Beauty purchases from the Body Shop

There are a couple of skin care and beauty products I always purchase from Body Shop, mostly green-tea based but also some Vitamin D face spray - to be reviewed in a later post. However, I haven't tried too often their make up products. Celebrating the summer, I made myself a little different present: the smoky blue eye definer and the eye palette groowing gold.

I always loved the eye definer, but I mostly used the black one. This blue is decent, from the dark ultramarine family. It is very light - 1 gram only - and is provided also at the other end with a correction pencil. In the last month, I used it frequently, with good and stable results. After half of a busy day, the eye liner did not smashed and looks as fresh as it was in the morning. It also has the advantage that can be easily adapted to various circumstances, from casual to dating and evening glamour. 

Very often, I am using the pencil together with the eye palette colour choices. A good match and, for my makeup needs, a very fine combination. The colours are on the list of favourite in clothes too, but go well also with yellow or just black outfits. As in the case of the pencil, it is pretty adaptable and it lasts long. It brings a touch of discretion and elegance to the outfit and allowed me more than once to focus the weight of my look on the eyes. The box is provided with an eye colour brush which works very efficiently. Another advantage is that on the back of the box it offers a sample of makeup. To be honest, I've found the idea of applying the gold-yellow one at the corner of the eye as a very inspired one, as it gives width to the eye, especially if you have the almond shaped type as I do. 

In conclusion, both products were a good and long-time investment.

Beauty product review: Vinosource Moisturing Sorbet by Caudalie

One of the first and most important lessons my mother taught me about being a woman was to take care of my skin, as early in life as possible. Besides the good genetics, my clean and youngish looking skin is the result of years of intensive care and special protection, all round the year and the day. For instance, I never go to sleep without cleaning my face - either I had one of my many make-up free days. Another healthy habit I follow since my early teenage years is to use every day a skin care product, particularly in the morning. 

In the last two months, I had a new entry favourite product: Vinosource Moisturing Sorbet by Caudalie. I knew that wine, especially the red one, makes wonder to the body - if consummed in moderation, of course - but did not know too much about the benefits of wine-products for the skin. Caudalie uses grape-based ingredients in the composition of many of their products. In the case of the Moisturing Sorbet - 40 ml. - there is organic grapewater and vinolevure, which helpt the strengthening and moisturizing of the skin. It also gas chamomille extract, which calms and soothes. 

Although it is recommended for sensitive skin, it does good to the normal skin as mine too. I am using it in the morning, first thing after I wake up and it gives a long lasting freshness effect. In the case of my skin, it makes it feel velvet-like and matifies it. It is recommended to use it in the evening too. For an intense feeling of freshness, it is recommended to keep in in the fridge. 

I strongly recommend this product, especially if you are in your late 30s and you have a very active life, which also involves frequent trips and climate changes.

Skin spa from L'Oréal

Source: L'Oréal

I haven't tried too many skin oils because I just prefer to use the right product at the right moment. Right now, after three weeks spent in a relatively polluted part of the world and with a different temperature heights I am back to the chilly yet hot once in a while climate of Berlin. The first victim of such changes is the skin and thus, decided that I should pay more attention and care to it.

Thus, my decision to give my skin a spa for a week with Luxurious oils from L'Oréal Paris. It is available in Germany at any Douglas or Rossmann store, for prices starting with 15 EUR. I used 5 drops each time, in the morning and for the night. The recommendation is to use less for the day, but somehow I decided that I need more soothening. I applied the oil on the entire skin, plus the neck. In the evening treatment, I did a bit of extra massage. 

The overall experience was from good to excellent. It is well absorbed by the skin and I haven't developed any allergy. The skin looked revigorated and shining. The first minutes after applying, the skin is a bit too greasy, but maybe I was too excited about the products and overdid the recommended dosis.

L'Oréal aimed to offer a real spa feeling to the skin, with a mixture of many fragrances among which: olive fruit oil, jojoba seed oil, sunflower oil, corn oil, rosemary, cucumber fruit extract, turmeric root extract, jasmine extract, orange peel, lemon. Unfortunately, the predominant fragrance is lavender, which I fancy the least, so for me, was not the happiest olphactive experience.

