Showing posts with label lip balm. Show all posts
Showing posts with label lip balm. Show all posts

The Lipstick Tag


I had a request to talk about my lipsticks and I have indeed planned to do so for a while now, as in my mountain of post drafts, I had not one, but two lipstick inspired tags. One is called The Lipstick Tag and the other the Lip Products Addict Tag. I decided to combine them in one post as some questions were basically the same. 

1. What was the first lipstick you owned? 

I sort of answered this in my Make Up Memory Lane Tag a few months ago. The question there was about the first makeup item ever and as a true lipstick enthusiast it was of course a lipstick. It was one of L'Oreal's Color Riche ones in a my-lips-but-better rosy colour and I was 13 when I got it. I lost it within a month (this is a different Color Riche on the picture, but the packaging is still the same). 

2. What is your favourite lipstick brand? 

That's a hard one. I have so many different brands in my collection and the one thing I've learned through the years is how good drugstore lipsticks have become. On my All-time favourites page I have Catrice's Ultimate Colours under the category of regular lipsticks because they combine a great formula, affordability and lovely selection of shades. But there are so many other excellent lipsticks and the ones I have to mention are Bourjois' Rouge Edition and L'Oreal's colour Riche.

Of course if I consider liquid lipsticks here as well, then my absolute favourite are Bourjois Rouge Edition Velvet.

3. What is your most worn lipstick? 

I swap colour so very often and it's not uncommon that I change it several times daily, but a couple of years ago my answer would be Catrice's Ultimate Colour 250 Matt About Pink, which I wore almost every day (it's now sadly discontinued). I guess if I have to pick one that is my default shade that I just pick up when I'm in a hurry, or I need to look good without being too made up, it would be Bourjois' Rouge Edition Velvet in 07 Nude-ist.

5. What is your favourite finish?
Matte. Especially at bright and deep shades.

6. What was the last lipstick you bought?

It's been a while, so I had to check in my New Ins and Instagram, but it was Kiko's Velvet Mat Lipstick 612 Strawberry Pink that I got back in March . That's the one I bought, but since then I got sent several lipsticks and I believe the last one was Hot Shop Lipstick 01 from Born Pretty, which turned out to be way too orange for me.

7. How many lip products do you currently have in your bag?  

Technically five, but I have two bags. In the big one, where I also have an emergency bag, I keep Catrice Pure Shine Colour Lip Balm 070 I Don't Red It for a sheer red pout, a mini H&M lipstick in Perfect Red that is a gorgeous, super glamorous red and a Burt's Bees lip balm, which I literally never use. In my other smaller bag, which I carry most often, I keep Max Factor Colour Intensifying Balm 30 Redefined Rose for a no fuss pink and I actually reach for it very often, and I also carry a dinky sample of Avon Ultra Color Indulgence lipstick in Red Tulip which Petra (Adjusting Beauty) sent me for my birthday. 
Why I have so many reds, I don't know.

8. What is your favourite red lip colour? 

L'Oreal's Color Riché Pure Reds Collection Exclusive in Blake. People you need this in your life. I think that everyone deserves one fantastic red in their collection and this one is so worth it. It blows all other reds out of the water, including the old classics from MAC, which I have four including Ruby Woo and Russian Red.

9. How do you store your lipsticks? 

Basically all my makeup fits into two smallest drawers in my Alex unit and even those are a third empty. Some lipsticks are in the two makeup/lipstick organizer units that I got from Müller, while the others are in Ferrero Rocher plastic boxes (as you can see I eat a lot of that stuff). The lip liners are in a candle holder that I got years ago in Rutar.


 10. Which lipstick are you currently lusting after?

I'm currently on a search for a perfect warm red-purple, think Mac's Rebel like. I saw a swatch of La Splash Studio Shine Lip Lustre in Aurora, but I don't buy that the colour actually looks like that. I'd like to give Wet 'n' Wild Megalast Lipstick in Sugar Plum Fairy a try, to see if it looks the way I want.
I have a few others on my wishlist, which you can see here.

11. Favourite balm/treatment? 

For several years now it's Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula Swivel Stick. It's basically the only lip balm I ever use, excluding the Labello's Fruity Shine Peach Lip Balm as that one is more of a gimmicky product to me since it's a tinted lip balm with little moisturising properties. But I must confess that my lips don't even need a lip balm any more. For some reason my lips are never dry.

