HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!

I wish all my friends and readers a wonderful New Years Eve, and an even better 2010!

Thank you for all your support in 2009. My special thanks to those who supported and believed in me as a beauty blogger. I hope that the next year will bring me even further on the road of quality blogging.

See you tomorrow with the first post of the new year! :)

News Flash: Nivea 'Natural Beauty' Line

Nivea is not a line present in my beauty routine any more. I used to use a lot of their products, and I think that many of us beauty junkies have had a love affair with this brand on our way to becoming more picky beauty consumers. Nivea might even have been one of the first for us all. Truth is, that they have some rather good shower creams, body lotions and face detergents. I have also liked several of their eye creams, and have had more or less success with certain products from their range of face creams. Then, we just grew apart somehow.

But the old fling has now caught fire anew, more precisely exactly the moment I lay my eye on their new face care line: Natural Beauty. It was simply too much for me to resist. A whole new line of 3 essential beautifying products in a lovely pink packaging: Radiance Boosting Daily Scrub, Moisturizer and Eye Cream. Mango milk and cashmere proteins. Refined and even skin that glows with natural beauty. Deep moisturizing and shimmering formulas.... What else can I say? What else do I need to say? :D

Although this is not a green brand or line, I give it a chance as it looks very promising, and will start the testing phase tomorrow morning. I will be back with reviews later on. Stay tuned!

A Pleasant Surprise: Labello Glamorous Gloss 'Pink Sugar'

I received a cute little package for Christmas from a friend of mine, and inside I found two lovely items that would make any girl happy: a pair of earrings, and the above mentioned lipgloss. The earrings are wonderful :D but as this is a blog about cosmetics, let me tell you more in detail about the gloss.

Also that is amazing!!! I was honestly and seriously blown away by this cute item. It is even nicer and lovelier than the earlier mentioned 'Natural Volume' gloss, and already that one is of pleasantly surprising quality, giving and equally surprising nice look. The 'Glamorous Gloss' is the newest formula and design of what used to be the 'Caregloss and Shine' line. Also now there are three shades (clear, pink and red) offered, and as before, these are still the most exciting pieces of the 'Labello' range.

The 'Pink Sugar' gloss is a divinely creamy, completely non-sticky and very beneficial beautifying lip care product. It leaves a delicate pink hue, is amazingly glossy, keeps lips profoundly moisturized, protected and comfortable. Moreover, lips also feel good after removal. True, it is by no means organic or natural, but it does contain shea butter, and as far as the category of non-green glosses go, it is pretty much unbeatable. Particularly if we take the low price into consideration.

I love it so much that it moves immediately to the mythical must-haves hall of fame, as well as to my makeup bag (with items that I actually use).

Do not miss this one out!!!

Wishlist: Lavera Soft Deo Roll-On 'Honey Moments'

One of the most difficult products to find when you want to go more natural is a deodorant. The selection, at least in Italy, is poor. Moreover what is available, is often only suitable for the most devoted ones of us; the ones who do not care much of what it smells like, as long as it is natural. I personally, am not quite at that level yet. To my best efforts, all natural deodorants I have been possible to smell had a to me quite offensive smell, and thus I have been faithful to my chemical, but pleasantly perfumed 'Dove' deodorant stick.

Then I saw this little thing from the German natural brand 'Lavera': Honey Moments deodorant. That cannot be bad! Of course, I will not be able to tell until I actually test it. Another good project for the coming year :)

Dr. Hauschka Eyeshadow Solo 09 'Shimmering Ivory'

I must start with saying that Dr. Hauschka eyeshadows are rather luxurious. Sleek and shiny black packaging with a golden logo as decoration; an applicator and even a small mirror inside. On the other hand, you get no more than a measly 1.3 g of eyeshadow for about 13 EUR.

Having said that, I need to add that these are divinely soft and smooth. As a matter of fact my favorite thing about this was touching it. It really felt like soft, creamy butter. Unfortunately however, it is not much more than that. Eye Shadow Solo 09 is a shimmering ivory color, and as much as I love a delicate, natural color, it was sadly very very weak. The product/effect is not buildable, and it never even manages any coverage but remains consistently transparent. I love a natural makeup, but I do want my eyeshadow to be covering at the same time as it is subtle. Now I am not sure if the pigmentation is so deficient only in this particular shade, or if it is a general trait of the entire line but as I have one more color to test, I will be able to tell you at a later point.

