I’ve been using this foundation primer for a while now and though I do have my favorite foundation primers I have to say that this is my favorite one for winter period. Laura Mercier has several foundation primers, you can check them out here. I have Hydrating foundation primer.

As I used to mention before, in some of my previous foundation primer reviews like Illamasqua Satin Primer, if you’re looking for a base that will even out your skin, make it amazingly smooth, etc. – keep looking.  This base is something that will give you slight smoothness but the thing that’s the most important about it is how it’s hydrating and how it feels like I applied serum which means it’s perfect for dry skin. I do have combination skin but I do need extra care during winter so this base is really something perfect for my skin. The formula is creamy-gel so it’s quite light, you barely feel it and it’s fast absorbing.  When it comes to makeup – it stays on perfectly. My mineral foundation is applied really nicely over it, as the rest of my face makeup and it’s long lasting.

It contains 50 ml / 1.7 fl and it costs $30 which is really afordable price, especially if you consider that primers mostly contain only 30 ml of product.

Have you tried Laura Mercier foundation primers? Satisfied?

Vesna

For the past few months I’ve been using this face scrub and this is one of those rare scrubs which I want to re-purchase. But, let me start from the beginning. Those who follow my blog probably know by now that I have combination skin but these past few years it has changed quite – my T zone is less oily and I have more problem with my skin getting drier and drier on cheeks for example. So, it’s really hard for me to find appropriate skin care. That’s why I’ve been using a regular moisturizer all over my face and serum for extra hydratation.

It’s been easier to pick a face scrub though sometimes not even that. I do have some demands which perhaps aren’t easy to stand up to so it’s hard to find one which would include all of them, but this one is pretty close. I do expect from a face scrub to do its job properly and to have effect on my skin, I don’t want some surface scrubing. I want to feel that my skin has been scrubed proprely, but not to rough and I don’t want my skin to be red all over. Okay, there is some redness with this one, but moderate redness is okay for me. This scrub has micro cells which are a bit harsh so I would not recommend this to someone with sensitive skin. On the photo above you can see how it actually looks like. I scrub my face for about 10 seconds, or so, I avoid eye area and definitely dedicate a bit more to my T zone. I use it once a week.
After I remove it I really feel like my skin is alive, if I can call it that way, and beside that it also feels soft and elastic. I apply my skin care routine as usual, especially now when I fell like my skin needs some extra care and to calm my redness too. The thing I really like about this scrub also is – the smell of it. This whole product line has an awesome smell which I love.

Since I’ve purchased it a few months ago I’m not sure about the price anymore, but I think it is approx. $6 for 150 ml. I recommend it to those with combination and oily skin. I think it will work for you.

Which face scrub do you use? Have you tried this face scrub or anything else from this product line?

Ingredients: Aqua/Water, Glycerin, Cetyl Alcohol, Stearic Acid, PPG-15 Stearyl Ether, Palmitic Acid, Steareth-21, Polyethylene, Methyl Gluceth-20, Polysorbate 60, Solum Diatomeae / Diatomaceous Earth, Parfum / Fragrance, Triethanolamine, Vitis Vinifera / Grape Fruit Extract, Luffa Cylindrica / Luffa Cylindrica Fruit, Mentha Piperita / Peppermint Leaf Extract, Panthenol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Ammonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate, BHT, Jojoba Esters, Myristic Acid, Myristyl Alcohol, Steryl Alcohol, Disodium Edta, Imidazolidinyl Urea, Methylparaben, Phenoxyethanol, Propylparaben, CI 77289 / Chromium Hydroxide Green, Benzyl Salicylate, Geraniol, Limonene, Linalool.

Vesna

For creating Illamasqua Holiday Look I’ve received their False Lashes no.021 so here’s my review after I’ve used them twice so far.

I’ve never tried false lashes before receiving these. Not that I couldn’t try them, the thing is that I’ve been avoiding that because I thought it was something that’s really difficult based on those numerous tutorials I’ve watched on YouTube. To be honest, I really don’t understand why is everyone making a big deal about applying false lashes because it really isn’t something difficult and now I realize I’ve been avoiding something that’s amazing for nothing. I was just thrilled with them – the way they open the look is stunning.

These come in the standard cardboard packaging for false lashes (at least that’s what I’ve seen so far) and you do get glue with them as well. If I’m not mistaken, you can’t get this glue separately which is a shame since it’s an excellent glue if you ask me. The glue comes in that sample perfume packaging which has a longer tip which is used to apply glue onto lashes. I like that tip since it’s really precise so you can’t apply glue anywhere else besides where you want it to be.  That’s excellent, especially for beginners like myself.  :)

Application
I do recommend you usually take good care of false lashes when you apply them, be careful not to break them or anything, but Illamasqua’s false lashes are firmer so you don’t have to fear for that. Before applying them wrap them around a pencil or a thinner brush handle so they could become more flexible. Also, before applying glue remember to put them along your natural lshes to see if they’re too long and to see where and how will you apply them.

