frozen spring

cruelty free & sustainable living

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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Favourite beauty products of 2016 ♥

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I haven’t really shared my favourites during 2016, so here’s one post which covers the whole year.  Even if I wrote a few separate posts, I don’t think my favourites would be any different since I wasn’t using that many products and I was mostly sticking to products which I already liked OR which I purchased after I read good reviews and I figured I would like them.

As you can see, most of these products are actually skincare products, and that’s nothing strange because I was quite focused on skincare in 2016. I discovered some really good brands and I’m looking forward to exploring the rest of their range (as soon as I need a new products, that is; my ‘buy less’ decision from previous post covers skincare, too).

Well, let me tell you more about my favourites and why just these products stood out for me :)

MAKEUP

IsaDora Wonder Nail Quick Dry Nail Polish, shade 540 Purple Paisley (5 ml / 79 SEK / €8.25) – this shade was part of their fall collection and I grabbed it as soon as I saw it in store. I know there are many purple(ish) shades out there, but I really liked this one, and not only that the shade is pretty, but it is more than great when it comes to quality. I generally like IsaDora’s nail polishes, so this one is no exception. It comes with a wide brush which might be a bit tricky for narrow nail plates, but I have wider nail plates so it suits me quite well (I did need a bit of time to get used to it, but now I can’t imagine using any other nail brush!). Anyway, this shade is perfect for all seasons if you ask me, but I do prefer it during fall / winter times. Here’s my NOTD post with this shade – link.

Idun Minerals Akvamarin Nail Polish (11 ml / 89 SEK / €9.30) – I haven’t posted it on the blog, but I did show you on my Instagram how this shade looks on my nails – link – and I still love it as the first day! It’s the most perfect winter shade that is out there and I love how it screams cold and winter.  It has to be applied with 2 coats, because the first coat is streaky, but I still like it and use it at least once a week! Idun nail polishes have wide brush, too. Love!

Anastasia Beverly Hills Dipbrow Pomade, shade Ash Brown* (4 g / 255 SEK / €26) – even though I purchased this product not so long ago (after months of debating with myself weather I should purchase it or not, LOL!), I have to say this is one of my favourite purchases last year! It’s so worth every cent and I regret not buying it a long, long time ago. I dare to say that my brows have never looked better! It goes on so smoothly, it can be applied lightly or heavily, depending on how you like it, and once you apply it – it stays there. I will be reviewing it next week, just need to take some before / after photos. Until then, you can see HERE how it looks on my brows.

Catrice Illuminating Blush, shade Kiss Me Ken, limited edition (4,5 g / 35 SEK / €3.60) – last year I couldn’t get enough of this blush! I tried using other cheek products, but I kept reaching for this one. It’s a shame this is no longer available since it is a limited edition product, and I’m sure there is something similar out there, but I still think this product is such a steal considering the quality you get for such a tiny price. Again, you can see it in the same post as the ABH Dipbrow Pomade – HERE – but this was taken in the evening, and I did apply my make up many hours earlier. ;)

Rouge Bunny Rouge Aqua Primer* (30 ml / 500 SEK / €53) – I’ve mentioned this product more than once so I won’t be repeating myself once again, but you’re more than welcome to read my review – link – where I tell you all you need to know about this primer.

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SKINCARE

LUSH Cup O’ Coffee Face Mask* (150 g / 99 SEK / €10.30) – not sure when exactly I got this mask, but I think somewhere in October, and since then it has been something I’m using on a weekly basis. I may not be a true coffee lover, but I love the smell of it and I think I could walk around smelling like coffee! I love how this is a 2in1 product – scrub and mask for your face and body, but I do think it’s a bit pricey to be used on the body, so I’ve been saving it for my face exclusively. Not that I don’t mind that since my face loves it! I have combination skin, so this mask really suits my skin since it cleans it and scrubs well, and it is in no way harsh for it. But it might be a bit too much for someone with dry skin. Even though the effect of using it is only temporary, I do like using it regularly since I do like the feeling of fresh skin.

Minimal Chic Oil-based Make Up Remover** – this lovely oil-based make up remover is my must have when it comes to removing my make up in a gentle, but effective way. It is safe to use around eyes and I love using it to remove my mascara since a gentle massage is all it takes to melt all eye make up. Not to mention that, in the end, I don’t have any oily leftover trace once I wash it off with warm water. All in all, it is affordable and it basically lasts forever! Another thing that I really love about this product is that it’s handmade by a dear friend of mine, and I got this bottle as a gift from her. She has some other lovely products and you can check her range HERE. It’s Croatian based brand, but it can be shipped to other countries. :)

Zoya Goes Pretty Shea & Cocoa Butter* (30 g / 80 SEK / 8.50) – even though this is a multi-use product for face & body, I use it mostly to nourish my lips when I’m at home. I love the combination of shea and cocoa, it smells so delicious and it makes me wanna eat it!  This is a quite easy and effective way to take care of my occasionally dry lips, and when I say ‘effective’, what I mean is – I see results a few minutes after I apply it! No more dry lips thanks to it! At least if I use it regularly (which I try to do).

Hylamide SubQ Anti-Age Advanced Serum* (30 ml / 350 SEK / €36) – I got this serum in the beginning of September and I’ve been using it ever since which means I owe you a more detailed review (soon), but let me just tell you how much I love this serum! I love the texture, which is easy to work with and which absorbs quite quickly, but not to mention it does why I purchased it in the first place – it rehydrates my skin amazingly! I literally feel the effect the moment I apply it – my skin feels so supple, fresh and satisfied. The biggest difference is – my skin doesn’t feel like it’s suffering during winter time in Stockholm. I still have 1/3 of it left (I’m in no way sparing, that’s for sure!) and I am getting a new bottle as soon as I get to the last drop of my current one.

