frozen spring

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KICKS Beauty Makeup Brush Cleansing Mat Review

KICKS Beauty Makeup Brush Cleansing Mat

A few weeks ago I came across this small brush cleansing mat at my local KICKS store and I purchased it on a whim. These types of mats have been popular for years now, but I somehow thought I didn’t need one because I was doing well cleaning brushes of my own. Not to mention I really didn’t want to pay $30 dolars for a Sigma glove, so I simply forgot these products even existed. Then, a few ago, I was browsing through KICKS and I was looking at their tools (they have their own brand KICKS Beauty) and I noticed this cleansing mat. It got my attention because it was rather compact in size, affordable and seemed like it had a nice variety in texture for both smaller and bigger brushes. So, I purchased it and tested it the next day since I had a pile of brushes waiting for me to clean them.

I was so excited to use it and I was amazed by how much faster it was to clean my brushes and sponges! I think I had around 30+ brushes and a few sponges. I’ve noticed the biggest difference when I cleaned my foundation brushes and sponges. Usually it takes me 2-3 washes to clean a foundation brush (I am really thorough) and it takes me probably 8-10 minutes to clean my beauty blender. But, thanks to this little helper, it took me only one wash and a few swirls to clean foundation brushes and it took me approximately 3 minutes to clean my beauty blender (and other similar sponges). I think I’ve also used less soap than usually because these textures make it easier for a soap to lather.

In conclusion, I think it was silly of me not getting something like this sooner because it really makes my life much easier when it comes to cleaning brushes. I really didn’t like to clean my brushes before (obviously, I did it regardless), but now I actually enjoy doing this since it’s going much faster. :)

Details

Suitable for vegans/cruelty free? Yes
Where to buy? If you’re in Sweden, you can buy it in any KICKS store or online. If you live anywhere else, I know similar products are available on ebay.
Price: 59 SEK / $7 / €6

Vesna ♥

estelle & thild BioCleanse Eye Make Up Remover Review

estelle & thild Biocleanse Eye Make Up Remover

Last year in January, I wanted to test some new skincare brands (Swedish ones) and estelle & thild was one of those brands. At first I purchased only their toner and cleansing gel, but with time I ended up buying a few more products. So far I have four products from the BioCleanse range: multi-action facial toner, cleansing gel, eye make up remover and micellar water. I’m satisfied with all four products (I already repurchased all of them except for micellar water which I still haven’t used up) and I’ll share my reviews on them in upcoming posts. Today I’m sharing my review on the eye make up remover.

The main reason I purchased this product is because I needed something that’s suitable for sensitive eyes. My eyes have gotten really sensitive in the past 2 years or so and I haven’t been able to use just any product to remove my eye makeup so I’ve been trying out different products until I came across this one. I was already using estelle & thild toner and cleansing gel (which I liked) before I purchased the eye make up remover so I was really hoping it will be good because back then I already tested (and wasted money on) 4-5 different eye make up removers which did not work for me. And, well,  this one did work for me! Just recently I purchased another bottle of it so you can imagine that I really do like it!

So, what do I like about this product? First of all, my eyes don’t react to it and it removes all my makeup without any issues. Since it’s dual-phase, it’s great for waterproof makeup. It’s fragrance free (it has this typical estelle & thild scent which isn’t perfume but rather clean scent?). Even though it contains 150 ml, which at first I thought wasn’t enough, but it really is since you don’t need a lot of it for each use, even if you have heavy eye makeup. I always place the cotton pad on my lid and I wait around 30 seconds for my makeup to dissolve. That’s much easier, better and more effective than rubbing.

What I don’t like? I really don’t have anything negative to say about it.

Details

Suitable for vegans / cruelty free? Yes
Where to buy? Sweden: most stores carry estelle & thild (Åhléns, KICKS, apotek hjärta, etc.);  if you don’t live in Sweden then you can get it through estellethild.com or naturisimo.com  
Price? 189 SEK / £18.50 / $21.5 / €18
Ingredients: aqua, simmondsia chinensis seed oil*, aloe barbadensis leaf juice*, glycerin**, gluconolactone, disodium phosphate, sodium chloride, sodium gluconate, citric acid, sodium benzoate. *Ingredient from Organic Farming. **Made using organic ingredients.