Generally speaking though, I do not see these become favorites of mine, and I feel rather disappointed. In this case, the appeal seems to be too big for the product to live up to. In addition, the price is too high for a teeny amount of eyeshadow that does not do anything in particular.

Honeybee Gardens PowderColor Stackable Mineral Colors 'Chai'

Since I miss you all too much, and as I miss blogging about cosmetic items, I came to tell you what I have been wearing on my eyes for the holidays (although I will for sure wear it on simple days as well): Honeybee Gardens 'PowderColor Stackable Mineral Colors' in 'Chai'. The concept, and the product is cute and fun! True HBG super natural and clean item, of awesome quality and performance; all for a very friendly price. The containers can be stacked together after removing the lids (just like the blushes), although I personally love to keep these apart just for the sake of the cute little bee logo on top of each lid.

 'Chai' in detail is a lovely dusty sort of muted medium, matte brown/beige. This one can use a highlighter color under the eyebrows and in the inner corner of eyes as it can get a bit dusky otherwise, and you definitely need a good eyeshadow brush to apply it with as the effect is best if the color is "packed" on the eyelid instead of being swept. But once you got the tools and the technique, it is a lovely product and color that will serve you well in any situation.

The only point I would like to comment on is about the packaging. As cute and functional as it is, it could use an inner, sifter lid (the same goes for the blushes). This would be necessary simply because it would prevent a lot of waste that happens, particularly at the first opening of the product. Although the lid on the little plastic jar stays tight and there is no spillage on the outside after transport (read arriving through mail), it is not tight enough to prevent some of the product crawling into the little openings (where you screw the lid on). This amount automatically spills when you first open the jar, making somewhat of a mess (the way you can see on the picture below). The rest that does not fall off needs to be cleaned elsewhere there is some dusting with every opening. Ok, this might not be a big catastrophe, but it is a regretful waste of a wonderful product.

As far as the eyeshadow goes though it is lovely, and a joy to both apply and wear. It has definitely introduced me to, and removed my fears of loose powder products. The color selection is lovely and there are many natural, sophisticated options promoting that, by me so beloved, "girl next door" look. I look forward to getting some more, and will have these as all time mythical must haves in my "increasingly green" makeup bag!

Wishlist: Kiehls Lipgloss 'French Rose'

I really really want this color, it is so lovely.

Any chance I will find it in Milan after Christmas?

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

But do not worry, new posts will soon start to appear. And the new year will bring new wonderful things to write about ;)

Until then, enjoy the holidays and have a wonderful time!

Wishlist: Vichy Essentielles

Vichy and I do usually not agree with each other. Some of their products have sort of worked for me in the past, others not at all. While this on its own is nothing particular, generally speaking I was not overtly impressed with Vichy in the past (unlike 'La Roche Posay'. Their 'Hydraphase Legere' and 'Effaclar K' are nothing less than miracle cures!!!).

This time however there is a new line of simple essential care products for sensitive skin that appeals greatly to this "increasingly green, simple products" fan. I mean look at the parameters: no parabens, rosa gallica extract and shea butter. For a much lower price than usual. And lovely looking packaging. I. Need. Them. All.

Let's just hope they will arrive in Italy eventually.

Helan Lightening Coloured Cream 'Opale'

I would never have dreamt of by chance finding a product as amazing and perfect as this! Although it is called 'Lightening Colored Cream' after a straight off translation from Italian (Crema Colorata Illuminante), in my opinion this is not an illuminating colored cream, but quite simply a rather awesome liquid foundation (although it is mentioned that the product is covering).

There are no more than 3 shades offered (pale, medium and dark toned), but the palest shade called "Opale" was designed for my skin tone. This I am convinced of. It is my absolute perfect, impeccable match, and that fills me with tremendous joy. The liquid is a joy to distribute and pat in with a foundation sponge; the effect of the product is definitely buildable. One layer will give a naked but perfected face effect, with good coverage of any imperfections. Two layers give even more coverage, but without ever looking made up. The face is in all cases velvety, smooth and well moisturized throughout the day feeling extremely pleasant also to the touch.

