Olay Microdermabrasion & Peel System (Regenerist kit)

Hi everyone! Today I want to write about two products that I have been loving for a while. They come in a kit because they work as a pair.
We all want our skin to look as flawless as possible. We are all makeup lovers and know how important it is to take good care of our skin. Applying makeup is much easier and it looks more natural. Unfortunately, busy way of living, the food we eat, lack of sleep, stress and years going by, don't really help us with that. That is why exfoliating is so important. By exfoliating your skin you remove dead skin cells from the top layer allowing new skin to shine through. It also reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

This is a two step treatment.

 First step is to apply micro-dermabrasion beauty treatment with derma crystals to a clean and dry face (about a quarter size). You will feel the crystals on your skin but it is not too rough. You should massage your face in circular motion for a minute and then go to the second step. Take the mini peeling activating serum (about half of a little spoon or quarter size) and put it on top of the dermabrasion treatment. This one is like a clear fluid. It changes the consistency of the treatment below and foams up a little bit. If you don't feel like it changed it, add some more. Massage that for another minute and then rinse off with warm water.
YOU WILL NOT BELIVE HOW SOFT AND SMOOTH YOUR FACE IS! I can not tell enough about this one.

It is recommended to use it twice a week (which I do) for best results and you have enough product for 8 weeks of use (at least, mine lasts even longer).

This is how the company describes it:
This microdermabrasion and peel system resurfaces skin and improves circulation. This two-step system diminishes the appearance of wrinkles and visibly improves skin tone. Contains Alpha Hydroxy Acids. For best results use twice a week. Kit includes 8 weeks of treatments.

INGREDIENTS:

Microdermabrasion Treatment with Derma-Crystals (Net wt 2.2oz/64g): Peg-8, Sodium Bicarbonate, Silica Silylate, Polysorbate 20, Niacinamide, Tocopheryl Acetate, Ascorbic Acid, Fragrance, Yellow 5, Red 40. Peel Activator Serum (2fl ox/59mL): Water, Sodium Lactate, Lactic Acid, Butylene Glycol, DMDM Hydantoin, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate, Disodium EDTA.

Since this product contains alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) which can increase skin's sensitivity to the sun, you should be careful. Use a sunscreen and don't overdo with sun bathing. Exposing your skin to the sun too much is not recommendable either way, with or without this treatment.

I bought this kit on Cheapsmells (click for link). It is not currently available but I think you can find it in the stores. I paid 10.25 Euros for it. I think that price is reasonable. Cheapsmells is a great online shop with reasonable shipping (starts at 2 Euros), very safe, with great customer service, offers PayPal and items come in two/max three weeks to Croatia. I am not affiliated in any way with them but wanted to let you know about them. They offer a huge choice of perfumes and when on sale, their prices are unbelivable.

So, my verdict is short and clear. This one is a keeper!

What do you say? Tried it? Want to try it? Any recommendations?


Love, beautyandbrains007

WET N WILD - Comfort Zone

Wet n Wild Comfort Zone is the second palette that I purchased from the Color Icon line with 8 eyeshadows. Blue had me at hello didn't catch my attention. If you want to read my review on the Petal Pusher, here is the link: http://beautyandbrains007.blogspot.com/2012/05/wet-n-wild-color-icon-8-color-palette.html .

So... the palette has 8 eyeshadows, 4 more neutral, earthy ones and 4 shades on the green side. I wouldn't really say that green eyeshadows are in comfort zone, because a lot of people don't wear them, but they are wearable shades. All 8 shades are with shimmery and satin finish, there are no mattes in this one. I would prefer at least one nice light brown crease shade. Just to soften the look.
I used this palette for a while before writing this review. Two looks they suggest (following imprints) looked very nice and wearable. They also suggested 4 looks at the back: Sweet, Flirty, Dramatic and Wild look. I appreciate the effort although my ideas were great, too.

All the shades are extremely pigmented and well worth the hype. I was especially surprised with the lid colour on the green side. AMAZING pigmentation and one good swipe with the brush will be enough for the whole eyelid. All of the darker shades, on both sides (left and right), are Crazy pigmented so I suggest a light hand. It is better to build up the colour than to be unpleasantly surprised.
The colour that I like the most is the lid colour on the left. It is a rose gold shade with a touch of copper. LOVE IT!!!
They wear well and will last you during the work day. I apply TF Shadow insurance underneath.

daylight/without flash

with flash

I didn't experience any fallout with these. I use Sigma brushes and always tap off any excess before applying eyeshadow to my eyes.

