Merry Christmas - Glædelig Jul!

Christmas Presents Wrapping

Review: The Bourjois 123 Perfect CC Cream

A Small Haul; The Copenhagen-ish Edition

It Is Out With The New, In With The Old

Winter is Coming

Stocking Up On Practical Christmas Essentials

Be Square: Acrylic Boxes

 

Sunday: What is life?

Review: The Body Shop Hand Cleanse Gel (Pink Grapefruit)

Small Tip #5: Lemon

Have you tried many different products in the fight against your skin’s breakouts? And with none of them really making a difference compared to the money you spent on the actual product? My skin has had a tendency to flip out around my period, which I was tired off dealing with. Thus, I went back to the good old trick of water and lemon.

There are so many health benefits to drinking lemon and water – I won’t list them all because they are a simply google search away. But water is always good because you should hydrate your body, and the water in combination with lemon can give your health and skin a great boost. It is such a simple and cheap addition to your water.

You simply cut the lemon in half and then squeeze the lemon for its juices. Add the juice into your water and then… bottoms up! The taste is something to get used to, admittedly. After having done with for a week, I saw big improvements in my skin – the breakout wasn’t as bad and it took a shorter time for it to ‘bounce’ back.

Do you drink lemon and water?  

Until next time,

Mia ♥ 

                      

DIY: Crochet Dishcloths

Food: Broccoli Pizza

Haul: Glass Additions

Wandrobe Clean Out 2015

(... still using the same bedding, though I have cleaned it!)

Review: Lancôme Lip Lover in Framboise Jazz

Review: Avène Gentle Gel Cleanser

Small Tip #4: Use It Up

Are you one of those that can’t be bothered to cut open a tube or any other material that a scissor can get through and scoop out the last bit of product? Or maybe, there is another replacement product standing ready that is simply more exciting? I easily recognize both feelings, especially the latter reason. I have an almost child-like excitement about new products I have never tried out before. It just feels like Christmas to me.

However, whether you realize it or not that ends up costing you money. If you just almost use up your products then you end up throwing a lot out in the long run, which only benefits companies and not you. You throw money in the trash, basically.

You probably earned your money the hard way, so you should definitely get every bit you paid for. It is only right. Furthermore, you can actually get quite an amount out of cutting a tube as my picture illustrate. The product I got out of the cutting the tube is enough for moisturize both of my legs twice. That is a lot in my opinion and especially when considering that tube isn’t cheap for a student like me. Whatever product that is waiting in line can wait a little time longer without a problem.

So, take a pair of scissors and cut the tube open, disassemble the bottle, etc., just do something to get out the product you paid for. Use it up!

Until next time,

Mia ♥ 

Skin care: Body Oils

For the longest of time, I didn’t understand the concept of body oil or its (almost magical) abilities. I mean, why buy a body oil when you already have a body lotion and that works out well? I will tell you why… 

Cambridge & London Haul

My internet has finally(!) returned, which means the blogging can return again to its normal schedule. Last post was about my trip to Cambridge, where after I headed down to London to stay for a few days with my brother. Some shopping happened in both cities because it is pretty difficult to resist, though in my defence I would like to state my brother spent more than me in those few days than I had in total. 

My Trip to Cambridge

Old Court, Selwyn College from my room

Small Tip #3: Sunscreen

I can't possibly claim this is a small tip or even a tip at all, but rather an important reminder. With the heat from Sahara and Spain, the summer has finally come to Denmark after a cold June, where the temperatures weren't anything to brag about. Now, however, the sun is coming down like whoa and WHOA! Personally, I don't like to stay out in the sun for too long and that is mainly due to my disease, though I also have the pale Scandinavian complexion. With my disease I can't handle the heat at all despite not actually 'becoming' warm. If you feel my skin even after I have been in the warm sun for 30 minutes, it is still cold. It is a bit strange, I suppose.

