New In #91

Afrodita Balea Cantu catrice CV Dove essence FA featured gliss Got2B L'Oreal Lavozon Moroccanoil New In Nivea Pantene Schabens Sundance TiGi

New In #91

Admin   May 22, 2020   Comment  

ESSENCE Blushlighter Gradient Powder Blush

03 Cassis Sunburst

This came out in the last Essence line update and it's available in four shades. I'm a sucker for glowy blushes, with L.O.V. being my favourites and Essence is made by the same company, so we already know they are experts at making luminous formulas without the look of chunky shimmer. And indeed as far as the size of the shimmer goes Essence nailed it. Shimmer is very fine and gives a very natural looking radiance, however, it's not very strong and for extra glow I still use a separate highlighter on the tops of the cheekbones. Pigmentation is good, but I suspect people with a darker skin tone will have to layer this one a lot, though at times I get almost too much pigment. It has to do with the fact that only the left side is properly "blushy" and the other is mostly just a highlight, so it matters from which side you swipe the brush when picking up the colour and it's can be difficult to get the balance just right for pale skin. Formula is not very tightly packed, meaning it's quite a dusty, at least now that's new. It doesn't blend as smoothly as L.O.V. blushes, so it needs some extra time. The formula overall is nice, though it's not the best blush you can get, but if you’re looking for something like L.O.V. blushes in terms of how it looks on the skin, this a good one for the price. I'm not sold on the shade, though. I expected a mauve-pink shade based on what I've seen online, but this is actually peachy pink shade, so not very unique. All the rest looked peachy-orange or brown, so I’m missing a neutral-cool pink-mauve shade in this range.

Müller, 4.29 €

CATRICE Clean ID Lip Oil

I originally went to the drugstore to get Clarins' Lip Oil, but since the stands are empty and I have no idea how things work now plus I didn't want to bother the SA, I abandoned that plan and got this instead. I wanted a thick, balmy lip gloss that would last a long time on the lips and nourish at the same time, so I remembered I liked the feel of the Clarins tester I once tried. Reviews for this are mixed with people who love it and some who find it sticky and gloopy, I'm more neutral about it, though I'm more one the "like side". It's thicker than an average lip gloss, yet not sticky. It feels nourishing on the lips and after most is gone, there is a nice layer of it left, however, I expected it to last longer, since it's thicker. It adds good level of a glass shine on the lips, but I don't like it's only available in a clear version. For one it's already cloudy looking in the bottle after a couple of weeks of use and my lips are not pretty enough for just a clear gloss, I need something to even them out. It’s got a chemical sweet scent.

Müller, 5.09 €

CV Cica Anti-Redness Beauty Skin Shot

CV has a new range of these small Beauty Shot products in 15 ml bottles. One is for oily skin, this one is for calming, there one with vitamin C and one is anti-age. I bought this purely because of ingredients because it has glycerine and niacinamide as the first on the list after water, plus centellia asiatica which my skin likes. This is an pastel green emulsion and it's meant to counteract redness, however, I don't find it effective and I don't even have a lot of redness, so don't count on this working in terms of neutralising ruddy cheeks. The emulsion is not something you'd apply in second because you need extra time to blend it in otherwise you're left with streaks. For a product for sensitive skin, I also find it odd they included fragrance, even though it is nice to my nose. It's not particularly hydrating on my skin, as when I apply this on its own, it sinks in fast, then after 15 minutes my skin feels tight and I need to add extra layers of skincare, so this won't replace any hydrating serums, but maybe it’s enough for combination/oily skin. Packaging has a pipette and it's just useless for such a thick formula, so scrape the product of it instead. In terms of effects, it’s too early to say and I can’t tell you if it works for its original purpose or sensitive skin. 

Ingredients.

Müller, 4.59 €

BALEA Vital Konzentrat Gegen Pigment Flecken

(concentrate against pigmentation marks)

Another product I picked up because it has niacinamide high on the list, but it also has a small amount of a version of vitamin C (ascorbyl  tetraisopalmitate) and pinolumin which reduces redness, calms down the skin and fades age spots. Reviews for this are not great, but based on what managed to gather is that people expected this to fade pigmentation marks fast and personally I don't expect miracles from any product. It's a small bottle with only 20 ml of product and this is not a very light, serum type of product, meaning you don't only use a little at once, so this might not last long. The texture is like a medium thick cream, so a type of product I'd use as one of the last, but mostly as the actual last step in my routine. I have been using just this in the evening for a week and my skin just started to look a bit better in terms of texture, but I can’t say much more about it in terms of results. I can't review this in terms of how it fades age spots, but my blemish marks are fading somewhat faster than usual, so maybe it's actually working.

Ingredients.

DM, 3.99 €

BALEA Teint Perfection Magic Teint Crème

(Skin Perfection Magic Skin Cream)

I knew this was a gamble, but glowing reviews swayed me even though I have successfully managed to avoid the hype for many years because I knew exactly what's going to happen. I had such a product before from Garnier and it ended up the same. This is the type of a tinted moisturiser that contains colour in mini beads and those burst when you rub them into the skin and release the colour. Garnier's was too dark and though I was sure this has the same tint inside, there were a few reviews that said they were very pale and this works for them. It's a medium thick cream that starts of slightly grey and you have to rub it in quite a lot for the colour to start to appear. The tint is very sheer, so coverage so low, I don't even notice that much of a difference in redness or unevenness. Colour is too dark for my pale skin tone, so even though it's sheer, this looks like a poor match on me. I could use it as a sort of a all over liquid bronzer, but it all fall apart on my neck and we also come to the second problem: When I try to blend this in nicely so I would have an even application, I just can't get it right and it makes me look like I have dirt on my face - maybe it's my skin or the fact need extra blending due to the mismatched shade, but I've tried it with an extra base and on completely clean skin, but I can't get this to work for me. I can see what it's popular and I know it works for less pale skins than mine, just check the reviews on meindm.at and disregard mine, but this was sadly a miss purchase for me and it wasn't that cheap for Balea.   

Ingredients.