swatches without any primer

BROWBONE:
Left- goldeny tan colour with a satin finish, nicely pigmented but a bit chalkish
Right- highly pigmented highlight shade, has a soft texture, more on the golden side, has a satin finish; it would also be nice as an eyelid colour for a softer look
EYELID:
Left- beautiful rose gold shade with a touch of copper, highly pigmented, soft texture, very wearable and amazing for every day
Right- goldeny green with a satin finish, AMAZINGLY pigmented, soft texture
CREASE:
Left- brown with gold, satin finish, good pigmentation, soft texture
Right- good pigmentation but a bit dry and chalky, gray with green satin finish with fine gold glitter
DEFINER:
Left- soft texture, HIGHLY pigmented coppery brown shade, similar to brown crease shade from the Petal Pusher but even richer, BEAUTIFUL

left- Petal Pusher, right- Comfort Zone

Right- this colour is mixture of brown and green with red undertones, the colour will change depending on the angle and light, the pigmentation isn't bad but when compared with similar colours (high end dupes) like Too Faced Label Whore or MAC Club, it is definitely less pigmented; then again the price is not comparable, so...; I am posting pictures of TF- Label Whore and WnW colour below just to see the difference; I can't compare MAC Club because I don't have it in my collection.

Too Faced Label Whore

Wet n Wild

left- TF, right- WnW

The price of this palette is 5$ if you live in the USA/3.5.GBP/4 Euros. If you are not in the USA, the price depends on shipping costs. I bought this palette on ebay but I waited a  long time to get it for a good price with reasonable shipping costs. Most of the sellers have it for 10 $ plus shipping. When I think of its original drugstore price, I just don't want to pay that much. I found a good website and ordered some palettes from it. Their shipping is really fast (received 1 package in 10 days from ordering) and products were all sealed nicely to prevent any damages. I didn't receive the other package but it has only been 2 weeks from ordering so it is not like there is some serious delay or something. Can't really tell much about their customer service because I didn't experience any problems. I am posting their website link if you want to check them out. I am not affiliated with them in any way. Found them through google. The link is www.nonpareilboutique.com . If any of you have shopped with them before, please tell me about your experience.

In the end, this is a good palette to have and worth the hype. All 8 eyeshadows are pigmented.
If you like to wear neutral tones and green colours, go for it! All the green shades are very wearable and you will enjoy them for sure.
If you don't like greens, I would pass on this one. Wet n Wild offers so many neutral trios that you don't need to buy this one.
If you have hooded or more mature eyes and prefer matte shades, don't get it because there are no mattes in this one. If you love makeup and have other matte options, get it.

What do you say? Do you own this one?

Love, beautyandbrains007

COLOR CLUB- LAVA LAMP nail polish (neon)

This spring is all about neons! I like the trend but mostly on my feet. That's right-feet. Fortunately, my boyfriend convinced me that nobody want's to see feet on the internet so you will see how it looks on my hands. My nails are a bit longer (due to professionally done french manicure) at the moment, I would shorten them if I wore this polish but you will get the picture.

natural light/no flash

 The colour is in between orange and red, a bit neon but so AMAZING... The brush is just the right size. It can deal with small and odd pinkie toes (belive me).

no flash/daylight

 It has a kind of matte finish, as almost all neon polishes do, but not as matte as China Glaze's neon polishes. It is not streaky, one coat will not be enough but two coats are perfect (I did a third one just to show you how it looks ).

one coat with flash

one coat/no flash/daylight

I am quite fair but this polish wasn't too much for me and as I get more tan, it will look even better.

two coats with flash

two coats/natural light/no flash

I bought my 15 ml/0.5 fl.oz. bottle on ebay for 3.25$ plus very reasonable shipping from USA to Croatia (6$ total).

three coats with flash

three coats/natural light/no flash

How do you like this one? Any recommendations?

Love, beautyandbrains007

LOVE LUSH!!! LUSH CUPCAKE face mask

My love for Lush products lasts a long time but until recently it was limited to their body and bath products. My mistake, because although some of their bubble bars are heavenly they are not their best products. At least not in my book. Not that I don't like them (one of them will get its own post) it is just the fact that they are really expensive since you get 2-3 baths with 1 bar depending on the size of it and they cost from 2.50-4.15 GBP for 100g/ from 5.95-10.95$ per bar/ 4.95-8.95 Euros per bar.

During Lent I banned myself from eating chocolate. It was still cold so while visiting a Lush store I picked up an amazing smell of chocolate that was calling me... It was Cupcake mask. The ingredients and her cleansing atributes made sure that I buy it (glad I did). I am posting pictures below and I know that it looks funny but it is great for the face.

LUSH Croatia advertises this mask as a combination of chocolate smell and fresh ingredients which will take you beyond your imagination. Rhassoul mud is therapeutical and antiseptic which will help your skin to get deep cleaned. Cocoa butter will soften your skin and bring her back the moisture, spearmint oil will shrink your pores and sooth your skin leaving it less sensitive. It is an ideal treat for both young and old skin with break out problems not caring if you are 9 or 99.
But I also read some information about this mask on their UK and USA sites and it seems to me that they target this mask more to teenagers. I am not a teenager and I don't have acnes or really bad break outs. I get a pimple or two sometimes if it is that time of the month, but I bought this for cleansing purposes.
INGREDIENTS: Rhassoul Mud, Linseed Infusion, Glycerine, Talc, Cocoa Powder, Cocoa Butter, Fresh Mint, Sandalwood Oil, Vanilla Absolute, Spearmint Oil, Peppermint Oil, Limonene, Perfume.
This product is suitable for vegans.

