LUSH Ultimate Shine shampoo bar

"Elemi oil is the wonder ingredient in this solid bar. It’s good for the scalp because it keeps it balanced and in great condition. Ylang ylang helps to form a beautiful scent and also has a double duty rebalancing the scalp and lifting your mood. Floral violet leaf oil helps to keep away any microbes, leaving you with a clean and cared for head." This is how Lush describes this shampoo bar but to be honest, this whole concept was strange to me and I never went for one of their shampoo bars. They seemed strange to me but then I got Ultimate Shine shampoo bar in a kit and decided to give it a go.

Although Lush says that these shampoo bars are a good alternative to any liquid shampoos because they don't need to be in packaging and you can use them up to 80 times, I wouldn't agree completely with that claim. If you would only leave this shampoo bar sitting in your shower or on your tub it would get really dirty and not at all sanitary with time, which they are obviously also aware of since they made an aluminium shampoo tin to keep it in. Since it is made from aluminium there is no rust but it oxidizes during time so it also isn't a permanent solution. If you want to buy it, you can find it on their sites or in their shops. In Croatia it costs 30 kunas (about 3.90 Euros/2.88 GBP/4.44 $).

I keep mine in a plastic soap container. It was a bit big for it in the beginning but with few washes that problem was washed away. But then again I agree that it will really last you a long time, I am not sure for how many washes exactly, but I would say many.

You use it either directly on your wet hair or rub it between your wet palms and then apply the product on your wet hair, shampoo it and wash it off. I didn't know what to expect? Is it going to create foam or not at all, will it wash my hair nicely or not, but now I know that it lathers and will nicely clean your hair, almost squeaky clean. My hair is straight and greasy and it wasn't too harsh for it, but if your hair is curly, dry or curly and dry, I think this would make a big mess and leave your hair in knots. The same thing goes for damaged hair. If your hair is damaged, forget about this shampoo.

Its scent is mostly ylang ylang, very subtle, doesn't stay too long on your hair, and if you use a conditioner, you will not be able to smell the shampoo. But if you have a chance to smell it before buying it, that is the best way to know whether you like it or not.

The thing I wasn't crazy about is that this bar is prone to cracking and dividing into smaller pieces. Since it is similar to soap bars they can fall out of your hands when they are wet and you will most certainly end up with at least two new pieces.

But the whole impression is that Ultimate Shine shampoo bar and I have love/hate relationship. When I first tried it I was pleasantly surprised, and the whole shampoo bar concept wasn't strange to me anymore. But...we have our good and bad days. This is a nice shampoo, I like its smell, the lather, the way my hair feels and looks after it, and I would buy it again but not immediately and I really think that this isn't a product for everyone.

List of ingredients:
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Perfume, Water (aqua), Ammonium Laureth Sulphate, Elemi Oil, Ylang Ylang Oil, Violet Leaf Absolute, Gardenia Extract, Benzyl Benzoate, Limonene, Linalool.

If you are interested in this or other Lush shampoo bars you can find them in their stores or order them online. A 55 g Ultimate Shine shampoo bar will cost you 62 kunas in Croatia (about 8.06 Euros/5.96 GBP/9.17 $ ). It is not cheap but it does last a long time. I wasn't the best helper with this one, but the whole concept about this product is so different that I really think that having in mind all the things I mentioned as flaws and cons, in the end you have to decide that you will/will not buy it by yourself.

What do you say? Like or Dislike?

Tell me...

Love, beautyandbrains007

The Valentine's Kit, NET-A-PORTER BEAUTY

I admit. I am starting to have a problem with all the beauty boxes that are available. I am a frequent shopper of Lookfantastic beauty boxes (my reviews here and here), I already received their February edition box, and this is not my first NET-A-PORTER beauty box. The Holiday one was briefly in stock during the sale so I purchased that one too, but since today is Valentine's day, I figured that there isn't a better way to celebrate it than with a box filled od lovely, so easy to love beauty stuff... I told you I was into them.