It is enriched with hyaluronic acid and has UV filters. For about 18 EUR you get 30 ml of amazing product in a milky glass bottle (the design is a bit different than what you see on the picture below as it now also has a flower design on it). I do not know what else to say about it really. It is my absolute favorite, and I will for sure buy this over and over again. Moreover, I will with joy explore other members of the Helan 'Functional Cosmetics Line' as they seem to have created something extraordinary. And they are far more natural and better than most of the items you find locally.

MAC Mineralize Skinfinish 'Porcelain Pink'

I have always, always wanted a 'Mineralize Skinfinish', and finally on my birthday in november I took the plunge.

Now there is a lot of different views on and usages of this product: highlighter, overall shimmery face powder, blush... Applied with a regular powder brush, blush brush or even kabuki. In any case, it is a fantastic product and I wear it almost every day (I use it as a blush applied with a blush brush).

I was lucky enough to find 'Porcelain Pink' which is a delicate, soft pink with gold veining. Mineralized Skinfinishes are always (?) part of collections and therefore usually all colors are limited edition. Thus, it is strongly place and time related as to what shade you can find. Nevertheless, most of them are lovely, and if you do not find one you like, there are still the 'Mineralized' and regular blushes of MAC as well.

As it is a baked mineral item, no two pieces are identical. In any case, they are far more pale than the picture you see on the MAC website. As mentioned I wear this as a blush, and I love how understated it is. It gives not so much color, but a slightly shimmery pink sheen to cheeks, a "from within" glow. Quite frankly I do not need much more than that, and I really do appreciate this look.

I Want It Desperately: Marina Cosmetics

Does any of you have any friends or family living in the United States??? Please give them a shopping list.

'Marina Cosmetics' is a quite incredible looking brand making only lipsticks and lip glosses of sea minerals combined with natural and organic ingredients. I have no confirmation yet, but I do fear that this is US only and there is no distributor in Europe. Which makes me incredibly sad, as their items are so beautiful I could cry.

Just look at the items, the colors. The simple but cute packaging. Look at the color collections (I really like 'North Sea Neutrals' and 'Carribean Sea Pinks' ).  If any of you have an access to these please let me know. Until then I just dream at night of these hypnotically beautiful colors. I want these more than desperately. Finally a line pretty enough to make me lust them. And they are even natural. And out of reach...

I Want It Desperately: Lily Lolo Mineral Cosmetics

One of my big plans for 2010 is to order and explore the british 'Lily Lolo Mineral Cosmetics'. All natural, the necessary minimal amount of ingredients, wide range of products and amazing colors with a natural effect.

It cannot be bad! Have you tried anything from this range?

Helan Light Effect Lipstick 'Sabbia Dorata'

Helan is an Italian natural brand with a wide range of products, including a rather nice line of color cosmetics. Please correct me if I am mistaken, but to me it seems they are not all natural, however, they are as close as it gets, and they keep an overall high quality with selected top of the line natural ingredients. Moreover all their formulas, at least in the makeup line, correspond to homeopathic guidelines. In addition they are 100% cruelty free and fair-trade.

'Light Effect Lipstick' is a creamy, caring and moisturizing lipstick with C and E vitamins. It is not a long lasting product (I never look for particularly long lasting lip items), but in my opinion stays on rather well. The formula is very comfortable both to apply and wear. It keeps lips soft, hydrated and luscious with a veil of shimmering color (thus the name 'Light Effect'). Also after removal lips feel soft and comfortable, although I now see that this seems to be a common trade of natural lipsticks in general (why do people buy anything else really?)

'Sabbia Dorata', meaning 'Golden Sand' is a lovely, delicately golden nude beige, with perhaps just a breath of pink. Pigmentation is good (and more importantly safe!); the result is understated and natural. In other words, perfect! :). It has a pleasant and subtle, non herbal scent. I cannot exactly pinpoint of what, but I do like it. Packaging is simple, but with a content this good I do not care much, and while being simple it is cute and tasteful. Also the price tag is very friendly: around 10 EUR.