DM, 5.49 €

BALEA Teint Pefection Wimpern Serum

(Skin Perfection Lash Serum)

This has mostly great reviews with some saying it works fantastically, but there are a few that say it does nothing and some scary reviews even say it made their lashes fall out. I hope the latter doesn't happen to me. I wanted to try the Etude House serum, but I'm not risking ordering online now and the price of Dermaluxe makes my eyes water, so this gets the first go. The only other lash serum I tried was from Mavala and it did nothing. Honestly I don't expect much from this, but I remain hopeful it will have some effect. I've done the before pictures with a measuring tool (not included) and I'll report back maybe when the bottle is finished or before if I see something. This is a gel type of product that feels like nothing on the lashes. I was concerned this will be obnoxious to use, but it's very easy to apply with the eyeliner-like brush and doesn't affect my vision. 

DM, 6.99 €

SCHAEBENS Cell Therapy Hydrogel Maske Anti-Age Booster

This has - you guessed it - niacinamide high on the list. I'm so full of surprises. But it also has allantoin, camelia extract plus some glycolic and malic acid albeit only in the middle of the list, so it's not a strong exfoliator. I loved the results of this one.

Sheet: A proper, non-stiff hydrogel mask in two parts and of course super slippery as you might expect, but as it warms up/start to dissolve, it clings better to the face and even shrinks. It was too large for my face, especially the top part, but like I said it shrank. It’s transparent.

Essence: There’s plenty of it and it’s a light, non-sticky formula.

Scent: a strong chemical scent that is noticeable all the time it’s on the face. It didn’t bother me much, but it might some. 

Effect: This had an immediate effect of more even and just nicer looking skin. It’s pretty much what you get with brightening Asian sheet masks, so I’ll definitely be repurchasing this one despite the price. My lines were less obvious and the skin had a healthy radiance to it. The essence absorbs completely and fast after the mask is removed. I need some extra moisturising care after this one for my dry skin because it’s not enough on its own.

Ingredients.

Müller, 2.95 €

AFRODITA COSMETICS Why Mask 4D Collagen Sleeping Mask

The reason I got this was peptides, which are on a decent position on the ingredients list. I didn’t expect an amazing result, only some decent nourishment and it’s alright in that respect. It’s like a regular semi-thick moisturiser, but more slippery feeling and it’s clear on the face like such products are. It’s heavily scented with a scent that some might find calming, but to me it’s a bit too spicy, like of like mixing lavender and patchouli, but I don’t think it’s this combination. I applied this in a thick layer (used about a half of one compartment at once) and by morning it was mostly absorbed with a layer of moisturiser still left. Afrodita mentions a visible reduction in lines, but mine stayed the same. It’s fine for the price, but nothing special. For visible results I preferred the Schaebens Hydrogel mask. 

Ingredients.

DM, 1.59 €

SUN DANCE Sensitiv Lippen Pflege Stift LSF 50

(Sensitive Lip Balm SPF 50)

I had this already, but I have no idea where mine went. For a basic lip balm with a high SPF this is very nice. Formula is not overly waxy and feels nicely nourishing on the lips, plus there's no bad taste. It manages to cling on for a while too. 

DM, 1.69 €

LAVAZON Sonnnenfluid Matt LSF50

(Sun Fluid Matte SPF 50)

I wanted cheap, very easily accessible sunscreen that I can use when I'm at home where it doesn't matter if I'm shiny or if I have white streaks. Lavazon has a few and I picked this one because it has no alcohol. Of course this is nowhere near as elegant as my A'Pieu sunscreen, neither is it as nice as Nivea's Mattifying version which costs more than twice as much, however, it definitely beats Nivea's Anti-Age Q10 version that's sitting in my drawer and I'm reluctant to use it use because it's not kind to my eyes (the greasiness I could get over, but that thing shifts all over the place). It's not light, more like a classic sunscreen and when you start to rub it in, it's very white, but that goes away with some extra blending. It's shiny, not even remotely matte, but I have seen worse, still I don't think this is a choice for those with any oiliness in the skin as even I have to powder it, but as great pluses I can say that it stays in its place, it doesn't feel greasy on the skin and it doesn't appear to be bothering my eyes. It's not the nicest sunscreen, but the price is acceptable and it's perfectly fine for me to wear at home.

Ingredients.

Müller, 3.99 €

MOROCCANOIL Intense Hydrating Mask

A repurchase. This is one of my favourite hydrating hair treatments, it's actually very similar in terms of effect to (I think discontinued) Kerastase Masquintense Thick, meaning it makes my hair feel silky and soft unlike other treatments (my hair is never soft like an average person's due to a thick texture, I mention this often). This has argan oil high on the list, so it's not somewhere down below the first 5 ingredients like at most who brag with some ingredients then you find them in the middle or even at the end of the ingredient list. I was planning on getting the 500 ml version, which is still my dream because I really don't want to save this one so much like I did the last one, but even with a discount this is so expensive.

Click2chic, 34.29 €

MOROCCANOIL Hydrating Styling Cream

I imagined this so differently - that's why it's so important when people review this to mention texture, it tells everything. I though this is a medium thick type of cream with that silicone feel that can be used on dry hair too without leaving the hair wet. This is actually quite liquid, so better suited to be used on damp hair right after rinsing off the conditioner to add an extra boost of moisture. Due to being so liquid I can't really use this to tame the frizz like I planned, instead it just some extra hydration, so pretty much the more creamy equivalent of Sexy Healthy Hair Soy Three Wheat leave-in (though that one has a tiny bit of protein too). I can use it on dry hair and it sinks in fast, but once it's gone, there's none of that silicone smooth feeling like at Olaplex n.6 or discontinued Dove Super Quench Crème Serum. I use this on damp hair as one of my first steps (I apply a lot of leave ins and it's still not enough). When I'm drying my hair this feels strangely slightly sticky and at first I was sure this was going to be a disaster because I want my hair silky smooth, but once it's dry that feeling is luckily gone. I'm not sure how I feel about this one yet. I think I'll have to go through the whole tube to make up my mind about it, but I expected a more impressive result.

