I've been busy.... My June 2016. Empties

Hi Girls, I am happy to be here with you today to show you my beauty recycle bin. Sounds much better than trash can, right?! ;) :) But it really is a recycle bin. Since some of you who enjoy beauty world as I do, like to see what people manage to go through, I will start with actual Empties!

It is not strange that this time of year, I mostly finished cleansing products.

As always, all my products are divided into categories. Here you can see body care products which I also divided into two groups: Hair and Body.

In my body care category, it seems that hydration was the main thing. I decided to finish some body creams and lotions which I received in various beauty boxes, so here you can see travel size Clarins Eau des Jardins Smoothing body cream from last year's Selfridges Summer Beauty Box. This cream was OK, light, more as a body milk, but it wasn't revolutionary and since it has a higher price tag, I say pass. There are a lot more wallet friendly options which are as good or better! Another beauty box find was Bliss FatGirlSlim Firming cream. This was a strange product. With its colour and texture, it is more like a gel, but not completely, because it is very liquidy. So much, that you have to be careful when opening it. I didn't expect much from it, and there really wasn't enough product to know if it works, but all in all I wasn't impressed and I will not be buying it. 

And then there is Balea In Shower Vanilla Body Milk. I don't know how many times have I mentioned this on my blog? But the point is that this is a wonderful product, especially for lazy or/and tired evenings. I love it and recommend it! If you want to know more about it, you can read my review here.
In the end, I also finished The Afrodita Mystic Argan duo - body shower and body milk. Afrodita has a lot of nice products, these ones included. They smell soft and nice, are efficient (although body milk might be too light for really dry skin types) and I enjoyed using them.

Still kind off in the Body Category, but not really. :) I finished two hair care products. I mentioned Batiste Strenght & Shine dry shampoo so many times that you probably know how much I love it. It is a cult and must-have product for me! If you want to know more about it, you can read my review on it - here. I also finished a pot of The Pantene Pro-V Colour Therapy Intensive Repair hair mask. An OK product, nowhere near the Batiste status but it was fine. I wouldn't buy again, though.

There is a nice crowd in my face care products Empties as well.

There is an obvious cleansing theme in my face care products category. I tried and finished Biobaza (Croatian brand) Beauty Gentle Cleansing Gel for sensitive skin with chamomile and zinc. It was fine, it wasn't drying for my combination to oily skin and I wouldn't mind owning it again. The Olival toner with immortelle isn't a new find for me. I like it very much and I don't know how many bottles of it I finished? If your skin is combination to oily, and you get a chance to visit Croatia, try it out! Another great product that I tried and finished is The Straskin Instaglam Foaming Peeling Perfection Puf. I tried it out just when I needed it and it helped my skin to recover from a very unhappy post acne period. It wiped out all the scaring and left me with a beautiful and healthy looking skin. I recommend it and I already bought a new one, just in case. If you are interested in more details about it, you can check my review here.

After good cleansing, sometimes you need a bit more pampering. That is when I reach for face masks, and evidentely, I've done that many times during June. They were all meant for different purposes. From these three, my personal favourite was The Nuxe Creme Fraiche hydrating face mask. It is a wonderful choice for any time of year when you have to batlle with dry parts on your face. But I did use it more often during winter. It helps with dryness from the first application and makes skin look more vibrant and healthy. I also used up The Olival Immortelle Nourishing face mask which is Ok, but not as good as the above mentioned toner from the same line. It doesn't nourish as much as I would like to, and in my opinion, Nuxe is a better option. The last one from this bunch is Avon Planet Spa Rhassoul Clarifying face mask. It wasn't bad, but for this type of face mask I would rather choose something like Lush Mask of Magnaminty (review).

And in the last, probably most exciting, makeup category there is only one but great product - L'Oreal True Match liquid foundation, which was an awesome find and I enjoyed it very much! And yes, I would buy it again.

What did you finish in June? Have you tried any of my Empties?

Tell me...

Love, beautyandbrains007

For Croatian version of this post click here

What I loved in June 2016. (My Favourites...)

Monthly Favourites posts are probably one of my favourite posts to write and read. How appropriate?! But really, I am so excited to share with you some new discoveries from June. 

As always, I divided them into categories and I am starting with hair care.

Since I wrote several hair care posts in June where I raved about new discovered products, it isn't really surprising that I am starting with them. Both of them have their detailed reviews, so I am going to be short here, but I just have to mention one more time how much I like The Balea LE Jeden Tag Mango Shampoo and The Wet Brush Pro.

The Shampoo is mild enough for everyday use, but so efficient even on my greasy hair, and for such a friendly price. You really need to try it!

And the brush is a saviour for all you long haired gals out there who hate the amount of time and pain they need to detangle. It is amazing, quick, efficient, LOVE IT!!!