12. Best luxury and best drugstore?

I haven't even tried that many luxury brands when it comes to lipsticks, but my pick would be Lancome Rouge In Love Lipsticks, however Bourjois Rouge Editions feel pretty much exactly the same on the lips. 

13. Best MAC lipstick? 

Without a doubt Relentlessly Red. It's bloody gorgeous and I never found anything similar. It's a bright red-magenta pink with a matte finish. I still only have a sample that I save like crazy, but one day I hope I'll get a full size of it.

16. The most disappointing? 

Not exactly disappointing, but lacking in quality - it's Makeup Revolution's lipstick. It just feels cheap. Their Iconic Pro didn't wow me either. I'm also not a fan of Essence Longlasting lipsticks. The formula is ok, but they last a total of 15 minutes on the lips.

17. Liner, yes or no? 

Oh, yes. I also love wearing lip liners on their own, especially light colours. My favourites include Bourjois' Contour Edition Lip Liner 02 Cotton Candy, Essence's Lipliner 12 Wish Me a Rose, which is a dupe for Mac's Please Me, the űber gorgeous Catrice's Longlasting Pencil 070 I got you Babel, Essence's Longlasting Lipliner 05 Lovely Frappuccino as the 90's lip colour that actually looks like one against my pale complexion and Kiko's Smart Lip Pencil in 709 Magenta because it's a stunning red-pink shade. When it comes to reds, brights and deep shades I almost always use a lip pencil to fix the outer edges.

18. Best gloss? 

That would be L'Oreal L'Extrodinaire Liquid Lipsticks. They are expensive, but so lovely. The formula is super creamy, comfortable and these have great pigmentation. They also smell like peaches which for me is a huge plus.

19. Something extra? 

Some of my other favourite shades. Mac's Peach Blossom as my choice for a nude, Shiseido's Glowing Matte Pk224 Sugar Babe for the perfect peach on my pale complexion, Bourjois Rouge Edition Velvet 02 Frambourjoise because it's an amazing pink-red shade, L'Oreal's Colour Riche in Laetitia for the best ever burgundy shade, Mac's Dangerous for a bright, warm orange red. Revlon's Ultra HD in Rose for a classic, everyday pink that smells like Planica ice cream, Revlon's Colorbust Matte Balm in Unapologetic for a bright coral-pink that is a good dupe for Mac's Impassioned and Catrice's Ultimate Lipstick 360 MATraction for an amazing deep red-pink.

My entire collection, which I posted a while ago on Instagram:
 
And link to a Lipstick Tag I did four years ago here. 

I hope you enjoyed this picture heavy post and have a great day!
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Max Factor Colour Intensifying Balm 30 Redefined Rose


These didn't get as much attention as the Creme Puff blushes, though they were released at about the same time, but I remember Max Factor had a similar product before, though these definitely have a better pigmentation. These come in nine shades and I got the shade 30 Redefined Rose, which looks so gorgeous in the tube, but it's a different colour on my lips. I'm surprised that Max Factor showed restraint and called these balms because they get pretty intense if you layer them, though they still have that lip balm quality, but I'm sure most companies would exaggerate and call these sheer lipsticks.


Redefined Rose looks like a gorgeous warm pink in the tube, actually the shade looks similar to Nude-ist from Bourjois just pinker, while on my lips it's lighter and more neutral. This difference is kind of expected, since lip balms and sheer lip products rarely look on the lips like in the tube. It's gives me plenty of colour, but without being too much, so it's a great everyday colour. The pigmentation is surprisingly good considering the description - one layer is sheer, but several coats make it almost opaque. The finish it leaves is creamy to slightly glossy, in fact it reminds me a bit of Mac's Cremesheens, but the formula isn't as thick.


The formula is very comfortable to wear, as I expected, and it really feels like a very good lip balm. I find it more waxy than a regular lipstick and that actually helps with the staying power, so it manages to stay on well, especially if you apply a lot of layers. I can't tell you the exact amount of hours because each individual has different habits and I never check the time while testing these things. It survived a meal well enough, but then it was freshly applied.


The scent is not amazing as it does have this plastic note to it and it lingers, but it's not awful. I do think that people who are very sensitive to fragrance might have a problem with it.

The packaging is sleek and plastic. It's a thin tube that fits into any pocket, so it's very travel friendly. 


This is going in my bag. It's a simple product that I can use either sheer or built-up, the colour is a nice pink, it's moisturising and because it's a bit more waxy, I have no fear it will melt in the heat. Plus the packaging is thin and sleek. It's not an amazing product, but practical and nicely pigmented for a balm.