Click2Chic, 11.10 € for 75 ml

TIGI BED HEAD Blow-Out Golden Illuminating Shine Cream

After I bought the Moroccanoil Hydrating Cream, I tried to recall a product that would have a similar silicone crème texture of Olaplex n.6 that I'm looking for, but it's cheaper and I remembered - Tigi After Party. It was one of my first ever hair products and I've never repurchased it because there was always so many other things to try (plus I got tired of it because one tube lasted me years and that damned packaging drives you crazy). I found this one randomly while checking Spletična - it's After Party with gold glitter. Texture is the same, as is the scent, they just changed the name, colour of the packaging and added tiny shimmer (original After Party still exists. I got this because it was what they had on Spletična and I was just ordering a birthday gift). It's got exactly the texture I like, so a silicone cream that I can use on damp hair and dry hair because it doesn't leave the hair wet and it effective at taming frizz. Oils like Orofluido do a similar job, so normal people don't need more stuff, but I'm not normal and I find these types cream and sometimes be more effective at taming the frizz for longer. It's tinted yellow, but it's not showing on my very blonde hair, but also the shimmer isn't that visible on me, though this gives shine just like other similar products. The packaging is equally terrible as at AP. It's got a pump, but the vacuum pull does not work best, when I got it got stuck a few times and you couldn't get out anything. I resorted to pushing it manually from the bottom and it fixed it, but man did it stir up memories. Plus it's so ugly, but that's my opinion. The product is lovely, so it's a shame about the packaging. So far it was only problematic for the first uses and it's been working ok since. 

Spletična, 12.20 €

BALEA Professional Collagen Power Struktur Elixier

Like all the rest of DM product, I found this on their website, where it has a high rating and it also has surprising nice ingredients. This has hydrolysed proteins high on the list, so it's basically something along the lines of a poor man's Joico K-Pack line or Redken's Anti-Snap, but scaled down at least compared to Joico with it's Quadramine complex. I'm in no short supply of protein treatments at the moment (well, I only have Joico stuff, but several products), still I picked this up because I was curious if it's any good - who wouldn't want to know about an very affordable protein treatment and if it's any good. It's a silicone free formula with glycerine as one of the first ingredients, so it combines some moisturising action too with the protein. All proteins are in hydrolysed version which is the most effective version of protein and they are quite high on the list. There also hyaluronic acid which benefits the scalp and supposedly hair too. Formula is like a thin gel-like formula and it's a leave-in product. It can be applied on damp or dry hair, but on dry hair it's similar to Moroccanoil Cream, so it sinks in and it feels like nothing. II don't notice it makes my hair any smoother and it dries into my usual super frizzy mess if I don't use any extra products. I've been using it for a few weeks and I can't say I see a visible improvement, still it's a nice way to add proteins because it's very light and it doesn't interfere with other products. 

Ingredients.

DM, 3-4 €

PANTENE PRO-V Intensive Repair Conditioner

A repurchase. This is my favourite drugstore conditioner (currently seriously rivalled by Cantu mentioned below). Since I've discovered it last year, I've gone through a few tubes already and I've tried several other products, which just consolidated my belief that this is the very affordable best brand I can get in our drugstores. I buy the 300 ml tubes they have in DM and Interspar, while Müller only has 200 ml ones. 

Interspar, 3.49 €

PANTENE Pro-V Hair Superfood Conditioner

Another repurchase. Both Repair and this one are so good. Superfood is even thicker than Repair, but they end up working the same on me, though this give me this faux feeling it's better because it's richer. 

Interspar, 3.49 €

CANTU Shea Butter for Natural Hair Hydrating Cream Conditioner

This brand is fairly new here and so far it's also the only one for natural hair we have, so one designed for curly, wavy hair or coils which tend to be a lot drier than straight, fine hair. As you might now my hair is very dry and coarse since forever (since I was 12 when my hair suddenly got curly and way before all the colouring) and few products actually nourish my hair for more than a day, so I had hopes that one for natural hair will finally be enough for me. After one use I can say this is pretty much HG miracle, but also not quite as great as I hoped - I'll explain. In terms of actual nourishment this worked astonishingly well. My ends on which lately even deep treatments didn't work despite having a haircut, finally feel like I used something. They feel nourished and finally not dry straight after a wash - and I'm writing this on day three. Just for that this will stay in my cupboard probably forever (provided it continues to work as effective in the next washes). However, this leaves the feeling of heaviness after rinsing it off, like the product hasn't been washed off properly (I know I did. Kerastase Chonologiste and Joico Moisture Recovery do the same), so I wouldn't recommend this to those with thin hair, even though that feeling actually went away completely by the next morning, leaving my hair surprisingly soft and it's stayed like that until I washed a week later. Lately only Olaplex overnight managed to do that. However, rubbish when it comes to taming the hair and leaving it silky, that's because it has no silicones which my hair needs to look normal (I've been through a yearlong silicone-free phase once and it's not for me). My hair dried very puffy, with a ton of volume and it was just all over the place, plus the feeling of heaviness and I didn't use any of my other leave-ins I normally use to get a more sleek look, so when I went to bed I was sure my hair is going to be a mess in the morning. But I just put in a tight bun like I always do and my the morning my hair had a fresh blow-out look with little frizz. There was no dryness and like I said it was soft, but it lacked the silkiness, still I'm super happy with this. I also didn't have to smoother my hair in extra leave-ins in the morning, which is unheard of and in the next days I only added small amount of leave ins, some Joico K-Pack serum and Balea's oil mentioned below. The packaging has 400 ml, which is superb and it smells strongly of Pina colada. It's not a super thick conditioner so it's easy to apply, it's similar to Pantene in that respect. I will get the Leave-in Cream from this brand. 

Müller, 8.99 €

SCHWARZKOPF GLISS Protein + Cocoa Butter 4-in-1 Moisture Mask

Normally I don't get excited by Gliss masks, as while they are good, in fact brilliant for most, they more on the average side for my hair. However, the 4-in-1 claim made it sound similar to Fructis Hair Food mask which can be used on dry hair as a leave-in conditioner as well. That one was nice, but not as nourishing as I hoped (I had Banana), this on the other hand has cocoa butter high on the list, so I thought it might be better. It turns out you can use this as a leave-in on damp hair, while it's not silicone-y to be smooth enough for dry hair.  The 4 uses are as a pre-wash treatment, mask, conditioner and leave-in, so basically it's just a hair mask that can double as a leave-in treatment, why differentiate between mask and conditioner is just beyond me. Texture of this of average thickness for a mask, it's not super thick like the purple one with Omegaplex, so it's much easier to apply. I used this as a mask and leave-in conditioner. My hair was drying so slow with this on, but unlike with Cantu conditioner, it dried straight and frizzy free, however, by the morning, my hair was curly-ish, frizzy and nor soft, so basically it performs like an average drugstore mask on me and I'm not super impressed by this. It’s probably amazing on those who have normal hair with some dryness, but I need more. I love the colour of the packaging, it’s so me. The scent is creamy with a bit spice or something. 