The general impression about this product is very good, with a good value for money and visible effects on skin. Recommended, especially if you like the lavender smell.

Beauty review: Labello hydro care lip balm

During and after my pregnancy I did cope with a big problem: very dried lips. Besides the aesthetical considerations, it gave me an annoying feeling and discomfort, especially after waking up. I tried various hydo care lip balms and to drink more water too, but once in a while the phenomenon was back. 

Then, completely randomly I found in my messy closet the Labello hydro care lip balm that I forgot I ever bought - it happens, isn't it?. I applied in on my lips by default but without too many expectations and went busy with my daily chores. After a little while, I discovered that I feel so unexplainable good in my skin. The reason was the disparition of my dry lips. In the evening, I applied once again and it worked. Apparently, all my dry lips problems were about to disappear for good with only one trace of hydro care.

Made of ingredients like aloe vera and pure water, Labello hydro care lip balm does not give any shine or colour to the lips. It also offers protection against UVA and UVB rays. Applied on the lips it gives a couple of minutes the sensation of fat, but it disappears fast. Upon applying a big layer of labello on lips, wait a couple of hours and you will see the results. 

The small tube can be carrier everywhere. Or lost very easily as I did more than once. It has a nice, pleasant to the eyes design. I did usually apply twice the day. The tube may last more than one month. One piece costs around 2.50 EUR, available at the Rossmann and DM stores in Berlin. 

Beauty review: Hydra Active 3 Skin Perfection by L'Oreal Paris

I love the hydration products and I always feel safe when I have at least one into my beauty closet. After going deep into my 30s, I decided to use intensively extra hydration, with the same care I take care to clean my face every day, regardless if I use make-up or not or if I went out of the house or not. I want to keep the skin clean.

This Hydra Active 3 Skin Perfection by L'Oreal Paris is available in the Rossmann stores in Berlin for less than 2 Eur. It is available in a 200 ml. bottle that may last more than one month, used twice the day, in the morning and in the evening. For the evening, I cleaned my face with Balea wet napkins. To apply, I used the big ISANA pads who had the advantage of offering a better coverage of the skin and absorbs more liquid. 

It works for every skin type, and must be applied on the face, neck and decollete. It is parabene free and contains, among others: water, glycerine, fragrance and hydrogenated castor oil. 

After the first 2 days, my skin started to look cleaner, velvet-like by touch, but also a bit too greasy for my taste. The liquid is oily and does have a smell which I do not necessarily fancy to skin products. I did not develop any allergic reaction, but upon applying it does itch a bit as it happends in the case of products with a bit of alcohol - and its derivatives - content. 

What I really find annoying is the impractical system of pouring the liquid. There is no possibility to portion the quantity of liquid on the pad which can lead often to unexpected drops of oily liquid spread where you expect less. 

Otherwise is a recommended purchase ut do not expect wonders unless you use other skin care products. 

Cheap or expensive? What products are the best for you?

Before I am planning what I have to write for the week, I am trying to include various beauty products, including creams, perfumes or make-up. In most cases, I purchase these products from the local DM and Rossmann store in Berlin, which always offer various temptations at a very good price. 

The products that I stuck in my closet vary, from high-end expensive ones to affordable investments for the daily care. For instance, I am using right now make-up removal wet napkins from Balea for less than 1 Euro. As I used for a long time various creams, I may say that I am very happy with the results of the wet napkins because not only clean the traces of make up but also offer a proper hydration to my skin. 

For a long time, I used to think that only expensive products are good for the skin. When it comes to make it, it actually works in many cases, but when it comes to skin care, nowadays there are many quality affordable options, at least when it comes to the German market. As I am very careful about my skin, before I buy a product I reading the ingredients and the description in order to be sure that it is worth to try it. My experience with both categories of products is that it happens to invest in very expensive products that disappointed me greatly while small investments brought me a lot of advantages. As a rule, I prefer to use known brands, with a well established reputation, including in the field of medical and scientific research.