Vesna ♥

Beauty Products I Won’t Be Buying Again

Since I managed to collect a few products I won’t be buying again, I though a post about them would be a good idea. This way I can give you a short review and the reason(s) why I won’t be repurchasing any of these products. So, let’s get started!

IsaDora Mascara Volume 2.0 – this is a product I’ve actually purchased a few times before and I really liked it, but for some reason this last tube has been really weird, to say the least. I don’t remember this being an issue before, but this time I experienced something I’ve never experienced with a mascara – after a long day, this mascara kinda disappeares from my lashes?! I was even thinking I was going crazy for a second, but I know I applied it in the morning, plus there were some leftovers, but all in all, the most of it was gone. On top of that, it got dry quite quickly and I’ve maybe had it for a month?

IsaDora Big Bold Extreme Ultimate Volume Mascara – another mascara I won’t be repurchasing. First of all, it has quite a big brush which I don’t like – I get mascara almost everywhere, even when I’m super careful. But the other issue is that it dries so quickly. Not like the mascara above, but after 2 weeks it was significantly drier and even harder to work with. A bit expensive hobby, if you ask me (and I do change my mascara often, 2-3 months max., but every 2 weeks? I don’t think so).

Hylamide SubQ Eyes – this is the only Hylamide product I don’t like (I’ve tried 3 of them – SubQ Anti-Age and SubQ C25) and not because the product itself isn’t good, but I’d say it’s just not enough for my under eye area. After a really long winter in Stockholm, I can see how this serum just wasn’t good enough – my under eye area is really dry and it definitely needs something more hydrating. I’d say this might be good for someone in their 20’s and who doesn’t have issues with dry under eye area.

Lumene Color Correcting CC Cream (Light) – this is actually a product I purchased for the second time, BUT, after they changed the packaging, they changed the ingredients as well OR my skin is getting crazy and is reacting to products it didn’t react before (not sure which option I dislike more). I didn’t notice it at first, but after two weeks of using it regularly, my forehead was full of tiny red spots and small white pimples. At first, I thought it had to be a reaction to a skin care product, but I was confused since I haven’t changed anything and then it hit me – Lumene CC! As soon as I stopped using it, my skin got better. I’m actually really sad about this product since it was my go-to product and I love everything about it. Such a shame.

estelle & thild Biohydrate All-In-One Tinted Moisturizer (01 Light) – the only reason I won’t be purchasing this product again is because it doesn’t contain SPF. And I wouldn’t mind that at all, but everytime I use it on top of my SPF cream and after it absorbs, it starts peeling off as soon as I touch my face. So, unfortunately, I won’t be buying this after I use up this bottle. Other than that, I really love this product since it looks good on my skin, love the texture and everything, but I guess I’ll be using it on those days when I’m staying inside.

Paula’s Choice Resist Weightless Advanced Repairing Toner – after using up this bottle, I didn’t get another one since I didn’t find this toner to be anything special. I mean, it was okay, but no “wow” effect. Plus, it is a bit pricey for only 118 ml. Instead of this product, I got estelle & thild BioCleanse Toner which I’ll be reviewing soon.

Anastasia Beverly Hill Conceal (shade 0.75) – this is a concealer which I got only recently, but I already decided to never buy it again (or getting anything similar). As mentioned, I have dry under eye area and this concealer is really difficult to apply. It’s quite heavy and it looks really dry on my skin. I’ve tried different things to make it work, and I will try some additional “tricks”, but not sure if that will help. Until then, I’ll use it under my brows or something like that. Oh, I also have to mention how it has a seriously weird smell. Not sure how to describe it, but not pleasant, LOL. Anyway, won’t be buying this product again.

Lindex Eye Make Up Remover – I don’t know what was I thinking when I got this make up remover, especially since they did have a sample bottle at the counter, but it’s a really terrible product for my eyes. It stings and it’s heavily scented, to the point where I feel a bit sick after using it. Now I’m using it to remove my swatches, but even that is a challenge because of the smell. I really wish companies would stop adding so much perfume in products, especially those which are used as skin care products.