DM, 6.99 €

BALEA Schönheits Geheimnisse Reichhaltiges Cocosöl 

(Beauty Secrets Rich Coconut Oil)

I got this because it's silicone free. This means it's more nourishing and heavier than silicone-oils, it also means it makes the hair lank and feeling dirty just like all natural oils when you use them every day, but such oils are the only way I can deal with the excessive dryness of my ends. Silicone-oils are more temporary and foremost a staying product for me, but I use coconut oil on most days and I just can't stand the smell of it anymore. This surprised me a lot. Based on ingredients I thought this will be lighter, but it's nicely rich, yet not too heavy and it doesn't leave the hair looking overly greasy like coconut oil does. Actually I thought this was a light oil in a spray, but this has a pump and I'm much happier that it turned out that way. The scent is the same as in their Langhaar Mädchen Haaröl, which I use as heat protection, so a vanilla-coconut scent that's super basic, but way better than coconut oil to me. I hope they keep this and it's not just a summery limited edition because I intend to continue buying it.

Ingredients.

DM, 2.99 €

DOVE Oil Care Nährpflege Spülung

(Oil Care Nutritional Care Conditioner)

Dove used to be one of my absolute favourite hair brand, but now we only have two sets of shampoo and conditioner here. What happened to their hair care? When I was checking ingredients on Müller's online shop, this has argan oil high enough on the list, so I just picked up a bottle not even bothering to check if ingredients on the ones we have are match. They don't. Argan oil is at the very bottom on the list on my version and I'm wondering if it's like with Nutella where Slovenes and Eastern European countries get the rubbish stuff "adapted to the local consumer's taste" as if we desire the inferior stuff (though it makes no sense, since I got it in Müller) or it went through a recent reformulation. Now I don't expect much from it, but let's hope it's enough for my hair. I'll report back.

Müller, 2.99 €

BALEA PROFESSIONAL Kopfhaut-Balance Ansatz-Balsam

(Scalp Balance Balm)

This is a moisturiser for the scalp and I was immediately intrigued because I've been suffering from dandruff and dry scalp most of my life and I've tried everything to fix it. It has a very handy long and precise nozzle, which helps at application, but it's still very hard getting it all over the scalp, impossible really because this isn't liquid, it's a medium thick cream and I just give up before I manage to get it all over. There definitely less dandruff when I use it, but I use it in combination with the conditioner, however, my scalp is still itchy at times. I'll continue using it, as so far this line is very promising. This is also meant for the ends since it has some keratin, but it feels like nothing on my ends and I won't waste it for that. 

DM, 2.49 €

BALEA PROFESSIONAL Kopfhaut-Balance Spülung

(Scalp Balance Conditioner)

This isn't meant just for the scalp, but I will only combine it with a more nourishing treatment for the bottom part of my hair. It's creamy, yet light for a conditioner, still with my length and thickness it takes some time and acrobatics with flipping my hair around to get this on most parts of the scalp. I doesn't leave my hair greasy or heavy, in fact I have plenty of volume left, but you know I can't say if it's going to be the same on oily scalp. Just like the balm, this is very promising when it comes to my scalp condition. I'll report back when the tube is empty.  

DM, 1.79 €

ILIRIJA Hydrogen Cream 3%

I got two more of these developers. Since my hair is bleached and coloured, I swap the developers in the box colours with this one which is more gentle. I used this with Subrina Spectra Demi-permanent colours, specifically shade 8/10 Ice Blonde and Garnier's Color Naturals 9.1. 

DM, 1.29 €

L'OREAL PARIS Magic Retouch 

Medium to Dark Blonde (for Blondes with Dark Roots)

I got this a day after I did my roots, so I don't know if it works on dark hair yet. I missed with the shade. The light blonde one looked too yellow for my ashy colour and I compared a strand of my hair with the picture on the bottle, which perfectly matched, but this is a shade or two too dark. At least it's an natural to ashy looking colour, so I might be able to create an shadow roots look. If not I'll go pick up the light blonde one too, because so far I like the formula. It's natural looking on the hair, it's not like a hair spray or a dry shampoo that it could feel like something on the hair and it doesn't come off on bedding. We'll see in a week or two how it deals with the roots, mine come in blazingly fast.

DM, 6.19 €

SCWARZKOPF GOT2B Bye Bye Babyhaar Bändiger

(Babyhair Tamer)

Years ago John Frieda has a similar product which was so good, but it was discontinued. I saw this on meindm and I immediately knew I had to track it down. This stuff is pretty amazing for frizz and flyaways, it does the job so well and fast. It's like a hair gel in a mascara form, but it doesn't feel stiff or heavy. This has a plastic wand, while John Frieda has the classic one and I think this one is better. This also smells like peaches which is an extra plus.

Müller, 7.99 €

FA Magic Oil Indulgingly Caring Shower Gel

Blue Lotus Scent

I love this one, but it was hard to track down when I only went to grocery shops - since it's Fa, I thought it was everywhere. It's not that special, though the formula is thicker than average, but the winner for me is the aquatic floral scent. 

DM,  2-3 €

NIVEA Care Shower Love Splash

A repurchase. I feel in love with its refreshing orange peel bitter citrus scent. The formula is nice too, not drying, the gel is thicker than most and nice to use. 

DM, 2.59 €

BALEA Duschschaum 

Pure Energy 

I've had Balea's shower mousses before and they were amazing. This is not as rich and firm as I remember, or maybe I'm mixing it up with the Dove one which is just fabulous, but argan version I had smells terrible. Still it's a nicely fluffy foam that's nice to use. The scent is more lime than mint and not as intensely citrusy as I expected, it's kind of subdued for such a scent.

DM, 0.99 €

BALEA Bodylotion Urea

Last month I praised the entire Urea line and I said I plan to get the lotion too, which finally happened a few days ago. This leave the same silky smooth film on the skin as the hand cream, so I'm quite happy with it. Formula is medium thick lotion, similar to a Nivea Q10 one I have, so not as rich as BBW Ultra Shea. It's not a lotion for those who dislike when a product needs time to sink in and it needs extra buffing to get rid of the white streaks, but I use it at night, so I don't care. I've been using it every day since I got it, we'll see if it manages to do such a dramatic difference on my driers areas as the Nivea lotion did.