The name itself explains the origins of these boxes. It was created by NET-A-PORTER beauty team and is still available on their site- here- for 37.50 GBP, which might seem a lot, but if you count everything inside, it is not even close to its full price if everything was sold separately. You must also count the 20 Euros shipping cost which wasn't a problem for me because I chose to buy the box while purchasing some other things from the sale (beauty items on NET-A-PORTER were never on sale until now), but there's a chance that they will soon have a free shipping period, at least it was like that last year.

I mentioned that I also bought their Holiday beauty box and that one didn't have a booklet like this Valentine's day edition which contains brief information about the products inside.

There are 9 products in total, two of them are full sized and with an exception of the Hourglass Veil Mineral primer, they are all a decent size.

I am starting with Charlotte Tilbury's Magic Cream which basically convinced me that I really need this box. I am hearing so much about how good it is from bloggers all over the world that I decided to go for this mini 15 ml/0.5 fl.oz. tester. This cream usually comes in a 50 ml pot and has a 58.33 GBP price tag which is a lot, so I don't want to be stuck with a huge cream that I payed a fortune for and didn't like, and that is why this was a perfect solution for me. I was surprised by its description "A-list's secret weapon and a backstage favorite, this rich, nourishing moisturizer reduces the appearance of wrinkles and boosts elasticity to transform dull, dehydrated complexions". I mean, I was under an impression that this cream is more like a primer and read about it from bloggers who are quite young and probably don't struggle with wrinkles, and this seems to be an anti-aging product, which also isn't completely surprising since most of young teenagers couldn't afford to buy something like this. In any case, I am very happy that I have it, will try it and let you know what I think, and how it acted on my oily skin with large pores, which is starting to show the first signs of aging. Yaaaayyyy!

Next is a 50 ml/1.7 fl.oz. bottle of Bamford's Geranium Hand & Body Wash, that usually comes in 250 ml bottle and costs 16.67 GBP. This is described as a "gentle and double-duty wash, and the ultimate edition to your bathroom with notes of Geranium blended with refreshing Peppermint and relaxing Lavender for a mood boosting fragrance. It is suitable for all skin types, free from parabens, sulfates and artificial fragrances with 85% of organic ingredients and containing Aloe Vera which delivers oxygen to the skin, strengthening tissue." To me it smells minty, is very invigorating and energy full and would be a good choice for you morning shower people out there.

Next product that I am mentinong is LAFCO's Chamomile Lavender 130 g/4.5 oz. bar of soap which is currently sold out on NET-A-PORTER's site but costs 11.66 GBP in its huge full size version of 240 g. "Made by hand, this luxurious bar cleanser contains nourishing Coconut and Almond Oils and is enriched with Silk Proteins for a rich, skin-softening lather."

Next product is a full size one, the foaming Radical Skincare Revitalizing Mask in a 30 ml/1 fl.oz. bottle. It is also currently unavailable on NET-A-PORTER, but I looked for it on other web sites where it is also sold out (maybe a good sign) but I found a price and saw that it costs 54 Euros. Also a high price tag and definitely a pro for buying this kit/box. "This innovative formula activates on the skin - watch as champagne-like bubbles deliver oxygen and nutrients to where your skin needs it the most for a lasting youthful glow." Sounds different and I can't wait to try it out. I will definitely write more about this one.

Jurlique Nutri-Define Superior Retexturizing Face Serum comes in a 15 ml/0.5 fl.oz. bottle, while its full size is 30 ml/1 fl.oz. bottle costs 71.67 GBP. So, in my opinion this is an extremely valuable edition to this beauty box. "The brand's potent Biosome5 formula works below the surface to firm sagging skin, while Ginseng Root Extract brightens for instant radiance, with invigorating minty scent." Ok. Don't worry. I am aware that this is a little bit more hardcore product, too strong for my skin so I am giving it to my mother, but I already explained her that she has to remember everything about it so I can let you know.