I am very happy having found such a great natural product locally, and will definitely keep one of these around at all times. Mythical must-have! Thanks for the tips Dony!

EDIT: As this is a pre-programmed post, I even have the time to add additional comments before the post appears. Unfortunately this lipstick has, with some additional days on my hands to test it, turned out to be a disappointment. I do love the texture, the creaminess, the scent, the simplicity. The result is is truly natural and beautiful, and the moisturization factor of this item is perfect. But it does form a sort of layer on my lips that I am very aware of throughout the day, and it gives me an uncomfortable feeling. I like lip products that are either extremely lightweight, or have a formula that melts into my lips. This is none of the above, and unfortunately I just cannot get used to feel my lipstick this much. Which is a shame, as I really wanted to love this one.

Dr. Hauschka Lipstick '07 Transparent Pink'

As you might already know Dr. Hauschka color cosmetics intrigue me, and being somewhat fixated on lip products, one of my first purchases from the line had to be a lipstick.

Given the fact that we are talking about Dr. Hauschka here I don't need to spend much time on introducing the ingredients I assume. The texture is incredibly soft and creamy. It moisturizes divinely, leaving a velvety layer of color. It is not long lasting really, but being so moist it is no wonder. Reapplying has never been an issue for me, and as this lipstick is in my opinion also somewhat of a creamy balm the pleasure is all mine. I simply love how this feels during and after application, moreover how it leaves my lips at the end of the day: lastingly soft and smooth.

'Transparent Pink' in order is actually not so much transparent I would say. It is more a vibrant, but "adult" fresh pink. Not shiny, shimmery or pearly. Just velvety, creamy and perfect. The color selection is great, and as with many natural makeup brands, not designed to make a statement, but more to enhance natural skin tone, giving a very natural makeup result.

But now comes the reason why I will never use this again, despite of it being absolutely great: the smell. Dr. Hauschka products tend generally to have a rather heavy herbal scent. Some people love this, but I personally don't. No matter how wonderful the product feels, I just cannot disregard of having to gag every time I put it to my lips for application. It is a great shame that the scent is this powerful.
Price tag around 17 EUR.

Definitely a mythical must-have if you do not mind the herbal scent!

L'Occitane 'Rose Bon Bon' Lipgloss

L'Occitane is my newest discovery. Once again I am late in the game, but I am absolutely, hopelessly hooked. All those years of walking not only past, but also in these wonderful shops without ever buying anything.... What was wrong with me??? Not even I know what I was thinking.

In any case yesterday the ice finally broke. I went in, and came out. Not empty handed this time. One of my picks was this amazing looking lipgloss: the moment I saw it, I had to have it. 'Rose Bon Bon' lipgloss is as cute as it gets, and the little glass jar with the metal lid and old style graphic design is ever so classy.

I will return in some days with an actual review and update on the performance of the product itself. Stay tuned!

EDIT 17/04/2010: Sorry girls for not having followed up on this. This item is lovely. A delicately glossy and pink rose scented cream that moisturizes your lips well... I just don't reach for it. Who knows...

Honeybee Gardens WaterColors 'Mocha Latte'

So what do you think? Isn't it lovely? The perfect nude, beige pearl for your nails. Always right, always suitable. (Sorry about the picture quality).

Dr. Hauschka 'Pure Care' Stick 01 Natural

An indispensable product for all of you who get blemishes! I for sure will never be without this again.

'Pure Care' is a smart little highly efficient and elegant cover stick. It covers blemishes perfectly with its antibacterial formula. It does not dry or irritate skin, but rather harmonizes making it smooth again, and lessening redness. I put this on before going to bed (yes, I do wear concealer to bed when I have a red blemish that irritates me). By morning the blemish was almost completely gone, and it was definitely a lot less red. The natural waxes in the product make it melt in perfectly and give an almost invisible look. Your blemish simply gets covered perfectly while gently being medicated. Your skin heals and becomes beautiful again. What is there not to love?  :D

The two colors available '01 Natural' and '02 Beige' can satisfy I would say almost all categories of consumers. '01 Natural' is a more cool toned, slightly pink product perfect for us with a very pale and coolish skin tone. '02 Beige' is suitable for warmer and darker skin tones. In any case, none of the two shades is orange like many concealers for the treatment of blemishes (what is up with that?); they are perfect to carry around in your purse and effortlessly discrete to use. Moreover, I think that the price tag of about 14 EUR is more than worth it.