On this blog, I will always keep posting product recommendations and reviews of products that I tested and used myself, regardless of their price. Proved quality is what matters for me. As I only occasionally do luxury reviews, most of the products introduced on this blog usually belong to the medium priced category. As usual, I am always curious to discover new brands and products but be sure that the review will always reflect my direct experience.

Product review: Clearasil Daily Clear. Hydra blast Peeling

After giving birth, I am looking for new reliable skin products that can be used fast with maximum efficiency. After the weekly masks, the cleaning products are the most sought during my frequent visits to Rossmann or DM stores in Berlin. 

Clearasil Daily Clear - Hydra blast peeling, exfoliant, is my newest beauty discovery. It has aloe vera and cucumber extract - one of my favourite ingredients in creams and not only for the smell - and Vitamin 3, praised for its qualities as good skin moisturizer, bringing skin softness, suppleness and hydration. Especially for a skin that it is no longer in the early 20s, this Vitamin helps improving the appearance. 

I started to use the product twice the day, in the morning and in the evening. In the evening, I took care to have a make-up free face. The moisturized cream mixed in the hand is applied in all directions on the wet skin. Wait around 2 minutes than rinse with warm water. Preparing and applying takes around 5 minutes from your time, a total of 10 minutes the day for your skin only. Not bad, isn't it?

As for the results, my skin looks back velvet-like. A did encounter some mild irritation that did not last. It has a pleasant smell, fresh, for sure given by the high concentration of cucumber. 

The 150 ml tube is a new formula and may last around 1 month. It can be purchased from the Rossmann store for less than 3 euro. Besides Germany, and France where it is produced, it can be found in North America, Japan, Russia, UAE and South Africa. 

The wonders of argan oil

Source: mindbodygreen.com

There are probably few natural products that I trust as much as the argan oil. Especially after the changes taking place with my skin and hair after pregnancy, this wonderful oil helped me to successfully go over many difficult issues.

Moroccan tradition for shining hair and skin

Extracted from the kernels of the argan tree from Morocco, the oil is rich in nutrients, especially fatty acids and vitamin E, which are a real blessing for the hair and skin. Used regularly, it soften the skin and brings a natural boost to the body. Against the name reputation, it is not greasy and also not irritating, helping even people with sensitive skin as mine to use it without significant problems. Although you can find it as part of various cosmetic products, it is the best when undiluted and unmixed.

Used as a hair conditioner, it makes the hair soft and silkier and shiner. Also, it can treat split ends and can work as an efficient styling agent, taming the hair frizz. 

The rich content in Vitamin E helps to increase the skin elasticity and operates efficiently against damaged, irritated skin. It is also often used as an anti-aging product, the regular application of argan oil or creams based on it fighting efficiently against the wrinkles. Forget about dried hands and feet, 

My experience

I was told repeatedly about the greatness about the argan oil by a friend fascinated about Northen African cultures. At the beginning, I took it like a simple cultural stereotype. After I bought some Balea products based on Argan oil, for the hair and hands protection, things changed for the good for my skin, till becoming addictive. 

Especially after the pregnancy, argan oil helped me to bring back the glow on my hair which suffered seriously after the birth. Although during the nine months the hair was always shining and happy looking, shortly after my baby was delivered to the world, it started to look very tired and regardless of the shampoo used, it kept being very dry. A bit desperate, I remember about the argan oil and purchased from the Rossmann next door a Swiss-o-Par conditioner. A very cheap investment for a great result as immediately after I washed my hair I was able to see the result: glowing hair with a healthy look. Should I add how easy is to feel self confident again with just one touch of the mask?

Another success of the argan oil to my body was to restore the velvet touch of my hands after I returned from the hospital with the baby. During my stay there I constantly used some very strong disinfectant based on pure alcohol which almost destroyed my skin. For weeks after my hands were dried and only the Balea Sheabutter and Argan Oil helped me to be back to normality. It also helped my nails to a healthy and good looking aspect, a problem I was fighting unsuccessfully for a very long time. 