This one is without a doubt the cheapest little sample size that should be ashamed in this company- The Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer. I am not saying that because I don't like this product. I have no clue how good or bad the product itself is, but it is a really small 5 ml/0.16 fl.oz. sample, in comparasment to its full size 30 ml BIG brother that costs 33.33 GBP. "Perfect makeup starts with a flawless base- apply this silky primer liberally (I would if I could) to conceal redness and minimize the appearance of pores. SPF 15 makes it ideal for sunny days in the city, too".

Next one is a basic makeup product - Eyeko Black Magic Drama & Curl Mascara. Never tried this one either but look forward to it. You get a 4 ml/0.3 fl.oz. little tube which is not bad. It is half of its full 8 ml/0.29 fl.oz. size which will cost you 16.67 GBP. It is described as a mascara that "adds volume, drama and curl to your lashes, is paraben-free, won't crumble or flake and stays put for 12 hours, plus it contains conditioning extracts for a luscious boost."

Also in the makeup category is this next item - Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Gel- Clear. You get a nice 2.5 ml/0.085 fl.oz. sample size which will probably be a very nice addition to my everyday makeup routine. The full size contains 7.93 g/0.28 oz. of product and costs 12.50 GBP. "This should keep your brows neatly in place all day and its non-sticky formula is fortified with essential oils that will help repair and protect."

And the last product in the box is Serge Norman Meta Sheer Dry Oil Finishing spray that also comes in a full size, 50 ml/1.7 fl.oz. bottle. "Spritz onto wet or dry hair for a natural frizz-defying shine. Pro Vitamin B5 creates subtle texture without adding weight or greasiness."

That is it, all nine products and as you can see, this is a very respectable bunch. I am not sorry at all for purchasing this Valentine's day gift for myself. It seems that by choosing products everything was concentrated mostly on natural and anti-aging products.

How do you like this box? Interested? Don't find it interesting at all?

Tell me....

Love, beautyandbrains007

Avon Senses shower gel- Spicy Moroccan Delights

I don't know about you but I am often drawn to Avon Senses products. If heir front pictures look inviting or remind me of a happy memory, I am already writing the product code and sending my order. This one reminded me of my trip so I just had to know how Morocco smells in Avon's version. And the next thing that I can remember is that I ordered a holiday set of two (500 ml and 250 ml) bottles for a really good price, somewhere around 20 kunas (about 2.60 Euros/1.93 GBP/2.93 $).

When they arrived I rushed to take some pictures of them for my blog and just had to add my scarf which I bought in Fes.

I must be fair to Avon and say that although these Senses products initially look inviting for me, that doesn't mean that I don't like what is inside. To be honest, they were all very nice and the only difference of me liking them more or less was a result of their scent. Some were more me, and some were just OK. In this case, I loved the scent of Spicy Moroccan Delights... It is soft and a bit sweet, but not Aquolina Sugar sweet, the scent is more grown up, sophisticated and has some spicy undertones. In contact with water it becomes even more subtle and wonderful. It lingers on my skin but just for a while which I personally enjoy. In my opinion it is perfect for these colder months and I already used up my bigger bottle. Of course, everyone has different taste so I am not sure that you will be as thrilled with it as I am, but I can say that if you like almonds line from L'Occitane, you will probably like this one, too.

Avon changes and rotates their offers of body showers in every new catalogue, and this one unfortunately isn't available in their current Croatian campaign but since it was in the one before this, I am sure that you will get your chance to try it. Nevertheless, I will write the prices of other Senses shower gels in the current catalogue so you can get the idea about their prices. 250 ml bottles cost 11 kunas (about 1.43 Euros/1.06 GBP/1.62 $) and 500 ml bottles vary, there is a line for 17 kunas (about 2.22 Euros/1.64 GBP/2.50 $), and even a jumbo 720 ml size for 32 kunas (about 4.17 Euros/3.09 GBP/4.70 $). You can also buy some from their range in a 2x500 ml pair for 39 kunas (about 5.08 Euros/3.77 GBP/5.73 $).