DM, 2-3 €

BALEA Rasiergel

Iced Berries

I wanted the new peach version that I've seen on IG, but they didn't have it. I'm actually quite happy with the scent of this one. It's a very sweet candy version of forest berries, it's definitely one of my favourites they've made. I currently have the coconut one, which is so bland compared to this, I plan to finish it soon. 

DM, 1.99 €

BALEA Bodygel Aloe Vera

I saw this was reduced and last year when I got sunburned I couldn't find a cheap enough aloe vera gel that would have it high on the list or be 100%. This only has 10% aloe vera, so you get what you pay for. As you might expect it's a pretty basic gel and luckily it doesn't feel too sticky for such a product plus there's no alcohol in it, though it's fragranced. 

DM, 0.89 €

BALEA Fuss Maske

I wanted to get the version with the socks from Balea or either Scholl, but I recoiled in horror when I saw the prices for something that's meant for single use. So I got this mini packet instead and I'll make my own socks. My feet are very dry, so I'm hoping for the best. I'm also regularly using Balea Urea 10%. 

DM, 0.79 €

DOVE Nourishing Secrets Restoring Ritual 48h Anti-Perspirant

With coconut and jasmine flower scent

A while ago I switched from this to FA, which I got because it was cheap and I'm used to switching deodorants after finishing one because they tend to stop working on me. FA turned out to be the worst one I've tried so far. I did not work for long, so I went back to this one, which is proving itself to very reliable. For a time I loved the coconut scent, then despised it, now I don't notice it, but all the time this never failed me.

Interspar, about 3 €

Have a great day!

New in #88

Balea catrice deborah Fructis gliss Joico L'occitane L'Oreal Matrix Maybelline New In Olaplex Oriflame The Body Shop

New in #88

Admin   February 09, 2020   Comment  

 L'OREAL Paradise Extatic Mascara

I was going through my reviews and I was reminded what a great volumising effect this mascaras has, so I put it on my wishlist and later got it as a gift. What I failed to remember is how much it drops the lashes. In 2019 I was lucky enough to receive two absolutely amazing formulas, Max Factor's 2000 Calorie and Oriflame's Tremendous mascara, which I've been using for the pasts half a year and both keep my lashes up enough, so I sort of forgot about my lashes being annoying/thought maybe they changed, but sadly Paradise reminded me why I'm not a fan of most regular formulas. Regardless this has one of the nicest volumising effects. It quickly creates big, volumised lashes that are nicely separated and fanned out - it truly is a winner. So I ordered the waterproof version and hopefully I'll get the same effect with the added bonus keeping my lashes curled.

Müller, 13.99 €

L'OREAL Le Blush 

120 Sandalwood Pink

I've been in this rut when it comes to blushes because I've been using the amazing L.O.V. ones almost exclusively since I got them almost a year ago. This was on my wishlist since the day I first saw Le Blushes here and gave them a swatch. We only have two shades, but as far as I know more exist. I sort of forgot that not all blushes are as amazingly smooth as L.O.V.s, those truly spoiled me, thought this L'Oreal formula is still a great one, but kind of a standard good formula, similar to Catrice one. It's not as easy and fool proof to apply as L.O.V., but it behaves the same as the rest of my better blushes. It's nicely pigmented, it has a tiny bit of a glow, but not as much as I want (and get with L.O.V. 050) and it lasts well. The shade is muted rosy-slightly brownish/peachy shade that looks like a regular pink flush on my cheeks. You also get a brush and a mini mirror in the back of the packaging.

Müller, 10.99 €

DEBORAH 24 Ore Velvet Mat Lipstick

07

These are new in the drugstores and since they are matte I was immediately interested, luckily I got one as a gift from my cousin (thank you!). I was picking between shades 02 and 07, the first I felt looked a bit too brownish for me, though it was a pretty shade, but I picked the more pink looking 07. Formula is really well made, it's properly matte, glides on the lips with ease, it's not too thick or drying and it's got a good level of pigmentation. I was concerned it might not last long, but it looks like freshly applied several hour later, provided of course I don't eat. 

DM, 8.69 €

MAYBELLINE Fit Me Matte + Poreless Foundation

110 

My favourite foundation. Müller had 30% off and I grabbed a spare because I wore this after about two months of not being able to wear makeup and when my skin settled, I picked up this and it made my skin look so good. It looks so natural and smooth, so like my skin, but 10x better. In Müller this is the lightest shade (I think there are some lower numbers in DM), which is ok for me, but 100 fits me better.

Müller, 8.49 €

CATRICE Lip Treatment with Shea Butter

This is about to be discontinued/it's already gone so it had a 50% discount. I'm just not impressed by it. The texture looks very promising, it's nicely thick and gives the appearance it's going to be very nourishing, however, it ends up being much lighter on the lips, it doesn't stay very long and it's not super moisturising. Maybe I'm spoiled from Laneige, but the cheaper Palmer's is better too as is their stick version, it's just annoyingly white on the lips. The scent is odd, I don't know of what it is, most say an artificial lemon scent, but mine is weirder, like something past expiration date. This was a missed purchase.

Müller, 2 €

*CATRICE Poreless Perfection Mousse Foundation

010 Warm Ivory

This is very similar to the Rimmel's Lasting Matte foundation I reviewed recently. It's so thick that it's not easy to get it out of the tube, yet it turns into this light mousse formula that's instantly dry-to-the-touch and completely matte, so it's like some pore refining primers. Shade 010 is much too dark for me (005 exists too, but we had no testers in my local Müller, so I couldn't check how light it is to report back to you) and this texture is impossible to lighten with The Body Shop Adjusting Drops, as it kind of clumps up and becomes useless. Another big issue with this is that I couldn't apply a concealer over it in a nice way because it made the foundation under it pile and cake. Maybe it's because it's silicone free, I don't know. However, on its own it has a nice effect on the skin - as described it creates a smooth, somewhat poreless effect and it's completely matte. Coverage is light, I can't call it a light-medium and it's not really buildable because the formula is an odd one. So far I find it's just too problematic, though if you can find match and you plan to use it on its own as pore hiding primer with some coverage it's okay-ish, but I find I can't apply anything with moisture on top. Maybe others had better luck with this one than me.