Once the glue is applied (more glue should be applied on the very end of lashes, to keep them in place) it should become tacky before putting lashes. Since this was my first time I used this glue, I applied it onto my arm to see how long it takes it to become tacky. I’ve also noticed that when it’s drying it becomes transparent which is also a sign when to apply lashes.

Lashes should be applied along the edge of the lid, above natural lashes and pressed gently to stick on. It’s important to glue edges well.

Removal
This is really simple – detach a bit ends of lashes and then simply pull gently with fingers or tweezer. I’ve had them twice for now and I never had issues with removing them.

After I remove them I put them back into their place and box so I wouldn’t destroy them. This way I can use them apparently up to 10 times and that’s why Illamasqua’s lashes are firmer. I do believe I will wear them at least a few more times.

In Croatia their price is approx. $27. True, not cheap for false lashes, but since I ahevn’t tried any other I can’t compare the quality (but I will). For now I’ll just say that I’m glad I got the chance to try them since I’m pretty sure I would never purchased them on my own. But not I’m thinking of getting a pair of false lashes for daily use since I’m so satisfied. I’m thinking of getting lashes no.14. And well, since I’ve received so many compliments thanks to no. 021 there is no way I could be anything less but amazed with them.

What’s your opinion about false lashes? Do you wear them? Have you tried them? Any recommendations?

Vesna

*PR sample

Almost two months ago I’ve received Sigma Cleansing & Polishing Tool* which is a product for facial polishing and facial cleansing and body exfoliation. You get three round brush heads, each made of different fibers where:

• brush with pink fibers is the softest one used for facial cleansing and polishing
• brush with white and pink fibers is the medium one  used for daily, all over body exfoliation
• brush with white fibers is the firmest one used for deeper body exfoliation of dry areas such as the elbows, knees and heels

Personaly I’ve been using the softest brush head the most because it’s ideal for my face and because it’s somehow easiest for me to use it and also I feel like my skin needs some extra care at the moment because of such dry air which causes my nose to peel.

This set comes in a pinkish plastic box which is nicely designed though that white plastic inside of it seems a bit cheap. Doesn’t seem so firm if you know what I mean.

I have to admit that I probably would never buy a product like this simply because I don’t think my skin actually needs a polishing and cleansing tool. Okay, I found it really useful now when my skin peels so it’s been helpful but otherwise I don’t think I would’ve used it.

I found this to be really effective when it comes to cleansing and polishing my skin. Can’t argue that. And please, read the instructions on how to use it because if you use it too much that might cause some irritations, even if your skin isn’t sensitive. I recommend you using it 1-2 times a week even though they recommend to use the softest brush daily but I don’t do that (for the previous mentioned reason).
It’s simple for use – I simply pour some gel/scrub onto my hand and smudge it all over my face after which I simply use the softest brush head to cleanse/polish my face. The same is with body exfoliation. After each use I remove the head brush, wash it and leave it to dry completely.

Anyway, if your skin needs some polishing I do recommend this, especially if you’re lazy for such work as I am :D And if your skin isn’t something that need some extra care you’re probably be good with basic face scrub.
Cijena The price of this tool is $39 + shipping, though I don’t know how much the shipping costs are (I supose it’s $14).

You can get this (or any other product) with 10% off with this code: 0112XJML

(+)
- lovely design
- easy to use and maintain
- three types of brush heads
- after each use the skin is soft and smooth, but needs lotions or daily moisturizer

(-)
- no batteries (I’d prefer there were batteries even if that meant that the price would be a bit higher)
- that white plastic doesn’t seem like it’s some good quality

How do you like this product? Have you tried it or would you like to try it?

Check out more photos!

Vesna

*affiliate link; PR sample

Last time I went to Kozmo drugstore I’ve noticed this new product from L’Oreal (there are two more products in this range) and well, since I love testing new products I decided to purchase it, especially since it’s for all skin types scrub.

The thing that actually did get my attention about this product is so called Scrublet which you get along with the product (forgot to take a picture of it but you can see it right here). It’s simple to use it – a small amount of product should be applied onto Scrublet which is then used onto wet face. This is a pretty mild scrub so I suppose it’s perfect for sensitive skin as well. But, if you’re expecting some rough and harsh scrub then you should find that somewhere else. Apparently it can be used daily but I don’t recommend that since any scrub, no matter how gentle it is, may cause irritations if used daily. And I guess you don’t want that.
It has a mild sweet scent, nothing too overwhelming so even if you don’t like scented products you might use this anyway since you can barely smell it.

I’ve used it only a few times so I don’t know if there are any changes on skin after a longer use, but so far – I like it. It leaves my skin smooth and soft, just as it says on the packaging. Beside that, I love the Scrublet! I’d consider purchasing this product solely because of it. Yes, it would be an expensive brush but I don’t care. :D

This product retails for approx. $8 in Croatia and it contains 150 ml amount of product. I think this is an affordable price, especially if you consider you need small amount for each use.

Have you tried this product range already? What do you think?