These cost 8.49 € in drugstores. 

Have a great day!

*The product was sent to me.
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L'Occitane Pivoine Sublime Tinted Lip Balm in Rose Nude


The whole Pivoine Sublime collection looks to die for (the press pictures are perfection), but I think these lip balms generated most interest. The thing is that they look similar to the famous Fresh lip balms, though in my opinion they are even prettier. There are four shades available: Transparent, Rose Nude, Plum and Rose Amber. These have SPF 25.


I got the shade Rose Nude, which looks red in the tube, while on the lips it's gentle rose shade. It's a very cute colour for those who don't like to wear a lot of colour or want a natural look and it would be the perfect shade for a "no makeup" makeup look. Pigmentation is decent and I needed a few coats for the intensity on my pictures, though the lip balm is still quite new. In terms of nourishment they remind me of Labello (Nivea) lip balms, however, these feel smoother and less "wet" on the lips. These won't heal very chapped lips, but for me they are moisturising enough.


It smells divine, just as the moisturiser. It's a sweet floral scent, which is genuinely lovely and every time I either open the jar of the moisturiser or apply this lip balm on the lips, I thoroughly enjoy the experience. I should probably go check out their Peony fragrance next time I'm in L'Occitane. 
 

The packaging looks so glamorous. It's a metal tube, which has special closing system to prevent it from opening itself in the bag. This is the packaging you'll love to display on your office/school desk.

These are expensive at 16.30 €, but you know how I say, it's your money and you can spend it the way you want, either for this fancy tube or a cheaper tinted lip balm. It think these are cool and very luxurious looking, even though they're just tinted moisturisers. 


I also got Pivoine Sublime Perfecting Cream which is housed in one of the most stunning packagings I've ever seen. I've been using it for the past few days and so far I love it. I'll do a review when enough time will have passed.

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Poleg obarvanega balzama sem dobila še izboljševalno kremo za obraz Popolna potonika, ki jo uporabljam zadnjih nekaj dni. Za zdaj mi je izjemno všeč, ampak bom spisala objavo o njej ko se mi bo zdelo, da sem jo že dosti dobro stestirala.


*Obarvani balzam za ustnice Popolna potonika SPF 25, 4 g. Naravno rožnati odtenek

Prepustite L'Occitanu, da naredi vizualno izjemno lepo kolekcijo, ampak Popolna Potonika je pa zame res popolna. V njej je kar nekaj novosti, se mi pa zdi, da so balzami za ustnice pritegnili največ pozornosti. Izgledajo kot v tujini zelo popularni Fresh balzami, s tem da meni L'Occitanovi še lepši. Na voljo so štiri odtenki: prosojen, naravno rožnati odtenek, jantarni in temnorožnati odtenek. Balzami imajo zaščitni faktor 25.

Sama imam naravno rožnati odtenek (Nude Rose), ki v stiku izgleda rdeč, vendar ima na ustnicah še malo roza pridiha. Je tak prikupen odtenek, sploh za tiste, ki niso navajeni nositi živih barv, ker se da intenzivnost odtenka počasi nadgrajevati. Za tak odtenek kot ga imam na slikah je bilo potrebno nekaj slojev, je pa balzam še nov, tako da bo morda, ko bom porabila zgornji sloj, še bolj pigmentiran. Kar se tiče hranilnosti me spominja na Labelle, ampak je občutek na ustnicah bolj gladek in ni tako "moker" (težko je drugače razložiti). Ne bo ravno pozdravil razpokane ustnice, ampak za povprečnega uporabnika je dovolj vlažilen.


Diši prekrasno sladko cvetlično. Odkar imajo parfum Potonika ga nisem še nikoli preizkusila in mi je zdaj zelo žal, ker če diši tako kot ta balzam in krema iz te linije, je to najboljši cvetličen vonj kar sem ga preizkusila, pa sploh nisem neka ljubiteljica cvetličnih vonjev. Embalaža izgleda preprosto elegantno. Je iz kovine in ima dober sistem zapiranja, ki preprečuje, da bi se sama odprla v globinah ženskih torbic. 

Cena obarvanih balzamov bo 16,30 € kar ni poceni, ampak odločitev ali si to ceno zaslužijo je vaša. Meni so zelo lepi in kar luksuzni, pa čeprav so le obarvani balzami (ampak njihovi drugi balzami za ustnice v tubicah so pol cenejši, okrog 8 €).


