frozen spring

cruelty free & sustainable living

Empties Vol. I

In today’s post I’m sharing products I’ve used up in the past few months. As you can see, it’s mostly skincare, which isn’t surprising. It is a lot easier to use up skincare than makeup. There is not a lot to say about these products since I’ve mentioned them before on my blog, so I’ll just quickly go through them.

I’ll start off with estelle & thild. A few days ago I reviewed the BioCleanse Make Up Remover so there isn’t much to say about it except that I already have a new bottle ready for use. Next two products are as well from their BioCleanse range – Fragrance Free Cleansing Gel and Multi-Action Facial Toner. I repurchased those as well. I think I’m using my third tube of cleansing gel and fifth bottle of toner! Needless to say – I love these products! Last year in February I wrote about my first impressions and I still stand by them. I really do love this toner and I’m happy with the cleansing gel as well! I don’t think I’ll change them any time soon, I just don’t feel like it’s necessary and, to be honest, I don’t feel like testing something new all the time. I’ve come to the point where I want consistency in my skincare. :)

The next product I used up is Skintegra Hydra B Advanced Hydration Serum. I’m actually on my third bottle already! This si a really light, and yet hydrating serum that kept my skin under control this whole winter. Of course, it’s important to mention that this is not the only product I’ve been using, but it definitely is one of the few I keep going back to. The thing that I like about this product is I can use it all year round – it’s hydrating enough for winter, and yet light enough for summer. This product can be used both in the morning and evening, but I use it mostly in the morning since it suits me better. I will be reviewing this and other Skintegra products in my upcoming post(s).

My last skincare product of the bunch is Green Girl Cosmetics Hydrating Serum LIGHT. This is the first time I used a product that contains niacinamide, and I was so glad I tried it! I don’t think niacinamide is talked so much about, but if you haven’t tried it – be sure you do! I instantly noticed my skin texture improved and any spots left over from ocassional pimples faded much quicker thank usual! I have to write a more detailed post about this serum as well, and I can tell you right now that I will order it again for fall!

My last empty product is a product I mentioned many times, over and over again, and it’s no surprise I used up another bottle of Rouge Bunny Rouge Aqua Primer. I don’t think it’s necessary for me to repeat myself since you can read all about it in my review that I wrote back in January, 2015! I think I’ve been using this primer for almost four years now! Of course, I already repurchased it! ;)

What are yours recent empties? :)

 Vesna ♥

New In | December Edition ♥

The past few months have been quite crazy and I can’t believe we’re already in December! How did this happen?! I have the feeling like the whole year just flew by me! I guess that’s how it is when you’re a student – time simply flies and you don’t really have time for anything! Well, except for shopping, which is obvious if you take a look at my previous posts. :D

Anyway, since it’s the end of the year and there are some sales going on, I used that to buy some items that were on my wishlist for some a while + I got some items because I thought they would work for me and now was the right time to get them!

PRODUCTS

  • Rouge Bunny Rouge Loess e/s palette (I actually did no purchase this one, I won it in a giveaway on Facebook, lucky me!)
  • Rouge Bunny Rouge Highlighter Brush #014
  • Rouge Bunny Rouge Blush Wand in Vermeer
  • Rouge Bunny Rouge Aqua Primer (my 3rd purchase!)
  • Becca Backlight Priming Filter
  • Becca Undereye Brightening Corrector
  • Viva la Diva Cosmetics Move Me Jungle Palette
  • Illamasqua Antimatter lipsticks in Btch and Spectra
  • Illamasqua e/s in Enchantment
  • Kiko Milano Arctic Holiday Matte Lipstick in #03 Cherry Tree
  • Kiko Milano Creamy Colour Lip Liner #313
  • Kiko Milano Smart Fusion Lip Pencil #518
  • Sleek MakeUP Matte Me Liquid Lipstick in Vino Tinto

Did you get anything lately? If you did, what did you get?

Vesna ♥

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 ♥

Mini Review | Rouge Bunny Rouge Raw Garden Eye Shadow Palette – Caliche

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Last month I got my hands on a few products from Rouge Bunny Rouge, and one of them was this lovely eye shadow palette called Caliche. At the moment, Rouge Bunny Rouge has only two different palettes, but I do hope they will come out with more shades in the future. In the meantime, I’ll share my thoughts on Caliche which I’ve used a few times.

Let me start by saying how RBR eye shadows have one of the best formulas out there. Well, at least that’s my opinion. They are so silky and buttery. They basically blend without any additional effort – you don’t need to try hard to blend the shades because they do that for you. All you need is a brush. Caliche has the same formula, but I have the feeling like the formula is somehow even better. Not sure how is that even possible, but it really is – extremely soft and gentle formula with a bit of discreet shine that you don’t see until it’s applied on the eyelids. If I had to use an adjective to describe these eye shadows, for some reason fragile / delicate comes to my mind. Since the formula is a bit specific, the pigmentation is different as well – it’s much softer and not so much “in your face”. Caliche isn’t for those who prefer strong pigment, it’s rather for those who want certain colours in a softer form. I prefer to wear these colours on those days when I want to quickly define my eyes and get that soft, misted look. Another thing that I love about these shades is that they are cool toned, which makes me especially happy since lately I’ve been seeing mostly warm toned eye shadow palettes.

The packaging is definitely exquisite. Unfortunately, I have no photos of it, even though I tried to take some, but it’s impossible to show you how interesting it is. I think I’ll make a short video where you’ll be able to see how it looks like. When it comes to the packaging of the palette itself, I love how there is some sort of magnetic mechanism which makes it a lot easier to open the lid (hate it when I basically have to break my nails in order to open a product, LOL). Additionally, there is a mirror in the size of the lid which might be useful on the go. The only thing I don’t like, is the fact that eye shadows aren’t separated – they don’t come in their own pans. For now, that’s not an issue, but it might be in the future once I hit the pan and try to scoop the very last bit of a certain shade.

The price of this product is on the higher end – it costs €59 / $63 / 560 SEK. It contains 7 grams of product in total, which is 1,75 grams per eye shadow, and that’s €14.75 / $15,75 / 140 SEK per eye shadow. Personally, I am a fan of their eye shadows and I think they’re totally worth the price.

All in all, I’m satisfied with my purchase, but to be honest, I didn’t think it would be any different. I just know that I always get the best quality with Rouge Bunny Rouge products and I always know what to expect from them. So far, I’ve never been disappointed and I hope our mutual love will last…
As I mentioned above, the formula is one of the best out there, they apply like a dream and they last for many hours on my eyelids without any primer.

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swatches without primer, photo taken in natural daylight (unfortunately, they look so poorly pigmented on my photo, but I think it has to do with the formula which is, as I said, really delicate in a way; would be nice if you could try it for yourself)

Ingredients: TALC, NYLON-12, MICA, DIMETHICONE, HYDROGENATED POLYISOBUTENE, DIMETHICONEOL STEARATE, CAPRYLYL GLYCOL, PHENOXYETHANOL, HEXYLENE GLYCOL, ARGANIA SPINOSA KERNEL OIL, AQUA (WATER), BENZYL ALCOHOL, DEHYDROACETIC ACID, SODIUM HYALURONATE, [+/-]: CI 77891 (TITANIUM DIOXIDE), CI 77491 (IRON OXIDES), CI 77492 (IRON OXIDES), CI 77499 (IRON OXIDES), CI 77007 (ULTRAMARINES), CI 75470 (CARMINE)
Suitable for vegans? No (one or more eye shadows contain carmine)
Where to buy? online
Price? €59

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 ♥