CERA DI CUPRA BIANCA- for normal and greasy skin

I bought this cream on a sale when I was on a hunt for something more natural and less expensive. When I saw this small bee I immediately thought that that was it. I don't know why, but it seemed more serious and healthier because of that bee?! Does that make sense to you? The next moment it was already in my bag on our way home...

source

I usually don't use pictures from the internet but since my tube looks like this....

....I ended up breaking my own practice.

I am aware that this is a sad sight but look at it on a bright side- I used up the whole 75 ml tube. It will make its appearance in my "I've been busy section" for January so I decided to write a short post about it.

This is how it is advertised:
It takes care of your skin and protects it with virgin beeswax.
Smog, wind and sun can cause serious damage on your skin so it is crucial to provide enough protection and moisture for your skin. Cera di Cupra white cream deeply nourishes and protects it.

It is available in two versions: Rosa- for dry skin and Bianca- for normal and greasy skin. You can find face soap, makeup wipes, hand cream, body lotion and lip balm from the same line. 
They also suggest to try other products from their lines for mature and young skin. I am putting pictures below.

list of products for mature skin

list of their products for young skin

 As I already said, this cream comes in a large 75 ml tube. I started using mine in July and it lasted me for 5 months. Quite long, I know. First I was using it evenings and mornings, then in September I started using another product in hope that it will tighten my pores but it wasn't moisturizing enough on its own, so after a shorter period of time, I decided to go back to this cream. I used it in the evening.

To make things clear, this is a nourishing cream. It has thick consistency and is very rich. I didn't expect anything. I haven't heard or read about it prior to buying it, but the thickness and richness were surprising to me since it was ment for oily skin. Since I started using it in the middle of summer, you can imagine my surprise...

 It smells like a baby powder, or some kind of cream for baby's butt (and I mean that in a good way, when it is washed), and the texture is also like that- thick. If you don't like the smell of baby powder or cosmetics made for babies, stay away from this one because the smell is strong and it stays on your skin for a while.
The first time I tried it I was stunned, rolled my eyes and thought that I made a mistake and took the one for dry skin but the tube clearly said normal and oily. I had a BIG QUESTION MARK above my head? But I was on a holiday and didn't want to look for an alternative so I went ahead and used it.
To explain the situation... That day was very hot and sunny. I went to the seaside for a longer weekend and stayed in the sun a bit too long. That resulted with me getting a little sunburned (not a lot, but my skin was a bit red), then after a shower my skin felt dry and uncomfortable. I used my Cera di Cupra and immediately I felt relieved. It surprised me but you really do have a feeling that it is doing its thing.

This cream is thick and heavy but it absorbs into the skin surprisingly well. If you put a little too much on your face, just pick up the extra cream with a paper towel or handkerchief.
But with that said, I think that most girls and women with oily skin won't like the consistency of it.

And now you are probably wondering would I buy it again and my answer is- maybe. I liked that it was mild, calming and nourishing for my skin, but it is so thick that it scares me. When you have oily skin it is frightening to use heavy and thick creams. I can't help it...

If you are interested in this cream you can find it in DM for about 27 kunas (2.70 GBP/$5.50/3.30 Euros).

What do you say? Would you try it?

Tell me...

Love, beautyandbrains007

LOVE LUSH: Dragon's Egg bath bomb

Another Lush section on my blog. What can I say? Get used to them because I got a little crazy during their sale so there are many more products for me to write a review on. It's funny but this one isn't one of them. This I got as a present. I don't usually buy bath bombs myself.

Lush, Dragon's Egg bath bomb

This is how LUSH in United Kingdom describes it:

Run yourself the perfect temperature bath and get in. Take a moment to let go of the world outside your bathroom before launching your ballistic into the water and watching it fizz away.

Like an everlasting gobstopper, this ballistic keeps on revealing layer upon layer of surprises. It gives up its gifts in an unfolding drama, leaving you in a bath of molten gold. Along the way you will experience a firework display of colour, a fiery crackle of popping candy, a swirling landscape of creamy foam and a drift of paper dragon scales.

