and in empties, but they never really get the same spotlight the new products do. So today, I’m going to rectify this injustice by writing about my top 5 products from one of my favorite brands, Catrice.

My top 5 #1: Catrice Prime and fine Make-up Transformer drops – lightening drops

My top 5 Catrice Prime&Fine transforming drops posvetlitvene kapljice

Lightening drops are a must for all of us who use SPF throughout the year. In Slovenia, we also seldomly get the lightest shades of foundations so some mixing is often necessary. These Catrice Prime and Fine drops have a yellow undertone so you probably won’t like them if you have a pink undertone. You will need quite a lot of them to really transform the shade completely, but I prefer that to having a liquid foundation slowly dying in my drawers because it’s too dark.

My top 5 #2: Catrice HD Liquid Coverage foundation (010 – Light Beige)

My top 5 Catrice HD Liquid Coverage

This HD Liquid Coverage foundation is a typical example of a foundation I wouldn’t be able to use without lightening drops. It makes a lovely matte finish on the skin but is not too heavy and doesn’t give the skin that cakey look. It’s applied with a dropper, which I can appreciate, and you’ll be getting a ton of foundation for your money. On the other side, there are only four shades available and they do oxidise to a certain extent, so make sure to try it out first before you buy it. Still, the perfect finish on the skin makes it one of my favorite foundations of all times.

My top 5 #3: Catrice Ultimate Matte lipstick (From Rose with Love)

My top 5 Catrice ultimate matte šminka

Before trying the Ultimate Matte Catrice lipsticks I’d easily say that I’ll always choose a liquid lipstick over a classic lipstick. Well, now I have changed my opinion. The formula of this lipsticks is light on the lips, really opaque, has a 100 % matte finish and really good staying power for a classic lip. It wears down evenly but needs to be refreshed once every while like every other lipstick does. All further applications are not an issue as the formula wears down very evenly over the lips.

My top 5 #4: Catrice Soleil D’Ete bronzer

My top 5 Catrice Soleil D'ete bronzer

Do I feel guilty for including a limited edition item into my favorites? Yes, I do, but I have a good reason for doing so. I’m simply including this bronzer as a tip that you definitely should look through powder face products if you’re ever near a Catrice stand. This bronzer is super pigmented so it will probably last me for years to come. The shade is perfect for everyday bronzing if you’re not too tan, because it’s not too orange. Personally, I find it a close dupe for Tarte Park Avenue Princess bronzer.

My top 5 #5: Catrice Prime and Fine Smoothing refiner

My top 5 Catrice Prime and fine primer

Catrice Prime and Fine Smoothing refiner is a silicone primer. I have about ten of these in my drawers but this one is special because it really fills in the small imperfections and textures. This is especially important on the cheekbones when I apply a heavier blush or a liquid highlighter that draw out imperfections even more. It makes a lovely satin finish and the liquid foundation applies like a dream. Not convinced yet? Perhaps you will be by the fact that this is my third jar of this primer and I have three back-ups on hand (just in case).

I could go on an on about products I love with catrice: the IcoNails nail polishes (review *here*), blushes and mascaras (*read more here*), eyeshadow palettes that are super affordable and so forth. But these top 5 products are really the ones I would continue buying over and over again. What’s your favorite Catrice product? Tell me in the comments below and also don’t forget to mention other brands you’d like me to do this Top 5 post on. Until next time, stay beautiful!

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 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

Catrice vinyl vs. velvet collection limited edition

Catrice Vinyl vs. Velvet is a beautiful collection, inspired by the new trend of mixing and matching different finishes – vinyl and metalics on the eyes with matte lipsticks or vice versa. There are some gorgeous products in this line and I can’t wait to get my hands on some of these. Check out my favorites below.

Catrice vinyl vs velvet eyeshadow palette

There are two eyeshadow quads(6,29€) in this line. I will need to swatch them to make sure that it’s something I want in my collection, but I’m immediately drawn to the left one – Copper composition. If you’re into earthy tones, you’ll probably prefer the palette on the right, named Grunge In. I will say that the price is quite steep for Catrice but if the eyeshadows are good, I think it’s worth the money, especially since the packaging looks absolutely gorgeous – and I’m a sucker for that!

