Showing posts with label Real Techniques. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Real Techniques. Show all posts

10 Current Drugstore Picks

Are you feeling uninspired and want some cheap trills? I've got you covered. I selected 10 products from the drugstore range that I find fabulous at the moment and worth checking out. 

Tinted Sunscreen
My favourite sunscreen for the face that is so light, not at all sticky and literally feels like nothing on your skin. It's also lightly tinted which means there is none of that ghastly white cast. I'm in love with it at the moment.
3.69 € in DM.

I find this perfect for warmer months because it has a light formula with a matte-satin finish. It has a nice level of coverage despite the thin consistency and it makes the skin look better without being obvious you're wearing make up.
14 € in DM/Müller/Asos/Boots.

I know, I keep banging on about this being my favourite highlighter, but I can't help myself. I'm a fan of a natural looking glow and this delivers. It's a warm toned liquid highlighter which gives a subtle radiance to the skin that won't make people ask you why there is shimmer on your face (which has happened to me, I'm afraid). It can be used as a primer under make up, mixed with foundation or on top of make up on the high points of your face. The formula is very light, not greasy and also a bit mattifying in a sense that it blocks natural oils and the only dewyness is from the product.
About 10 € in Müller/DM/Boots.

 Bourjois Rouge Edition Velvet
08 Grand Cru. I haven't done a review for 02 Frambourjoise yet, but Taja swatched Pink Pong, Petra from Adjusting Beauty did 01 Personne ne rouge and Sanja from Sparkle with laughter 07 Nude-ist.
When it comes to dark or bright shades, I say go matte or go home and Bourjois has got you covered. These have the best matte finish and are not at all drying. They need a bit more work because the first layer isn't fully opaque, but the final result is stunning once it dries. My favourite at the moment is Frambourjois, a gorgeous rose-red-pink that is a perfect mix between a fun and a glamorous colour (why does nobody talk about this shade? I know it looks boring in the tube, but on the lips it's fantastic). I plan to get more of these (Olé flamingo, you will be mine!).
12.99 € in Müller/DM/Asos/Boots.

Lets be honest, it could be any RT brush here, but I am absolutely in love with this one at the moment. I never liked finishing powders because they made my foundation look so cakey and obvious, but this brush is so soft and fluffy that it deposits the perfect thin veil of product. I just can't stop brushing it on my face, it's so lovely! It also works great for applying a touch of bronzer (especially if you're pale and fear you'll over-apply) and pigmented blushes.
Prices vary, but you can get it cheapest for 9$ on iHerb, Slovenes can get it on Moja Drogerija for 12.95 € (currently 15% off code: 12000).

Catrice Defining Blush
I'm calling it - these are the best powder blushes I've ever tried. The texture is perfect, so smooth and not at all chalky (though they swatch chalky, but they don't look like that on the cheeks). They are so easy to apply and blend, the pigmentation is superb and they actually last on my cheeks. My favourite shade is Rose Royce which is an amazing rosy-neutral shade that goes with everything. I just wish the shade range was bigger.
3.79 € in Müller.

Dubbed as the Bioderma dupe, but only in texture since I find that when it comes to how effective it is, it isn't quite there. At the moment I like using this in the morning before applying a moisturiser, but I also use it as a make up remover at the end of the day. It feels like water and leaves a clean feeling on the skin, though, I hear it irritates some people's eyes. It's a big 400 ml bottle for a super affordable price.
5.29€ in DM/Müller.

This has been a staple in my skin care routine since the long gone year of 2007. It's a clay based cleanser-face mask with salicylic acid that I use mainly as a face mask when my skin feels congested and spotty. It's one of the rare clay masks that doesn't dry out my skin, but still manages to clear up my pores and make my skin look that bit better. I love that it comes is a big tube and it lasts a long time.
Price revolves around the 5 € mark in DM.

Not so much a proper scrub, but more of an every day wash and a very luxurious feeling one at that. It's so nourishing and the foam is so creamy that there is no need for a lotion afterwards, though it pairs wonderfully with the corresponding Ultimate Beauty Oil. The scrub particles are too sparse for my liking, but that doesn't mean that it doesn't do its job.
4.99 € in Müller; 5.59 € in DM; currently £4.77 in Boots; 9.3 € on Feel Unique.

Drugstore hair treatments rarely get so good as this one. A favourite of many for years, but a new-ish discovery by me, it has fantastic results on my super dry hair and has an effect that rivals much more expensive products. The lovely bubble gum scent only adds to the brilliance of this treatment. 
About 8 € in DM, Croatia; £4.77 in Boots.

I'm actually thinking of doing a series of such posts because honesty, I have more than 10 favourites. I might do them every few months or something. Fancy that?

Have you got any cheap trills recommendations for me?
Have a great day!

New In #15

Did you know that Boots started shipping to Slovenia and some other European countries? We can finally get Collection 2000 concealer, Seventeen's Mirror Shine lipsticks, Originsaerosols and all the light shades of foundations importers refuse to sell on our market. I jumped at the chance when they were running the famous 3 for 2 offer and placed my first order there. They accept Paypal and shipping is expensive at 10€, but it's through the DPD service so packages are tracked. My order arrived in four days and I'm really happy with my purchase as well as Boot's service. 