And this is how Americans feel about it:

Unleash fire and bathe in a whirlpool of magnificently vibrant, sizzling color and a spectacular explosion of sights, sounds, and scents. Inhale the refreshing sherbet-y citrus scent of lemon and bergamot; you'll feel like you're up and away on the back of your own dragon. This mystical Bath Bomb fizzles, crackles, curls, and ends with a glitter explosion. Citrus oils are known for their invigorating effect on the mind, and Dragon's Egg is no exception! Drop one of these into the bath for a serious wake-up call on groggy mornings, or before an evening out.

Features

• Release the beast: For days when you feel like a dragon and need to let off some steam.
• Sensational: A spectacular bath time experience for all of your senses.
• Cheery citrus: Lemon oil has an uplifting aroma and is toning and refreshing for the skin.

Croatian Lush describes it in a more story telling way... I don't know? I thought  that was interesting.

It really has a lot of colours inside, and gold glitter too.

As you can see, I even sliced one in half for you ;).

Even in the water you will be able to see it, not like a glitter bomb exploded, but you will see it.

The concept is the same as with all the other bath bombs. You just put it in your bathtub when it fills with water. Don't expect rich foam because bath bombs will just colour your water with many colours, be loud for a while...and that is about it.

They won't make your skin dry (at least mine they don't) like some of their soaps can.

Ingredients:
Sodium Bicarbonate, Citric Acid, Fizzy Candy, Perfume, Tartaric acid, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Citrus limonum, Citrus aurantium bergamia, Jasminum grandiflorum, Cocamide DEA, Lauryl Betaine, Propylene Glycol, Gardenia jasminoides, Citral, Limonene, Linalool, Colour 14700, Colour 45410, Polyethylene terephtalate, golden glitter, Rice paper

The smell of it is its best feature if you ask me. It smells amazing and it will fill your whole house (if you don't live in a mansion). It smells clean and fresh.

But...for me, if I am taking a bath I love rich and luxurious foam which I don't get with any bath bombs (Lush or other).

It is also very expensive in Croatia, it costs 44 kunas for 100 grams of product (one bomb), which is about 4.40 GBP (in Britain it costs 3.20 GBP), $8 (in America it is $6.25), 6 Euros (in Germany 5.45 Euros, in Austria 5.95 Euros as in France), so as you can see the price varies. In most of Europe they are expensive for just one bath, which is a minus in my opinion. With bubble bars (which also aren't cheap), at least  you get several baths if you cut them in smaller pieces.

That is it from me for this time.

How do you like bath bombs? Lush in general?

Tell me...

Love, beautyandbrains007

I am not affiliated with lush in any way. All the products were bought by myself or given to me from my friends and family.

CHANEL- Rouge Allure Pure Shine lip gloss, 56 IMAGINAIRE

Imagine....this little guy has been everywhere with me since I got it. It laughs with me, goes out with my friends, kisses my love, it is literally- everywhere! I love it!

I am ashamed to admit that this wasn't one of my finds. I saw it on a friend of mine and thought, Oh...I wish that he was with me?! Thankfully, it was just a lip gloss so no one got hurt. I was admiring it so much that she wanted to buy it for me as a Christmas present but it wasn't available until 2013 (it was, but it was sold out in Croatia, which leads me to conclusion that somewhere are women like me crazy about this one; fellow groupies hello!!!).

It is expensive but hey, it's Chanel?! Not that that is an excuse... It will cost you 240 kunas in Croatia (about 24 GBP/$42/31 Euros). I of course didn't pay that much for it because it was on sale plus I had a coupon, so in the end the price was more reasonable for someone like me who just can't pay the full price...
The packaging is very simple but chic. Sturdy, black, glass container with a small chanel sign and gold top with their logo. Ugh...I know it's shallow but it is like a weapon when I pull it out of my purse- in a good, feminine way.

It is shorter and wider than their glossimers. The amount of product that you get is also different- 8g/0.28 oz in Rouge Allure version, and 5,5 g/0.16 oz in Glossimers. The price, naturally is also different- 24 GBP/$42/31 Euros for Allure, and 20.40 GBP/$37/26 Euros.

