Mateja’s Beauty Blog: September favourites, updates and wishlist
Fair Ivory
My first choice for a base when I know I’ll spend a lot of time outside. I pick up bit mostly because of the added benefit of SPF, but it also looks so nice on the skin, has great ingredients in general and covers a lot. Shade isn’t my best match, but I blend it into the neck.
CATRICE Lift Up Volume & Lift Waterproof Mascara
010 Deep Black
I wasn’t a fan of this initially, but it got better in time and I mostly like it because it defines the lashes so nicely. It needs building up if you want big lashes, but eventually you get there and it keeps my lashes sufficiently curled, though it can’t compare to Essence I <3 Extreme waterproof (though it wins in category of definition and easier application, since the brush isn’t as clumsy). I also just tried the new Essence Lash Like a Boss Mascara waterproof and Catrice’s is so far better in how it makes the lashes look, however, Essence’s holds them up with less drooping through the day.
Though it’s not a matte, very long-lasting formula, I liked this instantly because the shade is a beautiful neutral that suits my skin tone. Formula is creamy and moisturising, though not very shiny despite the name.
LIP SMACKER Lippy Pal Lip Balm
Cuddly Cream Puff
SECHE VITE Clear Dry Fast Top Coat
This is my favourite top coat and the only I’ve been using for many years. I’m not a patient woman when it comes to painting nails and this dries the nail polish in a minute. That’s the only thing that matters to me. It’s hard to find in recent years (those that are shipped to Slovenia), but I managed to get backups (on eBay), so I’m good for a while. Formula thickens before you can use it up, so I have Seche Restore drops too. Before I found this, I was using Essie’s Good to Go, which is similar, but SV is quicker.
AFRODITA Young & Pure Line
I don’t get spots often, but when I do, I turn to this line. Particularly the mask is the workhorse of the line, as it helps the spots diminish faster, plus adds a glow to the skin due to niacinamide. I just leave it on the skin for an hour or even more, as it doesn’t have anything that needs to be washed off fast and it’s clear, so you don’t look like a weirdo with a green face (but you have to wash it off because it’s a sticky gel). The toner is light as water and also has a lot of niacinamide and Hydra Power Moisturising gel is almost like a silicone primer, so great for under makeup. Only the spot gel is not as good as COSRX patches, but it’s alcohol free, which is very rare at such products. I forgot to include the mousse in the picture, which I use daily in the evening.
SHISEIDO Urban Environment Age Defense SPF 30
I’ve used several different new and not new to me SPFs this summer, but this is the one I most loved to reach for. It’s such a lovely texture – it’s light and watery, very similar to Garnier Ambre Solaire Fluid, but somehow feels silkier on the skin, so it’s even nicer. It looks and feels great on the skin, with a skin-like finish and just a touch of glow (not that typical sunscreen glow). Skin looks smoother with this and pores look somewhat diminished too. It’s dry to the touch quickly and it doesn’t irritate my eyes. It has a slight tint to it, but in pale shade and it doesn’t have coverage. I still don’t know where I’ll be able to get a new tube & it’s expensive, but I like this. Only thing I wish is that it was SPF 50.
SUBRINA Colour Refresh Mask
Diamond Blonde
UPDATES
ICOSIGN Lash Lift Eyelash Perming Kit
I bought this a while ago, it’s an at home lash lift kit that’s got great reviews on Amazon. First try was a complete waste of time. The glue just wouldn’t hold and the rest did nothing neither, so my lashes remained straight. I’m really bummed about that. I followed the video instructions and did everything I’m supposed to, but results were just not there and I suspect it’s mostly the glue that’s the issue. I’ll maybe give it another go with my Kiss false lashes glue and the smallest pad (I used large and then medium on the other eye when I saw no effect), but so far this disappointed me majorly. It also took so long to do, much longer than I expected. As a plus I can say there was no irritations nor (instant or so far visible) damage to the lashes.
creates a natural radiance that I like.
These are a part of the new releases by Catrice and they are decent offerings for the price. Black eyeliner works well in the waterline and lasts, while the Dive Love Olive is a gorgeous golden green shade.
WISHLIST
ANNEMARIE BÖRLIND Lip Oil Orange Blossom (LE) – I’ve had Clarins’ Oil on my wishlist for ages, but no one took a hint at what I want as a gift for my birthday, since I don’t want to pay that much for it myself, but I saw this in Müller and tried the tester on my hand. They feel similar, though I’m not sure they feel like that on the lips too, but this is cheaper and I’m seriously considering getting it. There’s also a red version.
TOO FACED Hangover Pillow Balm – a balmy lip gloss I hear it’s good. There are several shades and mini versions – I’d love a mini.
TOO FACED Too Faced Limited Edition Too Femme Blush Butterfly Babe – a super glowy pink blush.
E.L.F. Power Grip Primer – another product I hear good things about. It’s described as a similar product as the famous Milk Grip primer.
L’OREAL Color Riche Intense Volume Matte Lipstick – these are new in drugstore here – they’re matte, so just up my street. I’m a fan of L’Oreal lipsticks, they are a bit underrated in the beauty community, as none I’ve tried disappointed me yet.
L’OCCITANE Almond Shower Oil – I used to buy this all the time, but it’s a luxury item so I obsessively saved it, even though the rich, creamy texture is perfect for dry skin. I might buy a new bottle again, or one of the two other ones I haven’t tried yet, Shea Butter and Amber Almond.