Kolekcija Popolna Potonika bo na voljo od 23.4.2015.

Pivoine Sublime Perfecting Essence
Izboljševalna esenca za obraz Popolna potonika
30 ml,  44.70 €

Pivoine Sublime Perfecting Cream
Izboljševalna krema za obraz Popolna potonika
50 ml, 38.10 €

Pivoine Sublime CC Skin Tone Perfecting Cream SPF20
Available in light and medium.
Izboljševalna CC krema Popolna potonika SPF 20
Na voljo v nevtralnem in srednjem odtenku 
30 ml, 28.50 €

Pivoine Sublime Perfecting Mist
Izboljševalna meglica za obraz Popolna potonika
100 ml, 13,70 €

Pivoine Sublime Tinted Lip Balm Rose Amber SPF25
Transparent, Rose Nude, Rose Amber and Plum.
Balzam za ustnice Popolna potonika SPF 25 
Prosojen, Naravno rožnati odtenek, Jantarni odtenek in Temnorožnati odtenek
4 g, 16,30 €


Have a great day!

*I was send this lip balm, but no conditions were set.
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Current Skin Care

It's been a really long time since I last posted about my skin care routine and because I'm really happy with the state of my skin at the moment, I think there is no better time for an update. A lot has changed and a lot stayed the same, but basically since I revamped my skin care, my skin is a lot more balanced, I'd say very close to normal with my T-zone being just a bit oily sometimes, however, the dryness I was experiencing before mostly in winter months is gone. 
Previous skin care routine posts can be found here, here and here.

 Make up Removers
A nice drugstore micellar water, definitely my favourite budget one. As all I've tried so far, it feels like water and leaves no residue. I don't find it as effective as Bioderma since I use more cotton pads and product to get my skin completely clean, but the final result is the same. I use Garnier and Bioderma interchangeably.

A staple in my skin care since 2011. It's the best micellar water I've tried and I'll keep repurchasing it. It removes make up fast and leaves no residue behind - all in all it's a fantastic product for my skin. I buy it at a local pharmacy.

(Augen-Make-Up Entferner Spezial Waterproof) 
This is another product I've been buying for years. I wear only waterproof mascara because I have the most stubborn eyelashes that refuse to stay curled (and are a pain to get them curled), so I have to use oily removers. This one is a standard two-phase make up remover that removes waterproof mascara, but it does leave a greasy residue, though it doesn't make my vision cloudy.

Coconut Oil
I use it as a make up remover occasionally and I actually prefer it to Maybelline's remover because I notice how good my skin looks the next day, but it's a lot greasier and makes my vision super cloudy. It also works great as a moisturiser.

Cleanser 
I'm on my second tube so far of this balm cleanser with oatmeal exfoliating particles. It cleanses the skin while leaving it moisturised and I know that this is the main reason I'm dry patches-free, since regular gel/mousse cleansers left my skin super tight and dry, therefore dry patches appeared. This makes my skin look and feel nice, the only downside is the price.
I use washcloths to remove it.

Toner/AHA treatment
This is the product that keeps my skin, mostly forehead, smooth and clear. Though it contains gycolic acid, it's still moisturising, so it feels more like a lotion and it's super gentle (doesn't sting one bit, even if I have a small wound). Though, I'm a bit apprehensive about using AHA's so often, I haven't had a bad reaction, my skin did not become more sensitive and if I stop using it for a while my skin reverts to it's previous state with a bumpy forehead. I tend to apply it only on my forehead and chin, occasionally all over the face. I also cut the cotton pads in two and I only use a few drops per use. It's super expensive, but this is becoming a staple in my skin care routine. The only other product that made my skin look the same way is the much more expensive Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair.

 Moisturisers
My favourite moisturiser so far. It's sinks in fast, it's super hydrating, leaves a smooth, semi-matte finish and the skin feels almost velvety to the touch. It's the best moisturiser I've found for wearing under make up. The skin looks so healthy after using this and in general the skin improves over time in terms of hydration levels. My second favourite moisturiser that I've used up several tubes of is Eucerin Aquaporin Active Light.

If you're an old follower on my blog, you'll know that I've been using this every day for three years already. This is a staple in my skincare, much has changed, but this stayed. This is one of those products I can hardly imagine being without. It keeps my skin super, super soft, radiant and healthy looking. It's a dry oil, so it actually doesn't feel that oily and it sinks in in minutes. It's a multi-purpose oil, so I use what's left on my hair and it keeps it in good condition. 