6.09 €

*CATRICE Instant Awake Concealer 

005 Neutral Light

This is much more impressive than the foundation and a very likeable product. It's not quite as nice as Maybelline's Eraser, mostly due to the packaging, but it has a similar texture and effect. It's a natural looking concealer with a medium coverage, so just the type I like most, but the applicator could be a bit better. At Maybelline's it's soft, yet not flimsy, but at Catrice's the sponge part is empty inside, so it's completely flexible and you can't use it for blending like Maybelline's. But that's not such a big minus and the formula deserve a praise, even though some might consider it not pigmented enough, but Catrice has their Liquid Coverage for when you need more. Due to a light formula it creases, so you need to set it with some powder. My shade is the second lightest and it's passable on me, it's due to the sheerer formula, so one shade fits a wider range of skin tones. One big minus that I think will become problematic soon - it's only 1.8 ml of product. Based on my experience with a Bourjois 123 CC concealer that has a similar amount, this won't last long, plus here the sponge absorbs a lot of the product (in comparison you get 6.8 ml at Maybelline, so it's actually much cheaper per ml).

5.09 €

CATRICE Tender Lash LE 3D False Lashes 

C03 Posh

I bought one pair myself and in a few days I got sent the same pair. These looked the most wearable and least crazy when I was picking which pair to take in this limited edition, however, when I tried them on they just look way too much on me. They are also too wide for my, granted, smaller eyes than average, so I'd have to cut away a bit to make them fit. They feel flexible and light, but they are noticeable on the eye due to the sheer weight. The added glue works ok, though for such big lashes I almost feel it could be a bit stronger.

Müller, 4.29 €

*CATRICE Tender Lash LE Liquid Eyeliner

C03 Reflection

A sparkly eyeliner with a dark purple/brown/grey base. It's more liquid than their black regular version I use all the time and not as pigmented, though you can get a fully opaque coat with this. It takes a couple of minutes to set and it feels more wet than their most. Staying power is not as impressive as at black one and most of it is gone in a few hours.

4.19 €

  Also wearing Catrice Instant Awake Concealer over Lancome Teint Idole Ultra, L'Oreal Le Blush 120 Sandalwood Pink and Deborah 24 Ore Velvet Mat Lipstick 07.

CATRICE Lash Couture 

Classicista Volume Lashes

The other lashes I picked on Catrice's stand, I was going to take the magnetic ones, but they look like something between an accent and regular ones, so I wasn't sure they are worth it (Essence's look even weirder). These reminded me of Ardell's demi wispies, which are the only lashes I liked so far. when I tried them first I was not impressed at all because they looked like I was wearing nothing, but the reason for than was my own obnoxious lashes. I wore Lash Paradise which doesn't hold them up, so even with extra length and volume of these lashes, I looked like I have none. On the second try I wore them with Essence's I <3 Extreme waterproof which managed kept my lashes curled and the effect was much more impressive. Actually I now I feel they are already too much for me, I'd prefer something more natural, but these are still a nice set for when you want big, voluminous lashes, but not look completely ridiculous like with the set I mentioned above. The band is flexible and they feel light on the eyes, so I’m not constantly aware they are on, unless I get the glue everywhere like I did the first time. The added glue holds ok, it got me through both days, but it’s not very strong. 

Müller, 4.29 €

*CATRICE Plumping Serum 1,5% Hyaluronic Acid

Catrice released three new skin care products, aside from this one also a vitamin C serum (with a combination of niacinamide and a stable version of vitamin C Sodium ascorbyl phosphate high on the list ) and a rose face mist. This serum seem pretty much the same to me as the hyaluronic serum from Hofer that I had many years ago and I didn't like it very much. It's a thick serum that's hard to pick up with the pipette and when dries it leaves this film on the skin, so when you want to apply anything over it, it can pile. I much prefer the texture of Hada Labo lotion which contains several sizes of hyaluronic acid and it doesn't feel at all sticky like this one. This serum is fragranced which might not make it suitable for some with sensitive skin. As a plus I can say that unlike several hyaluronic acid products it appears it's not breaking me out.

6.09 € 

*THE BODY SHOP Drops of Youth™ Youth Concentrate

I'm more of a fan of the Oil of Life line and I was always very sceptical about this one due to alcohol high on the list, though it is after glycerine, still I have fears this could totally wreck the barrier. But after reading reviews which are mostly positive, I've decided to risk it and just go with it, at least for some time. It's a similar thick serum texture as Catrice's Hyaluronic acid, but not as sticky. My skin starts to feel tight fast after application when I use it on its own, but I can't determine whether it's actively drying or just not enough for my skin on its own. I counteract the drying with a ton of extra skin care, which I use daily anyway. I saw no immediate results, though some people report visibly improves the condition of the skin practically overnight. I hear it assist at fading old spot marks, I have quite a few at the moment and after two weeks of regular use in combination with several products my skin did stop breaking out so much on my chin, which was my problem for the last month and my spot marks are less visible, but it's not a miraculously fast improvement. Honestly, I'm not comfortable using a product with so much alcohol so high on the list even if it would have amazing results. Annoying thing about this - it's so thick and the pipette's hole is so small, it can't suck up any product, so I'm forced scrapping it off the pipette.

29.50 €

*THE BODY SHOP Drops of Youth™ Youth Eye Concentrate

This is one of those eye product with a metal massage ball. You press the applicator and quite a lot of product comes out from the sides of the ball and TBS suggest you massage it in in a shape of an 8. The first two uses it burned. I don't know whether it was the alcohol, which is also high on the list here, or something else, but for the first few minutes I felt a medium strength burning, yet got no redness or irritations. The next uses were completely fine and I still continue to use it, though I see no result from this yet and my eyes aren't puffy when I wake up, so I don't know if the metal ball helps with that, but the applicator is nice to use. It's just the formula I'm not so sure about because it also has alcohol too high on the list.

21.50 €

*THE BODY SHOP Hemp Hydrating & Protecting Shower Oil

This is a brand new product by TBS and I'm not sure, but I don't recall any other shower oil, so it might be their first. The texture of this reminds me of L'Occitane's, meaning it's a thick formula that forms a rich emulsion and is definitely appropriate for dry skin. However, as much as I love the formula of this, I can't stand the smell. It's a strong herbal scent that lingers for so long and I never liked such fragrances. They need to make this formula with their shea scent.

13.90 €

*THE BODY SHOP Hemp Hard-working Hand Protection

Another great formula from The Body Shop, this one is an old one though and I remember it being very popular in the past. It's very thick and rich, similar to L'Occitane's 20% Shea Butter Creams and actually even more intense. It doesn't absorb as fast, but it leaves a nourishing coat that persists for a while, so I can see it working great on very dry skin. But again I can't stand the herbal scent which lasts for hours.