And now onto body care where I had just one favourite. It is new in terms of me opening it, but in reality I bought it like two years ago... I am talking about The Collistar Talaso-Scrub Gold body scrub with salts and essential oils. My pot was a part of their Celebration edition two years ago but Collistar as a brand is quite famous for their body scrubs and they have a lot to choose from for different skin types and their needs. 

This one is a mechanical body scrub filled with oils, which makes it equally successful in removing dead skin cells, as with leaving your skin nice, smooth and nourished. Celebration edition scrub has small golden glitter particles which are quite nice. They stay on your skin but in a very pretty and sophisticated way.

Opposite to body care, I did have a lot of new and loved face care products in June. Although I "met" them recently, we've spent a lot of time together in the last four or five weeks. Meaning, I played with them for a while before giving them the Favourite status. 

I wrote about my experience with Starskin products here, but even though I tried their sheet mask which was lovely, I was really wowed with their Starskin Instaglam Foaming Peeling Perfection Puff. My skin got a bit crazy at the end of May and I was left with dry patches and acne scars on my chin. I wanted to get rid of all that imperfections as quickly as possible so I tried with this puff. Let me tell you... This was magical. It erased redness, removed dry skin and left me with beautiful fresh skin as it was before "that time of the month". I really recommend this product and already bought myself a new puff in case my skin decides to get angry at me again. Just for reference, my skin is combination to oily and this puff didn't dry me out.

After a recommendation of a fellow blogger Mona Moon from Fantazija blog I bought The Bocassy Clean & Tone toner, which they have recently released. It is very similar to Olival's toner from their Immortelle line and if you like that one, chances are you will like this one as well. Although many people think of toners as cleansing products, toners are actually a very important skin care step. This one goes well with my combination, but currently quite oily skin. Refreshing but not aggresive or drying.

The last product from this category is The Pixi by Petra Hydrating Milky Mist with hyaluronic acid and black oat. For me, this is a wonderful hydrating product which provides your skin with much needed moisture. And lets be honest... I am getting older with every beautiful new day and I want my skin to stay fresh and hydrated for as long as possible. This is not a makeup setting spray type of product, this is a step in your day or/and night time routine. You spray the mist on your clean face before serum, oil or cream and it will hydrate your skin and help your cream, serum or oil to penetrate deeper into the skin, making your routine more efficient. If you weren't crazy about the alcohol in The Caudalie Beauty Elixir, but you also didn't like The Caudalie Grape Water, and you are still looking for a similar alternative for yourself with hydrating benefits for your skin, try this one. I recommend it!

I loved all the above mentioned products, but last month I found some new gems in makeup area which makes me especially excited, and the best of all is that they are perfect for almost complete makeup look!

Although online Maybelline The Blushed Nudes Palette isn't really raved about, I like it! Eyeshadows are buttery, just enough pigmented, you don't get a lot of fallout (nevertheless I always tap excess product before applying it on my lids, no matter the brand), and they look perfectly natural but polished on this direct and strong summer sun. I was also surprised to see that this palette is made in Italy, just saying.

I also have a new and beautiful cheek candy, my Clinique Cheek Pop blush in the shade Plum Pop. It looks quite strong in the packaging, and if I only saw a photo of it, I wouldn't have bought it. But... I swatched it in the shop and discovered a beautiful almost baby pink cool shade that looks wonderful on my fair complexion. LOVE IT!

The last June makeup favourite is The P2 Most Charming Lip Fluid in the shade 010 Fairy. I bought it because I wanted to play with shades a little bit outside my usual comfort zone, so I went with this pinky-magenta shade. Let me start with its texture, it is something between liquid lipstick and lip gloss, but it is not very sticky like most lip glosses tend to be. It is quite pigmented if you apply a generous amount on your lips and if you want it to be more visible, but it can look very natural if applyed moderately. I personally enjoy playing with it! Unfortunately P2 isn't available in Croatia, which makes me sad because their products seem to be very nice and wallet friendly. For instance, this lip fluid costs 2.75 Euros.

With lips in mind we have come to the end of this Favourites post. I am really thrilled with my new finds. What do you think about them? Which products were your Favourites during June?

Tell me...

Love, beautyandbrains007

For Croatian version of this post click here

The Wet Brush - Pro

It seems that hair is "my thing" nowadays. First I raved about Balea LE Jeden Tag Mango Shampoo and now I am here again, just a post later with a hair brush ;). Lately, I have been really good with photographing new items and testing them out. So, I strive to tell you my impressions about them as soon as possible. You could have seen The Wet Brush-Pro before in my New in post and in my review of The Cult Beauty Box by Anna & Lily where I received it, but today it is getting its own, well deserved post.

