Review: The Bourjois 123 Perfect CC Cream

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

Review: Lancôme Lip Lover in Framboise Jazz

Review: Avène Gentle Gel Cleanser

Review: Clarisonic Mia2 in Yellow Energy

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 ♥ 

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 ♥ 

Review: A-derma Sensifluid Cleansing Lotion

After a quiet period from me, I am back with a new review on A-derma’s Sensifluid Cleansing Lotion!

I bought the cleansing lotion as a replacement for Bioderma’s Sensibio H2O Michelle Solution as I couldn’t possibly find it for a student-friendly price, and A-derma has stood the test. Almost, at least.

The cleansing lotion was very easy and effortless to use, removing my make-up gentle without leaving my skin to feel dry afterwards – this is a big difference from Bioderma’s make-up remover. The product itself is a white foam of sorts and feels cold when meeting your skin, which explains why I think it suits my sensitive skin much better. However, it should be said that it isn’t that great with removing stubborn waterproof mascara.

A-derma even writes on the bottle that you don’t need to rinse after using it, which I actually can understand. I still like to wash my face afterwards and all that, but if you were in a hurry then rinsing could definitely be skipped.

Even though I really like the design of the bottle with its sleekness and pump, I would have like the bottle to be clear as to be able to see how much product is left. It is just more practical. Also, you should know that depending on how thick your make-up is, a few pumps of foam is needed to remove all traces of make-up. In my case, I need five pumps – two for face, two for eyes and one for lips.

A-derma or Bioderma? The answer is both. I find when having sensitive skin that a combination of products for the same job is better, and these obviously do the same job but differently. My skin and me prefer Bioderma for removing eye make-up, especially stubborn waterproof mascara, and A-derma for the rest.

Do you use a combination of products to remove make-up? If so, what products?

Until next time,

Mia ♥

Review: Matas' Volume Booster

 

A little month ago, I decided to cut my hair again. It went from being a kinda medium length to ‘I can’t put all my hair up in a ponytail anymore’ short. With this change came some challenges as the last time I had this short hair was some four years ago and I can’t remember much other than it fell differently around my face. The hairdresser recommended dry shampoo and volume booster to me as it would give my hair some texture and some playfulness. I am very familiar with dry shampoo, but volume booster? That would be a no.

I went to the locale Matas shop and purchased their volume booster in travel size. I didn’t want to buy the bigger size and spend some money on it if it should turn out that I wouldn’t like it. On the bottle, it recommends you to use it in completely dry hair. From experience, I actually think it works so much better if you use it when you have towel-dry hair and then following blow-dry it. It activates the volume booster thingy more in my opinion. If I use the volume booster in towel-dry hair, I feel the effect last the longest and that my hair looks nicer for more days.

So, how much do you need? Not a lot. I learned that lesson from the first time I tried it out as I ended up looking like a poodle. A cute poodle, but definitely a poodle. I really love this product and the volume it creates, so when the travel size was empty I immediately went out and bought the bigger bottle. The thought of not using it… it wasn’t a pleasant thought. All in all, I would beyond recommend it!

What is your favourite hair product?

Until next time,

Mia ♥ 

Review: Rimmel Lasting Finish Lipstick by Kate

Some two weeks ago, I sneakily purchased the Lasting Finish Lipstick by Kate in a (for me) daring darker red colour, which is also known as the shade 107. It is a classic… and very autumnal, even Christmas-y. I had had my eyes on the shade for a good while and I am glad I actually decided to buy it as I have already gotten so much use out of it. Also, it will be my go to lipstick when the Christmas parties starts.

The colour is gorgeous dark red, yet also has a plum shade to it. The plum shade balances well with the darker red and makes the red not appear as dark, especially as it applies matte, which makes the lipstick very wearable. I have gotten so many compliments on the shade, even though the colour seems slightly dramatic and in contrast with my pale skin tone.