6.90 €

*THE BODY SHOP Heavy-duty Lip Care

A fairly average lip balm, but an average great one. It reminds me of Lip Smackers and it's not a waxy-feeling formula that just sits on the lips. The scent is not for me, though it's the most mild of the three products. 

6.90 €

L'OCCITANE 20% Shea Butter Hand Cream

Honey Harvest

I've always loved L'Occitane honey products, they smelled so authentic and it was one of the reasons I feel in love with the brand a decade ago (+ almond), so I was excited to see they released a few products late last year. I didn't test them before putting them on my wishlist because I was so sure they always use the scent, then I got it as a gift from my cousin, who got it for me well this set was sold out. This is quite far away from the honey scent I'm familiar with, it's a strong floral (probably orchid) with a tiny hint of honey. At least the formula is the same rich texture of the shea 20%, so excellent quality.

L'OCCITANE 5% Shea Butter Lip Balm 

Honey Harvest

Same goes for this as the cream: the scent is not honey and it makes the lip gloss taste like perfume. Formula is ok, but L'Occitane had much, much better glosses in the past. It's like a lip gloss-lip balm creamy hybrid, however, it doesn't last as long on the lips as some others. 

ORIFLAME Wild Blueberry Shower Cream and Multi-Purpose Cream

As expected this smells like candy blueberries. I've been using the shower gel and it's an average one one with a nice, strong scent. I haven't tried the cream yet.

Oriflame, Shower Cream 4.90 € (with current discount 2.99 €); Cream 9.90 € (with current discount 3.99 €)

JOICO K-PAK Deep Penetrating Reconstructor 

A repurchase. I've raved about it many times because it never fails to fix my hair when very protein deficient, so even more coarse to the touch than usual with zero softness, lacks pliability and no amount of moisturising care nourishes it sufficiently. This is like a time machine that fixes the hair to its previous state. I always use it in combination with the Intense Hydrator since because it's a protein treatment, on its own it doesn't leave the hair soft and it's really recommended you use a moisturising mask after for the best possible result. Its' better than Olaplex on me in terms of visible, touchable effect, but I consider them different products and I still use Olaplex regularly.

Notino, 21.50 €

JOICO K-PAK Intense Hydrator

Another repurchase, this one unlike Reconstructor one of many since I've been buying it for years. It's one of the best treatments for my dry, thick coarse hair. It works best with Reconstructor, but when I don't need a heavy dose of protein, I use this on its own as a moisturising treatment.

Notino, 21.90 €

JOICO K-Pak Liquid Reconstructor

I already talked about this in my monthly favourites. It's is a leave-in light version of the Reconstructor that I use after most washes now (though I soon won't because every hair care needs a careful balance of protein and moisturing treatments, and overdoing on proteins can lead to brittle hair, so I'll alternate it with a moisturising one). I wanted Joico's Quadramine Complex in a leave-in version too because it's quicker to use and I can use it in-between intense treatments with Reconstructor. I mentioned in monthly favourites that I've been using it on dry ends too in between washes then I add Nuxe oil on top and my ends stay moisturised much, much longer than usual, which makes sense when you know that proteins fill the empty spaces on damaged hair, fix the porosity somewhat and therefore prevent it from "leaking moisture like a sieve" (that's my way of putting it, but porous hair absorbs and also loses moisture much faster, that's why damaged hair dries quickly being wet). The bottle is massive with 300 ml of product which should last me a while. It's a light milky liquid that doesn't weight down the hair, make it greasy or sticky, so it should fit fine damaged hair like Joico says.

Notino, 19.90 €

MATRIX Total Results The Re-Bond 2 Pre-Conditioner

I already raved about this in my monthly favourites - with one use this duo became one of my favourite product lines ever, truly the results were flipping mind blowing and even since I used it, my hair feels like new even after using other care. It got that bounce back, since after I bleached my hair didn't fall as nicely as before, it just felt stiff and though Joico did a massive improvement already fixing in (basically adding strength), this made that extra step to make it feel more healthy. It made it feel more silky and it added a lot of shine, and results lasted even after I used other treatments, so this get high praise from me. I said in my monthly favourites I left it on a lot longer than instructions say, though that's just my thing, obviously for most those 5 minutes should be enough, but leaving on longer doesn't hurt. You get 200 ml of this for 8 € and the texture of the product, though it's on the thick side, is very emollient so it's easy to spread all over the hair without using excessive amounts. 

Notino, 8.30 €

MATRIX Total Results The Re-Bond 3 Conditioner

Re-bond conditioner is meant for frequent use unlike step 2, which is more of a special treatment (step 2 should be layered with the conditioner, so you should invest in both if you plan to get it. The shampoo from this line looks like a regular cleansing/chelating one to me and since I heard it's drying, I skipped it). Texture is quite a light, liquid conditioner that is very easy to spread. I have only used it with step two and once with a Moroccanoil Restorative mask (I'll talk about it in next new in because I just used it once yesterday, but so far I'm impressed), so I don't know how it works on its own, but it might be too light for me. I might use it one day on it's own and report back, but I plan to use it mostly in combination with step 2. There was no scent at either of the products. Here you get 300 ml for 7 € (if you buy online, I saw some crazy prices in a salon and on meindm, which shows prices in Austrian DMs - 18.5 €!).

Notino, 6.90 €

OLAPLEX n.3

A repurchase. I always say the same thing - I don't see visible results from this but I still use it because I bleached my hair and it's the only product that science proves rebuilds broken bonds, so the it's only one that fixes damage (L'Oreal's/Matrixes malic acid just lubricates the protein chains I believe, making the hair less brittle). I honestly wouldn't be bleaching my hair if I didn't have this in my collection. It's better to be safe than sorry.