To conclude, I like this shower gels and would recommend them. They are not drying, you have a good range of scents to choose from, they are reasonably priced and I don't think that you will be disappointed.

list of ingredients

Did you try any of the Avon Senses shower gels? How did you like them? Interested?

Tell me...


Love, beautyandbrains007

I've been busy... My empties in January 2015.

I have mentioned a couple of times that I am preparing a huge post about my empties from a six months period that I finished last year, but...it is taking me much more than I expected to write it, make my pictures just right and in the end to finish it. So, I decided that I will write about my January empties first and  my huge empties post will have to wait for now.

As you can see in the picture I really have been busy in January (at least in my opinion) so no wonder that a post 6 times bigger needs a bit more effort and time.

And I forgot to put one of my empties in the pile above... That is probably because I am so sad to see it gone. My beloved Korres Jasmine Lip Butter. I love it and I would definitely buy it again, but I have some other lip balms waiting for their turn, so this little guy is just a sweet memory for now. If you want to know more about it, I reviewed it here.

I will start with my hair products. I finished two shampoos last month, one of a regular kind and one dry shampoo. Dry shampoos are great for my fine and greasy hair because they add volume when my hair is looking flat and revive it when I didn't have the time to wash it. Batiste XXL Volume dry shampoo is a staple in my collection and I used up many bottles of it. Since it is such a common product for me,  I will write its own post. It really deserves it.  And the other product is an old fashioned type of shampoo which is also always among my hair products and that is Head&Shoulders shampoo of any kind. I always have one and wash my hair with it once a week just to make sure that dandruff are no where near my scalp. Since I haven't had dandruff in years, I can recommend it and say that it really works its magic, at least in my case.

In the next category of face products, I used up two cleansing products. One is Olival's cleansing milk that I mentioned in my 2014. favourites- here, from their immortelle line. This is a great cleansing milk that I used for removing my makeup, especially while I was using up a micelle solution which wasn't that good. It is very light in texture, almost watery, not greasy and very gentle both to the face and eye area. I don't have super sensitive eyes but this didn't hurt or sting them at all. And the other product is Lavera's cleansing gel with ginkgo and bio grapes. It wasn't bad but I am planning to write a review on some Lavera products, this one included, so I will not go into more details in this post.

Then there is body care.... I used up a king size (700 ml big pot) BioBaza face and body milk, that also has quite natural and good ingredients. I was using it as something more nourishing during my Balea In shower milk period (review), which is still going strong, and although I wouldn't apply it on my face, I think that it is a great body care product and this wasn't the first or the last big pot of it that I had and used up. I can really recommend it.

The other body milk that I used up is Kozmo's nourishing body milk with olives. This is a nourishing product, quite rich in texture and it leaves your skin with a greasy residue. Although it contains olives it smells like lemons and it wasn't a bad product but I wouldn't buy it again. Just wasn't something spectatular to me.

I also used up two hand creams. One is marketed like that and the other one is like an all purpose baby/children's cream. The Body&Soul lotus and shea butter hand cream, which is a part of Müller's body line was OK. It smelled nice, wasn't too strong, was light in texture but gave some nourishment to my hands. Having said that, I don't think it would be strong enough if your hands were really dry or cracked. It was nice but I wouldn't buy it again. And the other one was Becutan baby cream that I love. It has a very thick texture, nourishes and reminds me a lot of Nivea good old hand cream that comes in a tin pot.

And while we are talking about Nivea, there is also one of its products in my January empties. I mentioned it many times, had it in my favourites almost always, have bought and went through countless bottles of it, and I will most definitely buy it again, and the product that I am talking about is Nivea Fresh Natural roll-on deodorant. Love it and recommend it to anyone!!! Great product that smells very fresh but feminine... Can't say enough good about it. 

I write a lot about Lush so it is no surprise that I used up some of their products, too. Two bubble bars to be exact: Holly Golightly (review) and Christmas Hedgehog (review), and one solid face serum- Full of Grace that I recently wrote about here. The bubble bars were great and I would recommend them, if you can find them still since they were a part of Lush's LE holiday collection and the serum is a product from their permanent line which didn't wow me at all, so I would say to skip it.

