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5 Products I Want To Use Up In May

 

5 Products I Want To Use Up In May

In the past few months I’ve been following some great youtubers who talk about consumerism, low-buy, using up your products, etc. and they inspired me to start a new series on my blog. Every month I’ll choose a few products that I want to use up. Sometimes it will be a few products I want to use up in 30 days, other times it might be a longer period like 3 months or maybe 6 months. I think it’s important to be realistic, I don’t want to demotivate myself by choosing unrealistic goals, for example, like using up a blush in 3 months. That’s just not going to happen. :D On the other hand, using up skincare products is much faster since I do use many of my skincare products twice a day.

This series will serve as a my motivation to use up those products that, for some reason, I stopped using after a while. Most (4 out of 5) products you see in these pictures are more than half empty and that’s why I think it’s realistic I’ll be able to use them up in May. Here’s an overview of these 5 products and why I stopped using them in the first place:

Rituals The Ritual Of Sakura Body Cream – this is my favourite range from Rituals, but I really dislike the packaging of this product. I dislike it so much that it actually turns me off from using the product completely! I just think this new packaging (they changed it some time last year) for the body cream was a bad idea – the combination of plastic jar and partally wooden lid just doesn’t work well. I always struggle with it and it’s takes me a few attempts to screw the lid back on! I never had a similar issue with packaging and I know it’s laughable but it is what it is. On top of that, some lettering came off after only 2-3 uses because the oilyness of the skin rubs it off. That shouldn’t happen eather. Anyway, it’s less than half full so I guess I’ll use this up quite fast.

Lumene Lähde Arctic Dew Quenching Aqua Serum – Lumene’s range Lähde (source of hydration) is my go-to range. I already use the face cream and face mist from this range, so I thought I’d pick up this serum and see how it works for me. It actually reminds me a lot of The Ordinary’s Buffet – they have quite similar texture and feeling on the skin. They obviously have different ingredients, but I don’t really feel like they have different effect on my skin. They really feel like the same product. I stopped using Lumene once I purchased Buffet, but I’ll definitely get back to it this month and use it up. Once I use up both of them, I’ll repurchase only Lumene since Deciem (The Ordinary’s parent company) is a bit sketchy right now and I don’t feel like supporting them. Anyway, this is a good hydrating serum for my combination skin and I definitely feel like it helps my skin during colder/windy weather and I’ll buy it again in the fall.

& Other Stories Sicilian Sunrise Hand Cream – & Other Stories has a great beauty range and I really like the Sicilian Sunrise range which smells of fresh lemons! Such a great range for sunny weather! Anyway, I picked up only hand cream because I have too many body creams, scrubs, etc. To be fair, I have too many hand creams as well but… :D Anyway, I find these mini creams to be great on the go, so I always carry at least one in my bag. Since I have a few creams I’m using right now, I feel like I’m not using this one enough so I decided to put it in my ‘Use Up In May’ product selection. This cream contains only 30 ml so it shouldn’t be a problem using it up, I just have to remind myself to use this cream everytime I want to use a hand cream (and I have to motivate myself to be more regular with that, too!).

Catrice Liquid Camouflage High Coverage Concealer in 020 Light Beige – I’ve been using this concealer for almost the whole winter and then I stopped using it. I think I just got tired of it? Anyway, there is not so much left of it and I really think I can use it up this month if I use it regularly. I don’t remember the last time I used up a concealer so using up this one would be refreshing. The best of all is I really like this concealer but I think the problem is I’m just a bit lazy, especially in the morning when I need to get up early to get to university (sometimes I have to get up at 5 a.m. so I don’t really feel inspired to use full face of products). Anyway, looking forward to covering my dark circles on a regular basis! :D

coop deo roll-on – the reason I don’t feel like using this deodorant is because its texture is too wet when applied – it feels like I splashed some water on my underarms LOL. It’s a good thing I have another deodorant, but I will use only this one in May because I really want to use it up and be done with it. Otherwise it’s a good product, but it’s just too watery for my taste.

5 Products I Want To Use Up In May5 Products I Want To Use Up In May

5 Products I Want To Use Up In May

Are there any products you feel like you should really use up? How do you motivate yourself to use products that you haven’t clicked with for whatever reason?