Chanel Rouge Allure lip glosses are marketed almost like shiny lipsticks. They should be pigmented, shiny and long lasting. The colour I chose is not the most vibrant so I can't say that they are crazy pigmented. In fact, one could say that it is dull, but belive me, so many people will notice it, it surprised me, too.
It has a smooth and rich consistency, but it is not goopy or too sticky. Yes, your hair can get stuck on your lips but not as much like with so many other glosses.
Its longevity is good but hey, it's a lip gloss, so don't expect more than 2-3 hours, depending on how much you drink, eat, talk, kiss?! I LOVE IT!!!

This is how it looks on my lips. The photo is blurry, I apologize.

It has a very soft sponge tip applicator.

It is molded on both sides so that your lips can be closed while applied.

For me, there is something so special about this lip gloss?! Its scent- smells like makeup but in a modern way with just a twist of Coco Chanel? Its colour which is nude-pink-coral at the same time, wakening that small girl in me but still letting her to be a young woman?! On my friend it seemed a bit glittery but I didn't notice that on myself.

I almost forgot to post the ingredients.

To conclude:
this is a great and shiny lip gloss; the colour doesn't seem vibrant but it makes a huge difference;It is expensive so I suggest to find a coupon or sale when you are buying it; the scent is mild and I don't think it will bother a lot of women; longlasting?- not bad for a lip gloss but MAX 3 hours; and the last question- would I buy it again- Y E S!!!!!!

What is your verdict?

Tell me....

Love, beautyandbrains007

MACADAMIA MADNESS!!! (shampoo, conditioner, mask, oil, oil infused comb, no tangle brush)

Be prepared... This is going to be A LOOOOONG POST...so either make some tea or coffee, sit down and enjoy or ignore it?! But, you can always scroll down to the parts you're interested in. So....Macadamia hair care here we go.

Like many others, I got infected with Macadamia. I've heard so much about it that I just had to try it. In my defense, I was vulnerable after a bad hairdresser appointment, and there was a huge sale on cheapsmells. So, I ended up buying their hair mask, shampoo, conditioner and healing oil. The comb and no tangle styling brush were a gift from my usual hairdresser. I love her so much and am so thankful not only for these two combs/brushes, but also for carefree visits to her salon. She of course wasn't the one who messed up my, usually healthy, long, blond hair.

As in my routine, I am going to start with Macadamia Natural Oil Rejuvenating Shampoo for dry or damaged hair. I don't have dry hair, but as I said, it was damaged.
Like other Macadamia products, this shampoo doesn't contain parabens or sulfates, and is color safe.

My, at the time, horrible hair colour didn't change (unfortunately), and my current colour isn't dramatically changing but of course with frequently washing your hair, it will change a little bit. You know...it looses its OOMPH and a little bit of shine. Nothing major.

It doesn't have a distinctive scent, it almost doesn't have any scent at all. That was surprising to me since the first product I tried from them was the mask which has a very strong, to me, tropically scent.
Its consistency is kind of strange. It reminds me of Lush- Big shampoo (I prefer Lush over this one), I guess because of the sea salt that it contains, but in Macadamia's version you can't feel the small particles. It deep cleans your hair but it doesn't add volume, and the downside is that it tangles your hair quite a bit while washing, and that can't be a good thing for dry or already damaged hair. It is interesting that the first time I wash my hair with it, it doesn't foam up a lot but the second time it does.
I am not too crazy about this shampoo and wouldn't buy it again.

Ingredients (shampoo):
water (aqua/eau), Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine Cocamide MEA, Cetyl Betaine, Decyl Glucoside, Polysorbate 20, Glycol Distearate, Phenoxyethanol, Panthenol, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Fragrance (parfum), Laurdimonium Hydroxypropyl Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Glycereth-2 Cocoate, Polyquaternium-7, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Macadamia Integrifolia Seed oil, Triticum Vulgare (Wheat) Germ Oil, Tocopheryl Acetate, Camelia Oleifera Leaf Extract, Linum Usitatissimum (linseed) Seed Extract, Sea Salt,Aminomethyl Propanol, Linalool, Hexyl Cinnamal, Butylphenyl Methylpropional, Citronellol, Limonene, Yellow 5 (CI 19140), Blue 1 (CI 42090), Red 4 (CI 14700).

