frozen spring

cruelty free & sustainable living

Makeup Look | Glossy Eyelids + Dark Wine Lips

Last weekend a friend of mine was celebrating her birthday and I decided to wear something that I usually don’t wear: glossy eyelids. It’s a look that you can often see in magazines, but I haven’t tried it on myself for some reason. I know it’s not necessarily a good combination when you’re wearing eyeshadow under the gloss because it can crease a lot, but on bare skin? It’s basically perfect!

The lipgloss I was using on my eyelids is really affordable and it is so long lasting! It lasted for almost 9 hours (until I removed it). It is a tiny bit sticky, but I didn’t have a sticky feeling once it was on my eyelids, I just think that the application itself is a bit sticky.

All in all – a simple yet effective look!

PRODUCTS:

  • Catrice Liquid Camouflage , 020 Light Beige
  • Isadora Sculpting Brow Pen, 82 Medium Brown
  • Catrice Glam & Doll Sculpt & Volume Msscara, Black
  • Isadora Twist-Up Matt Lips, 67 Dark Velvet
  • essence Shine Shine Shine Wet Look Lipgloss, 01 behind the scenes

Vesna ♥

New In | October Edition

I did some shopping in October and here’s what I got!

ecotools Finishing Kabuki & Perfecting Blender Duo – I wanted to try these sponges for quite some time and since they were on sale, I decided to purchase them and to see if they are any good. They are drying at the moment but I’ll be testing them tomorrow. Another thing I got is this big finishing kabuki. Kabuki brush is probably one of the first ones I purchased 10+ years ago (I’ve been using a flat kabuki since forever) and that’s why I wanted to buy one that’s even larger because I wanted a brush that I can use on my body and larger areas :) This one feels really soft, as is the case with all ecotools brushes, but I’ll see how well it works.

H&M Fluid Hues Eye Colour in shades Mulberry Mist and Vintage Tulle – this launched recently and it caught my eye when I was buying ecotools kabuki and sponges. The reason I decided to purchase these two shades is because these aren’t typical creamy eyeshadows. These actually dry down completely and then they stay put! Looking forward to using them on my eyelids. Hopefully they will come out with more colors since half of the colors were quite similar.

IsDora Twist-Up Matt Lips in shade 67 Dark Velvet – IsaDora has some great lip products and I never miss an opportunity to buying it on sale. This one was 70% off – a bargain! Not to mention how perfect this shade is for winter!

Make Up Store Mixing Liquid – I’ve been looking for this product since probably last year, but it was always sold out! Finally I came across it a few weeks back and purchased it as soon as I saw it! I was surprised it contained 30ml, because usually this type of product contain less than 10ml. It was a pleasant surprise. Already used it, works great!

estelle & thild Biomineral Silky Eyeshadow in Marble – this brand came out with their own makeup range not that long ago and I’ve been checking out the shade Marble ever since! It’s actually a really interesting shade, I swatched it (scroll down). It’s really hard to capture it because it’s so multidimensional, but I hope you get at least a tiny glimpse of how beautiful it is.

Green Girl Vitamin C Serum & Hydrating Serum Light – a while back Green Girl launched a new website with three completely new products. I immediately ordered Vitamin C and Light serums. I’ve been using her products for years and I have only positive comments for them. For now, she only has three products and doesn’t ship outside Croatia, but I hope that will change in the future. All her products are both cruelty free & vegan which is another reason why I love this brand!

The Body Shop Wild Argan Oil Body Scrub, Hand Creme and Shower Gel – this is my favourite range from TBS and, as it usually is, it’s being discontinued in Sweden :( Apparently they won’t carry this range any longer, just occassionaly when they have some special deals. Since everything was already 50% off, I decided to grab these 3 products.

H&M Fluid Hues Eye Colour
Mulberry Mist (left), Vintage Tulle (right)

estelle & thild Biomineral Silky Eyeshadow – shade Marble

What did you get recently?

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 ♥

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 ♥

Mulberry On My Lips ♥

Here’s a funny thing: when I was a kid, my grandparents had this huge, old mulberry tree near their house and I loved to climb on it and pick mulberries (well, and eat them, obviously!). That’s actually my favourite fruit so when I saw that IsaDora launched a new collection which includes 10 lipsticks with matching lip liners (7 shades are totally new) and that one of them was called ‘mulberry’, I just knew it would be a great shade and that I had no choice but to purchase it! Fast forward a few days – here are my (lip)swatches and first impressions!

  • IsaDora Sculpting Lipliner Waterproof 66 Mulberry (0.3 g / 89 SEK / €9.30) is a matte red wine-ish shade with a slight brown undertone. It goes on easily but it is definitely drying and I would recommend exfoliation before applying it since it does emphasize any imperfection. Another thing is that it can’t be worn alone – way too dry for that (and I like drier lipsticks and lip liners, LOL).
  • IsaDora Lip Desire Sculpting Lipstick 66 Mulberry (3.3 g / 139 SEK / €14.50) is a darker creamy wine colour with purple undertone. Goes on easily and looks great with matching lip liner (though not really matching since these shades are slightly different, but that’s not really an issue once the products are applied). Once it’s applied on top of the lip liner, I definitely have no issues with dryness.

Here are my photos and swatches!

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natural daylight (shade)

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natural daylight (it looks a bit brownish, but it definitely has a more purple undertone on my lips; it is a bit hard to capture it)

Do you like mulberry (fruit / lip products)? :)

Vesna ♥