It is very easy to apply, whether you dab it on or go full on out with it. I have tried lipsticks there are harder to apply, so the easiness of 107 is greatly welcomed. However, it is slippery on the lips. I am used to lipsticks just staying put without needing a lip pencil to draw the edges up, but those days are over with this lipstick. It isn’t a big minus for the lipstick, but it is definitely something to note so you don’t return home and look in the mirror, wondering, “how did that happen? But I didn’t even do anything other than talk!”

Is it lasting? That depends on what other lipsticks you compare it with, which will always be the case. It doesn’t last as long on the lips as my MAC lipsticks, but in fairness I paid more for them and Rimmel is a cheaper /more affordable brand than MAC. I am definitely cutting it some slack, seeing it isn’t an expensive lipstick. However, it leaves a good stain even if it doesn’t last long, so it isn’t a big minus that it doesn’t last over 4 hours without eating and drinking. On a last note, it is drying on the lips so pack a cheap lip balm you dare get stained for a short while.

What is your favourite autumnal lipstick?

Until next time,

Mia ♥ 

Review: Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micelle Solution

The first possible thought that came into mind upon using Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micelle Solution for the first time was: this is really efficient! I was surprised about how little I actually had to do to remove stubborn waterproof mascara or generally other make-up products. It was effortless, easy and didn’t sting my eyes painfully like I had experienced with some make-up removers in the past.

However, I did find it to drying out my skin. Seeing it is for sensitive skin, I would have expected it not to dry out my skin, but instead been gentler, even though there is another version for dehydrated skin. Maybe that would have been better for me?

The small travelling bottle has lasted me several months. I realise that probably won’t be the case for everybody or me again, mainly because I have had many days without make-up due to weather (both kinds – heat and rain) and days where I haven’t felt well at all. Nevertheless, I will say, a few drops go a long way… or longer than I had expected. I felt I got good value for my money.

Would I buy Bioderma again? Well, yes, because I would like to try out Hydrabio to see if it makes any difference. However, I haven’t made any Bioderma purchase. There aren’t any favourable offers lately, so I haven’t felt convinced to use over 100 DKK on a make-up remover. I am still a student and am not earning that much money, so I don’t want to spend a whole lot on one. Instead, I have decided to give Avéne’s make-up remover a good try as it was far cheaper, coming in at only 60 DKK. I will let you know how I get now with it.

Do you use Bioderma’s make-up remover? And what do you think of it?

Until next time,

Mia ♥ 

Review: NUXE's Gentle Toning Lotion

It has taken me three months to return with my opinion of NUXE's Gentle Toning Lotion. In my defence, testing takes time and also I tried to figure out what exactly my opinion to this product was; I finally know!

First and probably the most important, answer to give is: yes, the Gentle Toning Lotion does its job very well. It works like very other toner, though I especially have liked it after removing my make-up as it catches the last remaining parts. In that sense, it lives completely up to its promise.

However, while I honestly love sniffing to it as the rose petals scent is so lovely, it isn't something I want to put on my skin. It is after all perfume, which I don't want in my skincare products and I, furthermore, discovered that I occasionally had slightly red eyes after using it. However, if you are one to love products with some scent to it, then it is really nice and lovely. The scent of rose petals is calming and refreshing… I just prefer sniffing it.

It is rather expensive; it comes in at a Danish price of 135 DKK (approx. £14) in shops, which is almost ridiculous for a toner in my opinion. But what bothers me the most with the toner is the actual packaging, not the price… surprise, surprise. Baby pink is a lovely colour, but I have no idea of telling how much of the product I have actually used! This is problematic in my opinion, as I am horrible at estimating the amount left from just holding it or tapping to hear when it sounds full/hollow. I get the point of wanting text on the bottle, but other brands have done that while still being able to see the liquid. 

Overall, I wouldn't go out and purchase it after I have finished it. In the end, it is just a toner, and I would rather spend my money on something much cheaper because there are many that are just as good (and without perfume!). It isn’t worth the money.

Have you tried NUXE's Gentle Toning Lotion? What is your opinion of it?