A word of warning though. As a concealer that is anti bacterial and is meant to hide and medicate blemishes, this product is not suited to be used on the sensitive under eye area!!! The anti bacterial ingredients can irritate and dry out the think skin under the eyes. For covering up dark circles and such, look for the concealer in the Dr. Hauschka color cosmetics line.

But as far as hiding blemishes goes, this baby is an unquestionable mythical must-have!!!

I Want It Desperately: Madara Tinting Lipgloss 'Moonkissed'

Latvian ecocosmetics. Herbs and flowers ripened in the short northern summer, extra rich in powerful active substances. Color that is like "the glisten of a rose-hip blossom in the moonlight".

'Nuff said.

Maybelline Affinitone Blush 'Rose'

Although Maybelline has its range of quite decent products that deliver well, I seem to be phasing them out more and more. They simply do not feel like me any more, and they are not good enough to be involved too much into my mixture of natural and regular products. Nevertheless, the 'Affinitone' line still manages to intrigue me, and as I mentioned earlier I could not resist getting the blush.

All in all, I am very satisfied with it. It is a delicate, nude pale pink. In the pan it seems to have some silvery shimmer particles in it, but after application it is matte. Matte and very delicate. At times it feels like it has a very faint scent of some sort, but it is ever so light, and fades away immediately. The texture is not as silky or smooth as that of higher range blushes, but it applies perfectly and does give a good result. I also really like the new packaging (it seems other Maybelline blushes will be getting this new clothing as well). Although it is a plain see through plastic lid, I do like the beige color of the bottom container, and it is surprisingly portable due to being quite flat. The little brush included is slightly stiff, and made of a not all too soft plastic. But, once again surprisingly, it does not scratch the face, and applies the product just right. The "handle" is made of the same pale beige plastic as the bottom part of the container, and as it is perfectly incorporated into the little compact, we do really get a product that is so easy to carry around.

To sum it all up, it is not a waste of money and could pleasantly surprise you. You might as well try the one matched to your skin tone.

Kiehls Lipgloss 'Downtown Peach'

My darling husband is simply the best! Not only does he offer me to shop cosmetics for me when going to Milan for work, but also chooses the most perfect items with his impeccable taste if the color I requested is not in stock.

I like Kiehls lipglosses. These light weight, non sticky glosses are very pleasant. They are made with natural extracts (such as oils from rose hips, mango and grape seed), contain antioxidants, hydrate lips and makes them beautifully supple. Moreover they are fruity (both in scent and colors), transparent and perfect for that natural makeup look I prefer.

'Downtown Peach' is a full, rich, slightly pink in tone peach, with fine (barely there) golden shimmer. The result after application is healthy looking, glossy lips with a mouth watering peach tint. My husband made the perfect choice! As for my next purchases, I really hope to find 'French Rose' and 'Icy Everest'.

Recommended for any 'girl next door' makeup bag.

Yves Rocher 'Les Plaisirs Nature' Silky Lotion 'Organic Oats' UPDATE

I have been using this for some time now, so it has become my duty to review it. As you all know, I do innerly love the new 'Les Plaisirs Nature' line of Yves Rocher, and these silky lotions seem to be no exception.

This lotion is amazingly smooth and soft, and sinks into the skin rapidly. The scent of organic oats is as I described it earlier as well deliciously sweet and fresh. Definitely pleasant in my opinion but might not be suitable for those of you who do not like sweet scents.

Moreover, the silky lotion being so lightweight, I feel that it is aimed perhaps more at a group of consumers with normal to slightly dryish, or prone to get dry skin. The effect of moisturization is pleasant and profound, but not quite as long lasting as the silky creams (in the jar) even though it does contain avocado oil, organic shea butter and sweet almond oil as well. Perhaps it could also be seen more as a lotion for summer while the silky cream a product for winter. And be not mistaken! It is a very good body lotion, I just feel the need to re-moisturize on certain parts (like elbows) a bit earlier than with a heavier cream product.