As I said, I bought it on cheapsmells, unfortunately can't remember how much I paid for it but it is $21 for 10 fl.oz./300 ml bottle. That is their official price but in Europe it costs much more. On cheapsmells it costs 10.95 GBP (13.24 Euros) with a 39% discount- link. I don't know how much it is in other countries outside America, but I think that it is definitely more than $21.

Next is Macadamia Natural Oil Moisturizing Rinse- daily conditioning for all hair types.

"...an every day conditioner that gently nourishes, detangles, moisturizes and protects, leaving hair soft, manageable and ready to style.
HOW TO USE: After cleansing with our Rejuvenating Shampoo, work Moisturizing Rinse through wet hair, from roots to ends. Leave in for 30-60 seconds then rinse thoroughly."

This also has an almost undetectable scent and weird consistency. Even when you put it in your hand it doen't feel rich or moisturizing. I am aware of the fact that this is a daily conditioner, and it wouldn't be good if it was too rich or heavy, but for damaged hair it should be more nourishing. It will not help you much with detangling your hair, especially if it is damaged.

Now, when my hair is grown and back to its usual state it is a little bit better, but for dry or damaged hair, it won't work.

Ingredients (conditioner):
Water (Aqua/Eau), Cetearyl Alcohol, Cetyl Alcohol, Stearyl Alcohol, Behentrimonium Methosulfate, Macadamia Integrifolia Seed Oil, Hydrolyzed Silk, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Hydrolyzed Soy protein, Wheat Amino Acids, Hydrlyzed Wheat Protein, Hydrolyzed Barley Protein, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Panthenol, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Amodimethicone, C 11-15 Pareth-7, Laureth-9, Glycerin, Trideceth-12, Polyquaternium-69, Glycereth-26, Cetrimonium Chloride, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethiconol, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Aminomethyl Propanol, Phenoxyethanol, Methylisothiazolinone, Linalool, Fragrance (parfum).

They suggest to leave it on the hair for 30-60 seconds, I left it for even longer, and applied it after their rejuvenating shampoo but the results were always the same- NON EXISTENT!

I also bought a 300 ml/10 fl.oz bottle of conditioner. The price is the same- 10.95 GBP (13.24 Euros) on cheapsmells- link. On Macadamia's official site the price of it is $24. I wouldn't buy it again and if you are really interested to try it, start with a smaller bottle if you can't get a sample.

I know it seems that I didn't like Macadamia products but here we come to the good ones.

This one deserves all the hype- Macadamia Natural Oil Deep Repair Masque.

This product literally saved my hair after that horrible hair appointment. It really deeply nourishes and moisturizers the hair, especially if you apply it mixed with healing oil. It is ment for dry and damaged hair.

"Our Deep Repair Masque is a hair reconstructor that will penetrate and rebuild damaged hair for improved shine and elasticity.

• Enriched with Macadamia & Argan oils
• Deep nourishment & long-lasting conditioning
• Ultra-conditioning hair reconstruction"

It should be applied on wet hair and allow up to 7 minutes to penetrate in your hair before rinsing. It shouldn't be used more than twice a week since it is an intense treatment.
I leave it on my hair for ten minutes and when I wash it, it feels healthy, nourished,  looks silky, and combs out beautifully. I really love this mask!

you can see that since I already have a back up

but a smaller version

It has a very strong, tropically scent. I didn't like the scent at first but now I love it. It would be good to test it first because if you don't like the smell of it, you will hate this mask since it stays in your hair.

I first bought it in the largest size 500 ml/16.9 fl.oz. and I am not sorry at all. It lasted one year for me (it has an expiration date of 18 months after opening it). It is very rich and creamy so you don't need a lot of it. I also bought it on cheapsmells for an amazing price- about 15 GBP with shipping. On Macadamia's site it costs $49. Cheapsmells currently has only a small version of it- link.