I am also saying goodbye to two mini 3.75 ml OPI nail polishes from LE collections. Both of them were great and I am not happy that they will no longer be with me. One is from their New York Ballet collection, sheer white Don't Touch my Tutu shade, and the other one is deep red Wocka Wocka! colour from their Muppet's collection.

I only have one makeup product that I finished in January and that is Jordana Retractable Easyliner in the shade Eggplant.  A very wearable purple shade that I used after finishing my UD glide on 24/7 pencils (review here). It was an OK product which I used on my lids and in my waterline. I must say that it is soft, smudges nicely but isn't as good as UD.  Not as easy to work with and less long lasting. In the waterline you have to be careful because it loves to gather in the inner part of the eye (creating gunk) which is not sexy at all, but if you use a cotton bud to remove any excess immediately after you apply it, it is less of a problem. I finished it completely but wouldn't buy it again.

there is a measuring cap on the top of the bottle

And the last "kind of" a beauty product is my Esi 100% natural Aloe Vera juice that I drink every morning on an empty stomach with 2 dcl of water. A good way to start a day and it helps you to stay healthy. It doesn't taste great but isn't horrible either.

Those were my empties. I must say that after seeing them like this I see a theme. In January I obviously tried to go more natural and used lots of Croatian brands. So, what do you say? Was I busy or this isn't a big empties post in your opinion? Do you like my choices?

Tell me...

Love, beautyandbrains007

LUSH Full of Grace solid face serum

After many Lush posts about their limited edition products, today I am bringing you my opinion on their permanent solid face serum- Full of Grace. Similar to their massage bars, this also is a bar which you apply either by rubbing it directly on your face or melt it a little bit between your palms or fingers and then massage it on your face.

This is what Lush says about it:
"A deeply moisturising facial serum in solid form that glides on to leave skin feeling renewed without heaviness. We've created a skin-feeding blend of oils and mixed with Portobello mushrooms for their skin-protecting vitamins and minerals, whilst chamomile blue oil and calamine powder calm the skin – and the latter controls greasiness too. Warm on the fingertips or glide it across the skin like a massage bar, allowing the bar to melt and all the beautiful ingredients to soak in."

This 20 g bar costs 86 kunas (about 11.60 Euros/8.37 GBP/12.62$) and will last you a long time.

list of ingredients

I have combination skin with oily t-zone which, during winter, can become dry on its surface, even flaky. Written like this, it sounds wonderful... :) Since this serum is ment for dry and sensitive skin I decided to try it out this winter, but only after I got it as a gift from a friend of mine. I wouldn't personally buy it because I don't like that it is in a bar form, too much hands involved especially for the face, and I was worried that it will be full of bacteria after a while (my hands are always clean before application), although I can't say that it caused any irritations or breakouts. Also, because of its form there are storage problems (I kept it wrapped in a tissue) and it is definitely not very travel friendly. I read that it can cause clogged pores but I didn't experience that more than usual.

It has an oily texture once it melts for application, sinks into the skin (not entirely) but doesn't provide much moisture or nourishment. My skin isn't crazy dry so I am wondering if it would do anything for really dry skin? As I said before, I have dry patches on my combination skin but this alone didn't help with them. I only applied it in the evening because it is too oily for the day time (at least for my type of skin), and when I used it alone, my skin felt dry and not enough nourished in the morning, but when I used it with my face cream, it was OK.

What I don't like at all about this serum is its smell. Sometimes it doesn't smell horrible but sometimes it smells like I have dirty socks somewhere near me, and I blame mushrooms that it contains for that. Also with application it melts away and is prone to breaking to pieces.

this is how mine looks and that is all what is left of it

Mine is almost entirely used up and I will finish it because it doesn't hurt my skin and I like to finish my products but my overall verdict is that this isn't a HG product, it didn't do much for my skin and I wouldn't buy it again.

What about you? Have you tried it? Do you use Lush face products?

Tell me....

Love, beautyandbrains007