Vesna

My love towards cream blushes started more than a year ago when I first tried NYX cream blushes. After NYX cream blushes I tried Inglot AMC cream blushes and their AMC blush in #82 is my favorite nato try Illamasqua’s cream blushes. I received Ravish as a PR sample, but I do plan to purchase at least one shade myself (probably Rude for now, but I’ll see when I visit their store).

The thing that I was worried about at first was how will I apply cream blush but since now. I have a few of them I really know how to deal with them. If I’m applying natural shades I use stippling blush (or my fingers, but it’s pretty the same since I cant apply too much of it) and if I apply bolder shades I definitely use my fingers because that’s the only way how I can apply it without applying it too much. I don’t think that even the formula matters but it’s more important to get used to work with them no matter if you use a stippling brush or fingers. Ravish blush is amazingly pigmented and it really needs a light hand to work with since it can look ridiculous in seconds if you’re not careful. :D It does have a nice formula so it does apply nicely and it blends well too so it looks like natural red cheeks.

Postojanost It’s really long-lasting. Though, my experience with cream blushes tell me that they do last longer than pressed blushes. At least they do last longer on me. So, this basicly stays on from morning till evening, until I remove it.
You can also use Ravish as a lip product though I haven’t tried that but I will do that this week and I’ll post a photo of how it looks. The packaging is, as usual when it comes to Illamasqua, amazing.

This blush retails for approx. $30 in Croatia and it contains 4,5 grams (0.17 oz) of product. It might be a bit expensive but I really think it’s worth every penny because it will last some long, long time.

How do you like this blush? Do you even like cream blushes? :)

Vesna

*PR sample

Last week I purchased my 1st Oh So Heavenly product. To be honest, I have tried them in Kozmo drugstore (they had samples) and I didn’t really like them. They smelled too much like detergent. Anyway, I didn’t really give them any attention until I noticed last week that they have a new product with rosehip which I love! They didn’t have samples to try there, but I still purchased it and well, I really love it!

If you’ve read my post where I mention shaving then I have to say that this product, along with Sapunoteka’s Kuglof (which isn’t LE anymore) is one of THE best products I’ve tried for that purpose! Of course, it doesn’t mean that it isn’t good for showering. It is. Perfect. :)

All in all, I can’t believe how good this product is. My skin feels so soft, smooth and perfumed. Besides, it’s non-drying so if you have dry skin during winter time – you might wanna try it.

In any case, for only $5 in a bottle of quite decent amount of 375 ml you’ll find a true gem for your skin! :)

Have you tried Oh So Heavenly products? Do you have your favorite one? :)

Vesna

My ultimate favorite this week has been this amazing shower jelly which I got two weeks ago and I wanted to share my opinion with you while you can still get it since it’s LE.
I think this is my 1st full size L’Occitane shower product and I have to say I’m so glad I got it! I did already mention on my blog how much I love citrus scents and since this product contains lemon and clementine essential oils.

You’re probably wondering how come this is a shower *jelly* and well, it really is jelly-like. :D I love how creamy it becomes on contact with water, it feels so delicious on skin. It’s non drying and leaves skin really smooth and soft. It leaves mild citrus scent.

It retails for $10 for 250 ml. Yes, it’s pricey but I think it’s worth every penny and I’m not sorry for buying it. Also, I’d like to add that I always feel pleasant when I’m browsing their stores because they’re always so nice to their customers and they treat excellent. I also always receive samples regardless I purchased anything or not. And that kind of policy isn’t really common here at all.  There are cheaper alternatives like Yves Rocher so if you’re looking for similar products but less pricey you should take a look at Yves Rocher, which I also love though they rarely give samples and their sales person are not that polite.

Have you tried products from this collection? I also got soap and hand cream which I’ll review in a couple of days!

Vesna

After reviewing  Satin Primer, here’s my review of their Matt Primer and their comparison. :)

I’ve been using this primer for about two weeks now and the thing I can say for sure is that Matt Primer is way more suitable for my combination sjin than Satin Primer. Okay, my cheeks don’t actually mind but my T-zone does prefer matte products. When it comes to formula and scent it’s pretty much the same as Satin Primer, but there is a slight difference when I apply it – it feels actually more thicker on skin. I like about it that it absorbs fast and it doesn’t have that dewey finish which Satin Primer has. Everything – foundation, blush, etc. – lasts really long with it. As long as I don’t remove it. :)
Matt Primer is also white but it doesn’t look like that when applied. Also, if you’re looking for a base which will fill in your pores you should look elsewhere because this primer is here just to lightly even the skin like a body lotion would do. :)

Cijena This base retails for approx. $36 in Croatia (as Satin Primer). It contains 30 ml / 1 fl.oz.

(+)
- tube packaging
- light on skin + fast absorbing
- matte finish
- mild sweet scent

(-)
- price (not for me but it might be pricey for some)

Anyway, if you have combination or oly skin I recommend you to try this base instead of Satin Primer. :)

Vesna

*PR sample