Ingredients (masque):
Aqua/Water/Eau, Cetearyl Alcohol, Glycerin, Cetrimonium Chloride, Quaternium-80, Amodimethicone, Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil, Parfum/Fragrance, Algae Extract, Tocopheryl Acetate, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil, Anthemis Nobilis Flower Oil, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Limonene, Butylphenyl Methylpropional, Hexyl Cinnamal, Linalool, Citronellol, C11-15 Pareth-7, Trideceth-12, Trimethylsiloxyamodimethicone.

I have greasy hair so I use it only once a week in combination with (two pumps) of healing oil. I have heard that if you leave it on your hair, in combination with healing oil, overnight, it works wonders. But I don't think that you need to do that if you have normal/greasy hair. Only if your hair is really dry or/and damaged.

And the last hair care product that I own from the line is- Macadamia Natural Oil, Healing Oil Treatment for all hair types, which I also bought on cheapsmells. I swear, I am not affiliated with them in any way but the sale was amazing!!! They don't offer it right now, but then I bought the biggest size they had- 125 ml/4.2 fl.oz. glass bottle. I paid about 13 GBP for it (in America it costs $39.95).
Although the bottle is made out of glass, it is very sturdy, and although it has a pump on top it is very travel friendly. Other products that I mentioned are in plastic bottles/containers.

Ingredients (oil):
Dimethicone, Cyclomethicone, Tocopheryl Acetate, Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Parfum/fragrance, Benzyl Salicylate, Hexyl Cinnamal, Butylphenyl Methylpropional, Coumarin, Linalool, Limonene, CI 27755, CI 47000, CI 26100.

"Our Healing Oil Treatment is a therapeutic hair oil perfect for all hair types and is especially beneficial to dry, damaged hair.

• Intense nourishment for tangle & frizz free hair
• Hair that is ultra-smooth, manageable & shiny
• Natural UV protection extends the life of color treatments
• Reduced drying time by an amazing 40-50%"

It can be applied to damp or dry hair, alone or in combination with hair mask. Since it has a heavy consistency, if you have greasy hair I wouldn't recommend to apply it to dry hair. But if you use it as or with a mask on wet hair, and then rinse off, it will do miracles.
The scent is strong and tropically as the mask. I really like this oil and would buy it again.

All these products are CRUELTY and PARABEN FREE!!!

"Macadamia Natural Oil comes from the South Pacific and is becoming very popular for its amazing effect on hair. Hair will be given a soft touch that feels healthy and cared for."

In my opinion the mask and the oil are great products which I would buy again. The shampoo and conditioner aren't worth the money. I wouldn't recommend them. But if you read carefully the ingredients you will see that Macadamia oil is just one ingredient in combination with argan oil so it is possible to find a similar product for less money. I haven't found it, yet but if you were more successful in that department, tell me.

The last two products that I own and have tried are no tangle brush and oil infused comb.

Macadamia Healing Oil Infused Comb...

"Our unique comb blends our Healing Oil Treatment with a specially formulated resin for a detangler infused with our special oil.

• Hassle-free nourishment and tangle maintenance
• Detangles hair while adding shine and smoothness
• Oil treatment benefits with no residue on your hands
• Provides even distribution of Healing Oil Treatment"

This is a small plastic comb that is supposed to have oil in it...I get the idea but this comb is... I am thinking how to say this politely- NOT THE BEST!!! You really don't need it because it doesn't do a thing. Maybe it would work better if it had some kind of handle , but that is also a "what if situation"?! In America it costs $9, but in Europe you will pay 6-8 GBP (up to 10 Euros) for it if you don't get it in a set.
My advice to you is- IGNORE IT!

But this next item is AMAZING!!! I haven't tried other detangling brushes so I can't compare it to any other, but this one is a savior for me. You will brush your wet hair out in half the time with absolutely no pain. And for a girl with a long, blond hair to say that...that means something. I almost forgot to present it in a proper way. Its name is- Macadamia Natural Oil No Tangle Styler Brush.

"The No Tangle Brush utilizes a unique “flex bristle” design that gently diffuses tangles and knots, painlessly and safely detangling your hair. The remarkable bristles eliminate pulling, split-ends and breakage.
The No Tangle brush is so gentle that cuticle damage is minimized, helping protect the vibrancy, shine and longevity of color treated hair.