Right now, I do not need no additional consulting to know that sometimes all I need in my beauty life is a healthy drop of argan oil. 

End of the summer choices by Occitaine en Provence

Source: Occitaine website

Officially, the summer it is about to end and it seems that I already feel a bit nostalgic about the things I wanted to do and haven't during the sunny day. But with the high holidays only a couple of days away and many things that I want to share from the past silent blogging days, plus some other events I am very excited to share here, I hope to not have too much time for being overwhelmed by unhappy thoughts. 

Holidays are the best time to make presents, including for yourself, isn't it? 

The last week, I had some extra time and visited the closest Occitaine en Provence shop and could hardly leave. I am usually very much in love with their hand creams and instantly felt in love with their Arlesienne hand cream, with instant results on my delicate hands. Another plus is that it does not have a hard smell either. Talking about Arlesienne, a word that sends to the idea of a strong, independent and yet coquetisch woman from the South of France, all the products from the collection do have saffron - besides rose - as part of the ingredients, a very interesting combination in perfumes that tends to give a note of distinguished elegance to the products. The variations of perfumes are exquisite, very delicate and with a unique flowerly touch. 

Another products to follow, buy and test soon are the unisexl Spa in your home, that although may have some very strong smell that reminds me not very pleasantly about the Tiger Balm from my childhood do produce strong detox effects and may be even more efficient than the strong green tea I am constantly using part of my daily routine. 

In all cases, the prices are, as usual, a bit above the average but fully worth it.

Beauty corner: Vitamin C Microdermabrasion by Body Shop

What's the best relaxing solution after a crazy week: a face mask. This time, I rather preferred to test something new, and the answer was a Vitamin C Microdermabrasion from Body Shop. Right now, there are a couple of small size pocket face masks, available for only 2 Euro, and I plan to test as many of them in the next weeks and at the end of the testing to purchase the one who's really the best.

I usually use extensively green tea-based masks with proved results over the years. This time, not sure why, I picked up this product, probably because I know also how good Vitamin C does for my skin. One of the main qualities of this vitamin is the production of collagen, which aids the regeneration of cells and the recovering of blood vessels. After using it on the skin, your face will look firm and generally strengthen. 

The application is relatively easy, and there is enough cream to use it for both face and neck. Applied with round movements, the fine exfoliating micro-particles. Keep it on the skin for around 5 minutes. During this short amount of time, I felt how the mask is producing effects on my skin: a little bit of irritation. 

I cleaned the mask with water and couldn't believe how fast the soft and smooth of my skin returned. It felt as a mask of dead cells left my face. It works efficiently and is strongly recommended for any type of skin. 

As in the case of any type of mask, it is recommended to clean the face previously from make up or other impurities that one usually got from the air.  

Bee surprises!

A special stamp on the package

I was enjoying a lazy late morning, with my unhealthy cup of coffee and some orange juice, trying to figure out what I want and don't want to do today. My working desk is overcrowded with books so apparently there are things to be done, many of them with an emergency mark under, but still, the sun is shining and my mind is longing for a relaxing going out at a picnic.

My goodies bag 

My relative absence from the blog may certify the lazy lifestyle I am following, but I am quite active in my online world - on Twitter - @Boiledwords - among others. Anyway, while lost in my dreams about a very good life, I was brought back to reality by a ring at my door. I still hoped that there are some kids with advertising and thus I did not need to go out to open the door. It was more than that and the surprise was a package from Beecology. I opened it and a pleasant home smell entered my working room, a reminder of my childhood when I used to spend a lot of time in the summer in the countryside, close to families producing natural honey. 

As anyone guessed, Beecology has to do with the lovely bees. Created six years ago, following the direct experience with the secret life of bees, the company produces natural skincare and hair products based on honey and beewax. All their products are at least 95% renewable and are based on naturally-derived ingredients such as corn, soy and coconut. The basket of products includes: lip balm soaps, shampoos, conditioners and various lotions. 20% of the net profit is directed to charitable causes. they have stores in Canada, India and the US.

The products are waiting to be tested, and I can't wait to be back soon with many BEEutiful reviews. Be back soon!