Today, my upperbody and face were in the direct sun for under 30 minutes. Probably around 15 minutes in total. After 4 PM, where the sun shouldn't be as strong. I hadn't put sunscreen on my chest and arms, but only my face, as I knew I wouldn't be spending time there. Oh, boy... I was surprised. My arms have gotten a lovely tan, but they are also red... I even have gotten some sun eczema. I never have had this before, but.... surprise, surprise. My chest is alright, along with my face. I have to discount my lips though as they are swollen from the sun. I have never really had a problem with the sun beyond the whole Scandinavian skin and tanning easily, but it seems things have changed. 

I will definitely be applying more sunscreen on my arms tomorrow before heading out as the temperature will keep rising. To rescue my lips I have found my trustworthy Elizabeth Arden 8 Hour Intensive Lip Repair Balm, which hopefully will take the worst. 

So please, remember your sunscreen for body and lips!

Until next time,

Mia ♥ 

p.s. my blog might get a little quiet over the next couple of weeks. I will be attending the International Summer School at Cambridge, which means I am not to certain about the amount of time I will have to blogging. But I shall return!

Life: An End & A Start

Review: Clarisonic Mia2 in Yellow Energy

My "Travel to Cambridge" Basket

Come With Me: Week 23

Currently Reading: A Good Amount of Books

MAC Quad #1

Dior & Lancôme Mascaras

DIY: Lavender Body Scrub

New Sneakers for the Season

DIY: Restoring Børge Mogensen Rocking Chair

The rocking chair in is original state from the seller.

Skin care: Avène Haul

DIY: Postcard Art

Small Tip #2: Bra Wash Bag

Have you ever tried doing the laundry and end up missing one (or more, occasionally) sock? I honestly can't count the number of times I have lost a sock and ended up with an incomplete pair, thus after repeating this for some times having had to go out and buy new socks. New socks are lovely, they are; however, I find there are nicer things to spend money on than socks that aren't even worn out but simply missing. Socks aren't fun purchases. 

Review: Diorshow Maximizer Lash Primer

First, I apologize for the lack of focus in the pictures. The camera didn’t know how to focus or to capture the silver writing on the primer, so it focused on everything else. 

The only primer I have tried beyond this sample is one for eyeshadow (from a different brand) and I really liked it, even to the point I still use it for when I need for my eyeshadow to last longer and stay put. With the lash primer, I was actually in doubt for a long time if I liked it or not…

It is a personal matter of how you prefer your lashes look with mascara; some like them to look natural, others for them to look full and dramatic, and again other people for them to look almost spiky. I belong to the first category and with the combination of having short lashes I feared they would look spiky or unnatural.

Despite my hate for rubber applicators and fear of my lashes looking spiky, I have to admit that I like the primer. The rubber ward isn’t difficult to handle as it doesn’t matter if isn’t done perfectly; slapping it on works just fine. It doesn’t look unnatural, but simply that my lashes have become slightly longer without looking fake and spiky. I don’t find it to last a whole day looking the same from morning to something-in-the-PMs, however. Thus, I only use it for when going out partying and need for it to only last some hours before people are too drunk to notice.

Though I like it, I don’t think I would purchase it due to the lasting hours. It doesn’t make the biggest difference and overall it is just good, not amazing as I would want from a Dior primer.

Do you use a lash primer? And if so, which one do you use?

Until next time,

Mia ♥ 

Hydrating Soothing Masks

Soothing and/or hydrating masks are some of my favourite items for a pamper evening. I like putting one on after having used another mask to clear my pores (e.g. Origins Clear Improvement mask), and just feel my skin drinking the extra care up. I always imagine it says, yum!

I have used the Avène Soothing Moisture Mask up completely, even to the point of cutting the tube open to get the last product up. A generous amount is needed, which comes to lay as a visible thin white layer on top of the skin. Currently I am trying out La Roche-Posay’s Hydrating Soothing Mask. A generous amount is needed with this mask as well. However, in difference from the Avène mask, it doesn’t leave a visible layer and it firms at the same time. Depending on the state of your skin, they both sink in quickly and leaves your skin soft for a long time.