Notino, 23.00 €

MATRIX Total Results Brass Off Custom Neutralization Hair Mask

This is a very complicated product to use, in fact I'm still trying to get a hang of it. It was designed for brunettes with blonde highlights, ombre, balayage - anything where bleach was involved. When dark hair is lightened you get first red, then orange, golden and lastly yellow tones, and to reach the lightest hair it can take several bleachings, so you can be stuck on more orange-yellow stages than a natural blonde would when lightening the hair and instead of a classic purple shampoo/mask, you need a blue product counteract those brassy tones that start to appear fast as the colour/toner is washing off. This looks so intense blue on the hair, it's kind of scary to see it, but at least it smells nicely like blueberries (Tigi's Small Talk has the same scent). It says to leave it on for 10 minutes and to use gloves (which stupidly I didn't as you can on my nails, but I don't like using gloves because I don't feel well where I already applied the product). It's a thick product, meaning you use a lot, especially since you have to make sure every strand is coated, so you use at least twice as much as of a regular hair mask (not sure if the conditioner is lighter, but it might have been a better choice if I got that instead. There's also a shampoo, but I prefer masks/conditioners based on experience). I assumed this was a product that is too strong for my relatively blonde hair by now, so the first time I left it on for only 5 minutes and I got zero effect. It all just washed off like I used nothing, like it was just a coloured coat sitting on top of the hair and it didn't even work on my lightest hair. I was surprised to see no effect because Subrina's Colour Refresh works almost in seconds. Same thing happened the second time I used it for recommended 10 plus a few more minutes, so that was two attempts that made me waste a lot of product. Attempt 3 was leaving it on for 20-25 minutes, only then I got an effect, but it was uneven just like with a purple mask. I got a mix of overcooled steel blue ends of level 10 (which were actually quite pretty if you like that grey effect), the level 9 yellow was toned most decently, but the hair where I actually expected toning, so golden yellow level 8 and some bit of orange level 7 stayed mostly the same (you can see that orange strand still peeking above the tube on the right picture, but most is hidden under the top layers). Basically I got a mix of super cool with warm shades and as expected now my hair is a bit darker, which some might say it looks terrible, but I just shrug and say whatever, I can deal with it. So the gist is, yes it works, but best results will be achieved on hair that is all lightened to the same level (so either all very light or all very golden-orange) and 10 minutes is not enough for hair that is not light blonde, which is exactly the type this was supposedly designed to. Also in the next washing most of it washed off, which I expected any way. In terms of how nice the formula is, it's a really good nourishing formula that was rich enough for my hair. I told you in an empties post that the back of my hair is quite orange (because I was bleaching my still natural dark brown there) and I immediately planned to re-do bleaching next time  I'm going my roots and hopefully get rid of strong orange and then this might be easier to use for me, the fact I didn't get the perfect result now is all the fault of my bad hair colouring anyway. Other options are that I leave it on for an hour and live with some very blue strands or try to single out those orange parts and just try this one those. 

  Notino, 11.52 €

SCHWARZKOPF GLISS Hair Repair Fiber Therapy Bonding Seal Mask

Though I see nothing particularly special on the ingredients list apart from a basic moisturising formula with a tiny bit of hydrolised keratin, I hope I'm just not knowledgeable enough to see what that omegaplex is at Schwarzkopf and gave it a go to see if it's any good. Omegaplex is supposed to be a bond builder, so something like Olaplex, but it can't be the same as Olaplex has their "special ingredient" patented. I also don't see any malic acid that L'Oreal uses in their Professional line and Matrix, nor succinic acid that Schwarzkopf has in their Blondme line. The texture is very thick, so it was not easy applying this on the hair quickly and I had to use a lot of it for one use. In terms of effect it was ok, nothing ground-breaking, but for a drugstore mask a nice one, very nourishing and that's about it. It can't compare to Matrix in terms of results, but for very dry hair that's not necessarily also damaged, it's a good one. 

About 6-7 €. I got it in Leclerc, since it's not sold in Műller or DM any more.

GARNIER FRUCTIS SOS Repair 10 in 1 All-in-one Leave-in

The 10 in 1 claim is obviously exaggerated - well, stretched out and kind of Captain Obvious one - but I got this because it has coconut oil high on the list, it's a heat protectant and because it can be used on damp and wet hair, so I had some hopes it's similar to the discontinued Dove Super Quench. It's not great on dry hair. The formula lacks silicones, so it quickly ends up feeling too heavy on the hair even on my thick, dry, unruly texture. On damp hair I had mixed results. The first time it added some extra care, but at the cost of that light, airy feeling of freshly washed hair. The second time I used only two pumps and results were much better. The the key here truly is quantity. The bottle is massive with 400 ml, so I have no idea when I'll use this up, especially since it's just a regular moisturising treatment to me and doesn't do the extra bits like taming the hair or making it feel smooth.
Leclerc, about 4-5 €

BALEA Handcreme Urea

I immediately liked this. This is seriously good just like reviews say and I really like using it. It leaves my hands nicely nourished and with this nice silky feeling so they feel softer with other hand creams. 

DM, about 1-2 €

FA Invisible Sensitive 48h Protection Anti-Perspirant

Rose & Hawthorne

This is my first time trying Fa deodorants. It's barely scented, but it appears to be working so far. It doesn't keep me completely dry all the time, but at least it keeps the odours at bay. 

BALEA Rasiergel Exotic Coco

An unwilling repurchase. I wanted any other scent, but this was the only one we had here for two months when I was checking out if we have the regular version or some new LE (ironically we got it a week after I bough this). It's not my favourite because it smells bland and not really tropically coconuty, but the gel itself is great as usual. 

DM, 1.99 €

BALEA Erfrischendes Wasch Gel

My regular repurchase. Packaging was changed again and now has the 10% aloe vera claim at the top, but I don't know if they changed the formula too.

DM, 1.99 €

BALEA Fusscreme 10% Urea

I got this after liking the hand cream. I'm not that impressed, it feels lighter than the hand version and therefore doesn't appear to be as nourishing despite more urea. I used up the 25% urea one and it wasn't super impressive. I was told this one is much better, but I think I'll just try to use it up quickly and use then use the hand version instead.

DM, 1-2 €

BALEA Reinigendes Handgel

Magical Team 

I had hopes this will be strongly scented, but it has this sweet floral scent that's nothing special. I wish we had Bath & Body Works here, those are so much more impressive. I hate this version only comes with the rubber sleeve which I have no use for; like the bottle isn't enough plastic already. 

BALEA Badesalz Wasser Melone

I got this as a gift and I haven't used this yet, but I can smell the watermelon through the bag. Something for giving you that summer feels in the bathtub. 

BALEA Pflegecreme Fűhl dich Gedrűck

I got this as a gift too. I used to buy these all the time and used them as hand creams because they are nicely nourishing and absorb fast. This one has a nice floral sweet scent.