Until next time,

Mia ♥ 

Review: Kiehl's Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado

I mentioned this eye cream in my Just in: The Brussels Edition and therefore, I thought I would do a proper review as it really has worked well for my skin around my eyes and honestly would recommend it to others. Also, as previously mentioned I received two samples of Kiehl's Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado slightly random when I was in town, but decided nevertheless to try the samples as the area around my eyes seemed really dry. What harm could they possibly do? I imagined none harm at all since I had heard Kiehl’s was a good brand and, well, samples are meant to be used in my opinion, else you can just throw them out or give them to somebody else.

I hadn’t expected much when I started on the samples because I tend to get disappointed with products and their promises, which is sort of a neutral statement I suppose, but oh boy I was surprised. After only a few days, the skin around my eyes had changed from being really dry to hydrated, but also it started to look really nice (despite the occasional panda eyes I have upon waking up). That really surprised me and obviously pleased me to no end.

 

It looks kinda gross (after I accidentally dropped it)

Despite its questionable colour, the eye cream is really gentle and upon working with it, it starts changing from this creamy consistency to a slightly watery consistency that makes it easy to work with. Not that the watery consistency makes it run or anything, but simply easy to gently dub around my eyes and then the skin just absorbs it. Yum!

The only downside there is, is that the product is admittedly pricy. However, the amount you get is more than enough to last at least six months, I would guess. You use very little, so even though you use it every day it should last you a while. But, I am looking around the internet to see if I can find it somewhere cheaper as there is nothing wrong with saving money on products you know are good.

How do you find Kiehl’s products? What is your favourite eye cream?

Until next time,

Mia ♥ 

Review: Nivea In-Shower Body Lotion Skin Conditioner (Normal Skin Sea Minerals)

... That is potentially the longest name for a product I have ever come across. So, I had heard and seen a lot about Nivea's new innovation for getting soft skin without having to go through the annoying phase after shower of putting on lotion and then waiting for that to dry before putting on clothes that I absolutely had to try it out. Any product that promises that (and is on sale) has my immediate attention, as I hate feeling sticky after putting on lotion. I settled for the normal skin version even though my skin is on the dry side, but I simply didn't know how I feel about putting on something that sinks into my skin that I am allergic to (hint: big allergic reactions to almonds), so sea minerals had to do the job of making my skin soft.

It was very easy to use in the shower, where you use it after having washed yourself with shower gel. Just on with it, work it and wash off. There is seriously nothing complicated about it, which I love so much... there is nothing worse than overcomplicated products with detailed instructions or bad packaging because some products are just child proofed. Furthermore, I liked it actually lived up to its name by looking like a good mix between lotion and conditioner... the name is spot on! But essentially, did it work? Did I feel my skin get any softer? Oh yes! It worked right from the first try, even without it being for dry skin! There was no ‘I wonder when this will work’ phase because it did its job instantly. I loved that! The product did what it promised and my skin feels softer after every time I have used it while I also avoid feeling sticky.

The big question - would I purchase it again?

No, I wouldn't.

I know it might seem weird after I have only listed positive things about the product. I get that, but - and that is a serious but - there is one negative thing to the skin conditioner that wouldn't make me purchase it again and that is the fact it has aluminium as one of its ingredients. Aluminium is not a good thing to have in your products - it really isn't good for your health. It is generally seen as an ingredients in deodorants - check if yours has it - so many are talking about changing to coconut oil mixed with something else instead, which I really would if I could but coconut is one of those smells that makes me throw up. I really can't take the smell. So instead, I am limiting the skin products with aluminium I use and this product isn't that necessary. However, I just gotta get this out, I don't actually understand the need to put aluminium in a lotion... like, seriously, why? I checked my other body lotions in my bathroom and none of them has aluminium as an ingredients, but I will start happily use them than the skin conditioner. So not cool, Nivea!

Have you tried Nivea's In-Shower Body Lotion Skin Conditioner? What do you feel about aluminium in skin products?

Until next time,

Mia ♥

Review: TRESemmé’s Volume & Lift Mousse

TRESemmé, TRESemmé, TRESemmé… I admittedly feel like sighing because it is the first time I have been disappointed with one of their products. That in itself just sucks as I obviously wanted to be wowed by this product so bad. But I wasn’t. Damn it.