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 ♥

Beauty Favourites | Summer Edition

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Instead of posting favourites every month (as I used to do ages ago and I see that most bloggers still do that), I think I’ll do better with posting favourites every three months. Since it’s September, it’s perfect time for my summer favourites, and in December I’ll be posting my fall favourites and so on, you get where I’m going with this. :)

Since I don’t really use too many products during summer, this post won’t be that long. On top of that, I’m not much into make-up when it’s warm, so you’ll notice right away that I included only two (!) make-up products,  and one of those two is nail polish! :D Anyway, let me tell you what is so amazing about these products that they deserved to be among my favourite ones! ♥

  • Rituals The Ritual of Sakura Body Cream (220 ml / 195 kr / €20) – The Ritual of Sakura is my favourite range and whenever I’m in Rituals’ store, I keep checking this range as if they managed to launch something new in the meantime, haha! The texture of this body cream is really rich, but not thick and greasy, rather completely the opposite and not to mention how nourishing it is. The smell of it is so mesmerizing and it lasts for hours! My favourite way to apply it is before going to bed since in the morning I smell as if I just applied it.
  • Rituals The Rituals of Sakura Shower Foam (200 ml / 90 kr / €9.40) – if you’re considering which Rituals product to test first, please get this one since this one is the reason I fell in love with Rituals! I love the packaging and the fact that you need the tiniest possible amount to get loads of foam! The scent might not last long on the skin (which isn’t important to me since I do use body cream and / or perfume on top), but my bathroom smells deliciously! And for hours! Anyway, this product doesn’t dry out my skin, but I prefer to apply cream for a long lasting Sakura scent.
  • LUSH New Shampoo Bar (55 g / 99 kr / €10.00) – this is my first ever shampoo bar and I have to admit I was completely sceptic about using it. Not sure why, but I think I was mostly afraid it won’t do the job properly. Turns out – I was SO wrong! I love it! I’ve been using it for three months and I still haven’t used it up! I think I still have a piece of it for the rest of the month and after that I’ll be getting a new one.  This isn’t really expensive considered how long it lasts, especially since I wash my hair every other day, so that’s a lot of washing during those three months! My hair is so sleek and squeaky clean, I have no need for conditioner afterwards (if I use ‘normal’ shampoo then I need a conditioner since my hair is all over the place!) and it smells deliciously – cinnamon! Who doesn’t love cinnamon?! ♥
  • John Masters Organics SPF 30 Natural Mineral Sunscreen (30 ml / 28.50 GBP / €32) – before summer I decided to get a mineral sunscreen and after doing some research, I picked up this product. It has some really good reviews and I can say that it worked more than well for me and that I’m more than satisfied with it. The texture is kinda strange – you definitely need to shake it well before using it since it is a bit on the watery side, but it is okay once you shake it. Once it’s applied it does leave a white trace on the skin, but it absorbs rather quickly and that’s something that I was worried about the most – that I’ll have to wait long before it absorbs, but that’s not the case. It works well with my combination skin and it’s good under the make-up, but I wouldn’t really recommend it to people with oily skin since my face does get shiny during the day. It doesn’t bother me personally, but it’s definitely something to think about before buying it. I think it would be perfect for those with normal – dry skin since it’s quite rich in texture.
  • Lumene Bright Now Vitamin C Day Cream SPF 15 (50 ml /  189 kr / €19) – this is a product that I purchased without reading any reviews, but it turns out my skin loves this cream! Even though it says ‘brightening’ on the packaging, I didn’t really expect any significant change on that plan, but I’m really satisfied when it comes to moisturising since this cream has a kinda thicker texture but on the same time it goes on so easily and it absorbs really quickly. It almost feels like I applied some sorts of a make-up primer since it’s making my skin look and feel so smooth! Definitely perfect under make-up! When it comes to SPF, that part isn’t important to me since I have a separate product for that, but since this is a day cream, it would be much better if it had higher SPF like SPF 30. I still love it, though!
  • Catrice Cosmetics Illuminating Blush (4.5 g / €4.00) – this is a blush that I purchased last year, but I started using it just a few months back and now I can’t get enough of it! It’s my perfect go-to blush! Unfortunately, it was limited edition, but hopefully Catrice will launch something similar in the future!
  • Minimal Chic Make-up Remover, oil-based (100 ml / not sure about the price)* – my skin loves oil-based make-up removers! My whole face needs approximately three pumps of it – it removes completely my make-up, but I do avoid my eyes since I lately prefer to remove my eye make-up separately (usually before removing my face make-up). However, I did use it for eyes as well and it works just fine, in case you’re interested. This product is really gentle, yet effective which results in my skin feeling so soft after each use. ♥
  • Wet n Wild MegaLast Nail Polish in 2% Milk (13.5 ml / 49 kr / $1.99) – this is my first Wet n Wild nail polish and it’s probably my go-to shade since I love to apply it whenever I want a nude, barely there nail polish on my nails. Usually such shades don’t suit my skin tone, but this one works perfectly! It might not be the best quality out there, but it is more than good considering the price range.