Catrice vinyl vs. velvet lip duo

There are two lipsticks in the collection – but not just any lipsticks. They are two-sided (5,69 €) – on one side, you’ll find a shiny lipstick and on the other a matte dust. You can use them together for a really opaque matte look or individually. I think it’s a really interesting idea and I’m curious as to how they’ll perform. The shades are Brown Either Or (left) and PaREDox (right). View Post

autumn beauty products

Today, I’d like to share 10 beauty products that are entering my skincare routine this autumn and that I’m personally very excited about.

SKINCARE

autumn beauty products Vichy The Ordinary

Heating takes its toll on my skin and I often notice it becoming more dehydrated and the pores getting more and more enlarged – almost as if they’re trying to suck all the moisture out of the air? This year, I’ll be battling the dehydration with The Ordinary 2 % hyaluronic acid. This acid is normally present in our skin but we can replace it when we feel that our body cannot hold enough moisture. Don’t forget to lock it in place with an oil based product, be it a cream or a pure facial oil – my favorite right now is Yanumi! I’m also bringing back the Vichy Pore Purifying Clay Mask that comes in this nifty two-use packaging. It contains two mineral clays and I always feel like it sucks the impurities right off my face. I usually buy my Vichy products at the pharmacy.

BODY CARE PRODUCTS

autumn beauty products L'Occitane Terre de Lumiere L'Oreal Mythic Oil

L’Occitane is always present in my skincare. In autumn days, I prefer heavier scents and oily shower gel since I fell they give more moisture to my skin. This fall, I’ll be using the L’Occitane Terre de Lumiere shower gel that comes from the perfume line Terre de Lumiere. The perfume itself is a bit strong for me, but the shower gel and body lotion have a more gentle smell which is very pleaseant. Another product that is always in my routine is the L’Oreal Professionel Mythic Oil. I always apply some to my hair while they’re wet. Ocasionally, I’ll warm a few drops between my fingers and apply them to the ends of my hair when they feel particularly dry. After use, my hair are soft and shiny.

NAILS

Catrice Brown Collection autumn beauty products

If you haven’t had enough of the Catrice Brown Collection polishes on my Instagram, here they are again. These are not colors that I’d wear in the summer but the earthy tones are perfect for fall and winter. I have three out of five shades in the collection – left to right they are 01 Fashion Addicted, 03 Goddess of Bronze and 02 Sophisticated Vogue. The formula is quite thick so one coat will do. I like that because it usually means my manicure will last a bit longer.

FACE

autumn beauty products Golden Rose Paese, Trend it Up, Physician's formula

I like my make-up to be a bit softer in the colder months. Although the Physician’s Formula MuruMuru Butter Bronzer smells like coconut and reminds me of summer, it’s still lighter then most of my bronzers and gives me that slightly sunkissed look. I’ll also be reaching for Golden Rose highlighting stick (Bright gold). This cream highlighter is really soft and blends out beautifully. If I’m going for a more striking look, I’ll apply it twice, but otherwise two gentle sweeps on top of the cheekbones will do the job. Don’t forget – always apply cream products before setting your face, otherwise it can look quite unnatural.

In the summer, I barely use any blush, but now the Trend It Up powder blush (020) is making a comeback to my everyday make-up routine. The formula of these blushes is great, very gentle and blends out nicely. On top of that, the price is great as well. Last but not least, let’s not forget about a good primer. I usually stay away from silicone primers in the summer (since they do nothing for wear time of my foundation), but I tend to like them in the colder months. Paese make-up base is the first one on my list. Paese is a polish brand that’s been impressing me with their products lately and this primer is definitely one of them!

autumn beauty products

LIPS

autumn beauty products autumn lipstick colors

When speaking of autumn lips, I think of darker colors, but I also like to include at least one shade that I can just pop on and leave the building. This time, this will be the job of Avon lipstick (Extreme Mauve) which is a nice pink shade but not too crazy to wear around the office. Among reds, I chose the NYX Gloss (True Red). For special occasions and walks around town, I’ll go for the Catrice by Dawid Tomaszewski in the shade C01. These are great lipsticks for a great price!

autumn beauty products autumn lipstick colors

These are the products that I’m going to be using for the next couple of months. Have you tried any of them yet? I’d also love to hear about at least one product you cannot imagine autumn without. Until next time, stay beautiful!

My top 5 beauty products: Catrice