In any case, these body lotions are deliciously good and the price tag of about 5,50 EUR (on offer in the YR catalogue) is more than worth the 400 ml bottle. It might not be all natural, but it is pretty darn close. At least close enough for me.

EDIT 04/01/2010: After having used almost a full bottle of this lotion I must edit my review a bit. It truly does seem to be more of a summer lotion, as the colder it got, the less it worked for me. My skin got dry rather quickly after application (as the temperatures dropped) and often it felt like it does not really sink in, but lingers on the surface of my skin... All in all, the moisturization was not good for this season (beyond the first 5 minutes), and I had to put this away. It will get a new chance when summer comes when, I suspect, it will be more than perfect.

MAC 'Retrospeck'

'Retrospeck' eyeshadow is a "luster" formula, and therefore is shimmery. On the MAC website, it is described as a "beached blonde", but what does that really mean? If you ask me, I would say it is a washed out golden beige shimmer. It is thankfully not bright nor very vivid, but due to it being shimmery it gives a somewhat more intense light effect, however still managing to maintain its essence of being a nude/neutral. 'Retrospeck' can therefore be categorized as a nude with a slight punch, festivity; an extra little twist. Moreover, it would also serve as a great highlighter for those of you who like to create multi toned eye looks.

Warmly recommended!

MAC Eye Kohl 'Teddy'

Being very late in the game when it comes to MAC, I guess the actual qualities of 'Teddy' are only news to me, even if I have heard the hype.

Although it is described as a dark eye bronze, I would say it is an intensely deep chocolate brown with the smallest amount of coffee brown shimmer. It is lovely if you want it dark but not black, and it is the perfect liner to match with the nude shadows.

I have not tried to smudge it, but the texture being pleasantly soft and still firm enough for precision work, I would imagine 'Teddy' would also make a good candidate for smoky looks. Application is definitely smooth and tug free. The result is intense, perfect and long lasting without any melting or fading away.

This is a classic, and definitely highly recommended.

MAC 'Brule'

The 'Brule' eyeshadow from MAC is as nude and neutral as it gets.

The soft, muted creamy beige tone of 'Brule' is refreshingly sophisticated and elegant. I am very pale, and this satin shade is almost identical to my skin tone, which I find great, as many nudes seem to be too pale and result in an all too whitish wash out on the lids. 'Brule' is however perfect. It simply looks "my-lids-but-better", and with a stroke of 'Teddy' eyeliner (more about this later), and a touch of mascara the result is impeccable.

Really really like this one.

Honeybee Gardens WaterColors 'Destiny'

They have in the meanwhile arrived, and I have already worn 'Mocha Latte' for a week since then. But I am not telling you about that now as I had no time to take photos.

Today instead is the turn of 'Destiny', and I need to show you all just how lovely it is. This pearly, muted, silky, nude beige pink is adorable and just perfect for that overall neutral look. It really is ideal, and as most of 'Honeybee Gardens' products and colors not meant so much to stand out, but to complement and enhance the natural beauty and skin tone of its wearer. I really really love this idea, and think that it is, or at least should be, the simple essence of all cosmetic products.

As a technical news about these special non toxic and odorless polishes: I have noticed that by not putting a clear base coat the wear is even better (as the colored polish "grabs" straight onto your nails instead of the clear coat), and also the removing is somewhat simpler and quicker (not that it is too difficult to begin with). Moreover, by putting the clear polish at the end as a top coat, the result is the same: smooth, shiny and perfect. Thus no harm done! :)

Wonderful product. Beautiful color.

I Want It Desperately: Ganache For Lips

Now this is an item I truly, honestly and desperately want (now that we are talking about lip balms anyway). I am a sucker for chocolate, and although I am disappointed with most I buy, I am also a sucker for lip balms. But imagine a natural lip balm that actually contains real chocolate!!!