Real Techniques Blush Brush
It took me way too long to buy this considering it's such an essential tool. It's a fantastic brush - a really fluffy tapered brush that is not too big, which I'll use for pigmented blushes, bronzer and powder. 
£9.99 (12 €) in Boots.

Revlon ColorBurst Matte Balm 210 Unapologetic
Unapologetic is one of the many shades that are not sold in Slovenia and the only shade I wanted from the matte range (we have five shades. Disappointing). It's a super bright pink with coral undertones. I just got it, so I haven't worn it yet, but there will be a full review.
 £7.99 (10 €) in Boots.

Bourjois Java Rice Loose powder 
I got this based on a recommendation from Sara (Passing Fancy). I was looking for it in our drugstores, but I guess it was sold here only for a limited time. I heard it's a lovely, illuminating setting powder that is a bit similar to the Hourglass Ambient powder. There will be a full review once I thoroughly test it out. 
 £9.99 (12 €) in Boots.

Essie Nail Polishes Spin the Bottle
I've official found the most perfect nude nail polish for my skin tone and the formula is not too difficult to work with. If you're in the market for a nude nail polish, go check it out soon because it's a LE. Post with swatches will follow within the next couple of days.
 9.90 € in DM. 

Panasonic EH2351AC Heated Eyelash Curling Wand
I finally got it. It actually didn't take that long to arrive from Korea, only two weeks. First impressions are all right - it's not that hot that it would burn the eyelids and as I read from all the reviews, it really only works after the lashes have already been curled and mascara was applied, so it only makes a slightly better curl and makes it last longer. If you want I can do a more in-depth review.
18 € on eBay from this seller.

Shiseido The Makeup Eyelash Curler
I wanted to try a high-end lash curler to see how it compares to my Tana's (which I can't find in Müller any more, so I guess they no longer sell it). This one is almost as popular as Shu Uemura. I need some more time to really test it, but so far I can say it's good, I'm just no convinced it's that much better than Tana's which is/was half the price. However, both are miles better than Manhattan's or other cheaper versions and are best I've tried. I'll do a comparison one day. 
Regular price 24 € on Feel Unique.

Garnier Miracle Cream
This was on my wishlist since British Beauty Blogger raved about it and later I heard that this is a dupe for Origins Vitazing. It's a white face cream that releases a sheer tint when rubbed into the skin. I've only tried it on the hand and it starts of looking scarily almost orange, but sheers out and gives a natural looking touch of colour/tan. It also has SPF 20. There will be a review once I test it out.
11.99 € in Müller. 

SunDance Getöntes Sonnenfluid SPF 30 
Tinted sun protecting fluid
After the last year's mattifying version, which I really like, Sun Dance made a tinted version. The shade of it is actually quite light and the tint is sheer, so the shade doesn't matter much, but it does mean there is not fear of leaving a white cast. I also liked it because this version is alcohol free and it felt light when I tried it on the hand. Haven't tried in on the face yet, but there will be a review one day. 
3.69 € in DM.

I ran out of 3 Minute Miracle and I immediately repurchased it. I love this, probably more than the Dove's Oil Care one that I always rave about. You know I'm really fussy about conditioners because my hair needs more than average person's do and this one is a drugstore gem. It gives great results on my super dry hair and it smells amazing like bubble gum. 
 £4.99 (6 €) in Boots.

Batiste Dry Shampoo Wild
My massive 400 ml can of Tropical version is running out and I wanted to try a different scent of Batiste since there are so many. I picked up Wild because I heard it has a nice oriental scent. I'd describe the scent as chocolate-vanilla-musk-woody one in a perfume version, not the gourmand kind. Lovely! The closest scent I can think of is Black Star by Avril Lavigne once it develops if I remember that scent correctly.
 £2.99 (3.6 €) in Boots

VO5 Give Me Texture Dry Texturising Spray 
I picked this up quite randomly, though I did hear some good things about it. It's supposed to give texture and body to the hair. I've literally just tried it and I can say that this is how I imagined texturising sprays to be (very different from the L'Oreal's #TXT and far better). I'll report back when I use it a few times.  
 £3.79 (4.7€) in Boots.

Garnier Fructis Oil Repair 3 Shampoo
Damn, this is good! I didn't expect anything much since it's a drugstore shampoo, but Garnier meant business with this one. It looks like an average Fructis shampoo that has that lovely, typical Fructis apple scent, however, the formula is fabulous. It transforms into a dense, creamy rich foam and leaves the hair nourished, while still cleansing very well. After rinsing it off there is no dryness or that awful über squeaky clean feeling that I hate, however, it's only small fault is that the hair is left a bit tangly. If you have dry hair and you want something on a budget, this is a great shampoo to try.
Ingredients here.
2-3€ in Müller.

Aussie Miracle Moist Shampoo
Since I love the 3 Minute Miracle, I decided to try one of Aussie's shampoos as well. I'll do a separate review once I've had enough time using it. It smells divine, just like 3 Minute Miracle, so that yummy bubble gum scent.
6.10€ on Feel Unique.