Well, these were the products I won’t be buying again. How about you? Did you buy something that you ended up not liking or it just wasn’t something you’d buy again? Ler me know! :)

Vesna ♥

Review | Hylamide SubQ Anti-Age Advanced Serum

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Note: I’m 32 years old (time really flies!), with combination skin + dehydration issues during winter, some fine lines, but nothing too “serious” ;)

It’s been 7 months since I purchased my first Hylamide products, and I think it was about time I wrote my review. I’ll start with the SubQ Anti-Age Advance Serum, but before I get into details, let me just cover some basic information about this brand (though I’m sure you’ve probably heard it all by now). Deciem, the company behind Hylamide (and a few other brands), made a certain break through a while back since their approach and products are somewhat revolutionary (at least, that’s my view). If I had to use one word to describe them, I’d probably use the word simplicity. Additionally, I’d say that when it comes to Hylamide, I would describe it as “what you see is what you get”. By the time I’m writing this, I’m already on my second bottle of the SubQ Anti-Age serum, so I guess it’s fair to say that I took my time to test it properly ;)

The reason I purchased this product in the first place is because I have combination skin which can be dehydrated during the winter, especially here in Stockholm (it’s really windy and winter is quite harsh to put it mildly). Last winter I had a bit of an issue with dehydrated skin, so I figured I’ll do something about it for the next one. That’s how I came across Hylamide and I decided to give it a try. Long story short, it was a good decision. Of course, I haven’t used only this product, but I’m quite sure it did most of the work and my skin is really grateful now that the winter is almost over.

ABOUT THE PRODUCT

SubQ Anti-Age Advance Serum is “a highly active concentrate of advanced hyaluronic complexes, next-generation peptides and biotechnological technologies to target rehydration, while improving the look of lines, wrinkles, sagging skin and textural damage. “

It comes in a blurred pipette dropper glass bottle. The formula of the serum is on the watery side so I have to be a bit careful when I apply it since occasionally it can drip here and there. I apply it after my toner, morning and night, directly onto my skin, a drop on the forehead, cheeks and my chin. It goes on smoothly and I don’t wait too long before I move on to my next step.

RESULTS

What have I noticed? For one, no dehydration, even if I skipped using it for a few days on certain occasions (like, when I was sick / didn’t feel like doing anything, let alone taking care of my skin. I know, not a great thing to do, but it happens from time to time). Additionally, my skin looks fresher and firm(er). My skin tends to look dull and tired because I do have issues with sleeping, so anything that can help with that is more than welcome. And, last but not least, I seriously see a difference when it comes to some fine lines and nasolabial folds (smile lines). I swear that lines between my eyebrows have improved and my right nasolabial fold is less obvious. You might think I must be exaggerating, but I do have quite visible smile lines. I have big mouth and I laugh/smile a lot! :D I wasn’t actually thinking about it before, but I do notice the difference now that I look at them. I purchased this product primarily to deal with dehydration issues, but I see that it does offer much more than that. I mean, they do say it offers more than just hydration, but that wasn’t mine concern. Well, if you are concern about fine lines and wrinkles, you might wanna consider buying this serum.

WOULD I RECOMMEND IT?

You bet I would! To anyone who has first signs of aging – some lines and mild wrinkles / you have issues with keeping your skin hydrated / you just want to add an effective and yet affordable serum to your skin care regime. Especially if you’re 30+. ;)

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Ingredients: aqua (water), glycerin, hydrolyzed yeast extract, sodium hyaluronate crosspolymer, pentylene glycol, ethoxydiglycol, tamarindus indica seed gum, palmitoyl tripeptide-38, myristoyl nonapeptide-3, copper lysinate/prolinate, methylglucoside phosphate, hydrolyzed sodium hyaluronate, sodium hyaluronate, ahnfeltia concinna extract, saccharide isomerate, polyglucuronic acid, lactobacillus/ eriodictyon californicum ferment extract, pseudoalteromonas ferment extract, phospholipids, lecithin, salicylic acid, hydroxypropyl cyclodextrin, cetyl hydroxyethylcellulose, polyacrylate crosspolymer-6, hexylene glycol, sodium hydroxide, sodium citrate, citric acid, trisodium ethylenediamine disuccinate, leuconostoc/radish root ferment filtrate, potassium sorbate, ethylhexylglycerin, sodium benzoate, caprylyl glycol, phenoxyethanol, chlorphenesin