By the words of the manufacturer:
"An innovation in hair care, The Wet Brush has totally transformed our locks (and lives)! Detangling in mere minutes, this (let’s be honest, fairly ordinary looking) brush is the secret to happy hair, healthy scalp, and no more mornings spent wrestling (crying) over that nape-of-the-neck dread that’s developed… Lightweight and easy to wield, Classic Wet Brush seamlessly separates all knots and tats without compromising precious strands. This is all due to the revolutionary ‘Intelliflex’ technology; the thin, strong yet super flexible bristles have brains – yielding or unbending as required – to glide through tangles with next-to-no tugging, tearing or tress distress. What’s more, the ball-tip bristles are perfect for gently stimulating circulation near the scalp, to better feed your follicles and encourage new growth."

The Wet Brush is ergonomically designed with a rubber coated, non-slip handle. This is ideal for eliminating post-wash knots and reinvigorating your scalp – as well as for smoothing and separating dry hair (including both real and synthetic extensions).

It is suitable for all hair types and textures, men and women, and children as well. Because of its Intelliflex bristles it is also suitable for wigs and hair extensions.

And now it is my turn. My hair is long, straight and dense with a tendency to get tangled. That is why washing my hair was a nightmare, it hurt und lasted at least 20 minutes even with a wide tooth comb until I discovered Macadamia No Tangle Brush (review). But I know that girls with long, dense and curly hair weren't equally impressed with it, because its bristles weren't long enough for their curly hair. Since The Wet Brush-Pro is designed as a typical hair brush with longer intelliflex bristles, I think it might be a great solution for them as well.

Personally, I am loving The Wet Brush-Pro!!! It has a classical design and is rubberized so you get a good grip on the handle which makes brushing out wet hair easy. I don't think that the brush will fall out of your hands because of the water and conditioner, which I hated about The Tangle Teezer. The rubber reminds me a bit of Nars packaging. The Wet Brush-Pro is great for combing out dry hair also, but I prefer it for wet hair, because it is quick, efficient and without any pain.

I don't wear wigs or extensions, so I can't say how it would work for them but I heard girls with extensions raving about these brushes as well.

For me and my needs, this is an amazing product which I recommend!

If you are wondering where to find it, look no more! It is available everywhere - Lookfantastic, Hqhair, Cult beauty, Beauty bay in multiple sizes, designs and colours. Mine is Classic Black and costs 12 GBP, but you can often find them on sale or use a coupon code to get them cheaper.

This brush, in my opinion, would be a great choice for your beach bag as well, so if you're looking for a helper with you salty hair, consider this one. If you decide to buy it, let me know how you liked it! :)

What do you think? Have you tried Wet Brush-Pro? Interested?

Tell me...

Love, beautyandbrains007




For Croatian version of this post click here

Balea LE Jeden Tag Mango Shampoo for all hair types

My dearest readers... I want to wish you a wonderful day today! My current mood is happy so I decided to write today's post about a product that also makes me feel that way... Spoiler alert! :) You already know the tone of this review but let me start from the beginning.

I don't know about you, but during summer heat I wash my greasy hair even more often, every or every other day. I know what you are thinking... That is not good or healthy for your hair, but I can't help myself. This time of year that isn't because of its greasiness but because I love the feeling of refreshing shower at the end of a busy and hot summer day. 

During one of my visits to DM, I was already at the register when I saw Balea LE Jeden Tag Mango Shampoo. That Jeden Tag (every day) sign got me interested and when I saw the price for 300 ml bottle of 8.90 kn (about 1.20 Euros/0.92 GBP/1.36$), the bottle immediately found its way to my cart.

The shampoo comes in a vivid, summery bottle with a tropical vibe, with a classic attached lid opening on the top, and it houses orange mango/tropical scented shampoo inside. To be honest, its scent wouldn't be my first choice but it is OK. It smells a bit like multivitamin juice, but the scent is so light and doesn't linger that I think that it will not be a problem for most people.

DM with its Balea team claims that this shampoo has especially mild recipe which makes it a good choice for all hair types. Although it is very mild to your hair, it cleans it thouroughly from roots to ends, leaving it clean and shiny, while its exotic tropical scent creates feeling of summer vacation. The recipe includes vitamin B3 and provitamin B5 which provide for the health of your hair, and it doesn't contain silicone.

And as for me... I agree. This shampoo is wonderful. It really does have a mild recipe which means that it leaves me with a feeling of fresh, clean hair, but doesn't make my hair squeaky clean. It washes hair very nicely and thouroughly, it is mild but doesn't leave you with a feeling of weighed down hair, and the end result is beautiful, clean, shiny and flowy hair. I LOVE IT!!! As I already said, my hair is greasy but I really do think that this one would act great for all types of hair.

What I don't like about it is the fact that it is a limited edition product!

