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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 ♥

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: Vacation Haul!

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After two weeks I’m back in Stockholm! I was spending some time with my family and friends back in Croatia and while I was there I purchased some (well, more than some) products, mostly from brands which aren’t available in Sweden, like essence and catrice cosmetics. Other products are available in Sweden, but they’re more expensive here so… I got them cheaper! :D

On the photo above you can see all the products I got, but I also got a few clothing items and a bag which you can see in the end of my post. Anyway, keep reading to see what I got!

Lush Cosmetics

Since I started buying (only) cruelty free products, I began to explore Lush cosmetics more often and my wish list is getting longer and longer with every click on their website! My last purchase contains four products: Brun and Noir henna, Soak and Float and New Shampoo Bars. First two products are something I’ll be using for the first time, I already did my homework, looked at tutorials, read plenty reviews and I’m really looking forward to it! I’ll definitely take some photos and show you some before/after pictures. :)

Shampoo bars are something new as well, but I’m not so excited about them as I am about henna. :D Soak and Float shampoo bar is for my husband who has really sensitive scalp and the other one is for my hair. But I’ll be trying my husband’s bar as well since my scalp tends to get sensitive from time to time, too. :)

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catrice cosmetics

It’s really a shame that catrice isn’t available in Sweden since they have so many good and affordable drugstore products (and by affordable I mean REALLY affordable, not like some local brands :D). I was considering picking up a few more products, but I was trying to be reasonable (we see how that worked out, LOL). Anyway, I got 2 nail polishes in shades 108 The Very Berry Best and 115 Summer Nights’ Sky, Defining Blushes in shades 040 Think Pink and 110 Legend-berry (these were on sale, I think they’re going to be discontinued), Softly Touch Shadow in shade Nude NETisfaction (limited edition), Mascara Lashes To Kill and Longlasting Lip Pencil in shade 170 Plumplona Ole.  The Lip Booster was GWP.

The price range for these products is approximately between $3-$5 (if I’m not mistaken) so, indeed affordable. :)

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Wet n Wild

This brand is available in Sweden, but the prices are quite higher than those in Croatia, unfortunately. Not to mention that their counter is always so dirty and messy which really turns me off from purchasing anything! :/ I got only three products in Croatia, probably those that everyone raves about: megalast nail polish in 2% milk and megalast lipsticks in Smokin’ Hot Pink and Ravin’ Raisin. I’ll post my swatches this week. :)

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Minimal Chic

Minimal Chic is a Croatian based handmade skincare brand made by a good friend of mine and I can’t repeat enough how much I love her vision, products and product design! I generally love to support small businesses, whether they make skincare products, makeup, bags, pottery or anything else. ♥

For now I have only a few products (from left): Makeup Remover*, Vitamin C Serum and Hyaluronic Acid Serum.

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essence cosmetics

essence and catrice are sister makeup brands and they often have similar products or shades, but catrice is more “serious” while essence is the perfect brand for young(er) folks. I still buy some stuff from time to time, mostly nail products, but I do tend to grab a lip product here and there.

What I got this time: essence studio nail repairing & caring oils, colour & care strengthening nail polishes in shades 01 take a break and 03 happy nails, bloggers’ beauty secret nail polish in  shade 04 shine bright, studio nails triple care, nail polishes from the merry berry collection (LE Christmas collection) in shades 03 pink & perfect and 01 I love my golden pumps, nail cuticle remover pen and lipliner in 06 satin mauve.

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Rituals, theBalm, alverde, Holyplant

My last beauty related image contains four different brands and products. My favourite from the bunch is probably The Ritual of Sakura Foaming Shower Gel from Rituals! I love this collection and I plan to buy a few more products, the first one my list is the body cream. The rest of the products on the picture are: theBalm Mary-Lou Manizer Highlighter, Alverde Wildrose Sheabutter face mask and Holyplant hand & nail cream.

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Okay, done with makeup and skincare so let’s get to fashion! I don’t really buy clothes that much so I got only a few items. Three of them are clothing items from a Polish brand called Mohito – lovely choice of interesting designs and colors, unfortunately, again not available in Sweden and they don’t ship to Sweden either. :( I got a simple sleeveless black blouse with an interesting collar that has some flowers on it (they didn’t have a better picture, but I guess you can use a bit of imagination :)), basic grey t-shirt with lovely drawings all over it and a navy-like sweater with some makeup symbols (that’s why I purchased it, anyway :D ).

My last item is a bag which I got from a brand called Carpisa and they have a range of bags designed by sisters Penelope and Monica Cruz. Really nice collection, too bad they had only one black bag. :D And I have to mention how I’m delighted that they have plenty faux leather bags since I had some serious trouble finding a bag which isn’t made of real leather. :/

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Huh, finally! Done with this post, don’t think I’ll be posting any long new in posts any time soon! :D

What do you like the most among these products? :)

Vesna ♥