Keep reading to see more detailed photos of my summer beauty favourites!

[Read more…]

New In | July

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Another month, another new in post! Even though, to be precise, these products are part of my June haul since I purchased these products in June (sale game here in Sweden is really serious, especially after their biggest holiday – Midsummer!). Anyway, I chose to publish them in July since I did get them at the end of the previous month and, hopefully, I won’t be buying anything in July so I can consider this as my July haul. ;)

Let me start with my new gadget – Foreo LUNA mini 2! I was really looking forward to it and I hope it will be worth the price and the hype! My experience with purchasing from their website wasn’t the best one, but their customer service is really excellent and we solved my issue very quickly!

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I was debating with myself whether I’ll go to The Body Shop or if I’ll just skip it altogether, but I ended up checking out what’s on sale and I ended up getting these four shower gels! For some reason, I had only one showering product (the one from Ritual’s Sakura collection) so it wasn’t a bad decision to get these since I had some extra discount so I got these four for the price of one (the regular price)! That was a good deal, I must say! :) I got Papaya, Raspberry, Blueberry and Passion fruit shower gels.

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My next product is from Rituals – another Sakura product in my collection! This collection is SO amazing that I keep collecting products from it! I will let you know what I think of this collection next week, just until I test my products a tiny bit longer. :)

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I’m not really attracted to Lumene products usually, but I ended up getting three products – Bright Touch Refreshing Cleanser (which I use with my LUNA mini 2), Soft Touch Hydrating Cleanser (I planned to use this one with my LUNA mini 2, but figured too late that I picked the wrong type of product since this one is applied to dry skin and not wet, which is what I was looking for so I went back for the refreshing cleanser and I’ll give this one to my friend), Vitamin C Day Cream (I really did need a new day cream so I decided to try this one since a friend of mine tried the one with the SPF in it and said it was a good one; I didn’t get the one with the SPF since I have a separate cream for that – mine SPF crema is from John Masters Organic).

Anyway, I’ve been using these products shortly, but I will give you an update on how they worked out for me. So far, so good. :)

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Nail polishes ♥

After a long, long time of checking which shades to get, I finally got some Zoya nail polishes and, to be honest, I got them just because they were on sale. :D Their regular price is really high and this is the first time I caught them on sale and I’m really glad for that! Their regular price is 150 SEK (around 17$) and right now many shades are on sale for (only) 50 SEK (6$).If you’re in Sweden (or some other Nordic countries, I think they ship only to this area), you can get them HERE. Shipping for 4 nail polishes was 39 SEK and they arrived two days after I placed my order.

Shades I got are (clockwise): Racquel, Demi (not what I expected, I thought this was a cream shade?), Sam and Miley (on my nails right now! gorgeous!).

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And, like Zoya nail polishes weren’t enough, Åhlens had some Ciate shades on sale, they were 50% off and I ended with three shades (l-r): fool for tulle, white heat, burlesque. I think I’m done with buying nail polishes for a few months! :D

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What did you get recently? Is something from my latest haul on your wish list, maybe? :)

Vesna ♥