Pai Rosehip BioRegenerate Oil* (30 ml / 247 SEK / £22.00) – in the end of November, I wrote a mini-review where I shared my first impressions about this product, and obviously, I haven’t changed my opinion since this product made it to my favourites! If you’re struggling with some scars and skin firmness (or, the lack of it), I would honestly recommend you get this oil, like, yesterday! I raved so much about it to a friend of mine, that she ended up buying it in the end, and today she told me how she’s beyond thrilled with it!

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VARIOUS

Lunette Menstrual Cup* (299 SEK / €31) – some 10 days ago I wrote a detailed review about my Lunette menstrual cup, why I love it and can’t imagine my life without it, but also why you should get it, too. To make the long story short: this tiny cup changed my life in ways I couldn’t even imagine it would happen. I know it might sound silly, but after 20 years of having periods, I can finally say that I am looking forward to them, and I’m not cringing at the thought of walking around while I have a period. My life got so much easier and I don’t even waste my time thinking about my periods any more. If you’ve been considering buying a menstrual cup, be sure to read my review!

Foreo Luna Mini 2 (1295 SEK / €135) – even though skincare products are my top priority when it comes to taking care of my face, I found this face brush to be more than useful when it comes to effective cleansing. The fact is, no matter how much I try, I have the feeling like my skin is much cleaner when I use Luna Mini 2. Of course, It isn’t a must have products, to be honest, especially if you’re expecting new skin and few years less on your face, but I’d say it has been more than useful as part of my skincare regime. My pores are less clogged when I use it, especially those around my chin area because that area is the worst on my face. On top of that, I love the additional level of clean skin. I mean, it is clean either way, but with this brush it does feel like that feeling is stretched a bit further.

Clean Skin EdP* (30 ml / 470 SEK / €50) – I can sum up description of this perfume in one single sentence: my skin but better. It is so subtle, yet so captivating. It completely mesmerizes my senses and the things that cross through my mind when I smell it are – warmth, the touch of skin, sensual. It might not be strong and it might not last for two days, but I love it just the way it is. To be honest, this is the only perfume I need in my collection. ♥

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These were my favourite products. Maybe we share some of them? Or do you have a completely different list? Feel free to share in the comments, would love to know what you’ve been using!

Note: all products are cruelty free, those marked with * are vegan (not sure about those unmarked, so I just marked the ones I know for sure are vegan)
** this product was given to me for review

Vesna ♥

New In | August ♥

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Somehow I managed to collect quite a nice bunch of products in August and since it will (probably) take me forever to review them, I think it’s not a bad idea to post another new in post where you can see what I got! Most products were purchased in August, while some of them were purchased in the beginning of September, but I decided to post them together since, hopefully, I won’t be buying anything in September. We’ll see about that, though… :D Anyway, let me start!

Let me start with Nabla Cosmetics since I already posted that as soon as my order arrived, so click HERE to check all the details and swatches! Next up is Hylamide which I ordered from Lookfantastic.com when they had a 3 for 2 deal on Hylamide. I’ve never tried anything from this brand so I was pretty excited when I saw the deal and I ended up getting these products: SubQ Eyes, C25 Booster and  SubQ Anti-Age. I was primarily interested in C25 Booster and SubQ Anti-Age (erm, not really getting younger, LOL), but I don’t mind a free product! It’s been a week since I started using these and my first impression is good, but I will wait a few more weeks to give some extra details.

Before I ordered Hylamide, I decided to work up on my skin care routine and that’s how I ended up ordering my first Paula’s Choice products – Resist Anti-ageing Repairing Toner and Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid. I got a sample of Skin Balancing Antioxidant Serum With Retinol as well, and it’s a good thing I ordered just a sample and not full size product because I didn’t like the texture in the end – turns out I’m not really a fan of silicone-based products any more. I’ve been using the first two products for almost two weeks now and I really, really like them! Definitely a must have for my combination skin!
Lush is my go-to store ever since I decided to support only cruelty free products and last month I got two additional products – Helping Hands Hand Cream (my skin loves it, but it really has a funky smell which I barely tolerate; hopefully my hands appreciate it!) and Lemony Flutter Cuticle Butter (I keep purchasing it over and over again!).

At the beginning of September I attended the vegan fair in Stockholm where I discovered two completely unknown brands! The first one is Zoya Goes Pretty – they make the most adorable shea butters! I picked two butters: shea butter & cacao and shea butter & rose oil. Both smell deliciously, but cacao is my favourite one! I could eat it, I’m not kidding! :D The second brand is puroBIO cosmetics, an Italian brand. They have a nice selection of natural and organic make-up products and even though I was interested in most of it, I got only one product – Compact Eyeshadow n 06 – Purple. I already swatched it so I will be posting it any day now!

As always, IsaDora managed to launch a gorgeous fall collection with beautiful nail polish shades, and one in particular got my attention – 540 Purple Paisley. Here can you see a swatch that shows how nice this shade is! Perfect for fall! And, last but not least, I got a new perfume for this fall – Clean Skin. Oh my, how mesmerised this perfume is! I purchased it almost instantly, no convincing was necessary, I just new it was perfect for me. It really smells like my skin, only better. ♥

I also got some fashion details, both brooches. That lovely bird you see is handmade by Marina Marinski and you can order it HERE. The other one, silver, is second hand and purchased at a vintage store in Stockholm (it was a gift from a friend).

Continue reading to see photos and close-ups.

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