Extras and non-every day items 
I don't use face mask that often because I can't be bothered. 
 This has a really high rating on Make up Alley and it's really affordable for such a massive tube. It's a standard clay mask that is super thick and it draws out impurities from pores, but I dare not apply it on my cheeks because it completely dries out my skin. If you have really oily, problematic skin you'll love it. 

I've been using this since probably around 2006, so I've gone through a lot of tubes of this. I try a different mask every now and then, but I always come back to this one. It's another clay mask with salicylic acid, however, unlike Queen Helene one, this one doesn't dry out my skin at all. It can also be used as a cleanser, but it feels odd to me. It's inexpensive for the amount you get, smells nice and it's widely available. 

Origins Drink Up Intensive
Since my battle with dry patches is over, I don't use this much. In fact, I don't even find it all that good. It just feels like a thick, sticky moisturiser that smells like canned fruit salad (not peaches as most people say), which does moisturise very well, but my skin doesn't feel amazing after use as though I've applied something really special. Actually, I did have an emergency when Queen Helene mask really dried out my cheeks and made them rough, but this wasn't enough to fix the dryness.

This serum is nothing revolutionary, but it does help those pesky blemish marks to fade faster. It doesn't remove them overnight, but long-term this is very effective. Also if I get a few spots this sometimes helps overnight, then sometimes it doesn't.

(Mattifying sunprotecting fluid SPF30)
I barely spend a few minutes outside a day, so I don't wear sunscreen every day and I mostly wear BBs or foundations with SPF anyway. I like this one because it's really light, not greasy and it's really affordable.

Avene Cicalfate
This is just a basic antibacterial repairing treatment for any cuts, wounds, etc. I don't use this a lot on my face as I don't need to, but if it just happens that I squeezed a zit, I apply this to make it heal faster. 

Balea Soft & Clear Anti-Pickel Gel
This is rubbish, but it's the only spot treatment I have. I don't get a lot of spots and if I get them, I'm not that bothered. It's one of those on-spot gels with tons of alcohol and salicylic acid that in theory should make the spot dry out faster, but this one doesn't work.

Not the most moisturising lip balm, but it smells divine and the colour it gives is cute.

I don't suffer from dry lips at all and I think the reason for this also comes down to this swivel stick. I've been using it for years and it's my absolute favourite lip balm. I apply it as the last part of my routine and I wake up with my lips in perfect condition. I almost never use a lip balm during the day simply because I don't need to. I also love this for treating any rough, dry areas. 

This is another great lip balm, but with a more glossy finish. It smells great (pears), moisturises enough for my needs and the tube contains a generous 15 ml. 

And this is it. Basically I use balance Me cleanser, Clarins toner, L'Occitane moisturiser, Nuxe oil and Palmer's lip balm (or Nuxe lip balm) every night, and balance Me cleanser with L'Occitane moisturiser in the mornings. I'm looking for a morning cleanser that is quicker to use and I'm still missing Estee Lauder's Night Advance serum which is amazing.

Have a great day!
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Labello Fruity Shine Peach Lip Balm

There is a new kid on the Labello's Fruity Shine block. Peach version joined the family which already includes Strawberry, Cherry and in some countries also Guava, while Dragon fruit and Pomegranate mysteriously disappeared. I did make an unidentified high pitch sound when I first saw it, since I absolutely love peach scented products.
For those who are confused about the name Labello, it's just how Nivea's lip balms are called in this part of the world. To the best of my knowledge this version doesn't exist under the Nivea name.


The peach version has a hint of colour on the lips just as the rest of the Fruity Shine lip balms. This one is, obviously, a peach shade but with tiny gold shimmer, except that the shimmer doesn't show on the lips. The colour pay-off is minimal, but still noticeable, especially if you go to town with it. The finish is shiny.

The scent is divine! Just like peach yoghurt and very similar to The Body Shop Vineyard Peach body butter that I love so much, only sweeter and not as fresh. 
Formula-wise, despite the fact that they are loved by so many, Labello were never my favourites. I find them not moisturising enough, too light and they wear off so fast. Yet they are cheap and there are some fun colours in the fruity shine line, so I do tend to get one once in a while.
Labello Fruity Shine in Peach is widely available in drugstores as well as supermarkets. I got mine in DM for 1.85€. If you love peach scented products, give it a go.

Have a great day!
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