Job well done DM and Balea!

What do you think? Have you tried this shampoo? Interested?


Tell me...


Love, beautyandbrains007



For Croatian version of this post click here

My New In....

Hi Girls! I really wanted to hang out with you today, but at the same time it is Sunday and I am not in the mood for heavy writing or reading. I need a refreshment on this rainy Sunday. And is there a better way to pick yourself up than with the new beauty products? Actually there is. But for purposes of this post, let's pretend that this way is the best. Also, after my pretty large Empties post (here), I think that some new things are just in time ;). So, Ladies...welcome to my New in post!

I was quite busy purchasing new beauty items last few months. Some of them were (surprisingly) bought in actual stores, some are presents, and some were bought through the internet. You gotta love internet shopping!!! I certainly do.

This year I got to travel a bit, so I celebrated that with some shopping.

If I had to name one type of makeup product that I really don't need anymore, I would say eyeshadows. But eyeshadows and eyeshadow palettes are also my favourite products to purchase. I apparently decided to endulge myself and bought three new eyesshadow palettes: The Catrice LE - DENIM DIVINE C01 Injeanious palette, Maybelline The Blushed Nudes palette and Urban Decay Naked 3 palette that I am probably the last one to get but I just couldn't help myself.

I visited Germany and there I bought my first P2 products. P2 is a drugstore brand that I heard great things about. To try to avoid more eyeshadows, I chose lip products and bought myself MOST CHARMING lip fluids (something between lipstick and lip gloss). I also purchased Clinique Cheek pop blush in the shade 04-Plum Pop, which looks absolutely beautiful... <3 <3 <3

My body care got some loving as well. I visited The Body Shop and went away with two new products- Strawberry Body Butter and Shea Body Scrub.

Visits to Croatian drugstores were also very satisfying. ;)

I am always in need for a new Nivea roll-on (my favourite), especially this time of year. Dry shampoos are another staple product in my bathroom, so I stocked up during a Batiste sale in BIPA. I've written a review here for Batiste Strength & Shine dry shampoo, which is my favourite, so if you want to know more about it go and read it. In BIPA Le Petit Marseillais body lotions were also reduced. I saw this kind with Poppy and remembered that a fellow blogger, Nives from the ALittleMakeupobssesed blog, raves about it. Since I was still sad about the last few particles of my TBS Smoky Poppy Body Butter, there wasn't any other option for me other than to buy it for myself, and I did.

Recently, Physicians Formula products landed in Kozmo stores here in Croatia. I watched Tati (former GlamLifeGuru) raving about their Organic Wear Mascara for years, and when I had the opportunity to buy it and try it out myself, I jumped! I am still testing it out but I would say don't take your wallet to the register yet! I must say that Physicians Formula products are a bit expensive on our market. This mascara, for instance, costs 100 kn (13.36 Eura/10.55 GBP/15.04$).
DM was offering 40% reduced prices for L'Oreal products. I needed some new makeup items like L'Oreal Infallible 24H Matte foundation, and wanted to try some new products, so I bought L'Oreal Infallible Mega Gloss lip glosses (Mafia Gloss and Protest Queen).

I really do not discriminate. I buy beauty stuff from everywhere, even through the catalogues. That is how I ended up with the next few items. With summer feet exposure in mind, I  bought Oriflame Feet Up Rescue Treatment Foot Mask and Oriflame Moisturizing Socks. I didn't want my hands to be jelaous, so I also bought travel size of The Oriflame Dream Cream hand cream. And for my face I chose The Oriflame Swedish Spa Purifying face mask. Hand and foot cream are really nice, the mask and socks are still waiting for their turn. Will keep you posted! :)

People around me also traveled and brought me back gifts. Bless them! ;)

I had my birthday in May and everyone knows that they can't go wrong with beauty products. Those who traveled to North bought me loads of products from TBS Olive line, and those who went more south, brought me back The Kiko lipstick.

I know that it doesn't seem that way, but I really did start paying more attention not to buy loads of monthly beauty boxes.

Lookfantastic Beauty Box, after months of honest crush brought me to the end of our love affair when I realized that I have a stash of Lord & Berry eye liners for life! I did buy one box but mostly because it contained  Revlon Colourburst Balm which I wanted to try and which isn't available in Croatia.

Feelunique Pamper Me Beauty Box was a must because it was reduced and I had another coupon code for even less, and the products inside of it are really nice.

I already wrote about The Cult Beauty Box by Anna & Lily here, so I won't go into details, but this was hands down the best box that I have ever bought! While shopping on Cult Beauty I also added Konjac sponge to my cart. Couldn't resist.

We have come to the end.... ;)

How do you like my purchases? What did you buy?


Tell me...


Love, beautyandbrains007


For Croatian version of this post click here