Suitable for vegans / cruelty free? Yes
Where to buy? here if you are in Sweden (out of stock at the moment) or here
Price? €36 / 340 SEK

Vesna ♥

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Review | Rouge Bunny Rouge Original Skin Blush – Gracilis

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One of my favourite products lately is my first blush from Rouge Bunny Rouge in shade Gracilis, lovely medium rose shade with a hint of mauve. According to Rouge Bunny Rouge, this shade is best suited for pale, cool complexions. I’m not pale, more like light to medium, but I do have cool undertones and this shade is definitely suitable for my complexion.

This is how they describes their blushes:

“Original Skin Blush blends with a sheer, melting touch for a naturally luminous silky glow. (…) Innovative powders entwine with your skin to preserve perfection all day long. Result is ‘your skin but better’ effect; you’ll wonder how you blushed before.”

As all other Rouge Bunny Rouge products I’ve tried so far, even this product has this nice and soft formula that blends on its own. Additionally, ‘your skin but better’ description is completely appropriate since this blush really is just that.  My skin tends to look quite dull and tired, especially lately, but a bit of CC cream in combination with this blush does wonders for me. And not only is this blush looking lovely, it is long lasting, too! Rouge Bunny Rouge claims this blush lasts all day long, and, well, it does! I usually apply it early in the morning and by the time I get home – 12 hours later – it is still there! This blush comes in a simple black packaging with a mirror on the inside. It contains 5.5 grams of product and it costs €31. Another thing that impressed me, along with the quality, is the lovely pattern on the blush itself. I almost felt bad for “destroying” it, but it would be a shame not to use such a lovely shade. ♥

Rouge Bunny Rouge blush comes in five shades and that might seem a bit odd, especially today when brands offer so many shades and different types of products (blush in a stick, cream blushes, and so on). On one hand, I wished there were a few more shades, but then again, I’m glad that Rouge Bunny Rouge isn’t one of those brands that comes out with many collections/products/shades each year and who basically push you into buying more and more products (especially if it’s limited edition and you feel like you might miss something if you don’t buy it right away). Not sure if that was their intention from the beginning, but I really like how they are sustainable and how they take their time to launch new shades/products. :)

Here is my swatch, but I’ll be taking a photo of the blush on my cheeks this weekend; I finally have a bit of time for that.

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Have you tried any of their blush shades? :)

Ingredients: TALC, ALUMINUM STARCH OCTENYLSUCCINTE, MICA, MYRYSTYL TRISILOXANE, C26-54 ALKYL TETRADECYL DIMETHICONE, LAURYL LACTATE, DIMETHICINE, GLYCINE SOJA OIL, ZINC STERATE, OCTYLDODECYL STEAROYL STERATE, HYDROGENATED POLYDECENE TRIMETHYLOLPROPANE TRIISOSTEARATE, CHLORPHENESIN, OCTYLDODECANOL, POTASSIUM SORBATE, TETRASODIUM EDTA, PHYLLANTHUS EMBLICA EKTRACT, PHENOXYETHANOL, AQUA, LAURYL METHACRYLATE/GLYCOL DIMETHACRYLATE CROSSPOLYMER, BUTYLENE GLYCOL, DICAPRYLIETHER, SODIUM GLUCONATE, ALGAE, CITRIC ACID, SODIUM CITRATE, WALTHERIA INDICA, FERULIC ACID, POLYGLYCERYL-2 DIPOLYHYDROXYSTEARATE; (+/-): CI 7789l, C 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499, CI 77007, CI 77510, CI 75470, CI 15850, CI 73360, CI 19149, CI 42090

Suitable for vegans: No.
Where to buy? online
Price: €31

Vesna ♥