If you are interested in trying out one of these or want two good tips, then for the rest of March Escentual has French pharmacy sale, where you can save 1/3 on French pharmacy products, and eChemist has 3 for 2 offer on any Avène products. There is serious money to save!

Have you tried any soothing and/or hydrating masks before?

Until next time,

Mia ♥ 

Review: Avène Rich Compensating Cream

Throwback to June 2012 when I had just been diagnosed with my illness, I was introduced to Avène by my local pharmacy. My skin was so painfully dry and flaky that I was desperately searching for something that could improve the situation – I would literary have done anything. I was recommended the Rich Compensating Cream and I immediately started using it twice a day; after having used it for a week my skin had improved so much.

The cream itself appears to be a mixture of fluffy, yet heavy. It sinks into your skin immediately and leaves it feeling soft and moist, while looking healthy. If you use make-up on your skin, like foundation or BB cream, I would recommend that you allow the cream some time to sink in before slapping on make-up. That way your make-up will look better as well. You don’t need lot of the cream, though if you are in doubt there comes a little spoon-like thing with that tells you how much to use. I personally don’t use it because I know the amount I need. A pot can last 4-5 months easily.  

I am currently on my 6^th, I believe, pot of the cream. Yes, that is how much I love the cream.

In Denmark, it can be bought at most pharmacies over the country, but I would recommend the internet. There are many British and French sites selling the cream at a much better and cheaper price.

Have you tried the Rich Compensating Cream?

Until next time,

Mia ♥ 

Just in: Tea Time And Thrift Shopping

A little collection of the things I have bought for my apartment lately that I thought would be nice to share and perhaps give some inspiration.

Lately I have been quite into tea as my throat is hurting so as I stumbled upon the jar I just knew I had to leave with it. The tea leaves stored in it is green tea with lemon and ginger. I had searched for the perfect mug and found it in a little shop in my town; it is handmade and in the prettiest of green-blue-ish hues. It is so unique and different, but also is the right size for a cup of tea.

Obviously, I use the oval dish from the seagull service quite differently from what was intended. I spotted it in a thrift shop and couldn’t leave it as I knew (and still know quite well) that the seagull service without gold is difficult to find. I always buy a little when I spot some to create my own collection. While it takes time to build a collection, I enjoy the experience of looking, thrift shopping and the treasure hunting.

The last item is a green jar. I have a certain liking for coloured glass, which I have learned from my mother, so I couldn’t possibly leave it behind. It can be used for everything, though for now it stores my candles. 

Details:
Tea jar from Bahne. 
Tea mug from Gøttsch Keramik.
Tea infuser from local super marked. 
Big oval dish from the Seagull service by Bing & Grøndal, bought in thrift shop. 
Big green jar bought in thrift shop.

What have you purchased lately for your home?


Until next time,
Mia.

OOTD: The English Party

I feel beyond proud for writing an OOTD post, mainly because I rarely do them as I rarely do something overtly exciting and special. I thought seeing it was a long time ago since I did an OOTD that it would be appropriate to add another to the short list. The party is very much your basic university party, but nevertheless a party to dress up.

I am wearing my long blue shirt from H&M paired with a pair of black leggings and my Angulus Chelsea Boots. Leggings aren’t pants, I know, however the shirt is so long on me that I can get away with wearing it as a dress. My make-up is rather neutral with earthy tones and the colour of the lipstick used only to bring forth my own lip colour by dapping and blending. 

 

Make-up details,

Base: MaxFactor Weightless Foundation SPF 10 in number light ivory 40 and Missha’s Perfect Cover BB Cream SPF 42 in number 21.

Concealer: NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer in Vanilla.

Mascara: MaxFactor 2000 Calorie dramatic volume in black.

Blush: Rimmel London Power Blush in number 001 Santa Rose.