• Smooths the cuticle layer
• Minimizes breakage, splitting and damage
• Painless and stress-free detangler
• Recommended for fragile or chemically treated hair
• Excellent for scalp massage and improved circulation
• Safe for use with hair extensions"

The price of it in America is $15, but you will pay up to 10 Euros/8 GBP in Europe for it unless you have an amazing hairdresser or you find it on sale.

That is it my friends.

What do you say? Have you tried some of these products? Interested?

Tell me....

Love, beautyandbrains007

I am not affiliated to cheapsmells or Macadamia in any way. All the products are purchased by myself.

I've been busy... (my finished products for December)

I am aware of the fact that I am quite late with this post but I am so busy in my everyday life that I just don't have the time to write the posts for my beloved blog more often. But here are the products I have used up in December.

Plus one more that I have almost forgotten, which would be a shame since I love it!!!

Elizabeth Arden eye capsules. I love them. Bought them on cheapsmells as a three-pack with 90 capsules. Gone through two of the "boxes" already, which you will see in my next month goodbye products, or as I like to call it- I've been busy section. They have oily consistency but they sink into skin fast and applying makeup after them will not be a problem. They nourish the skin and don't contain parabens. If you want to read my more in depth review, click here.

Back to my other finished products.

Balea cream shower gel with coconut and Tiare flower. To be honest, I wasn't a fan of this one. Too much Tiare and too little coconut. It is affordable, about 10 kunas (about $2, 1 GBP, 1.30 Euros). I've seen it in a pack with body lotion for 22 kunas in DM (about 2.20 GBP, $4, 3 Euros). I haven't tried the lotion but I am not interested. The shower gel wasn't foamy enough, I had to use a lot of it and, I just didn't like it and would not buy it again.

This paper behind of it is from Dragon's ball- Lush bath bomb. If you like their bath bombs, you will like this one, too. If you are more for bubble baths, skip this one. You can read my review HERE.

And the last two products from the picture above are both from Avon- Green apple bubble bath and Cinnamon and Cranberry bath fizz (this sorry little piece of red foily paper, I forgot to save the box). I've reviewed them both so you can click here to see how I liked them. Wasn't too crazy about them either. The green apple doesn't have a stopper on top so too much products comes out for just one bath (and even then my tub wasn't as foamy as I like it to be) and fizzes are just going to colour your water but, although they are marketed to create luxurious foam, there is none.

Next are disposable razor blades from Balea. I buy them all the time and like them. You get five in one pack, they are affordable, not sure exactly how much they cost but they are about 8 kunas (about 0.80 GBP, $1.40, 1 Euro). I use them for my armpits only. They are not bad and I would buy them again.

Eveline body lotion with orchid and coconut. I bought this lotion during summer when I was still at the Croatian coast, and it lasted a long time. I was hoping that it will be more coconuty but, unfortunately, this too is more flowery (orchidy). It is not a bad lotion but for really dry skin it wouldn't be a good solution. I like that it has a pump on the top because I find it convenient and hygienic but when you come to the end of this product you will have to remove it and scrape out the rest of the lotion. By the claims on the bottle, they don't test on animals, which is great, but this product contains parabens so if you are against them, this is not for you. I wouldn't repurchase this product.

This, on the other hand is my must have product. Nivea Fresh roll on. I love it and this probably is my hundred bottle. I know, I am exaggerating, but I really do buy this one again and again. I don't know if it will last for 48 hours but it will give you a 24 hour protection. I love the smell of this one but you have several scents to choose from. You can buy it everywhere and it will cost you about 20 kunas ($4, 2 GBP, 3 Euros).

Another must have product for me. Ebelin nail polish remover. Another DM product, affordable and great! They' ve changed the packaging but the product is the same. It is also great for dark and glittery polishes, and it really removes them nicely. I even use it to remove Shellac (with a little help from cotton balls and aluminum foil).

So, those are mine used up products. What are yours?

Tell me...

Love, beautyandbrains007