The mask should be applied on dry face, left for 5-10 minutes and then rinsed off with warm water. Since it is made from natural ingredients it is best to keep it in the fridge.

I loved this mask so much that I got another one. Proof below :).

 As I said, I am not a teenager and I don't have acne problems but I have to keep my pores under control because I have oily skin. I fell in love with the chocolate sent and it really did calm down all the redness that I had during that time of the month.

When you take off this mask your face feels so clean and hydrated you won't belive it. I will definitely repurchase this product and would recommend it to all people with any skin problems (smaller redish break outs or acnes). I am going through my second container of this mask so I'll take a break when I use it up (just because I think it is better to rotate some products to keep your skin wondering what will happen next).
This mask conviced me to buy another masks from Lush and they were all amazing!!! Reviews will come... Just a little preview.

in small containers: BIG shampoo and Ayesha face mask

As for the price, you will get 75g of product for 5.75 GBP/12 $/9 Euros. At Lush they will tell you that you'll get 7-8 applications from that, I get 8, and I am not saving it when I apply it. Since it is made from fresh ingredients its expiration date is sooner than in other cosmetic products so use it frequently (once or twice a week, depending on your skin type). Most of Lush shops don't sell it online because it can go bad. Also, most Lush shops will give you a free new mask if you bring 3 empty containers. I am not sure how that works around the world so check it with your local store. Lush is eco friendly so they recycle their containers.

What about you? Have you tried this mask? Will you buy it? Do you have any other Lush masks? Do you like them?


Love, beautyandbrains007

Essence eye makeup remover oil-free

Today I decided to write a short post (as short as I can write them) about a product I personally love but haven't heard much about. I even read some negative opinions about it but still enjoy it very much. Since you read the title you know what this post is all about ;), so I'll start with my review.

I've said this earlier but I really don't like eye makeup removers with oil in them. Just don't like that feeling on my skin. Essence has 2 versions of eye makeup removers and, of course, I went for the oil-free one.  I wasn't planning to write a post about it but that would be unfair because it always has a place on my shelves. I used to use eye makeup remover (also oil-free) from Balea (it is DM's brand available in DM stores) and it was great but one time they didn't have it in the store so I tried this one and loved it even more. I even recommended it to friends of mine with sensitive eyes along with a tip on how to remove makeup from the eyes, and they loved it. So, everyone around me like this product, all the negative feedback I heard about it was from other beauty blogs and their readers. My opinion stayed the same: "LOVE IT!"

It comes in a plastic 125ml/4,22 fl.oz bottle and it costs about 16kn/2 Euros/1,5 GBP or 3$. It is available in all drugstores and some of the high end stores, at least in Croatia.

This is how Essence describes it:
"This soft formula with chamomile extract removes especially gently non-waterproof eye makeup whilst soothing the delicate eye area, without oily residue so that fresh makeup can be applied immediately after.Usage: apply to a cotton pad and gently wipe over closed eyelid.
INGREDIENTS: aqua (watera), glycerin, PEG-40, hydrogenated castor oil, propylene glycol, chamomilla recutita (matricaria) flower extract, bisabolol, poloxamer 184, lactic acid, butylene glycol, glucose, bht, sodium benzoate, potassium sorbate, phenoxy-ethanol, parfum, CI 16035.

And now me... (after all, this is my blog :))
It is ment to remove non-waterproof makeup and that is probably the reason why so many people don't like it. I don't like, use or own any waterproof mascaras because I am terrified they'll ruin my lashes and also not a fan of them because taking them off can bee such a pain in the b.... On the other hand, I use it to remove waterprof eyeliners an eye pencils. It does a good job at that! I just don't follow the usage instruction written on the bottle, I go with my way always following the golden rule: "NO TUGGING!!!" Take a cotton pad and put enough product on it (not too much but be generous), then put the pad onto your eyelid (closed eye) and hold it there for 20-30 seconds, when you take it off you should already see that your mascara melted and the line of your eyeliner. With very light hand remove the rest of your makeup. If any of your eye makeup is left along the lashline take an ear cotton bud, put some product on it and remove the rest of your eye makeup. I always wash my face in the end with some kind of cleanser and water, just don't have that clean feeling if  I don't do so.

This product is really gentle to the eyes, it has a nice soft smell and I love it!

What about you? Have you tried it? Like it? Don't like it? What do you use and would recommend?

Write to me.

I wish you a great and successful week!

Love, beautyandbrains007