Maybe I should start on a brighter note? There are actually qualities I liked about this product, even though they aren’t of overwhelming number. The first good quality of this product is the humidity resistance – I hadn’t thought much about that fact when I purchased the products, but as Danish weather at the moment is really changing (when isn’t it changing?!) it has proved to be very handy indeed and I haven’t experienced the same kind of electric hair like I normally do. So thumbs up for that! Secondly, I really like the formula… the foam is really lightweight, non-sticky and fluffy-like, making it incredible easy to work (and play) with. That really shouldn’t be underestimated.

… Is it sad I only like two qualities? Probably.

The truth is I am quite disappointed with the ‘volume & lift’ part, and perhaps even more so when it is a part of the title and it says ‘medium hold’ on the back of the bottle. Basically, the essential of the product isn’t up to pair. I have tried this mousse countless of times by now, and will continue with it until I have emptied it as I can’t afford to simply throw it away and purchase something else, but every time after I have blow-dried my hair I look in the mirror and think, ‘What volume? What lift?’ The difference it makes is minimal. Whenever I have tried to compare it to how my hair would look after a blow dry without it, I gotta admit the difference wasn’t striking at all. That honestly annoys me.

Perhaps what annoys and disappoints me even more, is the fact that TRESemmé usually make some really good products and, as listed before, this is the first time I have been disappointed with one of their products. When you pay 90 DKK (9 GPS) – that is right! Everything is expensive in Denmark – you want it to be great… or beyond great, actually. I think it is a lot of money on a product that just doesn’t deliver.

I wouldn’t recommend TRESemmé’s Volume & Lift Mousse to anybody as there surely are far better products for the same price.

Do you have a volume product you would recommend me instead?  

Until next time,

Mia ♥

Review: Avene Soothing Moisture Mask

I shall make a confession from the beginning: I hadn’t planned to write (and publish) this kind of post today. Actually, I had something else planned, but as the postwoman delivered this I had to surrender. Please forgive me!

Anyways, I am a massive fan and user of Avène’s products as they honestly helped my skin from looking extremely dry and flaky to healthy and moist. If you don’t know the brand Avène, then I shall quote their own description from their website, “EAU THERMALE Avène is a unique French dermo-cosmetic brand dedicated to each level of skin sensitivity; from sensitive, intolerant to allergic.” That sounds like magic to my ears as I have very sensitive and slightly allergic skin, which makes it a bit difficult to find good and effective products. I like products that work instantly, where I can see improvement right away because I really don’t have the patience to give every product the benefit of the doubt. Avène products generally do that for me… and this one didn’t disappoint.

The other day I was looking through the samples I have received over time and found the Avene Soothing Moisture Mask sample (see above picture). I didn’t think much of it, but nevertheless thought I would give this a try – I need to clear through my samples at some point. I found the application instructions online, which are as following, “Apply the Soothing Moisture Mask in thick layers to the face and neck. Leave on for 10 to 15 minutes then carefully remove the excess product with a cotton pad.” Easy enough to understand, right? I thought so too and did exactly that. Just 5 minutes(!) after my skin had absorbed it all. My skin suddenly looked moist and really healthy with a slight glow to it. That is what I call effective! It had apparently been in need after the ever-changing Danish weather and medication had done their damage.

As I really liked what the product had done for my skin (and quickly had used up the sample), I decided to purchase it in 50 ml myself.

You can normally buy this and Avène products in general at most Danish pharmacies. However, the price of 144,50 DKK (approx. 15 GBP) is just… well, your wallet won’t be too pleased with such a purchase, especially if you don’t have that much money to yourself. I don’t have a lot of money either, so instead I purchase it through the English website echemist.co.uk. eChemist is so much cheaper and they often have offers on different products and brands. I bought mine on offer for 85 DKK (approx. 8.5 GBP), though 102 DKK (approx. 10.2 GBP) as listed today. The shipping is completely free unless you purchase for over 2 kg… And they ship worldwide, apparently! 

Have you tried the Soothing Moisture Mask? Or any of the other Avène products?

Until next time,

Mia ♥