I mean, even if you're just a regular, non addicted consumer of both (lip balms and chocolate), don't tell me you could resist these all natural gourmet lip balms.  In case you can, my compliments to you!
There is a nice range of flavors (I am eyeballing 'Chocolate Mousse' and 'Mocha Latte'), and the little tubes are simply adorable for a not too hefty price (about 4 GBP a piece in the UK. Thank God for web shops :D ).

I just hope I will not end up eating mine, once I do actually purchase them! :D ;)

Honeybee Gardens 'Vanilla Pie' Lip Balm

Time for me to rave some more about my all time favorite brand! This time I am telling you about their great little lip balm, in the flavor/scent 'Vanilla Pie'.

So what to say? It is simply great! Not greasy or heavy at all, but moisturizes profoundly and lastingly. As the other wonderful lip products from Honeybee Gardens, this does not sit on your lip, but sinks in and becomes one with them. This way it moisturizes and beautifies from within, for an optimal result. For this capability, along with the delicate and yummy vanilla flavor and the perhaps most natural ingredient list ever of a lip balm, it simply demands to be tried. Tried and enjoyed by all. It is namely also a magical little multi functional item.

Just the other day when I by mistake left for a night without my eye cream, I had the idea to reach for this stick. Of course it is not meant for the under eye area, but due to it being so lightweight with no waxiness whatsoever, I dared to make an experiment. I applied and patted in a little of this, and felt no discomfort. It sunk easily into my skin, and kept it soft, moisturized and smooth overnight. The vanilla flavor is way too subtle to be irritating even on the sensitive under eye area. Love it!

My next one from this line will for sure be the 'Strawberry Champagne', which promises a more mature flavor of strawberry, unlike the usual kiddies chewing gum scent many other brands provide. I love it already! ;)

MAC 'Grain'

What is there really to say about nude/neutral eyeshadows? They are those "none" colors that most women use as a base for other colors, but some of us enjoy to use as an all over wash with a smart looking line of eye pencil, a touch of mascara and nothing more. It can however also be discussed what "nude" exactly is, as I think it is a concept heavily depending on skin tone.

Generally however I think we all agree that a wide range of beige, and varieties of beige define both as nude and natural. And now I would like to make an effort to explore the world MAC eyeshadows in this particular tone a bit.

My first pick was 'Grain', a soft golden beige with icy shimmer from the 'satin' range. Not being a MAC professional, as a matter of fact I am a MAC newbie, I do not know the exact definition of the 'satin' finish, what makes it 'satin' exactly. But I know that MAC offers a selection of finishes to cover most tastes.

'Grain' in order is a lovely, absolutely neutral shade. Not shiny, not pearly and even if it is written it has an icy shimmer, I would say it is more an icy, slightly silvery (moon)light effect over the whole color after application. It is simply smooth, naked and barely there. Very nice for the office, or for any occasion if you ask me. A nude look is always right, in any situation, and you can always add a pop of color with a vivid lipstick or nail polish if you wish so.
As usual I am not reviewing staying power, as with the 'Art Deco base' nothing ever moves off my lids.

I an definitely starting to understand the general hyping of MAC in the beauty blogging community...

Clinians 'Hydra-T' Scrub Cleansing Gel

Clinians is not a brand I use all the time, but every now and then I reach for a product from their unexpectedly high quality line of face care, and I ask myself every time why I do not use more items regularly from them. The products look and feel a lot more luxurious than anything else in the selection of face care you can buy in the super market (although outside of Italy their products are indeed sold in pharmacies!!!), and I have had some WOW moments before while using their products (the almond, or as they call it mandelic acid line is simply incredible).

This time, in the need of a new face wash, I reached for a tube of their 'Hydra-T' Scrub Cleansing Gel, and once again they did not fail me. I feel the WOW effect every time I wash my face! This is an incredibly light, in a way almost watery, delicate gel face wash with tiny scrubbing micro particles and a few green microspheres that release Vitamin E as you break them on your skin while massaging your face with the product. Moreover it has a lovely fruity apple scent that simply makes me happy.

It leaves the face clean but feeling comfortable (does not contain alcohol that would dry out the skin), and it is gentle enough for those of you who have delicate, but slightly acne prone mixed skin. Like myself.

I have to remind myself to pay some more, well deserved attention to 'Clinians' face care.