Balea Rasiergel Summer Garden 
Mango scent
This is my favourite version of Balea's shaving gel ever. It's smells like candy in mango flavour. Yummy! And it's teal, one of my favourite colours. The quality is again excellent. I should stock up on this version because it's LE. Balea make it permanent please!
 1.99 € in DM.

Tesore d' Orientare Orchidea deodorant
I randomly grabbed this when I needed a new deodorant. It smells like soap - very clean and a bit floral (I just read on Fragrantica it's supposed to smell like J.Lo Miami Glow. Really?!). I'm not loving the scent, but it's not annoying either (yet). It performs like your average spray deodorant, so it's more about preventing/covering body odour than stopping the sweat.
 3€ in Interspar.

Garnier Ultimate Beauty Oil Beauty Scrub 
This is new on the market, but I already heard a few raves about it. I've only used it once and I already love it, but I'll report back when I use it a few more times. It smells the same as the Body Ultimate Beauty Oil.
4.99 € in Müller. 


Riffi Body Brush
Another blogger inspired purchase, this time by Jana from Small Bits of Loveliness. I've been planning on buying this for ages, but always forgot. I bought the smallest one I could find to fit into my hand and I really like this one. The bristles are just prefect - soft, but not too soft. This dry body brushing business feels really nice and I've been doing it before almost all my showers (it only takes a few minutes). It's kind of addictive. It exfoliates the skin, assists in improving vascular blood circulation and lymphatic drainage, but you should google it you want to read more about it because that is all I know. 
5.49 € in Müller.

Ulala! Detangler Hair Brush
I've had my Tangle Teezer for about 7 years and it still serves me well, but it is falling apart. I wanted something with a handle because I have small hands and TT is a bit big to hold, but instead of buying something online I just took one in DM. This is just a generic version that I've seen in several places, only someone put their name on it (Beauty Bay has pretty much the same version). The bristles aren't quite as soft as at TT, but that doesn't really matter on my thick hair, though it might on fine hair (I'd get a TT in that case. Macadamia's version is nice as well I hear).
8.75 € in DM. There is also a pink/black version.

essence show your feet super soft shoe insoles
EU 36-38
I've been looking for these for a while and they finally arrived in our neck of the woods. These are padded insoles that you can put in any shoes to make them more comfortable and have a sticker on the bottom so they won't slide out. I'm a size 36/3(UK)/5(US) and these fit perfectly in all my shoes. They feel nice and soft, however, they make the shoe 1/2 or 1 size smaller, so these are nice if you have shoes that run just a bit big, but if they fit well, it can get a bit pinchy. There is a violet or pink version that is bigger (fits 39-41).
2.99 € in Müller.

Have a great day!

Why Waste Perfectly Good Pictures

I take a lot of pictures and some never make it into a post. Because it takes a lot of time to edit them, I don't want them to go to waste, so here they are.

The first is a nail polish by Catrice from the Neonaturals LE and it's called Mrs. Brightside. It's one of my favourite colours, but I always forget to take a picture of it when it's on my nails. It's kind of pointless anyway because it was LE, but it's a bright pink with some coral and just stunning in person.

Essence Colour & Go 109 Off to Miami is an orange-coral shade, which I wore only once. I don't really like how orange it looks on me, I expected something more coral. I'm wearing it here in the first picture where I'm holding the lipsticks. I'm looking for a colour that would look exactly like this on me, but most corals turn out to be too orange on me. Any recommendations, apart from Essie Cute as a Button, which is on the picture? 
Real Techniques Core Collection - I use the buffing brush and contour brush everyday. I did a review here.

I got Catrice Prime and Fine Smoothing Refiner a while ago, but I really don't like it. It's feels too greasy and doesn't leave a smooth enough finish. As far as primers go, my favourite so far was Clinique's Pore Minimizer Instant Perfector, which works great on oily/combination skin.


Dove Hair Therapy Oil Care Nährpflege 1 Minute Kur-Spűllung or Nourishing Oil Care Express Treatment Conditioner, it depends on the country how it's called, is my favourite drugstore hair treatment and I've used up at least a dozen tubes of it (review here and here). However, I bought the version that comes in a pot a couple of months ago and it's not as good. I'm almost done with the pot and I won't repurchase it, the tube version is much more moisturising. 

I already talked about my experience with Mavala Double-Lash here, but here are more pictures of it that I was keeping for a review. Since I wasn't impressed by it, I won't review it in detail. The applicator is a mascara wand, which isn't particularly handy when you're trying to get the product to the root of the lashes, so I used an eyeliner brush.


I got the Cherry Culture lip balm in Chocolate for free as a gift with purchase. You can pick your own scent/flavour at the checkout. It smells like coffee and I really dislike anything that smells like coffee, so I gave it to someone else. 

Nyx Black Label lipstick in India was a gift for my cousin, but I did snap a few photos of it (she agreed of course). It's a peachy nude shade that is very similar to MUA's lipstick in 15 Juicy.

Thanks for looking.