Lipstick: MAC lipstick (matte) in Girl About Town.
Eyeshadow: Dior 5 couleurs palette in 754 Rosy Tan (white and light brown) and MAC selfmade palette in Sable (frost).

What make-up have you been wearing recently at parties?


Until next time,
Mia.

Saturday: January Relaxation

January usually means stress with exams and reading, but if you are lucky you will some relaxation after the exams. I did have some relaxation after my exams at my parents’ house, where I simply enjoyed the break and played with my new camera.

Though I sneaked in a few university related preparation stuff in as well, most of my time have been spent on enjoying the company of my family, shopping, just relaxing and walking the dog. It doesn’t feel like I have done much, but I know that is the point of things. Sometimes you just need a break and really I had looked forward to this break. Time flies when you aren’t paying attention to it.

But for most of these things, I have waddled around in my leggings, a big sweater and a warm pair of socks, and with my hair up in a sloppy, messy bun. If I have felt extra fancy, I have put on mascara. On walks with the dog, I have borrowed my father’s winter coat and my mother’s rain boots as the weather hasn’t been the greatest. I can’t fit any of them, but walking around in too big stuff to avoid the rain is always a good idea.

Do you have done in January?

Until next time,

Mia ♥ 

5 Different Lip Balms

Yes, I do keep my lip balms in a sugar bowl.

Finding a good lip balm is a bit of science because of the many demands one have to one; it must have practical packaging, not too expensive, make your lips soft, repair your dry lips, etc.. I have collected five of my lip balms for a little overview and judged them based on their ability as well as their price.

The lip balms have been put in order from worst to best in the first picutre and later on in the second picture, from cheapest to most expensive (note: from left to right). 

Labello is the classical lip balm to use, especially in Denmark, as it can be bought almost everywhere. It makes your lips really soft immeditately, but in the long run it honestly do nothing for your lips. If you have a sore, then don't expect it to help with that. I always have one in my jacket pocket as a quick fix until I find one of the others.
It is the second cheapest of the five. 

Avène is the pharmacy's recommendation... at least in my hometown. It honestly works really welll and helps those dry lips to become soft again. It is a cold cream, so it doesn't sink it as quickly as the others. Instead it works over a longer period of time. Personally, I don't mind that though I know my mother has a problem with that. I prefer to put it on for when I sleep and let it work overnight.
It is the second most expensive of the five (Danish pharmacy price).

Lypsyl is also one of the classics in Denmark, and the one my mother swears to. It does work very well, though doesn't make your lips immediately soft the way Labello does. However, it does work in the long run and will offer improvement to your lips if your lips are in an okay-semi decent state. If you have a sore, then I don't find it to work much. The packaging is its weakness as it quickly gets dirty and just doesn't seem so practical.
It is the cheapest of the five.

Kielh's is their own recommendation, though it isn't a surprise they recommend their own product. It is a very basic lip balm in a pot, which have the resemble vaseline though only in appearence. It is a decent lip balm that heals your lips unless you have a sore; a sore is a bit too hard a task for it. I have placed it below Lypsyl, and that is due to its price compared to its effect. It is just as good as Lypsyl. Some mind using a finger to get and apply a lip balm, but I don't mind at all.
It is the third cheapest of the five.

Sard Kopenhagen is another pharmacy recommendation, though can also be found in the Magasin department stores. It does every thing you want a lip balm to do - softens and heals the lips, but can also handle a sore really well. The packaging is very chic looking. Both are what you'd expect from an expensive lip balm, and it really doesn't disappoint in my opinion. I would gladly definitely recommend this to anybody.
It is the most expensive of the five.

Do you have many different lip balms? What is your favouirte lip balm? 

Until next time,

Mia ♥ 

What A Year

Many bloggers write amazingly posts of reflections upon their year and the year to come. Somehow and please don’t ask why, I felt I should write something too, even though I don’t really think I have anything amazingly or special to say.